OUR DENOMINATION

We are part of the Presbyterian Church (USA), a denomination that is a "mainline" Protestant denomination. Although relatively small in New England, the Presbyterian Church (USA) consists of 2.5 million members worldwide. The Presbyterian Church is of the Reformed tradition stemming back to the time of the Reformation. John Calvin's theological understanding of scripture has been most instrumental in helping to establish the Presbyterian Church as we know it today. His work in Geneva, coupled with the work of his understudy, John Knox in Scotland, have been the underpinnings of the Presbyterian Church in America. Most of our heritage here in the US can be traced to these earlier reformers, with most of our forefathers coming from the Presbyterian Church of Scotland.

We are a Confessional Church, looking to the writings of such Confessions as the Westminster Confession, the Scot's Confession, the 2nd Helvetic Confession and many others. They help us shape our theology. In all things however, the Scripture takes precedence as being the inspired Word of God.

We are also a connectional church, based upon a representational system of church government. Our local church is governed by a 7 member board of elders, known as the session. They are responsible for the spiritual and programmatic functioning of the congregation. The elders also represent the church at regular meetings of the New England Presbytery, where business of this region takes place, including oversight of the training and calling of pastors, and the work of the churches in the New England area. Representatives from the Presbytery are also sent to the Synod of the Northeast meetings, and to General Assembly, the body which determines policy for the denomination.

As a congregation, we support the work of the denomination in a variety of ministries locally and around the world.