The Incumbent Writes The Feast of Pentecost marks the birthday of the Church. As described in Acts 2, the promised Holy Spirit descended on the Apostles and those around them that day, empowering them to speak in tongues, and propelling them to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus both locally and globally. You and I share that same call. From our Baptism on, we are nurtured in our relationship with Jesus Christ. That is why Sunday School and Youth ministries are essential to the well-being of the Church. From adolescence onward, we assume responsibility (after Confirmation) for our own Christian Education. The Church (that is each one of us) has a responsibility here too – to encourage and provide opportunities for nurture (of new Christians) and growth (of those maturing in the faith). It is our expectation that every member will be involved in nurture and growth one way or the other. Without the burning desire to reach souls for Jesus, to introduce our neighbours, friends and families to the person of Christ in the power of the Holy Spirit, the Church has no mission, no raison d’être. Please take the time to read how Christ Church is endeavouring to fulfill our mission. Please note the opportunities for service and our need for your continuing financial support. Take the time to reflect on your experience and participation at Christ Church. Yours in Christ, Father Andrew Sandilands The Shepherding Ministry Initiative Shepherds are members of the Parish who have been selected for their pastoral gifts and who have agreed to ongoing training and accountability in their ministry. Shepherd groups have been established using street address as a base. The shepherd's function is to reach out to every individual and family, and to establish a Pastoral relationship of trust. This is accomplished by making it a goal to speak to each family at least three times per year by telephone or by visit. Shepherds also feed into the Sunday morning intercessions by asking families to state their prayer requests and then forwarding that information to the intercessory team. Shepherds may advise the Incumbent if there is urgent need, but only with permission of the person concerned. You may request a visit from the Incumbent at any time. WHAT CAN I EXPECT? Expect a call from your shepherd, introducing himself or herself. He/she will inquire as to your general well being and may ask if you have any specific prayer requests. You are under no obligation to share anything with your shepherd, but this is a way in which your membership in Christ Church is a benefit. Prayer Teams Prayer teams are available at all Sunday services. Do you know why? We believe that prayer is one of the most powerful tools available to Christians.  It can be a prayer of thanksgiving, or a specific request, such as for healing, for relief from stress, for help in dealing with a boss or children, or simply for safe travel.  The people on prayer teams are not expert prayers’, nor are they more religious, closer to God or holier than you.  They are simply people who strongly believe in the power of prayer.  Sometimes people just need help in focusing their prayers; or feel the need for more voices praying for a specific need.  Don't forget that thanksgiving is also a very important part of prayer.  The prayer teams are present to help you in any prayer needs.  Many people believe that their needs are too insignificant to warrant asking someone else to pray for them.  Don’t forget the sparrow, or the lilies of the field.  No person's needs are too small for God, nor can they grow too big for God.  Remember that our God is awesome, omnipotent, and most of all loving.  But you must remember to ASK HIM!!  Nothing is too great or too small for Him.  Ministry Opportunities Sidespersons  Our list of people willing to serve in this capacity is dwindling. Sidespersons are grouped in teams and are on hand before the service to act as greeters.  They also look after the totalling of our weekly offering after the service. Please call Anne Gauthier at 697-2204. Assistants, intercessory prayers and prayer team members are always needed for the 10 a.m. service.  Commitment is approximately one Sunday every 6-8 weeks. Qualifications required: a welcoming disposition, and joy in the Lord. A.C.W.  Anglican Church Women includes all ladies of the parish.  The A.C.W. of Christ Church includes an executive, which meets occasionally to guide and direct both fundraising and social activities.  There are also a number of groups that meet at different times and are involved in a variety of activities. Each group would be happy to receive new members.  For more information please contact Winn Todd at 695-5667. Altar Guild Christ Church Altar Guild ideally consists of 6 groups of 3 women each.  Groups are on a roster that sees each group on duty once every six weeks.  Duties include setting up for communion on Sundays and Wednesdays and the following put-away.  Groups meet, usually on Saturday, to clean brass, clean the altar area, check the candles, set the readings and prepare the communion.  It usually takes just over an hour.  Special services at Christmas, Easter and Thanksgiving involve a bit extra and include decorating the Church.  Setting up for the Thursday service is done sometime on Wednesday or on Thursday morning prior to the 10 am service.  Clear up is done sometime on Thursday.  Usually the Thursday duties are split between any two members of the group.  At this time the Altar Guild is in need of new members. Volunteers, make yourself known to Pat Simpson (694-8446), the Church office (697-2204) or to any member of the Altar Guild.  We can hardly wait to hear from you! A.C.W. Shoppe We have a nearly new shop located in the basement of the church.  It is open every Thursday from 10 a.m.- 1 p.m. Located at the bottom of the west stairwell and entrance is by the front door of the church on Fieldfare Ave.  This shop features clothes for men, women, children and babies along with a large assortment of collectibles.  Donations are accepted year round for the shop but they must be in really good condition. Please call Ruth Willison 630-3772 for more information. Singers Wanted Do you enjoy singing?  The choir can always use more members but if you can’t commit full time, why not come out and sing at our Christmas Wassail or other Christmas Services.  Extra voices to augment our choir would be appreciated.  Call Sandy Temple 621-0804 for more information. Parish Prayer Cycle Every Sunday, during the Prayers of the People, we pray for three families on our Parish List. This has been done for the last two years. Your shepherd will contact you approximately once every ten months concerning your prayer requests.  Every member is thus prayed for by name at least once per year. There is no obligation to provide specific information. If you are not sure if your name is on the Parish list please contact the office. St. Michael's Mission Please remember that there is a box in the Narthex for used clothing for the men and women  (no children's) who need and use the services of St. Michael's Mission.  All items are needed, particularly at this time of year boots, jackets, hats, mitts and scarves.  Underwear and socks are always in short supply. Any items deposited in the Mission box will be picked up on a weekly basis. Flowers at Christmas Christ Church looks beautiful all year round.  This is particularly true during the Christmas season.  If you would like to provide flowers for the Sanctuary at any time of year for memorials or as a gift, our Altar Guild would be happy to hear from you.  Please call Pat Simpson at 694‑8446.  The Estate Sales Group provides a ministry of cleaning, sorting, pricing and selling furnishings in homes about to be sold. They receive a percentage of sales. The work is intense, the profile low, and the effort much appreciated by the Community of Christ Church.  Thus far this year, the effort has produced in excess of $10,000 . This group is headed up by Joan Lavell. If you have a home that fits this category, contact Joan at jlavell@royallepage.com . Thanks to all who volunteer for this ministry.