|
Mission
Statement Remembering
that God calls us through Christ to be ministers with each other,
St. John's United Church of Christ, as inspired and directed by the
Holy Spirit; seeks:
-
To be inclusive and
accessible to all people,
-
To provide loving
service to all of God's people through mission and ministry, and
-
To strive for
righteousness, justice, and peace.
Our
Message to New Members
There have been many that have gone before us, many that stand
with us now, and many more that are yet to come into our church
family. For some, the decision to join our church family culminates
difficult struggles – some within our own family or with previous
faith communities or with God’s will in our life. Each of you
bring a plethora of life’s experiences, each contributing to know
not only who you are but whom we have now become.
In the Church’s journey, only time will reveal the true
magnitude of our efforts during this day, however. We believe every
gathering holds a potential for life-changing experiences, both for
the individual and for the Church. Thus this day holds with it every
promise of God’s fullness and we walk expecting God to be among
and with us. In the power of our covenant with God, and with one
another, we claim God’s blessings.
This is a day in which you have come forward to declare your love
of Jesus Christ and desire to grow with the people of our church
family. While we have no idea of what challenges the future may hold
for you, for us, or for our individual and collective life’s
journey, we welcome you and covenant with you, as with one another,
to walk together no matter the situation or circumstance.
We believe that we have only "the moment" and with each
moment therein lies a "privilege" of that moment. Know
that it is our privilege to walk with you, a privilege to be your
pastor and church family, and to share your journey. Be assured that
we are a much stronger people of faith, a much stronger church
family, having you with us.
Take this "moment" and bask in God’s mercy, grace,
slowness to anger, and steadfast love. Revel in the joy felt with
your coming into God’s Church, the excitement of God’s Corp of
Guardian Angels, and particularly, the love of Jesus Christ Who is
ecstatic over the return of His precious loved ones.
This is the day God has made. Let us rejoice and be glad. Amen.
|