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About the United Church of Huntsville
Denomination
Our denomination is The United Church of Christ. It is important to note upfront that “The United Church of Christ” is a distinctly different denomination from “The Church of Christ”. The United Church of Christ does not require adherence to a specific set of beliefs. Each person is encouraged to develop his or her own expression of his or her faith through study and reflection. The United Church of Christ came into being in 1957 with the union of two Protestant denominations: the Congregational Christian Churches, and the Evangelical and Reformed Church. Each of these was, in turn, the result of earlier mergers in 1931 and 1934.
The origins of these denominations are as follows:
The Congregational Church began with the arrival of the Pilgrims in 1620 and the Puritans in 1629.
The Christian Church sprang up on the frontier in the late 1700’s in reaction to the theological and organizational rigidity of other denominations of the time.
The Evangelical Church was organized in Missouri and Illinois in 1840 by an association of pastors from German Evangelical churches seeking religious freedom.
The Reformed Church began in America in 1725 with the German settlers in Pennsylvania, who came to America as a result of religious persecution.
The ecumenical spirit that forged the union of these diverse backgrounds and traditions is still alive today in The United Church of Christ world-wide and The United Church of Huntsville locally.
The United Church of Christ recognizes two sacraments: Baptism (both infant and adult) and Holy Communion. Other special ceremonies include: confirmation, marriage, ordination, and funeral rites.
Our Local Church
The United Church of Huntsville began in the fall of 1959 with three families and a pioneering spirit. The first meeting place was the Raymond Jones Armory. The small group moved to the Albert Pick Motel, and then to the Scottish Rite Temple.
In January 1961, the Rev. Raymond Berry became the first full-time pastor, and 12 members signed the charter in June, 1961. The fledgling congregation purchased the old Fleming farm house on Whitesburg Dr. and called it The Church House. A building plan was adopted, and the first structure was dedicated in October, 1968.
The new sanctuary was dedicated in October, 1990, transforming a vision into reality. The growing congregation, “united in faith,” now reaches out to the Huntsville community and beyond.
Programs
Sunday School begins every Sunday at 9:55 AM with a Christian education program for all ages from nursery through adult.
Morning Worship is held every Sunday with an informal Contemporary Service at 9 AM and a Traditional Service at 11 AM; nursery is provided.
Kids’ Church is offered for grades K through 6 during the 11 AM Service.
Youth Activities involve middle and high school grades 6-12.
Vacation Bible School is a summer highlight for children and youth, usually held on warm June evenings.
Special Opportunities for spiritual growth are available in an Adult Sunday Morning Bible Study Class, plus another on Monday afternoons from 3:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Thursday evenings from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Music Program includes a 20+ member choir that’s open to new voices and a hand-bell choir.
Library: Our church has a small library that includes books for all ages.
Fellowship Events offer social and service activities for all ages.
Mission provides opportunities to support various community organizations including: Interfaith Mission Services, Second Mile Development, Habitat for Humanity, Environmental Corps, and Meals on Wheels .
National and Worldwide Ministries include support within our denomination of “Our Church's Wider Mission” (OCWM) and four annual offerings to provide food and medical care to needy persons here and abroad, aid new church development, help community-based justice and advocacy groups, and financially assist retired clergy.
Pastor
The Reverend Doctor Robert Hurst joined us in December 2001. He welcomes one and all to any of our activities.
Our Members
Although we come from varied backgrounds, life experiences, and religious upbringings, we share a strong love for this church. Some of our members shared their reasons for choosing United Church as their spiritual home. We periodically hold Inquirers’ Sessions for those desiring to learn more about this church and the UCC denomination.
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