The E-postle Advent 1, December 3, 2017

 

 

“The Parish of St. John the Apostle is called to be

*          A Spirited Community at the heart of Port Moody

*          transformed through the experience of the presence of Christ

*          and sent out to share God’s Love”

 

 

Prayer for  Advent      

During the four weeks of Advent, we will be exploring different ways to pray.  As we prepare for the celebration of Jesus’ birth, let’s involve our bodies and minds and hearts and spirits.  If we pay attention to these four aspects of our humanity, we are more balanced and healthy individuals.  Through them we find connection to our Creator and Redeemer and Sustainer.  What is more- a balanced and healthy community is more attentive to need and open to share the joys and sorrows of this beautiful life!

Yours in Christ, Stephanie +

Upcoming Dates

December 3- following 8:30 and 10 am services, Fall Bazaar revisited

December 7- 10:30- noon, free ‘flu shots at St. Johns Food Bank

December 10-11:30-12:30 pm, “How to take out Jesus: practicing home communion”

December 14- noon, ACW pizza lunch

December 18- 7 pm onward, Parish Council members and families welcome at Stephanie’s

December 21- 11:30 am, Christmas lunch at the St. Johns Food Bank

December 24- 10 am Advent 4 service (no 8:30 am service this day)

December 24- 7 pm & 10 pm, Christmas Eve services

December 25- 10 am, Christ Mass for Christmas Day

February 18- 11:30 am Annual Vestry Meeting

Fall Bazaar Revisited on December 3

Sunday, Dec. 3^rd following the church services we will have the remaining Handicrafts and Country Store items for sale.  Our Total to date is $6,750. We are wondering if $7,000. Is possible?  Please take a moment to have a look and see if you missed a treasure the first time around.

This is also the time to mention my retirement as Bazaar coordinator.  After many years, it is time for new and creative ideas and more energetic leadership.  This is not an onerous task as there are many people willing to help but events need a leader.  I’m putting out a request to the total Parish to consider taking on this responsibility. The Bazaar is not only a major fund-raiser but it is the largest event we have that involves the entire parish community. The bazaar is always a time of fun and fellowship but also a time of deepening relationship with people that we may not always have contact with.  It would be a shame to not have it continue.  Please prayerfully consider this volunteer position. Thank you, Ferne M.

Food Bank Christmas Gift

The plan this year is to again provide a box of cookies for each family who attends the St. John’s Food Bank. Each gift will be $20 for which a tax receipt will be issued.  Your donation can be made on Nov. 26, Dec. 3, and Dec. 10 before and after each service in the church entrance (narthex). Christmas cards will be available to sign and will be attached to the cookies when being distributed on Dec. 21 at the Food Bank Christmas Dinner.  After purchasing the cookies, the extra money will be used to purchase fresh fruits, vegetables and supplies for the Food Bank.  Your gift is greatly appreciated.

 

And… Cookies for the Mission to Seafarers

If you would like to bake cookies for the Mission to Seafarers, the Anglican Church Women will take them to the Mission Dec. 14^th after our ACW meeting.    The cookies should be in a container suitable for freezing and of course will not be returnable.   The Mission always has goodies out for the seafarers coming through the doors so the need is constant.   Let’s help refill their freezer.    Thank you. Sue H.

 

Stewardship Reflection

“Do all the good you can,

 By all the means you can,

            At all the times you can,

            To all the people you can,

As long as ever you can.”       –  John Wesley

 This week, how can I take a step deeper in my prayer life to “pray all the good we can”?

Advent Home Programs

Extra copies of the Advent home program to accompany your advent wreath are on the table near the doors of the church.

Financial Update

For the ten months ending October 31, 2017, the parish of St. John the Apostle has avoided a predicted $10,834 budgeted deficit, and currently has spent $387 more than it has received in income.  Although expenditures have been significantly down this year (almost $19,000), there is a recognition that the parish has to be financially ready for 2018’s coming of a new rector.

The stewardship group is pleased to report that the number of pledges received so far has increased to 66 (from 64 last year).  There is still time to reap the tax benefits by giving to St. Johns in December, and opportunity to join in God’s work for the future.  Pledge forms are available on the table near the entrance to the church or by contacting the parish office.

October           Month Budget                        Year To Date   YTD budget            YTD difference

Income            18,054             18,326                         175,017           183,254           (8,247)

Expenditures  19,571             19,410                         175,404           194,098           (18,694)

Excess income/expenses:

                           (1,517)          (1,083)                        (387)                (10,834)

 

Possible Next Steps in Respectful Relations with Indigenous Peoples

Out of the 20+ people who participated in the First Nations 101 book studies, some ideas have been generated for a further opportunity for parishioners to grow deeper in understanding and relationship with First Nations, Inuit, and Metis peoples.  We could:

Invite author Lynda Gray to come speak in the parish

( see firstnations101.com )

• Host a post-Christmas supper for the residents of the Birds’ Nest
• Move towards territorial acknowledgment at all church gatherings
• Write letters to Port Moody City Council to request acknowledgment of territory at Council meetings
• Do a Kairos Blanket Exercise with the parish (for a description, go to https://www.kairoscanada.org/exercise-understanding-kairos-blanket-exercise )
• Meet with an indigenous elder/knowledge keeper in the spring to speak about local plants and animals
• Have a field trip to a local community event by T’seil Waututh, Kwitwetlem, Squamish, or Musquam of the Coast Salish First Nations
• Work with the Welcome Post project towards the potlatch on June 21, 2018

(More information at www.noonscreek.org )

 

You are being asked for feedback about which of these the parish should commit to exploring.   Please speak to one of the clergy or wardens and see the posters in the parish hall.

 

Community Christmas Lunch

On Thursday December 21, volunteers from St. Johns will be serving a hot Christmas lunch to our volunteers and clients at our food bank.  Come help set up, cook, serve, or clean up and enjoy the warm food and company of this ministry.  To volunteer your time, talent, or goods, please contact Pronella D. through the parish office.

 

“Prayer Beyond Words” Spiritual Retreat

The Diocese is sponsoring a weekend retreat at Loon Lake, Maple Ridge, for Anglicans wanting a deeper experience of spiritual formation and renewal.  One of the stated goals is to meet you where you are in your spiritual journey and to respond to your needs so you may better encounter God and be equipped to serve Christ.  Curious?  Talk to Stephanie or facilitators Eric ericmason@saintlaurence.ca or Pam p.mcelheran@me.com and check out https://tinyurl.com/formation-feb/

 

Prayer Cycle

In the Anglican Communion-

* Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby;  Primate of Canada Fred Hiltz and Indigenous Archbishop Mark McDonald; BC & Yukon Archbishop John Privett; Council of the North Diocese of Athabasca (Alberta)

* our partner Diocese of Northern Philippines, Bishop Brent Alawas, and especially the people of our twin church at St. Johns Mission, Bila, Mountain Province;

* Diocese of New Westminster Bishop Melissa Skelton, and this week:

The Cathedral Chapter – The Very Reverend Peter Elliott, Chair

The Deanery of Point Grey – The Reverend Christine Rowe, Regional Dean

*The Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada- National Bishop Susan Johnson, BC Synod Bishop Greg Mohr;

*In our parish:

The work of the Canonical Committee as the first draft of the Parish Profile is prepared

*The brothers and sisters who share our worship space: The Port Moody Korean Presbyterian Church and the Polish Evangelical Church.

 

Readings for Advent 2, December 10, 2017

Isaiah 40:1-11; Psalm 85; 2 Peter 3:8-15a; Mark 1:1-8

 

Important Contact Information

Interim Priest– The Rev. Stephanie Shepard rev.seshepard@gmail.com or 778-773-6816

Parish Office– Karen Evans stjohn7@shaw.ca or 604-936-7762

Wardens– Geri Grigg gerigrigg@gmail.com Terry Walton terry&joanne_walton@telus.net

Maureen Simons mesimons@telus.net or through the parish office

Treasurer– Chelsea Belyk chelsea.belyk@gmail.com

Parish Council– Adelaine Miller, Secretary adelainemiller@shaw.ca

Altar Guild– Brenda Binns Brenda.Binns@hotmail.com

St. John Prayer Circle– Sue Ellliott Elliott.sue1@gmail.com

Pastoral Visiting Ministry– Joanne Walton terry&joanne_walton@telus.net

or Alma Oldenburg almaolden@hotmail.com

Anglican Church Women (ACW)- Sue Hall 604-936-0176 sbhcat@hotmail.com