What does the Lord require of you?
To do justice, and love mercy, and walk humbly with God.
Micah 6:8
The Congregational Church of Salisbury, belongs to a tradition that began with the earliest followers of Jesus, was reshaped by the Protestant Reformation, separated itself from a church with a central authority to one guided by community and covenant, and now is a part of the United Church of Christ. We worship God, the power and mystery as magnificent as the farthest star and as close as our next breath. We follow Jesus, the name that means “God Saves,” and whom we know as the embodiment of love itself.
We’re located in the heart of the town of Salisbury. Our participants and partners and guests come regularly from Connecticut, New York, and Massachusetts to this hub of worship, learning, fellowship, and service. We are on the liberal side of the theological spectrum: grounded in scripture, committed to caring for neighbors, believing that there is always more light to break through from God’s Word, welcoming people of every degree of faith.
What We Are About
WELCOMING
As recipients of God’s unconditional love, our doors are open to everyone. Witnessing to Jesus’ expansive hospitality we welcome all ages, genders, sexual orientations, races, ethnicities, classes, marital statuses, physical or mental abilities — each one made in the image of God.
WORSHIPING
We follow the insight of our Congregational ancestors: the gathered people is the vessel of the Holy Spirit. When we gather, we expect God’s Spirit to show up, and to transform us as followers of Jesus. Worship is our most foundational and formative work, through rituals that renew us, challenge us, and deepen our connection to God and one another. Also, there’s fellowship, laughter, and mutual care!
GROWING
Whether through Bible study, searching conversations, book groups, Sunday School, or listening from the pews, we nourish learning and growth at every age. We are curious and open, exploring big questions together while remembering that no one has all the answers.
SERVING
We take to heart the insight of a 19th century Rabbi: “The material needs of my neighbor are my spiritual need.” Jesus calls us to practice compassion — literally, sharing the burden of others’ suffering — and to be companions — literally, sharing bread. We share ourselves with neighbors through direct service, through long-standing relationships with organizations doing good work, and through weekly offerings to support groups that are striving to build compassionate community.
The United Church of Christ Statement of Faith
We believe in God, the Eternal Spirit, who is made known to us in Jesus our brother, and to whose deeds we testify:
God calls the worlds into being, creates humankind in the divine image, and sets before us the ways of life and death.
God seeks in holy love to save all people from aimlessness and sin.
God judges all humanity and all nations by that will of righteousness declared through prophets and apostles.
In Jesus Christ, the man of Nazareth, our crucified and risen Lord, God has come to us and shared our common lot, conquering sin and death and reconciling the whole creation to its Creator.
God bestows upon us the Holy Spirit, creating and renewing the church of Jesus Christ, binding in covenant faithful people of all ages, tongues, and races.
God calls us into the church to accept the cost and joy of discipleship, to be servants in the service of the whole human family, 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.
God promises to all who trust in the gospel forgiveness of sins and fullness of grace, courage in the struggle for justice and peace, the presence of the Holy Spirit in trial and rejoicing, and eternal life in that kingdom which has no end.
Blessing and honor, glory and power be unto God.
Amen.
Open and Affirming
In 1972, the United Church of Christ reached a historic moment when the Golden Gate Association ordained the Rev. William R. Johnson, an openly gay man, to the ministry of Word and sacrament.
In 1985 the General Synod of the United Church of Christ — a gathering of delegates from all Conferences and ministries of the denomination — followed its study of the Gospels and its discernment of the Holy Spirit by declaring itself to be “Open and Affirming,” welcoming LGTB persons into full participation in leadership and membership. The General Synod encouraged UCC Conferences and Congregations to make a similar commitment.
In 2017, the Congregational Church of Salisbury also declared itself to be Open and Affirming, and formally adopted the following covenant:
“We, the Congregational Church of Salisbury, UCC, seek to love God with all our hearts, souls and minds and love our neighbors as ourselves. This Church declares itself to be Open to all for participation, membership, leadership and employment regardless of race, ancestry, class, gender identity, physical/mental ability, or sexual orientation. We further declare ourselves to be Affirming of each individual as a child of God, celebrating the total identity of each person.
As a declared Open and Affirming Congregation, we commit ourselves to work toward ending ignorance, fear, hatred, prejudice and discrimination against any person. Whoever you are, wherever you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here!”
We continue to learn and grow in our understanding of the radically inclusive nature of God’s image in humanity, and Jesus’ call to loving community. We believe, in
The Salisbury Housing Committee creates affordable rental housing; the Salisbury Housing Trust develops affordable housing for ownership. These two groups of volunteers lead our community in advocating on behalf of neighbors who would otherwise be unable to reside in Salisbury because of our skewed housing prices.
Chore Service, Inc.
Friends in Service to Humanity of Northwest Connecticut
Greenwoods Counseling & Referrals, Inc.
Hispaniola Health Partners
Housatonic Youth Services Bureau