"Sacred story" or narrative budget tells the story of what is being accomplished at St. Paul's & shows how we support mission and ministry through the church. It expands the present "line item" budget showing hydro and gas, photocopying, clergy & Diocesan expenses, etc., by telling the story of our ministry and showing where parishioners' donations are used.
Our major areas of ministry are the following:
Worship is the first reason for our community's existence.
Our worship involves many people who offer their gifts and their leadership to make our worship meaningful and joyful:- Readers read the "Word of the Lord" with clarity and confidence
- Prayer Leaders prepare and lead intercessions, share our concerns for one another, and lead corporate and individual prayers
- Servers and Chalice-bearers assist the Rector at the table of the Holy Communion
- Sidespersons welcome parishioners and newcomers, and collect and count the offering
- our Lay Reader serves in the parish, leading worship and preaching
Our Music Director:
- selects music appropriate for the theme of the readings for regular services, Feast Days and other special occasions
- leads a choir of twelve members which involves a considerable commitment of time and energy
- provides musical leadership and training for the congregation
- provides special music for the broader community at the Good Friday Ecumenical Service and the Carol Sing and Dessert Party
Altar Guild:
- prepare the vessels, linens, bread and wine used in services
- beautify our church with flowers
- decorate the church for special festivals
- faithfully serve in teams; long-time Guild members teach new members
Liturgy
- our church offers a contemporary form of Anglican worship, while upholding many of our loved traditions
- the community of faith, praise in music, and preaching of the Word, provide liturgies which are Spirit-filled, alive and relevant
Christian education is an important part of our faith journey
- Sunday School teachers who love our children and teach them our faith
- Youth ministry through the Parish Anglican Youth Group
- baptism, confirmation and wedding preparation
- educational materials from the Diocese for Advent and Lenten studies
- scriptural teaching at ACW meetings
- preaching of the Word nurturing spiritual growth
As shepherds of God's people, the church provides:
- pastoral visitation
- spiritual help and guidance
- crisis counseling and ongoing counseling
- home communion for shut-ins, seniors and those in hospital
- hospital visits, home visits, telephone calls
- communion services at Osgoode Care Centre and Orchardview
- funeral planning, funeral services and bereavement visits
- prayer through the support of the prayer chain and Sunday intercessions
- meals, flowers, cards and notes to the sick, seniors and shut-ins
Understanding ourselves as ministers of the Gospel by virtue of our Christian baptism:
- extending warmth and hospitality to newcomers and visitors
- promoting and cultivating a caring community
- providing a "newcomers card" with follow-up information
- fellowship & working together through Coffee Hour, Church Suppers, ACW Bazaar, Sunday School luncheons, Plant Sale, Yard Sale
- publicizing parish events through the Thanksgiving, Advent/Christmas and Easter newsletters, and special events through our church sign
- Anglican Church Women strong in outreach, generosity & fellowship
- providing our church hall to community groups
- outreach within our own community (Osgoode Youth Association, Naomi House for abused women, Home Support & The Poppy Fund have been recipients of the proceeds from the Christmas Carol Sing and Dessert Party in recent years)
- outreach beyond our community through the Diocese for church mission (the Well, Centre 454, Centrepoint);outreach to international need via PWRDF
- nurturing "Parish" fellowship through shared Holy Week, Easter & Christmas Day services, the Sunday School Picnic & Parish Suppers
- maintaining our church building and property
- visioning an accessible building
- ministry of our Treasurer and our Council
- being a financially self-sufficient church with a vibrant future
- thanksgiving for parishioners' generosity, hard work & faithfulness