St. Mary’s Anglican Network Church is a joyful welcoming Christian community that now meets for worship at Lighthouse Christian Academy in Langford.
The school where we meet is located at 1289 Parkdale Drive near Glen Lake.
We are rooted in the Charismatic and Evangelical wing of the Anglican Church although our church family is
made up of people from all walks of life and backgrounds. Our community is made up young children, the
elderly, and everything in between!
We are served by two pastors; The Rev. Sharon Hayton is the rector and the Rev. Andrew Hewlett is associate
Priest/Pastor. Nevertheless, we have always had a strong sense that every person is called to ministry in
the body of Christ. Because of this, we have quite a range of exciting ministries that all, some way,
witness to the love of God known to us in Jesus Christ.
On Sunday mornings some of us gather at 8:30 a.m. for traditional worship based on the Book of Common Prayer
and the use of traditional hymns. Others of us meet at 10:15 a.m. for contemporary Praise and Holy
Communion. At this service we honour our liturgical tradition within the context of contemporary music led
by our praise band/ team. At this service we also have special ministry for young children and teens.
At all our services we seek to be open to the leading of the Holy Spirit so that God’s name would truly be
praised.
We are also a teaching community with a love for the Holy Scriptures – the Bible.
Though we welcome a diversity of thought and conviction our leadership is convinced that the Scriptures are
foundational for our life and witness. For that reason, whether in sermons, home groups, or Alpha Courses,
we encourage all people to prayerfully study the Bible in order to discover that it truly is God’s word
written.
Of course, true knowledge of a community must come through experience. Please stop by and pay us a visit.
We won’t pressure you to become a member. However, do ask questions – we enjoy telling others about our
church family. Feel free to call us at (250) 508 6232 or email us. We’d love to tell you more.
SO, WHAT’S UP WITH ST. MARY’S CHURCH? -- NEWS UPDATE
By Rev. Sharon Hayton: - -
As rector of St. Mary Metchosin (Anglican Network Group) I feel it is important to clarify for you recent events.
On February 17th, the congregation of St. Mary’s held a meeting at which a vote was taken (by secret ballot) to join the Anglican Network in Canada (ANIC). The vote passed with an 86% majority with 14 people voting against the motion. While we realized this was a costly and unprecedented move within Anglicanism, a decision needed to be made. We did not arrive at this easily or quickly, but prayerfully and over a period of time. In recent years it became apparent to us that the Anglican Church of Canada is moving away from the historical teachings of the church by undermining the authority of scripture in many serious matters.
Since Christianity is defined through the scriptures it is to have authority in the lives of believers, informing what we believe and how we live. God’s love is made known in Christ and through the scriptures and is experienced by faith. Therefore, St. Mary made the decision to move to another jurisdiction that is staying true to the historic teachings of the church. Thankfully through affiliation with ANIC we can remain Anglican.
This change is more than local, more than national – it is a time of change and realignment in Anglicanism around the world.
While we recognized that the Bishop of British Columbia would not agree with our decision to join ANIC, we had hoped that we could find an amicable way through this change. Unfortunately, we have now had to leave our building and all resources behind. This may be temporary as some issues are before the courts. We were forced into court proceedings because negotiation was refused.
We regret that we have had to physically leave Metchosin, but we want to maintain connection with the community. We continue to hold our mid-week communion in a private home – all are welcome – if interested in attending this service please call (250) 508-6232 for time and location.
During this transition we are referring to ourselves as ST MARY/OPEN GATE NETWORK CHURCH.
Presently our services and ministries are happening at Lighthouse Christian Academy in Langford. Thankfully they have welcomed us and are accommodating our every need. We see God’s hand of provision and blessing in this.
We are excited about the future! Even though our location has had to change we are the same kind of community we have always been – welcoming, caring, and joyful. Come check us out! Join us Sunday mornings at Lighthouse, 1289 Parkdale Drive –Traditional 8:30 a.m. and Contemporary Family service 10:15 a.m. Our new office phone number is (250) 508-6232; our email address remains the same st_mary@islandnet.com. See our website for updates http://www.islandnet.com/~st_mary/.
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