About High Country United Church of Christ
Who We Are
The doors on the front of our church say that “God’s Doors Are Open To All,” and we really mean that. We believe that church is a place where everyone should feel an extravagant welcome. We don’t always get it right, but our hope is to learn and grow together into a more inclusive, vibrant community.
We choose to be part of the Open and Affirming network through the UCC. No matter who you are, or where you are on life's journey, you are welcome here! We rejoice and share in God's extravagant celebration and welcome, offered to all of us regardless of our race, gender identity, economic status, or sexual orientation. We also became a W.I.S.E. church in 2021, committing to support all those in our midst on their journey of mental health and mental illness.
As a church that just celebrated 20 years of being community together, we like to think that who we are is evolving and shaped by the folks who make up our community. We invite you to learn more about us by engaging with our community. You’ll find out about upcoming events on our calendar page.
Our Story
The High Country United Church began its life together as a congregation on August 25, 2002, meeting at Blowing Rock Assembly Grounds, a United Church of Christ conference center. A mass mailing, several newspaper articles, and other media invitations yielded a first Sunday’s attendance of 155 persons. Over the next few months, approximately 20 persons from the congregation emerged as a visioning task force that has helped us to formulate our mission statement, covenant, and self-understanding regarding our call and purpose as a faith community.
In the Fall of 2004, the congregation moved to a new location in Vilas, NC which enabled more of the work to which we feel led. We are committed to our vision that we believe reflects God’s challenge to us to be a community of faith that is inclusive, to offer unconditional safety and acceptance, to create an open and thoughtful atmosphere for welcome, and to be active in the world, working and advocating for justice and peace.
Join us in person.
We gather every Sunday morning at 11 a.m. See our calendar of events or Contact Us with any questions.