"No matter who you are or where you are on life's journey, you're welcome here." (The United Church of Christ)
At First Congregational Church of North Berwick, we strive to live up to that slogan. We desire to be a place and a people who welcome everyone with open hearts, open minds and open arms. Here you will find a warm welcome and a safe environment. We invite you to grow in faith and service with us.
First Congregational Church serves North Berwick, Maine, and the surrounding area. We are a congregational church: The members of the Church govern its affairs. Leadership is provided by our Pastor and a Church Council, which is elected by the congregation. Membership is open to all who agree to our Church Covenant (below).
Our History
The First Congregational Church of North Berwick was organized in 1839 as the Free Will Baptist Church of Doughty Falls. In 1920, the church united with the Congregational Conference of Maine and adopted its present name. Later, the Congregational Conference merged with other denominations to form the United Church of Christ.
We are affiliated with the United Church of Christ, its Maine Conference, and the York Association.
Our Church Covenant
“We confess our faith in God, our Heavenly Father, and our reverent love for Jesus Christ our Savior, and our willingness to be guided by the Holy Spirit. We promise, as members of this Church to walk together as Christian brethren, obedient to the teaching of the Holy Scriptures, and to submit to the government and discipline of this Church until we are regularly dismissed therefrom. And this we will do for the glory of God, for the good of our fellow men, and for mutual growth in Christian grace, seeking to do all in faith, fellowship and service in the Spirit of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”
What We Believe
We believe the Bible is the Word of God and uphold the historic Christian faith as expressed in the Apostles Creed:
I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord. He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again. He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
We held a series of forums on Congregational Vitality in the Fall of 2007 and affirmed these values:
1) We value our heritage of freedom of conscience in matters of faith and desire to welcome people of diverse backgrounds and viewpoints.
2) We value hospitality and seek to offer people the love of Christ, sincere friendship and genuine acceptance.
3) We value an uplifting worship experience and seek to offer people hope through prayer and the positive message of the Bible.
4) We value beauty and seek to enrich life through music, visual arts, and nature.
5) We value children and youth, and desire to help families of various structures in providing a solid foundation for life through Christian formation.
6) We value relationships and strive to be caring, consistent and supportive towards one another.
7) We value engagement and support missions and ministries of benevolence, justice and peace, locally and globally.
