Pilgrim (Exploring the Christian Faith) – starting Tuesday, January 20, 2026 for 8 weeks

Pilgrim is a Church of England foundational course that guides people step-by-step into a deeper Christian faith through Scripture, prayer, and conversation. It’s suitable for anyone new to the Christian faith and for those who are
seeking a more grounded level of discipleship.

Like the Transforming Questions series, Pilgrim “approaches the great issues of faith not through persuasion, but participation in a pattern of contemplation and discussion with a group of fellow travellers.”

Each session will be facilitated by members of of the Christian Ed team. We’ll begin with a simple  dinner at 6pm and will be done each night by 8pm. Along the way, we’ll together explore eight Pilgrim themes with accompanying audio and video resources. Along the way, we’ll take closer looks at some of the core texts of the Christian faith: the Lord’s Prayer, the Creed, the Beatitudes, and others.

Please save the dates and plan to attend. You can RSVP to youarewelcome@nullallsaintswhitby.org

We’d also welcome offers from volunteer chefs who might be willing and able to prepare simple meals for the meeting nights.

Thought and Prayer of the Day
by Deacon Gary Gannon

December 11, 2025

‘Tis the season of joy and good will; of hustle and bustle; and anticipating good things “in small packages” coming our way later this month. Well, here is such a small package for you.

One of the possible Gospel readings for this week is from Matthew 11:28-30. It is only three verses, just fifty-four words in the NRSV style of the New Testament! Yes, this gift includes some curious language – for example “yoke”. Yet for some of us, and for a variety of reasons at this time of year, such a gift is indeed Good News.

To prove my point, I now share with you this reading from Matthew’s gospel as presented in a contemporary translation of the Bible, known as The Message, by Eugene Peterson.

Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me – watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace.  I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.

There is indeed joy in this small gift given to us by our Lord. One does not have to wait until Christmas Day to open it. Jesus’ offer is immediate; saying “Come to me.” Now.

This same gift offers a promise of rest and recovery from your past and present burdens. It calls for a journey of companionship and learning. Like with many gifts, there is also a call to action and studying how things will work.

In the most wonderful sense, this small gift, of a mere three verses from the Bible, is indeed priceless in terms of its promise, fulfillment, and yes – an extended warranty.

Prayer
Loving God, please grant me peace of mind and calm my troubled heart. My soul is like a turbulent sea. I can’t seem to find my balance so I stumble and worry constantly. Give me the strength and clarity of mind to find my purpose and walk the path you’ve laid out for me. Amen.

from Xavier University

Adult Christian Education 2026

In the New Year, watch for spin-offs and new additions arising from the 2025 summer small-group series. Starting in January, we’ll be opening up

• a Grief  Group on Monday nights with Christine C. ;
• occasional Prayer Practices Group gatherings with Deacon Joanne & Julie;
• a weekday Seniors Retreat with meditation, discussion, Scripture and a little bit of chair yoga; and
• Fourth Fridays Online, a monthly faith and theology discussion group with Arleane.

Note also that the following are also ongoing:

• Faith & Strength Together For Those With Cancer & Their Caregivers hosted by Fr Geoff
• Men’s Bible Study with Deacon Gary, biweekly Tuesdays in the chancel
• Bible Study Thursdays with Deacon Joanne; and
• Wednesday in the Word (aka Carrying On) with Jacky B.

Also in 2026, ACE present PILGRIM on Tuesday nights, starting in January

Reach out to the leaders or christianed@nullallsaintswhitby.org to find where you fit.

SAVE THE DATE – January 23, 7-8pm

Building on the summer pilot offering of “Jesus in the Great Outdoors,” Arleane is facilitating a monthly small-group gathering on the fourth Friday of the month. The group will meet online by Zoom. Style will be conversational and casual. Each session will be built around a particular theme or seasonal question and will include Scripture readings, a short reflection, discussion, and some multi-media elements. We’ll think about the places where faith & theology intersect with our daily living, ask some honest questions, and learn from one another.

Fourth Friday titles and dates for the winter:

• January 23 – All Things New: Fresh Starts, False Starts & God Resolve
• February 27 – Valentine Edition: Who knew loving your neighbour could be this hard?
• March 27 – Women at the Way of the Cross: Strong Women, Tough Road