Our mission as the Alpine Community Church is to serve God by creating an environment of fellowship following the teachings of Jesus Christ.
We minister to the needs of our congregation and community, motivating ourselves with love, faith, and hope.
We believe . . .
. . . in the triune God.
We believe in the Creator, the resurrected Christ as the sole Head of the church, and the Holy Spirit who guides and brings about the creative and redemptive work of God in the world.
. . . that each person is unique and valuable.
It is the will of God that every person belong to a family of faith where they have a strong sense of being valued and loved.
. . . that each person is on a spiritual journey.
And we believe that each of us is at a different stage of that journey.
. . . 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 to stand by you and help you no matter where your journey takes you.
. . . that all people of faith are invited to 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.
. . . that the persistent search for God produces an authentic relationship with God.
This relationship engenders love, strenghtens faith, dissolves guilt, and gives life purpose and direction.
. . . that God calls us to be servants.
We are called to be servants in the service of others and to be good stewards of the earth's resources. 'To believe is to care; to care is to do.'
. . . the United Church of Christ (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.
. . . that the UCC is called to be a prophetic church.
As in the tradition of the prophets and apostles, God calls the church to speak truth to power, liberate the oppressed, care for the poor and comfort the afflicted.
. . . in the power of peace.
We work for nonviolent solutions to local, national, and international problems.
. . . that we are a people of possibility.
UCC members, congregations and structures have the breathing room to explore and to hear . . . for after all, God is still speaking . . .