For more information about any ministries at St. Thomas’, please contact the church office.

Visiting the sick and dying
The clergy invite notice at any time of parishioners and others who are experiencing grave illness, whether at home or in hospital, and wish to be visited for prayer, comfort and companionship. Our lay readers and some others also have a deep interest in serving the community through this ministry.

Taking communion to shut-ins
Our clergy and lay readers welcome the opportunity to take Holy Communion and the reserved elements to those who are confined to their homes or a care centre.

Worship services in local care centres
Our clergy and lay readers have a regular schedule of leading worship in local care centres.

Counseling
Clergy traditionally are very open to meeting privately with individuals who seek prayer and discernment around troublesome issues in their lives. Our clergy bring broad and lengthy life experience to this ministry, as well as their special education and training and the power of spiritual insight and theological reflection.

Spiritual direction
Spiritual direction is a gift our clergy can provide to those who feel the power of the Holy Spirit moving in their lives and experience a yearning to learn more about how to recognize – and respond to – the Spirit’s call. Parishioners might also wish referral to someone within a community of specially-trained Spiritual Directors in the Edmonton area.

Prayer
Our clergy are always open to spending time in prayer individually with anyone seeking God’s peace and grace as they deal with grief, or joy, or questions. Your prayers may also be offered up during Prayers of the People on Sundays, and certain services also include a special Prayer Ministry during which individuals can pray privately with a Prayer Team at the altar rail.

Sunday Prayer Ministry
The first members of a St. Thomas’ Prayer Team were commissioned January 20, 2008, after a period of instruction by the Rev. Lori Calkins. Bi-monthly instruction sessions for team members and others interested in deepening their experience of prayer continues. Members of the Team are available in rooms behind the sanctuary during and after the 9 a.m. service on Sundays. Parishioners who wish to bring hurts or thanksgivings to God are invited to leave the sanctuary after receiving Holy Communion, and spend a little time with a prayer team. Parishioners who attend the 11 a.m. service are invited to come to church a little earlier than usual so that they also can avail themselves of this ministry. The prayer teams, who are committed to confidentiality, will not offer counseling or “fixes,” but will encourage and assist you in bringing your concerns to God.