God

​We confess the Triune God (often called the Holy Trinity): Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We proclaim Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.

 

Scripture

Scripture is inspired by God and is a living word that continues to speak to us today, calling for transformation in our lives. Because Scripture is living, we engage with it together in community—asking questions, exploring mysteries, and praying for God’s guidance. At the heart of Scripture is the story of God’s steadfast love and mercy revealed in Jesus Christ.

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Justification by grace through faith

This is the heart of the good news! We are made right with God by God’s abundant grace, given freely out of love for all creation. Faith is a gift from God—a relationship of trust in God’s promises, not just an intellectual or emotional response. God always takes the initiative. We do not choose God; God chooses us and never lets us go. Our response to God’s grace is to love and serve God and others. In short: Because of all God has done for us, therefore we live as God’s people.

 

Life of faith

Growth in faith is lifelong—from cradle to grave. A personal relationship with God matters, but community is equally important: “It is not good for humans to be alone” (Genesis 2:18). Opportunities for prayer, worship, study, and service are vital to our life of faith.

 

Creeds

Creeds are brief statements of belief from the early Christian Church, spoken together in worship. We affirm the three ecumenical creeds: Apostles’ Creed, Nicene Creed, and Athanasian Creed, which are accepted by most Christians worldwide. All three affirm that God is fully present in Jesus Christ, who is both fully God and fully human.

 

Sacraments

A sacrament is a “mystery”—we cannot fully explain it, but trust God’s promise to give grace through it. We recognize two sacraments: Holy Baptism and Holy Communion, both commanded by Jesus, with God’s promise attached, and using earthly elements.

 

Baptism

We practice infant baptism, emphasizing that God acts first—claiming us as children, joining us to Christ’s death and resurrection, and forgiving our sin. Baptism happens once, but its gifts shape our whole life: living among God’s people, hearing God’s Word, sharing Communion, proclaiming Christ, serving others, and striving for justice and peace.

 

Communion

Communion is truly Christ’s body and blood. All are welcome at the table. In Communion, God forgives and strengthens us to live as faithful disciples. If someone cannot receive bread or wine, we trust Christ is fully present in each element alone.

 

Vocation

All people are called and gifted by God for meaningful work. No vocation is more important than another—each is a way to serve God and neighbor. In the church, men and women are equally called and empowered for leadership, including serving as pastors.