This year (2019) marked the 250th anniversary of the Parish of Charlotte and the founding of the congregation that became St. Paul’s (Anglican) Parish.
We have celebrated many things from our past because they have helped inform who we are today. A cornerstone of Anglican self-awareness are our traditions, which we receive and which we believe carries the Spirit of God. We celebrated the particular history of St. Paul’s Parish and the impact members of the parish have had on the wider community and on one another. We celebrated our personal history and each one’s association with the parish and the ways it has impacted our lives and our spiritual journey. We have done all of this without becoming so nostalgic and sentimental that we neglect God’s presence and God’s purpose for us today.
A key component of the Good News is the hope it instills in us. We look to the future with joy and anticipation of the fulfillment of God’s dream for us and for this world, where peace, mercy and love reign. There will no doubt be challenges and our hope calls us to be realistic. We look to the future, not with fear nor with unrealistic expectations, but with faith in the God of love. St. Paul’s Parish will continue to be a loving and inclusive community, supportive of life’s transitions and a vital part of the downtown community. We will continue to be a community of worship for people across the city (and beyond) as well as a place to gather for meetings, concerts, lessons, suppers, meditation and care.
We have one more celebration to mark this anniversary year and that’s a Carol Eucharist on Sunday, Dec. 29 at 10:00 a.m.
Everyone is welcome!
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