Mission and Purpose of the Stratford Street United Church

Keeping in mind that we who are members of this church are part of the Body of Christ here on earth, we believe that there are five basic principles upon which we base our existence. These principles are based upon the beliefs and practices of the earliest Christians, being those that made up the group of followers of Jesus Christ in the first century. These principles are:

1. The worship and praise of God on a regular basis.

2. Prayer (as individuals, and as a church), where we seek to communicate with God daily, and in worship on Sunday with our fellow members.

3. Study and learning about our church and faith. We recognize the importance of regular Bible study as individuals, and in groups. We are aware that we must spend time beyond the hour of worship on Sundays, in order to learn the principles and tenets of our faith.

4. Fellowship. It is recognized that although we have an individual relationship with God, we also need to be with and for one another in both happy and difficult times. No Christian is "an island." Every person needs the support of others, and needs to share presence with others in their time of need and rejoicing.

5. Sacrificial giving. We recall that Jesus said, long ago: "Whosoever seeks only to save his life will lose it, but whosoever loses his life for my sake, and the Gospels, will find it. (Mark 8:34.) We believe when we give of ourselves, our time, talents, and treasure to do the work of God, then we ultimately will find what the meaning of life is all about. Being a disciple of Christ calls for personal sacrifice, and we encourage this attitude among our members.

Keeping those five principles in mind, we seek to provide a warm and accepting environment for people to worship God together. We seek, in the spirit of Christ to welcome the stranger in our midst. We seek in that same spirit of Christ to help others beyond our walls, to truly minister in His name to all those who are in need in this, God's world.