[Anglican
Church Women | Chancel Guild | Mission
& Outreach | Youth Ministry ] Anglican Church Women (A.C.W.)
All women of St. Jude's are members of the ACW. This group provides an opportunity for women in the parish to become involved in outreach, catering, fund raising, crafts, etc., while at the same time enjoying fellowship. The ACW is divided into several groups, each with a different focus; however, the full ACW meets once each month, usually on the third Wednesday, to discuss business, socialize and plan for the future. The Wednesday Craft Group meets each Wednesday from 10.00 am to 4.00 pm from mid-January to November. Its primary task is to make craft items for the parish Christmas Bazaar which is held each November. There is usually a quilt in a frame to be stitched, and various other crafts in progress. New workers are always welcome - bring a bag lunch and share your talents and ideas. Commissions for quilts are welcomed - please contact the ACW president for more information, prices, etc. Chancel Guild
The Chancel Guild is made up of 12 members who are invited by the rector to serve God in His church by preparing the altar for the Holy Eucharist each Sunday and at other times as needed through the year. The Guild is responsible for cleaning and caring for the Sanctuary and Sacristy, keeping all the linens clean and in good repair, and caring for vestments and hangings. The Chancel Guild Flower Convener arranges for altar flowers each week. These are usually provided by parish members who have offered this gift to the church as a memorial or in thanksgiving (a sign-up list is kept on the parish Info Centre in the Narthex). The Guild also arranges for the purchase of candles for the Sanctuary, which can be given as gifts by parish members, as for the flowers. (Sign-up sheets for these are posted in the Narthex) Mission & Outreach
"To exercise in partnership with others just stewardship of the world's resources and to respond with compassion to those in need" The Mission Committee of St. Jude's has the responsibility of identifying this mission and responding to it. We do this in many ways: If there are parish members in need, the rector relays that information to the committee, which can arrange for assistance. Local agencies working among the poor and needy are supported by the committee, including the Huron Hunger Fund and the Primate's Fund for World Relief and Development. Groceries are collected for the Daily Bread organization at St. Paul's Cathedral. Food and similar items can be brought to the church at any time for transportation to the cathedral. Committee members work with an ecumenical group of eight churched to sponsor refugee families and to assist them to settle in Canada, and to respond to other local needs in which the churches can perform a useful work. A "C*R*A*S*H" cupboard (Conserve, Recycle, and Share) is found in the church Narthex. In this is collected numerous articles that might otherwise be thrown away but which can be of use to charitable organizations. A complete list of such items is posted on the Info Center. Youth MinistryThe Church of St. Jude is extremely proud of the magnitude of the contribution made by the youth of this parish. We currently have one of the largest Sunday School enrollments in the diocese, and our Youth program very often makes the difference for choosing St. Jude's as one's place of worship. The Youth group, or "Dudes," is for members between the ages of 9 to 13 (grades 4 and up). The program promotes spirituality, fun, fellowship and finance. Every month there is at least one outing for the Dudes that is strictly for fun (bowling, movie night, etc.) We also have fund-raising events to help support the fun events and other worthwhile causes. These events are just as much fun as the fun events! To find out more about the kind of activities we get involved in, contact the youth group leaders listed in the Parish Directory. This is a great way to get to know people in the church. Rental OpportunitiesThis Committee meets on a regular basis through most of the year to review current rentals and evaluate requests for the use of church facilities. It also develops and oversees rental policies. Rooms are available for outside group functions, and all requests are handled by the Parish Hall Manager; call the office at 660-6198 in the first instance. Music Ministry
St. Jude's has a reputation as a "singing" church, with strong participation by the congregation in the hymns and service music. Leading in the singing are the Adult Choirs and the Youth Singers, who enhance our understanding of the Scripture with anthems. New members are always welcomed into either choir - practices are on Thursday evenings. For those who cannot dedicate every Thursday evening for choir practice but wish to sing during the festival times of the church year - Christmas and Easter - consider joining the Festival Choir, which is organized in the weeks immediately preceding the festival and can disband afterwards. Our talented youth and other parish members often contribute their singing and instrumental skills at these times. The "live" acoustics of the new sanctuary attracts choirs from the area for recitals and for recordings. A "Choir fest" in the early part of the year brings together several musical groups for an enjoyable and eclectic evening. An enthusiastic group of Young Singers welcomes young parish members. Led by Mark Fletcher and Brent Leckie, this group offers contemporary songs for the parish liturgy, and leads the 10:30 am Family Eucharist on the first Sunday of each month. Children's Ministry
St. Jude's' approach to Christian Education is rich and diverse. The goal, however, is quite simple - to facilitate spiritual growth and the learning of Christian stories - our faith foundations. Our Church school program encompasses Sunday morning classes for pre-school to grade nine children, including a weekly worship time, with special celebrations for Holy Days, etc. Our families enjoy special pre-seasonal workshop events to further understanding of the symbols and pageantry of our Anglican faith. St. Jude's is one of the few parishes in London to develop and offer Holy Day programs for school children. These take place at least once each year and provide a rich experience for the young participants, as well as the adult leaders. "Take home" material is always prepared in order to encourage "family-centered" learning too. Our annual Youth retreat is one more avenue which facilitates an individual and group Christian experience. We learn lots over the weekend and then bring it to share with our parish during the Sunday morning Youth Service. The seasonal or Church year focus provides the foundation of our adult and youth programs. This is intentional, in that it builds a strong sense of tradition and a sense of journey as we learn, share and celebrate together. Adults are encouraged to participate in the Advent or Lenten study series. Our Church school openings and resource material are based on the seasons. Much of the material is developed "in-house" so that it is appropriate for where we are now in terms of our concerns and faith development. An approved curriculum is used for classroom lessons up to Grade 7. The older youth members have their own special Sunday group, in which topics of current interest are discussed openly and frankly in the light of the Christian life. This challenging and enthusiastic group, led by experienced parishioners, is of great value to our parish life. Social & Fund RaisingThese two groups work closely together to promote social events for parish members, and to develop fund-raising activities that will generate new income for the parish. While responsible for the activities, the Committee members are not necessarily required to do the actual organization, but will find parish "volunteers" to do this, thus ensuring participation of as many members as possible in parish events. Events developed and overseen by these Committees include: Parish picnic, Annual Yuletide Bazaar and Fair, Coffee House, Garage Sale, Craft Shows, St. Jude's Day celebrations, Movie nights and potluck suppers, Shrove Tuesday pancake supper, Choir concerts, and the Annual turkey supper. Parish members interested in such planning or organizing are invited to join; ideas for new events are invited and welcomed. [ Home | About Us | Services | Programs | Calendar | Notices | Links | Contact Us | In Memoriam ]
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