Our Beliefs
Woughton was the first Ecumenical Parish in the new city of Milton Keynes. Established in 1975, it now incorporates members from four denominations - Church of England, The Methodist Church, the United Reformed Church and the Baptist Union - in five worship centres, on Fishermead, Coffee Hall, Woolstones, Simpson and Woughton-on-the-Green. We also maintain links with the Roman Catholic congregation in our parish, and the independent churches in our area.
Such a unity of purpose and prayer takes much dedication and sensitivity. We, as Christians in Woughton, have found that the things which bring us together are more important than the things that separate.
As Christians we express our faith in clear and traditional ways as we worship. The form this belief takes is, in its simplest form, captured in the words of the Apostles' Creed - which states:
We believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.
We believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord,
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary,
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,
he is seated at the right hand of the Father,
and he will come to judge the living and the dead.
We 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.
In 2002, following a review of the Parish, we agreed a Mission Statement, that reflects our beliefs and common goals as Christians in our local church setting. The five principal areas we seek to work on together are:
- Spiritually alive - open to the working of God, and developing our relationship with him, and all he is doing in the community.
- Reaching out - to all those who live around us, with the love and good news of God.
- Together in Christ - realising that we can offer help and strength through our diversity.
- Including the young - developing opportunities for all to explore their own faith.
- Using our gifts - building each other up using the gifts and resources God has given us.
- Being Sustainable under Our Beliefs
The Ministers of the Parish would be happy to discuss questions of faith and belief with you.