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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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