“We serve as Christ’s disciples by lifting one another
through loving and caring relationships
for the glory of God."
through loving and caring relationships
for the glory of God."
The good news of the Gospel is that the triune God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—creates, redeems, sustains, rules, and transforms all things and all people. The mission of God in Christ gives shape and substance to the life and work of the Church. In Christ, the Church participates in God’s mission for the transformation of creation and humanity by proclaiming to all people the good news of God’s love, offering to all people the grace of God at font and table, and calling all people to discipleship in Christ. Human beings have no higher goal in life than to glorify and enjoy God now and forever, living in covenant fellowship with God and participating in God’s mission. (F-1.01)
Covenant is a joyfully inclusive faith community. We affirm the PC(USA)’s policy of unity in diversity: The unity of believers in Christ is reflected in the rich diversity of the Church’s membership. In Christ, by the power of the Spirit, God unites persons through baptism, regardless of race, ethnicity, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, geography, or theological conviction. (F-1.0403) We welcome all who trust in God’s grace in Jesus Christ and desire to become part of the fellowship and ministry of his Church. (G-1.0302)
We further affirm the Presbyterian tradition of freedom of conscience (F-3.0105; G-2.0105) and recognize the diversity of interpretation and viewpoint within the congregation. We are committed to embracing and understanding one another across our differences.
We practice this welcome in:
Covenant is a joyfully inclusive faith community. We affirm the PC(USA)’s policy of unity in diversity: The unity of believers in Christ is reflected in the rich diversity of the Church’s membership. In Christ, by the power of the Spirit, God unites persons through baptism, regardless of race, ethnicity, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, geography, or theological conviction. (F-1.0403) We welcome all who trust in God’s grace in Jesus Christ and desire to become part of the fellowship and ministry of his Church. (G-1.0302)
We further affirm the Presbyterian tradition of freedom of conscience (F-3.0105; G-2.0105) and recognize the diversity of interpretation and viewpoint within the congregation. We are committed to embracing and understanding one another across our differences.
We practice this welcome in:
- Baptism: Baptism is the bond of unity in Jesus Christ. In Christ, barriers of race, status, and gender are overcome; we are called to seek reconciliation in the Church and world, in Jesus’ name. Both believers and their children are included in God’s covenant love. The baptism of believers witnesses to the truth that God’s gift of grace calls for our grateful response. The baptism of our young children witnesses to the truth that God claims people in love even before they are able to respond in faith. These two forms of witness are one and the same Sacrament. God’s faithfulness to us is sure, even when human faithfulness to God is not. God’s grace is sufficient; therefore Baptism is not repeated. The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) recognizes all baptisms by other Christian churches that are administered with water and performed in the name of the triune God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. (W-3.0402)
- Lord’s Supper: The opportunity to eat and drink with Christ is not a right bestowed upon the worthy, but a privilege given to the undeserving who come in faith, repentance, and love. All who come to the table are offered the bread and cup, regardless of their age or understanding. (W-3.0409)
- Leadership: As part of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), Covenant shall guarantee full participation and representation in its worship, governance, and emerging life to all persons or groups within its membership. No member shall be denied participation or representation for any reason other than those stated in the Book of Order. (F-1.0403)
- Marriage & Relationships: Marriage is a gift God has given to all humankind for the well-being of the entire human family. Marriage involves a unique commitment between two people to love and support each other for the rest of their lives. The sacrificial love that unites the couple sustains them as faithful and responsible members of the church and the wider community. In our tradition, marriage is a covenant in which God has an active part, and which the community of faith publicly witnesses and acknowledges. (W-4.0601)
- Perspectives, Philosophies, and Life Experiences: While we believe that “there is an inseparable connection between faith and practice, truth and duty” (F-3.0104), we also recognize that “there are truths and forms with respect to which [people] of good characters and principles may differ. And in all these we think it the duty both of private Christians and societies to exercise mutual forbearance toward each other.” (F-3.0105) We become a more robust and more loving congregation through sharing our unique perspectives and experiences with each other.