I've heard that UCC Norwell an open and affirming church - what does that mean?

The United Church of Christ and, therefore UCC Norwell, is an open and affirming church, which means we welcome all people regardless of status, ethnic background, age, sexual orientation, nationality, marital status or physical or mental ability.

View the National UCC television ad on YouTube.

At UCC Norwell, we invite you to come as you are... and discover who you can be.

What do Congregationalists believe?

The United Church of Christ embraces a theological heritage that affirms the Bible as the authoritative witness to the Word of God, the creeds of the ecumenical councils, and the confessions of the Reformation. The UCC has roots in the "covenantal" tradition—meaning there is no centralized authority or hierarchy that can impose any doctrine or form of worship on its members. Christ alone is Head of the church. We seek a balance between freedom of conscience and accountability to the apostolic faith. The UCC therefore receives the historic creeds and confessions of our ancestors as testimonies, but not tests of the faith.

The United Church of Christ was formed June 25, 1957 by the union of the Evangelical and Reformed Church and The General Council of the Congregational Christian Churches of the United States in order to express more fully the oneness in Christ of the churches composing it, to make more effective their common witness in Him, and to serve His kingdom in the world, hereby adopts this Constitution.

The United Church of Christ acknowledges as its sole Head, Jesus Christ, Son of God and Savior. It acknowledges as kindred in Christ all who share in this confession. It looks to the Word of God in the Scriptures, and to the presence and power of the Holy Spirit, to prosper its creative and redemptive work in the world. It claims as its own the faith of the historic Church expressed in the ancient creeds and reclaimed in the basic insights of the Protestant Reformers. It affirms the responsibility of the Church in each generation to make this faith its own in reality of worship, in honesty of thought and expression, and in purity of heart before God. In accordance with the teaching of our Lord and the practice prevailing among evangelical Christians, it recognizes two sacraments: Baptism and the Lord's Supper or Holy Communion.

Read more about our faith on the UCC National Website and the About Us section of our website.

How do I become a member of UCC Norwell?

Each fall we hold our Inquirers’ Classes, which is a 3-part series of classes to help interested people become fully familiar with UCC Norwell -- our history, our beliefs, our mission and outreach, our church school for all ages program, our wealth of ministry teams, youth groups, and much, much more. It also includes one evening social get-together for those in the Inquirers’ group to get to know each other better. On “New Members Sunday,” the members join the church during our worship service.

If you are interested in joining, or just have questions, contact us.

What if my child has special needs or difficulty with transitions?

UCC Norwell is a church for all God’s people. We recognize that some children need a little more assistance in the classroom setting, so the church school ministry team has created a Special Buddy Program. For more information, please contact us and we'll put you in touch with the church school ministry team.

How do I get on the mailing list for your newsletter?

UCC Norwell's "Tidings" newsletter can be sent to you by regular mail or by email in a “pdf” format. Contact us and let us know which way you would like to receive it.

The church office also maintains an “all-church announcement” e-mail list. This list is used by the church office only to send occasional announcements; all members’ emails are kept private. If you would like your email added to this list, contact the church office.

I’ve heard about a group called New Beginnings at your church. What is that?
New Beginnings is a singles self-help support group dedicated to assisting single adults cope with the emotional, intellectual and spiritual aspects of single or single-again life. The group has been meeting since 1986. There are small break-out groups for different situations, whether you are newly separated or divorced, divorced for a number of years, or are a widow or widower. Regardless of faith, everyone is welcome.

Check the New Beginnings meeting times on our Church Calendar. You do not need to let anyone know ahead of time that you are coming – just show up! There will be greeters at the doors to help direct you.

The main entrance (and parking) is in the back of the church; there is also handicapped parking in the front of the church. Click here for directions.

New Beginnings is supported through free-will offerings and a $40 annual membership fee (not required until after 60 days, once you are feeling like this is the place for you). The fees help to defray the costs of programs, refreshments, and our monthly newsletter. Please note that this is not a singles dating club.

If you still have questions, you may leave a message on the New Beginnings phone recorder and someone will return your call within a day or so: 781-659-1857.

I've heard about a preschool called the New Nursery. How do I enroll my child?

The New Nursery School operates in the lower level of our church Monday through Friday, 9:00-2:45 (September through May, following the Norwell Schools calendar). You may speak with Joan Aigen, the director, or Joanna Chicko for more information, 781-659-2535.

How large is the UCC denomination?

The United Church of Christ has 1.2 million members in 5600 congregations nationally, about 400 of them in Massachusetts. It was founded in 1957 through a merger of four Christian denominations, but its predecessors extend back in history to the first churches founded by the Pilgrims. One of the UCC's distinguishing characteristics is the belief "God is still speaking," which has often put it on the forefront of movements to fully include people of every race, gender, and orientation.