The Sanctuary
About The Sanctuary
Pastor Art Wiegand and his wife, Ann, have spent almost 30 years leading the formally congregational church, now called The Sanctuary. At The Sanctuary we believe worship is the heart of the church. But that is just the beginning. As we are taught the Word and are challenged to grow spiritually, we find ourselves reaching out to those in need of the Gospel in everything we do. We are His hands and feet in which God moves and ministers to those around us. We become willing and eager to share what talents, time and resources we have to help. Sometimes that means collecting food for the Salvation Army. Sometimes that means helping to prayerfully and financially support our students studying for the ministry, serving in the military, going on and sponsoring missions trips or simply listening to each other.
The Sanctuary began as The First Congregational Church of South Amherst in 1834. The building has seen many changes since it was built. Our historian tells us that there used to be two entrances at the front...one for the women and one for the men. Of course, the men and women did not sit together either. Heated by the wood burning fireplace and with no running water, the church thrived as an off shoot of Charles Finney's ministry. So, even before automobiles were the common form of transportation and horses were tied to the posts, the church has been alive with the Word. The Sanctuary, is now an interdenominational church where the Word is taught and the spirit moves freely. And just as the building has undergone many changes over the years so have the people. As a group we consider ourselves family and constantly encourage each other to grow spiritually. The great commission is taken seriously as we extend ourselves to those in need. We would like to encourage everyone to worship with us and feel the presence of Christ.
Our Heritage
Our Creed
We believe in God, the Father almighty,
creator of heaven and earth.
We believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord,
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
born of the Virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried;
On the third day he rose again;
he ascended into heaven,
he is seated at the right hand of the Father,
and he will come to judge the living and the dead.
We believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic* Church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting.
Amen.
*universal