Mission and Values

Mission

At. St. Paul's, we strive to be...

1. A welcoming, inclusive, and progressive community
We believe that “the arc of the gospel bends towards inclusion," and in a non-violent atonement of Jesus and generous orthodoxy. We are aware of God's unconditional love for each of his children, and work to liberate all persons into their full humanity. We practice spiritual values of listening, receiving, affirming, and reflecting, and celebrate one another's gifts and uniqueness.

2. Intentional and gathered
We practice the sacraments together as a community joined in Christ, including all persons from diverse places, backgrounds, needs. We take part in the rich traditions of the Episcopal Church through our scripture, prayer, and worship, acknowledging the presence of Jesus in all.

3. Passionate disciples of Jesus
In all things, we strive to focus on the humanity and divinity of Jesus as our path to God. We are called to invite others to his table as he did, and are sent to serve Him in the poor and the marginalized.

4. Loving servants of all things
We respond to the call from the cross of San Damiano to restore the church to a place of pilgrimage, healing, and reconciliation for all. We desire to move into wholeness through loving, supporting, and praying for one another. We also honor our mother earth by promoting a "green" church and believe in protecting our natural resources and animals. We publicly oppose all forms of violence, torture, abuse, and support the struggle for human rights throughout the world.

5. Participating in creative worship
We practice an innovative approach to liturgy that invites all to experience the divine presence through music, arts, and the blending of ancient and contemporary..

Values

The story of our faith is in part told in the practice of mass — our liturgy. As an Episcopal parish in the worldwide Anglican Communion, we value holding strong to our roots as Christians, and our liturgy as Anglicans. Participating in the mass, you will see those traditions throughout in the form of songs and prayers, the sanctity of the body and blood of Christ, and in many other ways throughout the procession of each service. 

At St. Paul’s, we also value and incorporate many other diverse traditions into our communion, study, and practice. We study many ancient Celtic beliefs that serve as the historical basis for the Anglican tradition, as well as incorporate Greek Orthodox elements into our worship. Moreover, we use the great many spiritual practices of India - especially that of Christian meditation - in our study and worship to enhance our contemplative journey.