Activities at The Church of the Incarnation

We are an energetic community and there's always lots going on. Below is a description of regular and current activities in our parish.

We are familiar with the term Christian Education, which used to mean Sunday school or children’s education. We give adult programmes as high a priority as children’s programmes.

For Adults

Everyone—from beginners to advanced—is welcome to join in our continuing adult education. We try to provide a variety of programmes to meet members’ needs and interests.

We have a bible study group that meets weekly. Sometimes we also have evening and weekend studies. We also have baptism preparation classes for parents whose children are being baptized and support groups, such as a bereavement/grief group, as required.

New groups/sessions are formed as the need and interest arises. Watch the bulletin or e-newsletter for upcoming opportunities. If there is anything else that would interest you, please let us know and we will help you get it started.

Adult education also takes place during services, of course, often with speakers or liturgies with a specialized focus.

For Children

We take learning seriously for all ages, but we take particular concern with our Children's Church and nursery school curriculum.

Our church school curriculum is based on the stories in the Bible or relevant themes in the life of the parish, with emphasis on the different styles of children’s learning. Please speak with the church school contact for further details.

Although children are welcome to take communion whenever they or their parents are ready, we do provide communion instruction for children over age 7. The classes are for the whole family, and help the children understand the significance of the meal we share together.

Nursery

We provide a nursery for children up to age 3. We understand that parents need to know their youngest children are safe and happy before they can relax and participate fully in worship. A trained nursery supervisor is assisted by parish volunteers. Please pick up your children from the nursery following the Lord’s Prayer.

Library

Our resource library is set up in the chapel and has material on parenting, worship, ethics, social justice and spiritual journeying—as well as books geared to a child’s level of understanding.

We have a vibrant music program at Incarnation, with a mix of contemporary and traditional, sacred and "pop". Our four-part choir leads the congregation in singing and also performs their own music. Talented members of our community also contribute through playing at services and special events. We are always looking for people to share the spirit of singing and music.

Our social activities are an essential part of our church life, because they bring us together and foster a sense of community. There are different events to suit everyone’s interests. You can find out about them in the Sunday bulletins and the
e-newsletter.

The easiest way to get to know us is by sharing coffee, tea, or juice after the service. Take a few minutes to stay and chat.

We try to have many intergenerational events that include all members, young and old, whether single, married, or in families. Past events have included pancake suppers, BBQs, golf days, Halloween parties and Christmas brunches. We also occasionally have adults-only events, to get to know one another without worrying about the children.

Please join us in any of our social activities that interest you. And if you would like to start something new, please contact us.

Need write-up here on Social Justice activities.

Our church is part of a wider community, both local, regional and international. As Christians, we are called to reach out to those in need and help with a hand out or a hand up. Along with the Social Justice group, Incarnation conducts several events and fundraising activities for various groups and individuals. Previous initiatives include food & clothing drives, women's shelter retreats, Habitat for Humanity, support for same-sex couple recognition and other awareness campaigns.

We are continually striving to be a spiritual and charitable leader in our community and our world. Please contact our Social Justice coordinator if you have a suggestion for other activities.

Incarnation offers ministry dedicated to children and young people in our parish. We have social events such as picnics and visits to theme parks that help keep "church world" a fun place to hang out.

Baptism

Baptism is the way that people become members of the Christian community. That’s why we celebrate it as part of our Sunday service when we gather together for worship. We have baptisms as needed throughout the year. If you wish this sacrament for your child, or for yourself, please contact Owen a few weeks in advance to arrange a date and baptism preparation meetings.

Parish Sponsors will help with baptism preparation and be present with you on the day of baptism. They are a symbol of the relationship our whole community has to the newly baptized and to one another, in keeping with the familial relationship which existed in the early Christian community. This may be of particular interest to those who are new to the community and whose family and friends are some distance away. Of course, you are welcome to choose sponsors (godparents) as well.

Communion

Sharing in a meal of bread and wine is an expression of our intimate relationship with each other and with Christ. Everyone is welcome to receive communion, regardless of age or religious affiliation. Children and babies routinely take communion, in the ways that seem appropriate to their parents and themselves.

Confirmation is not a pre-requisite to receive communion. However, we do offer instruction for those age 7 and up, whether before or after their first communion.

Confirmation

Baptism is the rite of initiation into the Christian faith—as a baptized person, you are a full member of the church.

Confirmation is the renewal of the promises made at our baptism. We encourage confirmation for those who have a mature desire to take on these promises as they assume adult responsibilities in the community. Those who have already been confirmed may choose to re-affirm their faith through a similar ceremony.

Please contact Owen to arrange preparation classes.

Weddings

Holy matrimony is a celebration of the love between two people that reflects God’s compassion and mutuality with humanity. If you would like to get married, please contact Owen at least two months before making any firm plans, so he can arrange for the service and the use of the church.

Funerals

As a community, we will be present with you in times of bereavement. Hopefully we will be aware of a need beforehand, but we ask you to let us know as soon as possible after your family member or friend has died. Owen will be available to assist with arrangements for the funeral and to support you in your grief.