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The Rev. Thomas R. Uphaus was ordained into the ministry of the United Church of Christ in June of 1972. He was called to Clinton UCC in the Fall of 2001. Rev. Uphaus previously served churches in Romeo and Port Huron, Michigan and Rochester, Minnesota. He is a graduate of Manchester High School (Manchester, MI), Elmhurst College (Elmhurst, IL), and Eden Theological Seminary (Webster Groves, MO.) He and his wife, Charmaine, live in the historic parsonage by the church in Clinton. (e-mail address: tuphaus@verizon.net) |
This is a brief introduction to who we are and what we are about as the United Church of Christ in Clinton. We are honored by the presence of visitors and hope that you will always feel welcome just as you are. Bring your hopes and frustrations, joys and sorrows, and together we will seek the presence of Christ — even as we are sought by Him. As we gather for worship, fellowship, and service, may we all be led to walk in the way of our Lord.
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The United Church of Christ -Congregational traces its roots to 1843 when a few members withdrew from the Presbyterian Church, drew up a covenant and were chartered as the First Congregational Church of Clinton. The first meeting place was the district school house on Clinton Street where the water tower now stands. A new church building was completed in 1844 and continues to serve as the gathering place for the congregation. The Civil War saw the congregation divided as "pros and cons sat grim faced on opposite sides of the sanctuary." Some members worked with Sojourner Truth and the Underground Railroad to provide safe passage for slaves. During the 1920's the congregation helped bring the cultural and educational programs of the Chautauqua Movement to Clinton. The Kirker Memorial building addition was completed during this period and was put to use for religious drama and an expanding Sunday School. We are a part of the United Church of Christ. (see the UCC link: http://www.ucc.org; http://www.michucc.org) The United Church of Christ came into being in 1957 with the union of two Protestant denominations: the Evangelical and Reformed Church and the Congregational Christian Churches. Each of these was, in turn, the result of a union of two earlier denominations. The UCC requires neither an uncritical acceptance of any point of view nor a rigid formulation of doctrine. It does require mutual understanding and agreement as to which aspects of the Christian faith and life are essential. The Bible is considered the primary source for understanding the Good News of God's love for all, with both individual study and interpretation of the Biblical narrative encouraged and respected by its members. The UCC has its 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 embraces the creeds and confessions of our ancestors as testimonies, not tests of faith. The UCC shares in an ecumenical partnership with the Christian Church(Disciples of Christ.) This partnership is in witness, service, fellowship, and worship, as well as in the proclamation of a common faith.(see the Christian church link: http://www.disciples.org) |
Generations gather every Sunday morning to study the Scriptures, worship God, and celebrate the Good News of the Gospel, God's love for all in Jesus Christ. Our Sunday morning begins at 9:45 a.m. with a brief gathering for singing and announcements followed by worship at 10:00 a.m. Church School classes are offered for children (during the school year) following the Children's Moment in the worship service. Following worship there is a Fellowship Time in the Dining Room. Child Care is available during all programs and activities as needed. The Sacrament of Holy Communion is celebrated the third Sunday of each month, as well as on special Sundays of the church year. Communion is shared with the homebound quarterly and at other times upon request. The Sacrament of Baptism is celebrated upon request. Three choirs-- Adult, Children's and Bell-- help lead the congregation in worship. A pipe organ and piano as well as other occasional instruments accompany choral and congregational singing. Vacation Church School is held on evenings during one week of the summer. Special opportunities for youth include the rite of Confirmation which is offered to students in 7th Grade and above, and Youth Group which meets during the school year for study, fellowship and service.
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We come together in various groups for work and play. Women's circles (and a few men) have prepared and served the Clinton Rotary Club dinner for over fifty years. The annual Clinton Fall Festival (last week in September) involves all generations in preparation and serving of food — ranging from German pretzels to turkey sandwiches and a Swiss Steak Dinner. Summer activities include worship in the park and an all-church picnic. Summer camps are offered through the Michigan Conference UCC. Youth work camps are occasions for learning, service, and fun. We serve the local community through our support and involvement with Meals on Wheels, the Evangelical Home in Saline, the Daily Bread of Lenawee Soup Kitchen, Habitat for Humanity, Relay for Life and the Lenawee County CROP Walk. We join with sister churches in the community to provide for a local Food Pantry and emergency fund, as well as to offer a number of ecumenical worship services throughout the year (Thanksgiving, Good Friday, Baccalaureate, Fall Festival.) We support the world-wide mission of the church through our gifts to Our Church's Wider Mission and other special offerings. |
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