Core values

Trust

For us, living a faith-filled life begins with trust. Trust in the future of this world, in the free choices of people, and in the inspiration and spiritual strength that has flowed from God since the beginning. To believe is to have confidence in the path of mercy and love, as revealed in the biblical stories and most perfectly exemplified by Jesus of Nazareth. In this way, we have solid ground beneath our feet, a roof over our heads, and a path to follow.

Wonder

A life of faith opens our eyes to the extraordinary in all living things. We feel connected to nature and the life around us. For us, this life points to a source, to a mystery we cannot fully comprehend, yet one that comes to us unexpectedly as a gift and a call, demanding our attention and response. We know we must take care not to live past it unnoticed.

Resilience

A life of faith knows both disappointment and setback, but also renewal and recovery. There is silence, dawning insight and struggle, laughter and tears, curses and sighs, effort and relaxation, rebellion and gratitude. There is the courage to forgive and the boldness to face challenges. Celebrating together is essential in this lifelong process of learning to live and beginning anew.

Connection

As a community, we are aware of the value of connection. In encountering others, we also come to understand ourselves. We rediscover the importance of involvement across generations, the fruitful combination of life experience and innocence. We seek ways to look out for one another in everyday life.

Freedom

As a community, we recognize the value of individual freedom, the ability for people to explore their own path in faith and doubt, and to make their own moral choices. At the same time, we are aware that our freedom must never come at the expense of others. We choose a life of tolerance, courage, and the boldness to ask each other questions.

Responsibility

We express our commitment through responsibility for our world and aim to support one another in our work and social engagement. Together with others, we connect to concrete projects that address the needs and challenges of our world.

Peacefulness

We express our commitment through a peaceful and sustainable way of living. We aim to honor our belief that peace, justice, and the wholeness of creation form the heart of the challenging yet hopeful perspective of Shabbat and Shalom for God’s world.