First Congregational Church was the first church in the settlement that came to be known as Concord. We are a member of the United Church of Christ, a historic American denomination that united four faith traditions in 1957.
We are self-governed, which means we can organize ourselves as we think best, call our own pastor, and shape our own ministry. And we are also in faithful covenant with the other churches of the United Church of Christ, particularly those in the New Hampshire Conference.
Core Values:
- We are a servant community in the spirit of the Servant Christ.
- We practice faith by living in covenant loyalty with God, with each other, and with our community.
- We value our tradition as a source of strength and vitality.
- We value hospitality that welcomes all, respects our diversity, and nurtures safe spaces for body and for soul.
- We seek integrity in our relationships, honesty in communication, and mutual respect in our dealings with all people
- As a community, we have covenanted with one another to Welcome in love, Serve in humility, and Grow in Christ.
Our Mission Statement:
(Adopted at Annual Meeting January 17, 1997)
Placing our trust in God, we, the members of the First Congregational Church Family, accept our responsibility in the global community. Reminded by God’s promises, we share God’s love through our compassionate responses. Guided by the teachings of Jesus Christ, we seek justice for all God’s people, and we reach out to all people in faith and sensitivity. Inspired by the Holy Spirit, we endeavor to uphold the values of the Christian faith and so influence the changes which challenge the Church and the world.
Our Open and Affirming Statement:
We, at First Congregational Church, welcome and affirm all people seeking God in their life and in their relationships regardless of age, race, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or faith background.
We affirm that each of God’s children is entitled to all the rites and sacraments afforded to our church community including baptism, confirmation, communion, and marriage.
We invite everyone to join in our common life and mission of our community through participation and leadership in this congregation. We are secure in the knowledge that God’s love is for everyone.