On May 22nd, a tornado ripped through North Minneapolis killing two people and causing damage to homes in the area. First Christian was among many congregations in the Metro Twin Cities that came together to help our sisters and brothers in the affected area. First donated funds to Kwanzaa Community Presbyterian Church, an African American congregation in North Minneapolis. The church is actively involved in its community and has been busy since the tornado providing aid and comfort to people, many of whom are on the margins of society.
We’ve linked to a story by Tara Parrish, the Director Communications at Kwanzaa, as she shares her experience of the tornado. You can read other “tornado testimonials” by going to Kwanzaa’s website, www.kwanzaachurch.org.
Through the Storm
A few weeks ago, a the Board of the Ministry Center came together and started talking about a name for the building that the three churches will share. Part of that discernment on choosing a name meant understanding our identity. Both Salem and Lyndale have done some work on their vision and mission statements and that got me thinking about the statements for First Christian. In 1997, we came up with both statements and they were looked at again in 2007. As we prepare to move into a new building with two other faith communities, it would behoove us to take a look at both statements and see how they fit (or don’t) in our current context.
The Elders and the Board are considering looking at the statement again. I thought it might be a good idea to share this with others who are part of the family of First Christian. As you look at the statements below, think about the following:
- Does either statement fit the current context of First Christian? How or how does it not fit?
- What has been left out of either statement? What no longer needs to be included?
- Does either statement accurately reflect the identity of First Christian? If not, why?
- What is the identity of First Christian? How are we different from Salem Lutheran and Lyndale UCC?
Please feel free to respond to this posting, comment via Facebook or send an email to associatepastor@fccminneapolis.org.
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Vision Statement of First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Minneapolis
At First Christian Church, we seek to be an alive community of faith striving to serve all people.
Mission Statement of First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Minneapolis
In response to the grace of God, the mission of First Christian Church is to be a Christ-centered presence, to share the Good News of Jesus Christ, and to witness through service to God’s World.
