Our Beliefs

GOD — We believe in one God, known to us in many ways—as Creator, as Christ, and as the Holy Spirit. God is the source of all life, the one who creates, loves, and sustains the world. God is not distant or detached, but deeply present with us, especially in times of need, guiding us toward love, justice, and wholeness.

JESUS CHRIST — In Jesus Christ, we see most clearly who God is and how God loves. In his life, teachings, death, and resurrection, we encounter a love that refuses to give up on the world. Jesus shows us a way of life marked by compassion, courage, forgiveness, and grace—and calls us to follow.

THE HOLY SPIRIT — We believe the Holy Spirit is active and alive today—moving in our lives, in the church, and in the world. The Spirit opens our hearts, challenges us to grow, and empowers us to live out our faith in meaningful ways.

THE BIBLE — We believe the Bible is a witness to God’s relationship with humanity and a source of wisdom, guidance, and hope. Written in different times and contexts, it continues to speak to us today. We read scripture prayerfully, thoughtfully, and together, trusting that God is still speaking.

HUMANITY AND GRACE — We believe that all people are created in God’s image and deeply loved. At the same time, we recognize that our lives and our world are marked by brokenness—what the church has long called sin. We see this in the ways we hurt one another, turn inward, and participate in systems that diminish life.

But brokenness is never the final word. God’s grace meets us where we are, offering forgiveness, healing, and new life—not because we earn it, but because God is love.

THE CHURCH — We believe the church is a community of people seeking to follow Jesus together. We gather for worship, prayer, learning, and fellowship—and we are sent out to serve, to love our neighbors, and to seek the good of the world God loves.

THE SACRAMENTS — We celebrate two sacraments: Baptism and the Lord’s Supper.

In Baptism, we are reminded that we belong to God and are welcomed into the community of faith.

In the Lord’s Supper, we gather at Christ’s table to receive grace, be nourished in faith, and remember that we are one body. All who seek Christ are welcome at the table.

OUR CALLING — Faith is not only something we believe—it is something we live. We are called to love our neighbors, care for those who are vulnerable, seek justice, and work for peace. We trust that God is already at work in the world, and we are invited to join in.

WHO IS WELCOME — We believe God’s love is for everyone—and that means everyone is welcome here. Wherever you are on your journey of faith, whatever your background, identity, or story—especially those who have felt excluded or uncertain in church before—you belong.

HOW WE ARE ORGANIZED — As a congregation of the Presbyterian Church (USA), we are part of a wider connection of churches who share in mission, support, and accountability.

We are governed by elected leaders called elders, who serve together on the Session, the council that guides the life and ministry of this congregation. Deacons lead ministries of care and compassion within the church and the wider community. The pastor, staff, and volunteers work in partnership with these leaders to nurture worship, learning, and service.

We are also part of the Illinois Prairie Presbytery (formerly Blackhawk Presbytery) and Synod of Lincoln Trails, which connect us to the wider church beyond our local congregation.

We believe that leadership in the church is shared, prayerful, and grounded in listening—to God, to one another, and to the needs of the world. Decisions are made not by one person alone, but through discernment together, trusting the Holy Spirit to guide us.