The E-Postle, December 5, 2021

Second Sunday of Advent
E-Postle
December 5, 2021

“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
• Worship & Prayer: Zoom Worship Continues, Children’s Talks throughout Advent, Sermons Online, Pastoral Message – Ray Bays, Pastoral Message – Mickey M., Flowers for the Altar, Tech & Hospitality Volunteers Needed for Worship, Ongoing Pastoral Care & Support
• Formation: Parish Advent Program – “Close to Home”, Anglican Advent Email Devotions – “Light, Dark, Land, Advent”, PWRDF Advent Devotional Guide – “Thread of Hope”, Area Youth Group!
• Stewardship: Stewardship Reflection
• Parish Matters: Beware Email Scams, Current Parish Office & Buildings Status, Financial Status for September and October 2021, Parish Giving, Ongoing Updates Pages, E-Postle Submissions
• Parish Ministries: Food Bank Report, Abbotsford Flood Relief, Anglican Church Women (“A.C.W.”) News, New Members for the Altar Guild, ReSponse News
• Community News: PWRDF BC Flood Relief, 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/2021/program-updates/ for connection information)

Sunday, December 5              8:30am & 10:00am – ZOOM ONLY – Morning Prayer + (at 10am) Children’s Talk

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

Sunday, December 5              following 8:30am and 10:00am worship – Informal Zoom “Coffee Hour” + Advent Program Gathering #1
Tuesday, December 7            10:15am – 12noon – Advent Program Gathering #1
Tuesday, December 7            7:00pm – 8:00pm – Prayer Group
Sunday, December 12            Cut off date for donations in lieu of the Bazaar
Friday, December 24             Christmas Eve services – ZOOM ONLY – 7:00pm Family Service, 9:00pm Formal Service
Saturday, December 25         Christmas Day service – ZOOM ONLY – 10:00am

WORSHIP & PRAYER

Zoom Worship Continues

At our most recent November 30 meeting, Parish Council gave consideration to an appropriate date for a return to hybrid worship. It was decided that Christmas services will be Zoom only, and that we will continue through January with Sunday services on Zoom. Factoring in the emergence of a new variant, the possibility of changing public health guidelines, and parish planning needs such as flexibility for and community stability during Vivian’s medical treatment, this was felt to be a suitable timeframe. We do recognize that there is a desire from some to get back in the building and resume some in-person worship. Additionally, COVID infection rates in the Fraser Health Region continue to be fairly low. Parish Council is scheduled to meet earlier than usual in January (the 18th), so that we can re-evaluate at that time and we will keep you posted. Please do not hesitate to reach out to any Council member in the meantime, if you have comments or suggestions on the topic.

Children’s Talks throughout Advent

Throughout the 4 Sundays of Advent, we look forward to having a Children’s Talk each week at our 10am worship. Families will also be leading us in an Advent candle lighting liturgy during each service.

Sermons Online

Just a reminder that you can access sermons online on our parish YouTube channel, which is linked toward the top of our homepage at https://www.stja.ca/, or visited directly at https://bit.ly/3oltgDN. We hope that this will be helpful if you wish to meditate further on a sermon, or share with friends and family.

Pastoral Message – Ray Bays

We offer our sincerest condolences and prayers to parishioner Joan Bays and family as they grieve the death this week of Joan’s husband Ray. Joan thanks the Prayer Circle and everyone in the parish who have been praying for Ray and her throughout these couple of years. Sympathy cards may be sent to Joan’s home address (please contact the Parish Office if you need this information) or sent to the office to be passed on to the family. We pray that Ray may rest in God’s peace.

Pastoral Message – Mickey M.

We are sad to announce that parishioner Mickey M. died recently, soon after celebrating her 91^st birthday. As we grieve this loss together, please also keep her sons Rob and Paul and the rest of the family in your prayers. May Mickey rest in God’s peace.

A memorial service is planned to be held at our parish sometime in the future after COVID-restrictions lift more. Sympathy cards may be sent c/o Rob, to Mickey’s original home address (please contact the office if you need this information) or sent to the parish office to be passed on to the family. Rob invites everyone who knew and wishes to honour Mickey to remember to say “I love you” to a loved one, and to consider planting some flowers.

Flowers for the Altar

Due to services being held via Zoom until the end of the year, we ask that anyone who has signed up to have flowers at the Altar choose an alternative date once in-person services are resumed. Please speak to Brenda Binns or any member of the Altar Guild.

Tech & Hospitality Volunteers Needed for Worship

We are continuing to look for help with technical support aspects of both Zoom services and (future) in-person services, as well as people who could help online with hospitality and welcome for our Zoom participants. Training will be provided. If you or someone you know is interested, please connect with Vivian at rector@stja.ca to chat.

Zoom Hospitality includes:

• Welcoming everyone as they arrive in the Zoom meeting room.
• Greeting visitors and inviting them to provide contact information so we can follow up with them.
• (if available after the service) Serving as “host” for virtual coffee hour

Zoom Tech Support includes:

• Screen-sharing the bulletin and other documents during the service
• Muting and unmuting Zoom participants
• Conveying feedback to the In-Person Tech Support about any adjustments needed to sound or video
• Adding onscreen names for people who telephone in
• Recording a count of participants
• Following protocols for removing any Zoom bombers (hasn’t been needed to date!)

In-Person Tech Support includes:

• Setting up and taking down equipment, opening/closing software programs on main laptop
• Doing a sound-check of microphones pre-service
• Receiving feedback from the Zoom Tech Support before and during the service about any adjustments needed to sound or video for Zoom congregation
• Adjusting the sound levels as needed during the service
• Switching camera views during the service

 Ongoing Pastoral Care & Support

A note from Vivian:

Please know that St. John’s is here for you as we continue to move through this pandemic. Now that I don’t see many of you as regularly, and with the limitations of virtual interactions, it is more challenging to know what everyone’s state of wellbeing and ongoing pastoral needs are. I invite and encourage you to reach out to me or to any of the other parish resources below, if and as you need.

Rector – Please contact me via rector@stja.ca or cell.  I am happy to connect via phone, email, text, Facetime or Zoom, and, during this pandemic, in-person in urgent situations. I am here for support in crisis times (i.e. emergencies, hospital stays) and if you would like prayer for an upcoming medical procedure or other major circumstance. I am also available for general spiritual support and encouragement, and can offer a listening ear and prayer in the moment.

Community “Phone a Friend” – our Stewardship Team has set up phone teams to call folks each week to “check in” and help lessen isolation and foster connection. Connect with Kristin (bobandkristinkuhn@gmail.com or 778-957-8987) or Natasha (freefromfear101@gmail.com or 604-961-6630) if you’d like to receive or help make these calls.

Sunday Prayers of the People – If you would like to be prayed for in our Sunday intercessions, please email Anne at deacon@stja.ca. You will be prayed for by first name, for whatever time period you indicate. If you are adding someone else, please be sure you have their OK to do so.

Prayer Circle – Please email Sue E. at prayer@stja.ca. This is a group of parishioners who commit to pray for prayer needs of parishioners and friends/families. All requests are kept confidential within the group, and you can let the group know as much or as little detail of the situation they’re praying for, as you wish. If you are requesting prayer for someone else, please be sure you have their OK to do so.

Parish Visiting Ministry – Members of this team focus on our parishioners who are homebound or living in care homes. During this pandemic time, they are praying for and connecting with these parishioners via phone, email, and mail. Please connect with Joanne W. or Alma at pastoralvisits@stja.ca with needs in this area.

FORMATION

Parish Advent Program – “Close to Home”

When something hits close to home, it affects us deeply. During the Advent and Christmas season, we journey through scriptures and rituals that are tender, heavy with emotion, and vulnerable. There is an “already but not yet” tension of our faith: Emmanuel is with us, and yet, God’s promised day—our everlasting home—is not fully realized. We have a deep longing for God to come close to us. This Advent, may we be comforted by the One who dwells intimately with us. May we expand safety and sanctuary for everyone wandering far from home. May we come home—wherever home is found—to live fully with joy, hope, and courage. (From the publisher’s description of the program.)

This Advent, we will be using a daily devotional guide that offers Biblical commentary, poetry, visual art, written reflections, music, and journaling and Sabbath prompts based on the “Close to Home” theme.

Our Sunday liturgies will weave together the program theme with our scriptures for the day. There will be opportunities for sharing and discussion at 3 Sunday coffee hours beginning this Sunday, Dec. 5, as well as at our Tuesday 10:15am Bible studies beginning Dec. 7. 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!

There are 3 electronic versions of the devotional guide – a smaller-print one that is for viewing on a device and a smaller-print one for printing. There is also a large-print version that can be viewed on a device or printed.

You may contact Deanna at administrator@stja.ca if you wish to have the link to an electronic copy emailed to you, or a printed copy mailed to you (donations are welcome to offset printing and mailing costs).

Anglican Advent Email Devotions – “Light, Dark, Land, Advent”

Sign-up for a daily email in Advent with brief reflections from people throughout the Anglican Church of Canada.  Writers will share how experiences of light, dark, and being on the land teach us about the season of Advent. They are not long; only 50-100 words. An image or photograph accompanies each written reflection.

The contributors to this year’s calendar are lay and ordained leaders from all over the church. The vast majority are Indigenous Anglicans, voices from the present as well as the past. Discover the wisdom and perseverance of early Indigenous Anglicans who were founders and builders of the church as well as the calls and observations of those leading the church now.

Visit https://www.vancouver.anglican.ca/diocesan-resources/2021-advent to register to receive these emails, which began Dec. 1.

PWRDF Advent Devotional Guide – “Thread of Hope”

The Primate’s World Relief and Development Fund (PWRDF) is offering an Advent resource that delves into the work and ministry of this national ministry. Designed to be used as a daily reflection received in your inbox, Thread of Hope ties together a diverse array of writers, viewpoints and activities.

Each week of Advent begins with an illustration, that introduces the theme and scripture passage that takes us through the familiar Advent story, from the angel messengers and the journey to Bethlehem, to the shepherds responding to the message and the birth of Jesus. You will read a reflection from a PWRDF partner, volunteer or staff member, followed by a guided meditation (read or listen!). During each week, a different writer will reflect on a scripture passage and offer a prayer for each day, followed by a PWRDF story.

Visit https://pwrdf.org/advent2021 for more information, and to sign up for the daily emails, which began on Nov. 28.

Area Youth Group!

Are you a member of our St. John’s community that is aged 14 to 19? There is a local youth group that meets to have fun together at St. Laurence Anglican Church regularly and is involved in all sorts of youth-related community and church projects! For more information or updated details about upcoming youth events, please feel free to contact Kristin Kuhn (778-957-8987 and/or bobandkristinkuhn@gmail.com).

STEWARDSHIP

Stewardship Reflection

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

Luke 3:1-6
John the Baptist calls on the people of his day to prepare themselves. He calls for a change of heart that will help them be better prepared to “see the salvation of God.” Do we also need to change our hearts?

PARISH MATTERS

Beware Email Scams

Please continue to stay vigilant about email scams, especially as the holiday season approaches. In the past, fraudulent emails claiming to be from Vivian ask if you are busy or say that she needs a favour; other messages have claimed she is in a meeting and emailing to ask you to handle a request discreetly. When you reply, the person asks you to purchase a gift card (or something similar) so that she can help someone in need. Please note that Vivian would never ask for help in this manner!

You can often tell that a message is fake if you look carefully at the originating email address, if the tone/wording seems strange, and if the request asks you to give money in an odd way. If you ever have any doubt about an email’s authenticity, please feel free to call Vivian (or email rector@stja.ca directly in a separate email) to confirm.

For further information, here are 2 government resources re: email fraud recommended by the diocese:  https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/protect-fraud/internet-email-telephone.html and https://www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca/index-eng.htm

Current Parish Office & Buildings Status

Note: You may view our original reopening plan, the guide for user groups, as well as diocesan updates at https://www.stja.ca/2021/updates-re-coronavirus/

WORSHIP
Zoom-only services will be in effect through the end of January. COVID protocols have been adjusted to allow for the choir to gather to sing during worship. For additional information, please see the “Worship & Prayer” section of this epostle.

PARISH OFFICE
The Parish Office is usually open 3 partial days a week – generally on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 10am-2pm – but this schedule may shift from time to time. For now, the office will not be open to walk-in visitors – anyone coming by the office for a necessary purpose will need to make an appointment beforehand and follow Covid safety protocols as directed.

Anyone planning to come inside the church buildings at this time must also check in beforehand with Deanna in the office at administrator@stja.ca – even if you plan to be here just for a brief period of time. This is to enable necessary contact tracing, notification to anyone else in the building at the same time, and to review safety protocols as needed.

SMALL GROUPS
Parish small groups who wish to meet for ministry gatherings may do so, provided they 1) contact the Parish Office to book time through Deanna, and 2) follow all COVID protocols (see “Guidelines for User Groups” at https://www.stja.ca/2021/updates-re-coronavirus/).

The main protocols for small groups include:

• obtaining prior approval to meet via the church office
• 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
• staying home if feeling sick or having had any potential exposure to COVID

OUTSIDE USER GROUPS
The Port Moody Korean Presbyterian Church have resumed in-person worship in our space on Sunday afternoons. Two of our community 12-step groups are currently meeting in our space; the third has opted to hold off on meeting in-person for the time being. All groups are following strict safety protocols (see “Guidelines for User Groups” at https://www.stja.ca/2021/updates-re-coronavirus/).

Financial Status for September and October 2021

We append below the Parish financial status for your information.

Statement of Income and Expenses ending 31^st day of October 2021

	September 2021 Actual $	October 2021 Actual $	October 2021 Budget $	YTD October 2021 Actual $	YTD October 2021 Budget $
Income	13,519.70	15,067.70	18,620.82	155,581.34	186,208.20
Expenses	18,320.87	30,801.26	18,541.32	185,149.98	185,413.20
Surplus (-) Loss	(4,801.17)	(15,733.56)	79.50	(29,773.64)	795.00

 

	September 2021 Actual $	October 2021 Actual $	October 2021 Budget $	YTD October 2021 Actual $	YTD October 2021 Budget $
Offering for General Funds	10,543.00	11,001.00	15,333.33	99,284.00	153,333.30
Offering for Property	1,121.70	1,001.70	0	10,413.00	0

Treasurer’s Note: Thanks to all for your continued support in these difficult times. We are currently running a deficit. Expenses were significantly higher in October, mainly due to the painting and repair of the window woodwork, and repairs on the drainage project.

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/2021/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/2021/updates-re-coronavirus/ – a collection of all special correspondence from the Bishop 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

Food Bank Report

At our November meeting, Parish Council has decided to continue to support the SHARE Food Bank through March 2022. We will continue to send donations of $500 per month taken from the St. John’s Food Bank fund, since our own Food Bank does not have immediate plans to resume in the near future. Thank you to those of you who have continued to support the Food Bank financially. Your contributions will still be helping those in need in our community.

And thank you to those who had supported the St. John’s Food Bank with donations of food while we were still meeting in person. The food has been sorted by date, and items close to their “Best Before” date have been taken to the SHARE Food Bank every month during the pandemic–so food donations have not been wasted!

Thank you again, Mary Kyle

Abbotsford Flood Relief

At our November meeting, Parish Council has decided to allocate $500 from St. John’s Food Bank Fund to support food security for flood relief victims in Abbotsford. We are connecting with Deacon Paul Richards (at Holy Trinity, White Rock), who has been active in coordinating Anglican response to this disaster, to determine the best way to donate this money.

Anglican Church Women (“A.C.W.”) News

Parish Fall Bazaar

Regrettably, the A.C.W. have decided that due to the restrictions of the Pandemic, and concerns over Covid, that we will not be organising the Parish Fall Bazaar again this year.

We gratefully request, that if it is within your means, that you consider making a donation to the parish to the value of what you might spend at the Bazaar in lieu of this event. The cut off date for making donations will be December 12^th.  You will, of course, be given a tax receipt for your donation.

Please make your donations directly to the Parish, with the notation ‘Fall Bazaar’ on your cheque or direct deposit. Thank you for your support of our Parish and the ACW outreach mission.

Canadian Church Calendars
We still have 9 Canada Church Calendars available for a cost of $7 each. If you would like to purchase one, please contact Antoinette at: toni.woodman@shaw.ca or 604 942 4765.

New Members for the Altar Guild

The members of St. John’s Altar Guild are looking for some new members to join us. We work in groups on a 4-week rotating schedule, usually on a Saturday morning, arranging flowers, cleaning the brass, setting up for the Eucharist and laundering the altar linens. Please speak to Brenda Binns or any member of the Altar Guild if you are interested in joining us.

ReSponse News

(Submitted by Mary Kyle)
The S. Family
Please pray for the S. family in Turkey (originally from Afghanistan). There seemed to have been some progress made with their application to come to Canada, but now there are complications. The Diocese is asking for help from various organizations to work out the problem. Please keep this family in your prayers, especially the adult son, M. Thank you.

The N. Family
The N. Family is settling in well! The children are all in school now and the father is working on getting a B.C. drivers license. The Deanery ReSponse group has donated a new computer for the family which has recently been installed.

COMMUNITY NEWS

PWRDF BC Flood Relief

The Primate’s World Relief and Development Fund (PWRDF) is now accepting donations toward an emergency response in British Columbia. The news of the destructive floods, especially after a particularly devastating fire season in the province, are moving Anglicans to reach out to offer support.

As with most in-Canada emergencies, the need for funds will grow in the weeks and months ahead as the flood waters recede and people begin the work of rebuilding, restoring and healing. PWRDF will continue conversations with the Dioceses of New Westminster and Kootenay, and leadership in the Territory of the People, as to how funds will be best used.

Please visit https://pwrdf.org/pwrdf-accepting-donations-for-b-c/ for details on ways to give.

Spring Street Community Kitchen

Thanks to all who participated in our most recent kitchen, where we shared our favourite holiday recipes. The recipes will be available soon at https://www.facebook.com/SpringStreetCommunityKitchen.

Donations raised in support of our Spring Street Community Kitchen are being re-gifted to the communities we serve. Funds raised for this gathering will be gifted to the Phoenix Society, a multi-service agency dedicated to providing accessible services and opportunities to people who face barriers related to addiction, mental health, housing, education, criminal justice involvement and/or employment. Donations can be given via https://www.stja.ca/supporting-st-johns/; please designate your gift to our Community Kitchen project.

We always welcome volunteers for future kitchens – planning, hosting, moderating, and tech support are just some of the roles available.

(The Spring Street Community Kitchen is a partnership between St. John’s and Inlet United Church – be sure to like and follow us at https://www.facebook.com/SpringStreetCommunityKitchen.)

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 Province of BC and Yukon – The Most Rev. Lynne McNaughton, Metropolitan.

The Diocese of New Westminster – the Rt. Rev. John Stephens, Bishop.

And this week:

• The Deanery of Kingsway – The Rev. Wilmer Toyoken, Regional Dean.
• Our partner Diocese of Northern Philippines, 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, BC Synod Bishop-Elect Kathy Martin.
• The brothers and sisters who share our worship space: The Port Moody Korean Presbyterian Church.

Readings for December 5, 2021 – Second Sunday of Advent

Baruch 5:1-9; in place of the psalm, Canticle 19 (Luke 1:68-79); Philippians 1:3-11; Luke 3:1-6

Readings for December 12, 2021 – Third Sunday of Advent

Zephaniah 3:14-20; in place of the psalm, Canticle 3 (Isaiah 12:2-6); Philippians 4:4-7; Luke 3:7-18

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	Deanna Lemke	administrator@stja.ca	604-936-7762
(No drop-in visitors at this time – please make an appointment to come in. General office hours are Tues/Thurs/Fri, 10am-2pm, but may occasionally change.)
Rector’s Warden	Rich Thompson	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	Geri Grigg,     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

 

Graphic at top of page (Inspired by Philippians 1:3-11) is used by permission -“Harvest of Righteousness” by Lauren Wright Pittman © A Sanctified Art LLC – sanctifiedart.org