Core Value 3: Compassion

On October 25, 2008, about 30 members of Brown Woodbrook spent the day working to come up with a list of core values. Number three on the list is compassion.

So what is "compassion" by our definition?

Ideally we will be able to summarize our definitions in two or three words. So that we will be able to say, "When BMWPC says 'compassion,' we mean X, Y, and Z." That kind of shorthand will help us stay focused. While anyone is welcome to comment on the values, that intitial group of 30 will be invited explicitly to do so and share their thinking as we work toward agreed definitions of the six core values.

It will be their agreement that will determine the final definitions. In the time we spent doing initial definitions, here is what that work group came up with:

Caring for each other.
Caring for the poor, hungry, etc.
Seeing need without judgement.
Giving out of love, not obligation.
Without borders or boundaries

And here are the concrete ideas that work group listed to put flesh on compassion:

Set personal agendas aside.
Pay attention to the homebound and others in our midst.
Find the next "Kidsake"
Get involved with BIN
Proactively help those in need.
See conflict resolution as compassion.
Share our mission stories/Stephen Ministries

So what do you think?

Click "Post a comment" below to join the conversation.

And remember January 17, 9 AM - noon is Definitions Day, when we'll gather in the Fellowship hall and hash out our definitions.

Thanks. Jamie

Core Value 2: Love

On October 25, 2008, about 30 members of Brown Woodbrook spent the day working to come up with a list of core values. Number two on the list is love.

But what do we mean by "love?" Ideally we could summarize our definitions in two or three words. So that we will be able to say, "When BMWPC says 'love,' we mean X, Y, and Z." That kind of shorthand will help us stay focused.

While anyone is welcome to comment on the values, that intitial group of 30 will be invited explicitly to do so and share their thinking as we work toward agreed definitions of the six core values. It will be their agreement that will determine the final definitions.

In the time we spent doing initial definitions, here is what that work group came up with:

To touch the face of God
Imitating Christ
By carrying out ones life in Christ-like way
Accepting differences
Respecting Self
Tending God's creation

In addition they brainstormed the following ways to put love into action (remember that our facilitator, Denise Van Eck, urged us to think of concrete ways we could live out the core value):

1) When you see someone sitting by themselves at church, go over and sit with them.
2) Reaching out to those in need, noticing / be intentional of what others need, sick disablility, grief.
3) Meet people where they are instead of where you want them to be by being intentional in reaching out to and interacting with others.

So what do you think? What is love at BMWPC?

Find the button at the bottom and join the conversation.

NOTE: "Definitions Day" is Saturday, January 17, 9 am - noon in the Fellowship Hall at church.