Frequently Asked Questions
About The Church
What kind of church is this?
We are an evolving and growing community of people seeking to connect to our true selves, our being in God, and to one another. We are a church that has a long history, and which is emerging, changing, growing. We seek to be part of movements for love and justice in our local and wider communities.
We are a “congregational” church which means that the church membership is the decision-making body of the church.
What do you believe?
We believe many things. And we don’t all believe the same thing. We are a congregation of diverse religious backgrounds, spiritual practices and longings with Love at the center. We learn the shape, sound and feel of Love through scriptures, through the movement of the Spirit in our lives, through the practice of being in community together and wrestling with the challenges of these days. We believe our relationship with the Divine changes throughout lives and we as a community are part of helping one another to experience and lean into those changes; to follow where a living faith leads.
How old is the church? What’s its history?
South Church in Springfield was born in 1842 by a group of members of Old First Church downtown the founding Congregational Church in Springfield. The building at 45 Maple Street was built in 1875.
What does “UCC” mean?
It means the United Church of Christ. This is the denomination that South Church is a part of.
Is South Church affiliated with a denomination?
South is part of the United Church of Christ [https://www.ucc.org/who-we-are/about/history/]
The UCC is a Protestant Christian denomination that was formed in 1957 as a merger of four other streams of Christianity. The United Church of Christ is an inclusive and diverse community connected by faith that calls us to build a just world for all.
Worship Services
What time is your Sunday service?
10am Sunday mornings.
Do you offer livestreams or recordings?
We do! You can join us on Sunday mornings on Zoom. Or find the recorded worship services on our YouTube channel.
Is there communion? Who can participate?
We share in communion on the first Sundays of each month, as well as occasionally during other special worships or gatherings. All are invited to the communion meal. We practice an open table, which means that everyone, children and adults, people of all faiths and no faith, are invited to share in the feast.
How long is the service?
Worship services are usually an hour to an hour and a half.
What is the worship style like (traditional, contemporary, blended)?
We are a blended style of worship.
What should I wear? Is there a dress code?
Wear what you feel comfortable wearing. You will find people wearing a variety of clothing from “Sunday best” to casual jeans and t-shirts in the congregation and all are welcome.
Families & Children
Are children welcome in the service?
Yes. Children are welcome to worship with South. There are a few options for children, depending on their age and interest.
What ages are your kids’ programs for?
Currently, we have a one-classroom set up for children and youth.
Do you have Sunday school or childcare?
Yes. We have both. For the youngest, we have a first aid, CPR-certified and CORI-checked Childcare provider during our worship on Sunday mornings along with a COR-checked volunteer. For many of our events we also have childcare.
Are you a safe church? What are your child protection policies?
Yes. We follow a safe church policy to protect children from abuse. You can see our safe church policy [HERE]
Inclusion & Community
Are LGBTQ+ people welcome here?
Yes, definitely! Our pastor, Rev. Lindsey, is lesbian and we have many members who are part of the LGBTQ+ community. We have been an “Open and Affirming” congregation since 2000 when the congregation voted to make clear this welcome. Each time we gather for worship we read together our Open and Affirming Statement:
Do I have to be a member to attend?
No. All are welcome to attend.
Do you perform same-sex marriages?
Yes, definitely. Contact Pastor Lindsey …
Can I take communion even if I’m not baptized or a member?
Yes, definitely.
Getting Involved
How do I become a member?
Please express your interest in becoming a member to Pastor Lindsey at pastor@sococh.org or in person after worship. She will walk you through what is involved.
How do I join the choir or music team?
Reach out to our Music Minister, Jeff Olmsted at jeff@sococh.org or let him know in person after worship that you are interested in sharing your musical gifts.