Mission, Vision, Values

Relationship is the heart of faith. It is through individual and community relationships that we come to know Jesus, grow in faith, and are inspired to serve. We commit to pray and care for one another. At UDLC we regard every meeting, event, small group, worship gathering, and service activity as an opportunity to deepen our relationship with God and others. We honor these relationships through the practices of honesty, kindness, compassion, hospitality, empathy, love, encouragement, and mutual accountability.

“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ The second is this, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” (Mark 12:30-31)

We know that the journey of faith is never complete and there is no finish line. There is always more to experience and learn about ourselves, God, and others. Therefore, we regularly engage in opportunities for spiritual nourishment for all ages. We recognize that our life experiences have value for others, so we encourage members to generously share their experiences, learnings, and wisdom through education, mentoring, and volunteerism.

“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God—what is good and acceptable and perfect.” (Romans 12:2)

We do not exist for ourselves. We exist for others. We are passionate about serving and building relationships with those in need, particularly those experiencing hunger and homelessness. We seek to meet immediate human needs through our service and advocate for more just and equitable systems so that all people may thrive. We value and seek to practice mutuality, inclusivity, respect, and sustainability in our serving.

“Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.’” (Matthew 25:40)

We value joy, laughter, and having fun together. We believe that a life of faith and this mission we share should be a joyful thing. We regularly ask ourselves how we can make an event, gathering, or task more fun. We make space for laughter. We believe this is one of the elements that makes UDLC unique and strengthens our community.

“I have said these things to you so that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be complete.” (John 15:11)

God authored the diversity of creation and humankind and called them good. By embracing diversity and practicing inclusion, we help to realize God’s vision for the world. We are building a culture where differences are celebrated and valued, where everyone feels safe and comfortable bringing their authentic whole selves to church, and where they are free to express the fullness of who God created them to be. We commit to welcome and affirm all people across race and ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, age, ability, language, culture, economic circumstance, family configuration, and experience.

“For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. For in the one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and we were all made to drink of one Spirit.” (1 Corinthians 12:12-13)

Everything we do together is for the sake of God, God’s people, and the world God loves. Therefore, we bring our very best to every personal and professional endeavor and strive for excellence in all we do. Excellence doesn’t mean perfection and that we won’t fail. It’s more about bringing our full selves to God’s work and consistently doing the very best we can. Excellence also includes continually learning and growing through research, evaluation, innovation, and experimentation.

“Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” (Philippians 4:8)

Everything we have comes from God. Out of gratitude and love for our neighbors, we generously offer our time, knowledge, skills, experiences, and financial gifts so that we may bless others as we have been blessed. We seek to pursue our mission with a spirit of generosity.

“Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.” (2 Corinthians 9:6-8)

In 1753 our intrepid founders established this church so that they and their neighbors would have a place to worship. They showed great faith and courage, qualities which have been passed down from generation to generation at UDLC. Together, we carry forward that courage to meet new challenges and opportunities, welcome new people, adapt to the changing needs of our members and our community, while looking to the future asking, “How can we share the love of God to make a difference today?”

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9)