A Message from the Rector
Welcome to the website of St. Mary’s Church, Ardmore, Pennsylvania! As you can see, we are in the midst of creating a website that will communicate some of the joy, excitement, hospitality, passion and commitment to the inclusive message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We are a community where all people are not only welcome but invited to join us on an extraordinary journey of faith. At each celebration of Holy Eucharist, we boldly proclaim, “Whoever you are, wherever you are on your spiritual journey, you are welcome to Our Savior’s feast!”
As the Rector of St. Mary’s Church, I invite you to participate in creating a Christian community that is truly inclusive — where differences are not considered problems to be solved but rather blessings to be celebrated. This is the long-time heritage of St. Mary’s Church, Ardmore… where diversity has been celebrated since 1887!
This is a parish in which our Baptismal promises serve as the foundation of our life and witness… to seek and serve Christ in all persons as we strive for justice and peace among all people, respecting the dignity of every human being. (Book of Common Prayer, Service of Holy Baptism, p. 305) As we pray our way into living this faith in Jesus Christ, we call upon the very presence of God as the ultimate source of grace and hope. As Archbishop Desmond Tutu said,
You are God’s representative. You are… a God carrier. You are precious; God depends on you. God believes in you and has no one but you to do the things that only you can do for God. Become what you are.I invite you to visit us. Join us as we gather together to learn, pray, and become more fully the persons of faith we were each created to be. So, come as you are… we are waiting to welcome you home!
Yours in Christ,
The Reverend Judith L. Rhodes, Rector