UCC and What We Believe

What We Believe

How we live is more important to us than any list of statements of belief. We do not all believe the same thing, and there is no test of faith. The United Church of Christ 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, including being servants in the service of others and good stewards of the earth’s resources.

We believe we are called to speak truth to power, liberate the oppressed, care for the poor and comfort the afflicted. We believe in the power of peace, and work for nonviolent solutions to local, national, and international problems. We are a people of possibility. In the UCC, members, congregations and structures have the breathing room to explore and to hear … for after all, God is still speaking, …

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Our Mission

Creating, Restoring and Sustaining Transformative Relationships with God and All Creation.

United Church of Christ

Mission Statement

The Mission of the United Church of Christ

Purpose Statement (from the Gospel of Matthew):
To love God with all our heart, mind, soul and strength and our neighbor as ourselves.

Vision Statement:
United in Christ’s love, a just world for all.

Mission statement:
United in Spirit and inspired by God’s grace, we welcome all, love all, and seek justice for all.

You are Welcome Here

Join us any time

Welcome to the Second Congregational Church Bennington. We are an Open and Affirming , Green Justice congregation of the United Church of Christ.

We welcome all people of faith, or in search of faith, to our work and worship, without regard to age, race, economic condition, citizenship, ability, sexual identity or gender identity.

We are a come-as-you-are church, a family, a fellowship of faith, and a community of hope, helping the people of Bennington and the wider community. We’re glad you are here. We’d love to hear your story and share ours with you. You may not be participating in a Christian community and would like to connect: feel free to drop by to see us or contact us here.

“Open and Affirming” means Second Congregational has publicly declared that “lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer” (LGBTQ+) people or those of all sexual orientations and gender expressions are welcome in its full life and ministry (e.g. membership, leadership, employment, etc.) SCC is the first church in Vermont to do so.