Worship Services

No matter who you are or what your story is, we'd love to have you join us for transformative worship every Sunday at 10 AM.

Progressive Theology

By calling ourselves progressive Christians, we mean we are Christians who…

1. Believe that following the path of the teacher Jesus can lead to healing and wholeness, a personal connection to “God,” as well as an awareness and experience of not only the Sacred, but the Oneness and Unity of all life;

2. Open to the idea that the teachings of Jesus provide but one of many ways to experience the Sacredness, Oneness and Unity of life, and that we can draw from diverse sources of wisdom, including Earth, in our spiritual journey. That said, we follow the way of Jesus.

3. Seek and create community that is inclusive of ALL people, including but not limited to:
Conventional Christians and questioning skeptics,
Believers and agnostics,
Women and men,
Those of all races, cultures, and nationalities
Those of all sexual orientations and all gender identities,
Those of all classes and abilities;
All creatures and plant life;

4. Know that the way we behave towards one another and Earth is the fullest expression of what we believe, therefore we vow to walk as Jesus might have walked in this world with radical compassion, inclusion, and bravery to confront and positively change the injustices we experience as well as those we see others experiencing;

5. Find grace in the search for understanding and believe there is more value in questioning with an open mind and open heart, than in absolutes or dogma;

6. Work toward peace and justice among all people and all life on Earth;

7. Protect and restore the integrity of our Earth and all of Creation;

8. Commit to a path of life-long learning, compassion, and selfless love on this journey toward a personally authentic and meaningful faith.

adapted from Progressive Christianity.org

What to expect when you visit

Our services begin with a moment to enter into worship – perhaps a poem, a choir piece, or a short meditation – helping us step away from daily busyness. The congregation and choir stand to sing hymns, found in the bulletin and hymnals in the pews. We sing a mix of old and new songs each week.

Near the end of the service, an offering is received to support the church’s work, with occasional special collections. Giving is always optional, and some contribute monthly or in other ways. Envelopes are in the seatback if you’d like to use them.

Services last about an hour. After the benediction, the pianist plays while people either sit quietly or greet neighbors. Please join us for coffee and conversation through the door to the right of the pulpit, or simply head out to enjoy your day. Communion is celebrated every other month, with clear guidance given each time, and all are welcome to participate. Dress is casual – wear whatever makes you comfortable.

Children of all ages are welcome. We know parents hear their kids’ noise more than anyone else does, so try to relax. Supplies for little ones are at a table in the back. Younger children may enjoy the nursery downstairs, while grades 1–6 often leave mid-service for an activity upstairs.

What we believe

Belief in God is really what brings us all here. We don’t expect one another to think the same thing when we say the word “God,” but we do believe God is something which is bigger, which is mysterious/magical and which is universal, and we believe that with this God, life is richer, more complete and creative.

We also come together to learn from the example of Jesus. In his time, people followed Jesus because his radical ideas about freedom, love, peace and justice helped them reframe their fundamental experience as humans. Interestingly, their closeness to him helped them feel closer to God. Today, stories about Jesus act as a window that allows us to see God in a clearer and surprisingly relevant way.

Our worship patterns are based upon the reformed tradition, though we are not bound to any book of worship. We do not believe that our traditions are forms meant to be blindly followed. Our traditions instead reflect our forebearers’ witnesses to that experience of Jesus we still find today.

We believe that God is “still speaking.” We come together to hear God whisper in our hearts. We come together to learn and to understand. And when worship comes to an end, we hope to take our understanding and compassion with us and share it.

Is everyone welcome?

Yes, we welcome everyone to join us in seeking God's transforming grace and fostering right relationships.

Can I visit anytime?

Absolutely! Feel free to stop by anytime to connect with our us. Call or email or just drop in.

Worship Location

Join us at the Waterbury Congregational Church, where we aim to foster right and flourishing relationships for all creation.

Location

8 North Main St.
Waterbury, VT 05676

Hours

Sundays at 10am