A welcoming church at the heart of Gosford

The Parish offers a variety of opportunities to gather and be energised to live in a way that demonstrates kingdom values, including being an activist centred in Christ and being refreshed through prayer.

The following opportunities to ‘be together’ seek to offer a deep space for the refreshment and comfort of all.

Jesus told us to love one another as he loves us. As Christians we know our life together is strengthened when our behaviour is consistent with our faith. We understand our experience of being together can be difficult, particularly when there are differences so we seek to be clear about how we will behave towards each other.

Each of our gathering spaces include:

• A clear purpose and has an assigned leader who is accountable

• A community in which: wellbeing is valued; participation in the life of the church is encouraged; and the impact of our behaviour on others is reflected on.

• An opportunity for relationship: dialogue is characterised by respect and dignity, irrespective of ability, gender, sexuality, race, age or contribution to the church; actions are relational; interactions prioritise integrity and honesty.

• A place of communication: respectful in contrast to threatening, belittling or humiliating; words which have integrity and are honest, and a commitment to refrain from speculation and gossip.

• In alignment to our vision, acknowledges and celebrates difference: respectful of those who are different from us and not isolate or ridicule them; listen to and seek to understand the beliefs, opinions and practices of others, even when we do not share their views.

• Clear in group processes including promoting safety and response to conflict.

• We promote behaviours that support the physical, psychological, social, spiritual and moral safety of all people.

• We are willing to accept responsibility for our part in a conflict and play our part in resolving a conflict.