The E-postle November 29, 2020

The E-postle November 29, 2020
November 28, 2020

First Sunday of Advent
E-Postle
November 29, 2020

“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”

 
THIS ISSUE AT A GLANCE

  • Upcoming Dates
  • Rector’s Note
  • Worship & Prayer: Sunday Prayer Leaders, Children’s Sunday – this Sunday Nov. 29
  • Stewardship: Stewardship Reflection, Community “Phone a Friend”
  • Formation: Community Reading of the Gospel of Mark – Evening Zoom Group, Parish Advent Program – “Those Who Dream”, Diocesan Advent Email Devotions – “Tell Out My Soul”
  • Parish Matters: Partial Reopening of Parish Buildings as of Oct. 20, Drainage Repair Project, Call for New Leaders – Treasurer and Council Members, Financial Status for September & October 2020, Parish Giving, Ongoing Updates Pages, E-Postle Submissions
  • Parish Ministries: Anglican Church Women (A.C.W.) News, Food Bank Update
  • Community News: Virtual Advent Taizé Service – Friday, Dec. 4, Donations for Tri-Cities Homeless, Spring Street Community Kitchen
  • Weekly Devotions: Prayer Cycle, Scripture Readings
  • Important Contact Information

 
UPCOMING DATES

***Note: All gatherings below take place online via Zoom unless otherwise indicated.***
(Visit https://www.stja.ca/2020/program-updates/ for connection information)

Friday, November 27              7:00pm – 8:30pm – 1st evening gathering for Community Reading of Gospel of Mark
Sunday, November 29             8:30am & 10:00am – Sunday Morning Prayer + Children’s Sunday Program (at 10am worship)

https://zoom.us/j/542312325?pwd=R3FKTnZ4WUU1YUFveCtzOUljM2FLZz09
Meeting ID: 542 312 325
Password: 010729

Sunday, November 29            following 8:30am and 10:00am worship – Informal Virtual “Coffee Hour”
Tuesday, December 1            10:15am – 12:00pm – Bible Study – 1st Advent Discussion
Tuesday, December 1            7:00pm – 8:00pm – Prayer Group
Wednesday, December 2       7:00pm – 8:30pm – 2nd evening gathering for Community Reading of Gospel of Mark
Thursday, December 10        7:00pm – Anglican Church Women (A.C.W.) meeting
Friday, December 11             6:00 – 7:00pm – Special Parish Council meeting


RECTOR’S NOTE

Here we are at another Advent, another new start to the church year! Undoubtedly, this will be another set of new experiences in the midst of all the turmoil and changes of 2020. As our minds, hearts, and spirits begin our annual Advent turn in expectation toward the hope of Christmas, we wonder what it will all look like. We wonder how we will manage, we wonder what beloved traditions may need to be set aside or adapted this year, we wonder what are the sacrifices we will need to make, we wonder about the losses we have already sustained, we wonder about the unexpected joys that have emerged. We wonder how Jesus, the one whom we call Emmanuel (God-with-us) – can meet us in a world that at times feels far from what we and God dream and hope for.

Our Advent program this year, “Those Who Dream” invites us into these wonderings and into ways in which we can connect our dreams with God’s dreams for us and for all the world. There are many ways to participate described below – a daily devotional guide, Facebook posts, Sunday coffee hour and Tuesday group discussions, and of course the heart of our St. John’s community – weekly Sunday worship. Join us in whatever ways that you feel called to.

I pray that this Advent would be a holy one, one filled with dreams held tenderly and eyes, minds, hearts wide open to how God is with us in new ways. I came across this older video recently – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iO7ySn-Swwc&. The creators describe “O Come O Come Emmanuel” as a reflection on ways that Christ “rescues us”…  I offer this song to you as one more way to enter into Advent, and may the assurance of God’s dreams for you and the world “rescue” you in all the ways you need in this season.

Peace,
Vivian

 

WORSHIP & PRAYER

Sunday Prayer Leaders

Have you ever thought, “I love the intercessions that we hear on Sunday… I would love to offer them but don’t think I could?” If you feel this way, maybe you are being called to be a part of this ministry in our worship and please know that we can help you. There are many resources that help you start the process. There are many that are already written that could be made available as you start on this journey of offering intercessions.

If any of this has sparked an interest or curiosity in you, please contact Deacon Anne at deacon@stja.ca.

Children’s Sunday – this Sunday Nov. 29

We will continue this Sunday with a Children’s Talk at 10am worship, followed by our program that teaches the children about The Beatitudes.

As Advent and Christmas is quickly upon us, we also look to some involvement by the children in our traditional Advent Wreath lighting, as well as a virtual Christmas Pageant.

If you know a child who would like to join in on the learning of The Beatitudes or be involved in the Advent Wreath lighting or Christmas Pageant, please contact either children@stja.ca or deacon@stja.ca.

 

STEWARDSHIP

Stewardship Reflection

From Sunday by Sunday: Reflections on Stewardship, prepared by the Ven. Dr. Michael Pollesel:

Mark 13:24-37
As we begin a new church year, Jesus reminds us that we are the ones whom God has left in charge; we are the stewards; and we are told to stay alert, carrying out the tasks entrusted to us.

Community “Phone a Friend”

Your St. John’s Stewardship Team have set up a “phone a friend” service for us all to keep from feeling a bit disconnected during these days of physical distancing. We have set up phone teams to call each week to “check in” and help relieve some of the loneliness that is inevitable in the current circumstances.

We would like to make sure no one out there is left out, so email or call Kristin (bobandkristinkuhn@gmail.com or 778-957-8987) or Natasha (freefromfear101@gmail.com or 604-961-6630) if you are not receiving a call and would like to, or if you are interested in helping to make these phone calls, and we will make sure you get hooked into the service.

We know that the caring community that is St. John’s will not leave any of its people feeling more separated than is absolutely necessary. “Distance means so little when people mean so much.”

-Your Stewardship Team

 

FORMATION

Community Reading of the Gospel of Mark – Evening Zoom Group

A new liturgical year will be starting this Sunday, and this upcoming year features the Gospel of Mark. Mark is the shortest, and often considered the most action-packed, of the Gospels.

To ready ourselves for the reading of this Gospel over the next year at Sunday worship, following in the footsteps of the Tuesday morning Bible study, we have set up an evening group to read the whole Gospel of Mark. The first session will be this Friday, November 27th, and the second session will be Wednesday, December 2nd – both groups will run from 7 – 8:30pm. This will give us a chance to read and hear the Gospel in its entirety and to steep ourselves in Scripture in a different way – all within the context of community. Everyone is invited to join in!

Please be in touch with Vivian at rector@stja.ca if you are interested in this group.

Parish Advent Program – “Those Who Dream”

Psalm 126 begins: “When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion, we were like those who dream.” This Advent at St. John’s, we’ll explore together, ‘What does it look like to live as those who dream?’ The prophets, the psalmists, John the Baptist, Mary, Elizabeth, Joseph, Simeon, Anna, the shepherds and the Magi—they were all dreamers. They received, discovered, and responded to God’s dreams for the world. This Advent, we will join them in stepping into the mystery and awe of God’s dreams and pray they shape our reality.

We will be using a daily devotional guide that offers Biblical commentary, poetry, visual art, written reflections, colouring pages, and journaling and Sabbath prompts. An emailed electronic version will be available, with printed copies mailed to those who request it (donations are welcome to offset printing and mailing costs). Please connect with Vivian at rector@stja.ca if you are interested in an emailed or print copy of the devotional guide.

Our Sunday liturgies will weave together the “dreaming theme” with our scriptures for the day. There will be opportunities for sharing and discussion at 3 Sunday coffee hours beginning next Sunday, Dec. 6 and our Tuesday Bible Studies beginning this Tuesday, Dec. 1. Our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/StJohnAnglican will also feature some of the devotional material and invite commentary and reflection – feel free to jump in as you feel called to do so!

This program is for the dreamers in all of us—those who dream of a deeper connection with God and those who dream of a better world. Those who dream of comfort and those who have given up on their dreams. Those whose dreams have been crushed and those who show us that dreams take time. Join us this Advent at St. John’s as we dream alongside prophets and angels, Mary and the Magi. Join us as we seek and sow God’s dreams for our world.

Diocesan Advent Email Devotions – “Tell Out My Soul”

What do a comedian, a school founder, and a youth leader have in common? They are all parishioners in the Diocese offering personal stories for the diocesan daily Advent email calendar this year. People of all ages from the Sunshine Coast to Coquitlam are writing short stories about times when they discovered more about the character of God. Our very own Derek De Sa is one of this year’s contributors!

Visit https://www.vancouver.anglican.ca/diocesan-resources/2020-advent to register to receive these emails, which will begin Nov. 29.

 

PARISH MATTERS

Partial Reopening of Parish Buildings as of Oct. 20

As of Oct. 20, our buildings have been partially reopened at the diocesan Phase 3 level.

While our reopening does not include use of our buildings for worship at this time, it does include the ability to welcome back community user groups, partial usage of our buildings for smaller group activities, as well as a limited reopening of our Parish Office. These activities are being gradually phased in over the next several weeks.

You may view the full reopening plan, the most recent guide for outside user groups, as well as diocesan updates at https://www.stja.ca/2020/updates-re-coronavirus/. In summary, any parish or outside group wishing to meet will need to abide by protocols including:

  • obtaining prior approval to meet via the church office
  • keeping a contact tracing list of people attending
  • wearing a mask
  • physical distancing of 2m/6ft
  • keeping hands clean with soap and water or hand sanitizer
  • disinfecting any touched surfaces as directed
  • no sharing of food or drink
  • using washrooms on an emergency-use-only basis
  • staying home if feeling sick or having had any potential exposure to COVID

Drainage Repair Project

Thank you to all who attended our recent informational meeting. Parish Council is continuing to seek out further quotes and information based on the feedback and questions received at this meeting.

Your participation in this project is integral. Thank you to those who have shared their wisdom and expertise so far! In addition to general feedback, we continue to seek volunteers for this project (could be as simple as vetting the proposals or meeting contractors on site), input into the decision-making process, and fundraising to build up the Capital Improvement Fund.

If anyone has a company to recommend or to consider, please forward the contact information to rectorswarden@stja.ca. If you are interested in helping out with this project, please reach out to Geri.

Call for New Leaders – Treasurer and Council Members

While waiting to replace the role of Treasurer, Amalia McGlashan has graciously offered to hold the role remotely until we find a replacement.

With the departure of the McGlashans, Council is now down to a smaller group of 2 clergy and 5 lay members. We really need those of you who have the interest and/or skillset to come forward to assist in the management of your church, St. John’s.

Please speak to Ruby at peopleswarden@stja.ca or Geri at rectorswarden@stja.ca if you are interested or have any questions.

Financial Status for September & October 2020

We append below the Parish financial status for your information.

Statement of Income and Expenses ending 31st October 2020

  September Actual $ October Actual $ October Budget $ October YTD Actual $ October YTD Budget $
Income 14,089 15,679 19,083 141,701 190,833
Expenses 15,197 14,477 19,089 133,954 190,821
Surplus
(-) Loss		 -1,108 1,202 -6.27 7,747 12.20

 

  September Actual $ October Actual $ October Budget $ October YTD Actual $ October YTD Budget $
Offering for General Funds 10,742 11,903 15,408 103,974 154,083
Offering for Property 1,392 1,261 0 12,856 0

Notes: We continue to be able to fulfill our obligations thanks to your contributions. With an increase in donations, we have a slight surplus for the month of October.

Parish Giving

Thank you to all who have continued with your offerings via PADs and cheques. If you wish to e-transfer your contributions directly to the church account, please contact Ruby at peopleswarden@stja.ca or Amalia at treasurer@stja.ca for more details. There are also links on our website at https://www.stja.ca/supporting-st-johns/ if you would prefer to donate by PayPal or Credit Card.

Ongoing Updates Pages

There are 2 important pages on our parish website which will be updated regularly as we have new information (links to both pages can also be found at the top of our homepage www.stja.ca):

  1. Program & Worship Updates/Links – https://www.stja.ca/2020/program-updates/ – current information on programs, including Zoom meeting information and the bulletin and scripture readings for Sunday worship.
  2. Updates on Covid-19 at St. John’s –  https://www.stja.ca/2020/updates-re-coronavirus/ – a collection of all special correspondence from Archbishop Melissa and from our parish re: actions that St. John’s and our greater diocese are taking with the Covid-19 virus.

E-Postle Submissions

If you have submissions for the E-Postle, please email them to Kathy by Wednesday at 9:00pm at news@stja.ca.

 

PARISH MINISTRIES

Anglican Church Women (A.C.W.) News

Next Meeting
The next A.C.W. meeting will be held on Thursday, December 10th at 7pm. This will be an informal meeting with an opportunity to share news and views.

Please email ACW@stja.ca for meeting connection details.

Virtual Bazaar
The A.C.W. would like to thank everyone who participated in the recent Virtual Bazaar. In particular we would like to thank Kristin Kuhn for her notable leadership with this project; and also all those who created products to sell, all those who collated the orders, all those who assisted with the drive-by pick-up and everyone who purchased items and donated money to help us raise funds for St. John’s and for our outreach programs. We raised $2,049.00 in sales and $665.00 in monetary donations for a grand total of $2,714.00. If any further sales of crafts occur privately, funds should be mailed directly to Antoinette with cheques made out to “St. John’s A.C.W”.

Calendars
Thank you to everyone who has supported the sale of the 2021 Anglican Church Calendar. There are just a few still available for purchase. Cost: $7 each. If you would like to receive a copy, please contact Antoinette at: toni.woodman@shaw.ca or 604-942-4765.

Food Bank Update

It looks like the St. John’s Food Bank will not be reopening in the near future, given the Covid-19 situation. However, our church continues to help needy people in our community through our support of the SHARE Food Bank. At our October Parish Council meeting, we carried a motion to donate $2000 to the SHARE Food Bank in November to help with their Christmas hampers. Thank you to all the parishioners at St. John’s who have made contributions to the Food Bank fund. We couldn’t do it without you!

We are still looking for a member of our congregation to take on the role of Food Bank coordinator. If you are interested, please send an email to foodbank@stja.ca.


COMMUNITY NEWS

Virtual Advent Taizé Service – Friday, Dec. 4

The ACAM (Anglican Canadian-Asian Ministries) of our Diocese welcome you to an evening of music and prayer as we enter into the Advent Season. Especially at this time of COVID, it is a good time to gather virtually to remember and celebrate the love of the Christ who came in the night at Bethlehem, who comes at the end of time in glory, and who comes at every moment into our hearts and souls.

The service will take place on Zoom on Friday, Dec. 4th at 7pm. Please contact rector@stja.ca for Zoom connection details.

Donations for Tri-Cities Homeless

St. Laurence, Coquitlam is currently collecting items for Tri-Cities homeless persons through Hope for Freedom Society. Below is a list of items with instructions.

Due to the pandemic, the MAT program will not be happening this year, but Hope for Freedom outreach workers and the Tri-Cities homeless community still need our help. Donations of goods can be dropped off at St. Laurence (825 St. Laurence St., Coquitlam), Monday through Thursday from 10am to 2pm, or you may phone Juley in the St. Laurence church office at 604-936-5423 to arrange for a pick-up from your home.

Hope for Freedom wish list:

  • Backpacks
  • Umbrellas
  • Hot Paws (warmers for gloves and boots)
  • Sweatpants
  • Socks
  • Underwear
  • Rain gear (waterproof jackets and pants)
  • Boots
  • Nail clippers, combs, and small or folding hairbrushes
  • Small packages of wet wipes
  • Small bottles of Tylenol (there are tubes containing 10 tablets)
  • Food items: granola bars, fruit cups, pull-top tins of a meal item (e.g. ravioli)

Spring Street Community Kitchen

Thanks to all who joined us for our “Soup and Beer Bread” online kitchen this past week – a video of the cooking portion of the evening will be posted soon at https://www.facebook.com/SpringStreetCommunityKitchen.

Funds raised in support of our Spring Street Community Kitchen will be re-gifted to the communities we serve – this month we will give to SHARE Food Bank to support their food hamper programs. Donations can be given via https://www.stja.ca/supporting-st-johns/. Be sure to let us know that your donation is designated for our Community Kitchen project.

We would love your participation and feedback! We welcome you to share your soup and beer bread recipes with our wider community. Feel free to email your recipes to us at SpringStreetCommunityKitchen@gmail.com  and we will share them on our Facebook page. We are also looking for volunteers for future kitchens – planning, hosting, moderating, and tech support are just some of the roles available. Connect with Geri at rectorswarden@stja.ca if you’d like to take part going forward!

(The Spring Street Community Kitchen is a partnership between St. John’s, Inlet United Church, and All Saints’ Catholic Parish.)


WEEKLY DEVOTIONS

Prayer Cycle

The Anglican Church of Canada – the Most Rev. Linda Nicholls, Primate, and the Most Rev. Mark MacDonald, National Indigenous Anglican Archbishop.

The Diocese of New Westminster – the Most Rev. Melissa Skelton, Archbishop, and Metropolitan of the Ecclesiastical Province of BC and Yukon; and the Rev. John Stephens, Bishop Coadjutor-Elect.

And this week:

  • St. Andrew, Langley – The Reverend Andrew Halladay, The Reverend Helen Lingham;
  • Primate of the Anglican Church of Canada, The Most Reverend Linda Nicholls; General Secretary, The Venerable Alan Perry; and The General Synod Staff;
  • Our partner Diocese of Northern Philippines, Bishop Brent Alawas, and especially the people of our twin church at St. John the Evangelist Mission, Balugan;
  • The Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada – National Bishop Susan Johnson, BC Synod Bishop Greg Mohr;
  • The brothers and sisters who share our worship space: The Port Moody Korean Presbyterian Church

Readings for November 29, 2020 – 1st Sunday of Advent

Isaiah 64:1-9; Psalm 80:1-7, 16-18; 1 Corinthians 1:3-9; Mark 13:24-37

Readings for December 6, 2020 – 2nd Sunday of Advent

Isaiah 40:1-11; Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13; 2 Peter 3:8-15a; Mark 1:1-8


IMPORTANT CONTACT INFORMATION

Rector The Rev. Vivian Lam rector@stja.ca 604-936-7762 (church voicemail) / 604-723-5029 (cell)
Deacon The Rev. Anne Anchor deacon@stja.ca
Parish Office administrator@stja.ca 604-936-7762
(Office is closed at this time, but email and voice messages will be checked Tuesday – Friday)
Rector’s Warden Geri Grigg rectorswarden@stja.ca
People’s Warden Ruby Ng peopleswarden@stja.ca
Treasurer Amalia McGlashan treasurer@stja.ca
Envelope Secretary Sheila De Vaal envelopesecretary@stja.ca
Parish Council Kristin Kuhn, Secretary parishcouncilsecretary@stja.ca
Altar Guild Brenda Binns altarguild@stja.ca
Anglican Church Women Alma Oldenburg ACW@stja.ca 604-788-2562
Bible Study Lynne Milner biblestudy@stja.ca
Building Repairs / Maintenance Rich Thompson property@stja.ca
Children’s Ministry/Godly Play Christina Anchor children@stja.ca
E-Postle Kathy De Vaal news@stja.ca
Food Bank foodbank@stja.ca
Parish Visiting Ministry Joanne Walton/Alma Oldenburg pastoralvisits@stja.ca
Prayer Circle Sue Elliott prayer@stja.ca
Prayer Shawls Rosa Weisensel administrator@stja.ca

 

[Artwork at top of page is “Spark of Divinity” by Hannah Garrity (inspired by Mark 13:24-37). © A Sanctified Art. Used by permission.]

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