The Meat and Potatoes: Our Values

We have been saved through an outpouring of God's love on the cross and not through any of our own doing.

We live in the promise, from Romans, Chapter 8, that nothing will ever separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus. 

We find purpose in sharing God's love in service and witness.   

We hold the bible as the Word of God,  the story of a loving God, our creator, redeemer and constant companion.  God's Word continues as a living and transforming presence in today's world for both individuals and communities.

The central Christian story; the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ is a story of radical inclusion.  Jesus said, "And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself."  John 12  

The Holy Spirit led early church leaders to proclaim,  "There is no longer Jew or Greek, there is no longer slave or free, there is no longer male and female; for all of you are one in Christ Jesus."  Galatians 3  

We, ourselves, have been brought into relationship with God through forgiveness. As a people of God, we are called to embody forgiveness in speech, action and relationships.  The church exists for God's ongoing work of reconciliation.

We have been set free in baptism to love others, especially those most in need.   We work together with other churches, and with those of other faiths, to bring peace and justice to our world.  

We are a family-oriented, Spirit led, Christian church with deep roots in the Lutheran tradition.  We are a people who experience God's love in  the church gathering and in our everyday lives.  Then, we are sent to love others.  We also emphasize unity, working with our Elgin Lutheran partners and the Coalition of Elgin Religious Leaders for peace and justice in the world.