What We believe
Today Canadian Presbyterians consider themselves to be both “Reformed” and “reforming.”
As Presbyterians, we are a confessional church and follow the Bible as the Word of God. As well, we feel the obligation to articulate our Christian faith through contemporary words, addressing modern concerns and questions.
Presbyterians get their name from the Greek word “presbyteros” meaning “elder.” This word occurs many times in the New Testament and also in the Greek translation of the Old Testament. It refers to mature members of the community who are respected for their experience and faithfulness. The word may also designate a particular office of leadership. A Presbyterian church is one governed by elders. Today, Presbyterian churches in Canada are governed by elders who are elected by members of the congregation. Although elders are ordained for life, congregations may choose term service for elders. In addition, each of our elders serve on Ministry Team(s) that along with members of the congregation live ministry into being. These teams include: Administration, Community Connections, Property, Personnel, Finance, Legacy, Pastoral Care, and Spacemakers. Through this communal wisdom, we believe God speaks. Our Kirk Session is the body that after lengthy dialogue moved forward to become a fully inclusive congregation meaning we welcome people of all diversity.
At St. Marys, as with all Presbyterian churches, the Kirk Session is comprised of elders elected by the congregation and ordained by God to service within the congregation. The Minister moderates the Kirk Session at its regular meetings and also attends regular meetings of the Presbytery of Huron Perth. Our Minister’s responsibilities include preparing for and conducting the Sunday worship services, pastoral care, marriages and funerals, and churchwide programming. They also represent the Church on a variety of local and community-based groups.
Learn more at presbyterian.ca/about/more/