With gratitude and excitement, the Woodland Session of elders approved in January 2020 that our congregation would become part of the Matthew 25 program of the Presbyterian Church (USA). Over the course of the next few weeks, we will be introducing this concept to the congregation through a series 9:45am Sunday morning discussions. Check your calendar and please stay tuned for announcements in upcoming weekly email newsletters.
Discover our shared commitments and vision:
How did the Matthew 25 vision come about?
The 222nd and 223rd General Assemblies (2016 and 2018) challenged the PC(USA) to embrace Jesus’ call in Matthew 25:31–46 to take our living faith into our communities and the world. As a Matthew 25 church, we are called to live out true discipleship by acting boldly, compassionately and fearlessly, serving people who are hungry, oppressed, imprisoned or poor. We joyfully share this vision and invitation with you!
Together, as we live out our commitments, we will share the story of impact that our pledge has made: how our congregation has changed, how we have discovered new passions and vitality, how we have been re-energized as disciples…so like the early Church, our renewed faith will fan the flames and encourage other congregations to also embrace our common mission.
Together we serve, united by love, inviting God’s world to the glorious feast. We work and we pray through sorrow and joy, extending your love to the last and the least.
We seek to become a beacon of hope, a lamp for the heart and a light for the feet. We learn, year by year, to let love shine through until we see Christ in each person we meet.
We welcome the scarred, the wealthy, the poor, the busy, the lonely, and all who need care. We offer a home to those who will come, our hands quick to help, our hearts ready to dare.
Together, by grace, we witness and work,
remembering Jesus, in whom we grow strong. Together we serve in Spirit and truth,
remembering love is the strength of our song.
Words by Dan Damon © 1998 Hope Publishing Company