What’s in a name?
At the heart of Christianity is a powerful ethic. It is what the first followers of Jesus called The Way-a way of living based on love and compassion, reconciliation and forgiveness, inclusion and acceptance, peace and nonviolence, generosity and justice.
This ethic is what makes Christianity good. Without it, Christians can become rigid and intolerant, self-righteous and condemning, hate-filled and violent, selfish and unjust.
In other words, without the ethic of Jesus, Christians can represent the worst humanity has to offer.
-Kurt Struckmeyer, A Conspiracy of Love
We often open our worship service with invitation to say this covenant aloud, to continue to shape our community into the kind of neighbors we want to be.
The Way Covenant
We are all on The Way, journeying together.
God shows up when we gather as neighbors.
I will practice deep listening.
I will speak kindly.
Everyone makes mistakes.
That’s ok. I forgive you!
Thank you, God, that I am especially me.
Thank you, God, that others are different from me.
I will see God more clearly because we are together.
We are all teammates in the Mission of God.
Open our hearts to care for people,
Open our minds to grander possibilities,
Open our doors to those who need sanctuary.
Amen.
