2011 Photo Directory
Our Mission | Our Vision | Our Core Values
Our Clergy | Our Staff
Our Mission:
To Be a Community Where the Power and Love of Jesus Christ Changes Lives–Growing Disciples Who Make Disciples
Our Vision:
We see Holy Comforter committed to becoming:
A Church for Others,
with mission at our heart both locally and beyond, becoming articulate witnesses to the gospel hope within us, inviting people to know Christ, welcoming them into our church community, and into our homes.
A Church Immersed in Scripture,
offering opportunities to grow in biblical knowledge such that, as Christ intersects us in his Word, we will enjoy a deepened intimacy with God, know eternal life and begin to think, love, and serve within a biblical framework.
A Church of Community,
where growth as disciples is encouraged in the disciplines of prayer, scripture study, accountability and service, within the fold of committed friendships.
A Church which Strengthens and Serves Families –
providing the teaching, resources and support for building strong Christians, with special emphasis on strengthening marriages, and nurturing children and youth in their Christian growth.
A Church of Expectant Hopefulness.
In the midst of this world's discouragements and tragedies, the gospel proclaims a great reversal: "... but God raised Jesus from the dead." We commit to live as hopeful witnesses to the final defeat of evil, to being a community which fights from a victory, not for a victory.
Adopted by the Vestry, October 25, 2011
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Our Core Values
Holy Comforter is an Episcopal Church in the heart of Sumter, South Carolina. We are called by grace, transformed by the Spirit, and sent to serve. Our delight is to work alongside Christians
from all traditions in witnessing to the matchless hope offered in the love of Jesus Christ. These are the core values which enflame our life and ministry:
Jesus Christ is the heartbeat of our life. Making Jesus Lord of our lives plunges us into fellowship with the living God, the relationship we all long for. This gift of redemption is
meant for every adult, young person, and child.
(John 3:16, 2 Corinthians 5:16-17, Philippians 3:7-11)
The Bible is the true compass for finding our pathway. God, through the Scriptures, interprets the story of our lives, and shines as the true, authoritative light to our path.
(2 Timothy 3:16, Hebrews 4:12)
Worship is designed for us to taste heaven. Our chief end is to glorify God and enjoy him forever; in true worship--in ways ancient and modern--we are cleansed, remade, offered a glimpse
of eternity, and empowered to love and serve.
(John 4:21-24, Romans 12:1-2)
Christians are called beyond membership to the lifelong adventure of discipleship. We are summoned to a journey in which the Lord transforms and frees us as we explore and obey his calling.
(Matthew 7:24-29, Mark 8:34-36, Galatians 5:22)
Prayer is the lifeblood of a dynamic church. We have the privilege of dwelling in Christ, learning to listen, and to abide in a transforming, healing friendship with God.
(Ephesians 3:14-21, Luke 11:1-13)
Love is meant to radiate from every relationship in the church. Forgiveness, patience, and kindness can be the hallmarks of our common life; this love is meant to infuse our families,
marriages, and the fellowship of the church.
(Matthew 22:34-40, 1 Corinthians 13)
Small groups are oases where deepened relationships are forged. This is where authenticity, the joy of belonging, and personal growth is developed.
(Acts 2:42)
Every Christian is invited to use their gifts to glorify God. We all have different gifts, and we are invited invest them whole-heartedly.
(1 Corinthians 12, Romans 12:3-8)
To be a steward is to learn the joy of gratitude. In giving we take on the reflexes of God, as we turn from selfishness and materialism to the joy of gracious self-offering. We thereby
empower the work of the kingdom through our legacy.
(2 Corinthians 8:1-8)
Lost people matter to God and to us. The staggering good news is that in Christ no life is too far gone; our love can by grace copy God's, which is generous, far-reaching,
and forgiving.
"As the Father has sent me, so do I send you."
(Acts 1:8, Luke 19:10, Matthew 28:16-20, Ezekiel 34:11-16)
We are committed to biblical and classical Anglican Christianity. In a time of cultural dislocation and challenge, we stand for the unchanging truth of the gospel as centered in the
grace of Jesus Christ, in the recovery of biblical revelation, and for the moral vision as expressed in historic, Anglican Christianity. We join with the parishes of this Diocese and
Christians of other traditions who uplift the historic, biblical faith.
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Senior Rector: The
Very Rev. Dr. John MacReadie Barr III is married to Laura Ramsay Barr; they have three children and one grandson. John graduated from the University of the South
at Sewanee in 1970 with a degree in English. He spent the next two years teaching English at the Baylor School in Chattanooga, TN where he also pioneered the Baylor Mountaineering
Program, having studied rock climbing in Wyoming and Alaska.
Assistant Rector: The
Rev. Marcus Adam Kaiser was an officer in the Navy when
he was called to the priesthood. He graduated from Nashotah House in the spring of 2009 and came directly to Holy Comforter with his wife and two sons. He was raised Roman Catholic
and married a Pentecostal. Both fell in love with the Anglican tradition. They attended St Paul's in Summerville SC where Marcus began to feel the call to ministry. Marcus loves Compline
and plays guitar. He excels in communication skills and delivers a sermon far exceeding the caliber of the usual offerings from the newly ordained. 
