What We Believe

Our Guiding Light: Jesus Christ

At the heart of Hearthlight Way is Jesus Christ — our guiding Light, our sacred Companion, and our hope in all seasons. Like the ancient Church before us, we profess a faith that is both rooted and living, ancient and ever-new.

The Nicene Creed

“Rooted in the faith of our ancestors,
and drawn to the Light of Christ still burning bright,
we join our voices with the great cloud of witnesses.
In unity with the Church eternal and everlasting —
we believe…”

We believe in one God,
the Father, the almighty,
maker of heaven and earth,
of all that is,
seen and unseen.
We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ,
the only Son of God,
eternally begotten of the Father,
God from God, Light from Light,
true God from true God,
begotten, not made,
of one being with the Father.
Through him all things were made.
For us men and for our salvation
he came down from heaven;
by the power of the Holy Spirit
he became incarnate of the Virgin Mary, and was made man.
For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate;
he suffered death and was buried.
On the third day he rose again
in accordance with the scriptures;
he ascended into heaven
and is seated at the right hand of the father.
He will come again in glory
to judge the living and the dead,
and his kingdom will have no end.
We believe in the Holy Spirit,
the Lord, the giver of life,
who proceeds from the Father and the Son.
With the Father and the Son he is worshipped and glorified.
He has spoken through the Prophets.
We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church.
We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins.
We look for the resurrection of the dead,
and the life of the world to come. Amen

Note: In this context, “catholic” means “universal” — the whole Body of Christ, across time and tradition.

A Ministry of the Everyday

While we affirm the shared faith of the Church universal, Hearthlight Way is also a ministry of the everyday — handcrafted, soul-tended, and shaped by a lived calling. Our founder, Reverend Candace Ellen Mattingly-Russell, is an ordained Christian minister whose faith was forged through a long and searching journey. Her ministry is rooted in Scripture, prayer, and the compassionate love of Christ.

Hearthlight Way is not affiliated with any denomination, but follows in the footsteps of Jesus with joy, humility, and love. We are grounded in Scripture, inspired by the early Church, and committed to creating a faith community where grace leads and the weary are welcome.

✝ The Sign of the Cross

At Hearthlight Way, we honor the ancient Christian tradition of the Sign of the Cross — a simple gesture made by touching the forehead, heart, and shoulders, often with the words:

“In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.”

It is a prayer in motion — a way of marking ourselves with grace, remembering Christ’s love, and grounding our bodies in faith.

You are warmly invited to make the Sign of the Cross with us during prayer or worship, or simply to rest in its meaning.

Statement of Faith & Practices

Hearthlight Way Ministries is a Christ-centered, inclusive, and grace-rooted Christian ministry founded by Reverend Candace Ellen Mattingly-Russell. Our mission is to walk beside others as sacred companions, offering a place where faith feels like home. We affirm the life and teachings of Jesus, the power of Scripture, the sacredness of worship, and the enduring light of God’s love.

Core Beliefs

• We believe in one God — Creator, Redeemer, and Sustainer — expressed through the Holy Trinity.
• We affirm Jesus Christ as the Son of God, fully divine and fully human, whose life, death, and resurrection reveal God’s saving grace.
• We honor the Holy Spirit as the breath of God, active in creation, in Scripture, and within us today.
• We believe the Bible (NRSV) is the inspired Word of God — living, true, and trustworthy — and we read it with reverence, reason, and love.
• We affirm the Nicene Creed and its witness to the early Church’s faith.
• We welcome the wisdom of early Christian, Celtic, and liturgical traditions that center on Christ’s love, mystery, and presence.
• We hold that all people are made in the image of God and are beloved, regardless of background, ability, orientation, or identity.

Spiritual Practices

Hearthlight Way blends gentle structure with soul-rooted faith. Our daily rhythm honors prayer, scripture, and holy quiet. Our practices include:

• Morning and evening prayers to anchor the day in God’s light.
• Weekly services of worship and reflection, often shared online or in person.
• Holy Communion services offered seasonally or as needed for nourishment of the soul.
• Art, nature, music, and acts of compassion as expressions of worship.
• Spiritual companionship through listening, prayer, and grace-filled presence.
• Ministry of encouragement for those living with illness, disability, or isolation.

Discipline and Grace

We practice accountability through grace, not guilt. We walk in Christ’s love and offer correction gently, in ways that restore dignity, truth, and trust. Our ministry is grounded in compassion, never coercion.

This Statement of Faith is a living document — rooted in Scripture, guided by the Spirit, and open to the unfolding of God’s light in new ways. May all who read it feel welcomed, cherished, and seen.

Signed in the Spirit of Peace,

Reverend Candace Ellen Mattingly-Russell
Founder, Hearthlight Way Ministries, Inc.

⚖️ Hearthlight Way Ministries offers spiritual and pastoral support rooted in lived faith. We do not provide legal, medical, or financial advice.