The Christian community of St. Martin’s Cathedral in Gander, Newfoundland strives to include all age groups in a variety of worship styles and opportunities. The Rector of St. Martin’s, the Reverend John Watton, reminds the church community that it is important to meet people where they are, which includes taking into account today’s culture.
Worship and Ministry for Children at St. Martin’s Cathedral
At St. Martin’s Cathedral the children and youth are not looked upon as just the future of the Church, but rather as important and contributing members today. They are encouraged to stretch and grow in their faith, using their talents and abilities to engage in ministry and reach out to their local and global neighbours.
The children at St. Martin’s Cathedral are active in Sunday school, participate in and lead worship services and programs, sing in a junior choir, participate in children’s talks and take part in special celebration services and events.
Worship and Ministry for Tweens and Teens at St. Martin’s Cathedral
The tweens and teens of St. Martin’s Cathedral are very active members of the church community. They participate in a variety of activities, including scripture reading, serving on the alter, singing in the youth choir, playing and singing in a youth band, helping with Sunday school, taking Confirmation classes and performing in a dance crew. They also take part in special celebration services and events.
During this past year, many of the children and youth in the choirs, band and dance crew traveled to lead worship in another church. Recently, many of the children and youth of St. Martin’s signed on to a Challenge Program to develop activities that will raise funds and awareness to provide a well for a village in India. This is intended to support the H.A.V.E. (Help a Village Effort) organization.
Worship and Ministry for Adults at St. Martin’s Cathedral
The adults at St. Martin’s are involved in an extensive range of worship and ministry. They have leadership roles on the vestry and several sub-committees. Adults also do readings, serve as Eucharistic assistants, do the work of the Altar Guild, support Baptismal preparation, serve as sides people, perform in the Cathedral Choir and a praise band.
The adult members bring worship and fellowship to the seniors’ homes, as well as to people who cannot get out to church activities. Many of the women are very active in the Anglican Church Women’s group, where they perform a variety of services. The church family also includes members of Cursillo, who minister with prayer, as well as to the elderly and shut-ins. There is also a group of people dedicated to taking prayer requests.
The adults of this Christian community have many opportunities to broaden their faith. There are Bible studies and a Biblical studies program, as well as "teaching" services. As an extension of Queen's College, located in St. John's, Newfoundland, St. Martin's Cathedral boasts a well-stocked library of resource materials.
Intergenerational Worship and Ministry at St. Martin’s Cathedral
St. Martin’s Cathedral offers a variety of worship styles including Morning Communion and Evensong from the 1962 Book of Common Prayer, Holy Eucharist from the 1985 Book of Alternative Services, Family Contemporary Worship services and Evening Praise services. Throughout the year there are also special services and celebrations.
The various age groups in the community all have their preferences when it comes to attending worship. However, there are many occasions when the different generations of the church family come together and overlap, supporting each other in fellowship, worship and ministry.
Stella Walsh - Stella Walsh is a Christian writer, student of theology, elementary school teacher, committed church volunteer and photography ...
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