A Vision for St. Mary Magdalene’s Church

Jesus said, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbour as yourself” (Matthew 22:37-39)

The Vision

We are called to be a community of praise: As the Psalmist says, “Praise the Lord. Sing to the Lord a new song, his praise in the assembly of the saints.” (Psalm 149:1) When the Church comes together, we are to be a Worshipful, praising community by:

                    •   utilizing the musical gifts available

                    •   anticipating the presence of the living God

                    •   ministering to each other in the power of the Spirit

                    •   adapting the liturgy to allow for spiritual spontaneity

We are called to be a praying people: 2 Chronicles 7:14 says, “...if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” We are to

                    •   encourage individual concerted prayer efforts

                    •   engage gifted intercessors

                    •   emphasize the prayerful aspect of Worship

                    •   provide teaching on prayer as communication with our God

We are called to be a people of Thanksgiving. St. Paul says, “Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thessalonians 5:18) We are to be a grateful people full of thanksgiving, both when the church gathers and when we are in the world through:

                    •   our relationship with Jesus Christ and our proper focus on his reality

                    •   development of positive and constructive attitudes

                    •   mutual encouragement and challenge

                    •   trusting God to provide “our needs according to his riches in Christ Jesus” (Phil 4:19)

We are called to be apostles, a church sent out in mission. Jesus said, “...go and make disciples of all nations....” (Matthew 28:19) We are to fulfill this Great Commission by:

                    •   the clear proclamation of the Gospel by word and example

                    •   reaching out to meet people’s physical, emotional and spiritual needs

                    •   ministering healing and deliverance

                    •   providing missionary opportunities and assistance locally and globally

Therefore, the Vision may be simply stated: The parish of St. Mary Magdalene is called to be a Community of praise, a prayerful people of thanksgiving and a missionary church.