About our relationship with the United Church of Christ

In 1961, our church's membership voted to join the United Church of Christ (UCC). The UCC emerged in 1957 as a union of the Congregational Christian Churches and the Evangelical and Reformed Church. It is one of the youngest denominations in America, yet with a background that makes it one of the oldest denominations in American Protestantism.  Perhaps the best description of the mission of the UCC and its member churches is in this excerpt from the introduction to their 2008 Annual Report:

"In the United Church of Christ, our single mission is to change lives - through celebration of worship, courageous acts for justice, selfless giving and prayerful living.

Together, we are 5320 churches. We are 1,111,691 members. Our stories differ and talents vary, but one goal is held in common: to participate in God's mission of transformation - in all its various forms and expressions - so that lives may be changed for the better.

We're not a perfect church, but we are a purposeful one. We believe in a Stillspeaking God, who calls us to touch the world's tender places."

We share in the missions and ideals of the UCC, freely use conference services and seek its guidance. The UCC as a denomination reflects the pluralistic story of American Protestantism, and is known for bringing together ecclesiastical bodies rooted in English Puritanism, American frontier revivalism, and German religious history. It takes seriously the calling of Christians to oneness in Christ and participates actively in the contemporary ecumenical movement. The prayer of Christ "that they may all be one" is central to its self-understanding.  

Though a member of the UCC, we remain an independent Congregational church, and as such make our own decisions with the spiritual guidance and perspective of our Pastor.  Our strong lay leadership has the ability to influence our worship, missions and activities. The governing body of our church is the membership assembled in a church meeting. 

At the First Congregational Church of Canton Center, we are a group of individuals from many different backgrounds and religious histories.  We are more than just a church structure, and our strongest bond to each other is through our works with a common faith in God's love.