We hope to create an inclusive, authentic and transformative collection of communities that foster connections to God, one another, Cleveland and Creation.
Our core values are:
Inclusive | Authentic | Transformative
Inclusive:
One of the main scriptural influences for inclusion are the interactions between Jesus and the Canaanite/Syrophoenician Woman (Matthew 15:21-28/Mark 7:24-30) and Samaritan Woman (John 4:1-42). In these experiences, we find Jesus caught up in the cultural norms of the division between the Jews and other races and religions. He is challenged by these women to think differently, leading to an expanded vision of who Jesus has come to know and be in relationship with. By including Canaanites, Syrophonecians and Samaritan women in his ministry and work, Jesus continually expands the boundaries of inclusiveness, pushing the cultural norms of welcoming – something we continue to do by creating churches inclusive of those other churches have left out, especially the LBGTQIA communities and people of color.
Authentic:
The core value of authenticity is born of a variety of scripture, but particularly John 1:12-13, which reminds us that through our relationship with Christ we are reconnected with our identities as Children of God – created in God’s image and invited into relationship with God. To be Children of God reminds us each and every person is created with this divine connection and divine purpose. To be the people God has created us to be is vital authentic living, while our relationship with Christ through the church challenges us to be even more than we think we can be by calling us to be the people God calls us to be.
Transformational:
In seeking to create a transformative community, we takes seriously our part in the mission of the United Methodist Church to Make Disciples of Jesus Christ for the Transformation of the World. This mission is born out of the great commission in Matthew 28:18-19 and the introduction of the Kingdom of God through the incarnation of Jesus.
