[Please note that due to Covid-19 precautions, all in-person gatherings and programs of the church and outside groups are currently suspended. Please see https://www.stja.ca/2020/program-updates/ for information on online gatherings.]
ANGLICAN CHURCH WOMEN – ACW
The Anglican Church Women of St. John’s has always been the backbone and a driving force behind the church. We have one of the largest ACW in the Diocese, and the group is open to any women in the parish.
ACW occupies an important place in parish life in hospitality, fellowship and fundraising. You will see the women volunteering at any parish event, whether it is an ACW event or a parish-wide event.
The members of the ACW are the organizers behind our Fall Bazaar. This event is strongly supported by members of the congregation and is a wonderful fundraiser and time of fellowship. Most of the money raised is given to the church and they keep a small portion to fund various outreach programs such as the Mission to Seafarers, Bales to the North, Women’s Centre, to name a few. As well as a cash donation, the members also contribute shoeboxes of small gifts to the Seafarers.
For more information, please email: ACW@stja.ca
PARISH VISITING MINISTRY
Pastoral care is central to our mission at St.John’s. A group of dedicated men and women reach out to those in our Parish who are in hospital, in care or unable to come to regular Sunday worship. We are able to take communion to those that request it. Some visits may be weekly or monthly in person or by phone chat.
As a group, we meet three or four times a year to share news of the community we serve, to receive added instruction and/or inspiration for continuing this important ministry.
If you would like to be part of this ministry or know of a need, please contact pastoralvisits@stja.ca.
EDUCATION FOR MINISTRY
Education for Ministry is a program of theological education by extension for lay people. There are four years of study, but participants commit for one year at a time, meeting in small groups with a trained mentor. The program combines academic study with integrative components to help participants take what they learn about Scripture, church history, theology and ethics into their own lives and hearts, supporting them in living out a vibrant baptismal ministry in the world.
Source: http://www.efmcanada.ca
The Deanery group meets at St John’s on Tuesday evenings. For information speak to one of the Mentors: Anne Anchor or Debbie Jones-Akiyama. To contact the mentors, email administrator@stja.ca.
BIBLE STUDY
The Bible Study group meets Tuesday mornings from 10:15 to noon. We meet in the Parish Hall reading and discussing Scripture, and at times, book studies relating to our Christian journey. All are welcome to attend.
Should you be interested to find out more, please contact biblestudy@stja.ca
MUSIC MINISTRY
Led by a Director of Music, the choir sings at the 10:00 service every week. A wide variety of traditional and contemporary music, service music, and anthems are offered. New members are welcome at any time. Choir practice is held Thursday evenings 7:30-9:00 September to June. For more information, please email administrator@stja.ca.
FOOD BANK
Food Bank is held on the 1st and 3rd Thursdays of the month. Registration is at 10:30 a.m., lunch is served at 11:30 a.m. and groceries are distributed at 12 noon. We serve the Tri-Cities region. Proof of residence and income are required when registering.
Should you be interested to find out more, please contact foodbank@stja.ca.
CHURCH SCHOOL
There is a Church School program for all children ages 3 to 11 inclusive, every Sunday at 10 am. For more information, please email children@stja.ca.
CHILDREN’S MINISTRY
Our children’s ministry utilizes the Godly Play program.
“Godly Play teaches children the art of using Christian language – parable, sacred story, silence and liturgical action – helping them become more fully aware of the mystery of God’s presence in their lives”. Godly Play is based upon the recognition that children have an innate sense of the presence of God. Source www.godlyplay.ca
Our team of teachers and helpers happily welcome children of all ages to learn and explore spirituality in a creative and imaginative way during the 10:00 service.
Over the summer school break, a simple story and craft replaces Godly Play. Over the past two summers First Nations stories have been the focus.
For more information, please contact children@stja.ca
NURSERY
For the convenience of parents, we have a well-equipped nursery for infants and small children beside the sanctuary. It is connected to the church through an audio system, so parents can hear the service. You are also welcome to stay in the congregation with your babies and young children throughout the service.
CHILDREN AND COMMUNION
Baptised children of all ages are encouraged to receive Holy Communion, and resources are provided for them to learn and grow in their understanding of the sacrament.
PRAYER CIRCLE
Prayer is an essential part of our Parish life. In addition to the regular Public and Liturgical Prayers in our worship services, we have a weekly Intercession to meet the general prayer requests of our congregation. We also have a “Prayer Circle” – a group of our members who dedicate themselves to meeting the prayer requests of individuals on a more personal level.
Prayer requests may be sent to prayer@stja.ca
PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY
We have a “troop” of knitters who provides prayer shawls for the newly baptized, those who are retiring from our parish as well as those in need of prayers. Should you wish to participate in this ministry, please contact administrator@stja.ca