Jesus liked making new friends. He was constantly inviting himself over to someone's house for dinner. In fact, he got himself in trouble because he befriended the undesirable and unclean. He desired to know the truth of their heart and to heal their wounds. He called his disciples friends because he shared with them everything that he knew. Jesus teaches that the final test of both faith and knowledge is love.

We take our lead from Jesus who invites us into redemptive and healing relationships, accompanies us into formative experiences, frees us with discerning spirits, and calls us into caring community. We believe because we act and we act because we believe. We value thoughtful faith and faithful thinking, shared learning and the revelation of the poor. W e need the fellowship of one another because in creation we are all one and are gifted by our diversity. We strive to be approachable on all matters, accessible to all people, and available to all that is good and just.

We are called to be a caring community celebrating life together based on the practice, teachings and witness of Jesus, the Christ, as attested in the Bible and the Protestant tradition. Our ministries are shaped by practices traditionally described as works of mercy and works of piety. These practices include a commitment to compassion, to social justice, to prayer and study, and to worship. These are the ways of spiritual wisdom to be rediscovered with each generation and in the integrity of each soul.

"Proclaim Jubilee" is our theme. The Biblical observance of Jubilee is the Sabbath year of Sabbath years, the 50th year. It is a time to enjoy and repair the blessedness of creation, to forgive debts, to release captives, to restore justice and to celebrate renewal. Jesus' teaching about the reign of God draws on the Jubilee tradition.

When he returns to the synagogue at Nazareth, he reads from the Jubilee text of Isaiah.

"He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord."

It is our hope that you will discover among us faithful friends for your journey.

Meet you on the way,

David L. Grainger
Campus Minister