The E-postle – May 7, 2017

 

Partners in Christ:  New Westminster and Northern Philippines

The Episcopal Church in the U.S., ECUSA, has oversight of the Diocese of Northern Philippines, which centres on Mountain Province around the city of Bontoc, in the northern or Luzon area of the islands known collectively of as the Philippines.

In May 2016, The Diocese of New Westminster accepted the invitation of the Episcopal Diocese of Northern Philippines (EDNP) to enter into a companion relationship seeking opportunities for prayer, mutual learning, and witness to the gospel.  Within the Anglican Communion, this is known as a “Companion Relationship”.  New Westminster had previously had Companion Diocese relationships with Argentina (1989-1999) and Taiwan (2000-2015).  Exploratory conversations with Bishop Brent Alawas and his staff and the Provincial Office of the Episcopal Church in the Philippines (ECP) occurred, and visits had been made by senior clergy and our Bishop Melissa Skelton.  Bishop Brent then came to our Diocesan Mission Conference last spring.

Now we are moving forward to build bridges of communication. The hope is to link parishes to pray with each other and to share opportunities to serve.  Each parish has been asked for a liaison to be in contact with a recently developed diocesan committee for the Episcopal Diocese of Northern Philippines (EDNP). That person would also encourage a parish group to develop an electronic document profiling the parish and congregation, worship, activities etc. that we can share with our brothers and sisters overseas. This will be a very useful drafting exercise for our parish profile.  Our liaison does not have to have previous knowledge of the Philippines (although if you do, God may be leading you to this) nor does he or she have the responsibility of doing the profile (that’s something we need to get working on anyway!).  But if you have a heart for ministry beyond Canada and a love for learning about new places and cultures, please prayerfully consider this exciting opportunity. Please speak to Stephanie or one of the Wardens.

Yours in Christ,

Stephanie+

Readings for Easter 5, May 14^h, 2017  

Acts 7:55-60; Psalm 31:1-5, 15-16; 1 Peter 2:2-10; John 14:1-14

Upcoming Dates

 

May 8- Seniors’ Tea 1:30 pm in the Church Hall

May 8- New Synod Delegates Meeting 7 pm at Holy Trinity Cathedral, New Westminster

May 9- Provincial Election

May 18- Anglican Church Women Meeting 7 pm in the Church Hall

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

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

June 11-17 Diocesan School for Parish Development

 

Stewardship Reflection

 From Jean Vanier “The sign of spiritual maturity is to grow in responsibility to care for others and to become good shepherds: servant leaders.”

How is this speaking to you?

  Bales to the North

A.C.W. Place is in need of large blankets and men’s clothing for the “Bales to the North” outreach which shares needed items with Anglican communities in remote northern areas.  Please contact Ann Adair-Austin or Sue Hall.

Potluck at St. John the Apostle

After the 10 am service this Sunday, the community will gather to eat and consider how to flesh out our Mission Statement.  This is a very busy weekend for community events, so we are asking for those who are not involved with the Spring Tea to step up and help with table set-up and kitchen assistance.  If we are truly 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

how does this then shape our priorities and ministries in the years ahead?  How can we show the marks of the risen Christ by our actions? The Anglican Marks of Mission are to:

1. proclaim the Good News of the Kingdom
2. teach, baptize, and nurture new believers
3. respond to human need by loving service
4. seek to transform unjust structures of society, challenge violence of every kind and pursue peace and reconciliation
5. strive to safeguard the integrity of creation and sustain and renew the life of the earth

If we want to concentrate on one or two of these, what do we need to do with our building?

Readers and Intercessors

Prayerfully consider whether you might be called to the ministry of reading Scripture in our worship or helping with the prayers of the people as an intercessor.  The schedule for June to September is in process, and there is room for you to give your time and talents to God in these ways.  A workshop for refreshing and training is in consideration for June, and job descriptions are in process.

Godly Play Figures Needed

Godly Play is looking for Playmobil people. These would not be those that are made or dressed as characters but are simply people. Also we are looking for the figures of the Playmobil figures of Mary and Joseph. If you have any such figures tucked away in your ‘attic’ or see any at a thrift store please think of the need for them at Godly Play. Thank you.

Flowers for the Altar

The Altar Guild would like to draw your attention to the flower chart in the Narthex by the chapel door.

Please consider signing up to place flowers at the Altar in thanksgiving for something, or in loving memory of a family member, or friend. A member of the Altar Guild will contact you the week before to see what type of flowers you would like and also the wording for the Bulletin.

 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 Elliott.sue1@gmail.com

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

or Alma Oldenburg almaolden@hotmail.com