Brentwood was founded in 1960 — a tumultuous time in the life of the United States. Courageous leaders like Rosa Parks and Martin Luther King Jr. pointed our nation toward the “beloved community” — a phrase King used to describe societies built on equality, justice, and dignity for all, regardless of race, gender, creed, or any other factor. As a church, we strive to live into this vision. We believe it’s rooted in the love of God and is at the heart of Jesus’ teachings. We’re proud to have been one of the first churches in Springfield to affirm women as ministers, deacons, and elders. Several years ago, we officially became an open and affirming church in order for LGBTQ+ individuals to know they are not simply welcomed here, but affirmed for who they are as God created them to be. We know we still have a long way to go, and we don’t always get it right, but we believe the gospel calls us to try to live more fully into the beloved community — now and into the future.