Sunday morning Galilee is celebrating the old year and the new year coming with a breakfast at 9: a.m. Our 10 a.m. service will continue a celebration of our church values, as identified in a congregational survey taken last year.
And what are our values at Galilee? What do we consider important? First of all, worshipping God, of course, in ways that connect our traditions with our real-life experiences. Curiosity and knowledge are also important. We must never be afraid of examining our beliefs, asking questions and questioning our answers. Our faith is never threatened by doubt. In fact, doubt leads to deeper faith. A key element is authenticity. We need to be “real” with each other, admitting our shortcomings and celebrating our strengths.
We believe in the power of prayer. We have seen miracles happen and expect them to continue to happen in the coming year.
Galilee also values our feelings of family and community. We depend on each other for support and encouragement. We cry together, we laugh together, and like any family, we argue and forgive and accept our differences and move forward together.
We believe that our faith is dead unless it manifests itself in service. As individuals and as a body, we support Hospice, Hope Harbor warming center, Meals on Wheels, road cleanup, community action groups, Adult Day Care, and a multitude of other organizations and activities that bring the love of God to our neighbors and the needy in our community.
God gives us the strength and creativity to face our challenges in life with boldness and confidence. “Don’t tell God you have a big problem…tell your problem you have a big God.” Or as the Grateful Dead said, “If it doesn’t kill you, it just makes you stronger.”
These values dictate how we spend our time and our money. They guide us in focusing our efforts. And how do they relate to Sunday’s Bible passages? For that, you have to be here on Sunday.
Galilee Lutheran Church lives our values out at 8860 Soda Bay Road in the Kelseyville Rivieras. We invite all to join us, the faithful, the questioning, the damaged, the desperate, and the spiritually hungry. See you here!
