Diocesan stories of people responding to God’s call
Friendly family focus
Mission takes effort, but it’s not complicated. The move to intentional missional ministry in a congregation
usually involves a series of small, gradual steps, including regular, clear communication.
St. John the Evangelist in Middle Sackville, NS, is one example of a parish that is flourishing as they adapt, experiment and refine ministry to reach new families in their neighbourhood. Over the years leaders in this suburban church built up their communication methods and continue to work on extending a warm, welcoming invitation.
“This is not a numbers game!” said Maxine Simpkin, a Licensed Lay Minister at St. John’s. “Not everyone hears the message today, just like they didn’t in the time of Jesus’ ministry. However, seekers are all around. By listening carefully to what people are saying, there are opportunities to talk about our individual faith journeys. Empowering our parishioners to be aware of what they can do, by their actions and words, to spread the Good News, is the best way to do this,” she said.
Capitalizing on e-communication, the parish shares news, invites parishioners and guests to join in activities and outreach projects, and just stays in touch through a variety of ways. They use a well-presented newsletter, chock full of photos of active, smiling people, and regular Facebook posts with worship recording links and inspiring articles. An uncluttered, relevant, user-friendly website is an effective online presence, while a prominent roadside sign benefits from high driveby traffic on Old Sackville Road.
Maxine, a member of The Connectors TWO (diocesan missional leaders’ cohort), explained that all the parish information sharing is the work of a committed team. “This is the result of a really strong Communications Committee with the necessary skill set,” she said. “Since the onset of COVID, the committee has been sending our regular parish announcements with our recorded services, and they also have a phone call list for those who are not online. The Committee regularly assesses what works and what doesn’t.”
An exciting bright spot at St. John the Evangelist is the multi-faceted approach to children’s Christian Formation and spiritually enriching family programs. When able to gather in person, the congregation embraces Godly Play*. During COVID they experiment and adapt with other activities to offer opportunity for learning and relationship-building.
At Christmas a family-style in-person worship at risk of being cancelled due to changing restrictions, had the team getting out the word quickly to revised plans. “We pivoted to an online Zoom Christmas Eve get-together,” Maxine said. “They LOVED it! All their hard work practicing their musical pieces, singing and scripture reading was on display. Some out-of-province relatives even joined in the session.”
A retired schoolteacher, Maxine says kids feel they belong and are valued when invited to participate. “Meaningful involvement of the children in services is really important and Bishop Sue (Moxley, Priest-in-Charge) has been proactive in making this happen,” she explained. “I have had parents say that their children would like to be on the regular readers list.”
COVID-safe outside youth activities are hosted on the property, like assembling the outdoor crèche, planting trees, and placing flags on graves for Remembrance Day. When permitted and with precautions, multigenerational, interactive gatherings are held in the hall.
Maxine shares about a favourite Good Friday drama. “The Family Service in the late morning involves the children taking active roles and reading the story of The Three Trees,” she said. “My dream for Lent or March Break would be to host another family get-together in the Hall, with brief prayers and an activity in preparation for Easter.”
Other faith-forming kids’ activities offered are an annual free Vacation Bible Camp, an ‘Advent-in-a-Can’ family devotional and regular take-home activity packages. “We have one set of twins who are not regular attendees, but are godchildren of a parishioner,” said Maxine. “Recently, they came to visit her and the first question they had was, ‘Has the church sent anything for us?’ Thankfully, we had sent out packages and we received a photo of them busily getting to work!”
The Licensed Lay Minister has witnessed God at work in their young people’s programming. Maxine said, “Children who feel welcomed and cared about consider the parish as extended family. It does wonders for their confidence. Learning how to pray and knowing that God loves them is a powerful message.”
A key to communicating with local families – parishioners and those loosely associated with the church – is a growing database. “We have collected email addresses and connected directly with families when needed,” said Maxine.
St. John’s leadership strives to orient their ministries to be more missional, including their pre-pandemic fundraiser meals. “We continue with monthly takeout lunches, which are very popular and include a grace with each meal,” said Maxine. “The low cost makes it affordable and we reach an average 90 meals per takeout. We have good connections with the wider community which brings us opportunities for service.”
A Food Ministries line was added to the parish budget, to provide food when needed. “We have established some new relationships with underserved communities and they have been receptive to our help and prayers,” Maxine shared. “Many people are open to having us pray for them.”
Other mission-edged ministries are the weekly seniors’ social, a funeral team, an active men’s group, book club, and a new grief support series. One goal for 2022 is to establish a Bird and Butterfly Garden, to engage children and gardening enthusiasts.
One of the strengths at St. John the Evangelist is active, cooperative efforts of many parish leaders. Maxine says they are intentionally listening and trying to respond to the needs of their neighbours, especially for those with young families, millennials and seniors. “People are hungry for love and community,” she said.
* Godly Play is a unique method of Christian formation for children using intentional storytelling and imaginative wondering.
