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“Alongsiders” evolved originally under the umbrella of the AnglicanFellowship of Prayer. St. Paul’s Alongsiders was formed in September, 2001, and twenty members contribute, not only to their parish in daily prayer, but to the vast areas of need around the world. By so doing, they come “alongside” their parish in daily prayer, thus offering a powerful source of support for local congregations and churches. Every month, each alongsider receives a prayer calendar with suggestions or requests for prayer each day, as well as a bible reading for the day. Alongsiders are encouraged to pray for the clergy, the sick and those caring for them, those preparing for baptism and confirmation, Sunday school children and their teachers, the choir, those being married, along with any other parish needs as well as the world at large. Lord teach us to pray, Luke 11:1 The Cathedral Church of St. Paul has record of women's organizations dating to 1886. Some of these groups and possibly others were certainly in existence before this, but there are no surviving records. Many have long since ceased to exist but would have been included in ACW had this organization then been a reality. The organization, Anglican Church Women (ACW) is comprised of all the women in the Anglican Church. Anglican Church Women endeavour to reach an awareness of their part in Christ's mission, through fellowship based on worship, learning and sharing. Membership in the ACW is an automatic right. If you are an Anglican church woman, you automatically belong to the ACW in your parish. Membership is free! To participate you simply attend a regular meeting of your parish ACW. Here at St. Paul's there are two meeting monthly on the same day: the second Monday of each month. There is a meeting of the Afternoon ACW at 1:30pm in the Guild Room, and at 7:30pm that same day the Evening Women's Group meet in the Guild Room. The ACW sponsor many events in the Church year. Marmalade making, Thrift Sales, Lenten lunches, Fashion Shows and Christmas Bazaars are just a few of the things in which the ACW is involved. Any funds raised during the course of the year are donated to worthwhile causes at the end of the year. For more information, please contact Ann Tonkin, President of St. Paul's ACW.Generation Next is a community of young adults known for much more than just gathering in a common place through a loose affiliation with one another. Its members join together with one another, to take the next step on their journey in faith. They have come to do this not only as a ‘community,’ but ‘in communion’ with one another – united by purpose for the future, respect for its past, care for one another, and faith in their God. The community in its first year of formation gathers in fellowship twice a month, working to nurture the vision of the church for the next generation, and for many generations to come. For more information contact David Giffen at dgiffen@stpaulscathedral.on.ca. Lets Invite God Here Together The L.I.G.H.T.works Ministry Team consists of a group of parishioners whose ministry focuses on how the Cathedral welcomes the stranger into our midst. They suggest ways that we as a parish community can include newcomers and visitors in the spirit of Christ's love and friendship. They help the members of the Cathedral think about effective communication vehicles of our parish life to those who are new - for example, brochures which tell the story of who we are as people of God, or special programs designed for newcomers to get acquainted with parishioners and/or our ministries. Team members remind us of what it was like to be a new person or a new family at the Cathedral. They share what being a friend to a newcomer needs to be. They help determine what makes a newcomer feel most at ease and how we can assist a newcomer in getting integrated into the life of our parish without being overwhelmed. They help us to remember to introduce ourselves to those we don't know and to invite new persons to join us for our coffee hour. They emphasize how important it is for us all to listen to the newcomer and for each of us to focus on simply being a friend to the new person(s) in our midst. The Parish Council represents the congregation in the daily affairs of the church. The Council of St. Paul's Cathedral operates to enable the clergy and the laity to work together, to spread the Gospel, to minister to each other and the community, and to meet its obligation to the Diocese of Huron and the Anglican Church of Canada. The Parish Council helps St. Paul's Cathedral Carry out its mission in downtown London. The standards of the Anglican Church are upheld, at the same time, the Parish is allowed to change and grow in accordance with the developing life of the congregation and to suit the changing conditions and needs of the local community. The main objectives and duties of the Parish Council are as follows:
For more information, please contact Jim Ferguson or Barb Bidner, Wardens, through the main office. Readers and lectors are ministers serving the liturgical assembly in the Proclamation of the Word. They are not simply functionaries that pronounce words aloud, but true ministers called from among our faith community to proclaim the scriptural word of God in worship. The word of God, as proclaimed in sacred scripture, lies at the heart of Christian life and is integral to all our liturgical celebrations. The scriptures declare God's saving acts, reveal the pattern of God's grace, and announce God's covenant with the church and the world. The Proclamation of the Word is a dialogue between God and God's People in which the church is shaped its identity and mission in Jesus Christ through Scripture, preaching, praise and prayer. Duties of readers and lectors include:
The benefits of being a reader or lector are tremendous. As a reader or lector you will benefit from a deepening appreciation of both the Bible and the Liturgy, and enjoy satisfaction in helping fellow parishioners recognize God's grace in their lives and grow in the life of faith. Furthermore, through your study, prayer, skills and faith, you will serve the assembly by "breaking open" the word for us. Gifts Needed
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The Altar Servers recite this prayer before each service: "Grant, we beseech Thee, Almighty God, to us thy servants the spirit of holy One of the greatest privileges is to serve at the altar. That act alone has had an influence on countless lives, and to have the privilege of assisting at the Holy Eucharist as well as at Diocesan events, weddings, funerals and other special services is truly a rewarding experience. Altar Servers are chosen from among the faithful who display a desire to serve our Lord in a more intimate way. It is an extreme privilege to kneel so close to the altar. Accordingly, the Gospel Server, Epistle Server, Crucifer, and Acolyte have a solemn responsibility to do the assigned duties with attention, dignity and reverence. The primary role of the Altar Server is to assist the priest in the celebration of the liturgy during Mass. This is done through specific actions and by setting an example to the congregation by active participation in the liturgy. Training is provided and the schedule is flexible to meet your own personal schedule. If you would like to become a member of the Altar Servers please make your desires know to: The Reverend Deacon Pat Henderson Chaplain to the Altar Servers. Members of the St. Paul's Cathedral Welcoming Ministry (Greeters and Hosts) are often the first official representative of Jesus Christ seen by people entering God's house. The attitude which the Greeters and Hosts communicate to members and visitors helps set the spiritual tone for everything else which is to happen. As an official representative of the church and of Jesus Christ, we have an enormous opportunity to help prepare people's hearts for learning, worshipping, and evangelism. Priests and Choir members minister to people in groups; however, Greeters and Hosts minister to people as individuals. Seekers are visiting for a reason. If you listen, you will hear stories relating how visitors felt the "urge" to come or had just experienced a critical event in their lives. No matter how hidden it might seem, we believe that the hand of God is always present when individuals are seeking a religious community. A Spirit-directed word of encouragement, reassurance, or kindness may be the most significant ministry some people receive in their entire church experience and we are thankful to be a part of the welcoming ministry here at St. Paul's Cathedral. For more information about the Welcoming Ministry, please contact The Rev'd Deacon Pat Henderson. |
 
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