Alpha, Post-Alpha and Cursillo

The Alpha Program, which originated in England, is a course in basic Christianity and is of interest both to newcomers and long-time members. Alpha courses are offered several times a year and involve weekly evenings of fellowship, learning and discussion. Each week begins with a shared meal, which is followed by a video. After a break with dessert and coffee, people meet in small groups with a leader for discussion and sharing. Many volunteers make this program possible.

An Alpha Issues group continues to study Nicky Gumbel's book and meet once a month for discussion.

Cursillo is a Spanish word pronounced "Kur-see-yo" which means a short course. The fulll title is Cursillo de Christiandad, meaning a short course in Christian living.

Cursillo is one method of renewal in the Church. Its purpose is to help those in the Church understand their individual callings to be Christian leaders. This leadership may be exercised in work situations, in the family and social life, in leisure activities and within the Church.

 

Altar Guild

The Alter Guild is a group of dedicated people who coordinate the preparation of the altar for Sunday, mid-week and special celebration services. The duty roster is for two months of the year, approximately six months apart and the mid-week group is scheduled once a month. New members are always welcomed.

Flowers are placed at the altar each Sunday by members of the congregation, usually in memory of loved ones, a thankoffering or to commemorate a special event in their lives.

 

Choir

St. Mary's has a wonderful choir, who grow in their musical ministry under the direction of Peter Harding, Organist and Choir Director. New members are always welcome.

Practices are held weekly, and special anthems and songs are prepared for the parish on many occasions during the year.

 

Coffee Hour

Each Sunday, after the 10 a.m. service, all members of the congregation are invited to stay for coffee, tea and fellowship in the downstairs hall.

This is a wonderful opportunity for people of the parish to volunteer to make and serve the refreshments. Washing up afterwards is quick and easy, and often attracts even more volunteers who come and chat.

New coffee hour hosts are always welcome!

 

Decorating Committee

A committee to decorate the church for special celebrations including Christmas, Easter, and Thanksgiving, offers a time for fellowship and fun while helping St. Mary;s "dress up" for special events.

The committee welcomes both ideas and volunteers.

 

Ecumenical Links

St. Mary's has well-established ties with other Christian churches in the area. People of our parish visit other churches during Lent for special ecumenical services. The choirs from each of the congregations join in presenting music for their events.

The World Day of Prayer is observed each year in March.

People are invited to get involved in these events as they are announced in the Sunday bulletins. The pastors from each of the churches meet to share information and fellowship on a regular basis.

 

Kononia

Kononia means "fellowship". Fellowship with members of our parish family, young and not so young, adults and children. Kononia was began as a response to a need in the Parish for "events/activities" that would be inclusive of all our members.

Our events take place approximately every 2-3 months from September until May. Notices of events are placed in the Sunday bulletin.

The Kononia committee consists of four members at present, with a warm welcome to anyone interested in joining us. Planning meetings are held when needed.

We hope to see you at our next event. Watch your Sunday bulletin or the notice boards for news of our future activities.

St. Mary's hosts monthly card parties, offering fellowship and refreshments.

For further information, please contact the church office.

 

Newcomers' Group

St. Mary's hosts newcomers' evenings on a regular basis to welcome people who are new to the church and to answer any questions they may have. This gathering offers both information, and a chance to meet some of the parishioners involved in the various programs and groups of the church.

 

Tuesday Morning Men

This is a group of men who give their time and energy to keep St. Mary's in tip-top shape and reduce the maintenance costs of the parish.

Typical work includes painting, minor renovations, light maintenance and repairs. Men who wish to join this happy group are welcome. This is an ongoing program with an opportunity to work and serve the church in a different way.

 

Women's Group

The "Bag Ladies" are a group of women who meet monthly, on the second Monday of the month, from September to June. After a brown-bag lunch (hence the name "Bag Ladies"), we hear a guest speaker or have a social time.

We run various fundraising projects, including Penny Sales and the annual Palm Project, which supplies area churches with Palm Sunday fronds and crosses. The ladies knit and crochet various articles for area nursing homes and St. Mathews House.