Overview
We are Local and Friendly
St Paul’s is a neighbourhood parish. Some members travel from nearby but most parishioners live in East Kew. We are part of the local community.
St Paul’s is a friendly parish with room for everyone, whether they are asking questions about the Christian faith or are life long members of the Church.
We are friends together and celebrate the good events in our lives as well as caring for each other when life is not so easy.
Christianity — Life in its Fullness
We at St Paul’s hold that every person is on a spiritual journey, seeking true intimacy, empowerment and meaning. As Christians we choose to place Christ at the centre of our lives. At St Paul’s we like the idea that ‘The Glory of God is seen in a person who is fully alive.’ This is a holistic matter and Christian faith has to do with our intellectual, social, emotional, physical and spiritual need.
On this basis we seek to be open in our searching, to have positive and respectful relations with other churches that make up Christ’s family and with all, regardless of their faith and beliefs. In particular, we have friendly contact with other local Anglican and East Kew Churches, and with Jewish and other neighbours.
We are Prayerful
Prayer and Worship are at the centre of our life and we are always delighted to welcome visitors and newcomers to our services.
We are Thoughtful and Caring
We offer:
- Groups for children, young people and adults to explore faith and for friendly care.
- Community Forums on a range of topics of interest.
- Local and wider missions and ministries of care and that promote justice.
- Services and friendly support to residents at local ‘homes’ for the elderly.
- Sharing with other Kew Churches and in the annual Kew Festival.
Social and Fundraising
Parishioners value their life in community and enjoy gathering for various social events — usually all-age — and sometimes serve to raise funds. (See community life Highlights page).
Other events to raise funds for our own ministries and for other s in the local and wider community include:
- Parish Stalls,
- Monthly Garage Sale,
- 40 hour famine,
- Luncheons with guest musician or speaker.
St Paul’s in Relationship with Other Churches and Faiths
We are part of the world-wide Anglican Communion
Anglican Bishops (and Diocese) are fairly independent with the Archbishop of Canterbury like an elder sibling. There is shared discussion, planning and support.
We are a parish within the Melbourne Diocese of the Anglican Church
Our Bishop (who is the Victorian Province’s Archbishop) offers leadership and care, links us to the tradition we inherit and binds us to Christ’s Church around the world.
We are members of God’s world Church
St Paul’s is committed to Ecumenism and seeks positive relationships with all members of Christ’s body.The Anglican Church is a member of the Victorian and National Council of Churches.Our Parish is an active member of the local Inter-Church Council and fellowship group which brings Christians together for friendship, ministry and celebrations.
St Paul’s approaches those from other faiths with good will
We seek mutual enrichment as we grow in understanding and find common ground and search for truth and goodness, respecting people’s choices.