We are a Christ-centered, inclusive community called to ministry.

Our Story

The vision of UCC Norwell was first conceived in a quiet living room among a handful of Norwellians on a warm summer evening in 1965. With no land, no building, and no guarantees, they set out to start a Congregational church that would come to serve as a spiritual home for generations of South Shore neighbors and friends. UCC Norwell has been a pioneer in faith formation, mission and outreach, and community engagement on the South Shore. Rooted in prayer, biblical study and lived discipleship, our history is one marked by transformative ministries; UCC Norwell founded the New Nursery School (1977), the South Shore chapter of Habitat for Humanity (1986), the Linden Ponds Community Church (2013), and the South Shore Interfaith Coalition Against Human Trafficking (2017). We have supported the vital work of our mission partners Friendship Home, ASAPROSAR, Jou Nouvo, and Habitat International. And, we know that God is not done with us yet, that the Spirit is still speaking and Jesus is still calling us to continue to love and serve the world in his name.

Open + Affirming

Jesus didn't turn anyone away, and neither do we. In fact, Jesus often embraced those on the margins, people our world tends to cast out and count out. Striving to embody the extravagant love and welcome of Jesus Christ, UCC Norwell is an open and affirming church, which means we welcome all people regardless of sexual orientation, gender, faith background, marital status, or physical or mental ability.

Safe Church

UCC Norwell is an intergenerational community, serving as the spiritual home for people of all ages. We take seriously our responsibility to create an environment that nurtures the faith of the children and youth who are a part of our community, ensures their safety, and minimizes their risk for harm. Our church community has taken great care in adopting these guidelines, which outline shared expectations, practices, and procedures to ensure the safety and well-being of our volunteers, staff, youth, children, and vulnerable populations to whom we are called to minister. All staff and volunteers are CORI checked on a regular, annual basis. Download our Safe Church Guidelines.

Leadership + Structure

We are a congregational church. Because the congregation is the governing body of the church, the congregation appoints Officers (Moderators, Treasurer, Clerk, Co-Financial Secretaries) and Council to lead and make decisions on its behalf. Church Council is comprised of the Officers of the church, nine members-at-large, and a representative from Buildings + Grounds. Church Council is convened by the Moderator and meets on the last Tuesday of the month, August through June, from 7-9:00 p.m.  Council meeting minutes are available through the church at any time. 

We hold a congregational meeting on the last Sunday in January to vote on annual nominations, next year’s budget, and to discuss and/or vote on pertinent matters that come before the congregation. All are welcome to attend; voting is by members only.