Our historyFirst Congregational Church, UNITED CHURCH of Christ, of Anoka, is a UCC congregation. The UCC is a denomination rooted in the Reformation of 16th century Europe. It descends from the followers of John Calvin who, along with Martin Luther, was a central figure in the birth of the Protestant Church movement. First Congregational Church, UCC, of Anoka was founded on May 6th, 1855. We have a long and rich history, yet we are very involved in the questions of today's world. Our congregation members come from all walks of life and experience, yet all enjoy exploring the deep questions of faith. What those who return to worship with us often say about us is that they feel welcome for who they are, and comfortable asking questions to which there are no "neat, single answers." As a congregation, we are also committed to manifesting the love of God to our neighbors and community in practical ways. On Sundays you'll find parking available in our parking lot on the corner of Third Ave. and Main Street, on Main Street, in the City lot on Third Ave. across from the church, or in the Wells Fargo parking lot across from the church on Main Street. Enter the building near the parking lot and take either the stairs or the lift to the next floor up to enter the sanctuary. Open and Affirming -- A Welcome to All PeopleONA church #797“What does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, After a busy six months of meetings, forums, sermons, and lively open discussions, First Congregational United Church of Christ of Anoka voted be designated as Open and Affirming, joining the more than 760 other Open and Affirming congregations of the UCC. An Open and Affirming (ONA) statement, written by many members in three open writing sessions, was revised and approved by a unanimous voice vote of the 84 congregants attending the annual budget meeting on Jan. 25. Open and Affirming is the designation for congregations, campus ministries, and other bodies in the United Church of Christ which make public statements of welcome into their full life and ministry to persons of all sexual orientations and gender identities. Our statement reads: "First Congregational Church, UCC, of Anoka is an open and affirming Christian community for all of God's children. We welcome all individuals and families of any sexual orientation/identity, marital status, race, national origin, socio/economic status, age, mental or physical health and ability, belief or any other element of one's humanity." Special thanks to Pastors Chris and Sharon for starting us on this journey and encouraging us along the way, Naomi Peterson for providing leadership and support to the ONA committee, Zilla Way for leading the presentation at the budget meeting, and to all of the members of the congregation who participated in one or more of educational sessions, helped to write the statement, provided feedback throughout the process, or simply showed their support by allowing the process to come to a successful conclusion. The ONA statement works together with our mission statement to make clear who we are and that everybody is welcome to join us on the corner of 3rd and Main.
“The Bible and Homosexuality,”by Rev. Christopher Fazel |
Church Office is open to The office is closed Fridays and national holidays. E-mail:1stcongo@pro-ns.net
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First Congregational United Church of Christ of Anoka • 1923
Third Avenue South, Anoka, MN 55303 • 763-421-3375
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