Our Values

In February 2021 a group of leaders were on retreat. They considered what they loved best about Alstonville Anglicans. As stories were shared, something beautiful happened: it was as if a stunning gift floated down from heaven and nestled amidst us. What follows are the best words that we are able to offer, to describe what we love best about Alstonville Anglicans.  When you come to us and when we go to you, this is what we are thinking and feeling about you. 

Beloved:

each person comes into the world as an original blessing from God. Thus, each person is a beloved person: significant, wanted and loved. 

Belonging:

anyone who wants to belong already belongs. We want to welcome each other as a gift, saying, “my greatest difference from you is my greatest gift to you”. Community matters and is protected. We want to consciously enjoy each other hearing “the Christ in me sees the Christ in you.”

Being:

we are human beings not human doings. Our being present is important. The Spirit of God vibrates within us “like a pure diamond, blazing with the invisible light of heaven.”

Believing:

we are partners with God in living heaven on earth now. We want to be one call among many, offering a provocative but compassionate voice calling for a whole new way of thinking and believing that is loving, liberating and lifegiving.

Blessing:

As beloved original blessings, we are blessed to be a blessing to others. God is always on God’s way through us to creation, of which humans are a part. We believe everyone is called, that everyone has something beautiful to do for God. We want to be the sort of beloved community that creates space for people to express their calling.

The values above are a statement of how we view you and ourselves, and every stranger that God sends us, who is a friend in waiting. The best news is that there is little for each of you to do, except to be who you already are. Each of you are beloved original blessings. Each of you belong to God and each other. Aware of your inner being, you believe in loving, life-giving and liberating ways. You are a blessing to others, making life even more beautiful for them. This is the energy of Alstonville Anglicans: beloved, belonging, being, believing, blessing.