Mission Statement

The Members of the Congregation of the First Congregational United Church of Christ in Alpena, MI aspire to embrace the inclusive love of Jesus Christ, so we make this covenant with the help of the Holy Spirit. We believe that 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 who seeks to welcome all persons, including those of all races, ethnicities, ages, sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions, family structures, faith backgrounds, physical and mental abilities and economic circumstances.

All persons are invited to fully share and participate in leadership, ministry, mission and community service, fellowship, worship, sacraments, responsibilities, blessings, joys, and sorrows of our church family.

Affirming Statement

As an Open & Affirming congregation, we welcome people as they are, share Jesus as he is, and serve our community and the world in love. Therefore, no matter who you are or where you are on life's journey, you are welcome here!

Just Peace Church

The Just Peace Church vision is a hallmark of United Church of Christ theological identity. For 30 years, the Just Peace Church pronouncement has inspired a grassroots movement of UCC congregations committed to corporately naming and boldly proclaiming a public identity as a justice-doing, peace-seeking church. The Just Peace pronouncement articulated the UCC position on war and peace distinct from other approaches such as crusade, pacifism, or “just war.” Grounded in UCC polity and covenantal theology, the position focuses attention on alleviating systemic injustice of all types using non-violence and calls us to offer the message, grounded in the hope of reconciliation in Jesus, that “Peace is possible.” Read more from the UCC here.