Mission

Before he ascended into heaven, Christ met with his disciples and told them, "All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost..."

The ACC works to fulfill this great commission through the St. Paul Mission Society. The SPMS was founded to "provide funding, personnel, and other forms of support for domestic and international missions," and to assist in "the amelioration, relief, and assistance of persons and communities distressed by natural or man-made events or disasters or by adverse social or political situations." Based in the US, the main focus of the Society is in the developing world. The generosity of those who donate has helped thousands with food, shelter, and clothing in places ranging from Haiti to Pakistan, and from the Philippines to Sudan. As always, the good works of the Society are accompanied by the Good News of Christ.

To carry out this work, the SPMS relies on donations from people like you. Donations to the general fund are most effective since they can be allocated as needs arise. However, the SPMS also raise funds for specific areas of need. To find out this month's special project, simply scroll down, past the online giving button below. All donations are tax deductable in the US.

Nestled in one of Atlanta’s historic neighbourhoods, St. Hilda’s is a parish in the ACC's Diocese of the South. While its members are faithful, it is an aging parish; yet despite the challenges posed by its changing demographics, St. Hilda's has great potential for growth.

Inman Park, like much of the city, is a transforming neighbourhood. Young professionals and families have made this beautiful part of the city their home and see its boundaries as ‘their community’. They walk their dogs through Freedom Park, stroll along North Highland Avenue with their toddlers in tow, bike to work or to the local breweries, and meander along Atlanta’s beautiful pedestrian ‘Beltline’.

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A major theme of the 2023 Joint Synods was evangelism, particularly as a response to cultural apathy towards religion and the decline of the mainline churches in Europe and North America. As part of its North American Mission initiative, the ACC has decided to take on the challenge of planting or revitalising a single parish each year, with St. Hilda's as its first candidate. As such, the SPMS has set a goal for 2024 of raising $100,000 as part of an effort to evangelize this largely affluent, yet un-churched community.

Some of the funds will go towards outreach, some will go towards renovating St. Hilda's historic building, but the lion's share will go towards supporting Father Creighton McElveen, who has been assigned to St. Hilda's parish as its new Priest-in-Charge. Father Creighton is married to Margaret Ann McElveen, a Certified Nurse Midwife. He holds a B.A. in Intellectual History and Philosophy from Kennesaw State University, an M.A. in Theology, and a Post Graduate Certificate in Theology from St Joseph’s College.

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He enjoys rock climbing (his lifelong passion), talking theology and philosophy, reading, and a good cup of tea-things he looks forward to sharing these things, along with the good news of the Gospel, with the people of Inman Park. Father Creighton will be working with the Bishop and other senior clergy to rebuild St. Hilda's and turn it into a self-supporting parish.

To do so, however, he needs your support. Please consider making a donation that will help the SPMS support this ministry by clicking the link below.