The New Ark United Church of Christ seeks to be a diverse, faithful community in which a person finds support and nurture for spiritual, emotional, and intellectual growth. As an Open and Affirming congregation, people of all sexual orientations are welcome in our life and ministry.

Open and Affirming Statement

made by the New Ark United Church of Christ

To All of God�s People:

In Paul�s letter to the Romans, he writes, �Welcome one another, therefore, just as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.� (Romans 15:7)

To exclude persons from the church and society because of sexual orientation or on any other basis withers away the Body of Christ. When one part of the body suffers, all others suffer with it (I Corinthians 12:26). Instead, we vow to do all within our power to promote justice and healing through our commitment to being an Open and Affirming Congregation. As people of faith and followers of the Word, therefore, we invite all God�s children to the table of God�s abundant blessing. We welcome into our community persons of every gender, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, ability, age, race, nationality, economic and social status, faith background, religious training, marital standing and family structure. We welcome any person who joins us through the same affirmations of faith and encourage them to share in the life, leadership, ministry, fellowship, worship, sacraments, responsibilities, blessings and joys of our church family. In return, we offer our love and support, no matter where you are in your faith and life journey.

Open and affirming statement first adopted in 1990.

Open and affirming statement revised and reaffirmed on May 1, 2011

The New Ark United Church of Christ is committed to reaching out beyond ourselves. We want our facility to serve our community as well as to be a house of worship, study, and fellowship for our congregation.

As a Just Peace church, we strive to do justice and to seek peace in word and deed. Over the years, this commitment to service has found expression in support of food banks, housing programs, hunger walks, a single parent program, Christmas baskets, a soup kitchen, work parties, and involvement in anti-racism efforts.