The E-postle – May 21, 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”

– draft mission statement

The Eucharist

Every time Christians gather at the table and share bread and wine, we re-live the reality of who we are as the people of God.  The celebration of the Eucharist, or “Great Thanksgiving”, is the work of the whole community.  The celebrant is the one who presides at the front, but the liturgy is a collective prayer-filled action.  All of us are participants and witnesses that it is Jesus Christ who is the host of this holy meal.  Sometimes the bread that is blessed is called “the host” to remind us of this truth, as it becomes for us the body of our Lord.

 

Every baptized person is a full member of the body of Christ and is welcome to receive both bread and wine.  Even small children may do so, and this discussion is part of the preparation for baptism. But no one has a complete theological explanation for the mystery and amazing love that is symbolized by this sacrament, and the Church doesn’t demand you to have one before you come to the table.  What we instinctively understand and are drawn toward is sometimes more than we can put into words.  We grow into a deeper maturity in faith as we learn through practice and reflection. For this reason, our communion services on Sunday May 28 at 8:30 am and 10 am will be Teaching Eucharists.  During the liturgy we will consider the meaning of some of the things we do.  There will be time after the service to ask questions of the clergy and each other.

 

In the Eucharist, we are transformed and strengthened for discipleship in the world.  Let us continue in the apostles’ teaching, in the breaking of bread and in the prayers, as our baptismal covenant affirms.

 

Yours in Christ,

Stephanie+

 

Readings for Easter 6, May 28^th, 2017  

Acts 1:6-14; Psalm 68:1-10, 33-36; 1 Peter 4:12-14 & 5:6-11; John 17:1-11

 

Prayer Cycle

The Diocese of Northern Philippines, Bishop Brent Alawas and people,

BC Lutheran Bishop Greg Mohr, Anglican Diocesan Bishop Melissa Skelton, and this week:

St. Helen, Vancouver – The Reverend Scott Gould

St. Helen, Surrey – The Reverend Stephen Laskey

Diocesan Synod – officers and delegates.

Upcoming Dates

May 26-27- Diocesan Synod at the Italian Cultural Centre

May 28- Parish Visiting Ministry meeting at the Waltons’ home

May 29- 7 pm Parish Council in the Parish Ministry Centre, all welcome to attend

June 4- Pentecost: wear RED

June 11-17 Diocesan School for Parish Development

June 25- 11:30 am-3 pm Deanery Picnic at Blue Mountain Park

June 26- 7 pm Parish Council in the Parish Ministry Centre, all welcome to attend

 

Stewardship Reflection

“But as it is written ‘what no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor human heart conceived, what God has
prepared for those who love him’-these things God has revealed to us through the Spirit; for the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God.” – 1 Corinthians 2; 9-10

God loves us. In what ways are we showing our love at St. Johns for God?

 

Opportunity to Spring Clean Your Closet and Help

Donations are needed for the 3030 Gordon Shelter. Your donation of men’s socks, underwear, sweatpants and hooded jackets are greatly appreciated. If you would like more information please contact Mary Lou Kyle at 604-461-7162 or via email at maryloukyle1234@gmail.com or Ruby Ng at 778-994-9963 or via email at rubyngchen@gmail.com

Marks of Mission Feedback at Parish Forum

At our Parish Forum on May 7, St. John’s identified the following three marks of mission as priorities for the community:

• respond to human need by loving service
• teach, baptize, and nurture new believers
• seek to transform unjust structures of society, challenge violence of every kind and pursue peace and reconciliation

 

Through these, we proclaim the good news of the kingdom, and by them we seek to sustain and nurture creation.  In the worksheets that were circulated, those present were asked the following questions:

What ministries can make this Mark more visible to the world?

What changes to the building will make this possible?

 

The parish leadership is now beginning to collect up your responses and draw out the themes that are emerging to focus the parish vision.  Identifying the function (what God is calling us to) helps shape the form (the place we minister).  One of the learnings is that any renovations need to be “purpose built”: that is, we need to understand what we are going to use the space for.  Then building in both accessibility and flexibility is key.  Both teaching space and gathering space were raised as needful to address a growing community not only within the church but in our larger neighbourhood.

Being hospitable and a spiritual sanctuary means incorporating supportive functions such as toilets and parking and addressing safety concerns in the building.

 

Your participation in this discussion is very important.  Worksheets are available on the parish website at www.stja.ca and can be emailed back to the parish office at stjohn7@shaw.ca

 

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

St. John Prayer Circle– Sue Elliott

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

or Alma Oldenburg almaolden@hotmail.com