This Sunday I'll be preaching at Portland's First Congregational United Church of Christ.
First Congregational United Church of Christ was established in 1851. Our current sanctuary and 175-foot bell tower was built in 1891, designed by Swiss architect Henry J. Hefty to resemble Old South Church in Boston. The stained glass windows were designed by Povey Brothers of Portland. We are people of different ages, education, races, abilities, sexual orientations and gender identities. We hold varying theological and political beliefs and come from different socioeconomic and ethnic backgrounds. We celebrate and find strength in that diversity and view it as a way of understanding the inclusiveness of God's love. We celebrate the image of God in every person and we affirm all relationships of support that are founded on the principles of love and justice. We encourage all members to share their talents, gifts and energy in the life, work and leadership of the church. We are a community which is spiritually alive, intellectually curious, and open to new learning, ideas and scholarship. We are tolerant and supportive of other religious traditions and committed to learning about and from them.
Whoever you are, whatever household of faith into which you were born, whatever creed you profess, whatever your race, sexual orientation or gender identity, you are welcome to come looking for the presence of God or to rededicate yourself to God's purpose.
Services begin at 10:25 am and the church is located at 1137 SW Broadway on the South Park Blocks. A special service will be held eariler in the moring for those helping with the Portland Pride Parade (call the office at 503-228-7219 for information) - our church takes part - and don't forget this Sunday is also Father's Day.
I'll also be preaching at First Congregational UCC next Sunday.