OUR WHY: To Lead With Love

♥ Offering an inclusive, welcoming space for all.

♥ Seeking the holy in ourselves, each other, and the world

♥ Making a difference in our community



CORE VALUES

ATTEND TO OUR SPIRITUAL LIVES

Through prayer, spiritual practices and formation, we weave our relationship with the Holy into the fabric of our daily lives. Prayer and discernment guide ministries and worship will be guided by discernment and prayer. (Foundational)

CHOOSE LOVE

We act from love not fear; build bridges not walls. (Foundational)

CREATE AND SUSTAIN COMMUNITY

We gather and care for each other. We cultivate deep relationships. We will prioritize our relationships with each other over the differences that separate us. (Foundational)

WELCOME ALL

All means all and all are welcome. We promote an inclusive culture by:

  1. fostering the skills to shift our cultural perspectives and appropriately adapt our behavior to bridge cultural differences;
  2. cultivating the self-awareness and empathy needed to value difference in working toward equity. (Missional)

HONOR DIVERSITY

All are welcome. Our leadership, worship, music and ministry initiatives will reflect our diversity. (Missional)

PROMOTE THE DIGNITY OF ALL

Through formation, lobbying and other initiatives we prayerfully engage in social justice activities that promote and protect the dignity of all people. (Missional)

CARE FOR CREATION

We value our interdependence with creation and recognize our role as stewards. We incorporate practices that protect, sustain, and nourish our fragile earth and her inhabitants.

ENGAGE OUR NEIGHBORHOOD

We open our hearts and doors to our individual and church neighbors, strive to understand their needs and support them. (Missional)

NURTURE THE NEXT GENERATION

We offer, support and staff worship and formation opportunities for families and children. (Missional)

CULTIVATE BEAUTY

We tend to the beauty of our space, worship and music that evokes a sacred sense of awe, stillness and joy. (Missional)

COMMUNICATION COVENANT

  1. If we have a concern or issue that involves someone, we will discuss it with that person privately.

  2. If someone has a concern or issue with another person and comes to us, we will send them to that person.

  3. If someone has a concern or issue with another person and comes to us, we will send them to that person.

  4. If someone is reluctant to come to the person with whom they have a concern, we will offer to accompany him or her to see that person.

  5. We will not interpret what others say or mean. (We will ask them interpret for us if we are unclear of their intentions.)

  6. If something is confidential, we will not do not share it with anyone. Exception: If you are aware that a) someone is going to physically harm someone else; b) someone is going to harm herself/himself; c) a child has been physically or sexually abused, please consult with the clergy.

  7. We will not read or react to unsigned letters or notes.

  8. We will not act on anonymous complaints brought by others.

  9. We will not manipulate; We will not be manipulated. We will not let others try to manipulate others through us.

  10. When in doubt, we will just say what is on our minds. The only dumb questions are the one that are not asked.

  11. When in disagreement, we will say it. We cannot resolve issues that are left unspoken. We cannot work together without mutual understanding and trust.

  12. Our relationships with each other are the most important asset in our community. So, if we have a concern, we will pray and then, if led, speak up.