“And let us consider how to spur one another on to love and good deeds. Let us not neglect meeting together, as some have made a habit, but let us encourage one another…” — Hebrews 10:24–25 (BSB)
“And He gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for works of ministry and to build up the body of Christ…” — Ephesians 4:11–12 (BSB)
“For just as each of us has one body with many members, and not all members have the same function, so in Christ we who are many are one body, and each member belongs to one another.” — Romans 12:4–5 (BSB)
In the parish, I receive the ministry of the Church directly: through weekly worship, faithful preaching, the celebration of the Eucharist, pastoral care, mutual fellowship, and acts of service. It is where I am baptized, confirmed, instructed, married, and buried. My parish helps me to grow as a disciple, to live out my vocation, and to share the hope of Christ in my neighborhood.
Canon Dr. Joel Scandrett (Trinity School for Ministry) writes, “The parish is not just where Christians go—it is where they become. In the ordinary rhythms of parish life, God forms a holy people for His glory.”
Bishop Julian Dobbs (Diocese of the Living Word, ACNA) explains, “The parish is the lifeblood of the Church. It is where worship becomes witness, and doctrine becomes devotion. If the parish is healthy, the Church is alive.”
The 1662 Book of Common Prayer is designed for use in the parish, shaping its liturgy, prayers, catechesis, and sacramental life. It assumes a pastoral relationship between priest and people, rooted in mutual accountability and shared mission.
J.C. Ryle wrote, “The true strength of the Church lies in its parishes—faithful clergy, gathered congregations, reverent worship, and holy living. This is the Christianity that renews nations.” (Old Paths, 1877)
Archbishop Foley Beach (ACNA) has said, “Your parish is your spiritual home. It’s where the Word is opened, where Christ is present in the Sacrament, and where you are called to serve and grow with others. Don’t underestimate the power of a faithful local church.”
The parish glorifies Christ by making Him known in word, deed, and Sacrament, building up His Body in every generation and shining His light in every place.
St. John Chrysostom (c. 347–407 AD): “The Church in the city is the light of the city. Its members are salt and light, and its shepherds must feed the flock with care and truth.” — Homily on Acts, 20
St. Basil the Great (c. 330–379 AD): “Let each believer love the assembly of the saints. In the prayers and praises of the Church, Christ is present, and the soul is healed.” — Letter 90
St. Augustine of Hippo (354–430 AD): “It is in the parish church that the Christian life is made visible. There we are baptized, nourished, taught, and sent. It is our household of faith.” — Sermon 214
An Anglican Catechism (Expanded) offers over 350+ Scripture-based answers to the core truths of the Christian faith. Each entry includes biblical texts, theological insight, and reflections from historic and contemporary Anglican voices. Rooted in the classical tradition, it is designed for teaching, discipleship, and spiritual formation.
An Ancient Worship Movement invites readers into the rich, historic worship of the early Church rediscovered through the Anglican tradition. This book calls believers into a deeper, Spirit-filled encounter with Christ through timeless practices.
St. Thomas Church
PO Box 873
Abbotsford, BC,
V2T 7A2, Canada
If you are interested in starting a St. Thomas Church in your area and or ordination path fill the contact card form.
St. Thomas Church is a Church planting movement in ancient tradition.
