A Warm and Welcoming Place . . .

The following resolution, along with our Covenant of Welcome, was adopted by congregational vote on November 20, 2022:

Whereas, we believe that ALL persons are created in the image of God (Gen. 1:27), known fully and sanctified before we were even born (Jer. 1:5), and being fearfully and wonderfully made, God ordained all the days of our lives (Ps. 139: 15-16); and

Whereas, we believe that, as disciples of Christ, we are many members, but we are all one body in Christ (Rom. 12:5-6), and that Jesus calls us to love our neighbors as ourselves (Mk. 12:31) without being judgmental (Mt. 7:1-2) nor disparaging of others (Lk. 18:9-14); and

Whereas, we are called to hunger and and thirst for righteousness, to be merciful, to be peacemakers, to endure persecution because of righteousness (Mt. 5: 6-10), and to proclaim release to the captives and freedom to the oppressed (Lk. 4:18); and

Whereas, in Christ, we are ALL equal before God (Gal. 3:28); and

Whereas, we shamefully confess that the Christian church has often condemned, marginalized, excluded, and caused irreparable harm to the least of these, our neighbors; and

Whereas, many of our sister churches in the United Church of Christ and the Presbyterian Church (USA) have set for us an example to follow and a witness to take up; and

Whereas, it remains the Vision of The Associated Church to be a “Warm and Welcoming Place to Meet God!”; and

Whereas, we, the members of The Associated Church, recognize that this Vision is a prophetic calling which we must strive actively, faithfully, and prayerfully to realize;

Therefore, Be It Resolved, The Associated Church of Owatonna, MN, on this 20th Day of November in the Year of Our Lord, 2022, does renew and strengthen its commitment to be a welcoming community of faith by adopting the succeeding Covenant of Welcome; and

Be It Further Resolved, that we declare The Associated Church, under the sight of God and before the eyes of our community, nation, and world, to officially seek designation as an Open and Affirming and More Light church, expressing an explicit welcome and celebration of ALL of God’s children. We declare that ALL Are Welcome Here!

As our still-speaking God has shown abundant love for us, we believe that we, in turn, must strive to be a witness to the world by showing love and compassion to all.

Associated Church aspires to be a vibrant community of faith united in an extraordinary God. We strive for all who gather here to learn, grow, and serve together in hope, love, and joy. Believing that each of us is created in God’s image, we celebrate people of all generations, races, cultures, sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions, family configurations, economic circumstances, physical, cognitive or emotional abilities, education, or spiritual and religious traditions.

Through the love of Christ, we openly invite all people to grow and participate in every aspect of the life of our congregation including sacraments, celebrations, and leadership at all levels including ordination. As part of our ministries and mission, we seek to grow together in a safe and nurturing community of faith.

We believe that love is in three parts: loving God; loving your neighbor; and loving yourself. We seek to create a community that embraces those in need of healing, reflection, and reconciliation. We strive to demonstrate in all ways that no matter who you are, or where you are on your faith journey, you are welcome here.