Rideau Park United Church
Spirituality Groups and Events
 |
Opening to God Studying the Word Building Up the Body of Christ
|
There are many ways to understand Christian spirituality. It is about all of life and how faith informs our living. Our goal as a community of faith is to offer opportunities for people to engage in their own pilgrimages and journeys towards a deeper understanding of themselves, their faith and their place in the world.
Spiritual Direction: There are members and staff of the congregation who are trained as spiritual directors. Spiritual direction is about having someone help you listen for God’s voice and activity in your own life by asking questions and making you more attentive to where the Spirit is at work.
Retreat Times: During the year there are opportunities to go on retreat. These times are designed to be as stress-free as possible and to open a window of time in your busy life to focus on your relationship with God. The fall retreat is being held Nov. 27-28 at Galilee in Arnprior.
Personal Prayer and Devotion: This is not something scheduled at the church, but an invitation to be intentional in making time to catch our breath, to recognize all we have been given and reflect on how far we’ve come, to more fully develop our mind and spirit, to seek out the richness of maturity and the wisdom it can bring. This practise encourages us to reflect upon the past with compassion, embrace the present, to live fully in each moment and to step into each new day with a sense of purpose and wonder, enjoying each for the priceless gift it is. See also: Prayer Chain.
Bereavement Support Group: There will be a support group in the fall for those living through grief. This group is led by a person qualified in bereavement support. It is a place to reflect on your journey through grief and to gain strength from others who share the same experience.
Lectionary Bible Study meets on Wednesday mornings (9:30 - 11:30 am) to explore the lectionary text for the
coming Sunday worship service. Led weekly by the minister preaching on the Sunday, participants engage in conversation about the meaning of texts for
their daily living, adding to the minister’s own thoughts and reflections about the text. Starts Wednesday, September 16th.
Note: you can also participate in this study online!
Lenten Study: Included in the options for Lent is a time of study and special places and times for prayer and reflection. We also have a labyrinth located in Beecroft Hall at this special time of year.
Lenten Book Study: One of the options during Lent will be an opportunity to gather with others who are reading the same book and to reflect together in discussion and sharing.
Men’s Bible Study meets about once a month on Saturday mornings offsite. Contact Bas Groeneweg (613-731-4606) for information.
See also: Youth Bible Study, Confirmation Classes.
Building Up the Body of Christ
Spiritual Leadership: There is an ongoing program designed by the Spirituality Coordinating Group to help us develop a spirituality for leadership. Contact Chris Inrig at 613-738-5322.
Membership Classes are offered for both adults and teens wishing to join the congregation. Adult membership seminars will be offered by Elizabeth Bryce. Membership in our “family” indicates a deep commitment to nurturing the Christian faith of our community. These groups explore the making of that commitment.
Hear-Say for the Family is a Thursday evening supper program for families. Come and share in the fellowship of the table, meet your friends and make new ones, build connections that bind our families together in Christian community. We gather for supper at 5:45 pm and finish in time for children to participate in the music programs that begin at 6:30 pm. Starts September 11th.
Committee Work: There are many ongoing opportunities for service in the life of the congregation. Committees are always eager to receive new members who wish to join in their area of ministry. Contact the committee chair for information. See the Committees page for contact phone numbers.
Small Group Experiences: Rideau Park can seem like a big community where it is difficult to get to know people. One way of feeling more connected is to join a smaller group of people who share a common interest or experience. There are many such groups in the congregation. Speak to one of the ministers if you would like to find a small group that matches your interests.