What We Believe We believe in God, the one supreme, eternal being, revealed as Father, Son and Holy Spirit. God is the creator of the universe, all knowing, ever present, all powerful, personal, loving and fair. (Ge 1:1, 26-27, Ps 90:2, Dt 6:4, Mt 28:19, Jn. 14:26, 15:26) We believe that God created us in His image with a spiritual emptiness that only He can fill. God wants us to glorify Him, enjoy Him, and live in relationship with Him. However, sin entered the human race (in the Garden of Eden when Adam first chose to disobey God), setting the pattern for all humanity. This choice to disobey God separated us from God and results in spiritual death. (Ge 2, Ps 33:6-9, Jn 3:16, Rm 6:23, I Jn 2:25, 5:11-13, Rev 20:15) We believe in Jesus Christ, God's Son, who is fully God and fully human. We believe in His miraculous birth, sinless life, miracles, death as sacrifice for our sins, bodily resurrection as victory over death, and in His ascension into heaven to be with God the Father. We believe that because God loves us, He sent Jesus to bridge the gap between God and us. Our efforts cannot accomplish this. Only by belief and faith in Jesus Christ, turning from our sins, and surrendering our lives to Him can we receive forgiveness and come into a right relationship with God. We then receive new and eternal life and the assurance of a resurrected life in heaven. Jesus is the ultimate example for our daily lives and will return to earth in authority, power and judgment. To reject God results in eternal separation from God and eternity in hell. (Mt 1, Phm 2:11, Jn 1, 14:10-30, Ac 1:9-11, Rm 1:3-4, I Co 15:3-4, I Ti 6:14-15, Rm 3:23) We believe in the Holy Spirit, sent by God to be at work in the world and in our lives. He reveals sin and truth and provides us with comfort, inspiration, wisdom, power, and instruction, enabling us to have faith, live godly lives, and be an effective witness for Jesus Christ. (Jn 14:16-17, 16:7-13, II Co 3:6, Gal 5:24-26, Ac 1:8, I Co 2:12, Eph 1:13-14) We believe the Old and New Testament scripture is the inspired Word of God and the final authority in life. (Dt 6:6-8, Ps 119:103-106, II Ti 1:13, 3:16-17, II Peter 1:19-21) We believe that the Church is called to live in obedience to God and Scripture as a nurturing community of faith who loves God and one another. Together, we worship God, study, pray, fellowship, and encourage each other as we grow in our faith. God has given each of us a unique role in the church and calls us to use our gifts and talents in His service and to share the grace of God that is the Good News of Jesus Christ with our families, friends, community, and the world. (Ac 2:41-47, I Co 12:12-31, Eph 4:11-13, Heb 10:25) We Affirm: 1. That Jesus Christ alone is Lord of all and the only way of salvation. 2. That Holy Scripture is the triune God's revealed Word, the Church's only infallible rule of faith and life. 3. That God's people are called to holiness in all aspects of life. This includes, but is not limited to, honoring the sanctity of marriage between a man and a woman, the only relationship within which sexual activity is appropriate. Our Values: Personal devotion to Jesus and the transforming power that He brings to our lives through His Word, the Spirit, and prayer. Biblical teaching that is doctrinally sound. Worship that is uplifting, participatory and calls people to change. Prayer - through which God reveals His plan for our lives and His Church. Relationships - healthy, caring groups of all ages who enjoy each other and grow in faith together. Cultural relevance…..contemporary worship and music in a relaxed setting. Team Ministry. Members will be equipped, empowered, and released for ministry. Integrity, Authenticity, and Honesty…..a natural result when the Word of God is integrated into a believer's life. Excellence. We desire to offer back to God our best! Our Vision We have a vision of people being excited about knowing God through Jesus Christ and worshipping Him through the Holy Spirit. We envision genuine warmth, smiles, and encouragement as people are welcomed by familiar faces into bright learning environments that are safe and secure. We see culturally relevant, uplifting and inspiring worship that connects us with God. We dream of volunteers so excited about people that they teach, listen, and serve with love and laughter. A place where people are not as concerned about being served as they are about serving one another. A place where there is the joy of the Lord in both good and difficult times. We dream of a clean, safe, kid-friendly environment where hundreds of children experience the love and creativity of God through music, art, games, and drama. We dream of a recreation center, a youth center, and a dynamic ministry to junior high and high school youth. We dream of whole families growing closer to God and to each other through programs that motivate and prepare. We see groups of people with similar interests growing together in Christ through activities such as hiking, biking, camping, backpacking, skiing, and community service. Through prayer, study, discussion, and service lifelong friendships are made. Visitors relax as they step through our doors. And we are all filled with joy and anticipation as we experience the reality of God in our lives.