Introducing St Silas

Welcome to the St. Silas presence on the World Wide Web. We are a community of people trying to follow Jesus Christ in an increasingly confused and confusing world. We come from all walks of life; we bring our joys and our sorrows; we rejoice with those who are happy and weep with those who mourn. Above all else we want to keep God at the heart of all that we do. We seek to be relevant, but not at the expense of losing what God has given to His world: His Word as revealed in the Bible and His coming to live among us as a human being in Jesus. We follow the traditions passed on from the first followers of Jesus two thousand years ago, for though the world has advanced technologically, the human heart, mind and body are still prone to reject the things of God and follow their own way. We believe it is possible for all human beings to know the love of God in their own lives and to be transformed into what He wants us to be as we allow Him to help us. We affirm that life is given to be enjoyed in all its fullness, and that hatred, prejudice and selfishness in all their forms are to be opposed. This does not mean that we will ‘go with the flow’- indeed, we will be seen to be going in a way that runs counter to our culture. We do so not out of bloody-mindedness, but in a belief that what God has said is more important than what we feel or think.

This is the way of the Cross of Christ. Jesus said ‘If you want to follow me, you’ll have to pick up your cross and carry it.’ In other words, following Him offers no quick fixes to difficult situations. We have found that following Him offers hope for the future, power for living, and the support of His body on earth, the Church. You too can experience these things. If you would like to know more, please contact me by e-mail or better still, if you are in Glasgow, why not come and visit the St. Silas Church community?

David

Alpha

"For the Lamb at the centre of the throne will be their Shepherd; he will lead them to springs of living water, and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes."

Revelation 7:17

A people called by God to proclaim Jesus as Lord in the power of the Holy Spirit. Our hope is to know Jesus and make him known.

A place where all may gather to meet with God and each other, in order to be refreshed, encouraged and challenged by the Word of God, the fellowship of His people and the sharing of ministry.

A congregation that recognises God's power transforming lives and helping us in our weakness. Everyone is welcome regardless of personal circumstances.

Aiming for the best in all that we do, to the glory of God, including our public worship, service to others, pastoral care, administration, music and the arts.

An active part of the worldwide church through the calling, sending and supporting of our members in the service of God all over the earth.

An Anglican Evangelical presence in Glasgow, committed to biblical values and justice. In this we share with the wider body of Christ across the city and nation in prayer, love and practical support.

Omega

We aim to be. . .

Jesus-focussed

Bible-centred

Holy Spirit-filled

Worshippers in all that we do and say

Prayerful

Diverse

Creative

Relevant

Flexibly liturgical

Discerning and using the gifts of our people

A giving community

Evangelistic

A Brief History of St. Silas

Founded in 1864, for many years the church was an independent chapel of the Anglican Church. Now part of the Diocese of Glasgow and Galloway in the Scottish Episcopal Church, we try to play a full part in that denomination, and also in the wider Christian community as we seek to work with other local churches and para-church organisations. Our building has been going through various 're-ordering' in recent years both externally and internally. The interior offers a bright and flexible area for worship and other activities. We have no pews, which means that we can move our comfortable chairs when we want to have a ceilidh. Our most recent upgrades have been to install a new central heating system and a kitchen area, so you can be sure of a warm welcome!

The core of the Christian faith are summed up in the The Nicene Creed and The Apostles' Creed below.

The Nicene Creed

We believe in one God,
the Father, the Almighty,
maker of heaven and earth,
of all that is, seen and unseen.

We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ,
the only Son of God,
eternally begotten of the Father,
God from God, Light from Light,
true God from true God,
begotten, not made,
of one Being with the Father.
Through him all things were made.

For us and for our salvation
he came down from heaven:
by the power of the Holy Spirit
he became incarnate from the Virgin Mary,
and was made man.

For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate;
he suffered death and was buried.
On the third day he rose again
in accordance with the Scriptures;
he ascended into heaven
and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead,
and his kingdom will have no end.

We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life,
who proceeds from the Father and the Son.
With the Father and the Son he is worshiped and glorified.
He has spoken through the Prophets.
We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church.
We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins.
We look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come.

Amen.

The Apostles' Creed

I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord.
He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary.
He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried.
He descended to the dead.
On the third day he rose again.
He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic Church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting.

Amen.