Activities
at
The
Church
of
the
Incarnation
We
are
an
energetic
community
and
there's
always
lots
going
on.
Below
is a
description
of
regular
and
current
activities
in
our
parish.
We are familiar with the term
Christian Education, which used to mean Sunday school or children’s education.
We give adult programmes as high a priority as children’s programmes.
For Adults
Everyone—from beginners to
advanced—is welcome to join in our continuing adult education. We try to provide
a variety of programmes to meet members’ needs and interests.
We have a bible study group that
meets weekly. Sometimes we also have evening and weekend studies. We also have
baptism preparation classes for parents whose children are being baptized and
support groups, such as a bereavement/grief group, as required.
New groups/sessions are formed as
the need and interest arises. Watch the bulletin or
e-newsletter for upcoming opportunities. If
there is anything else that would interest you, please let us know and we will
help you get it started.
Adult education also takes place
during services, of course, often with speakers or liturgies with a specialized
focus.
For Children
We take learning seriously for all
ages, but we take particular concern with our Children's Church and nursery
school curriculum.
Our church school curriculum is
based on the stories in the Bible or relevant themes in the life of the parish,
with emphasis on the different styles of children’s learning. Please speak with
the church school contact for further details.
Although children are welcome to
take communion whenever they or their parents are ready, we do provide communion
instruction for children over age 7. The classes are for the whole family, and
help the children understand the significance of the meal we share together.
Nursery
We provide a nursery for children
up to age 3. We understand that parents need to know their youngest children are
safe and happy before they can relax and participate fully in worship. A trained
nursery supervisor is assisted by parish volunteers. Please pick up your
children from the nursery following the Lord’s Prayer.
Library
Our resource library is set up in
the chapel and has material on parenting, worship, ethics, eco justice and
spiritual journeying—as well as books geared to a child’s level of
understanding.
We have a vibrant music program at
Incarnation, with a mix of contemporary and traditional, sacred and "pop". Our four-part choir
leads the congregation in singing and also performs their own music. Talented members of our community also contribute
through playing at services and special events. We are always looking for people
to share the spirit of singing and music.
Our social activities are an
essential part of our church life, because they bring us together and foster a
sense of community. There are different events to suit everyone’s interests. You
can find out about them in the Sunday bulletins and the
e-newsletter.
The easiest way to get to know us
is by sharing coffee, tea, or juice after the service. Take a few minutes to
stay and chat.
We try to have many
intergenerational events that include all members, young and old, whether
single, married, or in families. Past events have included pancake suppers,
BBQs, golf days, Halloween parties and Christmas brunches. We also occasionally
have adults-only events, to get to know one another without worrying about the
children.
Please join us in any of our social
activities that interest you. And if you would like to start something new,
please contact us.
The Eco Justice
group works on issues related to social justice and ecological justice.
The principles
of social include sanctifying the inherent dignity of every human person and
doing deeds that show solidarity with, and compassion for, the poor.
The principles
of ecological justice include respecting the sacredness of the earth and
recognizing our call to treat it with respect , as well as the concept that
the world's most vulnerable citizens are those who will suffer the most from,
and be the least able to adapt to, the effects of climate change.
With all
projects we undertake, we strive to combine elements of charity, education and
advocacy.
In the past we
have supported two refugee families , donated to food banks, given Christmas
gifts to the children and youth residing in the Syl Apps Youth Centre, signed
petitions and written letters to members of government advocating for better
climate change policies, raised money for an interim housing project,
supported Amnesty International prisoners of conscience, signed petitions
asking the provincial government to increase the monthly food allowance for
those on social assistance and helped our parish obtain a bronze accreditation
in the diocesan Greening Programme.
Our church is part of a wider
community, both local, regional and international. As Christians, we are called
to reach out to those in need and help with a hand out or a hand up. Along with
the EcoJustice group, Incarnation conducts several events and
fundraising
activities for various groups and individuals. Previous initiatives include food
& clothing drives, women's shelter retreats, Habitat for Humanity, support for
same-sex couple recognition and other awareness campaigns.
We are continually striving to be a
spiritual and charitable leader in our community and our world. Please
contact our Social Justice coordinator if you have a
suggestion for other activities.
Incarnation offers ministry
dedicated to children and young people in our parish. We have social events such
as picnics and visits to theme parks that help keep "church world" a fun place
to hang out.
Baptism
Baptism is the way that people
become members of the Christian community. That’s why we celebrate it as part of
our Sunday service when we gather together for worship. We have baptisms as
needed throughout the year. If you wish this sacrament for your child, or for
yourself, please contact Terry rector a few weeks in advance
to arrange a date and baptism preparation meetings.
Parish Sponsors will help with
baptism preparation and be present with you on the day of baptism. They are a
symbol of the relationship our whole community has to the newly baptized and to
one another, in keeping with the familial relationship which existed in the
early Christian community. This may be of particular interest to those who are
new to the community and whose family and friends are some distance away. Of
course, you are welcome to choose sponsors (godparents) as well.
Communion
Sharing in a meal of bread and wine
is an expression of our intimate relationship with each other and with Christ.
Everyone is welcome to receive communion, regardless of age or religious
affiliation. Children and babies routinely take communion, in the ways that seem
appropriate to their parents and themselves.
Confirmation is not a pre-requisite
to receive communion. However, we do offer instruction for those age 7 and up,
whether before or after their first communion.
Confirmation
Baptism is the rite of initiation
into the Christian faith—as a baptized person, you are a full member of the
church.
Confirmation is the renewal of the
promises made at our baptism. We encourage confirmation for those who have a
mature desire to take on these promises as they assume adult responsibilities in
the community. Those who have already been confirmed may choose to re-affirm
their faith through a similar ceremony.
Please contact
Terry to arrange preparation classes.
Weddings
Holy matrimony is a celebration of
the love between two people that reflects God’s compassion and mutuality with
humanity. If you would like to get married, please contact
Terry at least two months before making any firm plans, so he can
arrange for the service and the use of the church.
Funerals
As a community, we will be present
with you in times of bereavement. Hopefully we will be aware of a need
beforehand, but we ask you to let us know as soon as possible after your family
member or friend has died. Terry will be available to assist with arrangements
for the funeral and to support you in your grief.
