“Richmond Beach Congregational Church is part of the United Church of Christ, a progressive Protestant denomination.  We are a "journey" church, as opposed to an ‘answer’ church, which means that theological exploration is essential as we seek to discover what it means to be a human being in this world”.

So, Who Are We?

Our Mission Statement:

"Peace, Respect and Love In Action"

The United Church of Christ

With God's help we are thoughtful compassionate Christians, Biblically rooted and continually guided by the Holy Spirit to love the whole of God's creation. As a denomination, because we are called by God to follow the historic Jesus and risen Christ as the center of our faith, we reach out in love and understanding to the whole of God's people. We are committed to ecumenical partnerships and action — listening for and honoring the prophetic voice. We are churches of nurture and care, gathered in the life of Christ for faithful healing, celebration, and growth. We are centers of service seeking to build neighborhoods of decency and justice — seeking a world at peace.

(From the Pacific Northwest Conference vision statement of the UCC)

Our Local Church

RBCC became a reality on Sunday, March 1, 1891, when 7 people presented themselves for membership. The current members and friends of RBCC-UCC carry on the 100-plus-year-old tradition of worship services and activities that are open and accepting of all who participate. We are a community committed to serving the broader community in a variety of ways: By providing a nurturing place for children, youth, and adults to learn the Christian faith, and a place of fellowship for all ages.  We seek to offer a hospitable, meaningful, and joyful worship service each week where all ages feel welcome.  We take the Bible seriously, but not literally, with respect for both the Hebrew and Christian Scriptures. We demand neither uncritical acceptance of any viewpoint, nor a rigid formulation of doctrine, but mutual understanding and respect. 

“Our faith is over 2000 years old; Our thinking is not: No matter who you are or where you are on life's journey, you'll find a home here”.

FAQs

“What do you believe”? Our Covenant:

As a congregation of growing faith, we are a people who seek to understand, struggle with and celebrate personal and public life in light of our faith, its scriptures and traditions.

We strive for an atmosphere of theological and spiritual tolerance through which we may be nurtured and connected as we share our doubts and discoveries. As an open and affirming church, we welcome all persons in this journey.

We are committed to join others in caring for the peoples and places of the broader community. We share in the struggle for justice and peace, forming partnerships and sharing our resources. We strive to live in harmony with nature, respecting and honoring the gifts of God's creation. As a United church of Christ, we join with the mission of the wider church in seeking reconciliation and wholeness in the world.

“What does ‘Open and Affirming’ mean”?

As an Open and Affirming Congregation, we celebrate our diversity in race, abilities, sexual orientation, and religious backgrounds.  For more information about what "Open and Affirming" means, check out the ONA page at UCC.org.

 

“What do services look like”?

Currently, we share worship in person and online via our YouTube channel on Sunday mornings at 10 am. Our usual format includes a sermon based on scripture, weekly topical prayers, intergenerational time, music of varying genres, and an opportunity to give in support of our ministries.

“Why RBCC”?

Richmond Beach Congregational Church United Church of Christ is an exciting place to worship, deepen one's faith, and reach out in service to others. Our worship, educational programs, and fellowship allow us to grow and connect our faith to our daily lives. We seek to build a community that nurtures its members and encourages us to reach out to others. We are blessed by an able staff and committed volunteers, an active Sunday program for our children and youth, and a lively youth group for our junior and senior high members. We are an open and affirming church, which challenges us to walk the path of God's inclusive compassion with all people, not just at church but in our workplaces, schools, and homes.  As an open and affirming church, we welcome people of all expressions, and celebrate our diversity. This commitment is far-reaching in its purpose and value and is undergirded by God's grace. Our church building itself is a ministry, as we are home to many community groups. We hope you might come and grow with us, so we might learn from one another and seek to follow in the way of Christ

.

“What programs and ministries do you offer”?

In addition to our weekly worship services, we offer ministries for youth and young adults, music ministries, and opportunities to engage with our wider community through peace and justice initiatives and programs like food drives. We also regularly support Camp United We Stand, a local encampment, and the Ronald Commons Cafe, a ministry of of food based out of Ronald United Methodist Church.