Jesus Christ said, “I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.” (Matthew 16:18) It is Jesus’ Church, and because it is His He loves it, cherishes it, cares for it, and grows it up in Him (Ephesians 4.11-16). We are called His bride, His beloved, the temple of God, the body of Christ and the family of God. In other words we hold a very special place in the heart of Jesus.
Because of that, we are brought together from many diverse backgrounds, ethnicities, and socio-economic groups and varying ages to live as a family together. We are to love each other, care for each other, encourage each other and enjoy each other’s fellowship.
This happens both at the formal time of community worship, but also whenever two or more gather in His Name (Matthew 18.20). Christ promises to be in the very midst of His people and walk with us always (Matthew 28:20). As a community of Christians we strive to live this blessing with each other. This looks like enjoying our time together in fellowship - eating together, laughing together, studying together and growing together.
It also means being iron that sharpens iron. We are called to lovingly encourage each other to hold each other accountable to the Word of God. We correct and forgive, bearing with one another in love.
The idea is that St. Patrick’s wants to be the place where the family of God acts as a real loving family, getting to know each other and grow together so that we can know Christ in a way that can only happen in this context.
We invite you to come and see. Let us encourage each other and grow together.