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🌳 Rooted and Rising: A Shared Story of Becoming

Honoring the 68th Anniversary of the United Church of Christ

On June 25, 1957, something brave and beautiful happened. Four Protestant streams—the Congregational, Christian, Evangelical, and Reformed traditions—merged in covenant, not conformity, to form the United Church of Christ. It was a radical act of unity in a divided world. It was a declaration that difference need not mean division. It was the beginning of a new way to be the church.

Now, 68 years later, that same spirit flows through Holy Covenant United Church of Christ. As we prepare to celebrate 25 years as an Open and Affirming congregation, we pause to honor the deeper well from which we draw. We are rooted in these four traditions—and we rise on their shoulders.

To mark the UCC’s 68th anniversary, the national setting has released a powerful 20-minute video that tells the story of our formation. It’s more than history. It’s a love letter to the bold dreamers who trusted that unity was not only possible—it was holy.

“The Beginnings of the United Church of Christ: Our Roots in Four Traditions”

This film traces the theological convictions, worship practices, and cultural roots of the four streams that became one. You’ll encounter:

• 🌾 The Congregational way—fiercely local, freely gathered
• 🕊️ The Christian Connection—focused on unity, simplicity, and Spirit
• 📖 The Evangelical tradition—born of immigrant wisdom and faithful resilience
• ⛪ The Reformed legacy—grounded in covenant, always reforming

At Holy Covenant, we live out this legacy in every justice vigil, every communion shared, every hymn sung in harmony. This video is not just about where the UCC came from—it’s about who we are becoming, together.