About Us
Pioneer Congregational United Church of Christ is a Pioneer Church. It was the first protestant church founded in Sacramento in 1849. Since the Gold Rush days, we have welcomed people from all walks of life.
Our members hold a great diversity of beliefs. We find that unity in Jesus Christ and our differences add to the richness and strength of our life together. We proclaim the love of Jesus Christ, the compassion that his love serves, and the humanity his love seeks to embrace.
“A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.”
John 13:34
Open and Affirming
Pioneer is an Open and Affirming congregation. We welcome all persons and their families into full membership and participation in our church of every race, language, age, gender, sexual orientation, physical and mental ability, economic status, and personal opinion. We also reaffirm that LGBTQ+ persons are welcomed within our community and are expected and encouraged to fully share their talents and gifts in the congregation's life.
About the
United Church of Christ
Our nationwide denomination is a union that occurred in 1957 joining the Congregational and Christian Church with the Evangelical and Reformed Church. Our roots date back to the Protestant Reformation, so we are truly a pilgrim and pioneering people. The UCC is also in partnership with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), the Presbyterian Church (PCUSA), the Evangelical Lutheran Church (ELCA), and the Reformed Church in America to enhance our ministries in Christ’s name.
Our faith is 2,000 years old. Our thinking is not.
We believe in God’s continuing testament. This is why we are committed to hearing God’s ancient story anew and afresh in our lives and in the world today. We try to remain attentive to God’s creative movement in the world. Religion and science are not mutually exclusive, and your head and heart are both welcomed into our places of worship. We prepare our members and leaders to be engaged in ministry in the present and future church, and we embrace all kinds of communities and new modes of thinking. Why? Because God is still speaking,
No matter who you are or where you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here.
We believe 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. Our congregations 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. Why? Because God is still speaking,
Never place a period where God has placed a comma.
We believe the church’s mission is to change lives — individually, systemically and globally. We work to make transformation possible, but trust in God’s grace. This is why we insist that churches must be places of vitality in worship, learning and advocacy. We are committed to working for justice, and we believe that lives are changed through global experiences and friendships. Why? Because God is still speaking,
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