Grace People in the Community
How Grace Church serves in and beyond
the Markham Community
For a parish of its size, Grace Church has
a major impact in the Markham community and elsewhere around the country and the world.
IN THE LOCAL COMMUNITY
Bazaar
Annually, approaching the Christmas Season, Grace Church ACW (Anglican Church Women) organizes and sponsors a bazaar of craft and other gift opportunities
Health Education
Throughout the year the parish Health Cabinet organizes events aimed at increasing people’s awareness of important health issues with special emphases relating to the whole individual and the important connection between body, mind and spirit.
Marathon Bridge
A parish related opportunity for bridge and relationship building for Grace Church and community women. Foursomes gather for bridge at the host partner’s home for an afternoon or evening of bridge and conversation.
Lunch with Grace
Grace Church opens its doors to the community on the third Tuesday of each month for a hot lunch program where around 100 people gather for good nutritious food, conversation and companionship.
Outreach Committee Lunch and Card Party
Four times a year we open our doors for fellowship over lunch and cards (bridge, euchre, scrabble and other games). A nominal amount is charged as a fund raiser for the Outreach Committee’s work.
Markham Music Festival
Grace church is a participant in the annual Village of Markham Music Festival on a June weekend where the whole of downtown Markham Main Street is closed and Morgan Park becomes the scene of carnival entertainment. Grace Church sponsors children’s rides in the park.
Markham Food Bank
While the food bank now operates as an independent facility, this food supply program for those in need was started by parishioners of Grace Church, and many Grace Church people continue to be involved.
Nursery School
In continuous operation for over forty years, the parish is the proud sponsor of the highly rated Grace Church Nursery School. School is in session week day mornings during the school year. More information is available from the church office. Read on...
Rummage Sales
Every April and October (watch for dates) the ACW sponsors, organizes and administers a rummage sale which provides an opportunity for one person's excess and no longer in use ”stuff” to become another person’s treasures.
COMMUNITY GROUPS UTILIZE
GRACE CHURCH FACILITIES
(Call the church office for contact information)
- Beavers meet Monday evenings
- Karate Karate classes are held on Tuesday evenings and Saturday mornings
- Pathfinders meet Wednesday evenings
- Cubs meet Wednesday evenings
- Alcoholics Anonymous meet every Friday evening in the parish hall
- Community Living York South Association uses our facilities for their summer camp
BEYOND THE COMMUNITY
Collins, Ont.
Grace Church has maintained a twenty year relationship and is twinned with St. Paul’s Anglican Church in the remote northern Ontario Village of Collins. The Outreach Committee has a special relationship with the Native families there, especially the children.
Faithworks
Grace Church is among parish leaders in contributions to this Diocese of Toronto annual appeal for funds to support the social agencies and programs of the Diocese and beyond
Primates World Relief and Development Fund
(PWRDF) Grace Church parishioners are strong supporters of this Anglican Church of Canada body which reaches out to provide aid to people of the developing world and at home, particularly when disaster strikes. The PWRDF is one is the most cost effective agencies delivering these type of services.
WITHIN OUR OWN PARISH
(Contact the church office for more information)
Cemetery
The Grace Church cemetery is located at the west end of Princess Street, which runs west from Markham Road at the top of the hill about a kilometer south of Highway 7. The cemetery was purchased from the Milne family in 1893 and had been in service since 1838.
Choir
Grace Church Choir plays an integral role in enhancing the joy of the Sunday 10:15 am worship. Being part of the Choir provides an opportunity for people of all ages to gain insight into church music and join with others in adding to meaning of our weekly worship as well as other special occasions. The choir gathers for practice sessions in the Lounge on Thursday evenings (7:30-9PM)
Lay Visitors
This trained group of volunteers visits the elderly and shut-ins in their homes. On request, they can also deliver communion.
Parish Nurse
The Grace Church parish nurse is a dedicated medical professional who acts as a resource to parishioners in need of medical advice, with a special focus is on the whole person - mind, body and spirit.
Social Events
Grace Church has a number of social events for all members of the parish, ranging from breakfasts to dinner dances to barbeques.
Widows Group
A support and social group for widows
Winchesters
These dedicated women meet every Thursday morning in the upper hall, following the church service, to enjoy quilting and conversation. Their quilts are donated to charities.
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