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BUMC
Vision Statement
We believe
that our collective journey of faith is intended to create lives
of lives of passion and purpose, and envision our congregation's
future as one of increasing promise: inclusive,
vibrant, growing, intellectually honest, spiritually rich and
driven
by the joy of sharing God's grace with others.
We embrace
an emerging Christianity that invites questioning and contemplation,
focuses less on dogma and doctrine and more on compassion and
love, and promotes practices of faith and service which will transform
both us and our community.
Core Beliefs
Social
principles of the United Methodist Church
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Foundations
of our Faith
Guided by God's unconditional love, we see all people as children
of a single Creator, our brothers and sisters in spirit.
Inspired by the unconditional hospitality of Jesus, we believe
that our congregation is called to welcome all into its circle
of caring.
Rejoicing in our God-given intelligence, creativity and free will,
we celebrate these gifts through study, contemplation and action.
Keeping faith with the message of Jesus, we see it as our mission
to act with compassion,
to work for peace and
justice, and to share the joy of Christian community.
Fruits of the Spirit
Our congregation...
...is on a faith journey. We don't pretend to have all the answers,
but strongly support an attitude of questioning and seeking. As
we pursue our path toward relationship with God, we grow in faith
and celebrate the divine spark that lives within all people.
...isn't wrapped up in religious dogma. Our beliefs and actions
center on what Jesus described as the most important commandment,
"to love God and one another."
...is proudly progressive. We believe that no single religious
tradition has a monopoly on the truth, and accept that all enduring
religions have gained insight into the human condition and sought
connection with our Creator.
...is intentionally inclusive. We value diversity, and believe
that the unique gifts of each individual add to the richness of
the whole while strengthening our oneness in spirit.
...thinks beyond the box. As Methodists, we follow the example
of John Wesley, who believed there was no religion but social
religion, no holiness but social holiness. In other words, our
faith always includes a social dimension. We can't just take care
of ourselves and our own congregation or denomination, but must
put our faith and love into practice by helping others.
...passionately supports service ministries. Because of all God
has given us, we feel called to help ease the hurting of humanity
by reaching out to those in need with love, help, hope and peace
- serving as God's hands and feet in the world.
...values the gifts of intelligence and free will. We believe
that the wisdom of Jesus' teachings calls us to look inside ourselves
and struggle with who we are and why we're here, and we strive
to create an environment that fosters learning, sharing and growth.
...supports religious literacy. As "a caring church for thinking
people," we believe that the study of the Bible, its related
historical and religious texts, and new contributions to theological
thinking are important opportunities to better understand our
religious heritage.
...respects diversity of thought. We don't all agree on everything,
but Methodism is "a big tent" and we make it a practice
to agree to respectfully disagree.
...promises to live its faith on a daily basis. We commit not
to be just "Sunday Christians," but to order all the
days of our lives in ways that embody the example of Jesus - in
our families, workplaces, communities and the wider world.
...believes that community matters. We strive to surround each
member of our congregation with a nurturing community that enriches
them in good times, supports them through struggle and continues
to help them grow in faith, hope and love.
Our hearts, our minds and our doors
always are open to all who would care
to become part of this family of faith.
- the people of Brea UMC
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