The mission of Christ Church – our purpose for existing – is rooted in the mission of Jesus: “The Spirit has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor” (Luke 4: 18-19). In the water-washing of Holy Baptism, we are joined to the mission of Jesus, to his life lived in public. In the breaking of the bread, the Holy Eucharist, we are nourished in our life together, inspired to serve others, especially those most in need, and challenged to promote justice and peace through learning, advocacy, and activism.
To say it simply and clearly, we believe that God is with us for the life of the world.
Reflecting the baptismal covenant to which we commit as members of The Episcopal Church, we are disciples of Jesus who actively work to promote justice, peace, and love for all persons, all creatures, and the earth itself.
Our worship reflects the Sacred Beauty of both ancient and modern traditions that draw us into the mystery of God who is greater than our words, songs, gestures, and actions. And yet the God who is known in Jesus Christ promises to be with us through the very ordinary things of this world: the Scriptures proclaimed and interpreted through preaching, music, and teaching; in the water-washing of Holy Baptism and in the Bread of Life and Cup of Salvation we receive at the altar; among the people who form the assembly in worship; through the earth and its many creatures, and among those who suffer poverty and oppression of body, mind, or spirit.
Our worship – our encounter with the mystery of God – orients us to the world, to daily life, and this church’s mission to be agents of justice and peace, compassion, and reconciliation. It is not surprising that after receiving communion and as we prepare to leave worship, we pray these words: “Send us out to do the work you have given us to do, to love and serve you as faithful witnesses of Christ our Lord.”
