Who We Are and What We Believe
To many folks, the Phippsburg Congregational Church (UCC) is known by its classic building, located on the banks of the Kennebec River in Phippsburg Center. To many others, we are known through being in the shade and shadow of a famous tree: the award-winning English Linden Tree, planted in 1774 by the McCobb family. We indeed have been blessed over the years through our relationship with both of these spires, each reaching up to God in their own way. First and foremost, however, we are a diverse community of faith comprised of just over 100 souls gathered around the sole Head of our church, Jesus Christ. We welcome all folks who seek to deepen their discipleship with Him and to walk in His ways. In accordance with the teachings of our Lord, we recognize two Sacraments: Baptism and Eucharist, or The Lords Supper.
The United Church of Christ embraces a theological heritage that affirms the Bible as the authoritative witness to the Word of God, the creeds of the ecumenical councils, and the confessions of the Reformation. The UCC has roots in the "covenantal" tradition - meaning there is no centralized authority or hierarchy that can impose any doctrine or form of worship on its members. We seek a balance between freedom of conscience and accountability to the apostolic faith. The UCC therefore receives the historic creeds and confessions of our ancestors as testimonies, but not tests of the faith. We read equally from the 1959 UCC Statement of Faith, the 1913 Kansas City Statement of Faith, and the Apostles' and Nicene Creeds. We believe that people are more important then creeds and that to live together peacefully in the service of God and Humankind using the teachings of Jesus Christ as our guide is our aim in life. We accord each individual the right to his or her own private judgment and do not attempt to overwhelm anyone with missionary zeal.
From our By-Laws, we read the following purpose of the church . . .
The purpose of this Church shall be to worship God, to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and to celebrate the Sacraments; to practice Christian fellowship and unity; to seek Gods will as set forth in the life, teachings, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ; to strive for righteousness, justice, and peace; to be God's servants in the service of others.
- Article II - Purpose (Revised October, 2007)
Our worship service is very traditional, but our minister and our congregation are anything but. From all different walks of life we are united in the love of God made incarnate in Christ. God is still speaking! No matter who you are, or where you are on life's journey, you are welcome here.
