About Us
Beloved of God:
Welcome to our web page. These pages tell the story of our ministry. No matter what your life story, you are welcome at our church. The United Church of Ovid is unique in many ways. We are a federated congregation of the United Church of Christ and the United Methodist Church We offer a place for all people to worship God, serve humanity, and grow in faith and fellowship. Every person is a child of God. They are created in God’s image and are loved, valued, and blessed equally by God.
So, no matter matter what your life story is, our church is an open congregation who seeks to invite, welcome, and affirm all persons. Our ministry invites, welcomes, and engages persons of all races, ethnicities, ages, sexual orientations, gender identities, family structures, faith backgrounds, abilities, and economic circumstances. In our church, you are welcome to share and participate fully in worship and sacraments, ministry, leadership, and fellowship. We welcome all persons to share in the blessings and joys of our church family.
Stay well,
Pastor Blair
Our History
The United Church of Ovid is a unique congregation with a unique history. We are a duel denominational church combining Methodist and Congregational. The original Methodist congregation (Grace Methodist Episcopal) began in 1860 with just four members and the Congregational Church (First Congregational) began in 1871 under the guidance of twenty. In 1942 the members of the two great churches linked hearts and hands together to be in ministry as The United Church of Ovid. it was an act of faith with a vision for the future. The congregation met in both buildings for a time until it was decided to house the congregation in 1972 at the Grace Church building on Front Street.
Forty+seven years after the merger in 1989, a large addition was built with a Miracle Sunday, affectionately known as the ‘Miracle on Front Street.” The new section was seamlessly joined to the original building, and included; an entryway, offices, kitchen, rest rooms an upper room for the youth, and a large family center, also known then as the ‘Great Hall.’
The United Church has continued in its mission to be an important part of the religious, social, and service life of Ovid and the surrounding area.
[1] (adapted from an October 1998 newsletter article)
Mission, Purpose, and Belief Statements at UCO
Originally affirmed by the 2009 Annual Meeting of the United Church of Ovid.
Our Mission
“Making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world so that all may be one.”
Our Purpose
“Growing in God’s Word, Living in Spiritual Unity, and Sharing Faith in Christ.”
Our Beliefs
At the United Church of Ovid, we believe…
— 1 —
That the church who loves God and loves one another will be the church that shows unconditional love in faith, family, and community.
— 2 —
That the church who prays together, worships together, studies together, serves together, and plays together, will be a church that stays together.
— 3 —
That the church who believes, studies, and lives by God’s Word, will be the church that offers opportunities to study God’s Word for all ages and levels of believers.
— 4 —
That the church who positively witnesses to others, in words and action, about their Christian faith and their Christian faith family, will be the church others will want to belong to.
— 5 —
That the church who reaches out to their community in mission will be the church who has the heart to assist “the least of these” whether near or far.
— 6 —
That the church who cooperates with other churches, whenever possible, will be the church who benefits from shared resources, shared vision, and shared calling.
— 7 —
That the church who believes that everyone has a Spiritual gift however large or small it be will be the church that fosters and encourages the use of these gifts.
— 8 —
That the church who puts more emphasis on what unites than what divides is the church that seeks to embrace and apply God’s lessons of love, forgiveness, grace and peace toward all.
— 9 —
That the church who believes that God is not done with them yet, will be the church that God can still use.