Faith and fellowship activities

St. Matthew’s is open for in-person services, but many faith and fellowship activities will continue to be offered online only at this time. Read on to find out how to join our activities!

You don’t need to be a member of St. Matthew’s to attend our in-person or online activities. All are welcome and we look forward to you joining us for conversation and community!

 

Lenten Study Series

Time: Tuesday 7 – 8:30 PM, February 28 to March 28 (inclusive)

Zoom: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89804244233?pwd=T1lkRERmWGEyNDV4blJWVlIrTGw5QT09

The study will feature the book The Doors of the Sea: Where Was God in the Tsunami?, a 2011 publication by theologian and author David Bentley Hart. Although written over a decade ago in response to the horrific 2004 tsunami, this book addresses the timeless question of 'theodicy': how could a good and loving God allow terrible suffering? This book is beautifully written, and while challenging, it is appropriate for both seekers and livelong students of Christianity.

Please join us to discuss this book, both learning in plenary and small group discussion.

We have ordered 8 copies through Perfect Books, an Ottawa book store, and you can pick up a copy there soon. Mention Kevin Flynn’s name. Once they are gone, order your copy through Amazon.

The group is co-led by Rev. Geoff Chapman and Canon Kevin Flynn.

 

Bible study

Time: Wednesday 12 PM – 1 PM

Zoom: https://zoom.us/j/9274494655?pwd=SDg0enV1VXVGTzhDN0E3Q0JxU0lkdz09

Join us on Zoom to study the Gospel reading for the following Sunday.

You will find the reading for the following Sunday in the service bulletin or you can visit the Anglican Lectionary and locate the reading by changing the date in the Show new date search box.

You can read the Gospel reading on the Bible Gateway (NRSV) website. You can also download a NRSV (New Revised Standard Version) Bible app from Google Play or the App Store.

The group is co-led by Rev. Geoff Chapman and Canon Kevin Flynn.

 

Creation Matters

Time: Alternate Tuesdays 7:30 PM – 8:30 PM

Zoom: Contact Bill Nuttle at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

The focus of St. Matthew’s Creation Matters group is ‘caring for God’s creation.’ We are stewards of God’s world and can show our love for God and others by caring for our planet. The group meets on a regular basis via Zoom to:

• discuss environmental issues
• share tips, ideas and learning opportunities for living more lightly on God’s earth, and
• organize green opportunities, initiatives and actions for the St. Matthew’s community in order to raise awareness of environmental issues and make a positive difference

New members are always welcome. You don’t need to be a member of St. Matthew’s to come to our discussions and be part of our group email.

This year we are using Restoring God’s Earth: A Year of Personal Action to guide us and focus our activities in the parish. See what’s happening on our bulletin board at the back of the church.

The Green Group is partnered with Tru Earth, a Canadian company manufacturing eco-friendly cleaning products. Twenty percent of sales through St. Matthew’s Tru Earth account will go St. Matthew’s. These strip-form laundry products have a small eco-footprint, no plastic packaging and a much-reduced fuel transportation cost. If you have questions about Tru Earth products, don’t hesitate to get in touch with Joan Lawrence at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., a parishioner and long-time user of these products!

 

Meditation

Time: Wednesday, 11 AM – 12 PM

Zoom: Contact Sue Rayner at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 613-558-7899 to receive a Zoom invitation

Hybrid in-person and Zoom on the following Wednesdays:

January 26
February 23
March 23
April 27
May 25
June 29

The in-person meditation sessions are held in the church near the prayer candle in the west transept.

The meditation group is part of the worldwide organization called World Community for Christian Meditation. We open with a brief recorded talk by founder Fr. John Main, Director Fr. Laurence Freeman 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.

 

Conversations

Time: We are currently between sessions and expect to recommence in the spring.

Zoom: Contact Janice Sonnen at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 613-709-1209 to receive Zoom link and background materials

Conversations is a 50 minute discussion group based on Bible readings and topics related to faith. Using biblical texts, poems, the free exchange of ideas and perceptions, we seek to reflect on our journey as followers of Jesus in our contemporary world.

Please join us for this well-attended fellowship offering! All are welcome, and no pre-registration is required.

 

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Learning and activities for children and youth

The church is bringing back child and youth Christian education and activities this Fall. We are also compiling a roster of people who would like to be involved in delivering some elements of the program. To share your family's interest and/or aspirations for the program, please contact the Church office at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Sunday School

If your child or children would like to participate in any of our activities, please contact the church office at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 613-234-4024.

Youth Group

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

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

Parish youth are encouraged to participate in all aspects of worship, including as servers, readers, choir members and volunteers.

Get involved! To participate, please contact the church office at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 613-234-4024.

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

 

 

Last updated: March 17, 2023