Our Vision
Introductory Statement: The Congregational Church in Cumberland, United Church of Christ, strives to be a loving community, and is moving toward a new century, firmly grounded upon a solid Biblical foundation constructed over the years by faithful souls who have turned to God, through Jesus Christ, for guidance. With this heritage, and inclusive of the wide diversity of God's people, we look to a new, challenging future with faith in God's continued presence, and enthusiasm for what God has in store for us.
Worship: We believe that worship of the God we know through Jesus Christ is central to our life as Christians. Therefore, we will strive to be a church that sets time and space aside for our congegation to turn their hearts and minds to God intentionally through prayer, music, and the reading of the Bible and its proclamation; encourages people to seek opportunities to be in touch with the wonder, power, grace, and love of their creator; makes it safe for people to bring all of themselves to worship-- their joys and sorrows, their wholeness and brokenness. We will endeavor to be a church where people can lift up their lives to God and each other in gratitude and reverence, for enlightment and challenge, with the hope that God's grace, forgiveness, and peace will transform people and human relationships for the good of God's realm on earth.
Mission: We believe that Christian mission is our reflection of God's love as we reach out actively to a world in need, both locally and globally. Therefore, we will strive to be a church that furthers the cause of justice and peace; creates opportunities for awareness of social issues, human and environmental needs, and their underlying causes; encourages the taking of risks on behalf of others; and searches out those places in the world, in our community, and in ourselves where we can share the good news of God's love.
Community: We believe that belonging to a Christian community strengthens and encourages people to share their lives deeply and live their faith with integrity. Therefore, we will strive to be a church that creates safe, open, and accepting spaces for people to gather for sharing life stories and faith journeys, for offering and finding support along the pathways of faith, and for fellowship.
Education: We believe that faith development takes place, in part, through education. Therefore, we will strive to be a church that offers on-going opportunties for people of all ages to apply their faith to their passage through each of life's stages; to learn about the Bible, the teachings of Jesus, Christian traditions, United Church of Christ polity; to dialogue about our world's diverse religious traditions; to look at current issues and matters of justice from Christian perspectives; and to wrestle with values and ethics.
Stewardship: We believe that Christians are called by God to practice good stewardship. Therefore, we will strive to be a church that encourages and helps people use their time and talents wisely and in ways that add meaning to their lives for the betterment of the world, educates people about respect for and care of the environment, and sheds the light of faith on personal finances and the role of money in our lives.
Leadership: We believe that Jesus is the head of the church. Therefore we will strive to be a church that is faithful to the calling of Christ, where leadership is shared among those enlivened by the holy spirit, and in which the pastors are called to specific ministries and seek above all to empower the laity for meaningful ministry in God's name.
December, 1995