Our church is a part of a rich and dynamic Congregational tradition that stretches back to the Pilgrims and Puritans. Our founders considered their work and faith a Holy Experiment. Although each Congregational church was its own unique entity with separate governance, the churches worked together in mutual support to advance the Christian faith in the American Colonies. Congregational churches provided a seedbed for the advancement of democracy in America. Many Congregationalists were also at the heart of dynamic discussions on the role of reason and emotion in the experience of faith. Congregationalists worked very closely with Presbyterians to support the western expansion of the Christian faith, and a Congregational minister in the mid 1800’s was the “The Most Famous Man in American.”
I share more about our Congregational history on the links I highlight throughout this article. Expanded information can also be found on my pastor’s corner our church website at www.redlands.church.
Congregationalists have a wonderful legacy of caring compassion that has shaped American society. For the last century, various Congregational churches have cooperated with one another in shared faith and mission. In our church constitution we affirm a faith statement developed by a forerunner to our present national association. Weekly in worship we declare the first part of this faith statement in modern language. The beginning of the statement proclaims what we believe. The second half of the statement in our constitution declares what we then do, based on our faith. You may like to take some time and read this statement in our constitution.
People in our Redlands community may like to grow in active faith by joining an adult class this fall on Wednesday nights. Dr. Lowell Linden will be offering the second-half of the Bethel Series, beginning an eight-month survey of the New Testament. If you are not taking Dr. Linden’s class, I encourage you to come to Alpha on Wednesday Nights—and invite a friend. This is a ten-week series on what the Bible says about our Purpose for life. Inviting others to come learn with you can be a wonderful way to advance the ministry of our Church into the next generation.
