Our Denomination
The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A) traces its history back to the 16th century and the Protestant Reformation. Much of what the Presbyterian Church believes originated with the French lawyer, John Calvin (1509-1564), who established much of what we have come to know as Reformed theology.
Presbyterians made their roots in America as a result of immigrants who came from England, Scotland, and Ireland. Since the early 18th century, Presbyterians have been a part of American society and culture, with some Presbyterians even making history (i.e., The Rev. John Witherspoon, who was the only minster to sign the Declaration of Independence).
What We Believe
Trinity – We believe in one God who exists in three persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit (the Creator, Redeemer, and Sustainer).
Incarnation – The eternal Word of God became human in Jesus Christ. He is both fully divine and fully human.
Justification – We are saved by grace alone through faith, not by our good deeds.
Scripture – The Bible is the only authority for our salvation and faith.
Sovereignty of God – God creates, sustains, rules, and redeems the world with righteousness and love, showing His greatness and holiness.
Election – God chooses people for salvation and service based on grace, not because of what they do.
Covenant – God’s covenant is shown through the grace of Jesus Christ. The Sacraments relate to this covenant. Baptism brings us into the covenant community, whether we are infants or adults. The Lord’s Supper reminds us of God’s covenant through Christ’s sacrifice. We feel Christ’s presence more during this sacrament.
Stewardship – In thanks for our salvation, we live simply and take good care of what God has given us. We aim to be responsible stewards of God’s creation, avoiding excessive show and using His gifts wisely.
Sin – We recognize the reality of sin in our lives and in the world, especially the sin of idolatry (worshiping anything other than God) and tyranny (denying Christ’s authority in all aspects of life).
What Makes Us Different?
At the center of our very being is the belief that our identity is tied to a hope that is founded on the grace of god in Jesus Christ. By this hope, we we pray that the Holy Spirit empowers us to live lives that reflect our dedication to God.
“In affirming with the earliest Christians that Jesus is Lord, the Church confesses that he is its hope, and that the Church , as Christ’s body, is bound to his authority and thus free to live in the lively, joyous reality of the grace of God.” (Book of Order F-1.0204)