Welcoming Everyone

We are Lynnhurst

Honoring the still-speaking God

Who We Are

Here at Lynnhurst Church, We do our best to follow the teachings of Jesus while we seek the abundant life he preached and modeled.

Jesus turned no one away, neither do we.

As individuals we might imagine this differently, but as a church we think that living abundantly means we possess the ability to tap into a joy-infused beauty and wholeness that resides within all of us. Even in the midst of sincere sorrow or crisis and the routines of day-to-day work.

When the hardships of life keep us from inner peace, others from this church family can help or listen. We give thanks for the ways we get to participate in God’s ongoing redemption of the world, whether it is forgiving a neighbor or advocating for justice. Often the simple parts and moments of life are the pieces that transform us most. So we are a hugging, smiling, laughing church.

We hope to be a people of extravagant welcome like our denomination the United Church of Christ, which says, “No matter who you are or where you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here.”

Our setting in South Louisville is unique. We share the neighborhood with many international families, specifically the Burundi. Currently, the African Evangelical Friends Church utilizes our building for worship services.

There are over 200 non-English languages spoken within a six mile radius of our location. Serving in an international and socio-economically diverse context like this affords us many opportunities to learn from our neighbors as we work together to account for needs that are different than our own.

Iroquois Park in the fall

We take seriously authentic community engagement, but that does not mean it is easy. We are working hard to enhance our listening skills, especially as we turn to the young people of our neighborhood for mutual teaching and support. We want to be a church that works alongside the people we serve since we are all in this boat of life together. We all have the capabilities to offer support as we ride waves that facilitate peace and friendship. We are all the beloved children of God.

We are the United Church of Christ
United in Christ's love, a just world for all.

The United Church of Christ is one of the most socially and theologically progressive in America. Since 1957 this denomination has been known as the “church of firsts“. The first to ordain women, first African American ordination, the first integrated anti-slavery society, first ordination of an openly gay man, the first to begin a school for the deaf, the first to publish a hymnbook with gender neutral language for both God and humankind.

The mission of the UCC is "United in Spirit and inspired by God's grace, we welcome all, love all, and seek justice for all." Every day, we at Lynnhurst work to live that mission in our daily lives.

United Church of Christ Statement of Faith—adapted by Robert V. Moss

We believe in God, the Eternal Spirit, who is made known to us in Jesus our brother, and to whose deeds we testify:

God calls the worlds into being, creates humankind in the divine image, and sets before us the ways of life and death.
God seeks in holy love to save all people from aimlessness and sin.
God judges all humanity and all nations by that will of righteousness declared through prophets and apostles.
In Jesus Christ, the man of Nazareth, our crucified and risen Lord,God has come to us and shared our common lot, conquering sin and death and reconciling the whole creation to its Creator.
God bestows upon us the Holy Spirit, creating and renewing the church of Jesus Christ, binding in covenant faithful people of all ages, tongues, and races.
God calls us into the church to accept the cost and joy of discipleship, to be servants in the service of the whole human family, to proclaim the gospel to all the world and resist the powers of evil, to share in Christ’s baptism and eat at his table,to join him in his passion and victory.
God promises to all who trust in the gospel forgiveness of sins and fullness of grace, courage in the struggle for justice and peace,the presence of the Holy Spirit in trial and rejoicing, and eternal life in that kingdom which has no end.

Blessing and honor, glory and power be unto God.

What We Believe

We believe in the triune God: Creator, resurrected Christ, the sole Head of the church, and the Holy Spirit, who guides and brings about the creative and redemptive work of God in the world.

We believe that each person is unique and valuable. It is the will of God that every person belong to a family of faith where they have a strong sense of being valued and loved.

We believe that each person is on a spiritual journey and that each of us is at a different stage of that journey.

We believe that the persistent search for God produces an authentic relationship with God, engendering love, strengthening faith, dissolving guilt, and giving life purpose and direction.

We believe that all of the baptized ‘belong body and soul to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.’ No matter who – no matter what – no matter where we are on life’s journey – notwithstanding race, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, class or creed – we all belong to God and to one worldwide community of faith. All persons baptized – past, present and future – are connected to each other and to God through the sacrament of baptism. We baptize during worship when the community is present because baptism includes the community’s promise of ‘love, support and care’ for the baptized – and we promise that we won’t take it back – no matter where your journey leads you.

We believe that all people of faith are invited to join Christ at Christ’s table for the sacrament of Communion. Just as many grains of wheat are gathered to make one loaf of bread and many grapes are gathered to make one cup of wine, we, the many people of God, are made one in the body of Christ, the church. The breaking of bread and the pouring of wine reminds us of the costliness of Christ’s sacrifice and the discipleship to which we are all called. In the breaking of bread, we remember and celebrate Christ’s presence among us along with a ‘cloud of witnesses’ – our ancestors, family and friends who have gone before us. It is a great mystery; we claim it by faith.

We believe the UCC is called to be a united and uniting church. “That they may all be one.” (John 17:21) “In essentials–unity, in nonessentials–diversity, in all things–charity,” These UCC mottos survive because they touch core values deep within us. The UCC has no rigid formulation of doctrine or attachment to creeds or structures. Its overarching creed is love. UCC pastors and teachers are known for their commitment to excellence in theological preparation, interpretation of the scripture and justice advocacy. Even so, love and unity in the midst of our diversity are our greatest assets.

We believe that God calls us to be servants in the service of others and to be good stewards of the earth’s resources. ‘To believe is to care; to care is to do.’

We believe that the UCC is called to be a prophetic church. As in the tradition of the prophets and apostles, God calls the church to speak truth to power, liberate the oppressed, care for the poor and comfort the afflicted.

We believe in the power of peace, and work for nonviolent solutions to local, national, and international problems.

We are a people of possibility. In the UCC, members, congregations and structures have the breathing room to explore and to hear … for after all, God is still speaking, …