The UCC is turning 50

The United Church of Christ has kicked off its 50 year anniversary celebration.












I attended worship at a UCC church this Sunday. The service focused a great deal on this anniversary, including references to some of the history of the denomination over the last 50 years. The UCC has a justifiably proud history of being at the forefront among mainline denominations of including women, gays, and African Americans into its clergy and leadership. The service began, as always at this church, with the pastor telling the congregation that "no matter who you are and no matter where you are in life's journey, you are welcome here." It is a wonderfully inclusive way to begin a church service. Having had an unsatisfactory church experience when I went elsewhere the previous Sunday, this was a wonderful way to start my Sunday morning.