Our Beliefs

(This is a summary of the Essential Tenets of the ECO denomination.)

We believe that God has authoritatively revealed Himself in His Word, both in the incarnation of God the Son and in the infallible Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments.

We believe that God is triune: one essence and three persons − Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

We believe that Jesus Christ is both truly God and truly human, and that His two natures, divine and human, are united in one person. We are able to confess Jesus Christ as Lord and God only through the work of the Holy Spirit.

We believe that the present disordered state of the world is not God’s doing, but is the result of humanity’s free, sinful rebellion against God’s will. No part of human life is untouched by sin. Fortunately, in union with Christ through the power of the Spirit we are brought into right relationship with the Father, who receives us as His adopted children. We find our new identity as brothers and sisters in Christ, who all share one Father. As family, we are active participants in the church community.

We believe that Jesus is the sole path by which sinners become children of God.

We believe that God chooses us for Himself in grace before the foundation of the world, not because of any merit on our part, but only because of His love and mercy. The Holy Spirit grants us faith and enables holiness, so that we may be witnesses of God’s gracious presence to those who are lost. We seek to preach Christ, calling all persons to repent and believe the gospel. We seek also to care for the natural world, serve the poor, feed the hungry, visit the prisoner, and defend the helpless.

We believe that men and women alike are called to all the ministries of the church and that every member is called to share in Christ’s work.

We believe that our lives should reflect the holiness that is a response of gratitude for the grace of God. Our growth in holiness is initiated, sustained and fulfilled by the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit, and is especially guided by the Ten Commandments. As the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, Jesus leads us along the path of life toward that goal, bringing us into ever deeper intimacy with the Triune God, in whose presence is fullness of joy.

Our Values:

1. Our church is centered on Christ, with the Bible as the authoritative Word of God.
2. We cultivate a nurturing environment where all are embraced in worship and fellowship.
3. We believe in fulfilling Christ’s Commission to make and multiply disciples, impacting lives with His life-changing message.
4. Through loving and compassionate discipleship, we minister to the spiritual and practical needs of our members and community, particularly the marginalized and vulnerable.
5. We actively support Christian missions.
6. We honor and uphold our historical legacy tracing back to the Gold Rush era.
7. Following a Presbyterian (ECO) structure in worship and governance, we are guided by a Session comprised of dedicated Elders.
8. We celebrate God’s blessings with gratitude by embracing life as a divine gift.
9. In faithful prayer, we intercede for those in need, supported by our ordained Deacons who regularly reach out to our congregation and community.
10. Balancing cultural relevance with adherence to the Essential Tenets of ECO, we remain steadfast in our faith.
11. Central to our mission is the belief that every individual, especially the lost, matters profoundly to God and to our church’s purpose.

For more information, see ECO – “Who We Are.”