Joy

Joy is the experience of “It’s good to be me here with you” (Jim Wilder). Because God has loved and welcomed us, we extend love, welcome and grace to each other. We are a community that takes joy seriously!

1. Goodness (“It’s good…”): We are people who enjoy being together with God & others. Joy is about more than just having fun or being positive: Joy is appreciating being together with God and others, no matter how we’re feeling. It’s choosing to rejoice with those who rejoice and to grieve with those who grieve. It’s laughing together and choosing to share gratitude together. It’s also being honest and vulnerable with trusted others about the hard, painful and difficult things we’re experiencing, and listening with love and curiosity. We return to joy after negative emotions and experiences, rather than getting stuck in them. 

2. Authenticity (“... to be me…”): We are free to be ourselves because God has accepted us as we are, and not as we “should be.” We are people who share what’s genuinely in our hearts and are open about who we are and what we’ve experienced, without having to pretend, perform or people-please. We don’t lead, perform or worship self-consciously, but God-consciously and genuinely.

3. Presence (“... here …”): We practice being present–with God, our own hearts and others, eliminating distractions wherever possible because God is the God who is always with us—Immanuel.

4. Proximity (“...with you.”): We value being physically present together. We meet in person whenever possible. We call instead of texting. We reach out instead of just thinking about others.