ARE YOU NEW TO UCC?
We are the church of the "extravagant welcome!" What does that mean? It means that no matter where you are on your life's journey, no matter your race, age, sexual orientation, economic status, nationality, or previous church affiliation, you will be warmly welcomed when you come to church here!
wHAT WE BELIEVE
We believe in God, the Eternal Spirit: Creator resurrected Christ and the Holy Spirit.
We believe that each person is unique and valuable.
We believe that each person is on a spiritual journey and each of us is at a different stage in the journey.
We believe that the persistent search for God produces an authentic relationship
We believe that each person is unique and valuable.
We believe that each person is on a spiritual journey and each of us is at a different stage in the journey.
We believe that the persistent search for God produces an authentic relationship
We would like to welcome you to our church! Here's some information that may assist you if you are visiting for the first time:
1. When are your worship services?
We have Sunday morning worship each week at 9:45am. Announcements begin at 9:30 am, so get here in time to hear about all the events happening at our church! See our full schedule of events on our Calendar page. A greeter and an usher will help you find your way when you arrive or answer any questions you may have. If you enjoy a discussion and learning more, we do offer Adult Sunday School from 8:30 am to 9:30 am on various Sundays (check calendar for dates). You'll still have time for coffee before service!
2. Do you offer refreshments on Sunday?
We do! Each Sunday, members of our hospitality committee offer coffee and baked goods to the congregation following worship. This is a great opportunity to meet fellow attendees and learn more about the church on a casual basis.
3. When do you offer Communion?
Communion is celebrated on the first Sunday of each month. Most Sundays we serve communion by intinction - participants are asked to come to the front of the church to break off a piece of bread and dip it into a chalice before eating. For those who are unable to walk to the front of the church, communion is served to them at their seat. On special occasions and during the winter months, we serve communion by passing individual plates of bread and cups of grape juice to the congregation in their seats. Gluten free bread is available to those who need it. The table is open to all.
4. Where are you located?
United Church of Christ at The Villages is located on County Road 101, about one mile off of 466 in The Villages, Florida. See our map in the "About Us" section. We are accessible to street ready golf carts only, but should you need shuttle service from one of the shopping centers on 101 that are golf cart accessible, please contact our office in advance. Our office is open Monday-Friday, 9 am-1 pm. Phone: 352-748-9199,
5. Do you have ample parking?
Yes! We have plenty of room in the parking lot that sits in front of our church building. Handicapped parking is offered on the side of the church building at the left and there is a side door for easy access to the church.
6. What do I wear?
You can wear whatever you feel comfortable wearing....anything from jeans to dresses or suits. We welcome you "just as you are".
7. Are you a "gay" church?
We are a "people" church, welcoming people of every age, race, nationality, sexual orientation, economic status, etc. We are "open and affirming". What does that mean? Here is the definition from our denomination: "Reflecting the Open and Affirming action of the General Synod (1985) and the Transgender action of the General Synod (2003), to say that a setting of the UCC (a local church, campus ministry, etc.) is "Open and Affirming" means that it has publicly and specifically declared that those of all "sexual orientations, gender identities, and gender expressions" (or "lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender" people) are welcome in the full life and ministry (e.g. membership, leadership, employment, etc.). It bespeaks a spirit of hospitality and a willingness to live out that welcome in meaningful ways." (www.ucc.org) See "Our Covenant and Beliefs"
8. Do you welcome children to UCC at The Villages?
Children are always welcome at UCC! We have coloring books and crayons for the younger attendees. Families with infants can enjoy a nursery with window looking out on the worship service should they need the use of those facilities. Currently, there are no formal educational programs for children.
9. Are you affiliated with a national denomination?
Yes, we are part of the United Church of Christ denomination. Check out the link to the national UCC website on our front page or click here. For a general history of our denomination, click here.
9. How can I find out more about United Church of Christ at The Villages? How do I join?
Each month, our Pastor holds a "Come and Consider" class for those interested in our ministry and mission. This class is great for potential members and those who just want to know more! The class covers the history of UCC, where we are going today, and what it means to be a member of UCC. Please contact our church office for dates and times of the class if you would like to attend. (Contact Us)
1. When are your worship services?
We have Sunday morning worship each week at 9:45am. Announcements begin at 9:30 am, so get here in time to hear about all the events happening at our church! See our full schedule of events on our Calendar page. A greeter and an usher will help you find your way when you arrive or answer any questions you may have. If you enjoy a discussion and learning more, we do offer Adult Sunday School from 8:30 am to 9:30 am on various Sundays (check calendar for dates). You'll still have time for coffee before service!
2. Do you offer refreshments on Sunday?
We do! Each Sunday, members of our hospitality committee offer coffee and baked goods to the congregation following worship. This is a great opportunity to meet fellow attendees and learn more about the church on a casual basis.
3. When do you offer Communion?
Communion is celebrated on the first Sunday of each month. Most Sundays we serve communion by intinction - participants are asked to come to the front of the church to break off a piece of bread and dip it into a chalice before eating. For those who are unable to walk to the front of the church, communion is served to them at their seat. On special occasions and during the winter months, we serve communion by passing individual plates of bread and cups of grape juice to the congregation in their seats. Gluten free bread is available to those who need it. The table is open to all.
4. Where are you located?
United Church of Christ at The Villages is located on County Road 101, about one mile off of 466 in The Villages, Florida. See our map in the "About Us" section. We are accessible to street ready golf carts only, but should you need shuttle service from one of the shopping centers on 101 that are golf cart accessible, please contact our office in advance. Our office is open Monday-Friday, 9 am-1 pm. Phone: 352-748-9199,
5. Do you have ample parking?
Yes! We have plenty of room in the parking lot that sits in front of our church building. Handicapped parking is offered on the side of the church building at the left and there is a side door for easy access to the church.
6. What do I wear?
You can wear whatever you feel comfortable wearing....anything from jeans to dresses or suits. We welcome you "just as you are".
7. Are you a "gay" church?
We are a "people" church, welcoming people of every age, race, nationality, sexual orientation, economic status, etc. We are "open and affirming". What does that mean? Here is the definition from our denomination: "Reflecting the Open and Affirming action of the General Synod (1985) and the Transgender action of the General Synod (2003), to say that a setting of the UCC (a local church, campus ministry, etc.) is "Open and Affirming" means that it has publicly and specifically declared that those of all "sexual orientations, gender identities, and gender expressions" (or "lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender" people) are welcome in the full life and ministry (e.g. membership, leadership, employment, etc.). It bespeaks a spirit of hospitality and a willingness to live out that welcome in meaningful ways." (www.ucc.org) See "Our Covenant and Beliefs"
8. Do you welcome children to UCC at The Villages?
Children are always welcome at UCC! We have coloring books and crayons for the younger attendees. Families with infants can enjoy a nursery with window looking out on the worship service should they need the use of those facilities. Currently, there are no formal educational programs for children.
9. Are you affiliated with a national denomination?
Yes, we are part of the United Church of Christ denomination. Check out the link to the national UCC website on our front page or click here. For a general history of our denomination, click here.
9. How can I find out more about United Church of Christ at The Villages? How do I join?
Each month, our Pastor holds a "Come and Consider" class for those interested in our ministry and mission. This class is great for potential members and those who just want to know more! The class covers the history of UCC, where we are going today, and what it means to be a member of UCC. Please contact our church office for dates and times of the class if you would like to attend. (Contact Us)
The 3 Loves of the UCC
“…and the greatest of these is love.” 1 Corinthians 13:13
The 3 Great Loves of the UCC
What are they?
1. Love of Neighbor - love your neighbor as yourself - ALL people are your neighbor
2. Love of Children - care for children with support and love
3. Love of Creation - take care of the planet earth, our God-given home
Here is a song that describes how our church feels about the 3 Loves! Click here for video
Click here to see our 3 Loves Binder of information!
The 3 Great Loves of the UCC
What are they?
1. Love of Neighbor - love your neighbor as yourself - ALL people are your neighbor
2. Love of Children - care for children with support and love
3. Love of Creation - take care of the planet earth, our God-given home
Here is a song that describes how our church feels about the 3 Loves! Click here for video
Click here to see our 3 Loves Binder of information!
