Summary from Adult Forum Theology Construction, Winter, 2008

Introduction
In January, 2008 an Adult Forum group of about twenty-five people reflected on our shared beliefs regarding God, the world, and our mission in it. This is the summary that was developed out of the four sessons. It is not an official document in any sense, but it does indicate some of the perspectives and visions that undergird life at St. Johns. In May, 2008, the group re-visited its work, and made some further revisions on the basis of the discussion.

God
We sense that God is infinite, and that our understanding cannot contain God who is more than words. Our understanding of God is surely way too small. We relate to God in this world. God is the God of all universes beyond our understanding.
Poetic images are helpful to envision God. We may think of God as fire or the moonlight off the nose of a sleeping child or meditate on the noise of 100 men chanting.
Yet we sense some things about this infinite God. God for us is invisible, a spirit whose presence is goodness.
We experience this goodness as creativity and loving energy. God is the creator of life and continues to create. God’s presence is the creative force and movement of this world.
We experience this goodness in forgiveness and healing. God is alive in our broken world. Because God is new life God gives us the ability to begin again and again. In brokenness we sense both that God is a friend to rejoice and cry with and also provides a saving presence for all creation. Because of this we need God.
Despite our dependence on God, God chooses us to work in partnership for the good of creation. Although God has the power to influence the destiny of this planet, the divine has chosen to give freedom and responsibility to humanity for the care of the earth and all living things.
As we experience goodness with God, God becomes a way that humans can sense ethical direction in a life and world of chaos and uncertainty. The divine is present in everything, so God informs and challenges each of us as we live our lives and work together.
In this, God speaks to us through others and is manifested in many ways including art, music, science, prayer and meditation, and the challenges presented in the media. Indeed, God manifests in ways that we cannot even imagine.

Questions about God
Even though we look to God for answers, since God is infinite and God dialogues with us as we live our lives in responsible ways; we often have more questions about God than we have assertions or answers. These include: How do we access God? Where is God’s spirit acting today? Why do people fear God when God is a force for good? Why do bad things happen to good people? Why do we feel God as so distant? Why do we not act more in concert with this force for good? Even though we believe in God, why do we feel so helpless?

Good, Evil and Sin
As people of faith, we often wonder about the nature and interaction of good and evil. Evil is real, visible and a mystery as to its existence in us and in the good world that God created.
We sense the need to examine evil closely in our efforts to be the people of God. If we are not aware of evil, it is difficult for us to do the good. Sometimes it is difficult to discern the good from the bad. And what are the best ways to work for the good?
We often find that evil is present through our apathy and selfishness. Although destructive forces can be overwhelming at times, sometimes we sense that in the struggle of good and evil, God is challenging us in ways we do not yet understand. People we consider our enemies sometimes help us to grow. Sometimes a painful experience changes us for the better.
Sin, the human failure to do God’s will, is related to evil although they are different words, and imply different troubling dimensions to the presence of the broken and destructive forces at work in our world. The concept of sin is a reminder that evil has both an internal and external dimension.

 Our Common Mission
This God, engaging us in this struggle between good and evil, brings us together in community, the church. In our mission, the church is about others before self, helping people in everyday life, and helping the poor.
This mission is modest and yet public. It is important for us to intentionally and vigorously share the story of this mission so that others may join us in this effort if they wish. In speaking and doing the gospel boldly, we may cause offense to others who may challenge the mission.
This mission is accomplished not only through structured programs, but also by the work of individuals and teams supported by the resources of the congregation.

 The Challenges and Joys of Life Together
As we live together in mission and community, we are called to be a spiritual people marked by humility, a sense of community or fellowship, a posture of service, joy, mutual acceptance of our brokenness, and forgiveness of our unspoken sins. Being aware of and helping others and an opening offering of grace to all are keys to a healthy church. Our faith and church allow us to organize ourselves with others of similar interests and beliefs, working together as one body.
Worship is central to life together, and at the same time presents challenges. Singing and instrumental music make for a meaningful service. Good ritual enhances connection with others, participation, and traditional expressions. It enlivens us and reflects our own life experiences. Ritual may also become a mindless repetition that adversely affects the quality of community life if not allowed to change and evolve.
Involving children and families is very important. God invites the little children. We also strive to encourage the involvement of children in worship in meaningful ways.
Growth in faith and continued adult learning is important. As we grow in faith we become more aware of how the Christian church is divided. We wonder if unity and community within the Christian faith is possible. And as we grow in faith, we struggle with the historical mistreatment of humankind by organized Christianity.

Christianity and Other Faith Traditions
And as we grow in faith we become aware of the vitality of other faith traditions in their relationship with God. Often those whom we may have previously viewed as enemies have been instrumental in our growth and wisdom. We sense that we do not necessarily have an inside track on God, and that we live in an age when we need to move beyond our exclusiveness and honor spiritualities grounded in the good intentions of God for humanity and creation. God may not care about the finer details of sectarian theology. In ways we may not know, God who is infinite, accepting, and loving, is manifest in other beliefs and religions.