Who Are We?
Our Distinct Legal Existence
On September 5, 2024, The SWAN Church became a legal entity, THE SWAN CHURCH, LLC, registry number 230649592. We are in the process of becoming legally recognized as a church.
Our Religious History
The dream of a church where everyone could feel welcome and supported, regardless of disability and neuro- or gender-diversity, has been with us for years. We took the first step toward this reality in January of 2024: our website, https://www.theSWANchurch.org began offering articles and videos discussing various world religions and their scriptures and holy days, prayers, and messages of hope and encouragement. Our first in-person small group gathering was held on September 23, 2024 in a private home in Wilsonville, Oregon.
Our Creed
Our creed is the statement of beliefs that we share. Read our creed here.
Our Form of Worship
Our primary form of worship is online and asynchronous.
We chose online because many of the people that we hope to serve are not comfortable leaving home to worship with a group of other people. You don’t have to leave home to worship with us.
We chose asynchronous worship, available online at any time on demand, because many of our people are in different time zones and have different scheduling challenges. No one is late or misses the chance to worship with The SWAN Church.
Small groups of members meet regularly in private homes. If you would like to host a SWAN gathering in your home and you’d like Pastor Wendy to attend online, email her at PastorWendy@theSWANchurch.org.
Our Established Places of Worship
Our primary place of worship is online. Additionally, small groups meet in private homes.
Our Regular Congregation
Members who align with our creed and who are not members of another church may join The SWAN Church congregation. Membership applications are available online, or email Pastor Wendy.
Regular Religious Services
Services, including Messages, Scripture, Prayers, and discussions of faiths and holy days around the world, are available any time at theSWANchurch.org.
Regular in-person gatherings are held in private homes. Email Pastor Wendy to find out about hosting your own SWAN gathering.
Our Organization of Ordained Ministers
Wendela Whitcomb Marsh, MA, RSD, (Pastor Wendy) is an ordained minister through the organization of Universal Life Church Ministries. She holds a Religious Studies Doctorate bestowed by the Emerson Theological Institute on June 1, 2015, in Oakhurst, California.
Our Ecclesiastical Government
Our church government is predominantly Single Elder Led/Pastor Led, with Pastor Wendy (Wendela Whitcomb Marsh) as the pastor. She is joined by a Board of Advising Directors. The SWAN Church government style is influenced by the Quaker faith consensus decision making practice.
Our Formal Doctrine
Our doctrine is influenced by the Quaker belief that we all have within us a connection to The Light, a spark of the Divine, something of God, Goddess, Great Spirit, Higher Power, and/or the Soul or Best Self. Sharing this spark with all humankind, we believe that all are capable of directly experiencing the divine nature of the universe.
Our Formal Discipline
Our formal discipline is influenced by the writings of William Penn, Ralph Waldo Emerson, and many Great Teachers from around the world and throughout human history.
Our Membership
Our members are not associated with any other church or denomination. They choose The SWAN Church and align with our creed. All are welcome. Membership applications are available on our website under the “About” drop down menu. Questions? Email Pastor Wendy.