MissionExtend an open welcome, and leave the world better than we found it.

In 2005, our church reaffirmed this updated mission statement:

To be an inclusive faith presence in the city and beyond, claiming one God with many names, the Christian way with many paths; offering an open welcome to all; affirming diversity; and advancing the work of justice in our world.

Vision

The First Congregational Church of Bellevue, United Church of Christ seeks to be a dynamic and joyful faith community that:

• Promotes Christ’s gospel in worship, work, and community life;
• Encourages theological questioning, reflection, and thoughtful discussion.
• Actively promotes justice and peace in our community, our nation, and our world;
• Nourishes and challenges mind and spirit through engaging preaching, inspiring music, and thought-provoking educational programs for children and adults of all ages;
• Nurtures individuals and families with care, compassion, and love;
• Reaches out generously to those in need;
• Fully engages its people in congregational life, programs, and governance; and
• Radiates a loving and living faith presence to all those seeking God’s grace and mercy.

This mission has evolved periodically, as the needs from the church and the community around it have changed since 1896, but has resolutely committed to staying and serving in the heart of Bellevue. Here are some mission statements from years’ 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 which recognizes all people are uniquely loved and valued by God…”