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The center and core of our faith is our commitment to God through his Son, Jesus Christ. We believe that Jesus Christ is the Living Word of God, revealed in the scriptures as the unique and authoritative witness to us of his work and presence. In other words, our faith is based on our belief that in Jesus Christ, God has good news for the world, and that our best way of living out that good news is in loving one another — and the world — as Christ has loved us.
In its confessions, the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) expresses the faith of the Reformed tradition. Central to this tradition is the affirmation of the majesty, holiness, and providence of God, who creates, sustains, rules, and redeems the world in the freedom of sovereign righteousness and love. Related to this central affirmation of God's sovereignty are other great themes of the Reformed tradition:
- The election of the people of God for service as well as for salvation;
- Covenant life marked by a disciplined concern for order in the church according to the Word of God;
- A faithful stewardship that shuns ostentation and seeks proper use of the gifts of God's creation;
- The recognition of the human tendency to idolatry and tyranny, which calls the people of God to work for the transformation of society by seeking justice and living in obedience to the Word of God.
As far back as 1837 the General Assembly declared that the church, by its very nature, is a missionary society whose purpose is to share the love of God in Jesus Christ in word and deed and with all the world. Witnessing to the good news of Jesus Christ throughout the world, Presbyterians preach the gospel, engage in mission activities, seek to alleviate hunger, foster self-development, respond to disasters, support mission works, heal the sick, and educate new generations for the future. In partnership with more than 150 churches and Christian organizations around the world, the missionary efforts of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) involve approximately 1,000 volunteers and compensated personnel.
In summary, it is our goal to be firmly Christian, warmly loving, caringly involved, and a joyous community of faith!
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