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What We Believe

A Faith Rooted in Love and Community

Our Beliefs

Faith at Bostwick Lake Congregational UCC is open-hearted, life-affirming, and deeply rooted in the teachings of Jesus Christ. We believe in a God whose love knows no bounds, a faith that embraces questions and exploration, and a community where all are welcome.

As a family of faith, we are grounded in our core values:

01

Trust and Community

We strive to be a welcoming faith family, sharing our lives, hopes, and challenges in trust while fostering belonging, care, and connection.
02

God’s Love in All

We recognize God’s presence in every individual, seeking and celebrating the love of God alive within each of us and throughout creation.
03

Forgiveness and Support

We practice grace, forgiveness, and encouragement, supporting one another as we walk together in faith, love, and spiritual growth.
04

Purpose and Meaning

We are united in the exploration of God’s purpose for our lives, deepening our faith and engaging in lifelong learning.
05

Jesus Christ Shows Us the Way

His teachings of compassion, justice, and inclusion call us to love and serve one another.
06

God is Still Speaking

Revelation is ongoing, and we remain open to where God is leading us.
Our Denomination

A Church That Listens

We are proud to be a part of the United Church of Christ (UCC)—a uniting church as well as a united church. At the heart of our denomination is the belief in a God who still speaks. We trust that there is yet more light and truth to break forth from God’s Holy Word, reminding us to remain open to new understandings and revelations.

The UCC often uses the symbol of a comma to represent our belief in a “Stillspeaking God,” a God who continues to guide and inspire us in every generation. Or, as comedienne Gracie Allen famously put it, “Never place a period where God has placed a comma.” This belief shapes our identity and reminds us to listen for God’s voice in new and transformative ways.
Our Calling

Living Out Christ’s Teachings

We are a people of possibility, always listening for God’s voice in new and transformative ways. As we say in the United Church of Christ, "God is still speaking…"

At the heart of our faith is a deep trust in God’s infinite love, the transformative teachings of Jesus Christ, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. These beliefs shape who we are as a church and how we live out our calling in the world. Guided by God’s love, we welcome all and strive to help everyone thrive personally and spiritually, so that together we can make a meaningful difference.

Our calling takes shape in many ways, as our church family provides opportunities to:

Worship and Grow

Deepening our faith through learning, worship, and spiritual reflection.

Serving Others

Through community outreach, mission work, and acts of kindness, we strive to meet the needs of those near and far.

Foster Fellowship

Building a supportive community where relationships are strengthened.

Walking Humbly

We approach our faith with humility, always open to learning, growing, and being transformed by God’s love.
What We Believe

God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit

We embrace an open-hearted and life-affirming faith rooted in the teachings of Jesus Christ and the enduring presence of God and the Holy Spirit. Recognizing that not everyone imagines or experiences God in the same way, we celebrate the rich diversity of spiritual journeys within our community.

Our beliefs are built on these core foundations:
  • We Believe in the Triune God:
  • Creator – The source of all life, who calls us to love, nurture, and protect creation.
  • Jesus Christ – The crucified and risen Savior, whose teachings guide us in love, justice, and discipleship.
  • Holy Spirit – The presence of God within and among us, renewing and empowering the Church.
  • A Persistent Search for God:

We embrace a faith that encourages questions, exploration, and a lifelong journey of discovering God’s presence in our lives.

  • The Sacrament of Baptism:

Baptism is a sacred act that unites us as one community of faith, symbolizing God’s unwavering love and our belonging in the Body of Christ.

  • The Sacrament of Communion:

We believe in an open table, where all people are invited to share in the bread and cup as a reminder of Christ’s love and our call to live in unity, justice, and peace.

  • A United and Uniting Church:

Inspired by Jesus’ prayer that “they may all be one” (John 17:21), we seek unity amid diversity, building bridges across differences and centering love as our greatest creed.

  • Service and Stewardship:

We believe faith is action. We are called to serve, care for those in need, and protect the integrity of God’s creation.

  • The Power of Peace:

We are committed to nonviolence and reconciliation, working toward a just and peaceful world at every level—local, national, and global.

  • A Prophetic Church:

We follow in the tradition of prophets and apostles, speaking truth to power, advocating for justice, and uplifting the oppressed.

  • The Unique Value of Every Person:

Every person is beloved by God, deserving of love, dignity, and a faith family where they are cherished and included.

Living Out Our Faith

Walking the Talk

Faith is not just what we believe but how we live. We are committed to creating meaningful opportunities for worship, spiritual growth, and community engagement. Whether gathering for Sunday service, participating in small groups, or volunteering in the community, we strive to be a church where faith comes alive.
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Be Part of the Journey

If you're looking for a faith community that welcomes questions, celebrates diversity, and values authentic connection, we invite you to be part of ours. At Bostwick Lake Church, we are grounded in love, guided by compassion, and committed to walking together in faith. Come as you are—there’s a place for you here. Let’s live out God’s love together.
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Bostwick Lake Congregational UCC