SEPTUAGESIMA SUNDAY
January 28, 2024
THE FATHER IS MY HOPE; THE SON IS MY REFUGE;
THE HOLY SPIRIT IS MY PROTECTOR.
ALL HOLY TRINITY, GLORY TO THEE!
LIVE AUDIO STREAMING during today’s service is available on the Order of Service page. Recorded audio will be added following worship.
GETTING READY FOR SUNDAY: PREVIEW OF THE READINGS.
Today is Septuagesima (from the Latin word for 70) Sunday, which marks the beginning of the season of Pre- Lent, and our symbolic “countdown” to Easter ( March 31) and the 40 days of Lent. (February 14). It is time for us to begin thinking about the spiritual labour and the pilgrimage or journey that is Lent. Our Epistle reading speaks to us about the necessity of learning self control so that we may not be disqualified from the prize that is the new life in the Spirit through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. In our Gospel lesson Jesus tells the Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard where we learn that both the invitation to spiritual labour, and the reward is sheer gift and grace.
THE LESSON: 1 Corinthians 9:24-27
Do you not know that in a race all the runners compete, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. Well, I do not run aimlessly, I do not box as one beating the air; but I pommel my body and subdue it, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.
THE HOLY GOSPEL: Matthew 20:1-15
‘For the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire labourersfor his vineyard. After agreeing with the labourers for the usual daily wage, he sent them into his vineyard. When he went out about nine o’clock, he saw others standing idle in the market-place; and he said to them, “You also go into the vineyard, and I will pay you whatever is right.” So they went. When he went out again about noon and about three o’clock, he did the same. And about five o’clock he went out and found others standing around; and he said to them, “Why are you standing here idle all day?” They said to him, “Because no one has hired us.” He said to them, “You also go into the vineyard.” When evening came, the owner of the vineyard said to his manager, “Call the labourers and give them their pay, beginning with the last and then going to the first.” When those hired about five o’clock came, each of them received the usual daily wage. Now when the first came, they thought they would receive more; but each of them also received the usual daily wage. And when they received it, they grumbled against the landowner, saying, “These last worked only one hour, and you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden of the day and the scorching heat.” But he replied to one of them, “Friend, I am doing you no wrong; did you not agree with me for the usual daily wage? Take what belongs to you and go; I choose to give to this last the same as I give to you. Am I not allowed to do what I choose with what belongs to me? Or are you envious because I am generous?”
PARISH LIFE NOTES
BLESSING OF MOTHER AND CHILD (Yar and Achan) and welcoming of Candidates for Holy Baptism will take place during the Children’s Time today.
FIRE DRILL will take place following the service this morning.
2023 TAX RECEIPTS will be available in the coming weeks. If you would like to receive yours electronically, please send Blair a note. If you have previously received yours by email, Blair will email your 2023 receipt when it is ready.
2024 PLEDGE CAMPAIGN. To date we have received 34 pledges for a total of $105,880. If you have not submitted a pledge for the coming year, please be encouraged to do so, and so aid the Vestry in its plans and stewardship.
WE WILL OBSERVE THE FEAST OF THE PRESENTATION OF THE LORD (the 40th day after Christmas, also known as Candlemas) on Friday, February 2nd, at 5.30 p.m. with a service of Evening Prayer( shortened) and Holy Communion.
RECTOR’S FORUM will follow the service next Sunday (Sexagesima). Topic: Making the most of Lent. What is Lent? Where did it come from? How can I enter into Lent with depth of purpose and meaning?
LOWER HALL PAINTING BEE. Our thanks to Simon, Len, Mike, and Nino for their labours, spiritual and manual, in cleaning the ducts, pipes and walls in the Lower Hall in preparation for painting next week. See photos below.
BURNING BUSH ALERT! Please visit the “Burning Bush Exhibit” in the Upper Hall from the story of Moses and the Burning Bush ( Exodus 3.1-14) which the Faith Quest children are studying. What is God telling you, challenging you, or promising you? Write a prayer on the flame and tape it to the bush.
CONFIRMATION SERVICE. On February 11th, Bishop Helen will be at St. Mary’s to administer the laying on of hands with Prayer to Anya. Lunch will follow in the Parish Hall. Please bring finger food/ salads to share.
NOMINATIONS FOR 2024. Our Churchwardens, Andrew and John, will be seeking out nominations for people to serve as warden and vestry members for the coming year.
ANNUAL MEETING has been scheduled for Sunday, March 3rd. The business will be to review ministry reports, financial statements and to elect parish officers for the coming year.
WORSHIP THIS WEEK
- Morning Prayer: Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday at 8:30 a.m. ; Wednesday at 9:00 a.m.
- Evening Prayer: Wednesday at 5.30 p.m.
- Feast of the Presentation: Friday at 5.30 p.m. Evening Prayer and Holy Communion.