What We Believe

Central St Matthew UCC is an inclusive church that values both the inner life of prayer and the spiritual journey as well at the outer life of expressing God’s love in our local community. Within our community, we offer opportunity for friendships to grow, knowledge of God to increase, and love to abound.

If we had to sum up our mission and ministry, we would say, “We care!” We care about one another, we care about our community, and we care about the world in which we live. Come join us in a community of caring.

Open and Inclusive

Central St Matthew is an open and inclusive congregation. This means that we welcome into full membership persons of every race, language, age, gender, sexual orientation, physical or mental ability, and economic level. We recognize, celebrate, and give thanks for the many diverse gifts of God among us. We hold that discrimination is incompatible with the gospel of Jesus Christ. We commit ourselves to work diligently to end all oppression and discrimination which afflict God’s people in our society. At Central St. Matthew we affirm that all relationships are founded upon the principles of God’s love and justice.

I’ve not felt welcome at other churches…

Maybe you’re: Divorced, single, single parent, LGBTQQIA, empty nester, married with kids, married without kids, not rich, not poor, black, white, Asian, First Nation, biracial, multi-racial, mobility impaired, dealing with mental health issues, tattooed, have a funny haircut, a local, a transplant, raised in a different faith, questioning God, doubting your faith, perfect, angry, happy, sad, lonely, a mime, in recovery, an ex-con, broken, uncertain, skinny, overweight, a college student, a tourist, returning home - - have we gotten to you yet?

Unfortunately, many, many people have felt unwelcome or uncomfortable at other churches. As fellow Christians, we are sorry that happened to you. We strive to make this congregation as open, inclusive, and accepting as possible. Give us a chance (or two), and we’ll do our best to make you feel welcome.