Our Purpose

We worship together. We learn together. We serve together. We laugh and cry together. We work toward peace and justice together. We enjoy the gifts of sharing in community together. 

OCBC's Mission Statement

OCBC is a progressive, inclusive Christian community in the American Baptist tradition that seeks to offer God’s radical hospitality to everyone, answering God’s call to hold fast to love and justice for the earth and all its peoples, and welcoming all who are seekers. Through our common life of prayer, worship, spiritual development, and the arts, we strive to follow the example of Jesus and to work, through active nonviolence, for social, racial, economic and ecological justice, and for peace.

OCBC is a Welcoming and Affirming congregation (meaning we are fully inclusive and celebrate the lives of LGBTQ people), and has been since 1983, when the community declared tself to be officially welcoming of gay and lesbian people, and began to work actively within the church and the world for the civil and ecclesiastical rights of all, regardless of sexual or affectional orientation. This commitment now includes bisexual and transgender persons. OCBC also has a history of promoting gender equality and of providing accessibility to persons of all abilities.

OCBC has a long history of welcoming people of all races and cultures. We are fully committed to racial equity, which demands the fair allocation of opportunities and resources in employment, housing, education, health care, and other areas. We are also committed to working to ensure that no racial group be disproportionately impacted by environmental hazards or the criminal justice system.

Get Involved

There are many ways to get involved in the community at OCBC, from attending worship services to singing in the choir to joining a book group or a ministry team. If you would like more information than is provided on the website about these opportunities, please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. He would be glad to talk with you about ways you can become more involved in this vibrant community of faith.

Betsy Sowers Minister of Earth Justice

What to Expect

Dress

Most come very casually dressed and a few dress up a bit. Feel free to come however you are most comfortable. 

Parking

Parking is available in the OCBC lot just beside the church building for the duration of the Sunday morning service and Adult Forum hour. Street parking is also ample on Sunday mornings. We are also just five blocks from the Harvard Square T if you are taking public transportation. 

Our Sunday Services

We worship each Sunday morning at 10:30am in a service that includes spoken prayers, congregational singing, special music from musicians and the choir at OCBC, and a sermon from our pastor or a guest to the OCBC pulpit. Each service lasts between 60 and 90 minutes.

Children

We have a Sunday school class for ages 1 through 12 every Sunday on the first floor of the church building. A greeter can guide you to the proper place.

Communion

On the first Sunday of each month, we celebrate the ancient tradition of sharing Communion (some call this the Eucharist). We always have gluten free bread available, as well as the option of either wine or grape juice, depending upon your dietary needs. We celebrate open communion, inviting anyone to the table (including children) who wish to find sustenance in community and to share in the life of peace and justice taught to us by Jesus. You don't have to "believe" anything in particular to partake. This simple meal is a symbol of our community together with one another striving to follow in the ways of Jesus.

After the Service

Everyone is invited to stay for coffee and other refreshments immediately following the service in the back of the sanctuary. Most Sundays from September through May, we gather from 12:15 until 1:30 for an Adult educational forum (childcare also available) and a light lunch is provided. During the summer months, we usually don't hold Adult Forums, but many go out for brunch after the services, so you're always welcome to join a group!

Location and Directions

We are located at 1151 Massachusetts Avenue and 400 Harvard Street (our building spans the block) in Cambridge, MA. 

The church building is just southeast of the Harvard Square T-Station, on the Central Square side of Harvard Square. Free parking is available for the duration of the service.