Frequently Asked Questions

WHERE ARE YOU LOCATED?

We're located at 4A Raven Drive in Sherwood Park.  We are south on Brentwood Drive from the Strathcona County Offices and Library.  We have a large parking lot to the west of the church building with wheelchair access to the church by way of a  ramp.  There is also a street parking available.  Bus number 443 stops right in front of the church on Raven Drive at stop 6156. 

Find Directions Here

WHAT DO YOU BELIEVE?

St. Thomas Anglican Church is part of the Anglican Church of Canada and is in full communion with Anglican church around the world.  We are also in full communion with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada.  As Anglicans we believe that the God who created the universe came to be known to us in his son Jesus Christ who embodied the love of God.  We believe God is alive, present and active today in the person of the Holy Spirit. 

Anglican Church of Canada Anglican Communion

CAN I BE MARRIED OR HAVE A FUNERAL AT ST. THOMAS?

We would love to walk with you as you journey through these milestone events in your life and the lives of your families.  To view more information about these services and to find out if St. Thomas is right for you please contact the church office to arrange a time to meet with Rev. Chelsy.

Funerals and Weddings at St. Thomas

CAN I RECEIVE COMMUNION AT ST. THOMAS?

Yes!!  We invite all baptized Christians to receive the bread and the wine no matter the denomination you're from or what you've been practicing.  If you are not baptized you are welcome to come forward for a blessing by simply crossing your arms over your chest to communicate your desire for a blessing.

We offer both bread and wine from the common cup.  The practice of intinction (dipping the wine) is not permitted.  Indivudals who are not comfortable receiving from the common cup and who wish to receive only one in kind (the bread) can be assured that they are receiving all spiritual benefits.

If you haven't been baptized and would like to learn more, please contact the church office to arrange a time to meet with Rev. Chelsy.

Baptisms at St. Thomas

WHAT TIME ARE YOUR SERVICES?

Knowing that everyone experiences God's presence in different ways St. Thomas offers two Sunday services at 8:00am and 10:00am.

8:00am   Here we gather using The Holy Eucharist in the Language of the Book of Common Prayer 1962.  This is a said service with lots of time for silent prayer and reflection.  There is a similar sermon to the 10am, and we always have communion together.  We average 20 - 25 people.  Immediately following the service we gather in the Foyer of the church for coffee, cookies and conversation.  If you are looking for a quiet and reflective service to start your Sunday morning, this is the service for you.  We would love to welcome you!

10:00am:  At 10am we currently average between 70 - 90 people. Upon arriving at our service you will be greeted by one of our very friendly and welcoming volunteers.  These folks are available to answer any questions you might have.  They will also be the individuals that will guide you at the time of communion and indicate when you are able to go up to receive the sacrament.  All of our volunteers wear nametags to ensure that you know who we are and you feel at home.  Please don't hesitate to ask any of our volunteers should you have any questions!   At this service we provide Sunday School boxes with crafts for kids. the kids are also invited to come forward for an interactive children's talk during the service.  Music is led from piano, guitar, drums and a handful of talented musicians.  St. Thomas loves to sing and we ensure that every service is filled with worshipful music from traditional Anglican hymns, to modern contemporary praise songs.  Our service is liturgical as we follow ancient patterns of Christian worship in modern ways.  People have said that our worship at St. Thomas's feels, authentic and meaningful and they feel like they belong.  We are thrilled that kids and seniors alike feel at home here.  

Online Worship:  Our 10:00am service is also livestreamed to our Youtube Channel.  You are welcome to join us virtually if you would prefer to visit us from the comfort of your own home!   

St. Thomas Livestream Link

WHERE DO MY KIDS GO?

Children and families are welcome and encouraged to participate fully in the life and worship at St. Thomas!  We have a Sunday school program that follows the Sparkhouse Digital curriculum.  After the children's talk in the service, children and our Sunday school volunteers make their way to the Teape Room (located in the room directly behind the front of the church) where they gather to hear stories and participate in activities.  Our Sunday school crew is invited to come back for communion and participate in worship for the remainder of the service.

Children are invited to feel at home at St. Thomas's, we dont' bat an eye if a little one finds themselves wandering curiously around the church "checking things out."  God's house is a house with lots to see, touch and experience and we want kiddos to feel comfortable and at home in worship.   

 

WHAT IF I DON'T KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT THE BIBLE, OR CHRISTIANTY, OR WHATEVER?

A life with Jesus begins with faith (and you don't even need much of that), not knowledge. While learning things is important, Christianity at its heart is a relationship with God. Over centuries, Christians have found many ways of building that relationship, and they're available for you to explore. But the first step is just to show up, or talk to one of the clergy. God meets you where you are, and so do we.

WHAT IF I'M STRUGGLING?

Welcome to the club! Chances are that someone here has walked a similar path. We can help you find community and spiritual resources to support you.