ABOUT US

Our Identity Statement

Pilgrim Church, United Church of Christ, has a long tradition of listening for and responding to God’s call for justice and peace in our community, the Birmingham area and the world at large. We seek to listen for and respond to God’s call in a variety of settings: communal worship, education opportunities, committee meetings, theological dialogue and ministry with the marginalized, oppressed and “least of these” to whom Jesus referred. We seek to live with integrity the invitation issued by our United Church of Christ denomination which states: “Whoever you are, wherever you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here.”

We Are An Open and Affirming Church

“Open and Affirming” (ONA) is a phrase chosen by the United Church of Christ to signify those congregations who have chosen through congregational study, discernment and vote to embrace persons who are gay, lesbian, bi-sexual or transgendered as full members of the congregation. Pilgrim is such a congregation. In a time when some mainline Christian denominations continue to struggle about who can and cannot be a member of the church, Pilgrim is glad to stand among those who seek to welcome all persons who wish to be members of our congregation.

Pilgrim Church UCC is an open and affirming church.

MISSION STATEMENT

Pilgrim Congregational Church is a small, energetic, theologically diverse Christian community where you can know others, and you can be known by name.

Individually, we have differences in background and differences of theology, but share a common respect for each other and a desire to serve others.

We are independent thinkers who understand that God does not have the same form for every person though it is the same God.

We study scriptures to both understand past interpretations and to find new insights and help for living today.

Rooted in the Congregational tradition, we are members of the UCC, a denomination which brings together those who are passionate in their impulse to unity and committed to the liberty of conscience inherent in the Gospel.