Rainbow Promise Metropolitan Community Church


	We are an interdenominational Christian Church which welcomes all who are seeking a relationship with Jesus Christ. We are inclusive in language, theology and beliefs. We openly invite all to share in our desire to bring the Good News of our Savior to ALL people.


	The Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Churches (UFMCC) was founded on October 6, 1968 by the Rev. Troy Perry in Los Angeles, California. All people are loved by God and should be empowered to celebrate in the message of hope through Jesus Christ. The Church invites all people, regardless of age, race, sex, religious background, physical challenge or sexual orientation. MCC extends throughout the world with churches in virtually every state. Christianity is the revelation of God in Jesus Christ , foretold in the Old Testament, presented in the New Testament and proclaimed by the Church of every age. Rainbow Promise is a people of diverse Denominational backgrounds that are rich in faith. The ministry of MCC is a shared ministry of lay people and clergy which affirms the Priesthood of All Believers serving together in proclaiming "freedom and justice for all by the grace of God.


	Baptism Baptism by water and the Spirit, as recorded in the Scriptures, shall be a sign of the dedication of each life to God and God's service. Through the words and acts of this sacrament, the recipient is identified as God's own child. Holy Communion Holy Communion is the partaking of blessed bread and fruit of the vine in accordance with the words of Jesus, our Sovereign: This is my body...this is my blood. (Matthew 26:26-28). All who believe, confess and repent and seek God's love through Christ, after examining their consciences, may freely participate in the communal meal.


	Our faith is based upon the principles outlined in the historic creeds. WE BELIEVE; IN one triune God, omnipotent, omnipresent, and omniscient, of one substance and of three person: God our Heavenly Parent, Jesus Christ the only begotten Child of God, and the Holy Spirit. THAT the Bible is the divinely inspired Word of God, showing forth God to Every person through the life on earth of Jesus Christ. THAT the Holy Spirit is God making known God's love and interest to all people. The Holy Spirit is God available to and working through all who are willing to place their welfare in God's keeping. EVERY person is justified by grace to God through faith in Jesus christ. WE are saved from loneliness, despair and degradation through God's gift of grace, as was declared by our Savior.


	Rite of Ordination Is the setting apart of duly qualified persons for the professional ministry of this Church. Rite of Attaining Membership in the Church In accordance with criteria established by the local church, a baptized Christian may become a member through affirmation of faith before a local congregation at any regular worship service. Rite of Holy Union/Rite of Holy Matrimony The spiritual joining of two persons in a manner fitting and proper by a duly authorized clergy. After both persons have been counseled and apprised of their responsibilities one toward the other, this rite of conferring God's blessing may be performed. Rite of Funeral or Memorial Service To be conducted by the ministers of the Church for the deceased. Rite of Laying on of Hands Prayer for the healing of the sick in mind, body or spirit, to be conducted by the ministers of the Church, at their discretion, upon request. Rite of Blessing May be conducted by the ministers of the Church for persons, things and relationships, when deemed appropriate by the minister. This includes the dedication of a church building to the glory of God.