Who We Are

We are a small church in a small town, hospitable to visitors, welcoming of people seeking membership in the body of Christ, and committed to the community that is our context and to the good news that God is love without condition and life free of death.  First gathered in 1750, and now gathering in a meetinghouse built in 1850, we have a long history in this place but we look forward more often than we look back.  In this spirit of hope and in the name of our host, Jesus Christ, we invite any who feel called to join in our common life.  As Jesus Christ did before us, we affirm that each individual is a child of God, and recognize that we are called to be like one reconciled body with many members, seeking with others of every race, ethnicity, creed, class, age, gender, physical or mental ability, and sexual identity to journey together toward the promised realm of God. We regard Scripture as authoritative, one source of revelation in our lives; we confess God as continuing to speak truth to the world; we worship so to repose in God's love, rejoice in God's forgiveness, and be rejuvenated for the work of mercy and peace in a conflicted world; and we celebrate the sacrament of Holy Communion as spiritual food by which we participate in the life eternal.  Please join us.

Where We Are

The town of Monterey, Massachusetts, once known as township #1 was settled in the 1740's by a group of proprietors from Watertown, Massachusetts.  While known as the town of Tyringham from 1761 to 1847, the town was given the name of Monterey when it split from Tyringham.  Losing out to the Midwest in business of cheese making, and to cities in the papermaking and tanning businesses, Monterey turned to its natural environment.  From the late 1800's, people in search of peaceful and recuperative surroundings began prolonged visits at various times of the year.  It became a popular resort town.  An 1889 tourist guide describes Monterey as "charmingly attractive," with two of the areas most beautiful lakes, Lake Buel and Lake Garfield.  The town has retained its rural character and has a large, second-home community.  Currently the town has 964 residents. 

When We Gather

The congregation gathers for worship at 10 o'clock on Sunday mornings in our sanctuary at the corner of Tyringham Road and Rte. 23.  We celebrate Holy Communion on the first Sunday of the month; worship in song, sermon and silence on the second and fourth Sundays of the month; and gather for Godly Play  on the third and fifth Sundays of the month.  

About this Website

If you have questions about this site, please contact the pastor of the church at liz@goodman.md or at 413/528-5850.

Last modified: March 28, 2010

Monterey United Church of Christ, 449 Main Road, Monterey, Massachusetts 01245  (413) 528-5850