These four values work together to form us into a people called by God to be a faithful, non-anxious presence.

Rest

Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. (Matthew 11:28)

Jesus knows that human beings are in need of rest. Rest from our busyness, rest from the anxiety all around us, rest from trying to find our value by working harder or being good enough. We accept the rest that he offers by taking a break and gathering together to worship through the time tested peace offered in Word and sacrament; living simply and generously, confident that we need not strive for more money and goods; counteracting busyness by practicing silence and sabbath; and embracing the rhythms of feasting and fasting found in the Church calendar. 

Relationship

Jesus looked up to heaven and said...”I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one—as you are in me, Father, and I am in you.” (John 17:21) 

Jesus wants us to cultivate relationships with our families, friends, colleagues, classmates, and neighbors that are grounded in a relationship with him. We do this by obeying God’s direction to love him with our whole life and to love others as much as we love ourselves; making space for people to be honest with God, themselves, and others; being people who are quick to forgive and slow to be offended; and having fun together and not taking ourselves too seriously. 

Restoration

And the one sitting on the throne said, “Look, I am making everything new!” (Revelation 21:5) 

Jesus is at work redeeming and reconciling all things back to his intention for creation. His work includes the natural world, systems and structures, and human lives. We join Christ’s work of restoration by offering rest to the weary, hope to the downtrodden, and justice to the oppressed; seeking answers to life’s greatest questions - “Who am I?”, “Why am I here?” “Where do I belong”? - in the Scriptures, contemplative prayer, and community with others; seeing all people as image bearers of God and treating others with dignity and respect; caring for our neighbors through radical hospitality and sacrificial generosity extended to individuals and organizations; and walking with anyone through anything towards a life found in Christ. 

Reach

Jesus replied,... “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” (Acts 1:8)

Jesus has commissioned us to show and tell the whole world of his love, grace, and forgiveness for the whole person - body, mind, and soul - by upholding the local church - Christians energized by the Holy Spirit, working together in one heart and mind - as the primary means for accomplishing this; by developing strategic partnerships that allow us to pray, do, and speak the Good News in tangible ways; and by promoting the truth that we are all called by God to be his witnesses in our homes, schools, workplaces, and every area of our lives.