Saint Andrew's Church

[wook]

Saint Andrew's Church is warmth for the cold, food for the hungry, water for the thirsty, shelter for the homeless.

Located in the heart of City Twenty Four's slums, Saint Andrews is an attempt to rebuild the Christian church in the modern world. Though small, its impact has clearly been felt in the time since its inception. Led by Father Joshua the Priest, the Church's ministry has been focused on preaching to and feeding the poor and downtrodden in the slums, as well as offering them medical services through Andre, the First Called of the Church.

The Church was founded in early winter. Father Joshua, who had just arrived in City Twenty Four, was preaching the Gospel to the people of the slums when he met Andre. Andre, being a man of faith, immediately accepted Joshua and joined him in his ministry. The two then began gathering up supplies for construction, putting together a humble shrine in an available space in the slums. Joshua, touched deeply by the faith and devotion of his companion, suggested naming the Church after Saint Andrew the Apostle, being the namesake of Andre. He agreed, and the Church was founded. Over the following weeks the two set to work on ministering to the poor and downtrodden peoples of the slums, offering them food and medical services while preaching the Gospel almost nonstop.

The Church does not fit within a specific denomination, welcoming those of all denominations. It is the belief of Father Joshua that the occupation of Earth by the combine effectively pushed the Christian community back to a period similar to that of the early-Church, before schism and separation. As such, those of many different Christian backgrounds have worshipped and prayed within the Church. Of course, one does not need to be Christian to step into the Church. Many nonbelievers have been welcomed in to listen to Father Joshua as he preaches, to seek medical treatment, or to be fed.

The Church lacks a significant hierarchy, and though Father Joshua as Priest offers spiritual guidance to the members, decisions that pertain to the practical running of the Church and its safety are typically discussed out among the members. The Church offers several sacraments to the faithful, such as baptism, confession, communion, etcetera. Given the rather small space and congregation the full potential of the Church to perform services has yet to be fully realized, with much of the actual activity of the Church taking place in the rest of the slums. The physical space itself serves more as a shrine, offering a place for the faithful to rest and pray.

The Church was founded on a simple creed; There is more to life under occupation than collaboration or armed resistance. Through Christ, whose sacrifice on the cross and resurrections on the third day offered mankind a chance at eternal salvation. The community Christ built, one which once spread from continent to continent, was almost destroyed by the Seven Hour War.

All that has come to pass was written by the Prophets and Apostles of old. The Church has not been destroyed, and through the efforts of Saint Andrew's and its people it has begun rebuilding itself. If God wills it, it will survive the test of time and be waiting for Christ when he returns.

Glory be to the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit: As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end.
Amen.
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