In 2003, the congregation of First Congregational Church of Woodstock, after a time of learning and discernment, approved the following Open and Affirming statement, proclaiming our belief that God’s love is for all people, no matter what, and pledging our intention to shape our life together according to that core conviction.

Open & Affirming Statement

We, the members of the First Congregational Church of Woodstock, seek to embody in our words and actions the unconditional grace and hospitality of God that we have experienced in the personality of Jesus Christ.  In him, we have been invited into the life of God, and welcomed into the community of faith.  Led by Jesus’ spirit and following his example, we invite all who seek to be his disciples into this church family, without regard to race, nationality, age, marital status, gender, mental, emotional or physical challenges, economic status, or sexual orientation.  We believe there are no outsiders in a community that is observant of God’s will.