We believe that each person is on a spiritual journey: and that each of us is at a different stage of that journey. Your experience of God and church may be very different from someone else's. Your time at Grace might be your first time stepping into a church other than for a wedding or funeral, or you may consider yourself a lifelong Christian looking for a new faith community. You may be someone who reads the Bible everyday or wondering what any of these beliefs mean. In that sense, God shows up for each of us differently and we share in one another's journeys.

We believe that all of the baptized 'belong body and soul to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.' 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.

We believe that all people of faith are invited to join Christ at Christ's table for the sacrament of Communion. 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.

We believe the UCC is called to be a united and uniting church. "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.

We believe that God calls us to be servants in the service of others and to be good stewards of the earth's resources. We are not just called into the church to believe things, but also to do things that will provide reassurance for the hurting, comfort for the grieving, hope for the hopeless, safety for the afflicted, sustenance for the hungry, and advocacy for the oppressed.

We are a people of possibility. In the UCC, members, congregations and structures have the breathing room to explore and to hear. God is never finished with us and we are always learning through new experiences. We believe that God is still speaking, and we must always be listening.