This is called a shared vision because it came from the town hall meetings held in each of the churches in late 2005 and early 2006. Members were asked two questions:  What do you want your church to look like in five years? What are the purposes of your church? The answers in all three churches were very similar, which gives us optimism that we can join together in Christian unity. 

On Sunday February 18, 2007 members of the three congregations jointly talked again about mission and vision. Click here for the February 18 Vision and Mission Report.

The common answers from the town hall meetings in each of the churches in 2005 and 2006 are below.

Worship

“Love the Lord your God with all your heart…”

The center of our worship is Word and Sacrament grounded in our Lutheran heritage. Our offering to God in worship will be powerful, upbeat and vibrant, with music that reflects diverse cultures. Over time we will have two services in order to appeal to both those who prefer traditional worship and those who are less traditional. Our services will include lay participation and choirs, drama and dance. Our worship will exhibit high quality and artistic expression, and we will feel God’s presence and gain renewal in our daily lives. We will welcome everyone.

Service

“Love your neighbor as yourself.” Matthew 22:37

Our church will be Christ’s body on earth. We will encourage members to identify and use their gifts in service to the congregation and in service to others. We will respond to the physical and the spiritual needs of people in our congregation and our community in many ways, meeting short-term needs and providing long-term solutions. We will support our community, and especially support the many families and children who live here. Our church will be a center of generous caring and will share physical and spiritual blessings.

Evangelism

“Go and make disciples of all nations…”  

Our church will be open, accepting and welcoming to everyone. We will reach out to people with connection and commitment, and be a place that inspires people and makes them feel special. We will invite all people, and reach out to the many families and children in this community who are seeking meaning in their lives. We will try to understand their desires, needs and faith yearnings so our church will be a place where they feel accepted and comfortable and where they can develop their relationships with Jesus Christ.

Fellowship

“…baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit…”

The new church will nurture a sense of belonging and encourage friendships and fellowship as people from the three churches come together. We will share food and be a place of comfort and support. Our new church will be an inclusive place where we can get to know a variety of people and welcome all into God’s family. As our congregation becomes larger it will also become more intimate, with a sense of belonging in congregational and small group settings. We will engage visitors and integrate new members into the fellowship of the congregation.

Discipleship

“…teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.” Matthew 28:19-20

Our new church will have high-quality Christian education for children and youth in a variety of forms such as Sunday School, vacation bible school, camps, after-school activities, and music programs. Children and youth in our church will feel like they belong and will be supported by positive relationships with peers and adults to nurture their spiritual growth. Adults will have multiple opportunities for bible study, discussion groups, and other small groups. We will all grow in our faith through study, prayer, and service, as we attempt to become more like Jesus. We will develop ways to share our faith stories with each other and with our neighbors.