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Frequently Asked Questions
How long has Open Circle been in existence?
Open Circle held its first public worship in 1994. In 1996 we moved from our first rental space (a funeral home!) to our current location on Highland Drive.
What do you mean when you say Open Circle is progressive?
Open Circle is progressive in several concrete ways. First, we do not read the Bible as the literal, inspired word of God. We read it in its historical context. We understand it as the voice of people of faith who were trying to discern God's presence and will for their lives in the midst of concrete historical situations. Sometimes they caught a grand, transcendent vision; sometimes they were unable to rise above their cultural prejudices. We believe it is necessary and possible to read the scriptures and discern where God is speaking and where historical or cultural situations got in the way. Second, we do not use the language of being born again.; We prefer to talk about the Christian journey as following in the way of Jesus. Third, we welcome all as participants in our congregation, including gays and lesbians, curious pagans, and turned off Christians. We are committed to building a congregation where everyone is welcome and where diversity is celebrated. Finally, we also use progressive to talk about a way of approaching faith. To be progressive is to be essentially open to new insights and questions, to hold no absolute positions regarding God and faith issues. The will of God and the way of faith is revealed on a perpetually unfolding horizon that invites us to deep ever deeper as we learn and grow spiritually.
How do you respond to first-time visitors?
At Open Circle we appreciate the desire of most first-time visitors to remain anonymous. Therefore, we simply invite our guests to sign an attendance book as it is passed down the aisle. We then send a letter of welcome to our guests.
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