What we stand for

            In a world that is uncertain about religion, we are unashamedly Christian.  We believe that Jesus, the risen Christ, has shown us God’s incomparable love.  For us it is the way, the truth, and the life.

 “There is yet more truth and light to break forth from God’s Holy Word,” the Rev. John Robinson advised the Pilgrims as they set sail in 1621.  Today we say that God is still speaking.  We believe that Scripture is alive and that the Holy Spirit has new things to tell us.

            We believe in testimonies of faith rather than tests of faith.  That is to say, we believe in the priesthood of all believers, the right of individual conscience, and the autonomy of the local church.  At the same time, we believe that faith is best lived in a community, through a covenant that binds believers together.

            Over the years, our congregation has taken progressive stands in Darien on issues such as slavery, women’s rights, and open housing.  Our church helped to found A Better Chance in Darien and provides that program a home.  At least ten percent of our church’s income goes to benevolences.  We take seriously Jesus’ call to serve those in need, and every member is expected to have a ministry, that is, some area of service.  That said, the most progressive thing we can offer is the gospel, which is so modern that we may never quite catch up to it.

            Although the United Church of Christ is not a creedal church, and every member is free to express his or her own beliefs, this has long been our shared affirmation:

We believe in God, the Eternal Spirit,

who is made known to us in Jesus our brother,                                                       

and to whose deeds we testify:

God calls the worlds into being,
                        creates humankind in the divine image,
                        and sets before us the ways of life and death.

God seeks in holy love to save all people from aimlessness and sin.

God judges all humanity and all nations by that will of righteousness
                        declared through prophets and apostles.

In Jesus Christ, the man of Nazareth , our crucified and risen Lord,
                        God has come to us
                        and shared our common lot,
                        conquering sin and death
                        and reconciling the whole creation to its Creator.

God bestows upon us the Holy Spirit,
                        creating and renewing the church of Jesus Christ ,
                        binding in covenant faithful people of all ages, tongues, and races.

God calls us into the church
                        to accept the cost and joy of discipleship,
                        to be servants in the service of the whole human family,
                        to proclaim the gospel to all the world
                        and resist the powers of evil,
                        to share in Christ's baptism and eat at his table,
                        to join him in his passion and victory.

God promises to all who trust in the gospel
                        forgiveness of sins and fullness of grace,
                        courage in the struggle for justice and peace,
                        the presence of the Holy Spirit in trial and rejoicing,
                        and eternal life in that kingdom which has no end.

Blessing and honor, glory and power be unto God.

Amen.

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