A banner day at St. Peter's

June 2 was a banner day at St. Peter's Anglican Church. 

To celebrate a strong year for our children's ministries, our youngest members staged a mini-takeover of our Sunday service. Aiona and Azalia read the Scriptures, Anaiah led the Psalm and the children led us in the singing of four of our worship songs!

They also kicked off the service with a special presentation to welcome new members of the St. Peter's team: the Rev. Rob Petkau – our new Associate Priest – and his wife, Pastor Karen Petkau – our new Alpha Pastor (leader of children, youth and family ministries).

To conclude the service, parishioner Martin Cull (a longtime member of the Calgary Police Service, now retired) came forward in his CPS dress uniform and delivered our children's talk. He told the children about flags in general and the Canadian flag in particular – an important symbol of our national identity. He pointed out that, while Christians don't have a flag per se, we do have an important symbol that helps us understand our identity in Jesus: the Cross.

Martin then unfurled a brand-new Maple Leaf flag and assembled the children in Honour Guard formation, so they could lead the congregation out into the church's courtyard, where he raised the flag while we sang O Canada to conclude the service. (Watch the video below.)

Strong and free, indeed.