St. Nicholas Antiochian Orthodox Church
Beyond 100
A New Century Begins
We humbly seek to share Christ's love so that all will find eternal life in Him. As we step into our next century, we carry the timeless Truth of the Gospel forward with renewed purpose and unwavering faith.
Our Mission
Living and Sharing the Faith Given by Christ to the Apostles
St. Nicholas is a Family in Christ rooted in the ancient, apostolic tradition of the Eastern Orthodox Church. We are a worshiping community dedicated to preserving the timeless Truth of the Gospel while extending unconditional love and a warm welcome to all who seek a deeper connection with God.
As we move into a new century, we remain committed to building True Community, improving our service and outreach, and enhancing the spiritual growth of every member of our parish family.
Our Vision
"Within three years, St. Nicholas Orthodox Church will materially and measurably build true community, improve external service and evangelism, and enhance parishioner engagement and spiritual growth."
We believe we live in a world of abundance. By the grace of God and with the essential support of the Holy Spirit, we can make a difference and achieve all of our strategic goals in the fullness of time.
What Guides Us
Our Core Values
Throughout every season, our parish remains true to these five values — the bedrock upon which our vision for the future is built.
Christ-Centered Love
At the heart of everything we do is the unconditional, sacrificial love of Christ — the foundation upon which our entire community is built.
Generous Stewardship
We are grateful stewards of God's many blessings, using our God-given talents and giftedness to serve His mission and care for one another.
Faithful Worship
Through the Divine Liturgy and our sacred services, we offer our faithful worship to the Living God, preserving the ancient tradition entrusted to us.
Caring Community
We are not a cold institution — we are a family in Christ. We build true community through deep, interpersonal connection and mutual support.
Spiritual Transformation
Faith is a living journey of growth and healing. We walk together toward our sacred destiny, transformed daily by the grace of the Holy Spirit.
"There's a place for you at our table. Come for the prayer, stay for the fellowship as we build true community together."
How We Speak
Our Strategic Vocabulary
Words shape how we see ourselves and how others experience our community. These are the terms that define who we are — a living vocabulary that reflects our ancient faith and our forward-looking vision.
"Family in Christ"
Our identity as a household of faith — not members or a congregation, but brothers and sisters bound by the love of Christ.
"Ancient Faith"
The historical and apostolic roots of our Orthodox tradition, unchanged and enduring through 2,000 years.
"True Community"
The deep, interpersonal connection we strive to build — going beyond Sunday attendance to genuine relationship.
"Journey of Faith"
The ongoing process of spiritual growth, recognizing that each of us is at a different place on the path toward Christ.
"Sacred Destiny"
Our ultimate calling to find eternal life in Christ — the purpose that gives meaning to everything we do as a parish.
"Divine Liturgy"
The specific name for our main service of worship, where we stand in the presence of the Living God.
"Fellowship"
The communal life and joy we share outside of services — the coffee hour, the shared meals, the bonds of friendship.
What We Always Communicate
Our Voice Pillars
No matter the context — whether in worship, fellowship, outreach, or pastoral care — these five pillars anchor every word we share.
Continuity
We are the Church of the Apostles, unchanged and enduring through the centuries.
Community
You are not alone; you are part of the Body of Christ and our caring community.
Transformation
Faith is a journey of spiritual transformation, growth, and healing.
Hospitality
Every person is an image of God, deserving of unconditional love and welcome.
Stewardship
We are grateful stewards of God's many blessings, using our gifts to serve His mission.
Our Path Forward
Three Strategic Goals
Our strategic plan is built on three measurable goals that will guide our parish into its next century of faithful service.
Build True Community
Research and implement the most effective welcoming ministry and interpersonal engagement programs. Welcome 100% of visitors, achieve a 30% increase in interpersonal engagement, and cultivate a 50% increase in parishioners reporting a sense of true community.
Improve External Service & Evangelism
Define and develop the most effective external service and evangelism ministries. Identify the modalities, processes, and procedures to share Christ's love beyond our parish walls and into the wider community.
Enhance Parishioner Engagement & Spiritual Growth
Research the most effective stewardship and ministry engagement programs. Develop, recruit, and train parish engagement ambassadors to achieve measurable growth in spiritual formation and active participation.
Come and See
Your Place in Our Family
"Welcome to St. Nicholas. We are a worshiping community of the Eastern Orthodox tradition, preserving the faith given to the Apostles. But more than that, we are a family on a sacred destiny."
No matter where you are on your spiritual journey, we invite you to "come and see" the beauty of a life lived in Christ and find your place in our caring community.