What is a UCC Church?
Windermere Union Church is a member of the United Church of Christ (UCC) denomination.
Our faith is 2,000 years old, but our thinking is not.
We believe in God's continuing testament. That is why we are committed to hearing God's ancient story anew and afresh in our lives and in the world today.
We try to remain attentive to God's creative movement in the world. Religion and science are not mutually exclusive, and your head and heart are both welcomed into our places of worship.
We prepare our members and leaders to be engaged in ministry in the present and future church, and we embrace all kinds of communities and new modes of thinking. Why? Because God is still speaking,
What does the UCC Stand For?
No matter who you are or where you are on life's journey, you are welcome here.
We believe in extravagant welcome. This is why we insist that God's communion table is open, not closed, and God's gift and claim in baptisms are irrevocable.
We advocate justice for all. Our congregations extend hospitality as a sign of God's inclusive love. We teach evangelism, offering bread to those in search of it. This is God's mission. Our perspective is global, not provincial.
We work with, not against, people of other faiths. Why? Because God is still speaking,
Never place a period where God has placed a comma.
We believe the church's mission is to change lives, individually, systemically and globally.
We work to make transformation possible, but trust in God's grace. This is why we insist that churches mustbe places of vitality in worship, learning and advocacy. We are committed to working for justice, and we believe that lives are changed through global experiences and friendships. Why?
Because God is still speaking,
When Did the UCC Become Open and Affirming
In 1972, Rev. William R. Johnson became the first openly gay minister ordained by the United Church of Christ. The UCC Gay Caucus, later renamed the Open and Affirming Coalition (O&A), was also founded that same year. Ten years later, the first openly lesbian minister is ordained. In the past 50 years, more than 1,000 UCC churches have gone through the Open and Affirming formal process to adopt the designation, and a significant number of additional churches, while not formally O&A, welcome LGBTQ+ worshipers with open arms.