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Why I am a Member of United Church
"What's a couple to do when they have different views on spiritual matters? One raised in a conservative Protestant tradition, the other raised in a moral but mostly non-religious home?
The two of us had just about given up on finding a church where we could both have a fulfilling religious experience, without one of us having to pretend to be something we weren't. But a Methodist friend who knew of our dilemma suggested we try the United Church of Huntsville.
We quickly discovered that this is just the kind of church we'd been looking for: a church where our individual personal convictions are respected, where our differences are things to learn from rather than sources of division. It's a church where we can be open about our needs, about our beliefs, about our lives and our pains, and find support and aid and friendship. It's a church with a diverse membership that challenges us, rallies us, enlightens us, and enriches us. It's a church where we study Scripture, and join in prayer and in song and in fellowship.
It's our church, now, and what's really great is that 'no matter who you are, or where you are on life's journey,' it can be yours, too. Come as you are. We did."
“My wife and I had become too ‘liberal’ for our previous congregation. Our beliefs were not consistent with their support of creationism, lack of support for tax reform (even though Alabama’s tax system hurts the poor), and unwillingness to consider becoming an “open and affirming” church. UCH is closer to our interpretation of Jesus’ teachings.”
“Church membership has always been important to me and my family, especially in this day and age. It has been my observation that the motto of this Church, ‘No matter who you are or where you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here,’ is not only our motto but our passion! Like Jesus, the ministry of this Church reaches out to everyone! This Church Family is truly a caring and loving one. Recently my wife went through a very serious health crisis. The outpouring of concern shown by the members of this congregation was phenomenal! Over the past six months, my wife received a stack of get well cards about four inches high, mostly from our congregation. And we also observed firsthand this Church’s power of prayer. We are truly thankful for our United Church Family!”
“I am a member of this church because everyone is just who they are. What you see is what you get. I have never been in a church environment that I felt free to be the person that I am and know that I am accepted and loved for not only for who I am but what I am.
After 15 years of being with the same partner, it is nice to find a place where we can go and worship just the way that we are. Until now we have never found a church that was not politically focused on one issue. This church allows us to worship without having a title assigned to you.
Bottom line, the people in this church are loving, friendly and actually walk the walk, while they talk the talk. This church truly does accept you in your journey no matter where you are.”
“The United Church of Huntsville means a great deal to me and represents a source of strength for my Christian faith. The sermons heard here help me recognize God's grace at work in the world and in my life. The pastor's sound theology is also expressed in interesting Bible studies which are thought-provoking and "soul cleansing". Examples of Christian love, acceptance, and caring seen in friends at this church guide me in my own interactions in daily relationships away from church.”
“Sometimes I think I was born at church. Church has always been a part of my life. And it has always been a source of joy! For more than 30 years I was an active member of a mainstream denomination. In fact, I served as a minister in that denomination for 18 years. But sadly I could never be myself. I hid my true self from my congregation and the ones I loved. It wasn't until I joined United Church that I could safely state in church that I was a gay man. A gay man that God loves and whom God has called to minister to others. United Church has welcomed me with open arms. They accept me for who I am. No longer do I have to hide in shame. I can thankfully say United Church is a very loving church to everyone!”
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