PASTOR'S PAGE
Pastor Karl |
95 CEMETERY ROAD COLCHESTER, CT 06415 Parsonage Phone (860) 267-0480 Church (Canney Hall ) Phone (860) 267-6711 email@westchestercongregationalchurch.com Pastor: The Reverend Karl G. Ostberg Ministers: The Congregation Minister Emeritus: Reverend Fred M. Dole Organist: Mrs. Betty J. Ous "LOOK UP,LAUGH,LOVE AND LIFT"
|
Greetings in the name of the Lord,
Let me take this opportunity to tell you a bit about who we are and what we believe here at the Westchester Congregational Church (WCC).
Following the free church tradition, WCC gathers under the headship of Christ and no other. This means that we are bound to others by love, not law. Therefore, as a free church we manage our own affairs.
In the mid 1950's several congregations and churches merged with the Evangelical and Reformed Churches resulting in what is known today as the United Church of Christ. Churches of the United Church of Christ (UCC) hold progressive or liberal views on social issues, including civil rights, gay rights, women's rights, and abortion. In 2005, the United Church synod endorsed same sex marriage. They are "affirming churches" with diverse, straight and gay church membership.
Other churches and congregations, such as ours, merged into smaller associations that still practice Congregational rule.
As Congregationalists we assert the autonomy of the local congregation. We believe in a covenant of loyalty and mutual edification, emphasizing the importance of discerning God's will while 'gathered' together in Church Meeting.
Although we are a free church we voluntarily fellowship with National Association of Congregational Christian Churches (NACCC) ["By voluntary membership in a National Association of free churches, a local church can join in efforts one church could not undertake by itself and experience the fellowship of kindred minds in a nationwide body of churches, while maintaining full control of its own affairs."]
In the Gospel according to John we read that "God is spirit, and they that worship him must worship in Spirit and in truth." Quite clearly the Bible tells us to "not forsake the fellowship of yourselves." So, let me take this opportunity and invite you to be a part of what God is doing among us here at Westchester Congregational Church. Much as the breeze continually blows upon our little white church on the hill, so the wind of the Holy Spirit is blowing among us, igniting our hearts with a renewed zeal and passion for serving and worshiping Him... and drawing our hearts ever closer to one another.
All are welcome to come and worship with us at 10:00 A.M. Sunday mornings as we gather together to Praise and Worship God; and bring the family - we love children.
I pray for the privilege of worshiping with you Sunday Mornings.... Let's gather together to worship Him... and to draw closer to each other.
Pastor Karl