Welcome

Our Vision for Mission

We commit ourselves to be accountable to God and to each other in carrying out these, our visions:

1. Recognizing our Lord’s command to reach out to all people with the Gospel, we will welcome all persons, being especially mindful of those groups that have not felt welcome in the past, such as persons of color; those whose primary language is other than English; the physically challenged; persons who are homosexual; and person living in non-traditional households, including singles, single parents, step parents and extended families.

2. Recognizing that our life together is centered around Word and Sacraments, we will provide a wide array of worship experiences, including traditional Lutheran worship, alternative liturgies, informal/less structured worship, prayer vigils, healing services, employing a variety of worship aids including music, multi-media, choirs, drama and dance as appropriate.

3. Realizing our growth in faith is a life-long process, we will strengthen and deepen our personal and corporate discipleship though Bible Study, structured study of contemporary social issues in light of the Gospel message, prayer circles, spiritual retreats and other means.

4. Recognizing that there is a continuing need to maintain and modify our church facilities as the demands for effective ministry may dictate, we will develop long-range plan for upgrading our facilities to meet our current and future needs for ministry and as a witness to others of our love of God and our care for the things God provides.

5. Recognizing our responsibility to carry the Gospel to each succeeding generation, we will provide instruction in the Christian faith to our children and youth, using the best materials and instructional methods, providing opportunities to develop relationships within the community of faith, and developing ways for them to express their growing religious commitment in service to

others in our church family, the community and the world.

6. Recognizing the human need to develop a sense of community, rootedness and meaningful relationships, we will foster small groups of congregational members for mutual support, care and friendship.

7. Knowing we have been called to do works of mercy and to work for justice, especially for the poor, the oppressed and the powerless, we will be diligent in caring for and advocating for those in need and for the earth, locally and worldwide, both personally and within the legislative and judicial systems.

8. Recognizing the importance of pastor(s)/member relationship, we will develop and foster a mutually affirming and supportive pastor/member relationship, accountable to each other, to God and the Gospel.