ONA

Dear Folks,

Today, the Congregation of Huntington Congregational Church, United Church of Christ, voted overwhelmingly to become an Open and Affirming (ONA) congregation.  There were 46 people in attendance at the Annual Meeting.  The vote was 43 yes, 2 no, and 1 abstain.

This is a step forward into our future as a church of and for all people.  We are "Everybody's Church", sharing the love of Christ with everyone.

Thank you for your faithfulness and your participation in the ONA process.  I would like to express my gratitude to our ONA Committee:  Sue Lindley, Ace Ricker, Gail Schoennagel, and Judy Tucker.  Also, many thanks to our Moderator, Soren Ibsen, for his inspirational leadership.

Below is our Open and Affirming Covenant.

Huntington Congregational Church

United Church of Christ

19 Church Street

Shelton, Connecticut

January 31, 2016

Open and Affirming Covenant

“No matter who you are or where you are on life’s journey,

you are welcome here.”

Huntington Congregational Church, United Church of Christ is called to spread the love and light of God like a beacon into the community and the world.  We seek to embody Jesus’ great commandment to love God, and our neighbors as ourselves (Luke 10:25-27).  In keeping with this calling, we, the members of Huntington Congregational Church, United Church of Christ, declare ourselves as "Everybody’s Church".  We welcome and affirm all persons of every race, age, gender, marital status, physical or mental ability, socio-economic status, nationality, life history, faith background, and sexual orientation or gender expression or identity into the full life and ministry of this community of faith, including membership and leadership. We welcome and embrace the God-given gifts that each person brings to the life of our congregation.

As an Open and Affirming church, we join our sisters and brothers in the United Church of Christ and all persons who are committed to the struggle for justice, peace, love, equality, and inclusivity, with the example and teachings of Jesus Christ as our guide.

If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me or any member of the ONA Committee.  The ONA comment box will also be available for your questions or comments.

Peace,

Rev. Lucille