Stewardship

St. Thomas’ Anglican stewardship theme for  2008 is "WHAT DO WE DO AFTER WE SAY YES TO JESUS."

WHAT DO WE DO AFTER SAYING YES TO JESUS?

                 - reflect on our thankfulness to GOD

                 - obedience of the scripture

                 - personal grow with continued spiritual growth

                 - faith with action (faith without action is not faith at all)

                 - spiritual connection between a generous giver and becoming rich with God

We need to give the first part of our day to meditation to GOD
We need to give the first part of our week to worship to GOD
We need to give the first part of our income to do GOD'S work
We need to give the first part of our social life to being good CHRISTIANS

STEWARDSHIP  is a time of  THANKSGIVING -  an opportunity to thank  GOD for all the blessings in our lives

What is STEWARDSHIP?  It is putting GOD'S love into action

Nursery
Care is provided in our nursery downstairs for children from birth to three years, while their parents worship. The nursery is staffed by adult caregivers and teen helpers during the 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. services.

Sunday School

Classes for three-year-olds to Grade 6 children meet during the 9 a.m. service each Sunday from September to June. There is also a Summer Sunday School program during July and August. The children join their families for Eucharist. Teams of teachers work in rotation to provide leadership.

The Seasons of the Spirit curriculum is used as it provides the opportunity and flexibility to integrate the children in the adult worship service, based on lectionary readings and seasons of the church year. Youth helpers occasionally assist the teachers, as do clergy and members of the drama and music teams.

Youth Group
A leadership team helps coordinate activities for youth 13 and up, to build their relationships with one another and with God. There are gatherings for movies or games, as well as opportunities for learning and growing in faith. Our youth also participate in outreach projects and joint youth events with other churches.

Adult courses
Clergy and lay people have participated in leading study courses following Wednesday evening services and at other times through the year, ranging from reflections on the Psalms to women’s and general Bible studies.

St. Thomas’ has a tradition of strong clergy and lay leadership for Alpha and Cursillo courses.

Stewardship Education
St. Thomas’ holds an annual fall stewardship campaign that includes teaching and community building. Parishioners have participated in leading and attending Planned Giving courses.

Outside our own parish –
Diocesan summer camps
The Anglican Diocese of Edmonton offers many different summer camps for youth in grades 2 to 12, covering a wide range of camping and adventure experiences. Financial assistance is available in some cases. Opportunities also exist for teens and adults to become counsellors and staff volunteers. Visit www.edmonton.anglican.org.

Together Encountering Christ
Together Encountering Christ is a four-day weekend retreat (held just east of Sherwood Park) for young people of various denominations to experience Christ through Christian community, Christian living, Christian teaching and Christian love. Anyone in Grade 11 and up to the age of 22 is eligible to attend. A TEC community provides ongoing support and encouragement for young people as they explore their Christian ideals after the weekend. The event is affirming and, for many, life-changing. For more information visit http://www.edmonton.anglican.org/tec/.

Alpha
See also http://www.alphacanada.org/
A 10-week course for those interested in finding out more about the Christian faith. Anglican-based Alpha is held at St. Thomas’ as interest warrants, and courses may also be found at many other local churches. Those who have participated may also be interested in leadership opportunities with Alpha courses in youth settings, in the workplace, and in correctional institutions.

Cursillo
See also http://www.edmontoncursillo.ca/
The Cursillo Movement is one method of renewal in the Church. Its purpose is to help those in the church understand their individual callings to be Christian leaders. This leadership may be exercised in work situations, in the family and social life, in leisure activities and within the church. Cursillo ("kur-see-yo") is a Spanish word which means a short course. The full title is Cursillo de Christiandad, meaning a short course in Christian living. Cursillo is a four-day retreat and an ongoing community of love and support that promotes Christian ideals, fellowship and spiritual growth. Many members of St. Thomas’ have gone on Cursillo weekends and served as leaders – contact any of them or the church office for more information.

Sorrento Centre
See also http://www.sorrento-centre.bc.ca/
Sorrento Centre on Shuswap Lake in Interior B.C. has offered a beautiful setting for inspiration, gathering and growth for more than 40 years. The Centre is supported by the Diocese of Edmonton, and has hosted many St. Thomas’ parishioners as participants, course leaders and youth staff. With affordable lodging and conference/retreat facilities, and very cost-effective cabin and camping options, Sorrento Centre offers many fascinating opportunities for spiritual growth and personal renewal each year.