Christianity is a living relationship with God in Jesus Christ. At St John’s and St Paul’s we want to help you grow in your faith as you come to know the fullness of God’s love and mercy for you in Jesus Christ. In addition to our weekly liturgies there are other opportunities for you to explore the Christian faith no matter your age or experience.

Children and Youth

“We will not hide them from their children; we will tell to the coming generation the glorious deeds of the Lord, and his might, and the wonders that he has done.” (Psalm 78:4)

Christians throughout the ages have rightly understood that the family is a “little Church” where the love of Christ is passed on from fathers and mothers to sons and daughters. Being a parent and raising your children is an important vocation and ministry. At St John’s and St Paul’s we consider it a privilege and a responsibility to support parents in the discipleship of their children and we take this very seriously.

• At home in the liturgy: Children of all ages are most welcome to remain in church during the service. We know that they can wiggle and make noise because that is the way God made them. Please feel free to sit near the front of the church so your little ones can see what is going on. Quietly explain to them the different parts of the liturgy. Teach them to sing and pray by doing so yourself. And if you feel that you must get up and leave please do come back!
• Sunday School: Children from pre-school to sixth grade are invited to participate in our Sunday School program that runs during the service (from September to June). This is staffed by a team of volunteers that have been approved through the Diocesan screening process.
• Youth Group: St John’s has a youth group that meets on the second and fourth Saturdays of the month from 6:00pm-8:00pm. Led by a trained, screened, and gifted team of adults the group brings together young people from grades 6-12 to grow in their faith, have fun, build meaningful relationships, and eat!
• Family events: At various times throughout the year we bring our families together for a group event. It could be a summer bonfire, pool party, or a pot-luck.

Small Groups

It is important to be together outside of the Sunday liturgy for times of study, support, and prayer. At any given time during the year you will find one or two small groups running throughout the parish. You are most welcome to join one of these groups. Examples of past small groups include:

• Six-week study of Being Disciples by Rowan Williams
• Lenten study on the theology of the Apostles’ Creed
• Monthly Theology-on-Tap meeting at a local bar
• Bible study on the Pentateuch

Parish Life

Our life as a parish is enriched in other ways as well.

• Pastoral Visitation: Not everyone can make it to church on Sunday and when this is the case we make an effort to visit with people where they are. We also provide monthly services at three different Barrie retirement homes. To arrange for a pastoral visit please contact The Rev’d Deacon Thomas Lapp.
• Parish Suppers: We gather on a semi-regular basis to eat together. Sometimes these events are ticketed with all of the funds going to support ministry in the parish. Other times we gather more casually for a corn roast or pot-luck.
• Events: Throughout the year various events are put on in our parish including our Christmas Bazaar, High Tea, Strawberry Dinner, Cemetery Service, Sugarbush Service, and more. For more information on upcoming events please click here.