Open and Affirming Statement
Organization - Decisions
Written by Administrator
"There is no longer Jew or Greek, there is no longer slave or free, there is no longer male and female; for all of you are one in Christ Jesus." [Galatians 3:28]
As we are one in Christ, we are called to accept and respect one another in the face of our differences. We commit ourselves to work diligently to end all oppression and discrimination which afflicts God’s people in our society. We seek to explore new ways of affirming our faith in community according to the wisdom of the Gospel. We work, as individuals, to become more Christ-like in our love for one another.
Because love is a unifying and strengthening force within our Christian faith, We, the members of the Ledyard Congregational Church, United Church of Christ, hereby declare ourselves an Open and Affirming Christian community, actively expressing Jesus’ inclusive embrace of all people.
We welcome all who seek to follow Jesus, including persons of every age, gender, race, national origin, faith background, marital status and family structure, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, mental and physical ability, economic and social status, and educational background, to share in the life, leadership, ministry, fellowship, worship, sacraments, responsibilities, blessings and joys of our church family.
We encourage all members to participate and share talents and energy in the worship and work of the congregation. By full participation we would include as examples the following:
- Full participation in the Rites and Sacraments of the Church;
- Service as teachers for Christian Education classes and leaders of youth activities;
- Participation in all committees and service in all offices;
- Equal consideration for all employment opportunities.
Jesus teaches us to welcome all God’s children into God’s covenantal community. As we grow together in faith and love, we will strive to celebrate the diversity in which God has created us. As followers of Christ we seek by this affirmation to be faithful to his commandment, "love one another as I have loved you." [John 15:1]
Approved by the Congregation at the Annual Meeting on January 30, 2011
Annual Meeting 2011
Organization - Decisions
Written by Administrator
On January 30, 2011, we once again gathered as a congregational to vote upon various church issues, discuss the work of the church as reported in the 2011 Annual Report, and elect church officers, board and committee members. The youth group raised funds by selling submarine sandwiches, and homemade treats were passed around from neighbor-to-neighbor.
This year, we voted upon the resolution drafted by the Open & Affirming Committee, wherein we resolve to welcome anyone into the life, membership, leadership, and sacraments of our congregation. We passed the 2011 budget, with a modest shortfall to be covered by contributions given throughout the year, over and above the pledged amounts. The church goals voted for 2011 are:
- Improve our welcoming of visitors
- Introduce Rev. Grant at "fireside chats"
- Improve the Memorial Garden
- Publish a new directory
- Create a policy handbook, and
- Clarify and improve our Ledyard Fair relationship
New and returning members of our boards and committees were re-elected. Some vacancies remain, in Deacons, delegates to the state and local UCC conference, Christian Education, and Trustees. Thanks to everyone for contributing your comments, votes, talents and time, to make Ledyard Congregational a healthy faith family!
Introducing: Our Next Settled Pastor
Organization - Decisions
Written by Dan Weaver, Search Committee member
"...faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." Hebrews 11:1
Appropriate to summer, ice cream played a role in ushering in a new era during our July 25, 2010 Candidating Weekend. Dozens of enthusiastic church family members were introduced to Rev. Catriona (Ca-TREE-on-a) Grant between bites at a Saturday Ice Cream Social served up by the Search Committee. Catriona's sermon the next day opened with...yes, an ice cream story as an illustration of the process of faith.