Frequently Asked Questions

Are you handicap accessible?

There are handicap accessible parking spots in our parking lot. Enter the building through the ramp to the double glass doors. Directly in front of you is an elevator that accesses the Sanctuary, handicap restrooms, the Choir Room and the Weise Fellowship Hall. There are hearing devices available to use for worship and large print bulletins and seat cushions for the pews. There is appropriately spaced seating throughout the sanctuary, and our ushers are always ready to help.

Are children welcome at service?

We love to hear children in our church. If you have children who are accompanying you, they are welcome to stay with you during the worship service. Every Sunday, the children are invited to the chancel steps for a time of conversation with the worship leader. At the end of Children’s Time, those who would like to attend Sunday School are invited to go to their classroom with their teachers. The rocking chair at the rear of the church is for parents and children to use at any time.

What does ONA mean?

ONA stands for “Open and Affirming.” It means that Samuel UCC invites the full inclusion of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender persons (LGBT+) in the church's life and ministry. This means that members of the LGBT+ community are not only welcome to worship with us but are also members with leadership roles, including serving on Consistory and performing marriages. To support our LGBT+ friends and neighbors, our forms and directories identify which pronoun each person prefers to use.

What is church membership?

Church membership creates a covenant between the church member and God and between that person and other members of the church. People who enter this covenant relationship promise loyalty and trust in one another. Commitment to this covenant empowers people to infuse life in the church with a quality not typically found in human organizations: appreciation and honoring of differences and diversity. Most organizations survive and prosper because they bring together people who are alike. But the Church, through its sense of covenant, preserves congregational life. It holds members together even when severe struggles over diversity of actions and beliefs occur. The Church makes no distinctions of race, sex, age, tongue, nationality or economic status. It seeks to anticipate, and to be the first sign of, how all people will dwell together in unity in the coming reign of God.

How do I become a member?

People become members of Samuel UCC in one of four ways: by baptism and confirmation, by baptism and profession of faith, by baptism and re-affirmation of faith or by letter of transfer from another church, UCC-affiliated or other recognized denomination.

Members make a commitment to support the church with their:

Time: worshiping together and serving together.

Talents: using the skills, passions, and gifts God has given you.

Treasures: supporting the mission and ministry of the church financially.

Members have the right to vote at congregation meetings, to represent the congregation at the Association or Conference meetings and to serve as members of the church consistory or other judicatories of the church. Periodically we receive new members into the family and fellowship of the church during Sunday morning worship.

If you are interested in learning more about Samuel Church or the United Church of Christ, or about becoming a member, please contact the church office.