At Woodland Park Presbyterian Church, 

Christianity is a seeker’s journey

What does it mean to follow Jesus today? That is the question we ask. We have varied opinions and beliefs as we study scripture, discuss the impact of current events, and take action in the world. The best questions are ones that can’t be answered but lead us to deeper places in our faith as we struggle to come to some understanding. We are open to the leading of the spirit and not constrained because we have “always done it this way”.

In our search we try to …

Be Inclusive

The Jesus way is not exclusive or exclusionary.  We acknowledge that we are all children of God.

Stay Connected

We are one branch of the worldwide church as part of a tradition that is, in an enduring Latin phrase, “Semper reformans, semper reformanda” – always reformed and always reforming. We celebrate Communion every Sunday where everyone is welcome to the table, in solidarity with all who seek to follow Jesus.

Remain Open to Learning from Others

We are also connected to our sisters and brothers of other faiths. Our respect for them motivates us to learn about their beliefs, practices, and traditions, and to identify and understand our similarities, differences, and connections.

Listen for God

When we study Bible texts over and over, year after year, we ask, “What are these texts telling us today?” looking at them through contemporary and ancient lenses. We encourage questions, even skepticism, as we seek to understand how God is still speaking to us today.

Seek justice, love mercy, and walk humbly in the world

We aspire to be part of the Beloved Community and we proclaim the good news of the Gospel.

We affirm Martin Luther King, Jr’s statement that “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly.”

Appreciate Science and Nature 

We embrace the wonder of God’s complex world as scientific discovery continually expands our horizons. We affirm the statement of Dr. Francis Collins, head of the NIH, that “by investigating God's majestic and awesome creation, science can actually be a means of worship.”

Forgive and Accept Forgiveness

The Lord’s Prayer says it best: “forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us.” To be forgiven and to forgive is a gift from God that compels us to be Christ’s hands and feet in the world.   As the Bible says, “God is reconciling the world to Godself.”

AFFILIATIONS

Woodland Park Presbyterian Church is affiliated with the Presbyterian Church (USA) 

and is a member of the Seattle Presbytery.