Our Beliefs – The Church in Silver Lake

We believe that God is still Speaking,

The Church and other UCC churches and individuals across the country are on a mission to make religion relevant again and to extend an extravagant welcome to all—because no matter who you are, or where you are on life’s journey, you’re welcome here. Here at the United Church of Christ.

Today, under one collective identity, we can enthusiastically lift up that the UCC is a welcoming, justice-minded Christian community. At a time when religion is too often portrayed as narrow-minded and exclusive, many are raising their VOICES for an alternate vision:

WHERE GOD IS ALL-LOVING AND INCLUSIVE,

The work of creation and the life and ministry of Jesus are a testament to God’s inclusive nature as the source of diversity and God’s concern for the marginalized. Sexual orientation and gender identity in all their diversity are divine gifts which are integral. The love commandment of Jesus — to love God with your whole being and your neighbor as yourself — calls on ALL people to live out these gifts in ways that are just and loving toward ourselves and in our relationship with others.”

WHERE THE CHURCH WELCOMES EVERYONE AS THEY ARE,

Jesus’ “place of welcome” was able to travel with him wherever he went, as he made people feel at home wherever and however they met him. In this spirit, we meet people where they are. Making our welcome known, reaching beyond the walls of the church out into a diverse community. Through interfaith dialogue we strive to bring people together. Sharing in ministry for the good of all, To Be The Church as we are called to do.

WHERE JESUS THE HEALER MEETS JESUS THE REVOLUTIONARY,

Jesus didn’t come to start a religion. The rebel Jesus came with a message that started a revolution. Challenging the institutional church in the ways that it was no longer serving God and humanity but serving itself. Jesus the rebel turned over the tables of hypocrisy, embraced society’s outcasts and . The world needs “rebel” Jesus to remind us not to become complacent, to stand up to injustice and move forward taking with us God’s promise of unconditional love in an ever changing world.

WHERE YOUR MIND IS NOURISHED AS MUCH AS YOUR SOUL,

We feel growing in your faith is an important part of your personal growth. Frequently, at The Church we challenge our belief systems and seek answers where may never find them. Here Biblical scriptures are read in context so that one can fully embrace the text and it’s meaning. Looking to our Bible for strength and God’s wisdom set to page by centuries of faith leaders we gladly receive the Gospel. But, to agree that the Bible has the answers for all questions is to deny faith entirely. As every question cannot be answered, and in that open space, that is where FAITH is defined. We comfort in your faith and the ability to Let it be.

WHERE TOGETHER WE GROW A JUST AND PEACEFUL WORLD,

The UCC has a long standing tradition of responding to the call of Christ through public witness, policy advocacy, issue education, and grassroots empowerment to build a more just, compassionate and inclusive world. The Church honors that tradition by taking action with in our community. We Collaborate with local social justice groups. We lead community discussions on important issues. We march to protest injustice. We come together in hands-on ministries where our members are active in making change happen.