Open & Affirming

We, the members of The First Congregational Church UCC of Huntley, believe that all people are created in God’s image and thus are loved and blessed equally by God. We take seriously the command Jesus teaches us “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself.” (Luke 10:25-28).

We recognize the need for understanding of LGBTQ people in our society, and we continue to study, learn, and broaden our relationships in order to share the concerns of LGBTQ people and families.

Therefore, on January 28, 2018 a unanimous vote by the congregation was taken to become an Open and Affirming congregation in the United Church of Christ.

We invite and welcome into our community persons of every gender, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, ability, age, race, nationality, marital standing, family structure, economic and social status, or faith background.

In our community of faith all people are encouraged to participate and share their talents and energy in worship and sacraments, leadership positions, learning, service, missions and fellowship.

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. God taught us by saying, “I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another.” (John 13:34)

The spirit of the scriptures reminds us God does not reject us because of who we are. Sin refers to bad choices we make, not to our nature or our identity. Knowing that, we cannot love God whom we have not seen if we do not love our brothers and sisters whom we have seen. By God’s grace we are called to respond compassionately toward others.

Therefore, no matter who you are or where you are on life’s journey, you are welcome at First Congregational Church of Huntley.

Sincerely,

The Members of the First Congregational Church UCC of Huntley