Frequently Asked Questions
What's your full Mission Statement?
The mission of First Plymouth Congregational Church, United Church of Christ, is to worship God, to nurture people on their Christian journey, and to witness to God’s love in word and deed. Relying on the grace and power of God, known to us most fully in the life and teaching of Jesus Christ, we aspire to be a community which is biblically based, intellectually open, theologically progressive, and inclusive of all people. Fostering an atmosphere of joy and celebration that welcomes all people, we commit to provide:
- Varied and meaningful opportunities for worship and spiritual growth.
- Engaging and interactive Christian education for all age groups.
- A caring and compassionate ministry to members and friends of the church family.
Loving service to the wider community with a focus on human need, social justice,
and stewardship of the earth. - Generous material and spiritual support for our mission and community.
What is "Justice in Action"?
First Plymouth puts a premium on meeting human needs, standing up for social justice and being faithful stewards of our earth.
What does "open and affirming" mean?
We are committed to supporting Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, Nonbinary, and Queer people and their families. First Plymouth Congregational Church officially became an Open and Affirming (ONA) church in 1999. Simply put, our policy is:
In keeping with the life and teaching of Christ Jesus, we joyfully and unconditionally welcome all people of any age, gender, race, culture, ability, or sexual orientation into our community of faith and affirm the worth of all people as unique individuals made in God’s image. We are open to the special gifts that each person brings and invite each one to participate in the life of our church.
What's your stance on firearm violence?
First Plymouth supports legislation at the state and national level designed to reduce the present level of violence arising out of the improper use of firearms. On behalf of our members, we urge swift and affirmative action by our elected and appointed national and state level representatives
We are called to this position, in part, by Micah 4:3b-4: “They shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore; but they shall sit under their own vines and under their own fig trees, and no one shall make them afraid.”