The Heart of Our Theology
and
Mission Statement

In relationship with God, scripture, the Lutheran Christian tradition, one another,

and our Northwest Washington friends, Celebration Lutheran has come to see that

God loves and is committed to restoring all creation and invites us to participate as Jesus did
in the joy and risk of that restoration

Therefore we commit ourselves

to grow in love for God, self,
neighbor, and the earth.

Heart of our Theology:

(God’s Love and Commitment: Genesis 1:30-31, Genesis 12:1-4, Isaiah 2:2-4, Our participation: John 21:21, Jeremiah 31:31-35, Matthew 28:16-20; God’s intent to heal: Colossians 1:19, Revelation 21:1-5)

Mission Statement:

(Heart of Faithful Life: Matthew 12:28-34, Matthew 25:31-46; Love: Luke 10:27, Deuteronomy 6:5, Leviticus 19:18, Romans 13:8-10; Everyone is our Neighbor: Luke 10:25-37, Care for Creation: Genesis 1: 26-27, Psalm 8; Non-Violence: Matthew 5: 38-48, 26:51-56, Luke 9:21-25, Mark 8:31-9:1; God’s Forgiveness: Romans 3:21-27, Romans 8:31-39)

Love: the act of risking oneself to enhance the wellbeing of self and others

What We Value:

Engaging scripture, tradition, one another, and today’s culture in thoughtful conversation about central human issues
John 4:7-42, Acts 17:16-34
Possible Examples:
• Bible study using latest information about first century culture
• Worship that melds rich tradition and relaxed contemporary styles
• Reading and discussing books
• Promoting the development of spirituality that is honest about the human condition
• Promoting conversation about what it means to be human
• Listening to the deep yearning for relationship and meaning in our time
• Honoring what is known as the priestly tradition

Caring for the orphan, widow, and immigrant

Deuteronomy 24:19
Possible Examples:
• Caring for elderly and those whose death is imminent, and the infirm
• Advocating for the migrant population in our community with the population and government
• Contributing food to those in need, personally and through organizations
• Serving Dinner at the Brick
• Fully integrating gays and lesbians into our faith community
• Making conscious choices when purchasing clothing or other goods, considering the conditions under which these goods are manufactured and shipped

Doing Justice and loving kindness
Micah 6:6-8
Possible Examples:
• Lobbying government officials to advocate for the poor, marginalized, and oppressed
• Leading the public to awareness of moral and social justice issues
• Taking the time to think through issues
• Leading to reduce “social distance” between ethnic and socio-economic groups
• Challenging our economic, corporate, and governmental reality when it falls short of love (Acts 2:41-47)
• Advocating on behalf of and serving those who find themselves homeless
• Appropriately acknowledging our economic, corporate, and governmental reality when it acts in love
• Forming partnerships with other groups/individuals of similar values

Leading through non-violent means
Matthew 5: 38-48, 26:51-56, Luke 9:21-25, Mark 8:31-9:1
Possible Examples:
• Listening deeply
• Speaking respectfully
• Learning about and respecting differences
• Caring for enemies of all kinds
• Seeing all people as God’s beloved children
• Affirming things that are good
• Challenging things that need to be better
• Risking public leadership
• Honoring what is known as the prophetic tradition

Caring for creation
Genesis 2:26, Psalm 8
Possible Examples:
• Limiting our consumption and reducing our carbon footprint
• Making conscious choices about where our food comes from and how it is produced
• Advocating for meaningful change in energy production and usage
• Lifting up a deeper vision of being human than consumerism provides

Caring for our families
Ecclesiastes 9:7-10
Possible Examples:
• Fostering regular sabbath for households (Exodus 20:8-11; Mark 2:27)
• Having faith conversations with our children (Deuteronomy 6:1-8)
• Advocating for quality education for children, health care, and care for seniors
• Supporting one another as we care for family members
• Encouraging families to having fun together

Caring for ourselves
(Ecclesiastes 9:7-10, Mark 2:27)
Care for our selves as individuals
• Eating with health in mind
• Exercising our bodies
• Developing and maintaining friendships
• Taking time for rest
• Having fun
• Utilizing medical care when appropriate

Care for ourselves as a congregation
• Facilities to meet
• Time for relationship building
• Ongoing and emergency care for one another
• Sharing resources to support our ministry
• Taking part in mutual leadership

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