In May of 2004,  this congregation voted to adopt the guidelines, as outlined by The United Church of Christ, to become an Open & Affirming Congregation.  This is commonly referred to as “ONA.”

It was clear that our Open and Affirming (ONA) status was an important element to the life of the church community. As a response to a call from the Church Council in November of 2016 and as a result of the visioning process in April 2017 an ONA committee was formed.

We are a diverse group of members who welcome the young and old to join us as we strive to fulfill our mission & purpose.

The Mission/Purpose

The ONA committee was created to provide support and assist the Church community of First Congregational Church in Norwood to remain intentional in its ONA status as declared in the ONA statement passed in June 2004.

What do we do?

Our church has an Open and Affirming (ONA) committee to provide support and assist the church community in remaining intentional in its ONA status as declared in the ONA statement passed in June 2004. 

• We participate in the Boston PRIDE parade with the Massachusetts Conference of the United Church of Christ.

• We rededicate ourselves annually to our ONA work by reading our statement as a congregation in worship. 

• We provide educational opportunities to the church to help us understand our differences.

What does it mean to be ONA?

We recognize that we are one body in Christ, and that we are called to love our neighbors as ourselves. 

• We celebrate the wide range of gifts found in a diverse community

• We welcome all individuals regardless of physical or mental ability, race, age, culture, family status, sexual orientation or gender identity into the full life and community of our church

• We marry same-sex couples and baptize children of same-sex couples

• We strive to provide access for all, especially those who historically have been excluded

• We strive to use preferred pronouns

• We strive to educate the community

• We work for justice 

As we gather for worship at each week, we welcome friends and strangers desiring to walk with God.  We do this with these words, “No matter who you are, or where you are on your journey of life and faith, you are welcome here!”  These words are shared with deep sincerity, and also with a depth of pride that we can extend this welcome because we are an Open and Affirming Congregation of the United Church of Christ.  We hope you will feel welcomed by the congregants at FCC Norwood and by the God of love.