Saturday, June 18, 2005

We are, we are...the faculty of the Genesis School

I call this the Statement of Being, which is like a belief statement for the faculty community and of course will trickle down into the mission statement eventually. It is meant to be humorous and I want it to stay that way, but we will see what is practical in the end.


We are evangelical, but not necessarily conservative.
We are artists, philosophers, construction workers, historians, social workers, nurses, engineers, painters, teachers, husbands, wives, children, parents, cooks, teachers, musicians, scientists, discoverers, lovers, writers, thespians, hairdressers, small business owners, counselors, youth workers, homemakers, doctors, and children of God.
We are appalled by most televangelists.
We love the Daily Show's Godstuff and the Wittenburg Door.
We drink, dance, smoke cigars, and wear pants all with discernment, responsibility, and respect for others who do not.
We care for the earth and its resources as God instructed us to: sustainably and wisely.
We try our best to dialogue instead of debate, placing relationships above our opinions.
We attempt with vigor to share most things in common, quickly forgive one another, be vulnerable, pray for one another, seek feedback for personal growth, respect personal boundaries, laugh & play together, reach out to our community, ask questions instead of (make an "ass" out of "u" and "me") assume, inspire one another, and be each other'’s shoulder to cry on. In other words, we live in community.
We believe in the fundamental right of all human beings to life, liberty, food, shelter, education, medical attention, and opportunities.
We believe that God always has a plan even if it is not our preference.
We do not believe that Americans are God's chosen people.
We believe God has called us to make a difference in the lives of people, especially students.
We believe that women can do just about anything men can do, especially math and science (and Barbie dolls are a form of psychological oppression that brainwash girls to think otherwise...well, maybe not)
We believe Jesus spoke a message and command of peace.
We like to barter (and sometimes pretend there is no such thing as money).
We live simply but not without creativity.
We believe that the Bible is the word of God and everything in it is true (although sometimes confusing).
We love to play games, laugh, hang out, watch movies, and talk.
We believe all women should try to learn to drive standard.
We believe that laughter and mountain air can be the best medicine.
We are fueled by motivation from the Holy Spirit and the conviction to serve others.
We like long walks on the beach...oops, I mean hiking, biking, skateboarding, backpacking, boating, rock climbing, running, and swimming.
We value beauty in every way, shape, and form.
We are certain that 4" x 6" cards are the next international revolution.

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