LOVE & JUSTICE
We are people of faith, building community in our new season.
We are a congregation rooted in God's love and reaching out for God's justice.
We do all of this work as kin to all creation.
We prioritize these ministries as disciples of Jesus.
We are blessed in this work by the presence of the Spirit poured out on us all.
We are a Matthew 25 church of the Presbyterian Church USA, building congregational vitality and working to dismantle structural racism and eradicate systemic poverty.
We address systemic poverty through our Samaritan Ministries and personal advocacy. All of these labors of love build our vitality as a community of faith.
Our antiracism work has connected us to the Springfield Coalition on Dismantling Racism (SCODR), a regional affiliate of Crossroads Antiracism Organizing and Training. Because we believe racism is sin, we answer the call to love as Jesus loves us.
We are an open and affirming congregation who believe everyone is created in the image of God, therefore we affirm the goodness of LGBTQIA+ folx as members, leaders and staff. We celebrate marriage equality. We believe God calls people of all genders to ministry. We’re working toward the full participation of LGBTQIA+ people in the life, ministry and witness of the Presbyterian Church (USA) – and in society. We also belong to More Light Presbyterians and the Covenant Network of Presbyterians, building a more just and inclusive church. Our Q+ Working Group lends our hands and hearts to repenting the harm churches have done, to building up the beloved community, and serving the wider world.
Deep gratitude to CORAL for recognizing the solidarity
of the UNITED Open and Affirming Congregations!
The people of UNITED Open & Affirming Faith Communities express our deep gratitude to CORAL for recognizing us at the Ritz this past Saturday. We are honored and humbled by your kind words and certificates of appreciation. These accolades challenge us to continue to be strong advocates for justice, create more affirming worship environments, acknowledge the harm done by religious groups, and work to promote healing and earn the trust of our LGBTQIA+ community.
Pastor Susan and Chaplain Tim are grateful to serve this congregation and the wider community. You bless us!