Our Mission Statement

God calls and empowers us to minister to the physical and spiritual needs of all people, through our gifts of love, support, and compassion revealed in the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Colorful tree symbol with rainbow colors and text "Open and Affirming Coalition, United Church of Christ."
Logo of the United Church of Christ with a cross and crown symbol, surrounded by the text "United Church of Christ - That They May All Be One.”

Our Open and Affirming Statement

“We the members of Forks United Church of Christ commit ourselves, deliberately and intentionally, to be an Open and Affirming community.

We commit to opening hearts and minds, to breaking down barriers, and to creating the sense of community and belonging that God intended for all people.

We commit to welcoming people regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, race or ethnic background, social status, physical, mental or emotional challenges, wherever and however people find themselves on their spiritual journeys.

We commit to the continuation of our inclusive heritage and to our welcoming and hospitable endeavors that serve to support all followers of Jesus Christ.

We believe that the Light of Christ transcends all our differences, and we are the Body of Christ.”

Our Beliefs

We believe in the triune God: Creator, resurrected Christ, the sole Head of the church, and the Holy Spirit, who guides and brings about the creative and redemptive work of God in the world.

  • It is the will of God that every person belongs to a family of faith where they have a strong sense of being valued and loved.

  • and that each of us is at a different stage of that journey.

  • engendering love, strengthening faith, dissolving guilt, and giving life purpose and direction.

  • No matter who – no matter what – no matter where we are on life’s journey – notwithstanding race, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, class or creed – we all belong to God and to one worldwide community of faith. All persons baptized – past, present and future – are connected to each other and to God through the sacrament of baptism. We baptize during worship when the community is present because baptism includes the community’s promise of ‘love, support and care’ for the baptized – and we promise that we won’t take it back – no matter where your journey leads you.

  • Just as many grains of wheat are gathered to make one loaf of bread and many grapes are gathered to make one cup of wine, we, the many people of God, are made one in the body of Christ, the church. The breaking of bread and the pouring of wine reminds us of the costliness of Christ’s sacrifice and the discipleship to which we are all called. In the breaking of bread, we remember and celebrate Christ’s presence among us along with a ‘cloud of witnesses’ – our ancestors, family and friends who have gone before us. It is a great mystery; we claim it by faith.

  • “That they may all be one.” (John 17:21) “In essentials–unity, in nonessentials–diversity, in all things–charity,” These UCC mottos survive because they touch core values deep within us. The UCC has no rigid formulation of doctrine or attachment to creeds or structures. Its overarching creed is love. UCC pastors and teachers are known for their commitment to excellence in theological preparation, interpretation of the scripture and justice advocacy. Even so, love and unity in the midst of our diversity are our greatest assets.

  • ‘To believe is to care; to care is to do.’

  • As in the tradition of the prophets and apostles, God calls the church to speak truth to power, liberate the oppressed, care for the poor and comfort the afflicted.

  • and work for nonviolent solutions to local, national, and international problems.

  • In the UCC, members, congregations and structures have the breathing room to explore and to hear … for after all, God is still speaking,…