Welcome!

You are exploring a diverse and inclusive community of faith focused on the courageous and compassionate love of God in Jesus Christ.  Participation in this faith family involves challenge from a wide diversity of theological perspective and loving support within life's joys and sorrows.  Each person, like in a family, is considered beloved and gifted, and diversity of gifts and talents are valued in the life and leadership of this parish.

The Bible, our faith sourcebook, is interpreted less literally and more metaphorically.  The Bible shows itself as a redemptive story of salvation not necessarily dependent on historical documentation.  And through the reading and studying of this Holy Book, one can discern the Shalom of God which is the health and wholeness residing in the heart of God.  Being aware that the Bible was written within an oppressive patriarchal and hierarchical culture, careful effort is given to ferreting out the redemptive themes within it (sin, salvation, forgiveness, reconciliation, hope, peace) which engender health and well-being.  The life and teachings of Jesus particularly assist interpretation and link us with the liberating love of God.

Our United Church of Christ's "Statement of Faith" is crafted less as a creed and more as a confession, providing a classic framework of faith with ample freedom (room to wiggle) for ongoing exploration.  Both the Bible and our church tradition call us to a life of compassion, living and proclaiming good news to the prisoners, loving God and neighbor as ourselves.  They call us into the church to be the ongoing Jesus, the corporate Christ in our world.

In responding to this call, mystery and wonder draw us into thankful and celebratory worship, and reveal paradox and complexity in our search for meaning which makes clear cut answers and absolutes a blanket too narrow and too short.  And, in responding to God's call, we tend to see each other less as sinners and more as fellow-sojourners, mutual partners on the journey of faith.  It is our hope that by drawing up close to the compassionate Jesus, within the supportive and challenging church community, we may find the wisdom and courage to treat people justly, "touch lepers," and embrace the uncertainties, troubles and joys of life with passion and faith.

An Introduction to Our Church

As descendants of the Pilgrims, the idea of faith as a journey is a defining notion for us. Words such as acceptance, appreciation, tolerance, and diversity characterize us as we try to honor each person's faith journey. As we seek to surround each other in love and understanding along the way, so we strive to grow by raising questions and providing diverse opportunities.

Our life together as a faith family emphasizes:

• Faith as an expression of gratitude more than a "help me" strategy
• People as beloved more than sinners
• God as more a mystery to be enjoyed than a furnisher of answers
• Faith having to do with exploring meaning more than with finding absolutes
• Salvation having more to do with wholeness and health than rescue
• Justice issues claiming our attention more than "being saved"
• Worship as a celebratory, meditative reverence more than person-centered emotional performance
• The Bible as a guide to God's Shalom within a cultural setting more than a literal, infallible word from God

As an open and affirming congregation, we partner with parents, children and individuals in an effort to draw closer to the compassionate Jesus and be the corporate Christ in the world.

Church Perspectives

Mission Statements - Past

• 1896:
  "To provide an ecumenical setting for the farmers and other residents of the region seeking a place of worship."

• 1941:
  "To provide, as The Friendly Community Church, a place of worship for various denominations in a deteriorating 40-year old church building."

• July 10, 1951:
  "To explore the possibility of an immediate merger with Protestant denominations in the Bellevue area to the end that the existing congregation of the community First Congregational Church can become truly a community or federated church."

• December 13, 1955:
  "To remain, following discussion of options in the face of massive growth, at the historic site in downtown Bellevue."

• February 24, 1966:
  "To expand facilities and staffing at the downtown site that will accommodate a membership of 1400 while at the same time increasing by 50% the church's missions budget."

• May 1968:
  "To learn how to process conflict, both within the church and in the world, as a reconciling community for those points in human existence and where men and women are in the most pain."

• 1971:
  "To be a healing force in a society in which alienation, estrangement and isolation deny the reality to which we are committed as Christians."

• December 1971:
  "To stay, after serious consideration of moving to a new site, at the present historic location."

• November 1976:
  "To be a church at the crossroads...where the action is...to move forward in our ninth decade as a Church of God, a Church of the people, a Church in the World."

• November 1982:
  "To minister to the people in the emerging city of Bellevue from the place we know best -- our current site."

• April 1987:
  "To expand the variety of worship services, rebuild the children's choir, complete the stained glass windows, hire an ordained minister to develop strong youth and middle school programs, develop a sister church relationship with a church in Asia or Central America, or both, to explore a building use plan for both service and revenue-producing purposes, and to contract with a builder to construct a high-rise building on church property, said building to contain space on the bottom or top floors to accommodate church functions."

• October 1995:
  "To become a more visible spirtual presence in downtown Belleuve, providing midday concerts, a place for quiet meditation, and perhaps, a carillon."

• January 21, 1996:
  "To be an Open and Affirming Congregation who recognize all people are uniquely loved and valued by God..."