Messiah Episcopal Church Identity Statement Adopted by the Vestry on July 14, 2008

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Responding to God's grace, we at Messiah Episcopal Church gather in worship through word and sacraments and proclaim God's message of redemption through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Empowered by the Holy Spirit, we follow Jesus as he transforms the world for God's purpose.

We seek God to strengthen loyalty to the faith revealed in the Bible and cherished by the church across the ages and around the world. We are sustained by worship that is authentic, reverent, vibrant, creative, and liturgical.

  • Many of us came to Messiah as Christians; all of us are on a journey to Christ-likeness. Regardless of distinctions, we are all called to use our gifts to the full. We are men, women, and youth who work in partnership with the church to carry out God's work.
  • We encourage active participation in worship through various means such as music, art, drama and dance, and serving as lectors, ushers, and eucharistic ministers.
  • As members of the Episcopal Diocese of Minnesota and the Anglican Communion, we are committed to working for their renewal.

We strive to grow in obedience to Christ through biblical teaching and mutual encouragement, so that we may follow our Lord in faithful and loving service to him and to one another.

  • Education ministries include a unique children's program, Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, as well as Sunday school for junior and senior high youth, confirmation curriculum and adult classes.
  • The youth program sees kids coming to Christ and Christian kids becoming Christian adults. It features Wednesday evening worship, Bible study and fellowship, special events (such as "Acquire the Fire" and "Sonshine"), and an annual mission trip.
  • Small groups that meet in people's homes (house groups) are an important way that we grow in discipleship.

We trust God to promote healing and transformation through the Holy Spirit locally and globally by engaging in outreach in our community and the wider world, and providing prayer and financial support in a variety of contexts.

  • We are mostly English speakers with a growing immigrant presence.
  • Our outreach includes a long-time partnership with the Episcopal Diocese of Haiti, overseas missionaries, and service to the homeless.
  • We offer ministries of healing and intercessory prayer.

We are located in the Highland Park neighborhood of St. Paul, one block west of Snelling Avenue on Ford Parkway at Macalester Avenue, an easy commute from most places in the Twin Cities, with on-street parking.