Our History
In August 2005, an Episcopal layman from Scottsdale and his rector from All Saints Episcopal Church in Phoenix met with the Bishop of the Diocese of Arizona to discuss the possibility of planting a mission church in north Scottsdale. The Bishop offered his support, contingent on demonstrating significant interest from potential communicants. That fall the effort gained momentum as community members offered their leadership, talents, and support across many areas including children’s ministry, church finances, and membership. By March of that year, the Canon introduced the group to a dynamic, newly ordained priest interested in church planting. The newly formed congregation began meeting regularly on Sunday afternoons in members homes to discern, plan, and build the foundation for what was to become The Episcopal Church of the Nativity. As the community grew, meetings moved from homes to a local school gym, to an office suite, and finally in 2012 to our current church home with the Reverend Susan Snook as the rector.
Throughout this journey, we have stayed committed to the mission established in our earliest meetings: to transform lives through the love of Jesus Christ. Today, we continue to foster that transformation, ensuring that all are welcome, wanted, and valued.
Rectors:
2006 - 2017 Rev. Susan Brown Snook
2017 - 2019 Rev. Gary Nicolosi (Interim)
2019 - 2026 Rev. Scot McComas
2026 - Present Rev. TBD (Interim)
Our Mission
We believe that God wants the world to live in healing, love and wholeness. That is why God sent God’s son, Jesus, to live among us and bring divine love to the world. Jesus lived, died, and was resurrected for each one of us and in him we are reconciled to God.
The Holy Spirit inspires the church with God’s continuing mission of peace, joy and love. We believe the Holy Spirit brings healing, strength and vision; that God inspires each one of us to use our unique gifts and talents to follow Christ and serve our neighbors as only we can; and that we experience true fulfillment and fullness of life as Christ helps us grow through loving service and worship.
Our MISSION is to transform lives through the love of God in Jesus Christ.
Our purpose is:
Worship: We WORSHIP together in a way that connects with people’s lives and gives them a sense of spiritual connection with God;
Evangelism: We reach our community with the good news of Jesus Christ through active invitation and servant EVANGELISM;
Education: We TEACH the Christian and Episcopal traditions and scriptures to children, youth and adults through enriching education programs;
Fellowship: We bring people into deeper FELLOWSHIP with each other through active hospitality, newcomer welcoming orientation, and pastoral care;
Outreach: We REACH OUT IN SERVICE to our community and beyond.
Our Vision
WE ENVISION A CHURCH THAT…
Welcomes all newcomers and encourages fellowship through social events and opportunities for outreach and service, collaborating with others in service of the common good.
Strives for justice and peace among all people, giving our time, treasure, and talents to serve vulnerable populations — the poor, the sick, the hungry, the oppressed, and those in prison.
Values the liturgy and worship of the Episcopal Church, grounded in tradition and open to the world.
Nurtures an active prayer life and encourages spiritual growth in communion with God.
Fosters the clarification of Christian thinking through study, reflection, and discussion, recognizing these pursuits as vital to the practice of Christian charity and humility in a broken world.
Is committed to growing a vibrant and diverse Christian community that develops its resources to follow God’s call.
Has reverence for the earth as God’s own creation, uses its resources rightly in the service of others, and advocates for responsible stewardship of the earth locally and globally.
Celebrates the gifts of every phase of the journey of life and appreciates the contributions of everyone, from our youngest to our oldest members.
Appreciates music in worship and seeks to include musical contributions from all members of the community.
Opens our doors to host other communities of faith, and invites all to share our grounds as a place of beauty and peace in Scottsdale.
Our Core Values
The Core Values of The Episcopal Church of the Nativity are:
We Accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior.
We Gather in a Community where “Everyone is Welcome. No Exceptions!”.
We Promote spiritual Growth through our Worship Services, Christian Education, and Community Events.
We Believe Outreach is our Gift and our Responsibility to the Local and Global Communities.
We Provide a Christ-centered environment in which families are offered a supportive community and spiritual growth as they journey through parenthood, school years, and beyond.
We Embrace and Encourage a broad Arts Program.
We Operate our parish in a Fiscally Sound Manner.
Our Goals
To provide a warm and welcoming church which serves the needs of our parish, whether there is a desire for prayer, friendship, solace or celebration, and to provide support for those in need.
