Anglican Diocese of Toronto
155 Markham Road, Scarborough, ON M1M 3A1, (416) 261-4169
ABOUT US | Ministries
Ministries
There are many opportunities for parishioners to help in the enrichment of church life and their own personal lives by joining one or more of the following groups:
Lay Readers:
Lay Readers are parishioners who, after training, are licensed by the Bishop to carry out various duties to assist the Priest in conducting services.
Chalice Bearers:
Chalice bearers are parishioners who have been chosen to support the clergy, having been licensed by the Bishop, in administering the wine to members of the congregation during the celebration of the Eucharist.
Acolytes:
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Acolytes assist in the Worship Service by carrying the processional cross, lighting candles, holding the Gospel book and assisting the Deacon or Priest in the set up and clean up at the altar.
Intercessors and Readers:
Intercessors are lay people of the church who share, with the Deacon, the ministry of leading the Prayers of the People.
Readers take part in the service by reading the 1st and 2nd lessons from the bible.
Choir:
Our Choir is a 4 section choir singing at all 10:00 am services from September to June and other special services during the year or, when requested, at funerals or other services. Choir practice is held in the Sanctuary on Thursday evening from 7:30 PM to 9:30 PM
Chancel Guild:
Our Chancel Guild consists of 4 teams who are responsible for preparing the altar for regular and special services, helping to decorate the church for special occasions such as Christmas, Thanksgiving and Easter, caring for the linens used, as well as the silverware on the altar and in the sanctuary.
Sidespersons:
Christ Church has 6 teams of Sidespersons. The team on duty each Sunday is responsible for greeting all those entering the church, handing out Prayer Books and leaflets, showing visitors to the pews, helping those needing to use the elevator or the chair lift, taking up the offertory and aiding in the counting of monies received.
Pastoral Care:
The Pastoral Care Group is comprised of 4 teams of lay people (licensed by the Bishop) who make regular visits to shut-in members of the congregation taking them communion and otherwise maintaining regular phone contact. Each team is assigned two people to visit. The Clergy visit two retirement homes and a long term care facility on a regular basis to offer a Communion Service and a Pastoral team goes to one of the retirement homes and the long term care facility each month to do Evensong.
When notified, the clergy or the relevant lay pastoral team visit members in hospital. Clergy also visit in emergencies such as death or serious illness in the family.
Property and Maintenance:
The Property and Maintenance Committee looks after the general maintenance and repair of church property and the supervision of major repairs performed by outside trades people approved by the Wardens.
Fellowship:
Our Fellowship committee takes care of all the social events that take place during the year. Each Sunday they host a coffee hour after the 10AM service, organize food for receptions after special services and coordinate with the Women's Committee the Community lunches which happen on the third Saturday of the month.
Women's Group:
The ministry of the Women’s Group is one that encourages spiritual growth and service.
On spiritual side there is participation in the service, quiet retreat days which are extended to all members of the Parish. In March one such quiet day was held at the Convent of the Sisterhood of St. John the Divine.
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A monthly community lunch takes place on the 3rd Saturday between noon and 2p.m. with the exception of in the month of October when this activity is held in the late afternoon. Our guests from the community are joined by members from Christ Church for a Thanksgiving meal. In the summer months the activity moves outdoors to facilitate barbecue menus.
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In 2011 the group expanded its ministry to include gift baskets for the first baby boy and baby girl born on Christmas Day at Scarborough General Hospital. The group hosts a High Tea annually both as an entertainment activity and a fundraiser. This ministry is full of women who are enthusiastic to grow in Christ and to serve others. The Women’s Group tries to channel Mother Theresa by not worrying about numbers but helping one person at a time.
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Christian Education:
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Christ Church normally has a variety of learning/sharing opportunities at different times of the year. Please contact the church for current offerings. For an opportunity to explore your faith journey join the 35 minute guided meditation found on YouTube.
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