Definitions of God

How would you define "God"?

All kinds of people answer this question in a variety of ways.
How we answer this question helps determine what we do with our time and how we live our lives.
I believe God is revealed through a variety of traditions, including Christianity. I have a deep love for the United Methodist Church for an array of reasons (check out the courage of John Wesley, the progressive social creed, the democratic organization....). There are also aspects of the United Methodist Church that are very damaging to all of us.

I believe that the God who is revealed in the United Methodist tradition is not any greater than the God revealed in any other tradition. Faith stories and sacred texts of various traditions can open new aspects of God for us. Native American Spirituality is one of the first places I recognized God, and it has continued to nurture my faith and understanding of who I am in the universe. Aspects of Judaism and Buddhism are also important to my spiritual growth.

I believe in Jesus who was radically inclusive, breaking down barriers.... and establishing communities of love and compassion.

What about you?

Speaking (of) Sanctuary

Speaking of Sanctuary

This is an interactive blogging area~~

I am the minister of what some folks know as

Sanctuary

and others know as the

Church in Ocean Park.

We are an interfaith community whose identity is in working for justice. We understand that people view the world in a variety of ways, and we appreciate the richness that brings to the community. Many people who consider themselves spiritual but not religious find this a place where they can experience the holy and be themselves. Others simply find this a place where they are given the tools and community they need to work for a better community. Some come to listen to music or hear a speaker and find a place to call home.

I want this to be a place where you can share with me and with each other what matters to you. What is sanctuary to you?
What is church to you?

What would you like it to be?

Each week I will also post topics that will help me frame my Sunday morning messages and may lead to programs and actions that the church can take.