Vision Statement

We are a Christian community
We are each on a spiritual journey and together we experience how our faith and other faiths enhance our journeys.  We open ourselves to change and risk as we strive to follow Christ's teachings in our daily life.
We are spiritually alive
as we worship together, seeking God and celebrating God's creation and beauty through prayer, music, and spoken word.
We value and love each person
Each person is a unique child of God, knowing that God accepts us as we      are.  We seek and value diversity, affirming all people.                                   
We nurture and care for one another                                                          
We communicate honestly and compassionately with each other, honoring our differences while appreciating what we have in common.                         
We accept the challenge to serve                                                                 
We work as God's hands in creating a community and world of compassion, justice, and reconciliation.
Adopted 1996

We are an Open and Affirming Church

Convinced that "in Christ there is no longer Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for all are one," (Gal. 3:28) First Congregational Church of Santa Barbara, United Church of Christ, declares itself to be Open and Affirming of women and men of all ages, ethnic origins, abilities, and sexual orientations who desire to participate in its worship, life, and ministry. Adopted 1999

We are a Just Peace Church

We affirm the interrelation of friendship and justice in our common security from violence. 
Adopted 1990

United Church of Christ Statement of Faith in the Form of a Doxology

We believe in you, O God, Eternal Spirit,                                                           God of our Savior Jesus Christ and our God                                                     and to your deeds we testify: 

You call the worlds into being,                                                                          create persons in your own image,                                                                  and set before each one the ways of life and death.                                        You seek in holy love to save all people from aimlessness and sin.                You judge people and nations by your righteous will                                        declared through prophets and apostles.                                                      

In Jesus Christ, the man of Nazareth, our crucified and risen Savior,
you have come to us and shared our common lot,                  
conquering sin and death                                                                                 and reconciling the world to yourself.

You bestow upon us your Holy Spirit,                                                               creating and renewing the church of Jesus Christ,                                          binding in covenant faithfull people of all ages, tongues and races.              

You call us into your church                                                                               to accept the cost and joy of discipleship,                                                         to be your servants in the service of others,                                                     to proclaim the gospel to all the world and resist the powers of evil,               to share in Christ's baptism and eat at his table,                                              to join him in his passion and victory.

You promise to all who trust you                                                                      forgiveness of sins and fullnes of grace,                                                          courage in the struggle for justice and peace,                                                  your presence in trial and rejoicing,                                                                 and eternal life in your realm which has no end.

Blessing and honor, glory and power be unto you. Amen.

Please visit the following websites to find out more about who we are: