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Statement of who we are and what we value:
Prospect Park United Methodist Church is a Reconciling Congregation that seeks spiritual growth through reason, experience, scripture and tradition. We engage in work that struggles for justice in the community and in the world. We use inclusive language to explore the many faces of God. We believe that music inspires us, that sharing binds us together, and that reflection and prayer empower us to act. We welcome seekers of all ages, races, cultures,sexual orientations, gender identifications, and creeds to join us for worship and fellowship.
Mission statement:
Our Mission: We seek to be an inclusive Christian community that affirms faith in God and spiritual growth with a commitment to justice and stewardship of God’s creation.
Community – Inclusiveness
- We believe that everyone is a child of God, which leads PPUMC to be inclusive and welcoming of all.
- Open and supportive of members faith journeys, we believe that there are many images of God; many paths to God and we try to accept people where they are in their journey. We value sharing our journeys with each other through joys and concerns, Lenten devotional, youth and adult education, bible study, spiritual growth group, mission trips.
- Family and intergenerational activities are encouraged.
- Newer members are actively supported to take leadership roles and to share their individual gifts and passions.
- Connections to and participation in the life and activities of the Prospect Park community are important – the church is a commons and meeting place for groups and organizations (PPERRIA, Care and Share food shelf, Eastside Neighborhood Service, PP Community Choir)
Faith defined and explored through action and work of the church:
- We expect "faith" to beget "works" to beget "faith" to beget "works" and so on.
Acting on the social gospel is important. This action is a grass roots activity, originating from many points in the congregation. We understand people’s work and vocation are part of their call.
- People are supported in their working and volunteer lives as much as possible, and we encourage people to continue to affect change, make a difference, and work for peace and social justice in the world, in their own neighborhoods and other groups and organizations they belong to.
- PPUMC doesn’t have a litmus test of faith; questioning and doubt are encouraged.
- PPUMC has had a long history of equipping the people of the church for ministry, developing lay leadership by noticing, inviting, respecting and nourishing people's gifts and passions.
Action and change at PPUMC:
- The strengths of the congregation’s collaborative and consensus-building approach to new opportunities. Major changes are preceded by study and discussion and the consensus is often voted upon by the congregation as a whole and not delegated to the administrative board.
- Change is welcomed and encouraged to help better meet the needs, physical and spiritual, of the congregation. Examples include the barrier-free entry on the second level (1970s), inclusive language, music and liturgy (1980s), improvement of Sunday school rooms (1970s and 1980s), bathrooms on both main levels (1980s), reconciling congregation statement and action (1980s, 1990s, 2000s), children welcomed as participants in the Sunday worship service (1970s), sound system improvements (1980s, 1990s, 2000s), accessibility in sanctuary (2000s).
Traditions:
- Laity is involved in most steps of anything we do.
- A wide variety of music is encouraged and welcomed. Even diverse styles within the same service (i.e. organ for one, guitar for another, with a gospel piece sung by the choir). Participation rather than perfection is the goal.
- It is a high value that children are included in the worship service. Christian Education is offered at a different time specifically because we want children to come to worship. There is a children’s sermon that is aimed at the children but that has a tie to the sermon.
- Inclusive language in music and liturgy is important.
- PPUMC is a “community space” for the broader Prospect Part neighborhood and is seen by neighborhood residents as an essential part of neighborhood infrastructure. A place for funeral services regardless of affiliation. Community Easter Sunrise service, community meeting place (Prospect Park East River Road Improvement Association, AA, community choir), cooperative nursery school, bazaar/community art fair. The neighborhood community has consistently supported the various building improvements and renovations financially.
- Ecumenical and community participation and action (Thanksgiving service, Easter Sunrise service, Care and Share food shelf, Habitat for Humanity, meals on wheels, Teen Christmas gift program).
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