The Church in the Heart of the village.
An Open and Affirming Community of Faith of the United Church of Christ
About First Congregational Church of Gray, Maine
Whoever you are . . .Wherever you are on Life's Journey . . . YOU ARE WELCOME HERE!!!
What we believe . . .
Our Church confesses faith in Jesus Christ, the Son of God and the Savior of all people, and recognizes the Bible as the sufficient rule of faith. Church members have the right to follow the Word of God according to the dictates of their own consciences through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. This Church holds that all persons are called to live according to the teachings of Jesus Christ.
The following statement is an expression of the faith in which our congregation is united in Christian love:
United Church of Christ Statement of Faith (Adapted by Robert V. Moss)
** 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.