Our Mission, Values, & Vision
St. Peter's, Plant City: Love God, and Share God's Love with the World
At our annual parish meeting on January 22, 2023, the congregation of St. Peter's adopted the following Mission, Values, & Vision Statement, which was developed by the Mission/Vision/Planning Task Force after seeking expensive parish feedback, and approved by the Vestry in 2022. It is intended as a living document that will help us shape our identity and ministry as we live into the Church of today—and tomorrow.
Mission
St. Peter’s Episcopal Church is a welcoming Christian community of all ages that embodies God’s word and sacraments, invites spiritual curiosity, celebrates children and youth, and embraces the world with God’s love.
Values
Abiding Love
We have been moved by the love of God and seek to share that love with others.
- And now faith, hope, and love remain, these three, and the greatest of these is love. 1 Corinthians 13:13
- O God, you manifest in your servants the signs of your presence: Send forth upon us the Spirit of love, that in companionship with one another your abounding grace may increase among us; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
-Book of Common Prayer
Expansive Hope
We live into the present and future Kingdom of God with the hope that what was lost can be found, what was broken can be redeemed, and that death does not have the last word, for we are people of Resurrection.
- May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13
Joyful Generosity
We give generously of time, talent, and treasure to support the mission of our church and the work of God’s kingdom
- Each of you must give as you have made up your mind, not regretfully or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 2 Corinthians 9:7
Welcoming Community
We welcome all, wherever you are in your journey of faith, to join us at St. Peter’s. We embrace those in all walks of life and strive to offer worship and formation that values and centers our youngest members.
- Welcome one another, therefore, just as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God. Romans 15:7
Episcopal Tradition
We are connected to an international denomination and global communion that are grounded in liturgy, sacraments, and scripture. We minister as a parish within the larger structure of and in partnership with our diocese and denomination.
- So then, brothers and sisters, stand firm and hold fast to the traditions that you were taught by us, either by word of mouth or by our letter. 2 Thessalonians 2:15
- Will you continue in the apostles' teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of the bread, and in the prayers? Book of Common Prayer
Vision
- To explore, discover, and initiate how St. Peter’s can be a valued resource for sharing God’s love with the Plant City and larger community through community partnerships, local involvement, and good stewardship/creative use of our facilities.
- To cultivate a robust and thriving ministry for children, youth, and families through relationship-driven and sustainable programs.
- To grow as Christians as we follow in the footsteps of Jesus, taking his teachings seriously, letting his Spirit inspire our lives, and in so doing helping to better the world—and to invite others in our community and beyond to join us on this journey.