Our Mission Statement
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Forest Hill Church:
Discovering God’s call,
Celebrating the Spirit’s presence,
Witnessing to Christ’s transformative power!
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DISCOVERING!
In God, through Jesus Christ, we are on a journey of discovery–a journey inward and a journey outward where spirits are lifted and faith is stretched. In prayer and praise, worship and study, mission and ministry, as individuals and as a congregation, we will grow in faith and understanding in order to become more mature, thoughtful, and engaged people of God. We seek to discover God’s call and dedicate ourselves to passionate action in the service of God’s kingdom.
CELEBRATING!
In God, through Jesus Christ, we celebrate what God’s spirit is doing in the world–with us, among us, and through us. We nurture deep relationships with one another and enjoy the fellowship we share. As Children of God and brothers and sisters in Christ, we rejoice in the diversity of God’s kingdom and welcome one and all into the vitality of our church community.
WITNESSING!
In God, through Jesus Christ, we witness to God’s transformative action–in our local community and our world. We employ the multiple gifts the Spirit of God has given us to spread the Good News of the Gospel in word and deed. Called to the transformation of persons and structures, we encourage ministries that deepen faith and involve us individually and collectively in acts of social justice. We bear witness to the reconciling power of God’s love.
And if you really, really want to read more about who we are and what we believe, scroll down….
WHO WE ARE
You’ve probably realized by now that Forest Hill is a congregation devoted to accepting everyone as beloved children of God, following and serving Christ, and building relationships strengthened by the Holy Spirit! But way back in the last century (around 1999), the Elders of our congregation used a lot of carefully chosen words to spell out exactly who we are and what we’re about as a congregation.
Here’s what they had to say back in the day:
Forest Hill Church is a community of
Disciples - We have experienced the grace, truth, and love of Jesus Christ in our lives and we witness to that which we know in word and in deed.
Gifted - God has given us gifts and talents, known and unknown, to share. We encourage one another to discover and then offer their gift for God’s glory in the church and the world.
Family - We welcome families of all shapes and types - single people and single parent, blended as well as nuclear. All are a part of our congregational family.
Relational - We nurture deep relationships between people. Moving beyond the superficial we encourage one and all to talk about their faith, to share their doubts, to help one another in times of trouble, to celebrate with one another in times of joy.
Joyful - We enjoy getting together in social, study and mission groups. We like one another’s company as we worship, work, pray and play together.
Prophetic - We believe that God has particular concern for the poor, the hungry, the marginalized in our community and in our world. We will develop personal relationships with those we hope to serve.
Engaged in the Community - We are a church that is actively involved in the local community of Cleveland Heights, its neighboring cities and the city of Cleveland. We engage ourselves in the issues that shape these communities and the region. Racial reconciliation, fair and open housing, public education and children are especially important to our ministry and mission.
Inclusive - We are a church that is welcoming: all ages, all races, all people along a broad theological spectrum. We meet folks where they are and offer them the place to grow in their faith, make connections with one another, become involved in mission.
Thoughtful - We cherish and encourage thoughtful study and dialogue. We are open to new ways that will empower us to action. We are open to new people and the spirit that they bring.
Permission Giving - We realize that to be faithful followers of Jesus Christ we must give permission to members to risk new initiatives and start new ministries in order to participate in God’s action in the world.
Presbyterian - We are Presbyterians, open to being continually reformed by the word and love of God. We support the mission and work of our Presbytery, Synod and General Assembly. We join gladly with other denominations and faiths in discussion and action, study and worship.
On the Move! - God is calling us into a dynamic tomorrow. We respect tradition but we are not bound by it. We appreciate our past, celebrate our present, look forward to the future.