Jesus didn’t turn people away; neither do we.
You are welcome here,
Whether your faith is as deep and wide as a river,
Or is fresh and under-construction…
Whether you are young or old, black or white,
Gay or straight, whole or wounded….
Whether you’re here for a day or for a lifetime…
Whoever you are, wherever you are on life’s journey,
You are welcome here…
In June 2009, the congregation voted to become an Open & Affirming (ONA) church.
We rejoice the good news that in Jesus Christ we find that we are all God’s children through faith without distinction.
“For in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith. As many of you as were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is no longer Jew or Greek, there is no longer slave or free, there is no longer male and female; for all of you are one in Christ Jesus.”
God calls all faithful people together to be a community of justice and peace. We lament that throughout history, and even in our own time, churches have silently allowed or actively called for hatred, hostility, and exclusion, and have failed to live up to God’s call to inclusion and sanctuary.
Therefore we, the members of Holmdel Community United Church of Christ, covenant together to welcome and embrace all people into the life and ministry of our congregation regardless of sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, age, mental and physical condition, race, ethnicity, nationality, or economic status. With God’s help, we promise to be a church of open arms and open doors for all, without distinction, and to celebrate the diversity that reflects the glory of God’s creation. We seek to live as a compassionate community united by faith and diverse in its expression.
Marriage Equality & Marriage Ceremonies Our church affirms marriage equality and performs same-sex marriages. We affirm the desire of couples for committed, monogamous relationships based upon vows of mutual love, respect, and fidelity. If you are interested in holding a wedding service within this church, please contact Rev. Rusty or the church office: 732-946-8821 or Holmdelchurch@verizon.net.
Pride Day at Asbury Park On Sunday afternoon, June 3rd, our church will be participating in the Gay Pride Festival in Asbury Park for and with the GBLT in NJ. We’ll be doing this along with the Tom’s River UCC and Old First Church in Middletown. As an “Open & Affirming” Church, we see this as part of our ministry to a community that has experienced centuries of rejection and prejudice. Plus, it’s a lot of fun. If you’d like to attend, please contact William Field or Doug Brown.