Labyrinth
During Lent, and occasionally at other times, a Labyrinth is made available in Beecroft Hall. To walk the labyrinth is to prayerfully walk with God. It is a sacred space, where walking the pattern leads one into the centre, deeper into God. The Labyrinth is available each Friday afternoon during Lent. We are grateful to the family of the late Margaret Speakman, as a bequest she left to the church was used to purchase our labyrinth. It is 30 feet wide, is hand painted on poly canvas and it is a replica of the labyrinth in Chartres Cathedral. During Lent it will be available. For more information or to see about borrowing the labyrinth, please speak to Rev. Steve Clifton (613-733-3156 x225 or sclifton@rideaupark.ca).
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, 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.
Prayer Chain
Our Rideau Park Prayer Chain has begun the work of keeping the needs of our community in our prayers. The prayer chain is a group of people from the congregation who are committed to pray each day for concerns that are brought to them. Prayer requests for people can be sent to the chain by e-mail or phone. Prayers will then be offered. Names and circumstances need not be included with prayer requests and all information that is provided will be kept confidential within the chain. If you have a prayer request you can send it via e-mail to prayerchain@rideaupark.ca, or you can leave a message at the church at 613-733-3156 extension 227. If you would like to join our prayer group and offer prayers for our community, you can send your name to the e-mail address listed above.
Following is a beautiful prayer that can be used or modified by members of the prayer chain, or they can pray in their own words.
Prayer
God of Compassion and Strength: Give us, everywhere and always, a sense of Your presence, Your love, and Your strength. Help us to have perfect trust in Your protecting love and strengthening power, so that nothing may frighten or worry us, for, living close to You, we shall see Your hand, Your purpose, Your will in all things.
Amen (Ignatius of Loyola)
Online Studies
Some of the studies which we engage in at Rideau Park provide the opportunity for people near or far to access the study material (and in some cases also to participate) online. Currently, online access is available for the following studies:
An Introduction to Christian Meditation
Note: this study has now concluded, but the online notes are still available at the link given below.
Peace. Patience. Steadiness of Spirit. Calmness in the face of the storms of life. A sense of God’s presence deep within. These are just some of the benefits of meditation. On Sunday mornings in January, beginning January 9 (from 11:15 to 11:45 am) you are invited to An Introduction to Christian Meditation: four half-hour sessions to help anyone get started in the practice of meditation.
See the online notes for this study.
The First Paul
“The First Paul” by Marcus Borg and John Dominic Crossan: If you have the impression that Paul was conservative, read the online version of our study.
Note: this study has now concluded, but the online notes are still available at the link given below.
Visit the online version of this study.
Holy Currencies
Holy Currencies is a holistic model for stewardship and congregational vitality, moving beyond “time, talent, and treasure” to create missional and sustainable ministries. This model with its processes, enables church leaders to understand, develop, and utilize five other kinds of currencies besides money that are essential for creating sustainable and missional ministries.