We thank those who have already taken the survey, and would like to share with you the trends that are emerging.
You Spoke - We listened
How do you feel about the church and current activities?
The church facility - 70 % satisfied or very satisfied
The minister and sermons - 22 % very satisfied or satisfied, 34% neutral, 44 % unsatisfied or very unsatisfied.
What would you value most going forward?
Keeping the church at 817 Mt. Pleasant Road - 84% strongly agree or agree.
Having church services in Estonian - 74% strongly agree or agree.
Having Estonian community activities - 72% strongly agree or agree.
Fostering friendships within our congregation – 82% strongly agree or agree.
Having inclusive local community activities - 68% strongly agree or agree.
Providing a Sunday School – 74% strongly agree or agree.
Future community activities envisioned at St. Peter’s
• Open the building and services to our entire community.
• Guides and scouts should return to the church facility.
• We need an active choir and music ensembles.
• We should establish children’s play groups and day care throughout the week.
• We should organize social events; concerts; art shows; movie nights with Estonian movies; youth, adult and seniors’ groups; lectures; guest speakers; Bible study; confirmand reunions; lotteries; and garage sales.
• Pensioner afternoon get-togethers on a regular basis.
• Rental income from groups using the church would contribute to our financial well-being.
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Church Ministry and Leadership• They wanted to feel welcomed and included when attending church.
• The current sermons were not relevant nor interesting, and often political.
• Need more uplifting services with time for socializing and music.
• Want a minister that is friendly with a non-confrontational attitude.
• Invite other ordained or lay ministers to bring some newness.
• Communion does not need to be offered every Sunday.
Why haven’t you participated in services recently?
• No longer live in the area.
• Services every Sunday are far too often.
• Do not speak or understand Estonian.
• Travelling to church took too big a chunk out of their day.
What would make you want to come to St. Peter’s more often?
• New leadership with open ideas to embrace the community.
• A new pastor whose sermons are enlightening and motivational
• Bring back a church choir.
• Sunday School for children.
• Grow the church and integrate it into the surrounding community.
• Need to organize more interesting activities and social events that foster friendships within our community.
• The church needs to continue its role as a centre or home base for the community.
Saving the building and columbarium
• The church should not be sold. It is an icon of architecture and Estonian perseverance and heritage abroad.
• People having family resting in the columbarium felt that it would be an insult to move it.
• St. Peter’s should return to its roots and become more than a church, a community hub for both Estonians and the broader community to enjoy.
• The church should be showcased on Doors Open Toronto so all can experience Mihkel Bach’s architectural jewel.
• We need to share our expenses with other congregations.
• Decide whether the role of the church is to embrace the Estonian community interdenominationally; or to bring in more Christians speaking any language.
• Many young Estonians marry outside the community and/or do not speak Estonian within their family. We should not turn them away but welcome them as part of our future.
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Friends of St Peter's Church
