AUDIO RECORDING of the full service and sermon will be available on the parish website.
DONATIONS for 2020 by cheque or e-transfer need to be received in the church office by December 31. Christmas thank offering to the Rector may be made either by e –transfer or using the yellow church envelope.
A WORD FROM THE FATHERS: AS FIRE COMES TO BE IN IRON. (Part 1)
How did the splendor come to us all by means of one? How can divinity come to be in flesh? As fire comes to be in iron: not by a change of place, but by a sharing of itself. For fire does not go out of itself and into the iron; rather, while remaining in its place, it shares its own power with the iron. It is in no way diminished when it shares itself, and the whole of it fills whatever shares in it. So it is in this way that God the Word did not move out of Himself when the Word became flesh. Heaven was not deprived of what it contained, and earth received the heavenly one within it’s own embraces. Do not suppose that the divinity fell. For it did not move from one place to another as bodies do. Do not imagine that the divinity was altered when it was transferred into flesh. For the immortal is immutable.
On the Holy Birth of Christ, St. Basil of Caesaria, (A.D. 329-379)
That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon and touched with our hands, concerning the word of life— the life was made manifest, and we saw it, and testify to it, and proclaim to you the eternal life which was with the Father and was made manifest to us— that which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you, so that you may have fellowship with us; and our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ. And we are writing this that our joy may be complete. ( 1 John 1. 1-4)
Godly Play for children 3-6 years via zoom. Today’s story is ‘The Magi Show the Way to Bethlehem’ Matthew 2: 1-12.
AUDIO RECORDING of the full service and sermon will be available on the parish website.
ST. MARY’S FAMILY CHRISTMAS SERVICE! Join us “live” from St. Mary’s on Christmas Eve at 7:00 p.m. for Christmas Eve Vigil and Service of Lesson and Carol with the Blessing of the Creche. Our goal on this Holy Night of the celebration of our Savior’s Birth is to hold a “virtual gathering” and to “liturgize” together, that is to en-act the Word of God in Scripture, song, and prayer. The service will be conducted from the sanctuary at St. Mary’s, and will include readings by parishioners from their homes, musical accompaniment on the organ for the singing of the carols at home. Please join us at the following link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81587105842?pwd=clUvb1lVYjNiblZKemZvcGZ0bngwUT09.
Passcode, if needed, is 801954.
Please be on time, and ready yourself by hitting the “mute” button on your computer, turning off the lights in your home, and ready to light candles! Printed order of service will be delivered to your homes, and available on the website as well.
CHRISTMAS CARE PACKAGE will be delivered to parishioners homes next week, and will include church envelopes ( for those who have ordered them), a booklet of spiritual testimonies under COVID from St. Mary’s parishioners and the Christmas Eve order of service.
GOD OF THE ADVENT PROMISE FROM BISHOP ROB AND LETTER TO THE DIOCESE are available here:
HAND-DIPPED BEESWAX CANDLES from St. Mary’s may be purchased for $5.00 a pair by contacting Yvonne in the parish office. Parishioners can pick up their candles from the newly installed mailbox at the Montague St. entrance, and leave a cheque in the proper amount. Proceeds to Mary’s Refugee Fund.
ST. MARY’S CHRISTMAS CARDS. Additional sets of the Christmas cards made by Emma, Myka, Lucy, and Eli included in our Advent “Spiritual Care Package” may also be purchased from the office at cost of $5.00 in support of the St. Mary’s Refugee Fund.
10.30 a.m. Morning Prayer, Great Litany with Hymns and Sermon. Beth preaching.
PARISH LIFE NOTES
AUDIO RECORDING of the full service and sermon will be available on the parish website.
ADVENT OUTREACH: Men’s socks, toques, large felt mitts and/or monetary donations. Items can be brought to St. Mary’s on or before Dec. 20 or dropped off at the home of Sandra and Ken.
HOLY BAPTISM. Please continue to support Cailen and Derek in prayer as they wait upon the Lord during the suspension of services at St. Mary’s.
A BIG THANK YOU to all those who helped put together and deliver the Advent Care Packages last week end: to Emma, Myka, Luci and Eli for making the Christmas cards and putting packages together, and to Clara for helping wrap and deliver the packages; to Kate, Beth, Sandra, Sharon, and Nat for making deliveries; to Yvonne for making the beeswax candles, and Valerie for sending along the “Antiphons for Advent”
BEESWAX CANDLES. For those parish households that did not receive any candles in their “Advent Spiritual Care Packages” that were delivered last week end (we ran out!), and would like to receive a pair of candles, please call Yvonne in the parish office and let her know. Additional pairs of candles may also be purchased at a cost of $5.00 in support of the St. Mary’s Refugee Fund. Please contact the office if interested.
ST. MARY’S CHRISTMAS CARDS. Additional sets of the Christmas cards that were delivered last week end may also be purchased from the office at cost of $5.00 in support of the St. Mary’s Refugee Fund.
ADVENT PARISH “ZOOM MEETINGS.” Join us next Sunday, December 13, at:
6:45 pm – Family Time hosted by Dave and Janice. Join us for a time to visit and play games. All ages are welcome.
8:30 pm – Fireside Chat and Compline hosted by Claude and Hilary. Join us for a chance to visit together and end your day with praying the Compline service. All ages are welcome.
Please email Dave and Janice and we will send you the Zoom link. People are welcome to join both events if they would like.
BLESSSED FEAST OF ST. NICHOLAS! Today we join our prayers to those of Blessed Nicholas, Bishop and Confessor of the Faith. Grant, Almighty God, that your church may be so inspired by the example of your servant Nicholas of Myra, that it may never cease to work for the welfare of children, the safety of sailors, the relief of the poor, and the help of those tossed by tempests of doubt or grief; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
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 Cailenand 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.
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: Myka, Sandra
Faith Quest (ages 7-13) continue the Beatitudes rotation .
7.00 p.m. Evening Prayer and Rector’s Class.
Celebration of Holy Baptism. In the midst of the fear, distress, and anxiety of our times…joy! On November 8 we celebrated the ‘birth from above’, by water and the Spirit, of Sophia. Ben and Olekesandra write, We just wanted to thank everyone for their warm welcome of Sophia. We’ve received many kind words and gifts and we feel very blessed to be part of the St. Mary’s family.
“I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.”
The anointing with the oil of the Holy Spirit
“I sign you with the sign of the Cross and mark you as Christ’s own forever.”
Sophia, joins her sister Jane, and Oleks at The Children’s Window: “The Children of Canada Adore the Christ Child”
“And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.” ( 2 Cor. 3.18)
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: Prayer.
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.
ADVENT is the season of preparation for the celebration of the Birth of our Crucified Risen Lord in the full expectation of “His Again Coming in Glory to Judge the Living and the Dead.” ( Nicene Creed). This preparation consists of prayer, repentance, fasting and alms-giving. The Holy Elder, St. John Chrysostom, Archbishop of Constantinople (A.D. 397- 407) writes,
“Let us imitate the saints who neither became oppressed by their afflictions nor became filled with conceit by leisure. Many of us suffer this now, and resemble nimble ships’ bilges that are crowded by waves on all sides and capsize. For many times poverty attacked us suddenly, submerged us, and brought us to the ocean bed; and the wealth that came to us puffed us up again, and hurled us into the worst possible conceit. This is why I plead with you to pay no heed to things and for every one of us to direct our souls toward salvation. If our soul is rightly steered, then whatever danger falls upon us—whether famine, or disease, or slander, or plundering of property, or any other such thing—will be bearable and light, by the commandment of the Master and through hope in Him. Likewise, when the soul does not stand well before God, then, even if wealth flows abundantly, and has children, and enjoys immeasurable goods, this person will experience much faintheartedness and many cares. Therefore, let us not seek wealth; let us not avoid poverty. However, above all these, let each one take care of his soul and make it pursue the economy of the future life as well as cause it to depart from the present life to the next.”
Packages for “Advent for the Home Church” will be delivered during the week of November 22nd!
WORSHIP THIS WEEK AT ST MARY’S Monday to Friday 8.30 a.m. Morning Prayer 5.30 p.m. Evening Prayer 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 FASTwill 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.
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!
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
