How our Church is governed
By the time you read this, the regular session of Synod will be over. A number of people have expressed sympathy to me about having to attend this annual meeting of clergy and lay people to make decisions about the life of our church, and it can be a fairly intense time together. However, when I attended my first Synod, as a lay representative, I was impressed at what it showed me of the life of the Anglican Church, and how much of it is governed by the will of the people.
At that time the Synod went over more days and I enjoyed this time; both because it allowed me to get to know so many people over shared tea breaks and meals, and because there was more time for discussion on issues. Not just the wording of motions or bills, but on the issues of the day, especially those of social justice.
Now that we are limited to 2 days, the business of Synod is mainly the essential business of updating bills, and motions that affect the everyday running of the Church. It is still, though, the way in which we get a say in how our Church is governed and to ensure that it stays relevant and responsive to what is going on in the world.
Our parish is allowed two lay representatives but currently only has one (Mark Aitchison) so, if you think you would like to be involved in attending Synod, speak to one of the Wardens and get yourself nominated at the next Annual Meeting!
From the Vicar
In the Middle Ages Mary's Song inspired the Feast of Fools celebrated after Christmas usually around New year. This feast was a literal acting out of the Magnificat as a rather strange way of witnessing to God’s kingdom that inverts human power structures and raises up the oppressed to places of honour.
We are to give up our insatiable desire to consume and replace it with the expectation of the coming of Jesus.
Advent is a time of reflection and preparation for when time will end and Jesus will come in power and glory bringing our waiting to completion.
Parish Officers
Parish Governance
The executive team of Vicar, churchwardens and treasurer meet constantly on parish business.
Parish Groups
Worship leaders, lay readers, servers, ushers, greeters, flower arrangers, cleaners, counters, intercessors and cup bearers all join together to support the service.
Beginning the year, with an excerpt of a letter from Corraine Haines, from the City Mission, in regards to the Back To School programme
In the Middle Ages Mary's Song inspired the Feast of Fools celebrated after Christmas usually around New year. This feast was a literal acting out of the Magnificat as a rather strange way of witnessing to God’s kingdom that inverts human power structures and raises up the oppressed to places of honour.
Regular Summer Sunday Services
We are to give up our insatiable desire to consume and replace it with the expectation of the coming of Jesus.
Community Fair bringing affordable toys, books, china, vintage clothes and more from the Opawa - St Martins Parish.