A four-year program for Christians who want to delve more deeply into their faith and discern its practicality for their lives
Christ Church offers Children's and Junior Church for children from pre-school to grade 4 at the 10.30 a.m. service.
The 3- to 6-year old program at Christ Church is a fun mix of free play and art time, stories, crafts and games. We follow the church calendar loosely, and touch on pivotal Christian events as well as well known bible stories. Registration continues throughout the year, and visiting children are most welcome.
In Grades 2 to 4, three themes are explored to help grow a faith which can remain robust beyond childhood: God loves us; God lives in our hearts; God is happiest when we love one another.
The children begin in their classes, and join their families at the time of the Offertory, when the focus of the service changes from the Word to the Table and the Eucharist.
Christ Church also organizes special events for children and their families, provides opportunities for children to assist in the leadership of the liturgy, and encourages their participation in community outreach projects during the year.
For more information, please contact the Church. (top)
Nursery
The Christ Church nursery is open year round at the 10.30 service, and is staffed by a professional caregiver. We welcome infants and toddlers up to the age of three, and offer a caring and nurturing environment while their parents participate in worship. The nursery is located on the second floor of the "program wing". (top)
Re-Affirmation of Baptismal Vows
The Re-affirmation of Baptismal Vows is available to any baptised Christian, young or old, any number of times. We usually call this Confirmation the first time it is undertaken.
Christ Church offers Confirmation Classes for young people, and Catechesis for adults who are considering the renewal of their baptismal covenant. Adult catechesis is generally undertaken in Lent each year, and provides a wonderful opportunity to raise and consider questions which have grown larger since one's youth. Please speak to one of the clergy for more information. (top)
Education for Ministry (EFM)
Old Testament, New Testament, Church History and Contemporary Theology: these are Education for Ministry’s topics over a four-year program. In a group not larger than 12, students work through their particular level, and share with the whole group their spiritual autobiographies, different methods of theological reflection, and the great vista of faith lived out by the people of God since Abraham. "EFM” is a distance program of the of the University of the South (at Sewanee, a school of international recognition, and is undertaken at Christ Church annually. Mentors and coordinators are certified, and those who complete the entire four years receive a certificate of completion.
Education for Ministry looks to equip lay people with that strange joy of knowing how it all fits together (or not!).
Bible Study
For one hour on Thursday mornings, our group studies selected books of the Bible. It is not haphazard: we are looking to understand how God has appeared in great lives, such as Moses, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Jesus, and Paul, in order to enlarge and deepen our faith.
A lot has happened in the Bible. A lot has happened in everyone's life. How do the two match up? We are listening always to a God who has spoken through a common, and yet deeply personal, history. (top)
Christ Church Café
This is our immensely popular opportunity to hear from someone in the wider community who is making a real contribution to the common good. One Sunday a month from October till May, before the 10.30 service, we gather for a continental breakfast and a 45-minute forum.
Youth Groups
Christ Church has two youth groups: "Disciples" (Grades 5-7), and "Apostles" (Grades 8 and up).
They meet together and separately for fun, faith, mission, and friendship.
Youth are encouraged to use and explore their natural gifts; for example, youth may sing in the Youth Choir, participate in WACKY (Worship Arts Club for Kids and Youth), become a Server, or prepare for Confirmation (grades 9 and up). For more information, click here. (top)
50's+ Afternoon Out
Once a week, a group of seniors and near-seniors gather for fellowship, bridge, board games, conversation, and the occasional day-trip. Now that our renewal project is complete, Christ Church is looking forward to expanding this ministry to include other programs to enhance seniors' well-being -- for example, to cook take-home meals together.
For further information, please contact the Church Office. (top)