Vitality Update 09.13.19

Posted on September 13, 2019.
Messiah Church,
 
We know as we walk the Vitality Pathway together, there will be times of incredible growth and shared vision which will energize us as a church body and propel us forward. However we also know that there will be times of disagreement. There will be times where difficult conversations are needed. And there will be times where we will not see eye to eye on topics that each person considers fundamentally important.
 
In all times, both fruitful and challenging, we implore our church to keep our eyes on Jesus through the keeping of a Relational Covenant with each other. This covenant (below) is our humble attempt to put to words the reality of living life together as the body of Christ "hand in hand" even though we may not see "eye to eye".
 
We will have this Relational Covenant posted in common places throughout the church in the weeks ahead, as a visual reminder of the covenant we have to God and to each other.
 
We encourage you to read the Relational Covenant. Rejoice in things that give you hope. Prayerfully consider the things in it that challenge you. And then commit to walk together with your brothers and sisters in the Lord through the Vitality Process.
 
Larry Francis (Vitality Chair), Mary Francis, Marilyn Humphry, Sara Hunt, Therese Racklyeft, Toni Gibson, Pastor Ara Koliantz.
 
 
HOW WE WILL LIVE TOGETHER
Messiah Church Relational Covenant
 
We will genuinely honor and affirm all people as created in the image of God.
 
 
We will intentionally love, care for, greet, encourage, and pray for each other, and humbly accept correction and keep confidences.
 
 
We will directly and humbly seek resolution of conflicts as Jesus directs in Matthew 18:15-17.
 
 
We will generously extend grace and forgiveness and clearly ask forgiveness when necessary.
 
 
We will agree to walk hand in hand even though we may not see eye to eye.
 
 
In all dealings with one another our goal is to glorify God, allowing Scripture, especially Colossians 3:12-17, 1 Thessalonians 5:12-26, and Philippians 2:1-4 to guide our thoughts, attitudes, and actions.
 
 
Together we commit to upholding this covenant for the glory of God and the good of one another.