The dignity and worth of every person. An open-minded, passionate commitment to truth. The importance of everyone's own spiritual journey. God's friends wherever we find them. Seeking Christ in every person who comes through our door. The sacredness of life's rites of passage. The value of community. The hard work necessary to make sure that all are included. Wrestling together with life's challenges. Being "user-friendly" for all, saints, and searchers alike.
Community. Open hearts, open minds, open arms. Faith. Fortitude. Staying current while equally staying rooted in tradition. Reason and honesty. Civic responsibility locally, as Americans, and as global citizens. Debate that allows for mutual respect. Music and beauty for their own sake. Joy in God's creation. Anyone who makes an effort to know Jesus. Contributing our talents toward worthy purposes alongside welcoming partners.
Claiming to have all the answers. Elitism and exclusivism, especially here in church. Bigotry for any reason. Authoritarianism. Indifference to injustice and suffering. Certitude in the face of ambiguity and superficial answers to hard questions.