THE NORTHWEST REGIONAL CHRISTIAN CHURCH (Disciples of Christ) INTERACTS WITH NEW VISION STATEMENT

Congregations and individuals from across the Northwest Region are interacting with a new Regional Vision Statement.  More than thirty percent of NW congregations sent representatives to Vision Gatherings in February, offering important input into this statement.   Now we are asking you to prayerfully consider this vision statement and offer any feedback you might have.

What is a Vision Statement?

It is a statement expressing what we understand to be God’s call for the life of the NWRCC.  The statement seeks to express our deepest beliefs concerning God’s desire for the world and how we as the Regional church are called to live and move in that world.

The Vision Statement should both inspire and challenge us, with roots in our current reality as a Region and as a call to a more faithful future.  The Vision should make us sing with hope AND it should bring us to our knees, confessing that only prayer and God’s grace will give us the strength, courage, and resources to move into that future.

How did this Vision Statement Emerge?

This statement emerges from our last 18 months of work and sacred conversation:

• Twenty-two two-hour interviews with key regional leaders
• Four cluster gatherings in June of 2007
• Meetings with clergy cluster groups throughout 2007
• Congregational feedback from Bible Studies in the Spring and Fall of 2007
• Region-Wide Vision Retreat in November of 2007 (more than 60% of our congregations were represented)
• A Vision Team meeting for study and writing throughout the Fall/Winter of 2007/08
• Conversations with the Regional Board for refinement of the Statement
• Vision Gatherings in February 2008

So you see, this Vision Statement has emerged from us – from the congregations and individuals of the Northwest Region!

You are invited to take a few minutes read the Vision Statement, pray about it and reflect on the following questions:

• What about our life together does this vision bring some clarity to?
• Are there areas where this vision seems unclear, not helpful?
• What is this vision calling us to become?
• Does this vision inspire you?
• What about our life with one another in this region might need to change in order for this vision to become reality?

Northwest Regional Christian Church
(Disciples of Christ)
- Vision Statement -
February 2008

Called by God’s grace to do together that which by God’s design cannot be done apart, and led by the movement of the Spirit of God,

we proclaim the Northwest Regional Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
to be a community of communities,
 valuing our strength in diversity,
honoring and acknowledging our various gifts,
offering them in faithfulness and service to the entire body.

Filled with the joy of God’s presence with us

 we share together in hospitality, worship and praise
enriching our lives with scripture and prayer
singing songs of hope, faith and celebration
joining in the gifts of loaf and cup
inviting our neighbors to experience God’s abundance.

Created by God as part of the body of Christ in this place

we join together in ministry
strengthening our bond to one another and to God
honoring and supporting those who guide us in God’s new doings.

Challenged by the Word of God to live into God’s purpose and promise

we embrace ministries of justice and service
provoking one another to love and good deeds
bringing good news to the poor, freeing the oppressed,
healing the sick, feeding the hungry, and clothing the naked.

Inspired by the faith that moves mountains

we pour ourselves out into mission
caring for the earth and her creatures
listening anew for God’s Word in each moment
living forward with courage and compassion.

The Northwest Regional Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), with God’s help, is living into God’s purpose today, and trusting in the promise of God’s tomorrow.

 

We look forward to hearing your hopes, thoughts and prayers.  Please take a minute and send your thoughts and insights to: Rebecca Hale at rhale@disciplesnw.org or Edie Rice-Sauer at erice-sauer@voaspokane.org