History

The united church was created on June 10, 1925 by union of the Presbyterian church, the Methodist church, and the Congregational churches, and the General council of Local Union churches.

Scripture

The united church says the bible is the center of the church. The bible is used for wisdom, personal prayer, devotion and as they also believe that it can bring them closer to God. The use the bible to ask for forgiveness, healing and new life in Jesus.

Viewing of God and Jesus

The united church believes that God is the father and Jesus is the son. The church believes in one God, the father who is a spirit of supreme intelligence, knowledge, love, justice, power, and authority. He is the creator of the heavens and the earth and all that is in them. He is the source of life and the one for whom human life exists. They believe in Jesus Christ, they believe that he is the Messiah, the divine son of God, conceived of the Holy Spirit, born in the human flesh of the virgin Mary.

General Beliefs

The united church's creed is: We are not alone,we live in God’s world. We believe in God:who has created and is creating,who has come in Jesus,the Word made flesh,to reconcile and make new,who works in us and others by the Spirit.We trust in God.We are called to be the Church:to celebrate God’s presence,to live with respect in Creation,to love and serve others,to seek justice and resist evil,to proclaim Jesus, crucified and risen,our judge and our hope.In life, in death, in life beyond death,God is with us.We are not alone.Thanks be to God.

Salvation

Salvation is believing that Jesus died for our sins, knowing that we are sinners and asking for forgiveness of our sins.

Death

The united church believes in ever lasting life in the kingdom of Heaven. The physical body dies, but our soul lives on in heaven.

Eucharist

The Eucharist in the United church is referred to as Holy Communion. It is symbolic of Jesus' last supper. 

Sacraments

The two sacraments of the united church are communion and baptism. The church offers baptism to everyone of all ages, as they believe that the gift of God's love does not depend on our ability to understand it. Baptism symbolizes the acceptance of new life within the church family. The church believes that Baptism is not a requirement for God's love and that if you die without being baptised are in no way lost, condemned, or damned. Communion is celebrated at the dining table in our homes and it may also be referred to as the communion table. At the table we recognize Jesus Christ as the host and all of our guests. While eating meals there usually is small pieces of bread and juice or wine to represent the last supper.

Structure

1.Outline of Church StructureThe basic unit of organization for the United Church is the pastoral charge. A pastoral charge may be made up of one or more congregations.The United Church is organized into four levels, or courts. The four courts are(a)the governing body of the pastoral charge;(b)the presbytery;(c)the Conference; and(d)the General Council.Each pastoral charge must have a group of members to oversee its life and work. In thesebylaws, this group is called the governing body of the pastoral charge. The governing bodyis the court of the pastoral charge

Beliefs that set them apart

Some things that differ between the United church and other christian groups are: The United church has ministers and the Catholic church has priests. Ministers are allowed to get married and priests are not. The United church supports gay marriage and other Christian groups do not.

Marriage

The united church believes that marriage is the celebration of God's love. Therefore the church believes in marriages of the same sex, previously divorced, and couples of different religions. Although the united church believes in same sex marriages some congregations may not allow same sex marriages in their building while others allow all marriages regarding your sexuality.

Abortion

The united church supports the right for women to have abortions. Although the church may suggest or provide them with a sexual education class or counseling that may make the abortion unnecessary.

Bibliography

Grant, John Webster. "United Church of Canada." The Canadian Encyclopedia. N.p., n.d. Web. 13 Mar. 2017.

What We Believe." The United Church of Canada. N.p., 03 Mar. 2017. Web. 14 Mar. 2017.

"UNITED CHURCH OF CANADA AND HOMOSEXUALITY." UNITED CHURCH OF CANADA AND HOMOSEXUALITY. N.p., n.d. Web. 15 Mar. 2017.

Communications, United Methodist. "What Happens after a Person Dies?" The United Methodist Church. N.p., n.d. Web. 18 Mar. 2017.

"United Church of God." United Church of God. N.p., n.d. Web. 18 Mar. 2017.