In September of 2017, Immanuel entered a “Season of Creation” with Peter’s confession of faith in Matthew 16:13-23 ringing in our ears. In worship we asked ourselves the question, “Who do we say that God – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit – is?” Many of us signed this Statement of Faith to boldly proclaim that we believe in a God whose love transforms us to share this love to transform the world to be more compassionate, peaceful, and joy-filled. This does not replace our commitment to the traditional Apostles’ Creed but augments it by sharing how we see our beliefs influencing how we live our faith. It also intentionally incorporates creation into the scope of God’s and our concern. May this statement inspire each of us to reflect deeply on who we say God is and how that influences our daily living.
We believe in God who creates all things to live in harmony –
- Heaven and Earth, Sea and Sky,
- Sun and Moon, Fish and Birds,
- Mountains and Valleys, Forests and Deserts,
- All animals great and small, all human beings,
- and cares for all creation as our perfect, loving parent.
We believe in Jesus Christ, Son of the Living God –
- Who came to reveal the depth of God’s love for all creation,
- and teach us to live under God’s reign of justice, mercy, and compassion.
- Who suffered death on the cross to save creation from oppression, violence, and hatred,
- and free us from brokenness, sin, and self-conceit.
- Who raises us with him into new life
- to experience joy, peace, and unity with God and all creation.
We believe in the Holy Spirit –
- Who calls, equips, empowers, and helps us to
- reject hatred, oppression, and violence against anyone,
- and to extend justice and mercy, love and compassion
- to all created things – Earth, Creatures, and Humans –
- regardless of how similar or different we are from one another.
Amen.