Who We Are and What We Believe

    To many folks, the Phippsburg Congregational Church (UCC) is known by its classic building, located on the banks of the Kennebec River in Phippsburg Center.  To many others, we are known through being in the shade and shadow of a famous tree:  the award-winning English Linden Tree, planted in 1774 by the McCobb family.  We indeed have been blessed over the years through our relationship with both of these spires, each reaching up to God in their own way.  First and foremost, however, we are a diverse community of faith comprised of just over 100 souls gathered around the sole Head of our church, Jesus Christ.  We welcome all folks who seek to deepen their discipleship with Him and to walk in His ways.  In accordance with the teachings of our Lord, we recognize two Sacraments:  Baptism and Eucharist, or The Lords Supper. 

    The United Church of Christ embraces a theological heritage that affirms the Bible as the authoritative witness to the Word of God, the creeds of the ecumenical councils, and the confessions of the Reformation. The UCC has roots in the "covenantal" tradition - meaning there is no centralized authority or hierarchy that can impose any doctrine or form of worship on its members.  We seek a balance between freedom of conscience and accountability to the apostolic faith. The UCC therefore receives the historic creeds and confessions of our ancestors as testimonies, but not tests of the faith.  We read equally from the 1959 UCC Statement of Faith, the 1913 Kansas City Statement of Faith, and the Apostles' and Nicene Creeds.  We believe that people are more important than creeds and that to live together peacefully in the service of God and Humankind using the teachings of Jesus Christ as our guide is our aim in life.  We accord each individual the right to his or her own private judgment and do not attempt to overwhelm anyone with missionary zeal.

    From our By-Laws, we read the following purpose of the church . . .

    The purpose of this Church shall be to worship God, to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and to celebrate the Sacraments; to practice Christian fellowship and unity; to seek Gods will as set forth in the life, teachings, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ; to strive for righteousness, justice, and peace; to be God's servants in the service of others.

                    -  Article II - Purpose (Revised October, 2007)

    Our worship service is very traditional, but our minister and our congregation are anything but.  From all different walks of life, we are united in the love of God made incarnate in Christ.  God is still speaking!  No matter who you are, or where you are on life's journey, you are welcome here.

Governance
The sole Head of our church is Jesus Christ: we seek in our worship and community life to follow in His ways and be faithful witnesses of His work. The ultimate temporal governing authority of the Phippsburg Congregational Church (UCC) is our Covenant Membership assembled in a duly called membership meeting. The vote of a majority of Members present and voting at any duly called membership meeting of the Church shall be the action of the Church.

Month to month, our church is governed by a Church Council, which consists of either the Officers or their Assistant and the chairs of the standing Boards and Committees. The Officers of the Church shall be the Moderator, Assistant Moderator, Treasurer, Assistant Treasurer, Clerk, and Assistant Clerk. The Standing Committees are: Board of Deacons, Budget and Finance, Buildings and Grounds, Caring Ministries, Christian Education, Flower, Historical Records, Hospitality, Membership, Music, Nominating, and Ways and Means.

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