This page is written by a Newcomer to help other Newcomers.

HELLO !! LET'S TRY TO ANSWER YOUR QUESTIONS
We all know the feeling! We walk into a church that we haven't been in before and it seems as if everyone knows one another and that everyone but you knows the drill! It is not true!! In a church such as Christ Church Stouffville, lots of the congregation do know other members, some know very few, perhaps only those that they have spoken to previously or met at a church dinner or other function. It takes time to get to know people and for them to get to know you, but be patient and just go with the flow as they say.

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN WE WALK THROUGH THE FRONT DOOR?
On Sunday mornings you will be met at the door by greeters who rotate weekly and are there to politely welcome everyone, including you. They may or may not recognize you as a newcomer, but if you ask their help they will gladly be there for you and maybe introduce you to the Ministers or another person from the congregation. As you go into the service you will be given a bulletin outlining the service, page numbers etc.

CAN WE SIT ANYWHERE?
When you enter the worship area of the church for the first time, you wonder if you might be sitting in someone else's seat. Don't worry, there are no reserved spaces, the regulars do have their favourite seats close to others they know, but everyone understands and will be pleased that you are there. Sit wherever you feel comfortable.

HOW DO WE FOLLOW THE SERVICE?
For the service, most of us follow the instructions in the bulletin that you will receive as you enter, plus the Minister announces the pages as the service goes. Hymn numbers are on the boards at the front. During prayers, some people kneel, others sit with bowed heads, it is totally your own choice. There are two books to use, the green book is prayers and the blue book is hymns. Services lean toward traditional with modern touches, and generally last approximately one hour. There is a Homily (or Sermon as it was called), by one of the Ministers which takes 10 minutes, usually having a clear and contemporary message. Those who wish to take Communion go up to the altar in rotation, supervised by sidespeople, you may stand or kneel as you see fit.

WILL WE BE ASKED TO PUT SOMETHING IN THE COLLECTION PLATE?
There is an informal collection during the service, but don't feel obligated if you have any concerns. Obviously, this parish is wholly supported by congregants and donations toward facilities, so all donations will be very welcome. At some point, should you decide this is a good church for you and your family, you may wish to contribute regularly through our envelope system or on a direct bank transfer basis, but all is optional and up to you.

HOW DO WE KNOW WHAT SOCIAL EVENTS ARE COMING UP?
At the end of the service the Minister makes his announcements followed by other people with their own announcements, it is amazing as a newcomer to hear how much is going on, and you get the feeling that this congregation is strongly committed to the Stouffville community. It finishes with an invititation to join others for coffee if you wish.. It is served in the new Great Hall, which is through the door to the right, and about half the congregation do this.

IF WE GO FOR COFFEE, HOW WILL WE MEET OTHERS?
In the Great Hall, where coffee is served, do not be surprised if no-one approaches you right away, but you should absolutely feel free to introduce yourself to someone. It is best if you pick someone of your own age group who will likely have similar interests. Usually, coffee-time lasts about half an hour or so. (On special occassions we have a lunch) Ideally, we would hope that a regular member would approach you, but they may not even realize you are new, this is a big parish, it may take a few visits to get the hang of it. We encourage people to wear name badges, and will gladly provide you with one, just ask a Warden.

WHAT ABOUT MY CHILDREN?
If you have children, feel free to have them join the other kids or youth, who get together at 10-o-clock in the new section and come into the service prior to communion. The young peoples programmes are very strong here and your children will quickly make new friends. They are segregated by age group, and it starts with a nursery, which is right opposite the front door. This is a good way to get to know other parents with similar interests. Teaching Christian values to young people has very high priority in this parish, and we are delighted with what these young people are currently doing. They are led by competent adult volunteers, committed to the programme. There are many other activities for young people during the week.

ARE THERE SPECIAL THINGS FOR SENIORS?
If you are a Senior, perhaps just moving into the area, we have a number of Seniors programmes, which are listed on another page of the website. If you need assistance with anything, please ask. There is also information on our Website especially for Seniors, with useful links to health and welfare issues.

HOW CAN MY EXPERIENCE AT ANOTHER CHURCH BE UTILISED?
If you have skills that will be of benefit to Christ Church, we will be pleased to open opportunities for you that will match your talents. If you have been involved at some level in another church and would like to continue with us here in a similar way, feel free to make your views known. There are sign-up sheets for various activities on the notice board, and many photos showing past events to give you some idea of our scope. Christchurch is currently in growth mode along with the Stouffville community, having recently added substantial new facilities. As you become more comfortable with a new parish, you may wish to bring a friend or neighbour along, and to introduce them to others. In any event, regardless of your involvement, we sincerely like to see you here, at some point perhaps to help you with life-situations, baptisms, weddings, funerals, etc. This is very much a church appreciated by its members, and strongly led by the Ministers, Wardens and volunteers. We sincerely hope to include you and your family in its growth and worship.

WELCOME !! ....... please come again.

Glossary of Terms

Baptism: the ceremony of cleansing used when a person becomes a member of the Christian Church.

Confirmation: a conscious reaffirmation of baptismal vows, for those baptised as babies.

Congregation: the group of people who attend a church.

Creed: a formal statement of Christian belief.

Diocese: a regional grouping of parishes under the direction of a bishop.

Eucharist: another term for Holy Communion, or the service containing it.

Gospel: one of the four accounts of the life of Jesus in the New Testament.

New Testament: the part of the Bible dealing specifically with Christianity, and containing the Gospels.

Old Testament: the part of the Bible predating Jesus, and containing Jewish religious laws and traditions.

Parish: an individual church, and the area for which it has responsibility.

Sacrament: one of the core ceremonies of the Church, defined as 'outward and visible signs of inward and spiritual grace'.

Theologian: a scholar who studies questions of God and religion.

Trinity: the combination of the three recognised aspects of God, known as Father, Son (Jesus of Nazareth) and Holy Spirit.