Altar Guild
The Altar Guild assists the priest and other worship leaders in ensuring that worship services run smoothly. We care for all
the accoutrements and other items used in worship, from the sacred vessels and candlesticks, to the linens and hangings which
change seasonally or to accommodate such events as weddings and baptisms. We prepare everything for celebrations of the eucharist,
and we decorate the church for special occasions, such as Christmas, Thanksgiving, and Easter. We work to make our church a place
of meditation, peace, and joy for all. The Altar Guild welcomes new members. (top)
Serving is a wonderful opportunity to enhance the worship of the church, and to learn firsthand about the liturgy. (top)
Sidespeople
Christ Church has approximately 50 regular volunteers who serve as sidespeople. We welcome new members.
Sidespeople perform many functions, some visible, many unseen. Their primary roles are to welcome everyone who joins us for
worship, to answer the questions of newcomers and others, to assist in receiving the offering, and to ensure that the church is
tidy. A variety of impromptu tasks are undertaken by the sidespeople, in order to ensure that services run smoothly, and members
of the community are comfortable.
This is an especially rewarding ministry for people who are relative newcomers to Christ Church. Please contact the Church Office for more information. (top)
Intercessors
Most Sundays, the "Prayers of the People" are
led by a member of the congregation. The Intercessor's job is to liberate the longings of the people from their hearts, and to
give them expression. We especially welcome those with a gift for spare, evocative and poetic language. Training in the actual
mechanics of leading the prayers is provided. Please contact the
Rector.
Choir
The primary function of the Choir is to lead the music at the 10.30 service, as well as singing Evensong at least once a month.
In addition, the choir has performed a number of concerts, recorded four CDs, and toured the UK and Ireland, as the choir in
residence at various cathedrals. These tours, in 1999, 2002, and 2005, gave the choir a great insight into Anglican liturgy and
the deep traditions with which the Church is blessed.
The Choir rehearses on Thursday evenings, and before each service. New members with singing experience and an ability to sight-
read are always welcome. Please contact the Director of
Music. (top)
Bell Ringers
Bell ringing celebrates the joy of weddings and victories, intones the sadness of deaths and funerals, and summons people to
prayer.
We are happy to train new members of the Guild, and to welcome visitors and change ringers from elsewhere. Ringers are normally
required to attend weekly Friday evening practice and ring for one Sunday service.
Please check the Events Calendar or contact the
tower captain to confirm the scheduled practice times.
Christ Church is one of only six Anglican churches in Canada with a set of English change bells.
The casual listener immediately recognises that some bells play hymns or other recognizable melodies. Those bells are called
Carillons or Chimes. They differ from the bells of Christ Church, in that they do not swing, and the striking of
their clappers is controlled by one person, the Carillonneur or Chimer.
Change ringers, on the other hand, stand in a circle, with each ringer responsible for one bell. The bells ring no recognizable
tune, but they are rung in sequences as disciplined and orderly as the stones and timbers of the bell tower itself.
For more information on the bells of Christ Church, Read
more in Parish Life. (top)
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