Starting small for a big missional impact
By Rev. Canon Lisa G. Vaughn
Stretch. Study. Sing. Share.
Here are a few stories of how our congregations are taking the gifts they have, turning those outwards to the community, and are making a difference in the name of Christ.
PARISH OF THREE HARBOURS – SERVING STUDENTS
When the parish’s new rector arrived in Antigonish last October she immediately recognized an opportunity to serve the population at St. Francis Xavier University. Rev. Tasha Brubaker and the church leadership created ‘St. Paul’s Study Hall.’
“In looking for new ways to connect with students at St. FX, St. Paul’s heard from a number of people that there is not enough quiet, comfortable study space for students before final exams,” Rev. Tasha said.
In early December they opened the church hall, Tuesdays to Thursdays, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. for two weeks. They graciously provided healthy snacks (and some cookies!), coffee/tea/hot chocolate as students enjoyed the quiet space and Wi-Fi. The free invitation was shared on social media, through flyers posted around town, and placed in mailboxes of student rentals near the church.
“Much to our delight 10 students came to use the space,” said Rev. Tasha. “As a new initiative, we were delighted with this turnout!”
Upstairs, St. Paul’s sanctuary was also open. Several students enjoyed the peaceful, sacred place.
Rev. Tasha says, “Our plan is to continue to offer this space before mid-term exams and finals in the spring and to continue with this into the next academic year. Additionally, we connected with ACALA (Antigonish County Adult Learning Association) and one of their wonderful learners came to help as a volunteer.”
“This is just the first of a number of ideas that are percolating to offer our space to outside users and to partner in creating with others in our community specific programs or events to minister to clearly identified local needs, particularly for small and mid-sized groups and events,” she said.
PARISH OF ST. MARY & ST. JOHN (SUMMERSIDE & ST. ELEANORS) – YOUTH CHOIR
Music is one of the strengths of our Anglican tradition. This Prince Edward Island parish discovered a niche need in their city through their gift of song.
Although Summerside has an excellent, long-running adult community choir, there was not the same singing opportunity for children. When Sandra Gereau, the parish’s new organist and choir director arrived in the autumn of 2021, she recognized the need for a youth choir.
Rector, Rev. Colin Nicolle said, “After a year of getting settled in and a Sunday choir started, Sandy turned her attention to founding the youth choir. Through some early fall advertising and financial support from the Diocesan Church Society, the St. Mary’s & St. John’s (Summerside) Youth Choir was born.”
“Our hope all along has been to provide a free opportunity for youth ages (roughly) 6-14 to develop and practice the foundations of reading music and choral singing, perhaps giving the choristers a chance to sing pieces they may not otherwise have a chance to sing,” he said.
The choir has a broad repertoire of both sacred and secular pieces. Their first public appearance and performance was at St. Mary’s on Christmas Eve. Along with traditional congregational carols, they sang The Friendly Beasts (Jesus our Brother, Strong and Good).
“We always emphasize to families that while this is a choir attached to a church it is fundamentally a community choir and religious affiliation with any church is not required for participation – all are welcome,” explained Rev. Colin. “We welcome parents to stay for practices, which gives us an opportunity to get to know them better and make their whole family feel welcome in the church.”
There are currently 14 regular youth choir members, and several of these families now attend worship at St Mary’s Church.
ST. MARK’S, HALIFAX – PRAYERFUL YOGA
Rev. Tammy Hodge Orovec calls it, Stretch for Jesus!
It started with their ‘stir-up’ Sunday Ministry fair and outdoor service early in September. The leadership at St. Mark’s was exploring ways to connect with the local neighbourhood.
“We hoped to meet and engage with our North End Community,” said Rev. Tammy. “Although the service and fair did not attract many new people, one of the proposed ministries of yoga and meditation got some traction with the St. Mark’s crew.”
“I am no Yoga master, but I do daily yoga as a part of my own personal prayer, meditation and well-being practices,” she said. “Based on the interest we had, we picked a time and we gave an hour of meditation and yoga a try.”
The fitness and faith ministry began with a few parishioners who expressed how much they enjoyed it and especially that they were able to participate to the fullness of their abilities. Next they invited their neighbours by posting it on their church sign.
“We have had five different people join us who had no association with St. Mark’s,” the rector said. “Some have become weekly yoga group members and one has even joined the parish and is attending weekly services.”
“We do more than stretch. We pair our yoga with Lectio Divina reflection on a scripture verse. A verse we read repetitively and reflect on throughout our hour together,” explained Rev. Tammy. “We do standing, sitting and floor yoga – adapting to the needs and abilities of those gathered. We meet in the church, which we acknowledge as a sacred space of prayer and meditation, adding our own meditation to the generations of prayer before us.”
At the end of each session, attendees are encouraged to share their insights on the scripture passage. Then they are warmly and intentionally invited to other congregational activities and Sunday worship.
“Yoga has made church relevant to folks who would not have come to our regular services,” Rev. Tammy said. “We are studying scripture, practicing meditation/prayer, planting seeds, taking care of our bodies and stretching for Jesus!”
Anyone may join in on Thursdays, from 5:45 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. at St. Mark’s Halifax, 5522 Russell Street. If you enjoy singing, stick around for choir practice at 7 p.m.
