Frequently Asked Questions
Can I just show up on a Sunday morning?
Yes! If you're a first time visitor, just click on the Our Worship page and it will hopefully give you all the information you need. If you still have questions, give us a call.
You say you're a "progressive church." What does that mean?
It's complicated and depends on who you ask, but here's a definition from, of all places, Wikipedia, which sums things up pretty well: "Progressive Christianity is a form of Christianity which is characterized by a willingness to question tradition, acceptance of human diversity, a strong emphasis on social justice and care for the poor and the oppressed, and environmental stewardship of the Earth."
And here's a link to a site, Progressive Christianity. org, that will give you an 8 point definition on what they believe it to be - just click on the words: ProgressiveChristianity.org
You can always show up and help us figure out what the word really means to you and to us!
So, are you a Christian church? And what do you mean by that?
We do reference the Bible and the centrality of Jesus, and certainly see ourselves in the general tradition of Christianity.
Do we have people in our community who believe that there are many different ways to live, and that some of these ways are just as valid as Christianity? Yes.
Do we have people who read Buddhist scriptures, for instance? Yes.
Will you hear some traditional Christian hymns and familiar (and unfamiliar) Bible passages as well? Yes.
As for what we think it means to be "Christian," again, we're all trying to figure that out, week by week.
What if I'm not sure what I believe, if anything?
Join the club. We're not at all sure what we believe either sometimes. In fact, you'll find a variety of beliefs and a variety of questions here. And we take these questions very seriously. In fact, if you went around our community and asked for definitions of "God" or "love," you might get as many as there are people you ask. We are a community of people comfortable with questions, and we'd love to hear yours. Not that we have an answer, or any answers, but together, we will try to find some way to live that is compassionate and caring and seeks justice for all people. That's our goal, and that's why we gather together to ask questions. All we can guarantee you is that there will never be only ONE answer!
I am gay, bi, transexual, straight, queer or something in that continuum. Am I welcome there?
Yes. We would be glad if you can bring your whole self to worship.
Are you wheelchair accessible?
Yes we are.
Are you affiliated with a denomination?
We are affiliated with the United Church of Christ. It is a mainstream Protestant denomination, which simply means it has had a long-standing presence in America (since the founding of New England). It resides most of the control of individual congregations within the individual churches themselves. Therefore, we hire our own minister and govern ourselves. The UCC has a reputation as a liberal denomination (and it is NOT the Church of Christ, which is a different denomination altogether).
If you want to read about the denomination, you can click HERE.
Do you take communion at your church?
We do take communion on the first Sunday of each month.
What if I have a question that is not answered here?
Then please call us, or send us an email.