St. Francis’ Anglican Parish exists as a church committed to the Lord Jesus Christ’s Great Commission:
 

“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely, I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:17-20. ESV)

 

We believe that Jesus Christ is Lord, the second person of the Trinity, and the visible expression of the invisible God.  His life, death, resurrection and ascension secure eternal life for those whose trust is in him.  Upon his ascension, Christ entrusted the church with the mission to proclaim his teachings found in the Holy Scriptures and to administer the Sacraments.

 

St. Francis holds these values as part of its place in Sanford, NC:

• REVERENCE

God cares about His worship.  The family of believers at St. Francis values God’s majesty and transcendence.  Therefore, our worship reflects a high view of liturgy and the Sacraments as means by which God shapes the life, practice, and spirit of Christians.

• RELATIONSHIPS

God exists in relationship within the Trinity.  Consequently, humanity is relational having been created in the image of the Triune God.  St. Francis, therefore, values relationships.  We believe the individual’s relationship with God through Christ is first and foremost. Second, flowing from the first, are our relationships to others. 

• RELEVANCE

We are a church that exists to know God and to make Him known to others.  Our hope, our message, our lives are oriented toward the establishment of His kingdom.  St. Francis is aware that “Christ is made present to us and, through us, to the world.” (Robert Webber)​

• RESPONSIBILITY

Life at St. Francis is not a passive affair.  Liturgical worship requires participation and engagement of all.  Children lead as acolytes, clergy lead a service, members are lectors, ushers, greeters, chalice bearers.  Everyone has a role.  Even those who are present participate in the prayers, postures, and readings.  Everyone has a responsibility in​ the life of the church, both to God and to others.  We are responsible to engage faithfully, pray earnestly, give generously, serve humbly, and pursue holiness.