Central Values
When our congregation thinks of the values and approach that characterizes us best, people point to specific persons in our midst, or persons who have been part of us and been sent out from us to love Christ and live this life elsewhere in mission, but also those who have died among us, and in their life and death taught us much about the way these commitments can be lived and lived well.
Witnesses like Cassell Amend, Lois Baldwin, and Francis McConnell who have passed on and wait with all the saints for the renewing of creation at the coming of Jesus Christ. John and Lorna Bosavanh, Oscar Donahue, and Dianne McKneely are living witnesses who are still among us, or who live elsewhere but whose lives remind us of our central values and particular approach. When people look at them and at the unnamed saints among us they see values or traits like:
- Humility
- Authenticity
- Compassion
- Engagement
- and Joy
And they see that in a world where fragmentation and isolation are on the rise, and for people who can be left feeling hollow or empty by superficial or even virtual relationships. We are at our best when we make sure that we express the love of God face-to-face with those around us.
