Aurora is a non-denominational community church in the North End of Halifax. We are a fresh spiritual home centred on Jesus that values faithful presence, community engagement and justice.
"a non-denominational community church"
From the beginning we have not wanted to identify ourselves denominationally. We appreciate our partners and we could not exist without them but first and foremost we want to focus on following Christ and connecting with people regardless of denomination or background. We are thankful for the Canadian Baptists of Atlantic Canada, the Navigators of Canada and Vision Ministries; they all play a significant role in helping us.
"a fresh spiritual home"
Home. Most of us have had one. Some of us have one now. Many don't. Homes evoke feelings and memories good and bad. At its best, a home centres you and is a refuge and place you can be yourself. At Aurora, we consider our church to be our spiritual home and a place that all of us – all ages, genders, sexual orientations, abilities, incomes, languages, and ethnicities – can belong, be nourished, contribute, grow, share and find God.
As a community that proclaims Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour that wants to be true to the entire Bible and follow the leading and guiding of the Holy Spirit, we think it is important for others to know that we are dedicated to full inclusion and equality in the church as well as in society as a whole. Going forward LGBTQ+ people in our spaces will be welcomed, valued and enabled to contribute without being criticized or excluded.
"centred on Jesus"
We are centred on Jesus, God in the flesh. We want to be like Christ and learn to do and act as he did everywhere we find ourselves. Yet even those who wouldn't quite say this is true for themselves, still belong and are given space to explore, test the boundaries, search and contribute. Our hope is that in following Jesus well we will become a beautiful expression of his kingdom and good news. Our name Aurora means ‘the dawn' – a wonderful picture of the beautiful new things God desires for people and places.
"that values faithful presence, community engagement and justice"
At Aurora we believe that all the spaces we inhabit deserve our faithful presence and thoughtful participation. This includes the community our church is in as well as the places we live, study, work and socialize. Our passions are local and much of our energies are directed locally. It is our longing to help our community flourish and to partner with others who want the same. We care deeply about justice and are growing in our understanding of the stories of this place and enjoy being part of those stories in meaningful and practical ways.