F.A.Q. Answers
What does the emblem of the United Church of Christ represent?
The emblem is based othe ancient Christian symbol known as the “Cross of Victory” or the “Cross Triumphant.” Traditionally, this symbol—the cross grounded in the circle and topped with a crown—tells of the sovereign power of the risen Christ over all the world. The circle, representing the world, is divided into three parts and refers to Christ’s command in Acts 1:8 to the disciples: “You will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” The emblem also includes the United Church of Christ motto: “That they may all be one” (John 17:21) .
What sacraments does the UCC celebrate?
The UCC celebrates two sacraments: Baptism and Holy Communion. The sacrament of Baptism celebrates new life in Jesus Christ. It is the moment when one comes or is brought forward and, with the help and support of the faith community, affirms a covenant with God through Jesus Christ and receives the gift of the Holy Spirit. Through the sacrament of Holy Communion we renew our covenant with God. The bread and the cup symbolize God’s inward and invisible grace at work in us. During communion we remember Jesus’ life, teachings, death, resurrection, and the promise of eternal life.
Why does the Pastor wear a robe during worship?
The word "vestment" is from the Latin, and signifies simply clothing, but it is now used generally to denote the garments worn by the ministers of religion in the performance of their sacred duties. Since the world began—and in every religion—the practice of wearing some form of vestment has been in vogue .
For more information regarding the History of Church Vestments visit: http://www.religionfacts.com/christianity/things/vestments.htm
What do the different colors on the altar represent?
The colors that adorn the sanctuary represent the different seasons in the Liturgical (Church) calendar. The traditional liturgical color scheme is fairly simple.
White and Gold are used for festivals of great joy that focus on the work of Christ. White denotes purity, innocence or glory.
Red is the color for the festival of the Holy Spirit and the commemoration of the lives of the martyrs. It is used on Pentecost, to remind us of the tongues of fire.
Purple marks seasons of penitence or preparation. Recently, blue has often been used instead of purple during the season of Advent.
[Light] Blue is expressive of hope (expectation, anticipation), which is the dominant mood of Advent.
Green is used at all other times. Green is the color which denotes the growth of the Church. It is also symbolic of hope.
The use of the seasonal color is ordinarily not affected by baptisms Holy Communion, or marriage services. For funerals, however, White is the standard color. Red is sometimes used for ordinations and installations (since ordained ministry enriches the light of the whole church), and for church dedications and anniversaries
Following is the predominant practice concerning use of liturgical color:
Christmas Cycle:
Advent—Purple or Blue
Christmas (12 days)—White and Gold
The Epiphany of the Lord (January 6)—White and Gold
Ordinary Time:
January 7 through the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday—Green
EXCEPT FOR:
Baptism of the Lord—White
Transfiguration of the Lord—White
Lent:
Ash Wednesday through first five weeks—Purple
Passion/Palm Sunday—Red and/or Purple
Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday of Holy Week—Purple
Maundy Thursday—Purple (until church is stripped bare)
Good Friday and Saturday in Holy Week—No color since the church remains stripped bare
Easter Cycle: 
Easter Season (including Ascension of the Lord)—White and Gold.
Day of Pentecost—Red
Ordinary Time:
onday after Day of Pentecost through Saturday before the First Sunday of Advent—Green
Except for:
Trinity Sunday—White
All Saints' Day (or First Sunday in November)—White
Christ the King—White
Where does the Pastor get the readings for each Sunday?
What is the Revised Common Lectionary?
Pastor Felix uses the Revised Common Lectionary as the foundation for his sermons. The Revised Common Lectionary provides recommended readings for each Sunday. The Lectionary was developed in 1983 by the Consultation on Common Texts (an ecumenical group) and the English Language Liturgical Consultation.
The Lectionary provides a passage from one of the four Gospels, another from the Old Testament or the Apocrypha, another from either the Acts of the Apostles or the Book of Revelation, another taken from the Epistles, and finally a passage from one of the Psalms. It runs in three-year cycles; the gospel readings in the first year are taken from the book of Matthew, those in the second year from the books of Mark and John, and in the third year come from the book of Luke.
The Revised Common Lectionary is used or adapted by a number of churches around the world. In the United States, this includes a number of Protestant churches, including the United Church of Christ , Disciples of Christ , the Christian Fellowship of the Unitarian Universalist Association, Episcopal Church in the United States of America (provisional use), the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Presbyterian Church USA, Reformed Church in America, and United Methodist Church.
How do I become a member?
In order to become a member of UCCLM, you must attend a New Member Class. Classes are offered regularly. Call the office at (619) 464-1519 or e-mail us for details.