WHO WE ARE
A Christian community that welcomes all
A Diverse Congregation
We, the Community Church of Sebastopol, are a diverse congregation. We are people of different ages, races, sexual orientations, abilities, gender identities and expressions, who come from a variety of social, economic, political, religious, geographic, and ethnic backgrounds. Our congregation has long been committed to seeking justice, both within our community and in the world at large.
An Open & Affirming Congregation
We welcome and affirm people of every religious background, family composition, sexual orientation, physical and mental ability, ethnicity, age and gender. We encourage all people to participate fully in every aspect of our church’s life and ministry.
We are a community in which we worship God and share the love of Jesus Christ. We seek to teach the message of Jesus to all ages and to put our faith into action. We cherish, honor, support and serve each other and the world, in all our diversity.
We thank God for the diversity among us. We affirm that every person has worth as a special and unique creation made in God’s image. As Christians, we experience God’s reconciling love. In response, we seek to embrace justice and to stand with all who suffer discrimination, isolation and alienation. In this spirit, our family of faith is open to all.
We encourage all people to participate fully in every aspect of our church’s life and ministry, sharing in worship, fellowship, membership and leadership. We celebrate the variety of talents and perspectives which continue to enrich us as we journey together in this community of faith.
A Sanctuary Congregation
As people of faith and people of conscience, we declare that we will resist policy proposals that seek to deport, detain, or otherwise target millions of undocumented immigrants and that enable, affirm, or codify discrimination against immigrants and other vulnerable and marginalized communities. We make this declaration both because we are called to stand in solidarity with immigrants and other vulnerable and marginalized people everywhere, and because members and friends of Community Church belong to one or more of these groups.
We will accordingly marshal the efforts and energies of our congregation and wider community in a spirit of hope, faith, inclusion, and love to help those targeted by fear, suspicion, bigotry, and hate. We will work alongside our friends, families, and neighbors to ensure the dignity and human rights of all people.
We declare ourselves to be a Sanctuary Congregation and affirm our responsibility to seek justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with our God. We will work together with partner organizations to resist any harmful or unjust policy proposals that undermine due process, lead to discrimination based on identity, or otherwise violate Constitutionally-protected rights.
Adopted March 30, 2025
Interested in joining our church community?
You are welcome to participate in our church whether you are a member or not for as long as you’d like. And if it’s a fit, we’d love to have you join us as a member. Here’s how you do that…
STEP 1: ATTEND WORSHIP
Attend our Sunday worship and see if you would like to become an active member of the Community Church of Sebastopol.
STEP 2: ATTEND AN INQUIRERS’ CLASS
Inquirers’ Classes are held every few months. Contact the office to find out when the next orientation will be held.
STEP 3: PARTICIPATE IN THE LIFE OF THE CHURCH
We welcome your full participation as a member in the life of our church. As members, we commit to:
- Attend Sunday services as regularly as life allows
- Deepen spiritually by participating in one church program
- Serve faithfully with the church in the wider community
- Share our financial resources so the church may thrive
- Aspire to a leadership or volunteer role
- Tell others about our church & why it means so much to us
Frequently asked questions
What if I can’t make it to the next Inquirers’ Class?
There will be another orientation in a few months, so you can attend the next one.
What if I can’t make it to the joining ceremony?
We will have you join in absentia, then introduce you on a subsequent Sunday.
Do my kids join with me?
While all baptized people, including infants, are members of the Body of Christ, local church membership is for anyone over confirmation age (14 or so). Children are invited to join us in the Inquirers’ Class if they like, and we would love for them to be with you during the joining ceremony.
What if I still have questions after the Inquirers Class?
Our pastor can be available during the week, in person or over the phone, to continue in conversation.
