Faith & Fellowship - Christian Education at St. Matthew’s

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, we are currently offering some elements of our educational programming online. Other events are not currently being held.

Sign up for our e-blast email and refer to our online calendar

Chapel Chats

On some Sundays after the 10 a.m. service, presentations are given in the Chapel by parishioners on a variety of topics. Presentations last about 45 minutes and there is always time for questions and discussion. Topics have included contemplative prayer, profiles of parish members who died in the World Wars, church buildings and our environmental footprint, stewardship, and a parishioner’s trip to Jerusalem.

Conversations

When these series are being offered, they are taking place on Zoom.

In these occasional series, lead by a clergy member, we seek to better understand Sunday readings or books of the Bible and relate them to our lives in the modern world. Some Conversation series meet prior to the 10 a.m. Sunday service to discuss one of the Sunday’s readings. Other series, also meeting prior to the service, may explore a book of the Bible in more depth.

Lenten Adult Bible Study

We hold a weekly Bible study, on a weeknight, during the contemplative period of Lent, with one study session following Easter. These sessions are preceded by a simple group dinner.

Meditation

Currently the meditation group is meeting on Zoom. For more information contact Susan Rayner at 613-233-8380.

Meditation sessions are held weekly. The meditation group is part of a worldwide organization called the World Community for Christian Meditation. We open with a brief recorded talk by the founder Fr. John Main, the current leader, or by another teacher. After the talk, the group meditates in silence for 20-25 minutes, generally using a prayer word or phrase. We then close with a simple prayer. The group is a wonderful way to support a daily practice or just take time to sit in openness to God's presence.

Other adult learning events

Additional learning events for adults are held on an occasional basis.

Open Doors

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, Open Doors is currently suspended. We will re-start when restrictions ease.

The Glebe Avenue doors to the church are opened Monday to Thursday between 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., inviting the community at large into our beautiful church. Neighbours, community members and parishioners are offered a time and a place for quiet reflection and rest in their busy day. Open Doors volunteers appreciate this quiet time in the church while extending hospitality to the community.

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Learning and activities for children and youth

Sunday School

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, Sunday school classes are being offered on Zoom. Younger students (ages 3-8) meet Sundays at 9 a.m. and older students (ages 9 and up) meet Sundays at 11 a.m.

We continue to use the SPARK curriculum and Bible and include crafts and interactive activities in our lessons in order to keep classes engaging. The SPARK curriculum follows the Anglican lectionary.

We also regularly post content for children and families on St. Matthew’s Facebook page.

Children and Youth Ministries is committed to keeping everyone safe. We will hold virtual or physically distanced activities in order to respect public health and diocesan guidelines.

If your child or children would like to participate in any our activities, please contact Aïcha Ducharme-LeBlanc (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.). Children are welcome to join at anytime throughout the year.

Youth Group

Due to COVID-19, at this time we will hold virtual or physically distanced activities to respect public health and diocesan guidelines.

We have two youth groups: one for ages 9 to 11 and another for 12 to 16. Both groups aim to meet monthly.

The junior group activities range from bible studies, to board games, to cooking, to field trips and more. The senior group focuses on outreach.

If you wish to participate, please contact our youth coordinators Aïcha Ducharme-LeBlanc (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) and Becky McCoy (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.).

Youth Group at walkathon
raising funds for the Centretown Emergency Food Centre.

 

 

Last updated: October 5, 2020