The Anglican congregations of St. John the Evangelist and St. Matthew, Sault Ste. Marie, are joining together to form a new faith community, Emmaus Anglican Church, effective September 2016.

The decision comes after a year-long process in which some area congregations imagined and investigated fresh possibilities for the future shape of their ministry in the city. The process resulted in a proposal that was approved by an overwhelming majority of parishioners at both St. John’s Church and St. Matthew’s Church in February 2016.

Emmaus will support a team ministry model, something new for both congregations, with deliberate attention given to enhancing and expanding upon current outreach initiatives within the city.  Both Rev. Patrick McManus and Rev. Pamela Rayment will serve at Emmaus. The new church will look to opportunities for collaboration with other Anglican congregations, ecumenical partners, and various organizations in the Sault area.

Initially, the new faith community will be based at 1643 Wellington St. East, the current location of St. Matthew’s Church, with a launch date of Sunday, September 11, 2016. Plans for renovating the current facility or moving to a new location will be determined as ministry needs and opportunities emerge.

Prior to the official launch, several key services in the life of both congregations will take place.  The congregations of St. John’s and St. Matthew’s will worship together for these significant services.

This is an exciting time for the people of both congregations. The merger reflects a strong desire to engage in ministry in new ways, redirecting more resources away from matters such as building upkeep toward addressing the needs of people in light of the Christian gospel.

Important Dates

August 8 – 12 ~ Vacation Bible School at St. Matthew’s Anglican Church
St. Matthew’s has long engaged the wider community in vibrant and creative VBS programs.  This August they will do so one more time with St. John’s sharing in leadership.

Sunday August 14, 10:00am ~ St. Matthew’s Final Service
Members from both St. Matthew’s and St. John’s will gather at St. Matthew’s for their final service, to celebrate and give thanks for the history of their ministry.

Sunday August 21, 11:00am ~ Worship at St. John the Evangelist
Members from both St. Matthew’s and St. John’s will gather for worship at St. John the Evangelist on this Sunday.  During the time between August 14 to September 4 the Wellington Street site will be prepared for the beginning of Emmaus Anglican Church.

Sunday August 28, 11:00am ~ St. John the Evangelist’s Final Service
Members from both St. Matthew’s and St. John’s will gather at St. John the Evangelist for their final service, to celebrate and give thanks for the history of their ministry.

Sunday Sept 4, 10:30am ~ Emmaus Anglican Church begins!
This will mark the first Sunday of the gathered new community!  While this certainly offers plenty of reason to celebrate, the ‘official beginning’ of the new community will take place the following Sunday, as September 4th is the last long weekend of the summer.

Sunday Sept 11, 10:30am ~ Emmaus Anglican Church Celebration Liturgy
Let’s celebrate!  The inaugural celebration liturgy will take place on this Sunday!