We believe in perseverance. Faith in general is good, but faith in the face of obstacles, hardships and rejection is better.

We believe that gratitude heals. Jesus healed ten lepers but only one returned to give thanks and praise to God. All ten were healed, but Jesus decrees something additional over the one who returns.

We believe in sharing. Jesus told an elaborate story about a poor man and a rich man who shared the same address. Both die. The poor man is carried away by angels into the after-life and the rich man is buried and descends to Hades with torment. This story could have been different were it not for indifference.

We believe we are all sinners! This statement is not based on manipulation, guilt, shame or poor self-esteem. Being a sinner simply means we miss sometimes.

We believe there’s a cost to following Jesus. David Brooks writes, “what motivates us to falling in love… is not a decision you make for your own benefit, but a submission, a poetic surrender you assent to, often without counting the cost.”

One God living and true yet experienced in three ways- Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Some say, Creator, Redeemer and Sustainer. Either way, the truth of God is power, presence and persistence.

In our tradition, each Sunday we all stand together and say, “We Believe…” It’s a pretty powerful moment when you think about it. Especially when you remember that people are standing all over the earth saying those same exact words.