WEST PARISH CHURCH 

 United Church of Christ 

ABOUT WEST PARISH CHURCH

A LITTLE ABOUT US

Since 1826, when West Parish Church was founded to serve the farmers on the west side of Andover, we have been a down-to-earth and accepting community.

 

We have great diversity in our faith, but are bound together by our open and honest search for meaning. 

 

 There is nothing that you must believe to be part of West Parish: we have no test of faith and no creed. Instead, we are united in our common search for God, for how we might follow Jesus, and how to live lives of meaning and courage.

WHO YOU'LL MEET HERE

JILL

"West Parish Church is where I am inspired to be my best self."

JIM

"Being an active member of West Parish gives me the opportunity to share my some of my gifts, my talents, in a meaningful way  –  and in a way that feeds my soul: Singing, playing the guitar, working with the youth, even leading a service now and then."

KATHY

"West Parish is my place of peace, my church home, being present with the spirit and surrounded by an amazing church family."

WHO WE ARE

WE ARE A THEOLOGICALLY PROGRESSIVE, PROTESTANT CHURCH, WHERE ALL ARE WELCOME TO LEARN, GROW, SEEK AND BUILD A BETTER WORLD.

OUR VISION

We are committed to bringing about Jesus' vision of compassion, justice and peace.   

 

Empowered by the Spirit, we strive to live our faith in service to one another, our neighbors and the world.

Since 2003 we have been an Open and Affirming congregation – a designation in the United Church of Christ that we welcome everyone regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, socioeconomic status, race, age, ethnicity, country of origin or ability. We are all children of God!   

 

At West Parish we strive to love one another as God loves us, and practice the radical hospitality of Jesus. So you and your family are welcome – no matter what!

 

  Everyone is welcome and loved

  Our worship blends tradition with innovation

  Kids are central!

  We work for justice and peace

  We take the Bible seriously, not literally 

WE BELIEVE

THAT GOD LOVES ALL PEOPLE

We believe that we are called to love one another as God loves us. We welcome all people of faith, or in search of faith, without regard to age, marital status, race, national origin, gender, economic condition, physical or mental challenge or sexual orientation.

 

IN EARTH STEWARDSHIP

We accept our responsibility to be Stewards of the Earth and the People, who live on the Earth. We pledge ourselves to act accordingly to help preserve God's Creation. 

 

Specifically, we will strive to

    •  Worship in ways that celebrate and foster care for Creation

    •  Educate adults and children in ecological issues and sustainable practice

    •  Green our buildings and grounds

    •  Promote Earth-friendly lifestyles at home and at work

    •  Advocate and support caring for the environment in our community and the world

 

IN EXTRAVAGANT WELCOME

West Parish is a member of the United Church of Christ (UCC), a community of faith that believes in extravagant welcome. This is why we insist that God's communion table is open, not closed, and God's gift and claim in baptism are irrevocable.  We advocate justice for all. We extend hospitality as a sign of God's inclusive love. We teach that evangelism — offering bread to those in search of it — is God's mission. Our perspective is global, not provincial.  We work with — not against — people of other faiths

 

THAT WE ARE EACH ON OUR OWN JOURNEY

You'll find that people at West Parish have a wide range of religious beliefs, and we are all accepted, no matter where we are on life's journey.

We have no creed, and there is no test of faith. There is nothing that you must believe to be part of our community. If you want to seek God, find meaning and community, and follow Jesus' ways of compassion and justice, then you are welcome!