Why are we here? – Saint George The Martyr

Our Story

St George the Martyr was built at the turn of the 18th Century, as a “Chapel of Ease” to take pressure off the burgeoning congregation of St Andrew’s, Holborn Circus. In 1723 it was given status as a parish church in its own right, as London grew beyond the city walls and Bloomsbury began to grow and flourish.

If you would like to know more about the history of the church and parish, check out the story of our 300 years here…

Our Vision

Four Pillars

As a way to illustrate the central values here at Saint George the Martyr we like to speak of the ‘four pillars’ referring to the magnificent pillars that stand inside our church and a reminder of the things that are central to who we are.

Our key foundational scripture is Colossians 3:15-17 (NIV):

¹⁵ Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. ¹⁶ Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. ¹⁷ And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Welcome

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.

Our vision is that everyone, of all ages and backgrounds, finds peace and feels at home at SGTM: a place to belong together and grow in Christ.

Welcome and warmth are key to the culture of our church: a culture of authenticity and hospitality. This creates a community where every member and every visitor knows and feels they are important. The “Remissio” heart of SGTM is one of “rest, healing and forgiveness”. To this end, we rely on the participation of the whole church to welcome and engage with one another. As a family we aim to build relationships and support each other through life’s challenges and encourage one another as we grow closer to Christ.

Wisdom

Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom

Our vision is to inspire a hunger for and engagement with the Bible as we share together all that God has shown us

We aim to continually draw each other back to the Bible, encouraging an engagement with the truth, and knowing more of the Lord and his voice. We seek to be inspired by the living Word and inspire one another to live lives of excellence and peace. Biblical values are at our core: kindness, generosity and the call to love in all its facets and fullness. We read scripture together in the light of God’s grace and mystery, using exposition, humour and pertinent stories to illustrate how supremely relevant and applicable the Word of God is today. And that togetherness is key: we all have God’s wisdom locked inside us that needs to be shared as we live out our lives as God’s family.

Worship

Through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.

Our vision is to cultivate an expressive culture of true worship, singing and praying, as we gather around weekly Communion.

We desire to see hearts changed in the presence of God as we remain devoted to God in communion, worship and prayer, seeking God’s will for SGTM. We expect to experience a profound sense of God’s transforming presence in our individual lives and also in our community, our parish and our city. We believe that prayer is fundamental to our expression of our love for God and also that creativity is God-given: we are passionate about the intimacy, joy and inspiration that music and the arts can bring.

Witness

And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.

Our vision is to communicate the truth and wonder of God’s love, drawing people into the full life that Christ offers. We seek to love and care for those in need nearby through partnerships with like-minded and effective charities. We are committed to the local community and work closely with Camden Council to provide a warm space in winter and a cool space in the summer months. And our “Parish Pantry” is always available whenever the doors are open, offering free food and other essentials.