Ministries
Everyone has different gifts and interests, and there are many ways to to live out one’s faith by ministering within and outside the church. The following are some of the areas of ministry that are part of the life of this community. If you would like to get involved with any of these, please speak to a vestry member, a warden or the rector.
OneBody Youth Group
Welcome to our Youth Group. We are called OneBody (that's from the Bible) and represent 3 separate churches: Good Shepherd (Wildwood), St. Laurence (Lakeview) and St. Martin's (Aspen). Each of our youth groups meet at our individual churches on Sunday mornings and for events or trips we all gather together as one! Most of the youthlings know each other from school, sports teams or just enjoy getting to know each other at youth events. Our events are awesome and always include LOTS of food. Come hang out with us!
Your two youth leaders for OneBody: Jill Thompson (OneBody Coordinator and Diocesan Youth Coordinator): Jill has been hanging around St. Martin's for 4 years and is currently working on her Master's in Counselling Psychology. She loves biking, yoga and chocolate. Chad Dalley (OneBody Youth Worker): Chad has been with OneBody for over a year and is currently attending Mount Royal University for Child and Youth Care. He is boss at Dutch Blitz. Katie Haigh (456 Tweenling Leader): Katie will be leading our monthly grade 4, 5, 6 events. Katie is in Grade 12 and attends the PVA Drama Program at Central Memorial High School. She has LOTS of energy and always brings a smile. Contact: (Jill) 403.999.9396 or onebodyyouth@gmail.com | Outreach Christmas 2010, Good Shepherd adopted family in need through NeighbourLink, and helped to make it a memorable Christmas.
The outreach committee at Good Shepherd is all about fellowship and helping others. In addition to making monetary donations to several nonprofit organizations and charities, we also coordinate activities and projects to better our community and world.
We donate to many local organizations including Meals on Wheels, Inn from the Cold, Interfaith Food Bank, CUPS and organizations on a global scale such as Women for Women for Afghanistan. We coordinate a PWRDF annual Sunday and other events throughout the year such as a “Mosquito Net Sunday” and stuffed socks at Christmas time. In an ongoing effort to our community, we designate one Sunday a month to helping the Drop-in Centre. Our Sunday School makes sandwiches once a month to help feed the hungry and teach young ones about homelessness. Also, once a month we urge parishioners to donate various canned protein items which go to help the needy through St. Edmunds Food & Clothing Bank. The outreach committee of the Church of the Good Shepherd is very active with new activities and projects. There are always ongoing happenings and always new ways to help others. |
Christian EducationThroughout the year the parish offers opportunities to explore more deeply various aspects of our Christian faith. Special events are led particularly during the church seasons of Advent and Lent, and some are held in conjunction with other churches. Look for these events to be advertised in the bulletin, website and Shepherd’s Voice newsletter.
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Social and fellowship opportunities are a huge part of the community of Good Shepherd. We celebrate the love of God through having fun together. Coffee hour after church, picnics, barbeque suppers, dances, dinner theatre, potluck lunches, children’s parties- these are all highlights of our social calendar!
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Music
Music is an essential part of worship for many in our
congregation. Our main source for music is the Anglican Church of Canada’s Common Praise Hymnbook(1998), our Good Shepherd Song Book and other contemporary music. The organ, piano and guitar are all used to accompany the congregation. Hymns are selected each week based on our scripture readings and themes that are current in the church community so that there can be integration within each individual’s worship experience. We have a small but mighty choir that meets every week before and after the 10AM service. They are an essential part in leading the congregation in our music ministry. The choir takes abreak over the summer months but are always eager to start back again in September! We always welcome new faces whether you want to sing with the choir, come play an instrument with us or suggest some new hymns or songs that you enjoy! Feel free to talk to Heather or Kersi if you feel this ministry speaks to you! | Art Studio
In the beginning…
Good Shepherd’s previous incumbent, Rev. Helen Belcher, and Kathie MacDuff were in the habit of fantasizing about a non-denominational retreat centre in the woods where people could rediscover their creativity. After Good Shepherd’s renovations, Helen approached Kathie with the idea of opening an art studio which would host regular classes, workshops and drop-ins for anyone interested. The Good Shepherd Art Studio opened its doors September of 2003! Since that time, numerous mixed media, watercolour and creative journaling classes have been conducted. We’ve hosted many acclaimed guest instructors and have facilitated numerous sales and exhibitions including the popular More Journals, a show featuring 100 visual books lovingly created by local artists. Everyone is welcome to work in community on whatever creative project they have while being able to access the studio resources. To find out more about the art studio or to arrange a tour, please contact the church. |
Building and Maintenance
Our terrific building and maintenance committee keeps our church in running order! They are responsible for the maintenance of church buildings and equipment, biannual cleaning bees, grounds upkeep and maintenance of inventory of property.
| Stewardship
‘Stewardship’-how we use and honour the resources that God has given us- is a concept that we seek to undertake as individuals and members of the parish. The ministry of members of the stewardship committee is to inform the church of the financial needs of the community, and the spiritual practice of giving.
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