INREACH… God in Us… Spiritual Formation
CHURCH SCHOOL
Children are an integral part of our Sunday worship. After the “children’s time” with the minister and congregation, children are invited to Church School, where they use the workshop rotation model where we pick a story and explore it for three to four weeks using different methods including drama, crafts, games, cooking and science.
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
Each week during Sunday Worship, lay members of the congregation present Prayers of the People As well as the traditional style, these prayers have been sung, presented as poetry, closed with a native blessing, offered in a Jewish style, etc. They are always from the heart and move us deeply into the presence of our God.
REFLECTION GROUP
At 9:00 a.m. each Sunday morning an enthusiastic group meets to discuss various books on theology or spirituality. The topics may be challenging and controversial, but by respecting varying points of view we find our faith is deepened and our understanding of God broadened.
SUNDAY FORUMS
Occasionally after Linger Lunch, forums are held to present or discuss issues of concern within the community, the church or society. With a spirit of love and respect, we attempt to honour differences and to live the gospel.
WEDNESDAY NOON WORSHIP
Each Wednesday at noon everyone is invited to a half-hour worship service in the Chapel. Joys and concerns are shared in prayer and love within this smaller, more intimate community. Also bring your bag lunch and stay for lunch in the parlour after the service.
INTER-GENERATIONAL WORSHIP
Several Sunday Inter-generational Worship Services are planned each year when the congregation as a whole experiences new and creative ways of hearing and seeing “the message” that are clear to all ages.
CHRISTMAS PAGEANT/ PALM SUNDAY PAGEANT
Each year we are amazed at the talent within the congregation when people write, direct, and act in these pageants that tell the Christmas and Easter stories in new and creative ways.
FRIENDSHIP GROUP
The third Thursday of each month, the Friendship Group invites all women to meet in the parlour to enjoy interesting speakers, crafts, a time of devotion and the most wonderful potluck suppers. They support not only each other but also many activities in the church.
CHURCH PICNIC
The church school year ends with a church picnic on the lawn. Games, watermelon, and hot dogs are enjoyed by children and adults alike.
ADULT STUDY GROUPS
Two members of our congregation, Margaret Reid and Tim Robertson, facilitate adult study groups on a variety of topics, usually twice a year for nine to twelve week sessions. Modern liberal understanding of religious topics can open scriptures to people in new and relevant ways.
FAITH RENEWAL AND MEMBERSHIP INQUIRY
This six-week program is designed to prepare people for confirmation, or reaffirmation of faith, or simply to examine various aspects of the Christian faith.
LENTEN REFLECTION BOOKLET
Each year members from the congregation and others with ties to St. Andrew’s write a reflection on the lectionary passage for each day during Lent. These are compiled into a booklet for use as a devotional resource during Lent.
VISITATION AND PASTORAL COUNSELLING
The Pastoral Care Committee and the ministerial team visit those in nursing homes or the hospital, or those confined to their homes. The minister provides pastoral counseling.
SERVICES AT CASSELLHOLME
Regular services are held at Cassellholme Home for the aged on a rotational basis with other churches.