For Immediate Release
Contact:
Community United Church of Christ
(650) 593-7809
Extensive Media package available at: www.uccsc.org
Press Interviews with Bill Johnson available;
Contact Pastor Rolf Hansen
SAN CARLOS CHURCH WELL KNOWN AS A CHANGE AGENT
San Carlos, CA ~ During the weekend of June 9-10, the Community United Church of Christ is hosting a 35th anniversary celebration of the ordination of the first openly gay clergyperson in Christian history. Back in 1972, the Church sponsored 26 year old Bill Johnson for ordination into the UCC ministry. The event made world-wide headlines and resulted in heated discussion within the church and city. Ultimately after hours of discussion and debate, the UCC regional leadership agreed to accept the sponsorship. Bill Johnson has gone on to serve 35+ years in the UCC ministry in various national positions, currently serving as Vice President of Member Relations for the UCC Council of Health and Human Service Ministries in Cleveland, Ohio.
“Sponsoring the ordination of Bill Johnson is perhaps one of the more controversial things that we have done as a congregation”, notes Siv Nickerson, the Church’s current moderator, “but it is by no means the only bold thing that we have done in this community.”
NOW AN OPEN & AFFIRMING CHURCH
In June 2006, the congregation took the final step in the process by voting to become an “Open and Affirming” (ONA) Church, the second church in San Carlos to be designated as such. The central affirmation of an ONA congregation is that people of all sexual orientations are welcome in the full life and ministry of the church. The 35th Anniversary Celebration of Bill Johnson’s Ordination on June 9-10 is the Church’s first community event as an Open & Affirming Church.
CREATED CHILD CARE CENTER IN 1981
As early as 1980, the church’s leaders realized that there was a significant shortage of affordable child care in the community. It quickly garnered its resources, converted the ground floor of its church building, and in 1981 opened “The Children’s Place”, one of the first licensed child care centers in San Carlos. “Today, 25 years later, The Children’s Place thrives as one of the larger child care centers in the city, serving 36 children a day and 45 families”, notes Lisa Rinaldi, the Center’s current Executive Director. “Quality, affordability and accessibility are core qualities that resonate with today’s parents, just as they did when it first opened. Community UCC has maintained a close relationship with the Center by serving on the Board of Directors and assuring that the classrooms and play areas are maintained.”
MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN THE COMMUNITY
The Church’s 75 year tradition of direct service & outreach includes UCC regional, national and international efforts for social and environmental change. It has also undertaken a number of local outreach efforts to help individuals and communities in need. Community United Church of Christ is the proud home of Peninsula Interfaith Action (PIA), a network of churches and faith-based organizations in San Mateo County that advocate for social and economic change. The campus hosts a myriad of community-based organizations and meetings including the Mental Health Association’s friendship circles, AA, Al-anon and the Boy Scouts.
More recently, it has purchased English and Spanish language Bibles for the new Youth Services Center (Hillcrest), school backpacks and supplies for Hurricane Katrina children, and sponsored monthly and seasonal canned food drives for Second Harvest. It has extended the faith community by offering places for worship for two smaller congregations with similar progressive Christian values – Chalice Church (Disciples of Christ), and Recalling Spirits (inter-faith congregation).
“We have built a solid foundation for making a difference in our community. New ideas and fresh approaches that confront the social and environmental inequalities around us inspire us to action! noted Hansen. “For example, several of our younger church members have expressed an interest in “greening” our buildings, becoming more energy efficient, and sponsoring community-wide efforts to do so. It’s exciting to consider the possibilities and we welcome individuals to join us and get involved.”
“As a progressive
Christian church, we want to be the spiritual home of progressive thinkers and
doers in this City,” continued Nickerson.
“We have solid credentials and a great resume of experience. We’ve been faithfully serving San Carlos for
over 75 years, and expect to be here at least another 75 years, in good part
because of our unique blend of celebrating faith AND fellowship that is focused on making this a better world for
all.”
The United Church of
Christ is a progressive Christian denomination that seeks to be Multiracial Multicultural,
Open and Affirming, and Accessible
to All - a church where
everyone is welcome.
The Church is located 1336 Arroyo Ave in San Carlos. It is the oldest protestant congregation in
San Carlos, founded in 1928. For more information about the Community
United Church of Christ in San Carlos, visit the website: