What We BelievE
We believe that the Church is a gathered community of people seeking to respond to God’s love, informed by the life and teachings of Jesus Christ and guided by the Holy Spirit.
Still Speaking God,
We believe that Christ-centered living is formed by the ways people worship, study, and nurture each other.
We submit ourselves in prayer and worship to God and celebrate with grateful ears God's grace and forgiveness at work in the world.
We seek spiritual growth in our life through study.
We express the inclusive hospitality of Jesus Christ by welcoming all into fellowship.
We are called to serve others, advocating for those most in need as we strive to create a more just and peaceful world.
Living God
Our UCC denomination is curious and discerns, that questions and audits itself and how it perpetuates and interacts in a “just world for all”. It draws us into the world with a message of healing, transformation, wholeness and hope.
We believe that the Church is a gathered community of people seeking to respond to God's love, informed by the life and teachings of Jesus Christ and guided by the Holy Spirit.
This particular community of faith known as First Congregational United Church of Christ has been organized to enable its members to discover God's will, receive and give support and to reach out in mission to the community and the world.
Sacred Community
This is a church that believes community is a sacrament; a sacred thing, precious, worth investing in, caring for, fighting for, making space for, holding in sorrow and in joy and celebration.
We strive to create a place for community and spiritual life, rich with spiritual practices and worship, a place of connection and belonging, a broad space for community life and conduct, a place of healing and celebration, a place of personal and social transformation, a sanctuary.
Radical Hospitality & Generosity
Speaking with a strong voice, we advocate for issues like the Non-Discrimination Ordinance, homelessness, Native American support and accompaniment, food and social justice.
We reach out, cross lines, and stand firm against injustice.
We believe all are welcome to the table. We fight for diversity, family and community, we welcome the poor, the oppressed, the marginalized, advocating and taking action.
Covenants
Reconciliation
We recognize that this church sits on the unceded, sacred homelands of Crow, N. Cheyenne, Lakota Nakota Sioux and Blackfeet people. This land is part of the Elk River watershed. We honor the people of this land and the many generations that came before us. We repent of the violence and genocide perpetuated against indigenous people everywhere in the name of the Church. May that lead us to right action and may that lead us to worship in humility, responsibility, and grace.
Open & Affirming
No matter who you are or where you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here.
We seek to fully embody Christ's extravagant affirmation, supporting and advocating for all God's beloved children. We celebrate the diversity of God's creation in our church and community: lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, nonbinary, two-spirit. We believe LGBTQ+ individuals and their families deserve welcome and safety, both in body and in spirit.
A WISE Congregation for Mental Health
Welcoming. Inclusive. Supportive. Engaged.
We are graced by the gifts, stories, and experiences of all our members, including those living with mental health challenges such as, but not limited to, stress, depression, anxiety, mental illnesses, brain disorders, addictions, and trauma. We acknowledge the stigma, trauma, and pain that can be associated with mental health challenges as well as validate that religious institutions and groups have caused and/or contributed to throughout history. We care about the whole person: body, heart, mind, and soul. We commit to becoming a congregation who isn’t afraid to speak about mental health challenges, care for ourselves, our staff, and our congregation, and our wider community with non-judgement and love.
Sacraments
Baptism
An outward and visible sign of the grace of God.
We believe that all of the baptized ‘belong body and soul to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.’ No matter who – no matter what – no matter where we are on life’s journey – notwithstanding race, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, class or creed – we all belong to God and to one worldwide community of faith. All persons baptized – past, present and future – are connected to each other and to God through the sacrament of baptism. We baptize during worship when the community is present because baptism includes the community’s promise of ‘love, support and care’ for the baptized – and we promise that we won’t take it back – no matter where your journey leads you.
Communion
This table is not our table, but Christ's table.
We believe that all people of faith are invited to join Christ at Christ’s table for the sacrament of Communion. Just as many grains of wheat are gathered to make one loaf of bread and many grapes are gathered to make one cup of wine, we, the many people of God, are made one in the body of Christ, the church. The breaking of bread and the pouring of wine reminds us of the costliness of Christ’s sacrifice and the discipleship to which we are all called. In the breaking of bread, we remember and celebrate Christ’s presence among us along with a ‘cloud of witnesses’ – our ancestors, family and friends who have gone before us. It is a great mystery; we claim it by faith.
The Local Church
Polity
We are a proud member of the Montana–Northern Wyoming Conference of the United Church of Christ. As part of our Congregational heritage, the governance of this local church is vested in its members who exercise the right of control in all of its affairs.
Heritage
“First Church” was one of the original four Congregational churches planted in Montana by the American Home Missionary Society in 1882. Through the Congregational Christian Churches (CCC), we came into the UCC via the denominational merger in 1957. Historically a church deeply influenced the Social Gospel, we draw inspiration from our past as we move boldly into the future.
Billings First Congregational Church
Est. 1882