The worship at St.Michaels is a mixture of contemporary and traditional using set forms of Anglican services with both structure and informality.
Every Sunday 8:30 a.m. Holy Communion (BAS) (no music)
1st,3rd,5th Sunday 10:00 a.m. Holy Communion (BAS) (music)
2nd, 4th Sunday 10:00 a.m. Mattins (BAS) (music).
Every Thursday 10:00 a.m. Holy Communion (BAS) (no music)
(BAS = Book of Alternate Services -Green)
There is refreshment and fellowship time after most of the services
The Sunday School now named S.T.E.P.S (Stories, Told, Shared, Experienced, Practiced) takes place during the 10 a.m. service. A rotation workshop system is used so that children of all abilities learn a Bible story over 5 weeks using 5 ways (e.g. drama, crafts etc.). We begin each week with songs, prayers and a story in the tent. The children remain in the church for a song and prayer. On occasions they prepare and lead the worship . When Holy Communion is celebrated they come upstairs after Sunday School to join with family until the service is over.
There is a supervised Nursery during the 10 a.m. service.
There is a good PA system in the church and books with large print in the pews. The large entrance area may be used by parents with children if they need to stand or sit and still see and listen to the service.
F, Baptisms, Private Communion, Blessings on a new child, marriage, home are arranged with the clergy.
Sacraments and Ministries
Back to Worship.
The following are both sacraments and ministries at St Michael’s. There are further information leaflets at the back of church for those able to access it, otherwise for those from out of town and on request information can be sent to you. Contact 1-807-767-4711 Parish Secretary: Katie Kirkpatrick.
|Baptism |Baptism Preparation |Confirmation |Life in the Eucharist |
|Weddings |Funerals |Private Communion |Blessings |
Baptism
Adults or the parent(s) of children to be baptised are asked to contact the rector who will arrange an initial meeting with you to share some information and fill out the application form.
Baptism takes place during the weekly services esp Sunday and the appointed times for baptisms are January “Jesus’ Baptism”; March/April — Easter Sunday; Pentecost (40 days after Easter); October — Thanksgiving and November — All Saints. Other times are possible in consultation with the rector.
Baptism Preparation
There is a 1.5 hour workshop at the church arranged at a convenient time prior to the baptism date with parents and godparents of those to be baptised asked to attend. This involves discussion, video, pictures, symbols and more and we look at the meaning and relevance of baptism, the commitment involved by the family, church and God, the meaning of the symbols such as water, with a rehearsal of what to do and when to help you feel more familiar with everything.
Confirmation
Confirmation is an opportunity for an individual child or adult 12 years and up to “confirm” their commitment to God, a commitment that was made for them when they were baptised. It is not to be rushed into and is a stepping stone in the Christian life-journey, a continuation in learning what it is to be a Christian. It is no longer just about admission to Communion. (See note on “Life in the Eucharist”)
The course covers 5 areas: Belonging, Church, God, Jesus and Christian Living with approx. 10 sessions of 1 1/2 hours as well as several outings, a meal together and a rehearsal at the church. The Confirmation course happens when there is a need.
Life in the Eucharist
A program offered prior to Confirmation for children grade 2 and up designed to help them participate more fully in the Eucharist as well as to help parent(s) and children share their faith with one another. It is run in the Fall and Spring if the numbers are there. The program centres around a course book at which children and families work together at home and at the church.
Weddings
Weddings in the Church are an opportunity for a couple to publicly commit themselves to one another and to ask both God’s blessing on and presence within their marriage. The wedding day is one small part of a life-journey together.
Couples need to discuss desired arrangements at least 6-9 months prior to the possible wedding date, especially if one or both parties has been divorced.
After an initial meeting when guidelines will be given out and an application form filled in 2 other meetings will be scheduled to organize the service, explain its meaning, with a questionnaire filled out by the couple looking at such issues as expectations, intimacy, communication and the spirituality of Christian marriage.
Also involved is attending a marriage prep workshop organised and held in Thunder Bay on a Saturday. It all gives you the tools to sustain a loving and lasting relationship in learning about yourselves and your relationship, what is good and strong in your relationship and what you need to work at.
Those who live outside of town who want to get married at St Michael’s will be asked to arrange to attend a marriage preparation course in their area.
Funerals
When someone dies, you are thrust into uncharted territory. You need to make decisions about services, caskets, burial or cremation, the list goes on, all in the midst of your grief.
St. Michael’s is here to assist you in any way possible, to offer pastoral care and counsel in planning the service and the reception.
There is a booklet entitled “My Last Wishes” available at the church office for $10 to people to use to prepare for their funeral and assist their familes when the time comes.
Private Communion (in the home or hospital)
For those sick or housebound, unable to get to church over a period of time.
Hospital Visitation: The rector in confidence depends on people informing him of those in hospital and so if you or a loved one are admitted to the hospital please let him know so you can be included in the prayers and have a visit arranged.
Blessings
There are a number that can be performed including of a newborn baby or a house.
For more information see the leaflets at the back of church. To make arrangements relating to any of the above or in an emergency contact the Rev Peter Smyth at 767 4711. There is also an answering service at this number with alternative contact information.
Thank you for letting us serve you.