WHO are We?
What Do We Believe?

We are a Christian Fellowship of faith, building a community that supports each other to help feed the hungry, to clothe the naked and welcome strangers, while living a life that leads to deeper experiences walking humbly with God.

The vision of Venice United Church of Christ is create a community of authentic believers and to witness a city transformed by the life changing reality of the gospel, as people come to know Jesus as their lord and savior. 

We have two Sacraments, which are baptism and communion. The sacraments are acts of God’s self-giving and our own self-giving. They are expressions of koinonia, community, participation, and sharing. They express to us a hope; and in this hope, we strive to remake the world into the glory of God.

We believe that all of the baptized 'belong body and soul to our God.' No matter who – no matter what – no matter where we are on life's journey – notwithstanding race, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, class or creed – we all belong to God and to one worldwide community of faith. All persons baptized – past, present and future – are connected to each other and to God through the sacrament of baptism. We baptize during worship when the community is present because baptism includes the community's promise of 'love, support and care' for the baptized.

We believe that all people of faith are invited to join Christ at the table for the sacrament of Communion.  Just as many grains of wheat are gathered to make one loaf of bread and many grapes are gathered to make one cup of wine, we, the many people of God, are made one in the body, the church. The breaking of bread and the pouring of wine reminds us of the costliness of unconditional love and the beauty of serving others and God to which we are all called. In the breaking of bread, we remember and celebrate Christ's presence among us. It is a great mystery.  In order to be caring for those with special needs, we use grape juice and gluten-free bread.