Christian Education
We have a multi-faceted program for Christian Development. For most Sundays in a month, the children spend the first part of the service upstairs in our Children's Chapel and return to join their parents for Holy Communion. Sometimes, the kids remain upstairs the whole time to enjoy "Children's Church"--an exprience of worship specially designed for their spiritual needs. On other ocassions the children may remain downstairs the entire time. The flexibilty of our programme allows for a variety of different expriences for children of what church can be like. Under the leadership of Kerrie Fulton we have been developing new and engaging ways of forming our kids in the faith and love of God. Our children learn to dance, sing, and talk about their faith in warm and supportive atmosphere.
Confirmation Prep
We are very excited this year to be ushering a group of our young people through preparation for confirmation. Confirmation is a coming-of-age ceremony in which young people mark a transition into adulthood by publically affirming, for themselvels, committments made on their behalf at Baptism. To prepare them for this, the group has been meeting regularly both to learn about topics relevant to a more adult faith, but also to simply talk about their lives and how they live out their faith. Additionally, each candidate has an adult mentor to talk with about what it means to grow up as a Christian. The programme, which meets for seven months, culminates in a weekend retreat at an Anglican Monastery. Bishop Yu will confirm the kids at a ceremony on Septmeber 27th.
The Kingdom of Heaven Mural
This past summer we pleased to transform our education room into a new "Children's Chapel." Two giantic murals cover the East the West walls to depict the Kingdom of Heaven as we experience it on earth (with Jesus among us) and heaven (as a beautiful banquest prepared for us). The mural was painted by the well-known Toronto artist Susy Bleasby. Here are some pictures of the work we have done.
The Kingdom as we know it ever-after: Saints and Angels dance and sing around the throne at the wedding feast
Many saints are identifiable by their attributes (e.g. Barbara holding a feather, John the Baptist with water)
Peter has his keys and Mary Magdalene her egg as young and old dance
The Kingdom of Heaven as we know it on earth: Jesus teaching in a timeless scene
All creation listens
Mary and Joseph look approvingly on their son
The Purpose of the Children's Chapel
We set out to create a space that would make children feel alive with the joy of being loved by God. We wanted them to imagine themselves as part of the Kingdom that God is creating for all creation.
This mural is designed to engender a feeling of warmth as well as provide ample opportunity for teaching. Further, it becomes the perfect back drop for worship designed specifically for children.
At least once a month our kids will remain upstairs the entire time of worship to enjoy a special "Children's Church" designed specifically around the spiritual needs and gifts of children.
They sing, dance, and hear the scripture in a way that suits them best!
Supporting the work of the Children's Chapel
Creating this mural has taken considerable time and money--but we believe that investing in our kids is one of the best ways we can use the resources God has given us.
Creating it was not about patching up an old building or fixing a leaking roof--we are reaching beyond ourselves to minister to the spiritual needs of the community where we live.
If you would like to contribute to the Children's Chapel, feel free to mail us a check or donate on-line by clicking on the "Donate" button on the top-right of this page.
