In order to describe the purpose
of a Christian Education in a parish we could borrow the expression
that it is “faith seeking understanding”. To seek meaningfully
means that we do not have all the answers and that we should certainly
not be discouraged to ask questions.
We are really
seeking to understand our story and we turn to the Church to see
it lived out and to foundational documents- the Christian Scriptures-to
do so. The only real value of any of this is that it should result
in our living more authentic lifestyles as Christians. Our programmes
will not chase an illusion of “orthodoxy”; nor will
they result in your feeling that your knowledge of the “facts”
makes you a superior Christian. It will not show how you are right
and others wrong, nor will it be something of a final exam in order
to get into heaven.
Our programmes will reflect the fact that Christian
experience happens
1) during our one-on-one time with God;
2) when we share intentionally with likeminded Christians;
3) when we worship together with other Christians.
PLANNERS.
This is an open group of parishioners called the “Christian
Education Committee” under the leadership of the Rev. John
Zimmerman. They are mandated to meet 3 or 4 times a year to respond
to the requests from other members of the parish for programmes
which will help to “learn their story”. They will assist
in determining the right time and medium for each programme.
PROGRAMMES
1. Thursday Fellowship. A study on the Gospel for the subsequent
Sunday at 11 am in the Gallery.
2. ‘Hot Seat Sunday’. Questions submitted earlier will
be answered during the “Coffee Hour” following the services
on that Sunday. Questions could be on matters of faith, doctrine
and practice of Christianity. A question box will be put out.
3. Book Study. We have already studied “The Heart of Christianity”
by Marcus Borg. Meetings revolve around the most convenient time
for participants.
4. Lay Readers Tutorial Programme. This occurs every 6 to 8 weeks.
They have already studied The Bible Jesus Read by Philip Yancey
and Reading the Bible again for the first time by Marcus Borg are
meant to give a general overview of sacred scripture and its importance
in the life of the Christian community. Other sessions will involve
a studied look at the service books of the Anglican Church of Canada.
Persons who are interested just need to ask the Rector to get the
dates.
5. Seasonal preparation for Baptism. You are welcome to attend these
sessions in order to refresh your understanding of the Sacrament
and gain some focus as to what it means to be a member of the Body
of Christ.
Ask the Rector about the next session. There are
3 studies each session.
UPCOMING
PROGRAMMES
We will continue our Thursday studies of the gospel for the subsequent
Sunday.
The Studies will begin promptly at 11:00 a.m. and finish at 12:00
Noon in time for the 12:15 p.m. Eucharist.
A period of refreshment will follow. Starting September 6th the
Studies will be held in the Lower Parish Hall or the gallery, depending
on numbers.
Wednesdays
at 7:30 P.M. (Cowan House)
5th “Crossing the boundary between Religion and Politics”
12th “Crossing the boundary between Us and Them”
19th “Crossing the boundary between Worship and Service”
ARCHIVES
The
Archives are located and displayed in the Archive Room that is located
under the Sanctuary. To get to the Archives proceed down the stairs
off of the Gallery, and follow the long corridor to the east end
and the Archive Room entry is located off of the Choir’s lounge
area.
Under the care
of the Parish Archivist, Ruth Park and assistant Archivist, Linda
Bazowski, (2005) the treasures of our past are preserved.
Recent activities
included producing the displays for the 80th anniversary of our
present church, with displays prepared on the incumbency of each
of rectors since 1924.
New storage
cupboards and displays were recently added and now showcase our
past in an interesting, attractive and user-friendly fashion.
The Archivists
are currently engaged in updating the parish history from 1994 to
the present.
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