Community Church of Atascadero, United Church of Christ
Community Church of Atascadero, United Church of Christ, seeks to be a spiritual home where all are welcome. We believe the living God empowers us to promote justice and support healing in service to others.
(Draft Mission Statement 9/23)
The Community Church of Atascadero declares itself to be a part of the Peace with Justice Movement. We commit our congregation to:
1. The advocacy of peace and justice, realizing that one is not possible without the other; and
2. A ministry which empowers our members to work actively toward peace with justice. This declaration will be implemented through spiritual witness, education, stewardship of resources, organizing and action. (Adopted June 1988)
Community Church of Atascadero, California, United Church of Christ, declares itself to be open and affirming of women and men of all ages, races, abilities and sexual orientation who desire to share in its services, its leadership and its activities. We welcome all individuals and families, be they heterosexual, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender [LGBT welcoming]; be they single parents, couples, nuclear, blended, extended or stepparents – as they strive to function faithfully in response to God’s Spirit and guided by responsibility, accountability, trust and mutual nurturance. We acknowledge God's gift of sexuality with it's joyous power and challenging mystery. We believe that people of all sexual orientations share the worth that comes from being unique individuals created by God. We will continue to reach out to those who feel they have been exiled from their spiritual community or the community at large. (Amended November 2016)
About Community Church
What is Worship Like at CCA?
We are a warm and welcoming congregation!
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We have an informal worship style
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We do not claim to have the answers, but welcome questioners
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We have a progressive approach to Christianity
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We enjoy a variety of musical styles
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Our worship includes a balance of exuberance and contemplation
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There is no dress code
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Children are welcome - in the service, or at our Sunday School
History of Community Church
The Community Church of Atascadero began as the Federated Church of Atascadero July 18, 1915, with five people in attendance. Over the next several decades the church changed names and location several times, but the original concept of an active, community-oriented church still was part of the day-to-day life of the congregation.
The Atascadero Federated Church was founded as a single church to serve all. This was the popular wish of those residing in the colony, regardless of what their affiliation may have been.
In this way, all could assemble in common inspiration: "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself." (Luke 10:27)
After moving into the new sanctuary in 1950 the church has been a busy place of worship in addition to being a very socially-active church in the community. For almost 30 years Fellowship Hall was the site of Red Cross Blood drives until the blood bank stopped being a non-profit organization and could no longer be housed in a church building.
The church basement is currently the meeting place for Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous (3 groups). Today we are affiliated with the United Church of Christ (UCC), plus serve as a Peace with Justice Movement church as well as an Open and Affirming church. We have an active fellowship of people dedicated to living the Word of Christ.
2020 was our 105th year!