The Bible Story Walk pilot project has been up and running throughout the spring and summer of 2023 making its way around several willing and enthusiastic parishes in the Diocese of Montreal.
It has been interesting to learn about the ways that the Bible Story Walk has impacted communities and encouraged engagement.
Here is some of the feedback I’ve received:
“We had it here (St Paul’s Greenfield Park) for a month and I got to see all sorts of different people coming and taking advantage of it. There were young people, high school students walking by and reading it and older people and families. All sorts of different people came to take advantage of the space and just see what it is that has been installed in the front lawn of the church.
One gentleman came and knocked on the door and said what’s the story with this? How come I wasn’t notified that this was here earlier? I love this. I want to go and tell all my neighbors.
Another lady that was making her way to the library stopped and even came to tears she was we later found out that she was going through these and pondering the wondering questions and she told us I’m going to go to the library I want to invite everybody who’s at the library down the road to come and enjoy this as well. That lady has since started attending the 8AM service that is here at St Paul’s.
The only downside is that we couldn’t keep it all summer and we wish we could have. We wish it could still be here but we understand it’s going to be at other churches so others in the area can enjoy all for the glory of God and for his kingdom.
I just want to say thank you to the diocese and to Lee-Ann and Bishop Mary and everybody who is involved in this for making this available to us and allowing us to participate in it. Thank you.”
-The Rev Trevor Potter
(May 2023)
“Everyone enjoyed the story – there was engagement from the kids answering Neil’s questions and even the adults answered. Several people commented on how lovely the posts were and this was a great idea. Neil Mancor did an excellent job at reading – and talking with the kids.
It was great, it was very good for St. Barnabas. It showed that we are more than just a church building – and that there are fun things going on so check us out.
… it introduces the kids in an easy, simple and fun way to hear about God and His existence; to see what He is like and how He made all things.
New families and people showed up… the Bible Story was a bonus. We got to meet and chat with them. They know we are inviting them. It’s about mission; Jesus sends us out and this was a good way.
I noticed a couple of times during the Sunday service, when I was at the altar and the main doors are open to let air circulate (I can see straight outside the front to the display) I’ve noticed people walking by and reading the posts.”
– Deacon Debbie Galt-Shane (June 2023)
As this is something we haven’t done before, we are in an experimental phase, adapting as we go. Each church has been encouraged to invite neighbours to their lawn for an event to celebrate the Story Walk, serve lemonade etc. This has proven to be fruitful and has provided opportunities to connect with families and the spiritually curious of all ages and stages of life.
The project broke ground at its first stop at St. Paul’s Greenfield Park in May then to St Barnabas Pierrefonds, followed by All Saints by The Lake, Dorval, St Thomas Church in NDG and St Philips Montreal West. Its final destination for the season will be Christ Church Beaurepaire in October 2023.
If you are interested in hosting the project in 2024 or are inspired by this project and have other ideas you wish to share, get in touch with Lee-Ann Matthews: [email protected]
