Faith in God, devotion to Jesus Christ and trust in the Holy Spirit.

This is fundamental.  It is what comforts us, strengthens us, motivates us and empowers us. It is why we call ourselves Christians.   

Love and support for one another in a worshipping community of believers.

MPC members have enjoyed a close and supportive fellowship.  The central importance of the community of faith has been recognized by Christians since biblical times…it is difficult, perhaps impossible, to be a solitary Christian.   This faith community is built up in the context of worship, learning together and shared action.   

Open and honest dialogue.

Being members of a community requires that we be able to speak openly and to listen to others attentively so that each member of the community can participate fully and express their opinions without fear of rebuff.  Only in this way can the community fully embrace each person.

A biblically-informed, theologically liberal perspective.

Our system of beliefs is based on what the Bible reveals about God as Lord and Jesus as Savior.  We do not interpret the Bible literally in every instance, but try to understand it in the context of the time in which it was recorded, benefiting from modern scholarship.  We understand that God is revealed to humankind in many ways: we reach out in friendship to people of other faiths.  

Invitation to community and to ministry to any person who will choose to join us on our journey of faith.

We welcome anyone who wants to join us on our Christian journey of faith.  We will select new leaders based on their skills, experience, spiritual qualities and ability to lead, irrespective of gender, age, race, class or sexual orientation.

 Spiritual growth of children and adults.

Christian education and spiritual formation begins in childhood and continues throughout life.  It is a major role of the church to provide lively and engaging educational programs and activities for people of all ages.

 Peaceful resolution of human conflicts.

As followers of the Prince of Peace, peacemaking is an important part of our mission.  By providing opportunities for education and action, we do everything in our power to encourage resolution of conflicts through dialogue, understanding and negotiation, rather than violence, whether in homes and families, neighborhoods, nationally or internationally.

 Social justice and service to the needy.

The Bible is very clear that God is concerned about the poor and needy.  As members of a privileged and affluent society we have a special duty to care for the “have-nots.”  This mission can be achieved through working for greater social justice in our society and in the world as well as by direct aid to people with specific needs.

 Stewardship of the natural environment.

The God whom we serve is the God who created the world we live in.   Through consciousness raising and practical projects we protect the Earth and promote the wise use of its resources for the benefit of people everywhere, rather than greedy consumption of more than our share.