Frequently Asked Questions
Does PCUCC teach from the bible?
YES, absolutely. Our community generally uses what is called the Revised Common Lectionary. This means each Sunday Congregants are likely to hear from both the Hebrew Bible (commonly referred to as the Old Testament) and the New Testament.
We take the bible seriously rather than literally. The bible has some pretty odd stuff, much of which needs to be interpreted for contemporary life. We honor the entire canonical bible and we ask hard questions about the relevance of certain parts of this 66 book library! (There are 39 Hebrew Bible books and 27 New Testament books.)
What is PCUCC’s strategy for discipleship?
We take an active and engaged approach to discipleship. We ask questions about what our community and the world needs and we aim to proclaim Love (capital L) to all. Jesus came to earth to proclaim liberty to the captives and to metaphorically restore sight to the blind. We acknowledge that all humans have been captive in some sense and so we stand in solidarity with our neighbors, especially those who are most vulnerable. We do not aim to be perfect but we do aim to let all know that no matter their imperfections, God’s love is for them.
But wait, what does discipleship mean at PCUCC?
Discipleship is a broad word which relates to how we reach out to find more ‘fishers of people’ in the world. We believe that any person may be called into God’s love and care to join the effort of naming each human as beloved.
Does PCUCC honor an interfaith approach to Christianity?
YES. Not only does our local church honor Jewish, Hindu, Buddhist and Muslim practices, we aim to see what ways our belief system/s relate to those. Similarly, our umbrella church (called a denomination) also honors interfaith approaches. We also aim to learn and grow with Christians who approach their faith in ways different than ours. In fact, not everyone in our local church agrees on theology! We are an interesting bunch!
What does PCUCC teach from the bible?
First and foremost, we teach that God’s love is always with us, no matter what. Rev Sara and others who teach at PCUCC work very hard to honor the Jewish history of the Christian faith.
What is this church really about?
In short, PCUCC is a Christian community focused on love, justice and peace. We aim to present God’s message of Love to all people we encounter through service, scripture, reflection and music. We are one form of chosen family for many people in the Lakes Region of New Hampshire.
What’s a service like?
Our services are typically between 1 hour and 1 hour and 15 minutes. In some ways our services are traditional. We most often sing sacred hymns, recite the Lord’s prayer, read from the canonical bible each weekend and hear a word of reflection. Rev Sara has a background in competitive sports and coaching (she aims to inspire), comedy (she employs humor), and loves academia (she works to incorporate a diverse range of theological thought outside of her own). We rely on the Holy Spirit to communicate through silence, song, scripture and space. Oh yes, we are very proud of our sanctuary-please come and share the space with us!
Are there opportunities to volunteer or get involved?
Yes! Like all churches, we are a volunteer-run organization. We rely on the generosity of congregants to keep the wheels turning. There are volunteer opportunities in-house and outside the church. We are engaged in feeding programs, we have annual Mission / Service Trips for youth, and we engage in service for our own congregants like singing carols.
Are there opportunities to give to PCUCC?
We invite everyone to get involved with giving at PCUCC. There are ways to give online and also by donating time and energy.
What does UCC mean?
UCC stands for United Church of Christ. In 1957, four different Christian churches came together “so that they could be one.” The United Church of Christ and its constituent traditions have a long history of including those often overlooked in other Christian communities.
It is notable that while our congregational church is a part of the UCC, not all are. By actively deciding to join the UCC, we find ourselves challenged by prophetic voices which bring comfort to those most in need. Some call the UCC a church of spiritual immigrants. The UCC is the broader church (denomination) supporting our local church of PCUCC.
Our local church is a part of the Merrimack Association of the New Hampshire Conference of the United Church of Christ.
Where is the church located?
We are in the center of Plymouth which means parking comes at a premium. If you need mobility assistance prior to your arrival, we encourage you to contact our office and we’ll ensure there is a space for you in our small parking lot. If you are able to walk relatively well, park nearby in a M-F business or rely on street parking. We are at 4 Post Office Square, Plymouth, New Hampshire.