About us
We are a church plant in Smyrna, GA -- just northwest of Atlanta. We are a community of Christ followers who come from a variety of church backgrounds. Our individual stories make a rich tapestry of faith journeys full of things to celebrate and grieve. We are striving to be a safe place for people to come who are interested in learning more about the Trinity -- the Father, Son and Holy Spirit; who have questions about God, Jesus and the Spirit because of the way they were presented to them in previous churches; who haven't felt welcome in churches they've attended before; and who are deconstructing their faith and seeking a way back to the Jesus they once encountered.
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The name "Union Sanctuary" is very intentional on our part. Most of us were given a way of understanding our relationship to God as one of separation and that Jesus' crucifixion made it possible for us to be reconciled to God and overcome the default separation into which we are born. We believe in a theology of union -- that we are not born separated from God. We are born in union with the Trinity. The word "sanctuary" is meant to remind us that the church should be a safe place for people to come and find their true selves and a loving community that is willing to walk with people wherever they are on their spiritual journey. A place where one's doubts and questions are given the space required for the Spirit to draw them deeper into relationship with the Trinity. A place where one can taste and see that the Lord is good.
our pastor:
Hi, I'm Bill. I am the Lead Pastor of Union Sanctuary. I am so glad that you clicked through from the home page to learn more about our church. My hope for you is that you would come to know the truth of your being -- that you are a child of God. And that as you explore what that means -- individually and in community -- the way of your being would look more and more like the example we are given in Jesus Christ, the Son of God -- not because you "should" or "must" but in response to the freedom that comes in knowing that there is nothing that you can do to make the Lord love you less.
Let's grab a coffee if you'd like to learn more about Union Sanctuary.
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Bill Pinto
Lead Pastor
WHAT WE BELIEVE ...
The Trinity
The doctrine of the Trinity means that there is one God who eternally exists as three distinct Persons — the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. They have always existed in perfect unity and communion. There has never been a time when they were not in complete fellowship.
Original Blessing
God's redemptive plan and grace which was known by God before the creation of humans and before sin entered the world. Original blessing is the truth that God has chosen to be in a relationship with us, and God has chosen to stay faithful to that relationship no matter what.
Reconciliation
"God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, no longer counting their sins against them.” (2 Cor. 5:19). God has never been against humanity. God has always been a lover and pursuer of all people. God has never separated God’s self from humanity. We haven't always known this, but now we do because of Jesus Christ.
The Cross
The death of Jesus Christ on the cross was the ultimate expression of the self-sacrificing character of our God, Who is, by nature, a generous servant of humanity.
The Word of God
Jesus is the ultimate Word of God, and the Scriptures bear witness to God. We love and cherish the Scriptures, believing them to be primarily an inspired account of God's relationship to His people.
The Church
Union Sanctuary celebrates all diversity and uniqueness within the Body of Christ. Our hearts go out to anyone who has been rejected or hurt by a church or church leader. We strive to be a church where people feel safe to come as they are, to ask their questions, and to participate in the life of the Union Sanctuary community.
All Are Welcome
We are a progressive community of Christ followers who are committed to welcoming any visitor to Union Sanctuary. Further, we are committed to the inclusion and full participation of all who profess faith in Jesus, including our LGBTQ+ siblings.