What We Strive For
The FPCSS Way
Throughout scripture there are several moments where we are given examples of how to live in light of God’s love. For instance, Ephesians 4 invites us to “lead a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, making every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” More often than not, these invitations to live as Christ’s disciples are not rules, “thou shalts” or “thou shalt nots,” but rather examples of living a life rooted and grounded in love. As a congregation, looking at these various examples we have created a list of ways we feel called to live in light of God’s love for us, ways we can embody Christ’s love in our church and our community. These are not rules, but simply behaviors we strive to embody here are FPCSS as we seek to be faithful disciples of Jesus Christ.
LISTEN GENEROUSLY
Be quick to listen and listen to understand. Embrace Holy curiosity ignoring the need to agree or disagree.
ASSUME POSITIVE INTENT
We make the decision to trust that others in our community are being fair, honest, and are ultimately concerned for the well being of our church. This means we surrender the impulse to criticize and just, and graciously give the benefit of the doubt.
JUMP IN
Faith is not a spectator sport. We are attentive to the moments God is calling us to action and we respond. If God has opened our eyes to see a need we may just be the person to jump in and meet that need.
MAKE OTHERS AT HOME HERE
Practice radical hospitality! Welcome newcomers and visitors. Part of making people comfortable though is prioritizing their comfort over our own.
OPEN DOORS FOR OTHERS TO LEAD
Let go of jobs we’ve always done, and allow new leaders to emerge. All members of the church, young and old, are vitally important for our present. Encourage others to step into leadership by sharing responsibilities and acknowledging gifts & passions.
GIVE CHEERFULLY
We have been blessed to be a blessing! Giving is a privilege! Consider what God has entrusted to you – time, talent, treasure (availability, ability, finances) – and ask how God is calling you to use those gifts for God’s glory!
ACCEPT AND DON’T CAST STONES
All people are beloved children of God! Throughout the Bible, Jesus is actively welcoming people as they are. Love unconditionally, just as Christ unconditionally loves you!
REST AND REFLECT
God thought rest was important, so we should make time for it as well! Rest can take a variety of shapes, it can be a walk, board game night with friends, sitting and watching a sunset, or just a nap.
ALWAYS ENCOURAGE AND CELEBRATE
Our first response as Christians is one of gratitude, and we exemplify that by acknowledging the good works we see everywhere. Whether it’s a member or staff, when we see signs of spiritual growth or good work, we point it out and rejoice.
FORGIVE
Every Sunday we hear that “In Jesus Christ we are forgive.” Following Jesus’ gracious example, we forgive…again and again.
PRAY FIRST AND PRAY AGAIN
Prayer is ultimately about our relationship with God. It is through prayer that we discern wisdom and God’s will for us as individuals and as a church, as well as experience God’s love and mercy.
SEEK EXCELLENCE
One of the pillars of the Reformed tradition is “Soli Deo Gloria” to the Glory of God alone. If all we do is for the Glory of God we should always do our best!
GROW FAITH
Take advantages of opportunities to form your faith. Be willing to listen generously trusting that we can always learn from others. Be willing to speak and share what you’ve learned to someone else, trusting that you have something to offer!
SHOW WHO YOU REALLY ARE
We are all beloved children of God! Bring your true self, including all your joys, your sorrows, your fears, your strengths, and your weaknesses because God loves you as you are!
FIND STRENGTH IN BELONGING
We strive to not just be a faith community, but a family that loves and encourages each other. We know there will difficult moments, but we also believe those are moments that can bring healing, build relationships, and draw us closer together.
WORSHIP WITH YOUR WHOLE HEART
Worship is not just about singing; worship is a reflection of what you love! Our whole lives, every action and thought, should seek to bring God glory. Embrace the regular opportunity to practice worshipping with your church family!
SET CLEAR EXPECTATIONS
Whether it’s special programming, Sunday school, or just normal church meetings we define what success looks like. If we don’t set our own expectations others will decide what success looks like. When we define success we give ourselves the ability to celebrate, critique, create accountability, and support growth.
CELEBRATE OUR UNITY, SAVOR OUR DIVERSITY
We are the Body of Christ unified in our purpose to share the Good News of God’s love to this community. That said, like every body, we know we are made up of many parts, each part has a purpose. We are open to learning from others, regardless of age, background, experience, or tenure with our church, because we believe we make better decisions and grow as we consider multiple perspectives.
JOIN HANDS
Work as a team. Not only does collaboration lighten the load and helps generate better ideas, but it also taps into our identity as the Body of Christ!
OWN OUR CHURCH
The work of the church is not defined by a pastor or church staff; it comes from every member actively participating in the life of Jesus Christ. Live like you are the church – because you are!
WELCOME CHANGE
Throughout scripture we see God working in new ways. We embrace a holy curiosity opening ourselves to new ideas, perspectives, and approaches. “The way we’ve always done it” doesn’t mean it works now. We are part of the reformed and always reforming church.
ASK FOR HELP
Vulnerability is a sign of strength, not weakness, and is a gift to others as it invites them to use their gifts and skills! Being willing to ask for help is also a way we actively live out “showing who we really are” by being real and authentic about our weakness.
YOU’RE SENT, NOW GO
We are all called to ministry in our various spheres of influence. It doesn’t matter if you are called to the business world, the court room, the classroom, or the kitchen table – God intends to use you to bless, heal, restore, and liberate a hurting world. In short, we live missionally.
TELL YOUR STORY
Stories are powerful, they have ways of touching and changing our lives. God has done and is doing something in your life. Share it! Your story is important and has the power to open the eyes of others to the work of God in their own life.
LISTEN GENEROUSLY
Be quick to listen and listen to understand. Embrace Holy curiosity ignoring the need to agree or disagree.
ASSUME POSITIVE INTENT
We make the decision to trust that others in our community are being fair, honest, and are ultimately concerned for the well being of our church. This means we surrender the impulse to criticize and just, and graciously give the benefit of the doubt.
JUMP IN
Faith is not a spectator sport. We are attentive to the moments God is calling us to action and we respond. If God has opened our eyes to see a need we may just be the person to jump in and meet that need.
MAKE OTHERS AT HOME HERE
Practice radical hospitality! Welcome newcomers and visitors. Part of making people comfortable though is prioritizing their comfort over our own.
OPEN DOORS FOR OTHERS TO LEAD
Let go of jobs we’ve always done, and allow new leaders to emerge. All members of the church, young and old, are vitally important for our present. Encourage others to step into leadership by sharing responsibilities and acknowledging gifts & passions.
GIVE CHEERFULLY
We have been blessed to be a blessing! Giving is a privilege! Consider what God has entrusted to you – time, talent, treasure (availability, ability, finances) – and ask how God is calling you to use those gifts for God’s glory!
ACCEPT AND DON’T CAST STONES
All people are beloved children of God! Throughout the Bible, Jesus is actively welcoming people as they are. Love unconditionally, just as Christ unconditionally loves you!
REST AND REFLECT
God thought rest was important, so we should make time for it as well! Rest can take a variety of shapes, it can be a walk, board game night with friends, sitting and watching a sunset, or just a nap.
SET CLEAR EXPECTATIONS
Whether it’s special programming, Sunday school, or just normal church meetings we define what success looks like. If we don’t set our own expectations others will decide what success looks like. When we define success we give ourselves the ability to celebrate, critique, create accountability, and support growth.
JOIN HANDS
Work as a team. Not only does collaboration lighten the load and helps generate better ideas, but it also taps into our identity as the Body of Christ!
WELCOME CHANGE
Throughout scripture we see God working in new ways. We embrace a holy curiosity opening ourselves to new ideas, perspectives, and approaches. “The way we’ve always done it” doesn’t mean it works now. We are part of the reformed and always reforming church.
YOU’RE SENT, NOW GO
We are all called to ministry in our various spheres of influence. It doesn’t matter if you are called to the business world, the court room, the classroom, or the kitchen table – God intends to use you to bless, heal, restore, and liberate a hurting world. In short, we live missionally.
ALWAYS ENCOURAGE AND CELEBRATE
Our first response as Christians is one of gratitude, and we exemplify that by acknowledging the good works we see everywhere. Whether it’s a member or staff, when we see signs of spiritual growth or good work, we point it out and rejoice.
FORGIVE
Every Sunday we hear that “In Jesus Christ we are forgive.” Following Jesus’ gracious example, we forgive…again and again.
PRAY FIRST AND PRAY AGAIN
Prayer is ultimately about our relationship with God. It is through prayer that we discern wisdom and God’s will for us as individuals and as a church, as well as experience God’s love and mercy.
SEEK EXCELLENCE
One of the pillars of the Reformed tradition is “Soli Deo Gloria” to the Glory of God alone. If all we do is for the Glory of God we should always do our best!
GROW FAITH
Take advantages of opportunities to form your faith. Be willing to listen generously trusting that we can always learn from others. Be willing to speak and share what you’ve learned to someone else, trusting that you have something to offer!
SHOW WHO YOU REALLY ARE
We are all beloved children of God! Bring your true self, including all your joys, your sorrows, your fears, your strengths, and your weaknesses because God loves you as you are!
FIND STRENGTH IN BELONGING
We strive to not just be a faith community, but a family that loves and encourages each other. We know there will difficult moments, but we also believe those are moments that can bring healing, build relationships, and draw us closer together.
WORSHIP WITH YOUR WHOLE HEART
Worship is not just about singing; worship is a reflection of what you love! Our whole lives, every action and thought, should seek to bring God glory. Embrace the regular opportunity to practice worshipping with your church family!
CELEBRATE OUR UNITY, SAVOR OUR DIVERSITY
We are the Body of Christ unified in our purpose to share the Good News of God’s love to this community. That said, like every body, we know we are made up of many parts, each part has a purpose. We are open to learning from others, regardless of age, background, experience, or tenure with our church, because we believe we make better decisions and grow as we consider multiple perspectives.
OWN OUR CHURCH
The work of the church is not defined by a pastor or church staff; it comes from every member actively participating in the life of Jesus Christ. Live like you are the church – because you are!
ASK FOR HELP
Vulnerability is a sign of strength, not weakness, and is a gift to others as it invites them to use their gifts and skills! Being willing to ask for help is also a way we actively live out “showing who we really are” by being real and authentic about our weakness.
TELL YOUR STORY
Stories are powerful, they have ways of touching and changing our lives. God has done and is doing something in your life. Share it! Your story is important and has the power to open the eyes of others to the work of God in their own life.