We believe that each individual is of sacred worth. Therefore, we pledge ourselves to engage in the sacred hospitality and responsibility Christ taught. We commit ourselves to maintaining a place of safety and sanctuary for all who come together in ministry and mission: people of all races, ages, sexual orientations, family structures, economic situations, and mental or physical conditions. Through the grace of Christ we dedicate ourselves to live out these commitments creatively, humbly and with hope.
(Adopted by Church Conference November 2, 2003)
Links
It's amazing what good spiritual resources are available online! Here are a few we recommend.
For Spiritual Growth...
- Looking to enrich your personal prayer life? "Pray As You Go," offers daily guided prayers, Monday through Friday. Listen at your computer, or download the podcast. A wonderful ministry from the Jesuits.
- The Upper Room offers daily written reflection online.
- This I Believe is a national media project engaging people in writing, sharing, and discussing the core values and beliefs that guide their daily lives. Sometimes explicitly religious, sometimes not; always food for thought.
- Speaking of Faith with Krista Tippett offers conversations about religion, meaning, ethics, and ideas. Each week, Tippett probes the myriad ways in which religious impulses inform every aspect of life and culture, nationally and globally. See the archives to get a sense of the wide and fascinating range of topics covered.
- Learn about Centering Prayer, a traditional prayer practice which we offer at Fair Oaks UMC each Thursday from 11:00 a.m. to Noon.
- Bread of Life Center for Spiritual Formation. Food for your spirit is available nearby! Check out this resource for spiritual direction, workshops and retreats, and more!
For Study...
- "The Voice"/Christian Resource Institute offers a wealth of information for learning about Christian beliefs and practices. Pastor Kelly especially likes their descriptions of the seasons of the church year.
- The Text This Week is probably the best collection of online Bible study links anywhere, organized by the lectionary calendar of assigned scripture readings for each Sunday of the Christian year.
- For Bible passages themselves, check out Oremus Bible Browser (New Revised Standard Version) or Bible Gateway (many other translations).
- Beliefnet is a far-ranging, interfaith site that has a wide variety of resources--articles on many, many topics; quizzes, devotionals, sacred text searches, message boards, prayer circles, photo galleries and more.
The Christian Community ...
- The United Methodist Church - a wealth of information about our denomination.
- The California-Nevada Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church - learn more about our "Annual Conference" - the United Methodist regional body we are a part of.
- The national Welcoming Churches database. See a listing with detailed profiles of wecloming churches across the country.
- The Center for Progressive Christianity promotes an open-minded Christian faith.
- Reconciling Ministries Network - learn more about being a Reconciling Congregation, and about the national network of Reconciling Ministries.
- Sojourners blends faith, politics, and culture.
Community Service(s) and Support...
- Sacramento Loaves and Fishes - an amazing range of services for homeless folks in Sacramento. We serve or cook lunch here every 4th Saturday.
- We regularly contribute food to the Sunrise Christian Food Closet. You can learn more about hunger issues and resources in Sacramento - and about the Sunrise Christian Food Closet - at "TargetHunger.com"
- Sierra Service Project is an outstanding organization sponsoring hands-on, service-based mission opportunities for teens and young adults.
- Sacramento PFLAG offers support to parents, friends, and family of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender persons.
Social Issues ...
- Check out The "One" Campaign to make poverty history!
- "Green Parable" is a blog site from the United Methodist Church of Santa Cruz to help churches interested in "going green." Includes "Going Green for Beginners" and "Going Green : Starting a Green Campaign" information from workshops offered at the "Living Faith, Seeking Justice" Conference.