Mission Statement
We come together to celebrate the seasons of Christian life and to welcome diverse people into community. Transformed by the Gospel of Jesus Christ, we covenant as God's instruments to study and practice wisdom and compassion, to encourage the spiritual work of each individual for the sake of the world, and to perform joyfully and humbly acts of kindness and justice.
Statement of Faith
We regard the Church as a Fellowship of those who are seeking, together, to become true followers of Jesus Christ; a Fellowship bound together by a common loyalty to the Kingdom of God and by a common purpose to learn and live the Christian Way. Believing in the mediation of God's will and way to each sincerely seeking soul, and respecting the freedom and responsibility of the individual mind and conscience, we require of those who unite with us no formal creedal commitment. We do require that you covenant to cooperate with us, as best you are able, in the work and worship of the Church, seeking always its peace, its purity and its prosperity, to the end that we may ever more effectively serve the cause of Christ and humanity.
Our Tradition
The United Church of Christ http://www.ucc.org began in 1957 when the Evangelical and Reformed Church and the Congregational Christian Church merged into one. We find our spiritual beginnings much earlier with the Pilgrims of Plymouth Plantation in 1620, the Puritans of the Massachusetts Bay Colony in 1629, and the congregations founded by German settlers in Pennsylvania beginning in 1725. Ours is a tradition descended from courageous reformers who sought freedom from state-sponsored religion, believing that nothing should come between God and the congregation.
In 1959, six families started Pilgrim Congregational Church to serve the Gallatin Valley and Montana State University. Today that number exceeds 260 families and individuals, but the spirit of newness, vitality, and possibility that inspired our founders is still present. In keeping with the Congregational way, we govern ourselves democratically, deciding as a congregation how to structure our church and seeking to include all who wish to worship with us. Pilgrim is an active member of the Western Association of the Montana-Northern Wyoming Conference of the United Church of Christ http://www.mnwc-ucc.org
Our Whole Lives Sexuality Education
"To offer sexuality education in a congregation is to acknowledge that sexuality is simply too important, too beautiful and too potentially dangerous to be ignored in a religious community."
--Rev. Cynthia Breen
Pilgrim Congregational Church and the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Bozeman is offering Our Whole Lives for Grades 1 and 2 and Grades 8 and 9 this year. Our two denominations collaborated to create this age-appropriate comprehensive sexuality education program. Our Whole Lives trained facilitators provide accurate information for families and congregations to support learning about sexuality and healthy decision-making in affirming and positive settings.
This is a wonderful opportunity to support parents in their role as sexuality educators for their children and to encourage youth to learn about sexuality in the supportive environment of our congregations with adults who have been specially trained to provide this education.
Please contact Andrea Semerad or Laura Mentch (587-3690) with questions about Our Whole Lives. Also learn more by visiting the UCC website at http://www.ucc.org/justice/sexuality-education/our-whole-lives.html
Consider Becoming a Member of Pilgrim !
Pilgrim Church, in its Congregational tradition, is an open and affirming faith which welcomes all. The decision to become a member is yet another step in our spiritual journey. Membership brings you closer to the work and worship of the church and also allows you a vote in the business of the congregation.
Inquirer's Meetings are held several times a year for anyone who would like to become a member of our church. These informal sessions provide an opportunity for you to ask any questions you might have about the United Church of Christ while considering a membership commitment.
You may transfer a UCC membership to Pilgrim, or, to become a first-time member, please contact Rev. Glover Wagner or Marilyn Wessel at 587-3690.
Common Cup ~ Exploring the Way
Our Next Series - Coming In Fall 2010
Join us for an alternative spiritual experience at Pilgrim Congregational Church. Delving into timeless practices from around the world, including chant, song, story, and meditation, we will explore together how to become better vessels of both wisdom and compassion. Casual attire. For More Information: 587-3690
