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 We're Glad You Asked! What do you believe? We believe that the center of Christianity is the gospel. We accept the proclamation that in Christ, God has provided the Saviour who has done for us what we cannot do for ourselves. He lived that we might learn how to live, he died as a result of our sins and has been raised for our salvation. The risen Lord is the sign of God’s grace and power that ultimately overcome sin and death. What is the mission of St. Paul’s, Piney? We believe that the mission of St. Paul’s, Piney is to be a place where people can achieve spiritual maturity, grow in their relationship with Jesus, and their relationship within the body of Christ. We hope to bring them closer to God through worship, liturgy, and music, and encourage them to carry on Christ’s work of reconciliation in the world. “The church is made up of the people belonging to God, who are bound together in love as family, representing Christ to the world.” N. Gumble Who is Jesus Christ? We believe that Jesus is God made flesh. God who comes to us in a form we can understand. Because Jesus lived, we know that when we pray to God to help us in our troubles we have a God who truly understands us because he, himself, lived the human life. Through his death and resurrection the power of sin has been defeated and grace is available for everyone. “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” [Romans 10:13] Do you consider the Bible to be important? Yes! We believe that the Bible is the inspired Word of God and contains all things necessary for salvation and to guide us in living holy lives. The Word of God has great power. The Word of God is active and living and relevant to our lives today. Our religious understandings are based on scripture [Old Testament and New Testament], tradition, and reason. We expect that people will interpret scripture using their minds, their hearts, and following the teachings (traditions) of the church … and that they will not be afraid to struggle with some of the difficult and contradictory texts in the Bible as they make moral and ethical decisions. Are you a sacramental church? Yes. We offer everyone the two sacraments that Jesus himself instituted, baptism and communion. We believe that these are outward and visible signs given by Christ of the inward and spiritual grace available to each of us. Everyone who has been baptized in any Christian church is welcome to share communion with us. We have other sacramental rites which include confirmation, ordination, marriage, reconciliation ( confession of sins), and unction ( anointing of the sick and dying). These also confer grace – but are not necessary for all persons. Is your church diverse? Yes. Our congregation is made up of people from various backgrounds, of various ages, who come from a variety of religious traditions and who have found at St. Paul’s a spiritual home where they can hear and share the Word of God. They are drawn by the beauty, energy, spirituality, music, and traditional liturgy of the Episcopal Church. The energy and the wide variety of ministries, social activities, and outreach activities of the church are proof that the Holy spirit is present and active in the diversity of talent and giftedness of our members. St. Paul’s is a welcoming and affirming church. What about children? We believe that our children are a precious gift from God and that we have a responsibility to bring them up as caring, concerned and compassionate Christians who know Jesus Christ. We have programs for all age groups: Nursery Care, Sunday School and Youth Groups for the older ones. We have a Rite 13 and a J to A Confirmation program for our teenagers. We hold an intergenerational Vacation Bible School in the summer and are looking forward to starting a children’s choir and a handchime choir in the fall of 2008. Children and Youth who have been prepared and trained are encouraged to take part in our worship services as acolytes, crucifers, and layreaders. Do you welcome guests, visitors, and seekers? Yes, indeed! We invite you to come and worship with us and then join us for coffee hour and fellowship. Perhaps you may recognize that our church home is your home also. Click here for our location. Our building is handicapped accessible. |
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