MISSION STATEMENT : Takoma Park Presbyterian Church
Note: As part of the interim period leading to the hiring of a new pastor, the Takoma Park Presbyterian Church began a mission study in late spring 2000 which we expect to complete by spring of 2001. In the meantime, pending the outcome of that mission renewal process, we are re-issuing our existing mission statement, updated in its near term goals section to reflect current priorities. Further revisions are likely by the completion of the mission study.
In common with all Christian communities of faith, the Takoma Park congregation of the Presbyterian Church (USA) exists to celebrate, live, and embody the Word of God and the Good News of Jesus Christ so that, empowered by the Holy Spirit, we might promote God's reign on earth. The gospel that we share and serve is a message of life and rebirth, love and reconciliation, hope and joy, and peace, justice, and concern for the integrity of creation.
We strive to carry out this mission in various ways, acknowledging that in all our efforts we are dependent upon God's grace and the power of the Holy Spirit. We come together, and welcome and encourage others to join us, to:
praise God through Word and Sacrament;
confess our shortcomings and receive assurance of forgiveness;
engage in study, reflection, and dialogue;
build a community marked by caring and joyful fellowship;
minister to the physical and spiritual needs of each other and the broader community,
particularly the poor, the hungry, the oppressed, the sick, and the homeless for whom
Jesus made a special claim on us; and
engage in the loving use of power through social, political, and economic action on
behalf of God's coming community.
We recognize that we exist as the Body of Christ not only when we gather together,
but also when we disperse into the world. There we remain the church, with the depth
of our commitment to a life in Christ reflected in how we lead our lives in our homes,
our families, our communities, and our work. We affirm, therefore, that our mission
must be centered in the spiritual transformation of each one of us, so that, in the
words of the Apostle Paul, we might 'equip the saints for the work of ministry.'
This means nurturing and supporting one another to be ministers of Christ in the world,
to witness in word and deed to the transforming power of God's love.
The Takoma Park congregation has long called itself 'A Church for All People' and,
since 1991, has identified itself as a 'More Light' congregation. We celebrate our
diversity and accept as members and friends of the church all who put their trust in Christ.
We welcome all persons regardless of age, class, race, nationality, sexual orientation,
physical abilities, marital status, or religious background. We likewise celebrate the
pluralism of orientations and approaches to spiritual growth and social engagement
within our midst and strive, within the framework of the Presbyterian tradition, to be a
tolerant and non-dogmatic community.
Near Term Goals
At this particular point in the life of our congregation we find that being true to our
mission requires commitment to several specific goals.
We commit ourselves to the following goals.
To provide for an orderly transition for new pastor leadership, making the interim a time for
renewal and rededication.
To enrich our worship life by --
celebrating our diversity,
using language, symbols, ritual, and images appropriate to an inclusive community
fostering vital lay participation and leadership
being open to a wide variety of expressions of faith and praise
deepening our engagement with scripture, and
integrating reflection with action.
To continue and enhance opportunities for congregational enrichment and community
building, including --
engaging the biblical story in a disciplined and creative way,
sharing and affirming our individual ministries in the home, workplace, community, and
world, and
exploring possibilities for new fellowship, faith-sharing, community-building,
and outreach/service groups within the congregation.
To continue engaging in the loving use of power through a variety of social ministries and
actions while more consciously infusing into preaching, education, pastoral care, and other 'gathered community' activities
a commitment to inclusiveness and diversity, community involvement and concern, and social witness and action.
To continue a stable and lively program for children while making a stronger commitment to
the teens and pre-teens, including expansion of fellowship, educational, and service opportunities and better integration into
the worship experience.
To continue to maintain and renovate our buildings and to follow through on our
commitments to making them as accessible and energy efficient as possible.
In order to provide a sound basis for accomplishing these goals, we intend to further improve communications within the
church, advance a strong, ongoing, and challenging stewardship program, and maintain and increase church membership.
It is the task of the Session, with the interim and the new pastor, to formulate specific objectives and implement concrete strategies for achieving these goals. With the commitment, support, and involvement of the whole congregation, and by the grace of God and the power of the Holy Spirit, we hope to turn these goals into a living reality.