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We are an Open and Affirming Church! (ONA)
First Congregational UCC, voted and unanimously approved on September 15th, 2019 our covenant as an Open and Affirming Church. We began the Open and Affirming (ONA) Process in July of 2018. In the United Church of Christ their is no hierarchy that hands down dictum that churches must be ONA rather it is rather the local church that discerns its call to follow in the path of love and acceptance. Part of our process included Congregational Conversations, Book Studies, Sermons, Movies and other Affirming Events helping us to more fully realize our call and mission to love and embrace our commitment to the LGBTA+ community. If you would like more info on our process or are looking for a church home please call the church office and we will be happy to connect you with a gracious advocate. 440-576-4531 |
From the Open and Affirming Coalition of the United Church of Christ.
Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people of faith often experience emotional and spiritual injury in churches that condemn their capacity to love and seek love. Because they’ve learned that “All Are Welcome” usually doesn’t apply to them, they can’t assume that any church will be safe for them and their families. A public welcome by an Open and Affirming (ONA) church sends a clear message to LGBT seekers that they have a home in the United Church of Christ. A congregation’s affirmation and support through an ONA covenant can be a life-changing and life-saving experience—especially for LGBT youth. A public welcome to LGBT seekers helps churches grow. When new ONA churches attract new members, many of them are young straight couples starting new families: they identify with the values ONA represents, and want their children to learn the faith in a welcoming church. By adopting an ONA covenant, a congregation is taking seriously St. Paul’s admonition to “accept one another, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.” (Romans 15:7, NIV) CHECK OUT OUR POWER POINT PRESENTATION ON OUR 2019 OPEN AND AFFIRMING COVENANT!
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41 EAST JEFFERSON ST JEFFERSON, OHIO 44047
PHONE: 440.576.4531 EMAIL: jeffersonfirstcongregational@gmail.com |
God is Still Speaking. United Church of Christ
"We are a people of possibility. In the UCC, members, congregations and structures have the breathing room to explore and to hear...for after all, God is still speaking, |