MISSION

The mission of Church of the Master is to worship the living God; to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ to all the world; to further the cause of Christian unity and promote Christian fellowship among all people; to be servants of God by rendering loving service in the name of the Master; and to strive, with the guidance of the Holy Spirit, for the time when all people will live together in peace and justice.

Our congregation works to fulfill its mission through worship, education, evangelism, and ministry involvement both locally and on a much wider scale.

Locally we support and participate in a number of ministries including Catawba Habitat for Humanity, Hickory Soup Kitchen, the Shelter Home for abused women, Hospice House, and Cooperative Christian Ministries. In addition, our church supports Heifer International, United Church Homes and Services, Johns River Camp and Blowing Rock Conference Center as well as regional and national ministries of the United Church of Christ. Scouts and AA use our church for meetings.

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WORSHIP

Worship at Church of the Master is conducted with a relaxed dignity. Dress ranges from formal to casual. The liturgy, music and preaching are designed to involve people in the active worship of God. We desire to make all people feel welcome and accepted.

Worship is designed to facilitate our offering of praise to God, even as it creates a setting where God may speak to us. All people are welcome in our services of worship.

Holy Communion is usually celebrated on the first Sunday of each month. Communion is open, which is to say it is left up to the individual to decide whether to participate. The Lord’s Supper is observed in a number of ways, including participants coming to the altar and kneeling, coming to the front to participate by intinction (dipping the bread in the wine or juice), or by having the elements delivered to participants in the pew.

EDUCATION

We believe education is one of the most important activities of the church. At Church of the Master we have classes on Sunday morning for all age groups. Adults have a choice of traditional Bible study or topical discussion. Both groups encourage free discussion and creative thinking. Divergent views are not only tolerated, they are encouraged. From time to time, there are special studies, conducted for limited times.

Preschoolers through youth study age appropriate materials in their own classrooms under the guidance of trained leaders. Their learning includes activities as well as study and discussion. Groups are kept small to enable students to be with those closest to their own age and maturity, and to create the best environment for learning. As much as possible, children work with furnishings and supplies designed for them.

Our Sunday church school begins at 9:30 and is conducted year round.

MUSIC

The music program at Church of the Master consists of both a sanctuary choir and a chimes choir. The choir rehearses weekly on Wednesdays to provide quality music in worship. The chimes choir also provides special music for worship from time to time. They also rehearse on Wednesdays.

Although they do not have ongoing programs, children and youth prepare and perform music for special events and seasons. We hope to develop structured music programs for children and youth soon.

Choir membership is open to all and everyone is encouraged to participate.

The music program is under the direction of Amy Shook with Kim Lail serving as accompanist.

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OUR CHURCH’S WIDER MISSION

Church of the Master is member of the Southern Conference of the United Church of Christ, the Western North Carolina Association. Through its denominational affiliation, the church supports missions and ministries throughout the world. The name given to our involvement in ministry throughout the world is Our Church’s Wider Mission.

The UCC has nearly 200 missionaries in 85 countries providing evangelism, disaster relief, economic and social development, refugee advocacy, interfaith dialogue, support for human rights, and promotion of wholeness and health around the world.

In the United States, the UCC works in ministries to and through local churches, providing worship and education resources, leadership training, resources for families and people of all ages, and partnering with UCC-related colleges and seminaries.

The United Church of Christ is a strong advocate for economic and social justice, including concerns for racial justice, environmental protection, human rights, corporate responsibility, and health care. Through our denomination our church is involved in peace ministries and prison ministries, and it has a strong presence among Native Americans.