Who Are We?
We are a gathering of around 175 folks who have responded to God’s calling to be a particular type of faith community, in a particular setting. Demographically, we look like the community in which we live. Our median age is slightly above that of our community which is 57 (ours is probably in the lower 60’s) yet we value persons of all ages. Our ethnic composition mirrors that of the community. Our welcoming spirit increases the number of members who represent minority ethnic groups. Diversity in theological positions is celebrated. Even though at times this characteristic has its accompanying challenges, we enjoy engaging in conversations that stretch us spiritually and intellectually. Some of our folks are still working outside of their homes, while others have been enjoying the blessings and challenges that come with retirement. Some of our folks have been Christian as long as they remember and have been a part of a congregation forever; others have renewed or new faith commitment to Jesus Christ and Christ’s Church.
What We Believe
In order to be a member of this congregation, the only requirement is to claim “Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior,” whatever that means to the individual. What we think and claim about God (our theology) is rooted in the Protestant Reformation in Europe in the 16th Century. John Calvin is most often identified as the theological “parent” of the Presbyterian Church, even though many persons influenced Reformed theology. Calvin stressed:
- The Lordship and Majesty of God sometimes is referred to as “Sovereignty of God.” All Christians believe in the sovereignty of God, but Calvin emphasized how the sovereignty of God is experienced in everyday life through nature, history, purpose, destiny and ultimately, salvation. God is thought about and experienced as energy, activity, intentionality, and moral purpose. This has led Presbyterians to a deep sense of gratitude expressed through personal and communal piety (devotion and reverence toward God in daily life.)
- The Authority of Scripture is tantamount to belief. The authority of Scripture is found in the presence of the Holy Spirit who guides us in our understanding. Interpretation of Scripture depends on our discovery of what it meant when it was written, and what it means now as the Spirit gives us understanding. The authority of God speaking through Scripture means that no other authority has a right to our total loyalty.
- The Life of the Mind as Service to God is a rather “awkward” phrase. In plain terms it means that God has given us capacity to think for ourselves and does not expect us to “put away our minds away” at the door of our spiritual journey. One of the foundational principles of Presbyterianism is that “God alone is the Lord of the conscience.” Using our minds, God requires we do two things: 1.) Know what we believe and why we believe it, and, 2.) Think about the problems of life and society as persons whose highest loyalty is to Christ.
- Obedience to God is not simply following some set of rules that we can prove by finding a snippet of Scripture to proclaim God is for this, or God is against that. Obeying God is not about jots and tittles, it is about seeking to embody the purposes of God in our lives and know we are forgiven sinners. In gratitude to God, for such forgiveness we respond with gratitude. Calvin thought the genuineness of our faith and obedience to God was demonstrated in the way we treat our neighbors.
For further discussion of our beliefs please visit https://www.presbyterianmission.org/what-we-believe/
What We Most Value
- Relationships with God, and by and through God, with one another.
- People, the dignity and worth of those whom God leads our way.
- Hope, revealed most completely to us in the life death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
- Gratitude for God and for one another.
- Forgiveness as God forgives us, being able to forgive others.
- Partnering with those in need.
- Commitment to God’s purposes
- Gathering as a community of faith for worship, spiritual growth, care and service.
- Transformation, the ongoing work of God by the Holy Spirit. One of the mottos of the Presbyterian Church is, “ecclesia reformata, semper reformanda, secundum verbi Dei.” Translated from Latin, “The church reformed, always being reformed, by the Word of God.” God still speaks to the church and through the church, guiding us in times of change and uncertainty.
