the church in the community, the community in the church.
Since 1915, people who identify as Anglicans have worshiped God in Warner Beach. The church was built in 1928 and the first service held in St Mary’s was on Christmas day 1928. Since then the church hall was erected and the church rebuilt, to give us what we have today.
The community of St Mary is not a large community, but God has called us to be in this place at this time to serve him in our unique way. Anglicans are known as people of the “book” and we have three pillars of our Faith – Scripture, tradition, and reason. We hold that “scripture contains all things necessary for salvation, and it is our primary authority.” Our tradition is enshrined in the Book of Common Prayer – one of the greatest gifts the church has to offer. Our ability to be guided in our worship and to have structure is one of the most underrated and misunderstood treasures of our time. Our prayer book enables us to unite in prayer and scripture reading and walk a common road led by and under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. Its use in services enables everyone, even a first-time visitor to participate in the worship of God.
At St Mary’s our focus is “intentional discipleship” and we do this by building an understanding of the “Ministry of all believers.” Every member of St Mary’s has a God-given vocation and as the organized church it is our role to help to identify that, equip people to fulfill it, and provide an opportunity to exercise that ministry.
The Church is led by the Priest in Charge Revd Deborah Moorgas and an annually elected Parish Council. St Mary’s is part of the Ethekweni South Archdeaconry. The Anglican Church of Southern Africa is led by Archbishop Thabo Makgoba and is in full communion with Anglican Churches from all over the world.
I hope that the church goes from strength to strength. I when I lived in Oslo Beach went to St Margaret at Margate. My feelings are very much against the liberal attitude of the Church. And it’s this that if driving people away , Not the teachings of the Bible. And until some action some how can correct it less and less will hear the word of God. Same sex marriage, and for them to be married in the Church , is going to be the straw that will brake the Camels back.
Your comment on our website on liberal theology and the Church, is noted.
Thank you for interacting with us.
Fr Andrew