Our Purpose

The purpose of St, Mary's church, as we understand it, is the same for all churches, although different churches will have different emphases. Jesus clearly set out the purpose for His church in two statements, typically known as The Great Commandment and the Great Commission.

The Great Commandment (Mark 12.29-31)
Jesus said, "The most important commandment is this: 'Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all you mind and with all your strength'. The second is this: 'Love your neighbour as yourself'. There is no commandment greater than these".

The Great Commission (Matthew 28.19,20)
Jesus said "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age".

The church is called, therefore, to love God and others and to seek to make followers of Jesus Christ. Jesus also said, "As the Father has sent me, I am sending you" (John 20.21). We are called to walk as Jesus did, witnessing to the good news of the love of God and seeking to draw people into a living relationship with Him.