"My wife and I were there this spring for Sunday worship and you could really feel the spirit of a healthy community gathered to share God's love. Bravo."
Martin Doblmeier, award winning Director of the PBS movies Bonhoeffer, Backs Against the Wall, and The Power of Forgiveness
When asked the question as to why am I bringing my children to church, my first thought was that the question needs to be, "Why do I bring my children to Black Forest Community Church?" BFCC is a very special place and is very different from where we came and from many other churches. After attending the LDS church for many years, I realized that I never felt like we fit in there. My time there did make me really contemplate what I believe, however. I believe that church should be for everyone and that is the way Jesus would want it to be. I want my children to be loving, open, and accepting. I want my family to be part of a church that loving, open, and accepting to us in return. BFCC provides much more for our youth than sermons and bible lessons, although those are good things. BFCC is really an extended family where kids can learn from other members with varied abilities and experiences. Each of my children have different needs and, therefore, benefit in different ways from attending church. I see my oldest son increasing his empathy and selflessness as he gives his time to church projects. My middle son, who has Bipolar Disorder, has a very difficult time with social situations. My hope is that he can see BFCC as a safe place where he can feel God's love through thoughtful, non-judgmental members. I am grateful that BFCC is a place that my son is welcome to attend service, even if he's having a very difficult day, and curl up in the corner on the floor with his service dog and no one will judge him for it. The love and kindness shown to him by others is crucial in helping him quell his anxiety and fears. The knowledge of a higher power and that there is more than our life here on earth keeps him pushing through the hard times he faces when battling mental illness. My youngest child, who can be impulsive and impressionable, benefits from being around people who model good behavior and have admirable attributes. I am confident that the things my children learn at BFCC will help them be more empathetic, confident, honorable, and well-rounded individuals. - Andra Kimes
It’s been a long time since I’ve been excited to go to church. Mona used to invite me all the time, but I always seemed to be busy washing my hair Sunday mornings. Now when I enter our sanctuary, I feel like it is my second home. I love how inviting we are to each other and to new people; Pastor Marta can barely get us to sit down during the greeting time! I love sitting in the round, because I feel like I am in my living room with my second family and I can SEE you and feel the vibrancy of your spirits! I love how our church is willing to be spirit-led; to be willing to do the hard stuff, to work out conflicts, to pray for each other and rejoice with each other. I look forward now each week to being with my church family instead of washing my hair! Leslie Sheley
The Black Forest is inviting with nit’s quiet calm, warm feel, and the wind whispering through the pines. Black Forest Community Church offers the same promise of comfort and sanctuary. Being an O&A church in the UCC, all are welcome, always. You will be greeted with a smile, seated among new friends amid beautiful stained glass murals, and experience a pertinent, spirit led sermon. You will find a congregation known for kindness and community service. The BFCC family exemplifies it’s vibrancy in many ways. Two of which are a highly regarded, Christian based pre-school and a participation in the Black Forest Festival that is rivalled by none. Please join us for a Sunday Service and you too will be welcomed. Jon McGrew
God is still speaking at Black Forest Community Church, United Church of Christ. We are spirit-led and trying to unfold the kin-dom of God in our midst. Our vibrancy is infectious. Our community is defined more like a verb than a noun. We acknowledge the priesthood of all believers. Meaning, the people of the church do the work of the church. More than anything, we strive to be inviting to all people no matter who you are or where you are on life’s journey. You are invited to belong and be at peace at BFCC, it truly is a sanctuary. Marta Fioriti
Well, we’re a small, active and progressive Christian community in Black Forest. We believe that God still has a lot to say to each of us and we’re creating a safe, inviting space where everyone feels welcomed and supported in listening and responding to whatever God is speaking to them.If you’re looking for a church with a family feel to it where you can really make a difference you should come by and visit. Steve Murtaugh
The congregation I am walking with on my faith journey is the Black Forest Community Church, UCC. We are a spirit-led community that listens to our still speaking God. We provide sanctuary by inviting all persons to be with us and walk with us, no matter where they are in their faith journey. Our vibrancy is in our united response to where and how the Holy Spirit calls us to be disciples in the forest and beyond by doing justice, loving kindness and walking humbly with our God. This is a community that exists to be sure that nobody is excluded from Love. Where are you on your faith journey? Tom Putney
