THE UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST

Rev. Dr. Susan Stonestreet is pastor of the United Christian Church in Lincolnville, Maine. The parish is affiliated with the United Church of Christ, and all faiths are welcome. This is a 200-year-old parish, an old New England church, crisp and clean and open, with a plaque by the door that reads, "Bidden or not bidden, God is present." Susan was ordained in the United Church of Christ in 1999. She holds a Master of Divinity Degree and a Doctor of Ministry Degree from Bangor Theological Seminary in Bangor, Maine.  She also holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in American Studies and a Master of Science Degree in Personnel Counseling from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. Topics in this hour include: Susan’s journey from being a Certified Financial Planner with American Express for fifteen years, to a new spiritual life as a pastor; why she was drawn to the United Church of Christ, an affirming, welcoming church; the denomination’s history, time frame and key figures; how “all are invited to the table”; social beliefs and matters of justice specific to UCC; a particular memory from parish life; the role of the church in contemporary culture; what the church offers today's seekers, whether of faith or disbelief; the commitment to tolerance and forgiveness; challenges to the church today, at large, and in the parish; UCC's relationship to other churches and other religions; political and peace efforts; and much more. For more info visit: www.ucc.org