THE HISTORIC COMMUNITY CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH
OF MANITOU SPRINGS, COLORADO

A United Church of Christ

Up Discovery Class

THE BELIEFS & THEOLOGY OF THE CHURCH

In the fast paced and sometimes confusing world where we live today, coming to this church can afford a welcomed time of rest and re-creation.  People pass through these doors because it has always been an important part of their lives.  Others come by way of enjoying a simple moment in the quiet beauty of this place.  Here you can meet new friends, share different perspectives and reach out to make a positive difference in life.  Together we know that all are loved by a greater love that comes to us through Jesus Christ.  We hope you feel at home in this special and sacred place.  You are always welcomed!  May God's amazing grace touch your life today and grant you peace…

The United Church of Christ, is the formal denomination of which this church is a part.  It 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 U.C.C. 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. Christ alone is Head of the church. We seek a balance between freedom of conscience and accountability to the apostolic faith. The U.C.C. therefore receives the historic creeds and confessions of our ancestors as testimonies, but not tests of the faith.  This congregation shares faith and friendship with our brothers and sisters of the Rocky Mountain Conference in the United Church of Christ.

About the Bible: The stories of our faith found in sacred scripture form the foundation upon which this church rest.  Most people in our religious tradition would believe that the Bible is the "inspired"  Word of God, although there is certainly a wide range of interpretation among our members as to what and how the Good Book speaks to us.  In our diversity of understanding... we find a common growth toward God.

 

About God: God is a very simple word of three letters, which we say quite easily.  We believe that God has been trying to reveal the fullness of life and love to all people for a long time.  God is the Caring Creator, Spiritual Sustainer, Protecting Parent and Loving Lord of us all.  God is never judgmental or vindictive.  God is actively present in creation sharing in both our sufferings and joys.  We worship God to stay connected to that Holy and Eternal  Presence in life!

 

About Jesus Christ: Jesus Christ is the Deliverer, Messiah, Savior, and Anointed One in our midst.  He provides the best example of what it means to be a Christian.  He is the blueprint by which we build our lives by.  We try to faithfully follow in His footsteps that go before us leading to a path of promise and peace in the world.

 


About the Holy Spirit: Through the centuries, people have been conscious of God's Spirit working through them, guiding their thoughts and giving them great power to do things for God.  We believe that the Holy Spirit is what makes each individual unique and precious in the sight of God.  We celebrate this Spirit by the fellowship we share as a Christian community of faithful peoples.

 

About Ourselves: We believe that each of us is a special child of God.  We have the spiritual freedom to think and ask intelligent questions about ourselves and the world in which we live.  We are called to be respectful and understanding of others, and are ecumenical by spirit and intent.  Our faith helps us understand who we are... and to Whom we ultimately belong!

 

About Being A Christian:  There is a great deal of diversity among us in the faith traditions that we have grown up with and now belong.  Each person is free to explore matters of the heart, soul and spirit in ways that bring balance and perspective to life.  That we share a common love for Jesus, is what makes us Christian in word, deed and prayer.