The
essence of Christian faith is to “Love God and love one another.”
This message, known as the Great Commandment of Jesus, is expressed
repeatedly in the Gospels (Mark 12:28-34; Matthew 22: 34-40; Luke10:25-28).
At St. Christopher’s
by-the-Sea we take very seriously the obligation to show love through
charity, community outreach, and lay groups that work to nurture spiritual
growth.
Our congregation
as a whole tithes 10 percent of its general revenue to helping the
less fortunate through donations distributed by our Faith at Work
Committee. Recipients have included homeless ministries, medical and
dental missionaries, relief and development programs, and many others.
Additionally,
the parish sponsors the participation of its members in many others
works of love and community. Parishioners support the international
Compassion program for needy children, the Food for the Poor efforts
in the Caribbean and Central America, Episcopal Relief and Development
programs, local programs for the homeless, regular blood drives, and
many other charitable works. Reaching out to the larger community
through these efforts, St. Christopher’s works to spread the
Christian message of love.
To help each other
grow spiritually through small group participation, the Daughters
of the King and Men's Club strengthen members in their own spiritual
journeys while providing spiritual support to the entire congregation.
The parish also fosters spiritual growth of individual members through
participation in the Episcopal Cursillo Movement of inspirational
retreats or “short courses” on faith.
The important
practice of intercessory prayer -- prayer for others – finds
expression in the congregational prayer list read each Sunday,in prayer
chains that are mobilized for specific or emergency situations, and
in the confidential prayer list maintained by the Daughters of the
King. Visitors and members of the larger community are invited to
participate in these activities.
updated
03/10/08
