Who we are
"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has"
Margaret Mead
Pine Valley Manifesto
We believe a concern for human beings and their dignity is at the heart of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We, therefore, pledge ourselves to recognize all people as children of God and to embrace all as friends and neighbors, without regard to race, national origin, social or financial status, sex, age, sexual orientation or anything else.
We will defend victims of injustice and work in their behalf when their basic human rights are denied or threatened. In our congregational and personal lives, we will seek to exemplify a concern and respect for all people, so that the whole family of God can know the abundant life Jesus came to bring.
STATEMENT OF WHO WE ARE
Pine Valley Christian Church is a progressive faith community practicing unconditional love and seeking justice in an interfaith world so that all people may experience abundant life.
We are a Christian community that loves God and our neighbor, where everyone is welcome at Christ’s table. God celebrates you just as you are and so do we.
Pine Valley Christian Church was founded in 1968 as, and continues to be, an alternative to traditional church. We have a rich history of social activism and progressive theology. We acknowledge that many people today have a problem with religion and “traditional” church. We offer forward-thinking Christianity for the 21st century.
We are all about
thinking Christians
Romans 12: 1-3
This is a safe place to question traditional church teachings and to figure out what you believe. We enjoy the challenge of emerging theologies and frequently enter into dialogue with Christian and non-Christian religious leaders, and subject-matter experts involving community and world-wide issues and needs, such as race, LGBTQIA, food insecurity, unhoused, and refugee/immigration issues, to name a few.
living Diversity
1 Corinthians 12: 4-11
ALL means ALL period! We live in respectful presence of those who are different from ourselves, following Jesus’ example of welcoming everyone, regardless of race, national origin, social or financial status, gender, age, sexual orientation or anything else. We are an Open & Affirming Christian Church.
seeking Justice
Amos 5:24 & Micah 6:8
From our inception seeking justice has been our goal. Our focus has transformed over the years as
relationships and community/world needs arise.
OUR Theology
We believe God’s love is big enough for all people and no one group “owns” God.
We believe Jesus was a rebel in his time and died because of how he lived and what he taught, and the impact it had on the Roman Empire.
We believe Christ lives in each of us and calls us to follow his example of radical love.
We believe the Bible is story and should be read as such and never be used to condemn.
We believe in peace and justice for ALL.
Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
Disciples of Christ are a movement of more than 3,000 congregations in the United States and Canada, committed to sharing the limitless love of God throughout the world. We worship in over 17 languages, in a variety of styles and settings. We are related to 15 colleges and universities and 7 seminaries and divinity houses where new leaders are nurtured. Our 31 regions, 14 general ministries, and ministry partners throughout the world make it possible for us to love and serve our neighbors from our doorsteps to the ends of the earth.
We are a movement for wholeness in a fragmented world. As part of the one Body of Christ, we welcome all to the Lord’s Table as God has welcomed us.