Welcome! For some, the pastor can be a super important factor in choosing a congregation. But let me suggest that this is only “part of the equation” and not necessarily the weightiest. I believe that the church is best conceived as a community and not so much as a “purveyor of spiritual goods and services”. While some may find satisfaction in a subscriber mentality towards church. I still believe that the beloved community is possible and that the pastor is only part of that reality.
I grew up in the church, albeit in an independent, fundamental-Baptist (IFB) context. I experienced a lot of religious trauma in those circles and received a first-rate (mis-)education. But I also learned that God was love, prayer is talking to God, the church is like a family, and the Bible was in some sense a way that God is revealed to us. I guess it’s not much of a surprise then that I followed those rudimentary lessons right on out into a more expansive and open approach to faith. Religion has been a driver of so much bad and so much good. And yet, I’m compelled by the belief that what (or who) we call “God” is on the side of good and working with us toward the realization of good in the spaces we inhabit. I’m a professed “Bible nerd”. It’s a somewhat popular belief that we “progressive Christians” water down the Christian faith in order to arrive at our conclusions about faith and social ethics and such. But I would argue that it’s because of our faith that we arrive at our conclusions and commit ourselves to a kind of holiness that looks like kindness and compassion, love and justice, and is focused toward the making of peace on earth as it is in heaven. Whether you’re coming from a progressive background or a more evangelical perspective that has adopted a more compassionate approach to faith, I hope that you might consider First UCC of Chesterfield as a possible community of faith that you can call home - a place where you can grow and be sustained, and a place where your gifts and callings are honored and presented with opportunity for flourishing. Every church has the challenge of honoring the interests of the individual as well as that of the whole community. Whatever tradition you hail from, be it Roman Catholic, Episcopalian, Methodist, Presbyterian, Baptist, or something else entirely, I hope that First UCC of Chesterfield can be a home for you as you continue the path of your pilgrimage.
Each day we begin anew--a new year, new possibilities. May God's presence arise in your heart like the sun dawning on a new day. 2023 offers us the opportunity for new ways of seeing our relationship to God, neighbor and self. We are currently seeking a new pastor, but worship and service to the community continue!
First Church is a progressive congregation and officially an Open and Affirming Congregation of the United Church of Christ. Join us for worship at 11:00 AM in person or via Facebook Live: https://www.facebook.com/1stUCC
Our worship service is casual and comfortable. We serve communion on the first Sunday of the month. Come as you are--all are welcome at the table. Children are always welcome. No matter who you are, or where you are on this journey called life and faith, you are welcome here.