Who we are:
St John's Shaughnessy Anglican Church, Vancouver is a community of Christians dedicated to the exposition and teaching of the Word of God, to the spreading of the good news of the Gospel at home and abroad, and to the application of God's purpose in our own lives and families.
youth net > Ekklesia
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Ekklesia (which means "gathering") is for post high-school young adults. We meet every Wednesday at 6:30 pm in the lower hall. The meeting kicks off with dinner and group time, Then we split into small Bible study groups. This is a great way to be encouraged in our Christian faith with friends our own age. We also have socials and retreats throughout the year. For more information, please contact Ken Moser.
What we think about Ekklesia:
“The friendships that I enjoy at Ekklesia have been a huge blessing in the middle of hectic and tiring weeks. Our fellowship is a means of peace and renewal in my faith, and I continuously thank God for this gift.”
“Ekklesia is a unique and wonderful place for friendship and discipleship. Despite [of] its rapid growth, it has maintained its “small-group” feel and yet remains a welcoming environment for new members. The emphasis on growing as a tight-knit group that lives for Christ beyond its Wednesday meetings, allows us to grow together as Christians.”
“Members of Ekklesia are intimately connected on the deepest and most fundamental level, by our faith. The fellowship we share based on Jesus’ gospel encourages and sustains all of us to grow in love of one another, knowledge in God’s word, and zeal to live to serve God’s kingdom in our lives.”
“This is only my second time @ Ekklesia but I have already noticed the warmth and strong friendships that the people share. I look forward to getting to know everyone.”
“Soon after I came to Ekklesia, it became one of the highlights of my week. It was a perfect way to unwind after a busy week and re-focus my mind on God. The friendships made at Ekklesia were deeper and more meaningful because of shared faith and love of Christ.”
“There’s honesty when it comes to the Bible and what it’s saying. Every question is considered.”
“I think for Christians a relationship with God is the most important aspect in their life. And being able to share that with a group of friends is very special and can take a relationship to many different levels.”
“Friendships at Ekklesia provide a deeper connection. The basis of which centers around our shared faith and similar socio-economic background, Christian up-bringing and openness to a shared communion [and] faith-centered friendship. In a way a unique anomaly, a miracle of sorts we have all witnessed, being part of St. John’s.”
“The members of Ekklesia are very accepting. The friendships I have made are real, deep, and meaningful. Unlike school friendships, I know my friendships at Ekklesia will be forever.”
“Ekklesia is awesome because it’s a place to grow in fellowship with God’s people and to gain in knowledge of God’s word. It’s a place of great encouragement and refreshment in my life.”
“My friends in Ekklesia have consistently been the people that I can count on above my school and outside friends when I am in need. No matter how small or how large the problem is or even if I just want to have a good time and talk about my faith, Ekklesia and the people who make it special have always been there.”
“My friends at high school began to party and drink and I began to feel more and more out of the loop. My circle of friends at school disintegrated, while my friendships with people at the youth group grew more and more strong. I have never been so thankful for God for blessing me with amazingly strong and dedicated Christian friends. They’ve helped me remain faithful and devoted to what I believe and for that I’m really grateful.”
“I think instead of Ekklesia meaning “gathering” it should be changed to something that relates to the awesome experience one has after joining the group. It is so well knit together that anyone can join and feel almost instantly welcome, which is close to what the Bible gets out in example.”
“I have formed my great, invaluable and lasting friendships at Ekklesia. It is a great place that encourages fellowship for young adults. Discipleship is very evident at Ekklesia. It is part of our program.”
“The friendships built on St. John’s youth are strong lasting real friendships built in and around Christ.”
“Ekklesia is a place where I’ve met life-long friends. It’s truly and awesome community of believers.”
“I just love Ekklesia sooo much. My friendship at Ekklesia is sooo meaningful. I am sooo glad that I have this group of friends to go to every week.”
“Being based on a love of God’s word, the fellowship Ekklesia shares is deep and sincere.”
There are three main types of gatherings:
Normal Bible studies
every 2nd and 3rd Wednesday - after dinner and discussion, Ekklesia is split into small groups and we study the Bible together.
All-in
first Wednesday of each month, we gather as one large group, often with some special event.
Break Out
fourth Wednesday of each month, the small groups 'break-out" - meaning we meet somewhere other than the church, usually at someone's house, and open the Word of God together there.
