The prayer list for today’s parishioners includes eight expectant couples. Parish life includes an annual golf tournament between Episcopalians and Presbyterians, who would have been free to worship but known as dissenters 300 years ago. Another sign of modern life is a program to help families cope with divorce and separation; there’s also a ministry for women in prison. The Good Neighbor Free Medical Clinic started in the church. It has a mission to Africa for adults and youth, focusing on providing solar-power lighting.
Miller said the church is growing while others shrink because it is clear on where it stands, yet does not dwell on “walls of hostility” that can divide churches today as easily as they could have divided the diverse church in Antioch.
“We believe the gospel is good news, offering a living, transformative relationship with Jesus Christ,” Miller said. “That is what their hearts crave….”