First Congregational United Church of Christ

an open and accepting congregation

2503 Main Street     La Crosse, Wisconsin  54601-3962
(608)784-8137
 
Worship: Sundays at 8:30am & 10am
The church office is open 8am-4pm Monday - Thursday. 
The Chapel is open for prayer 8am-4pm Monday - Thursday.

Beliefs

Every congregation of every faith tradition has a range of beliefs among its members. In some congregations, the range is wider or narrower than in others, but there always is a range.

In this way, our congregation is the same as every other congregation, although our range may be wider than most. This means that almost wherever you are on the Christian journey, you are likely to find members of our church who agree with you and members who disagree. As individuals and as a congregation, we don't focus on striving for doctrinal uniformity.

Trust

Faith

Hope

Love

This does make it challenging, however, to describe what we believe. For the most part, we:
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trust in God - who creates, redeems and sustains us

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believe that the birth, life, teachings, death and resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth offer us new life

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read the Bible interpretatively rather than literally

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respect all people regardless of belief, race, sexual orientation, income, marital status, ethnicity

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welcome the questioning spirit

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encourage faith that unites intellect and emotion and action

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focus on commonalities rather than differences

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are as concerned about social justice as we are with personal morality

Relationship with the Living God

We celebrate two sacraments: Baptism and Holy Communion. All Christians are welcome to share in Holy Communion, which is usually celebrated the first Sunday of each month.

Within the United Church of Christ, each congregation makes its own decisions about programming, worship, finances, governance, pastoral leadership, etc.  The positions - theological and political - of our national and state church leadership may or may not be reflected within our congregation.

The Apostles' Creed and the UCC Statement of Faith provide an outline of the beliefs of many of our members.

Pastor Joan is happy to meet with members and prospective members to discuss beliefs in more depth.

The Apostles’ Creed

I believe in God, the Father almighty,
      creator of heaven and earth.

I believe in Jesus Christ, God’s only Son, our Lord,
      who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
      born of the Virgin Mary,
      suffered under Pontius Pilate,
      was crucified, died, and was buried;
      he descended to the dead.
      On the third day he rose again;
      he ascended into heaven,
      he is seated at the right hand of the Father,
      and he will come again to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit,
      the holy catholic Church,
      the communion of saints,
      the forgiveness of sins,
      the resurrection of the body,
      and the life everlasting. Amen.

Statement of Faith of the United Church of Christ

We believe in you, O God, Eternal Spirit, God of our Savior Jesus Christ and our God, and to your deeds we testify:

You call the worlds into being, create persons in your own image, and set before each one the ways of life and death.

You seek in holy love to save all people from aimlessness and sin.

You judge people and nations by your righteous will declared through prophets and apostles.

In Jesus Christ, the man of Nazareth, our crucified and risen Savior, you have come to us and shared our common lot, conquering sin and death and reconciling the world to yourself.

You bestow upon us your Holy Spirit, creating and renewing the church of Jesus Christ, binding in covenant faithful people of all ages, tongues, and races.

You call us into your church to accept the cost and joy of discipleship, to be your servants in the service of others, 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.

You promise to all who trust you forgiveness of sins and fullness of grace, courage in the struggle for justice and peace, your presence in trial and rejoicing, and eternal life in your realm which has no end.

Blessing and honor, glory and power be unto you. Amen.

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