Why Church?
'So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit.'
Ephesians 2:19-22
We warmly welcome you to join us at any of our services or events, whether a seasoned Christian or just beginning to ask questions about faith, you need no prior knowledge or understanding and you won't be asked any awkward questions! It is a joy to share our faith and the hope we have in Christ, which can be yours too. Through Jesus Christ, God holds out His gracious offer of salvation to all people. We invite you to consider this wonderful truth for yourself as you join us in worship.
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30)
As members of Christ's Church, it is our holy privilege and joyful duty to worship Him together in reverence and faith. God has called us out as His children, and joined us together through Jesus Christ to be the Church for Jesus Christ, and to serve Him through our worship, and through fellowship and loving service. Far from being a mundane obligation this becomes our greatest joy, as our love for Christ and His Church grows and we realise the unsurpassable worth of knowing and worshipping God.
Sunday is the day which has long been set apart as a day especially for gathered worship, where we come together to hear the Word of God, receive the Sacrament of bread and wine in the Eucharist, pray and sing together. As believers, this time of worship and fellowship is also for our building up, strengthening and encouragement in faith.
'While Jesus was still talking to the crowd, his mother and brothers stood outside, wanting to speak to him. Someone told him, “Your mother and brothers are standing outside, wanting to speak to you.”
He replied to him, “Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?” Pointing to his disciples, he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers. For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.” (Matthew 12:46-50)
We are currently working on a page to further explore the particular way we worship here in the Parish of Whitby with Ruswarp, especially for those who may be new to church - or to the Anglican Church - and also a page to uncover more about the Christian life as a life of discipleship and service. Please come back soon for that, or feel free to contact us if you have any questions.