A message from the pastor

Here at Community United Church of Christ we have always been progressive, on a journey of faith that applies spirituality to everyday life. We take seriously the Biblical imperative from Micah 6:8, “…and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God.” We offer an extravagant welcome, extending fellowship in Christ to people of every race, age, ability, gender, sexual orientation, and economic condition. Our guide is the “Golden Rule” of Jesus, “In everything do to others as you would have them do to you; for this is the law and the prophets.” (Matthew 7:12)

We have been leaders in our community for civil rights, gender equality, gay rights, and most recently environmental justice. Our congregation has voted to commit itself to Justice in a Changing Climate, working for better understanding of global climate issues, and promoting wise energy choices and lifestyle decisions to counter global warming. We believe that “God is still speaking,” and guiding us toward the goals of “Peace on Earth and Peace with Earth.”

Come join us on our journey of faith!

Peace, Steve

Steve Halsted graduated with a B.A. in history from University of Connecticut in 1974 and earned a Master of Divinity degree from Boston University in 1985. He was ordained in the Metropolitan Boston Association of the United Church of Christ in 1986. He has served United Church of Christ churches in Belmont, MA, Williamsburg, MA, and Albuquerque, NM, and has led Community United Church of Christ in Raleigh since January 2002.

Steve has been married to Marcy Rifkin Halsted for 37 years and they have two grown children, a son Janaka and a daughter Elizabeth, and a grandchildren, Avery and Davis.  Steve’s hobbies include pottery – along with other visual arts, nature activities like hiking and camping, and strumming the guitar.

Children's Religious Education Committee

The Children's Religious Education Committee develops learning programs for infants, children, and youth with the assistance of the children's Church School Coordinator, Anne Bailey Zschau, and the Youth Minister, Śānti Matthews. We design activities to enrich the Church School curriculum and plan the service emphasis for the month. We also plan the annual Christmas pageant and Advent Family celebration.

"I like working to transmit Christian values to the next generation. A spirit filled, ethical, reliable next generation can be a gift to the world." - Marty

"As the mother of 3 small children, it is important for me to give them a foundational belief system that helps them to be strong during times of challenge, to open their hearts to others and to understand their role in making our world a safer and healthier place for all. The children's program at CUCC has done a wonderful job of moving beyond just sharing Biblical stories and has helped them to understand how they can contribute to the greater good on a regular basis. Whether they are collecting school supplies for an orphanage in Guatemala, dedicating their offering to local food banks or simply creating and sharing valentines with residents at the nearby retirement home, they put into action Gods hope that we will all care for each other. " - Kara

"The kids at our church love to express themselves through art. It is a joy for me as a teacher to find meaningful ways to connect a Bible story or spiritual principle to an art project. I watch in awe as the children create beautiful and thoughtful works of art that reflect what is in their heart." - Judy.

• Sunday Morning
• Youth Group
• Safe Church Policy

Photo Galleries

• Youth Lunch - Feb 2013
• Youth Sunday - March 2013
• Interfaith Shuttle Gang - July 2013

Live Your Faith

• Share your interests with our children & youth. Let Anne Bailey or Śānti know what you'd enjoy passing along to a new generation.
• Invite a friend to church school or youth group.
• Donate an item or pledge your support to one of the service activities being led by our younger members.
• Teach on Sunday morning.
• Chaperone a mission trip for a few hours or a weekend.
• Set the direction of CUCC's children's and youth's education programs by working with the religious education committees.

Goals

To grow the next generation of justice people and welcome the gifts that our children and youth offer. As children, youth, and adults together, we seek to strengthen our faith: through knowledge of scripture and traditions, through practice of spiritual disciplines, and through fostering supportive relationships.

What support is provided for parents? Parenting is hard work. We risk asking each other how things are going and follow up on hunches that someone might appreciate our support. We listen to each other and try not to offer solutions or sage advice, but simply ask if there is anything we can do to support the parent and/or the child. As always, we work to keep confidences.

CUCC is blessed to have staff members who've "been there." Make an appointment to talk things over with Anne Bailey, Śānti or Steve.

Adult Education Committee

We develop opportunities for spiritual formation for adults. We schedule learning opportunities at different times of the week and provide short-term and long-term classes."

• Sunday Morning Bible Study
• Sunday Morning Forum
• Monday Lunch Group
• Wednesday Evening Bible Study
• Saturday Men's Group
• Sisters in Spirit

I have a hunger to learn more about the scripture as a support for my own spiritual journey. I enjoy learning in community. This is my opportunity for intellectual stimulation." - Ellen

Live Your Faith!

• Engage your brain by participating in regular study.
• Share your passion with others by leading a one time event or series. Let the committee know so we can help you with coordination and publicity.
• Share books, videos, or movies with others.
• Set up and clean up for an education activity.
• Provide child care so that parents have a chance to renew their intellect.
• Advise the committee by sharing your comments on:
• Optimal meeting times
• Meeting locations (Would you prefer "in church" activities or home groups?)
• Type of activity (discussion, book study, spiritual practice, film series, speaker series, etc.)
• Ongoing activities (of indefinite duration) vs. limited duration activities (for example an activity that might meet weekly for six weeks and then cease)
• Plan for educational opportunities you'd like to have.
• Join the Adult Religious Education Committee.