As followers of Jesus Christ, we are called to a mission that is both simple and profound: to love one another as He has loved us. This mission lies at the very heart of our faith and guides us in all that we do as individuals and as a church. At its core, our mission is about helping people to encounter the living God and to experience His grace and redemption in their lives. This is both a daunting and a joyful task, one that requires humility, patience, and a willingness to listen and learn from those around us.
As a church, we have been blessed with many gifts and resources that we can use to advance this mission. We have a beautiful building in which to worship, talented musicians to lead us in song, and a committed team of volunteers who work tirelessly to meet the needs of our congregation and community. But our mission is not just about what we do; it's about who we are and how we live. It's about being a welcoming and inclusive community where all people - regardless of age, race, gender, or background - can find a place of belonging and support.
It's about being a church that is committed to justice and compassion, to serving the poor and marginalized, and to working for the common good in our local community and the wider world. At the heart of all of these efforts is our love for one another. Love that is patient and kind, that does not envy or boast, that is not easily angered or self-seeking, that keeps no record of wrongs.
Love that bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, and endures all things. This is the kind of love that Jesus modelled for us, and it's the kind of love that we are called to embody in our own lives and relationships. As we move forward in our mission as a church, let us remember that we are not alone in this work. The Holy Spirit is with us, empowering us to be agents of transformation and healing in the world.
May we be faithful in our call to love one another, to serve our community, and to share the good news of Christ's gospel with all people.