In the early 1970’s, the Holy Spirit touched a little Episcopal Church in Bath, Ohio.  Since then, we have grown and changed, but the Holy Spirit has continued to work powerfully in our hearts and lives.  We are “Blessed to be a Blessing.” (Genesis 12:2)  We are called to fulfill this calling by being Converted to Jesus Christ, Converted to the Body of Christ, and Converted to the ministry of Christ.     

Jesus Christ

Our faith centers on the saving death and glorious resurrection of Jesus Christ.

The authority for that faith is the Bible, both the Old and New Testaments.  The Old Testament looks to the coming of Jesus, and the New Testament recounts his Life, Death and Resurrection. The scripture promises that one day he will return in glory to establish his Kingdom forever.  We believe that the Holy Scriptures contain all things necessary for life and salvation.  The Bible determines our teaching at St. Luke’s. 

The Gospel

The good news of the Christian faith is that even though all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God, Jesus’ death and resurrection has made it possible for us to be forgiven, saved, and restored to the glorious life intended for us.   We who were separated from God can know him personally by receiving his free gift of salvation and trusting in his goodness and mercy.  We are never “good enough” to earn our salvation, but we can be sure of eternal life by putting our trust in Jesus Christ. 

Spirit Filled Living

The Holy Spirit is given to all who confess Jesus is Lord.  He seeks to change us and make us more like Christ in every way.  He develops in us godly characteristics like love, joy, patience, peace, and humility.  He also empowers us to live for God and be free from sin.  We are given gifts and abilities for ministry.  We believe that the ministries of the Holy Spirit seen in the New Testament are good gifts that God still gives to Christians today.  We believe that God still desires to pour out his life into us.  As a result, you may see people cry, laugh, or rest in his Presence.  Someone may speak out loud a word that applies to the life or lives of those who are present.  This is a word of knowledge given to our body to help form us into the image of Christ.

We are open to all the Spirit’s gifts if they are exercised in love and humility. 

Blessed to be a Blessing

     No matter how many words we try to string together to adequately express our vision, we keep coming back to this simple phrase.
When we say that we are "Blessed To Be A Blessing", we mean that we reap as we sow, and that God continues to bless us precisely because we strive to continue to bless others.
Because we believe this way, we find ourselves desiring, willing, and enabled to minister with God given resources, giftings, and power in increasingly beneficial ways.

We take Christ at his word when he says "I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father." John 14:12

So we bless others as Jesus blessed, always striving to do more. And, for his part, God has continued to bless us all the more.
 

What will be happening at Saint Luke's Anglican Church this Sunday?

Our service begins with 20-25 minutes of music ending with a time of corporate prayer. Song lyrics may be viewed on the overhead projection screens, or if you desire, an usher can provide you with a printed song sheet. Most of our collective prayers and responses are also shown on the screens.
A time of announcements and testimonies which highlight what God is doing in our lives follows, and our morning scriptures are presented. The pastor’s message comes next, after which an offering is taken. If you are a visitor with us this morning, we do not expect you to participate in the offering.
We celebrate communion each Sunday with an altar open to all baptized Christians. We share a common cup, taking the bread and wine when offered near the front of the room. As communion begins, we remove the chairs located in the section furthest from the entrance doors to provide a space for our prayer ministry. You are welcomed and encouraged to visit us there. Our prayer teams will be blessed to pray with you.
Our worship closes with a prayer and a blessing.

What will I see?
Our worship here is as varied as our members. Therefore you will see
many different expressions of that worship. Some people stand, some sit, some dance with exuberance, some raise
their hands, some kneel or lie on the floor in quiet worship. We use flags and banners throughout the music. You will also occasionally see an artist painting during the music. Our pastors and servers wear robes and we celebrate communion at a central altar.

What will I hear?
You will hear a mixture of contemporary and traditional music that ranges from quiet and contemplative to loud and celebrative. So as some may stay very quiet, some may shout praises to the Lord Throughout our service, people from the congregation and or the pastors will speak out an encouraging and uplifting word from the Lord.

What do I have to do?
Feel welcomed and encouraged to join in as you feel comfortable and be blessed in the presence of our Father in heaven, Jesus our Savior, and the Holy Spirit.