CELEBRATING DIFFERENCES is our firm belief that every individual matters. Our welcome and embrace of others recognizes no distinctions.
There is no longer Jew or Greek, there is no longer slave or free, there is longer male and female [or gay and straight, immigrant and native-born, black, white, or Hispanic]; for all of you are one in Christ Jesus. (Galatians 3:28)
PASSIONATE PRAISE AND WORSHIP defines a community that loves God intently and is interested in offering up communal thanks and praise that is both focused and creative. We call this worship passionate, because we recognize that it is a full-on faith commitment of the gathered assembly.
When you come together, each one has a hymn, a lesson, a revelation, a tongue, or an interpretation. Let all things be done for building up. (1 Corinthians 14:26)
ACTIVE GROWTH IN FAITH at Epiphany means that our lives must always be treated as unfinished products, awaiting more growth and meaning, even as we probe the deepest questions of faith and life. This growth in faith does not simply ask about our children and youth. For when does learning and growth end? Never! It is a continual process.
But speaking the truth in love, we must grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ. (Ephesians 4:15)
ADVENTUROUS MISSION AND SERVICE implies that we want to serve. We joyously commit to being part of the transformation of human suffering and sorrow in the world. We call our mission and service adventurous, because we are invited to the joy and discovery that fills us as we find Jesus in lives of service.
Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me. (Matthew 25:40)