Being a nurturing family means that we are interested in promoting and developing the Christian fellowship that was brought into being over 50 years ago. We do this in a number of ways that may not appear to be all that remarkable. A time of conversation takes place following every Sunday service so that our relationships with one another are nurtured. A men's group and a women's group exist which also helps with the nurturing. Small informal groups meet on a weekly basis to support one another and learn more about Jesus. An active and well-lead Sunday School helps the younger members of the congregation grow in a nurturing environment as well
In addition to the items mentioned above, the members of the congregation are involved in the Cursillo Movement and the Challenge Community. Both of these are Diocesan wide organizations that provide encouragement and support. Confirmation classes and regularly offered Bible Studies also assist with the process of nurturing our relationship with Jesus Christ and with each other.
The word "worship" means 'we declare what God is worth to us'. In order to assist the congregation in doing this a weekly gathering is organized. The Sunday church service is organized in such a way that everyone who attends has the opportunity to 'declare what God is worth to them'. Each person who attends these gatherings is an important part of our collective expression of worship. While some have leadership responsibilities everyone who attends is asked to be completely engaged in the liturgy. Assistance in leading various components is open to all and training is provided where needed.
Not only is the Sunday gathering organized but members of the congregation are encouraged to live as worshippers throughout the week. Finding ways of declaring what God is worth to us in our private lives, our work lives, and our public lives helps us to learn and grow in our understanding of how wonderful God really is.
One of our primary objectives is to make a positive impact on the society in which we live. We do so in a number of ways. A collection system is in place to gather donations for our local food bank and each year we hold special events designed to raise funds for this important ministry in Lively. We also support an organization that supplies guide dogs for those who are blind and one that helps provide wheel chairs and walkers for those who cannot afford one.
Knitters make squares that are stitched into blankets used by cancer patients receiving chemotherapy. A discretionary fund is available for those who have emergency financial needs. Our trained clergy provides grief counseling as well as marriage instruction for those who call upon the church for these services. People who need a low cost rental space are able to use our Parish Hall at the cost of a donation to the Church. Members of our congregation belong to a variety of other organizations which extend the helping hand even farther and we provide two low cost meals each year which serves to bring a spirit of fun and fellowship to those who live in Lively. In these and other ways we reach out to the community in which we live seeking to make a positive impact for God's sake.
'They will know we are Christians by our love'. The act of caring for those with whom we come into contact is a hallmark of our congregation. Our acts of caring begin with our prayers. Each week three households are brought before God in prayer on a rotating basis. Often a brief note is sent by mail to the household so that the members will know of our prayers. We also have a prayer chain which has dedicated members who offer prayers for crises that people are facing.
Other acts of caring include an informal contact system. Willing members of the congregation agree to contact, on a regular basis, certain other members. When a death occurs our women's group and other members reach out with messages of compassion as well as more practical helps such as meals and transportation. For baptisms and other events of a happier nature, the congregation responds with enthusiasm and care. As circumstances present themselves, this congregation responds with love and compassion.
Address: 231 6th Ave Lively, ON P3Y-1A1
Phone: (705) 692-3344
E-Mail: Contact Form
