by Suzanne Huggard, Council Member-at-Large
There are Interim Ministers, and the Florida Conference, and the United Church of Christ, and Congregationalism. Oh My! What?! Are we the United Church of Gainesville Congregationalists? What does that mean?
If you read the back of the Sunday bulletin, you may have noticed the sentence that says, “This church is independent in spirit and congregational in organization.” Congregationalism is a form of church governance where each local congregation is autonomous and self-governing, without being subject to external authority like bishops, synods or other church hierarchy. The United Church of Christ did not create the United Church of Gainesville. In its early days, when it seemed appropriate, UCG asked the UCC to accept this congregation and allow it to join with others that come together under the umbrella of the UCC. Some of you may have been here when that decision was made. The UCC does not accept every congregation that applies, so it seems that the mission, purpose, and theology (however known!) of UCG was a comfortable match to that of the UCC.
Did you know that the motto of the UCC is “That They May All Be One”? This means that there is great variation under that big UCC umbrella. Are there really churches similar to UCG? Thankfully, yes, there are. There are also churches within the UCC that are a bit more traditional, more formal in style and even some that are rather conservative. Some churches are Open and Affirming and some are not. Though encouraged, it is not a requirement. Since churches are UCC members by choice, they sometimes leave the UCC fold. This may happen for a number of reasons, and sometimes they even come back after a few years. Since each congregation is autonomous, there are no financial or property ties with the UCC that would prevent such shifting about.
So, just why do we want to be a UCC congregation? Stay tuned for “Part 2” next month…and ask questions. Email Suzanne Huggard, Council Member-at-Large.
Very well-written and informative. Thank you!
Thank you for a great, easy to understand explanation!
Last month I drove past the Norfolk Federated (Reformed and Congregational) Church in Norfolk, MA while visiting family and friends “back home.” I grew up in that church, where I received my first Bible and studied for my confirmation. It hasn’t changed much! As our family moved for work and family ties, we found congregational churches in Rhode Island, Altamonte Springs, FL and Reston, VA before settling in Gainesville. UCC has a big tent!