Founded by 11 pioneers in November 1850, First Congregational Church of Ripon is the city's oldest continuous church. We are proud that this church believed that its calling was to follow the example of Jesus Christ, and in so doing, to be controversial and even radical. Since our founding, we have stood for slaves' rights and women's rights. But our efforts haven't stayed stuck in the past. Since
then, we continue to tell the tale of a church whose faith grew through its outreach to the dispossessed. We strive to be open and affirming to people of all sexual preferences, creeds, races, ethnicities, and socio-economic backgrounds. We know that through our differences, we come to better understand and to experience God. No matter who you are or where you are on life's journey, you're welcome here. CHURCH COVENANT
In the love of God who creates us the witness of Christ Jesus who redeems us and the guidance of the Holy Spirit who sustains us, We Covenant with one another to build a community of hope and to share its good news with neighbors near and far. We wish to grow in spiritual insight by…
• our promise to be thoughtful in speech and action, respecting each person’s journey of faith;
• our honoring of all gifts shared and all leadership offered in love, working for a partnership of laity and clergy;
• our commitment to peace and justice for God’s people, seeking social awareness at home and around the world;
• our recognition of diverse background and opinions, striving to embrace and work through differences, and
• our dedication to strengthen the life of compassion in Ripon, engaging our churches, city and college. To these ends, we pledge our lives to our fellow members of Christ’s church, through…
• our regular participation when the congregation gathers for worship;
• our ongoing study of the knowledge and spiritual insight of our faith;
• our voluntary assumption of a personal ministry on behalf of the congregation;
• our invitation to others to become part of our fellowship; and
• our support of our life together by the offering of prayer, time and treasure. In life, in death, in life beyond death, we are not alone. Thanks be to God.
