Dear Friend,

 

We are very excited that you are interested in learning more about our church.  We believe our church is a place where your unique gifts and talents will be nurtured in a loving Christian community. 

 

As our denominations, current slogan states, “No matter who you are, or where you are on life’s journey, you’re welcome here.”   We encourage you to live out your unique relationship with God and as we seek to promote a healthy dialog and sharing of faith journeys. 

 

The Hillsborough United Church of Christ seeks to be a fresh voice in the Christian community. We are committed to providing a progressive view of the Christian faith.  We do not offer dogma but an opportunity for each person to seek his or her own spiritual path to God.

 

The church is an “open and affirming” congregation. This means that we have through discernment and church vote chosen to be a church the welcomes all fully into the fellowship of the church regardless of gender, race, or sexual identity.

 

As pastors, we too have chosen to call this church own home. In making our decision to journey here, we saw this community as a place of openness to all people, a blend of tradition with new ideas, living out its faith as thinking and thoughtful Christians where you did not have to check your mind at the door.  Finally, we discovered HUCC to be a loving, nurturing community for our children to grow in body, mind and spirit.

 

We hope that you too will find what you need for your spiritual nurture and for your family’s spiritual development at Hillsborough United Church of Christ.

 

Peace,

 

 

 

Beth and Jay Kennett

Co-Pastors                                                                                                      

 

 

Table of Contents

 

 

 

Hillsborough United Church of Christ Congregational Life

·        Statement of Identity, Purpose and Mission

·        Church Organization and structure

·        Annual events and traditions

·        Communication at HUCC

·        Building use

 

HUCC Pastors

·        About the pastors

 

Denominational Identity

·        Structure and polity

·        Church related institutions

·        Basic Beliefs

·        HUCC relation to the denomination

 

 

Ministry Groups

 

Small Groups

 

History of Hillsborough United Church of Christ

 

Appendix:

Constitution,

Bylaws,

Officers,

Budget

 

 

 

 

 

Hillsborough United Church of Christ

Congregational Life

 

Church Organization and structure

 

Congregational meetings: HUCC has two official business meetings.  In May, the church meets for the purpose of electing officers, committees and teachers.  In November or December, the church meets for adopting the budget.  Other items can be added to the agendas. Special meetings can be called with two weeks' notice.

 

The Church Council, comprised of officers and Ministry team chairs, carries out the church’s planning and decision making between Congregational meetings. The Council selects a Moderator annually.  The pastor serves as ex-officio to the Council.  All Council meetings are open, with the exception of executive sessions for dealing with personnel matters.  The Council meets once a month and other   times as needed.  The Council currently serves as the Nominating Committee.    

 

Ministry Teams provide assistance with the continuing operation of the church and help the church to carry out its mission. The following is a list of standing Ministries: Caregiver’s, Education: Music and Worship, Stewardship and Missions, Special Occasions, and Trustees.

 

The Pastor(s):  The Pastor(s)’s role according to HUCC’s constitution is to be “the chief administrative officer of the church and as such shall be responsible for the supervision of all the church staff as for the day-to-day program of the church”.  This role is modeled on the servant leadership model of the Christian Scriptures. The pastor’s role is to guide the church and its members, to encourage growth in spiritual life, involvement in missions and development of one’s calling.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

STATEMENT OF IDENTITY, PURPOSE AND MISSION

 

The Hillsborough United Church of Christ officially formed in August of 1989.  The new congregation declared itself a community of faith and friendship united by God's love and guided by the teachings and example of Jesus Christ.  Identifying itself as an open and inclusive church for a changing community, this congregation affiliated with the United Church of Christ in November of 1989.  The identity, purpose, and mission of HUCC continues to evolve.

 

We remain open to new insights and directions.  We are a diverse congregation seeking to be inclusive of people of all races, backgrounds, ages, sexual identity,  and cultures.  We are striving to deepen our love and understanding of God through worship, fellowship, study and service while being vulnerable to the Spirit's transforming presence in our lives.

 

We are a nurturing and supportive community of believers, accepting and encouraging the gifts, that each brings.  We are concerned about the needs of the world community and issues of oppression and injustice.  We seek to do what we can to make life better for others.  Empowered by Christ, we live with hope for peace and justice among all peoples.

 

Mindful of God’s grace, as a forgiven people we seek to offer forgiveness to others.  We seek to embrace new possibilities for ministry with open-mindedness and enthusiasm.

 

We seek to live out our individual callings and corporate calling as a local church.  With a passion for ministry and mission, we commit our resources to these challenges. We live out our mission in the following ways:

 

▀   To offer worship that is creative, meaningful, purposeful and spiritual.

 

▀   To love, support, care for one another. .

 

▀   To provide Christian education and spiritual development for our congregation and community.

 

▀   To build a diverse, committed and growing community of faith.

 

▀   To minister to the needs of our community, nation, and world.

 

▀   To nurture an ecumenical spirit within our community.

 

▀   To encourage responsible stewardship of time, money and spiritual gifts

 

▀   To build upon our heritage as we move toward the future.

 

 

Activities and Events At Hillsborough United Church of Christ

 

Fellowship Meals- On the first and third Wednesday of each month September through May the church gathers for a time of fellowship around the table. 

First Wednesday- Potluck      Third Wednesday- Prepared by a volunteer

 

Covered-dish Lunch- every third Sunday each month a covered-dish meal is served immediately after worship service.

 

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. - HUCC actively supports the celebrations of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day in the Hillsborough area

 

An Evening with Friends for Friends-  A night of good food, good music

 

Southern Conference Ski Retreat- A retreat for southern conference youth with an opportunity to ski in the Boone area. Held annually in late January or early February.

 

Southern Conference Middle School Retreat- a conference sponsored retreat for middle school aged youth with a focus on some area of the confirmation activities.

 

Ash Wednesday- A special service is held to mark Ash Wednesday and the beginning of the Lenten Season

 

Holy Week (the week prior to Easter)

            Special services are held at HUCC on the following days during Holy Week:

·         Palm Sunday- this service celebrates Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem with use of Palm fronds.

·         Maundy Thursday- this service celebrates Jesus’ celebration of Passover meal with his disciple prior to his arrest and crucifixion. Congregants at HUCC have celebrated this occasion by gathering together in the upper room of the church for a service of remembrance.

·         Easter- Services celebrating the resurrection of Jesus are held.

 

Easter Egg hunt- held on the Saturday before Easter for all the children of the church.

 

Crop Walk- A walk for Meals on Wheels and world hunger relief on a Sunday afternoon in April.

 

Women’s Retreat- A retreat held for HUCC women Usually held around the first weekend in May. A chance for relaxation, fellowship and spiritual growth for the women of HUCC.

 

Graduate Recognition Sunday- Held around the end of May.  A time for the church to recognize our high school and college graduates.  Graduates are recognized during worship and honored at a reception afterwards

 

Southern Conference Annual Meeting-The Southern Conference Annual Meeting is held in mid June at Elon University, Catawba College or Eastern Virginia on a rotating basis.  Our church can send one delegate in addition to the pastors.  Others can attend as visitors.

 

Lemonade on the Lawn- each Sunday during the months of June, July and August lemonade and light refreshments are served on the lawn immediately after worship.

 

Johns River Valley Camps- weeklong camps for children and youth held each summer at the conference sponsored John’s River Valley Camp in the Mountains of North Carolina.  Activities include hiking, tubing, canoeing, caving as well as activities for the spiritual enrichment of children and youth. 

 

Anniversary Sunday- Held every September; a fun relaxed worship followed by a picnic on the grounds and craft activities.

 

Eastern North Carolina Association Meeting-The Eastern North Carolina Association Meeting occurs in October.  The location varies.

 

Autumn Bonfire- Held on a Saturday at the end of October, an evening of games, costumes, and hot dogs capped off by singing and roasting marshmallows around the Bonfire.

 

All Saints Day- Celebrated the first Sunday in November.  This is a time to remember our ancestors in faith, as well as family, and friends who have died.

 

Advent and Christmas Services:

First Sunday of Advent- Decorating the Church: HUCC decorates the church with everyone participating.  Celebrate the beginning of advent and the meaning in why we decorate.

Advent Children’s Program- Our children and youth present a program for the Christmas season as we celebrate the gift of Christmas by celebrating our children’s gifts.

Advent Choir Christmas Program- The church shares its musical talents with songs of the season.

Christmas Eve Service- A special service on the night before Christmas, in the past we have celebrated a traditional Moravian Love Feast or special presentation of the Christmas story. The service concludes with a special candlelight service and the congregation singing silent night under the stars.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Communication with church members

 

Email: Email is a primary source of sending information about the church and church events.  Members receive a weekly email that includes Sunday’s order of worship and events that are happening at the church.  Also, on occasion other important information by email.  The church makes every effort to keep these emails to a minimum. For church members who do not have email these items can be mailed.

 

Church mailbox: Every church family unit has a mailbox in the hallway of the church. This box is used for notices and other information important to members of the church.

 

Church office:  There is normally someone in the office every morning Monday through Thursday.  Since the office manager is part time and the pastors may be out of the office at times there is not a strict schedule of office hours. The answering machine is always on, you can always leave a message, and someone will return your call as soon as possible.

 

The Pastors:  The pastors try to be in the office Monday through Thursday.  They can be reached by email at pastors@hucc.org.  Their home phone is 336.227.0287.  For emergencies, they can be reached on their cell phones @ 336.213.7831 (Jay) or 336.213.4592 (Beth).  If the pastors are unable to answer, please leave a voice mail message.

 

Member’s only information on website: Members can access members only information on the website by using the guest is “___________” and the password “__________”.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BUILDING USE POLICY

           

Weddings:

            Our building is property of the members; members can use the building for their wedding at no charge.  The office manager schedules use of the building. Please fill out building use form and return to office manager as early as possible. The person using the building is responsible for cleaning up after the use. Instructions on building operation should be sought at least one week prior to the occasion. 

 

Reunions, Dinners, Showers, etc:

            The building can also be use for special events that are hosted by a church member.  On going meetings must be scheduled by the church council. Please fill out a building use form and return it to the office manager prior the event to confirm availability of the building.

Members Responsibilities when using the building: 

1.    The office manager schedules use of the building. Please fill out a building use form and return it to the office manager at least two weeks prior to event

2.    Return the building to normal use mode after using

3.    You are welcome to use items in the kitchen for your event, please clean and return them to their proper places after use. 

4.    Report any problems to the office manager; if something needs immediately attention please report to head of Trustees.

5.    When you leave please use the following procedure:

a.    Turn off the coffee pot.

b.    Close all hall doors

c.    Return thermostat to normal settings by pushing "run program".

d.    Extinguish all lights.

e.    Check and lock all five outside doors.

f.     Return keys to proper places.

g.    Lock both driveway gates.

 

 

 

Non-Members-There are minimal fees for non-members and outside groups to use the church facilities. For groups interested in using HUCC facilities please check with the office manager for a list of current fees.

 

Keys-The key to the gate ___________________________.  The key to the building is inside the security box beside the ramp door.  The combination is "_________".

 

 

 

 

 

Pastors

 

          The Reverends Beth and Jay Kennett were called as co-pastors of Hillsborough United Church of Christ,.  Beth comes to Hillsborough after serving on the staff of the Eastern North Carolina Association of the United Church of Christ starting as education consultant for local churches and then serving as Interim Associate Conference Minister.  Previously, she served as Associate Pastor of First Christian UCC in Burlington NC.  Additionally, Beth works with the Center for Congregational Health as consultant for local churches and Director of the Center’s faith and vocation program. Jay comes to the church from 14 years of pastoral work with Hospices most recently serving as Director of Chaplain and Bereavement services at Hospice of Alamance-Caswell. 

Beth and Jay as co-pastors share the pastoral duties at HUCC.  This means that they are really two equal halves of one position Pastor of HUCC.  Although, they each bring their own unique passions and styles to ministry there are many values they share.  Beth and Jay have a passion for creative and meaningful worship experiences.  They strive to assist others to discover and live out their passion and calling. They have seek to provide pastoral care to the community they serve. They value children and believe one of the primary tasks of the church is to nurture, support, mentor, and value our children and young people. Both are active parents to their two children, Abigal and Emma.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The United Church

of Christ

 

The United Church of Christ is a community of faith that seeks to respond to the Gospel of Jesus Christ in word and deed.  The UCC was founded in 1957 as the union of several different Christian traditions: from the beginning of our history, we were a church that affirmed the ideal that Christians did not always have to agree to live together in communion.  Our motto-“that they may all be one”- is Jesus’ prayer for the unity of the church. The UCC is one of the most diverse Christian Churches in the United States.

                                                                                                            From ucc.org

 

Denominational structure and polity

 

The local church- The local church is the basic unit of the UCC.  The church maintains a “free church” or congregational tradition. This means that each church is managed by the local members of that congregation and while part of the denomination acts independently of the denomination as well.

 

 

The Association- Our church is part of the Eastern North Carolina Association.  The association covers the area of North Carolina from Burlington east.  The association exists to provide support to local churches and fellowship among the UCC churches of Eastern North Carolina.  Association meetings take place at least once per year usually in early October. 

 

The Conference- Our church is a member of the Southern Conference one of the 39 conferences that make up the United Church of Christ.  The conference exists to:

Provide support to clergy and churches, unite our church to other churches across the conference, be a voice for the churches in the conference and engage in ministry beyond the local church.  The conference consists of 3 associations that encompass all of North Carolina and the tidewater area of Virginia.

 

The General Synod: The synod is the body that oversees the national and international work of the United Church of Christ.  The Synod meets biannually and is made up of delegates elected by each conference.  The synod elects the executive council and other boards that oversee and assist in the ministry on a national level.  The national staff referred to as the collegium on ministry carry out the day-to-day operations of the national church.  The national church seeks to provide a voice for issues of justice on a national level, perform national and international ministry to the suffering, dispossessed in our world, and provide support and resources to the local church. The national offices consist of the following ministries

 

Local Church ministries: its purpose is to encourage and support the church's congregations in the fulfillment of God’s mission

 

Justice and Witness Ministries: Helps local congregations and all other settings of the church to respond to God’s call to do justice seek peace and effect changes for a better world.

 

Wider Church Ministries: This ministry supports local congregations and all other settings of the church in developing relationships with a wider church that is global, multiracial and multicultural.

 

Office of General Ministries: It’s mission is to care for the spiritual life, unity and well-being of the church, to nurture it’s covenantal life and its ecumenical and interfaith relationships, to provide regular processes which focus on theological reflection and to assist in the total mission of the church.

 

 

 

Church related institutions.

The UCC consists of many institutions that provide education and supports the mission of the church.  These include many in within driving distance form our church: Elon University, Catawba College, John’s River Valley Camp, Blowing Rock Conference Center, Franklinton Center at Bricks, Black Lake Retreat Center, and retirement centers in Burlington, Carrboro, Durham, Asheboro, Newton, and Suffolk, Virginia.

 

 

 

Basic Beliefs:

Testimonies, not tests of the faith

 

The United Church of Christ embraces a theological heritage that affirms the Bible as the authoritative witness to the Word of God, the creeds of the ecumenical councils, and the confessions of the Reformation. The UCC has 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 receives the historic creeds and confessions of our ancestors as testimonies, but not tests of the faith

HUCC’s relation to the Denomination

 

The Hillsborough United Church of Christ supports the programs and ministries of the denomination in a way that reflects the calling and mission of this congregation.  Members of our church participate in association and conference meetings; serve on boards, committees and as delegates to the General Synod. We actively support the mission and ministry of our denomination with our time and financial support.

To learn more about our denomination go to www.ucc.org

 

HUCC Ministry Teams

 

 

Caregiver’s: The Care giving Team develops relationships to nurture and support the members of HUCC. They assist in worship as Liturgist, Assisting in the celebration of communion, baptisms and the reception of new members.  They Greet and assist visitors. The team Meets bimonthly on the First Sunday at 9 am.

Sub groups of the Caregiver’s Ministry:

▀   Nursery: assure nursery workers are available for Sundays.

▀   Wellness: schedules events for the health and wellness of members.

 

Education: The Education Team helps coordinator the education program of HUCC for children, youth and adults. Develops weekly education opportunities, helps to recruit and train teachers.  Encourages develop and publicize special programs and studies for the church.  The team helps Coordinates youth and children’s activities.  Meets as needed.

         

Sub groups of the Education Ministry:

▀   Communication and Publication group- The C & P helps inform the community about HUCC and its programs.  The team meets on the 3rd Tuesday of each month.

▀   Library- maintains the church library located on the balcony on the second floor.

 

 

Music and Worship.  The music and worship Team assist the pastors in development of creative and meaningful worship. The team works with the musician and/or music director to develop meaningful music experiences for youth and adults. The group meets monthly on the 3rd Thursday at 6 pm.

 

Stewardship and Missions:  The Stewardship Team coordinates the financial aspects of the church. The team develops the budget, solicits participation from membership in sponsoring the budget, determines the need for special fundraising, and counts the weekly and special offering of the church. The mission component of the Team encourages member participation in missions both in the community and in our world.  The Team encourages awareness of social issues and helps the church develop response to these issues. The team meets monthly on the 2nd Wednesday at 7 pm.

Sub groups of the Stewardship and Mission Ministry

▀   Environmental Service Group- assures that HUCC takes care of its environment.

▀   Daiyell Service Group- organizes church support to our workfirst family.

▀   OCIM Support Group- represents and involves the Church in the activities of Orange Congregations in Ministry. (Food Bank, Emergency assistance, Thrift shop, Meals on Wheels)

 

Special Occasions:  The Special Occasions team promotes community and community building activities for the members of HUCC.  They provide receptions for new members, baptisms and graduates.  They organize special events such as the annual picnic, Lemonade on the lawn and other community building activities. The Team meets as needed.

 

Sub groups of the Special Occasions Ministry:

▀   Photography group: records the life and special events of HUCC.

 

Trustees:  The Trustees coordinate upkeep of building and grounds, relationships with tenants and personnel of the church.  They study, make recommendations and sign official documents relating to the operation of the church.  The team meets monthly on the 3rd Wednesday at 6:30

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SMALL GROUPS at HUCC

 

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BIBLE STUDY

Sundays 10:00 am: -Adults meet with a focuses on biblical study.

                    -Children have a craft time related to the mornings Scripture focus.

        -Youth group meets

Sundays 11:15 am: -Children ages 4 to 11 participate in morning worship through the Children’s time, then go with to Christian Education for a time of creative interaction with the day’s scripture. 

 

BOOK STUDY GROUPS

Short term studies of a variety of titles. Meets as announced

 

BRIDGES

A guitar and instrumental group. The group practices Wednesdays at 7 pm and plays during worship on the third Sunday of the month. The group does not practice on the Wednesday following the Third Sunday. 

 

MEDITATION GROUP

Weekly gathering of persons who seek to develop meditative practices to enhance their spiritual, physical and emotion well being the group practices a blending of various traditions of mediation. The group meets Mondays at 7:30 pm.

 

MEN’S GROUP

An informal gathering of the men of the church at which they share meals, tasks and interests.

 

CHOIRS

HUCC Choir (adults) meets to practice and provide music for worship.

Children’s Choir practices and sings as announced.

 

RED HATS

Women over 50 meet the first Saturday of each month for a luncheon outing.

 

SACRED DANCE

Weekly gathering of individuals who seek to combine movement, dance and spirituality. Choreographies are designed to accommodate all skill and ability levels - only a sense of adventure is required.

 

SISTERS OF MIRIAM

Women over 21 gather monthly in homes and local restaurants to develop a sense of community, study and to make plans for outings and projects.

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YOUTH GROUP

Young people in grades 6 to 12 meet Sundays at 10:00 am and other times as announced, to learn more about the Christian faith, to engage in mission work and to have fun