National Alliance of Covenating Congregations within the United Church of Canada

The Alberta Association of Covenanting Congregations

The Alberta Association of Covenanting Congregations within the United Church of Canada, is a group of congregations who have joined together to support each other in upholding the Historic Christian Faith. A covenant is made when a congregation endorses the Articles of Association. These articles are derived from and uphold the faith found in the United Church Basis of Union. Fidelity in marriage and chastity in singleness are included among the standards required of pastors serving member congregations.

What is its purposes?

-To gather like-minded congregations into a fellowship that sustains them in their respective ministries, and in their involvement in the courts of the Church, in hope that as numbers grow their presence will have good effect.

-To affirm the following articles:

1. ON FAITH:

• We believe that the twenty articles of faith of the United Church of Canada do set forth the substance of the Christian faith as commonly held among us. In so doing, we build upon the foundation laid by the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone. We affirm our belief in the Scriptures of the Old and New Testament as the primary source and ultimate standard of the Christian faith and life. We acknowledge the teaching of the great creeds of the ancient Church. We further maintain our allegiance to the evangelical doctrines of the Reformation.

2. ON MINISTRY:

• It is expected that those called to the pastorate of covenanting congregations will strive to exemplify the highest ideals of faithful service in the exercise of their public ministry and will live in honesty, purity and charity with all people. Fidelity in marriage and chastity with all people. Fidelity in marriage and chastity in singleness, as defined by the 19th General Council, are among the standards of pastors of covenanted congregations.

3. ON FELLOWSHIP:

• WE COVENANT TO:
  • -welcome and nurture all those who seek to live in faithful obedience to God through the example and teachings of Lord Jesus Christ

  • - provide periodic opportunities for worship and fellowship together at local and regional levels.

  • -gather clergy and/or church leaders together in fellowship and mutual support on a regula basis (at least annually).

  • -foster a hunger and a thirst to study the Holy Scriptures; to profess and confess them by daily living and witness containing the ultimate standard of Christian faith and life.

  • -acknowledge and proclaim the presence of God's Holy Spirit among the faithful believers and congregations and to confess the Lordship of Jesus Christ as the supreme authority and head of the Christian Church.

  • -cooperate with existing courts of the United Church of Canada in so far as our confession in Jesus Christ allows.

  • -share resources, material and events that will contribute to the spiritual well being and growth of our congregations.

WHO ARE ITS MEMBERS?

THERE IS A THREE FOLD MEMBERSHIP STRUCTURE:

1. Member Congregations: Congregations who have voted to adopt the Articles of Association (previously listed). Each congregation appoints a representative to sit on the regional council.

2. Individual Associate Members: Individuals who have accepted the articles but are not a part of a member congregation. Clergy who are not part of a member congregation are also eligible to become associate members.

3. Corresponding Members: Others individuals and congregations who do not wish to join the AACC at this time but wish to stay informed about the association.

HOW DO YOU BECOME A MEMBER?

This should be a congregational decision made a congregational meeting specifically called for this purpose according to the manual of the United Church. To facilitate this decision, the Articles of Association and information about the AACC should be made available to the congregation as well as information about current United Church stands on issues of faith and practice (resources and speakers are available from the AACC).

HOW ARE WE FINANCED?

The Regional Associations (of which there are now six stretching from Newfoundland and the Maritimes to British Colombia) are financed entirely by voluntary donations. Such donations can be made by individuals, church groups, or congregational boards. It is hoped that the AACC will thus be kept responsive and accountable to you, its members. The address where donations can be sent can be obtained by emailing the contact person at the bottom of this page.

REMEMBER:

We are a group of people and congregations who love the United Church of Canada with all its diversity. We wish to stay in the church while upholding traditional Christian values, theology and morals. Our association rests upon our faith in Jesus Christ as expressed in the Articles of Association that outline what we as covenanted congregations believe. It is our faith which informs our daily decisions as we seek to be God's faithful people in our homes, churches and communities.

MEMBER CONGREGATIONS

Pleasantview
Sedgewick
Lac La Biche
Kitscoty
Marwayne