On May 16, 2021 First Congregational Church of St. Albans, Vermont voted to become an Open & Affirming congregation. 

First Congregational Church of St. Albans Open & Affirming Covenant:

First Congregational Church of St. Albans, Vermont, a congregation of the United Church of Christ, is created to provide a place for all people to worship God, serve God and humanity, and grow in faith and fellowship.  All persons are created in God’s image and are loved, valued, and blessed equally by God.  This community of faith is an Open and Affirming congregation which welcomes all persons, including those of all races, ethnicities, ages, sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions, family structures, faith backgrounds, abilities and economic circumstances.  All persons are invited to fully share and participate in leadership, ministry, fellowship, worship, sacraments, responsibilities, blessings and joys of our church family.

The First Congregational Church of St. Albans, Vermont, United Church of Christ, affirms these statements.

We believe in the Trinity of God:  Creator, resurrected Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit.  These guide us through the creative and redemptive work of God in the world.

We believe each person is unique and valuable.  We believe each person is on a spiritual journey.

We believe a persistent search for God produces an authentic relationship with God that loves, strengthens faith, dissolves guilt, and gives life purpose and direction.

We believe, through baptism, we belong body and soul to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  We all belong to God and to one worldwide community of faith through this sacrament.

We believe God invites all people of faith to the table for the sacrament of Communion. The bread and grape juice reminds us of Christ’s sacrifice and the call to be disciples.  We honor Christ’s presence among us.  We celebrate this mystery of faith.

We are a united and a uniting church.  “That they may all be one.”  (John 17:21)  We have no rigid formulation of doctrine or attachment to creeds or structures.  Our overarching creed is love.  Our ministers and teachers commit to excellence in theological preparation and interpretation of the scripture.

We believe God calls us to be servants in the service of others.

We believe God calls us to be a prophetic church.  As in the tradition of the prophets and apostles, God calls us to speak truth to power, liberate the oppressed, care for the poor, and comfort the afflicted.

We believe in the power of peace, and work for nonviolent solutions to local, national, and international problems.