Pastor's Welcome

 

 

Thank you for visiting our church web page.  If you have been searching for a church that is a little out of the ordinary you may well have come to the right place.
    Mainline Protestant people often talk in terms of conservative, fundamental and liberal churches.  Sadly the attitude of Christian churches that say 'I'm right - you're wrong' turns away people who have a less dogmatic approach to how God works in our world.  In fact, younger generations have discovered that neither side can win if that is the attitude. On the other hand our congregation is sharing a journey to find the kingdom of God but are aware that we may not all be on the same path toward that end.  Here, among us, you will be exposed to a variety ofideas and information.  What you do with the ideas and information is up to the individual.  And we prefer not to call ourselves Christians but Christ Seekers.
    We are still in the process of discovering how we can worship God in ways that allow every individual to experience God in a personal way without being hindered by the right or wrong answers.  Perhaps I can explain our aim in worship by asking you to imagine that you are sitting on the banks of a lake on a warm summer afternoon when suddenly you see a fish jumping out of the water.  You marvel at the sight.  Your life now becomes the quest to see another fish jump.  Our worship is offered in the hope that a fish will jump for you and you will see and experience God.  Perhaps others will see different fish but still share a sense of awe.
    Godfrey Congregational Church has long Congregational roots but when it joined with the United Church of Christ in 1961 it found a home amongst this free thinking denomination. But please do not assume that our congregation accepts all that is published about the United Church of Christ.  Some members may do so while others may not and still others might be selective about what they support.  As the United Church of Christ is keen to proclaim, 'Wherever you are on life's journey you are welcome here' and that is truly the case at this church - whoever and whatever you are.
    Churches are aware of the statistics indicating that the baby boomber generation have given up on the mainstream Christian church.  Perhaps this is because they have been hurt, disappointed or bored by them.  Certainly there are many reasons for the exodus of post 60's people.  These missing generations from our churches have spiritual needs like any other generation and our congregation is learning to cater to those spiritual needs without turning to'trendy' methods to do it.  We have also realized that contrary to popular belief children are not the only people that can create the church of the future.
    So if you are looking for a safe and welcoming place to worship God and explore the teachings of Jesus the Christ; where your opinions are given equal standing with all others; where experience can be more important than words alone, then this is one church you should put on your list to visit. Why not take a chance and join us at our 10:30am Sunday worship.  If nothing else you will be welcomed as a very important guest.

 

Sincerely yours

 

Rev. Chris Hucker