About Us

WELCOME!

The people of the Federated Church of Ashland are Christians from varied denominational  traditions, united for the purpose of knowing and worshiping God, growing in relationship with Christ, and serving our community and world.

Mission Statement

The Mission of The Federated Church of Ashland is to daily proclaim the teachings of Jesus Christ through education, worship, mission and celebration of the word of God, uniting as a community of diverse Christians in love and nurture.

The following is meant to provide a brief overview of our church, its facilities and its organization.

“Federated” Church

Federated Church of Ashland is the name of an imaginative and compassionate congregation rooted in both the history of this community, and three of the country’s oldest denominations.

In response to fuel shortages during World War I, the town’s American Baptist, United Methodist and Congregational (United Church of Christ) churches were temporarily joining for Sunday worship services. The result was so successful that, in 1919, the three denominations joined, and formed a “federation”.  The new federation decided to meet together at the Congregationalist church, located in the center of town, and built in 1835.

Over time, and in response to the fact that the church began to attract members from other Christian traditions, as well as folks completely new to the Christian faith, a fourth, “Affiliated”, branch was formed.

Organization

The organization of the church includes a Church Council, a Board of Deacons, and several committees that oversee involvement in such diverse service activities as education, music, missions, property maintenance and stewardship. Organization Structure

Christian Education

Christian Education represents a vital portion of our efforts.  Ages birth through high school are welcome to attend classes that run on Sunday mornings.  Adult Bible studies are offered periodically, and include both scriptural and topical subjects.

Nursery Care

Nursery care is available for children up to the age of 2½.  The nursery is fully equipped, and staffed on Sunday mornings by one qualified child care professional, together with an adult volunteer church member.

Membership

Membership entitles an individual to vote on matters affecting the Church, and is open to any adult who is a member of good standing in any constituent denomination. Classes are periodically conducted for new members, at the conclusion of which individuals are formally accepted into the Church. Of course, we welcome anyone who chooses to worship with us as a non-member and becomes involved in the work of the Church.

Community

Our church actively seeks to be an integral part of the community, and seeks to establish, and maintain, close working relationships with all local religious institutions. Our facilities are made available to diverse groups, such as the local Reformed Jewish Congregation, Boy Scouts, Alcoholics Anonymous and other social and religious groups.

Missions

We take every opportunity to help those in need. We actively donate our time, food, clothing and financial resources to established local charities, and our denominations.  We participate in several ongoing programs, such as the Interfaith Hospitality Network, and serving meals at local shelters. We periodically organize groups from within the church to provide physical assistance to individuals in need, local charitable causes, and those located in other areas of the country, and the world.

Theta Phi Delta

Many women within the church participate in the Theta Phi Delta, primarily a social group, which also contributes to church-supporting activities, such as the annual church fair, and the Thrift Shop, which resells donated clothing, and other used items.

We hope that you will find this information useful, that it will answer some of your initial questions, and will give you some flavor about our church. We welcome you, and hope that you will choose to attend our services.  Should you wish to speak with the Pastor, please feel free to call the church office at 508-881-1355.

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