Remember our conversation on "discovering our genetic code?" The genetic code or spiritual DNA is those normative boundaries of values, beliefs, vision and mission, which are the consensus of the faith community. These "essentials" of church life are the boundaries beyond which groups and individuals cannot go, and still be part of this church, but within which we can do anything at all -- immediately. As "the new phoenix rising," our identity is not shaped by heritage but by purpose. For we believe that "God is doing a new thing."
As we streamline our church for effectiveness, as we make our Constitution & Bylaws representative of "the new us," and as we make our purpose relevant for today's world, we have said that our core values are: acceptance, compassion/caring, mission, community & spirituality. These are the things to which we will give 100% or our energy. We have also said that the basic beliefs to which we will turn during times of confusion and stress are: faith as journey, One God known in many ways, Jesus is our Way, Prayer/Music, Open Table. Our motivating vision is described as: Birthing Change…Sharing God's Love. Our key mission is: We welcome all people, without insisting that they become like us. We celebrate God's presence through worship and faith formation. We serve others through ministries of healing, nurture, and outreach. Notice that the key words for our key mission are: Welcome/Celebrate/Serve. These are a snapshot of ourselves with the intention of inviting courage, compassion, and creative imagination.There is a piece to this "re-imaging" process of which we are still seeking your help. We are looking for a graphic image and/or a rallying song/hymn that might further illustrate our motivating vision. If you would like to be a part of a select team of artists, poets, musicians and other "lateral" thinkers, please let me know. As we press ahead with this process, let us remember that our unity as a church is not based on agreement but on the common experience of the transforming power of God in our lives. That experience may be interpreted differently, but the consensus is a celebration of that shared experience.
Thanks be to God!
Harvey
