At Joining Hands and Our Fellowship we believe that we should take control of our lives and live them to the fullest, thus achieving in life all we are capable of. The purpose of the ministry is to promote and encourage the advancement of the human experience, and to share our influences, accomplishments, and goals in this endeavor.
By following this basic principle we can learn to accept responsibility for our actions, throw off the bondage of destructive behavior and legalistic beliefs, and have abundant life by constantly improving and growing both as individuals and a community.
The celebration of all people regardless of circumstances of birth or their beliefs or orientations can never be mandated or legislated successfully. It must come from the heart. Therefore, we are inclusive, but not political. You are welcome, regardless of beliefs, so long as you are willing to welcome others, and be willing to support and rejoice in the differences of others.
Although they do tend to be part of many people's ideologies, we feel that supernatural beliefs should not take the place of individual advancement. Members of this ministry embrace a vast array of beliefs, and the diversity of faiths is welcome. However, the application of this ministry is practical. We seek ways in which we can enrich our lives and experiences by our pursuit of wisdom, understanding, experience, expression, and knowledge.
We are not an activist group, but we are happy to provide a safe and comfortable place for those of varying faiths, origins, ideologies, and orientations to share with respect and dignity. Those ideologies that promote the objectification, manipulation, or abuse of others are not supported. We do not endorse any organized religion or church.
We emphasize building relationships with one another at our meetings.
Our meetings are meant to encourage and edify all of us.
We believe that this leads to an understanding of:
Personal Freedom - without the freedom to choose our life's direction, we have no ability to make the right choices and truly improve ourselves. The choice to do that which will lead to abundant living, and the decision to do it, allows us to advance ourselves and better our lives. But first we must make the choice, and act upon it.
Self reliance - when we are able to provide for ourselves, we develop
a sense of dignity and self respect. Once we have self respect, we
are better able to accept and respect one another. If we are reliant on others, or on society, we become enslaved and a burden. Self reliance leads to true freedom.
Personal responsibility - accepting the responsibility of our life
choices empowers us to make the right decisions for our lives and
for the betterment of our society. Directing responsibility away
from ourselves, and blaming others, society, or our situation, makes us
dependent, as does the belief that belonging to a specific religion gives us a pass on responsibility. Once we take responsibility, we are truly free to make the best choices to better ourselves and society. Our lives are no longer defined by the actions or beliefs of others, but solely by our own.
Informal fellowship - a fellowship that does not depend upon sensationalism
or supernatural experience is a fellowship that is built upon true
relationships. Taking the emphasis off of special effects and expensive
presentation leads to more concern for one another. Unreasonable and unrealistic expectations creates an environment of irresponsibility and deception. Rational discussion leads to understanding, acceptance, celebration of differences, and fulfilled lives.
