Dear Friends,
This Sunday in the Gospel we hear about who is who. Peter says to Jesus, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” And Jesus answered him, “… And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church.” Upon hearing Jesus and Peter say something about the other’s identity and call, I want to remember our identity and call at St. Monica’s. So, below I have noted our mission and values.
As an Episcopal Church, we believe the mission of the Church is to restore all people to unity with God and each other in Christ. The Church pursues its mission as it prays and worships, proclaims the Gospel, and promotes justice, peace, and love. The church carries out its mission through the ministry of all its members. (Book of Common Prayer, p. 855)
Within this framework, St. Monica’s maintains a culture where …
- We warmly welcome all. We affirm the dignity of all humanity through a warm and friendly welcome.
- We connect with the community. We support ministries with our talents, finances, and passions.
- We cultivate a culture that welcomes children and youth, affirming them in their baptismal identity and that they are children of God with gifts to offer to the church.
- Music plays a vital role in our worship and outreach to the community.
- Through prayer, friendship, and community, God’s Spirit heals us.
- Fun is a high value in our community and is woven throughout our congregational life.
- We open ourselves to the Spirit. We have a long history of trying new ventures and ministries. Within the framework of our Episcopal values, we are open to change.
In our announcements below, one can see some of the ways in which we live out our identity and call through our mission and values. I invite you to also consider who you are and how to live into your call here at St. Monica’s.
Peace and grace,
Fr. Jonathan Evans