Ministries
Everyone has a gift or gifts to share: the gift of presence is one of the most beautiful gifts that we can share with one another. The gift of service, whether it is action for justice, action to feed each other, action for spiritual nurture, or any action that we might feel drawn to, is a powerful way of living out our faith. Here is a brief description of our Ministries at St. Mark’s:
Child and Youth Program (CHYP) Jesus said, "let the little children come to me... for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs". Our ministry with children is not only important for the nurturing of each child, but it is vital to the life and health of our whole congregation. A vibrant ministry with our children is a sign to anyone who comes through our doors that we as a congregation are alive and well, and open to the Spirit! To better meet the needs of our children and leaders, we are exploring a new workshop model for Sunday mornings that involves members of the congregation sharing their passions with the children around bible story themes. Children, 4 - 11 years, have a program downstairs in the Fellowship Hall with Ashley Simoneidis and congregation members each Sunday morning after a brief time in the sanctuary. The children will be engaged in workshops that help them to learn and experience bible stories and themes. Youth, Grades 6 & up, have a program in the Fireside Room with their leader each Sunday morning after a brief time in the sanctuary. Together with their leader, the youth decide how they will spend their time, sometimes they have discussions, play games, make music; they go with the Spirit's movement! Throughout the year, they participate in extra events beyond Sunday morning (Parties; 30-hour Fast; Wesley Urban Ministries' Case-for-Kids Walk; Serving a meal at Wesley Centre; Pancake Supper; Breakfast with Santa; and more!) For more information about our Children and Youth programs, contact the church office: office@stmarksunitedchurch.ca
Communications Communications (Spreading The Word) are the ways we demonstrate, to all who would hear or see or sense, how we are seeking to follow the Spirit's leading in our lives together as St. Mark's congregation and wherever else any of us may find ourselves. Tangible evidences of these communications are to be found on our website, through our newsletters and e-mails, in our church bulletins, the photo directory, and especially through our encounters with our God. For more information about this ministry, contact Andy Cranbury: board@stmarksunitedchurch.ca "that they should proclaim this word and spread it throughout their towns and in Jerusalem
(Nehemiah 8:15) "In this way the word of the Lord spread widely and grew in power" (Acts 19:20) "Finally, brothers and sisters, pray that we spread the Lord's word rapidly and that it will be honoured the way it was among you." (2 Thessalonians 3:1)
"The greatest commandment is to love God, and love your neighbour as you love yourself." (Luke 10:27)
Jesus said, "Whatever you do to the least of my people, you do to me". (Matthew 25:40)
Reaching out to the community and to the world makes us who we are as Christ’s body. Sharing our resources and our lives with those outside of our doors opens us to encounter God in ways that help us to grow, and deepen our faith. For more information about this ministry, contact Deb Crispin: dcrispin@stjosham.on.ca
| Pastoral Care "As Jesus went ashore, he saw a great crowd; he had compassion for them…and he began to teach them many things. When it grew late, the disciples wanted Jesus to send the people away to the villages to buy food. But Jesus answered them, 'You give them something to eat' ". (Mark 6:34-37) The story goes on to say that from 5 loaves and two fish, thousands of people were fed! Feeding, caring, sharing, and looking after each other is what Pastoral care is all about, and we have an abundance of love and care in this congregation. For more information about this ministry, contact Myrna Pond: pondrm@cogeco.ca Property "Day by day, as they spent much time together in the temple, they broke bread at home and ate their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having the goodwill of all the people". (Acts 2:46) Providing a safe and clean place for us and for groups in our community is an important ministry as we grow together in faith. For more information about this ministry, contact the church office: office@stmarksunitedchurch.ca
Stewardship & Finance "Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony" (Col. 3:14). Stewardship is what we do with all the gifts God has given us, and when we keep love at the heart of who we are, we find ways to share our gifts that are life-giving for us and for those with whom we share. The ministry of stewardship and finance is about how all of us share our gifts of money, energy, time and creativity. Stewardship and finance ministry is connected to all the other ministries that we have just named, as well as connected to the various small groups and special events that are also part of our life and work together. For more information about this ministry, contact the church office: office@stmarksunitedchurch.ca
Worship "Rejoice in God, always; again I will say, rejoice…God is near. Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayers of supplication and thanksgiving, make your requests know to God. And the peace of God which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus". (Philippians 4:4-7). The ministry of worship invites us to celebrate God’s presence, to enter into the mystery of the Spirit that binds our hearts together. This ministry involves music, word, silence, prayer, movement, breathing, whatever it is that opens us to connect more deeply with the Spirit and each other. For more information about this ministry, contact Donna Prystie: dprystie@cogeco.ca St. Mark's enjoys making music! The Choir meets each Thursday at 7:30pm (except in the summer months). The Bell Choir and Chime Choir meets each Thursday, 6:00 - 7:15pm (except in the summer months). For information about the Bell Choir and Chime Choir, contact Ruth Lee: office@stmarksunitedchurch.ca . |