Category: Announcements

THE FIRST SUNDAY IN ADVENT

NOVEMBER 29, 2020

TODAY AT ST. MARY’S

10.30 a.m.  Morning Prayer with Hymns and Sermon. 

Continue reading “Advent 1 Bulletin”

(Modified 2020-11-21: Corrected the days on the baptism prayer series)

NOVEMBER 22, 2020

TODAY AT ST. MARY’S

10.30 a.m.  Morning Prayer with Hymns and Sermon. 

• Godly Play in the Children’s Worship Centre (ages 3 – 6 years.) . Today’s story is ‘Joseph’s Early Life’ Genesis 37:17-28. Leaders: Anya, Sandra.
• Faith Quest (ages 7-13) continue the Beatitudes rotation with a Pray per View workshop. Leader: Heidi.

7.00 p.m.       Evening Prayer and Rector’s Class.

---

PARISH LIFE NOTES

SERMON AUDIO will be available on the parish website following the service.

CONGRATULATIONS  to Karen and Steve on the birth their son,  Gunnar Ole James,  born  on Monday, November 16th. May God grant him many years! 

MEAL TRAIN. If you would like to make a meal for Karen and Steve  please contact Sandra.

THE RECTOR’S CLASS. Join us this Sunday evening at 7:00 p.m. for Evening Prayer and the Rector’s Class. Tonight’s topic: The Order of Service of Holy Baptsm for Adults.

MID -WEEK HOLY COMMUNION SERVICE FOR ADVENT continues this Thursday at 7:00 p.m. 

HOLY BAPTISM for Cailen and Derek has been rescheduled to a Vigil Service on Saturday night at St. Mary’s. If you are interested in coming out to this special service, please speak to Claude. Cailen and Derek will be formally welcomed as members of Christ’s Holy Catholic and the Family of God at St. Mary’s next Sunday morning.

Please include Cailen and Derek in your prayers this week, using the prayers below:

Monday

God of power, you created us in your image and formed us in holiness and justice. When we sin against you, you do not abandon us, but in your wisdom choose to save us by the incarnation of your Son. We, your humble servants who are plagued by evil and the tyranny of the enemy need you to keep us far from the spirit of wickedness, falsehood, and greed.  Uphold Cailen and Derek  in the life of your kingdom, and open their hearts to understand your Gospel, so that, as children of the light, they may rejoice to be counted among your people, bearing witness to your truth, and practicing your commands of love. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Tuesday

Lord Jesus Christ, when you climbed the mountain to preach, you turned your disciples from the paths of sin and revealed to them the blessings of your kingdom.  You help all who hear the word of the Gospel, strengthening us to resist the spirit of greed, of lust, and of pride.  May Cailen and Derek find the blessings of your kingdom in poverty and in hunger, in mercy and in purity of heart. May they work for peace, joyfully endure persecution, and so come to rejoice and be glad in the reward you have for them in heaven where you live and reign for ever and ever. Amen. 

Wednesday

 Lord Jesus Christ, loving Redeemer of all, your name alone has the power to save, that name before which every knee shall bend in the heavens, on the earth, and under the earth. Only you can free us from the snares and malice of Satan; only you can heal our weakness and blot out our sins. We pray for these your servants, Cailen and Derrek who worship you as the true God. Look upon them, and enlighten their hearts. Give them discernment to know what pleases you and courage to live by your Gospel, that they may become the dwelling place of your Spirit; for you O Christ, hold them in your love, now and forever. Amen.

Thursday

Lord Jesus Christ, sent by the Father and anointed by the Spirit, when you read in the synagogue at Nazareth you fulfilled the words of the prophet Isaiah, proclaiming liberty to captives and announcing a season of forgiveness. You challenge us to trust in you alone, that our minds may be untroubled and our lives unshackled from worldly desire. Your enlivening Spirit enables us to grasp your promises and liberates us from a spirit of unbelief.  We pray for theseyour servants, Cailen and Derek, who have opened their ears and hearts to your word. Deepen their faith in you that they may continually be amazed by the gracious words from your mouth and reveal the coming of your kingdom in this time and place. For you, O Christ, bring liberty and forgiveness to them and to all people, now and for ever. Amen.

Friday

God of infinite wisdom, you chose the apostle Paul to proclaim your Son to every nation. In the same way you have chosen each of us and enabled us to trust not in flesh and blood but in your call alone. We pray that these your servants Cailen and Derek  may follow in the footsteps of St Paul. Search their hearts and open their eyes to your truth that, freed from all deception, they may never look back but welcome the new world your risen Son is creating. May they count everything as losscompared with the unsurpassed worth of knowing Christ and being found in him who is their eternal reward for ever and ever. Amen.

Saturday

Creator and Redeemer of all, your love shines in every age, bringing truth and life.  We, whom you have called out of darkness into your marvellous light, out of sin into purity of heart, out of alienation into the embrace of a holy people, now call upon you with joyful expectation. Your great love has drawn these hearers to seek and find you. Look upon Cailen and Derek today and bring to fulfillment in them the plan of your grace, that they may know their calling in your royal priesthood, be radiant in the light of salvation,  and reveal your love in their lives. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Sunday

God of Light, you cut away corruption and strengthen faith, you build up hope and foster love. You lead us into abundant life.  We, who are threatened by unbelief and hesitation in faith, by the love of money and lawless passions, by enmity and quarrelling, and by every manner of evil, call upon you now in humility and trust. Free your servants Cailen and Derek whom you have called, and empower them by your Holy Spirit to be holy and faithful in your sight. Create in them a spirit of reverence, of patience and hope, balance and purity, and of charity and peace. We ask this through Christ our ord. Amen.

WORSHIP THIS WEEK AT ST MARY’S

Monday to Friday  

8.30 a.m. Morning Prayer;
5.30 p.m. Evening Prayer ( except Thursday)

Thursday

7.00 p.m. Holy Communion

THE TWENTY-SECOND SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY
NOVEMBER 8, 2020

8.30 a.m. Holy Communion
10.30 a.m. Morning Prayer with Hymns and Sermon. Henry preaching.

• Godly Play in the Children’s Worship Centre (ages 3 – 6 years.) Today’s story is “Birth of Isaac” Genesis: 15:4-6; 21:1-3. Leaders: Ginny, Nicte
• Faith Quest (ages 7-13) continue the Beatitudes rotation with a Let there be music workshop. Leader: Clara, Musician: Gene and shepherd Emma.

7.00 p.m. Evening Prayer and Rector’s Class.

---

PARISH LIFE NOTES

WORSHIP PROTOCOLS. In conformity to the Public Health Order of the Provincial Government, the wearing of masks is now mandatory in all public spaces, including churches.  Permission has been given for officiants and preachers at the Divine Service to be unmasked  while maintaining 3 m. distance from the congregation.

THE RECTOR’S CLASS. Join us this Sunday evening at 7:00 p.m. for Evening Prayer and the Rector’s Class. Tonight’s topic: The Christian Moral Tradition.

HEARTFELT THANKS to Stan, Terry, Art and Marion, Dell who raked leaves after Morning Prayer on Wednesday in preparation for the onset of winter! 

VESTRY meeting will take place Thursday night in the parish hall at 7:00 p.m.

MID -WEEK COMMUNION SERVICE FOR ADVENT/ THE NATIVITY FAST will begin Thursday, November  19th at 7:00 p.m. 

HOLY BAPTISM for Cailen and Derek will take place on The First Sunday in Advent, November 29th, at 10.30 a.m. 

WORSHIP THIS WEEK AT ST MARY’S

Monday to Friday
8.30 a.m. Morning Prayer
5.30 p.m. Evening Prayer

THE NINETEENTH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY – OCTOBER 18, 2020

8.30 a.m.     Holy Communion

10.30 a.m.  Morning Prayer with Hymns and Sermon

Godly Play in the Children’s Worship Centre (ages 3 – 6 years.) in the Children’s Worship Centre for children 3 – 6 years. Today’s story is ‘The Garden of Eden, the Fall, and the Promise’ Genesis 2:8 – 3:24. Leaders: Sandra and Myka.

Faith Quest (ages 7-13) Faith Quest kids (ages 7-13) continue the Armour of God rotation with a Let there be Science Workshop. Memory verse: Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.  Put on the full armour of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.  Ephesians 6:10-11

7.00 p.m. Evening Prayer and Rector’s Class. The Means of Grace: Holy Communion.

---

PARISH LIFE NOTES

WELCOME SERVICE. Today we welcome Sophia as a candidate for Holy Baptism, and we pray for her and her parents, Ben and Oleksandra in this time of preparation.

 CONDOLENCES  to Beryl and family. Beryl’s daughter Margaret passed away last Saturday. A memorial service for family was held at St. Mary’s yesterday at 1.30 p.m. We will be having memorial prayers for Margaret at the end of today’s service. May she rest in peace and rise in glory.

THE RECTOR’S CLASS. Join us this Sunday evening at 7:00 p.m. for Evening Prayer and the Rector’s Class where we will explore the means of grace that God offers us in the Service of Holy Communion for ” the preservation of our souls and bodies unto eternal life.”

STATEMENTS AND ENVELOPES — If any parishioners would like a statement of giving to date in 2019 please let Blair know and he will be happy to email one to you. If anyone would like to change their envelope status (change weekly to monthly or vice versa, begin to use envelopes, discontinue using envelopes) or to begin or discontinue making donations by direct deposit, please be in touch with Blair.

NEIGHBORHOOD OUTREACH. Our thanks to Adam and Alanna who delivered who delivered 26 Thanksgiving Gifts and Cards prepared by family ministries to our neighbors around St. Mary’s yesterday morning! 

BISHOP’S ANNOUNCEMENT of the new Regina Parish… 

WORSHIP THIS WEEK AT ST MARY’S

Monday to Friday

8.30 a.m. Morning Prayer
5.30 p.m. Evening Prayer

10.30 a.m.  Morning Prayer with Hymns and Sermon
Faith Quest kids (ages 7-13) continue the Armour of God rotation with a Let there Be Art workshop. Leader: Clara D Shepherds: Ernie and Sally K Memory verse: Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.  Put on the full armour of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.  Ephesians 6:10-11

Godly Play in the Children’s Worship Centre for children 3 – 6 years. Today’s story is ‘The Garden of Eden, the Fall, and the Promise’ Genesis 2:8 – 3:24. Leaders: 
Ginny L, Nicte R-L.

---

PARISH LIFE NOTES
Condolences to Elizabeth D and family. Elizabeth’s Dad, Deng Arok Deng, died on Saturday, Oct. 3. Please remember Elizabeth and family in your prayers. May he rest in peace and rise in glory. The family invites all South Sudanese, Sudanese and family friends to join them at Kiwanis Park, located at the junction of Elphinstone St and Regina Avenue for a memorial service on Saturday, at 2:00 p.m.  For your convenience comfort, pleased bring a chair.

Condolences to Randy M and family.  Randy’s Mother Marjorie, died on Wednesday, Oct.7. Please remember Randy, Eleanor, Anya and Zachary and the family in your prayers. May she rest in peace and rise in glory.

---

WORSHIP THIS WEEK AT ST MARY’S
Tuesday to Friday
8.30 a.m. Morning Prayer
5.30 p.m. Evening Prayer

THE SEVENTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY – OCTOBER 4, 2020

8.30 a.m. Holy Communion
10.30 a.m. Morning Prayer with Hymns and Sermon

Godly Play in the Children’s Worship Centre (ages 3 – 6 years.)
Today’s story is ‘The Good Shepherd and the Lost Sheep’ Psalm 23:1-4, Luke 15:3-6. Leaders: Ginny L, Nicte R-L.

Faith Quest (ages 7-13)
Faith Quest kids (ages 7-13) continue the Armour of God rotation with a Divine Diversions workshop.
Leader: Len G
Shepherd: Heidi D
Memory verse: Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armour of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. Ephesians 6:10-11

7.00 p.m. Evening Prayer and Rector’s Class: The Christian Understanding of Sin.

WORSHIP SCHEDULE

In the midst of intense transitions, we are seeking at St. Mary’s to find rhythms that will allow us to gather for worship that are full of grace, making adjustments as necessary.

In addition to week day Morning and Evening Prayer, with its emphasis on the contemplative praying of the Psalms and reading of Scripture, we have introduced week day celebrations of the Holy Communion on Holy Days, which are similarly quiet, but joyful. I look forward to being able to offer an additional Communion service during the week.

The main service this Sunday at 10.30 a.m. will be Morning Prayer with hymns and sermon, where the focus is on teaching, prayer, and praise, and which is shared with all parishioners via e mail.

For those earnestly desiring the Holy Communion, there will be a short said service at 8.30 a.m.

Claude +

WORSHIP GUIDELINES

We realize there are many guidelines that have been put in place which we are required to follow in order to have an in person worship service. We pray it will not detract from your desire to be here and worship the Lord. We appreciate you helping us to follow these rules. May God bless you today and every day for His mercies are new every morning.

PARISH LIFE NOTES

THE RECTOR’S CLASS

Join us this Sunday evening at 7:00 p.m. for Evening Prayer and the Rector’s Class where we will explore the Christian understanding of sin in our lives, and how we are to struggle against it.

FOREVER IN MOTION

Seniors Exercise Group has resumed on Tuesday mornings at 10:30 am at St. Mary’s upper hall.

ST. CUTHBERT’S REGIONAL PRAYER GATHERING

This month’s gathering is Monday, October 5 at 6:30 pm at St. Mary’s, Regina. Newcomers are welcome. For more information, please contact Kate B.

VESTRY MEETING

will take place this Thursday at 7:00 p.m. in the Upper Hall.

HELP REQUESTED.

In order to conform to COVID protocols, we need one extra person each Sunday to assist with set up and sanitizing and also take down in both our Faith Quest and Worship Centre areas. Please click on this link below to sign up: https://m.signupgenius.com/#!/showSignUp/8050d4ca4af2ea02-covid19/79947221

WORSHIP THIS WEEK AT ST MARY’S

Monday to Friday
8.30 a.m. Morning Prayer
5.30 p.m. Evening Prayer

(Modified 2020-09-27: Added “An Act of Spiritual Reception”)

THE SIXTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY – SEPTEMBER 27, 2020

10.00 a.m.  Morning Prayer

10.30 a.m.  Holy Communion

Godly Play in the Children’s Worship Centre (ages 3 – 6 years.) Today’s story is ‘The Good Shepherd and the Lost Sheep’ Psalm 23:1-4, Luke 15:3-6. Leaders: Ginny L, Nicte R-L.

Faith Quest (ages 7-13) Faith Quest kids (ages 7-13) continue the Armour of God rotation with a Divine Diversions workshop. Leader: Len G Shepherd: Heidi D  Memory verse: Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.  Put on the full armour of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.  Ephesians 6:10-11

7.00 p.m. Evening Prayer and Rector’s Class: Understanding Myself – A Human Being.

---

WORSHIP GUIDELINES. As we gather together to worship at St. Mary’s, please note the following:

When you enter  the church please use the side aisles to go to your pew.

When you leave the church please go down the center aisle.  We are asking those sitting in the pews on the north side of the church to exit first and go out the 15^th Avenue door.  Then those sitting in the pews on the south side of the church to exit and go out the Montague Street door.

If you would like to join in with singing you must wear a mask.  The exception to this is for leaders of the service who are required to have an increased distance between themselves and the congregation.

Please go up the center aisle if you are going for communion.  There is hand sanitizer at the front of the pews for you to use.  Please return to your pew by the side aisles.

We realize there are many guidelines that have been put in place which we are required to follow in order to have an in person worship service.  We pray it will not detract from your desire to be here and worship the Lord.  We appreciate you helping us to follow these rules.  May God bless you today and every day for His mercies are new every morning.

AN ACT OF SPIRITUAL RECEPTION for THOSE UNABLE TO RECEIVE THE SACRAMENT

The Book of Common Prayer (BCP p.584) teaches us if we repent of our sins, and believe that Jesus Christ suffered death upon the Cross and rose again for us, and giving thanks to Him for the forgiveness of our sins and all the benefits we receive thereby, we may partake of His Body and Blood to our soul’s health, even though we do not receive the sacrament with our mouths. The prayer following may be used at the Holy Communion for those with health concerns who do not receive the sacrament.

Dear Jesus, I believe that you are truly present in the Holy Sacrament. I love you above all things, and I desire to possess you within my soul. And since I cannot now receive you sacramentally, I beseech you to come spiritually into my heart. I unite myself to you, together with all your faithful people gathered around every altar of your Church, and I embrace you with all the affections of my heart, soul, and mind. Come Lord Jesus, and dwell in my heart in the fullness of your strength; be my wisdom and guide me in right pathways; conform my life and actions to the image of your holiness; never permit me to be separated from you, and, in the power of your gracious might, rule over every hostile power that threatens or disturbs the growth of your kingdom, who with the Father and the Holy Spirit, lives and reigns, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen.

THE RECTOR’S CLASS: Understanding myself: A Human Being. Self understanding is a fundamental human task. Understanding who we are depends in part  on understanding how God has made us. Join us this Sunday evening at 7:00 p.m. for Evening Prayer and the Rector’s Class where we will explore how it is that God has put us together with body,  heart, soul, and mind, and how God intended each to function in a healthy way, and how and why we find ourselves in a state of “dis-ease.”

HOLY DAY. September 29th  is The Feast of St. Michael and All Angels.  This is the day  the Church invites to consider the essential spiritual nature of  the struggle and conflict in which find ourselves, a struggle in which we are not alone, but supported and defended through the ministry of angels. Angels are not figments of our imagination, but very real and powerful spiritual entities and powers that are part of the structure and order of creation established by God for our salvation. Join us this Tuesday at 5.30 p.m. for shortened Evening Prayer and celebration of the Holy Communion.  

PARISH BIBLE STUDY on Paul’s Second Letter to the Corinthians begins this Wednesday at 7:00 p.m.  via Zoom and will run  for 8 weeks. All are welcome! Please contact Henry F to find out how to join in. 

BABY SHOWER. All ladies of St. Mary’s are invited to Karen M’s baby shower on Saturday October-3-2020 at 2:30 PM @ St Mary’s! Steve and Karen are expecting their baby in November, and Karen’s sister Christina will host the shower. Anyone interested in attending can contact Christina.

FOREVER IN MOTION Seniors Exercise Group has resumed on Tuesday mornings  at  10:30 am at St. Mary’s upper hall.  

HELP REQUESTED. In order to conform to COVID protocols, we need one extra person each Sunday to assist with set up and sanitizing and also take down in both our Faith Quest and Worship Centre areas. Please click on this link below to sign up:  https://m.signupgenius.com/#!/showSignUp/8050d4ca4af2ea02-covid19/79947221

REFUGEE SPONSORSHIP UPDATE. To date St. Mary’s has raised $34,862.29 of the $40,000 needed for the sponsorship for a refugee family of six (6) applicants and dependents.  We continue fundraising efforts through collection of cans and bottles. You may go to SARCAN and enter an account name St. Mary’s Anglican and password Cans for Sudan. We also accept donations through e-transfer to giving@stmarysregina.ca  Please include ‘South Sudanese Refugee Family Sponsorship” in the message. No password is required. Those who prefer to donate through cheque may send their financial support to St. Mary Anglican Church, 3337 – 15th Ave. Regina SK S4T 1T3, with a memo line “South Sudanese Family Sponsorship.”

Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has our application and confirmed eligibility of our application. The refugee family will come to Regina after they pass the interviews, and medical screening, etc. which currently  has been suspended because of COVID.

Once the refugee family arrives in Regina, we will need volunteers to receive the family at the airport, search for rental apartments and arrange for moving in, donations of clothing, cooking utensils and furniture, and emotional and practical support as they settle in. Please contact Nathaniel if you are able to help.

Welcoming and loving strangers is a precious gift from the Lord, our God (Leviticus 19: 33-34). Your prayers, hospitality and generosity are highly appreciated.  

– Nathaniel

WORSHIP THIS WEEK AT ST MARY’S

Monday to Friday

• 8.30 a.m. Morning Prayer
• 5.30 p.m. Evening Prayer

Tuesday

• 5.45 p.m. Holy Communion for St. Michael and All Angels.

THE FIFTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY – SEPTEMBER 20, 2020

10.00 a.m.  Morning Prayer

10.30 a.m.  Holy Communion

Godly Play in the Children’s Worship Centre (ages  3 – 6 years.) 

Orientation to the Worship Centre “Getting Ready To Be With God, Talking to God, Listening to God. Listening to One of God’s Stories: “The Light” John 8:12.

Faith Quest (ages 7-13) Faith Quest kids (ages 7-13) start the year with a King’s Theatre workshop in The Armour of God rotation.  Leader: Kate B.  Shepherd: Heidi D.     

Memory verse:  “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.  Put on the full armour of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.”  Ephesians 6:10-11.

7.00 p.m.       Evening Prayer and Rector’s Class 

---

WORSHIP GUIDELINES. If this is your first Sunday back, please review our guidelines. Please note that mask must be worn when singing!

 HELP REQUESTED. In order to conform to COVID protocols, we need one extra person each Sunday to assist with set up and sanitizing and also take down in both our Faith Quest and Worship Centre areas. Please click on this link below to sign up:  https://m.signupgenius.com/#!/showSignUp/8050d4ca4af2ea02-covid19/79947221

NOTE TO PARENTS: Children will not begin in the worship service in the nave, but are to proceed to their program area no earlier than 10.15 a.m. You will be required to answer questions and sign a declaration at  your child’s program area before they will be allowed to participate. Thank you for your cooperation.  There will be no FaithQuest lessons on Oct 4, November 1, Dec. 6 and 27.

THURSDAY MORNING WOMEN’S BIBLE STUDY will not be meeting in person this fall in favor of telephone study pairings. Please speak to Judy P. if interested. 

RECTOR’S CLASS. Claude will be teaching a class after evening prayer on Sunday evenings for newcomers to St. Mary’s, adults preparing for baptism, and anyone interested in the topic! Tonight’s class: “Who is Jesus?”

PARISH BIBLE STUDY. Henry will be leading an eight week Bible study on Paul’s Second Letter to the Corinthians starting the end of September. Times and places (Zoom?) to be determined. Please contact Henry if interested. 

BABY SHOWER. All ladies of St. Mary’s are invited to Karen M’s baby shower on Saturday October-3-2020 at 2:30 PM @ St Mary’s! Steve and Karen are expecting their baby in November, and Karen’s sister Christina will host the shower. Anyone interested in attending can contact Christina.

HOLY DAY. On Monday there will be a celebration of the Holy Communion following shorted Evening Prayer beginning at 5.30 p.m.  in honour of St. Matthew, Apostle and Evangelist. The Lord is Glorious in His Saints: O come let us worship!

WORSHIP THIS WEEK AT ST MARY’S

Monday

• 5.45 p.m. Holy Communion for St. Matthew the Apostle and Evangelist (Holy Day)

Monday to Friday

• 8.30 a.m. Morning Prayer
• 5.30 p.m. Evening Prayer

 Dear St. Mary’s Family,

Last Sunday morning a congregation of 21 people were present for the Holy Communion at St. Mary’s, and another 11 were present for Evening Prayer that evening. Seven  people gathered on Tuesday evening to celebrate with me and receive a teaching on  The Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and I was glad to be joined by someone most days last week for Morning Prayer. 

This is often the way it is in the Church, where two or three are gathered… But in fact, where two or three are gathered,  the whole Church is there, as we acknowledge in the Te Deum:

To thee all Angels cry aloud, the Heavens and all the Powers therein.
To thee Cherubim and Seraphim continually do cry,
Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God of hosts;
Heaven and earth are full of the Majesty of thy glory.
The glorious company of the Apostles praise thee;
The goodly fellowship of the Prophets praise thee;
The noble army of Martyrs praise thee;
The holy Church throughout all the world doth acknowledge thee,
The Father, of an infinite Majesty;
Thine honourable, true, and only Son;
Also the Holy Ghost, the Comforter.

There are two words that came to mind this week in the midst of these uncertain and anxious times. The one was “stability” and the other was “sobriety.”  We need to maintain our stability, according to the words of St. Paul, “Therefore my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.” ( 2 Corinthians 15. 58). And we also need to maintain our sobriety, as in “and grant O most merciful Father for his sake, that we may hereafter live a godly, righteous, and sober life.” ( The General Confession). The reference to sobriety here has to do not so much with not getting drunk on alcohol, as it does not being overwhelmed and overcome by our afflictive emotions, as in  anger, worry, fear, anxiety, etc.  A colleague said to me this weak, “I am so tired of angry and critical people!”

So what does it mean for us abound in the work of the Lord, and maintain our stability and sobriety? Our historic and traditional practice has been to pray the Morning and Evening Prayer.

Starting this week, Morning Prayer will be offered daily at 8.30 a.m. and Evening Prayer at 5.30 p.m. Those whose schedules allow it, are invited and encouraged to come. 

There are three special occasions in our calendar this week. On Monday we will celebrate Holy Cross Day with Holy Communion following a shortened Evening Prayer, and on Wednesday and Friday this week we will observe the “Autumn Ember Days” with a focus on praying for the Bishops , Priests, and Deacons of the Church on Wednesday, and praying for the Agriculture and Industries of our land on Friday.  

This Sunday we are having a short Family Service at 10.30 a.m. and weather permitting, we will walk down to the park and the end of Montague Street to visit, and if so desired to eat  bag lunch.

Starting next Sunday I will be offering a class following Evening Prayer, designed especially for our candidates preparing for Baptism, but which will be open to one and all. Then topic of our first class class: Who is Jesus Christ?

Blessings to you all for your Lord’s Day worship!

Claude

---

WORSHIP THIS WEEK AT ST MARY’S

Sunday	10:30 AM Family Service 7:00 PM Evening Prayer
Monday to Friday	8:30 AM Morning Prayer 5:30 PM Evening Prayer
Monday	5:45 PM Holy Communion for Holy Cross Day