Statement of  Faith First Congregational Church of Kingston (Kansas City 1919 amended) WE BELIEVE in God the Father, infinite in wisdom, goodness and love, and in Jesus Christ, His Son, our Lord and  Saviour, who for us and our salvation, lived and died and rose again, and liveth evermore, and in the Holy Spirit,  who taketh of things of God and Christ and revealeth them to us, renewing, comforting, and inspiring the souls of  men. WE ARE UNITED in striving to know the will of God as taught in the Holy Scriptures, and in our purpose to walk in  the ways of the Lord, made known to us. WE HOLD IT TO BE the mission of the Church of Christ to proclaim to all mankind the gospel, exalting the  worship of the one true God, and laboring for the progress of knowledge, the promotion of justice, the reign of  peace and the realization of human brotherhood. DEPENDING, AS DID OUR FATHERS, upon the continued guidance of the Holy Spirit to lead us into all truth, we  work and pray for the transformation of the world into the Kingdom of God, and we look with faith for triumph of  righteousness and the life everlasting. WE BELIEVE in the freedom and responsibility of the individual soul and the right of private judgment.  We hold to  the autonomy of the local Church and its independence of all ecclesiastical control. WE CHERISH the fellowship of the other Congregational Churches, united in state and national bodies for  counsel and co-operation in matters of common concern. What it Means to be a Congregationalist The right of every individual’s immediate access to God is the fundamental precept of Congregationalism.  Its adherents believe that Jesus Christ  alone is Head of His church; that His Spirit can act through and speak directly to each member and each congregation without benefit of bishops,  hierarchies, or presbyteries.  Congregationalism derives its name from the prominence it gives to its body of Christian believers.  Each church is a self-governing unit with duties and responsibilities shared equally by all members.  At First Congregational Church of Kingston,  NH, our members make up the Boards and Committees that assume the various responsibilities of the church. The chairpersons of the Boards  make up the membership of the Cabinet.  The Cabinet meets monthly to listen to reports of the Boards and to act on business.  The Congregation holds a Budget Meeting in January, and an Annual Meeting in April. All are encouraged to attend. Only members may vote. We are an independent Congregational Christian Church associated with the National Association of Congregational Christian Churches.  We are guided by the Christian principles of faith, freedom and fellowship. The Reverend Dr. Arthur Rouner has written a very thorough study of Congregationalism in his book “The Congregational Way of Life.”  This is a  “must read” for those seeking Christian truth, whether layman or clergy.  A copy may be picked up in the church office or at major book stores. About Our Church RECENT HISTORY AND FUTURE PLANS Since the addition of the Rent room in the 1950’s, the Kingston church campus has not undergone any significant physical change.  However, over the past few years our membership has grown remarkably fast and our Sunday Schools are bulging at the seams.  To accommodate this population growth, we have a major addition currently under way and we have adjusted our scheduled services.  On Sunday mornings at the Kingston campus, we have two worship services.  The 8:45 service is a contemporary style and the 10:30 service is a traditional style.  The same sermon is preached at both services.  In addition, in 2010 we acquired the First Christian Church meeting house in Newton, N.H.   We are holding one service there on Saturday evening at 5:30.  Details about our church’s future is provided on the next page, “We’re Growing.”  Hover over the heading “About Our Church” to view an early history of the Kingston church. Return to Top First Congregational Church of Kingston, NH and Newton, NH Kingston Campus 603 642-7256, Newton Campus 603 382-7201 email  -  webmaster@kingstonfcc.org