Christian Education "Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness."
Matthew 9:35
Christians need to learn all through life. That is why our Christian education
programs are geared to all age groups.
Nursery
Our nursery is staffed by adult volunteers during the 10:30 service. The bright and cheerful space allows infants and toddlers up to three years old to play and interact. Parents are of course welcome to stay with their children if they prefer.
God’s
Garden (formerly known as Church School)
Children from the age of three through grade 6 are welcome in God's Garden.
We
are so fortunate to have Merilee Clarke planning our children’s activities on
Sunday mornings. Her wealth of experience brings vitality to the Church School
programme, from now on, to be known by the very appropriate, God’s Garden.
Family Faith Activity
Between 10 and 10:20 the whole family will participate in games, painting,
cooking, crafts and singing- all together! This joyous time is an integral part
of God’s Garden - a celebration of the family growing together in faith. At
10:30 the children will gather for their story and then go off to classes. As
enrichment to this inspired programme, the Spark Bible will be available to
order so that families may read them at home.
The congregation can anticipate more input from our youth in the liturgy – stay
tuned!
New Church School Curriculum
St Thomas uses the Church School curriculum called “Spark.” This Sunday School faith formation program is
designed to activate faith in children ages 3 through grade 6. It’s innovative
and intuitive. The program is Bible-centered, and encourages kids to open the
Scriptures and explore God’s Word through a variety of age-appropriate
activities designed to accommodate all of the different ways children learn. One
of the neat things about this program is that each child will be given a Bible.
Jumpin' Spirits Youth Group On 3 Sundays each month, teenagers gather with an adult leader during the
10:30 service, to talk, listen, work, play, eat and laugh. In recent months, we
have performed a skit for the congregation, searched for theology in "Star Wars"
and experienced the awesome power of creation. We also have a special event each
month, like baking Christmas cookies, exploring an outdoor labyrinth and telling
stories at a campfire dinner. All teenagers are always welcome! Check out this
link to find out more about our amazing group - Youth
Group web page
Senior Choir
The
Senior Choir, under the direction of Patricia Brush, helps to make our Sunday services
special.
Cornerstone Choir
The Cornerstone Choir is a
contemporary praise group, which sings at the 4th Sunday of the month at the 10.30
am Service.
Adult Education
A high priority is placed on Adult Education. Education for adults includes preaching and regularly offered programs on various topics pertinent to Christian life and discipleship.
Home Bible Study
A group of parishioners meets on
Wednesday evenings from 7:00 to 9:00 pm to study the Bible. At the
beginning of each year, the group selects a Bible Study Booklet to guide us
through our study. The study is open to anyone who would like to join us.
Pastoral Care "Be shepherds of God's flock that is under your care, serving as overseers --not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be".
1 Peter 5:2
Caring for the pastoral and spiritual needs of our community is critical to the well-being of our parish. Our rector, along with our pastoral care team, minister to people in crisis whether it be illness or some other troubling experience.
Activities include:
Pastoral counselling
Spiritual help and guidance
Prayer through support of the prayer chain
Home Communion for those unable to attend Sunday worship services
Hospital visits, cards, and notes to seniors and shut-ins
Baptism and Marriage preparation
Funeral planning, funeral services, and bereavement visits, funeral reception
If you would like to speak to the rector about any pastoral care needs, please call the church office at 613-836-5741.
Parish Family
Ultimately, we believe St. Thomas is a family of Christian disciples. The many groups, activities and events that are involved shape our communal life.
From the ACW to the annual Community Supper, we believe that we are a parish family rooted in faith and committed to the call of the gospel.
Some of our fellowship activities include:
Coffee hour: An opportunity to share coffee and conversation after the 10:30 service.
Anglican Church Women (ACW): This active group of women meet on the first Monday of each month and for learning, mission, outreach, and fellowship. All are welcome.
Pancake Supper: On Shrove Tuesday, the youth of the church pitch in to prepare and serve a hearty pancake supper, to mark the beginning of the Lenten season.
Parish Picnic: At the end of June, the sun always shines for our parish picnic. The picnic is an all age social event that marks the end of the Church School year and celebrates the arrival of summer. Barbecued hot dogs, and games for the children, all outside on the church lawn.
"Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness."
Matthew 9:35
God’s
Garden (formerly known as Church School) 
"Be shepherds of God's flock that is under your care, serving as overseers --not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be".