The E-postle February 14, 2021

The E-postle February 14, 2021
February 12, 2021

Last Sunday after the Epiphany
E-Postle
February 14, 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
  • Rector’s Note
  • Worship & Prayer: Pastoral Note–Cards for Joyce and Mel, Ash Wednesday—Feb. 17, New Noonday Psalms & Prayer Volunteers, Ongoing Pastoral Care & Support
  • Stewardship: Stewardship Reflection, Community “Phone a Friend”
  • Formation: Lenten Book Study – “The Book of Forgiving”, Diocesan Lenten Resources, “Stars Leading the Way…” Reflections
  • Parish Matters: Annual Vestry Meeting (Feb. 21) + Vestry Reports , Rector On Break, Seeking New Parish Council Members, Limited Reopening of Parish Office & Buildings, Financial Status for November & December 2020, Parish Giving, Ongoing Updates Pages, E-Postle Submissions
  • Parish Ministries: Anglican Church Women (“A.C.W”) Meeting, Sunshine Box, Food Bank Update
  • Community News: “Introduction to Centering Prayer” Program via Zoom, Installation and Seating of the 10th Diocesan Bishop, Next Spring Street Community Kitchen Feb. 25 – “One Pot Meals”
  • 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)

Sunday, February 14              8:30am & 10:00am – Sunday Morning Prayer

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

Sunday, February 14              following 8:30am and 10:00am worship – Informal Virtual “Coffee Hour”
Tuesday, February 16             10:15am – 12:00pm – Bible Study
Tuesday, February 16            7:00pm – 8:00pm – Prayer Group
Wednesday, February 17       10:00am (spoken) and 7:00pm (with music) – Ash Wednesday services
Thursday, February 18           7:00pm – A.C.W meeting
Sunday, February 21              after 10:00am service – Annual Vestry meeting
Tuesday, February 23             10:15am – 12:00pm – 1st Tuesday Lenten study – “The Book of Forgiving”
Thursday, February 25           6:00pm – 7:00pm – Spring Street Community Kitchen – “One Pot Meals”
Sunday, February 28              11:00am – 12:30pm – 1st Sunday Lenten study – “The Book of Forgiving”
Sunday, February 28              (livestreamed from the Cathedral)
                                               3:30pm-5:30pm – Installation of the Rt. Rev. John Stephens as the 10th Bishop of our Diocese

RECTOR’S NOTE

Here we are again, at the cusp of another Lenten season. It is a bit sobering to reflect on how our Lent last year was interrupted midway with the beginning of the pandemic. Last Lent, we were often just surviving day to day, adjusting rapidly and continually to all the immense changes the threat of Covid-19 required of us. We made our way, somewhat shell-shocked through the remainder of Lent and a Holy Week and Easter like no other, and many of us took refuge in the fact that this was temporary and that church would be “back to normal” soon. But of course we could not anticipate how things would really turn out, and we find ourselves here, almost a year later, nowhere near that old “normal”.

Lent this year will indeed be again observed in a pandemic, but I see opportunities for us to embrace the season in a new way. This year, we are not being thrust into the jaws of an immediate crisis situation, and while there are of course still many unknowns, we are in a steadier and more measured place this time around. I pray that we at St. John’s would take the opportunity to open our hearts anew to God this Lent, and intentionally and prayerfully, as it says in our Ash Wednesday liturgy, “observe a holy Lent by self-examination, penitence, prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, and by reading and meditating on the word of God.”

Please prayerfully consider the various opportunities outlined in this issue of the E-postle to do this – from our Ash Wednesday services, to our Lenten book study, to a contemplative prayer workshop series, to suggested resources from the Diocese. The options are rich and varied. Savour the chance to experience Lent–even in a pandemic–with a centred and focused giving over of yourself to whatever God may have in store for you.

Peace,
Vivian

 

WORSHIP & PRAYER

Pastoral Note – Cards for Joyce and Mel

For those who would like to send sympathy cards to the families of Joyce Rexin or Mel Shannon, you may direct them to the Parish Office – we will forward these cards to their families as we receive them.

You may view Joyce’s obituary at  https://vancouversunandprovince.remembering.ca/obituary/joyce-rexin-1081581391 and Mel’s obituary at https://vancouversunandprovince.remembering.ca/obituary/melvin-shannon-1081583341. Both notices allow for people to share condolences and memories with the family online.

Ash Wednesday—Feb. 17

Everyone is invited to begin the season of Lent together as a community. There will be two opportunities to observe Ash Wednesday on Zoom with your St. John’s family: a morning service (spoken) at 10am and an evening service (with music) at 7pm. All ages are welcome. Use the Zoom link for Sunday morning worship to connect to the services.

New Noonday Psalms & Prayer Volunteers

We’re looking for a few new people (of any age) to help lead our Noonday Psalms & Prayers on Facebook! You would read (out loud) a pre-selected psalm, and share a personal prayer focusing on something or someone in the world around us. You can sign up to lead these prayers as frequently as you’d like, and instructions and training will be provided. Please contact Vivian at rector@stja.ca if you’re interested.

For the past several months, we have been holding some sacred space in this way for scripture and prayer each day – we see it as a small spiritual gift for our wider community during this pandemic time. Check out our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/StJohnAnglican to see past videos.

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.

 

STEWARDSHIP

Stewardship Reflection

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

Mark 9:2-9
Peter “didn’t know how else to respond,” says today’s passage. As a faithful steward, how do you think you might respond?

Community “Phone a Friend”

The Stewardship Team is looking for volunteers to keep the phone a friend program going. If you have time to make a few calls once a week to help keep our community connected, please call Kristin (778-957-8987) or email bobandkristinkuhn@gmail.com. Thanks to all the volunteers who have been so kind as to offer their assistance with this project so far. You have been appreciated greatly!

-Your Stewardship Team

 

FORMATION

Lenten Book Study – “The Book of Forgiving”

This Lent, we are excited to be reading together Archbishop Desmond Tutu’s book, “The Book of Forgiving: the Fourfold Path for Healing Ourselves and Our World.”

From the publisher: “Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Nobel Peace Prize winner, Chair of The Elders, and Chair of South Africa’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission, along with his daughter, the Reverend Mpho Tutu, offer a manual on the art of forgiveness—helping us to realize that we are all capable of healing and transformation.”

As we explore this book together, we will pray and ponder about how forgiveness connects to our own lives and to the many issues that we and our wider communities grapple with, in the world around us. We will also practice living out more fully what we pray each week in the Lord’s Prayer – “forgive us our sins, as we forgive others who sin against us”.

There will be 2 opportunities to meet on Zoom for this book study:

  • 5 Tuesday mornings (Feb. 23 through Mar. 23), 10:15am-noon at our Bible Study
  • 5 Sundays (Feb. 28 through Mar. 28) after the 10am service, with an extended coffee hour running from (roughly) 11am until 12:30pm – bring your lunch or a snack!

The book can be ordered via your favourite retailer in physical, electronic, or audio book format. Note: we will have a limited number of books available for the subsidized cost of $10. (Help is available for those for whom this would be a financial hardship.) Please let Deanna know at administrator@stja.ca if you would like to purchase a copy through the church. Covid-safe pickup or delivery will be worked out.

Diocesan Lenten Resources

If you are looking for some additional spiritual meditation material for the Lenten season, the diocese has compiled a list of recommended resources at https://www.vancouver.anglican.ca/diocesan-resources/lent-2021-resources. For individual study, check out the “Lenten Daily Emails/Calendar” section toward the middle of the page.

“Stars Leading the Way…” Reflections

Thank you to everyone who volunteered to write these wonderful Epiphany meditations! If you missed any or want to reflect further on them, you can view them on our Facebook page  www.facebook.com/StJohnAnglican. For those not on Facebook, you may also visit https://www.vancouver.anglican.ca/tri-cities-north-burnaby/st-john-the-apostle/pages/stars-leading-the-way.

 

PARISH MATTERS

Annual Vestry Meeting (Feb. 21) + Vestry Reports

Annual Vestry will be held virtually on Zoom on Sunday, Feb. 21, directly following the 10am service.

As previously announced, Vestry Reports and other meeting materials will be sent out by email this Friday Feb. 12. For those without emails on file, we will mail a hard copy to your home address. Should anyone require a hard copy of materials, you may call Deanna at the office and arrange, by appointment, to pick up a copy on Friday, Feb. 19, between 11 am to 1 pm.

Rector On Break

Vivian is taking some modified vacation time, returning on Tuesday, Feb. 16. However, she will be available for pastoral emergencies – please call her cell phone as normal.

Otherwise, please connect with Ruby at peopleswarden@stja.ca or Geri at rectorswarden@stja.ca for time-sensitive parish matters during this time.

We are grateful to the Rev. Michael Chin and the Rev. Anne Anchor who will be officiant and preacher, respectively, at Zoom worship services this Sunday, Feb. 14.

Limited Reopening of Parish Office & Buildings

The Parish Office is now open 3 partial days a week – generally on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 10am-2pm – but please note that 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.

We have recently welcomed back one of our community 12-step groups; other outside user groups have opted to hold off on meeting in-person for the time being. The 12-step group is following strict safety protocols and is permitted to meet under the current provincial health order.

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/

Financial Status for November & December 2020

We append below the Parish financial status for your information.

Statement of Income and Expenses ending 31st day of December 2020

  November
Actual $		 December Actual $ December Budget $ December YTD Actual $ December YTD Budget $
Income  15,913.20 25,963.70 19,083.37 183,578.82 229,000.00
Expenses 14,170.73 18,026.57 19,089.30 166,151.50 229,000.00
Surplus
(-) Loss		 1,742.47 7,937.13 (5.93) 17,427.32 0

 

November Actual $ December Actual $ December Budget $ December YTD Actual $ December YTD Budget $
Offering for General Funds 10,063.00 18,045.00 15,408.37 132,082.47 184,900.00
Offering for Property 1,121.70 2,125.70 0 16,103.40 0

Notes:
We continue to be able to fulfill our obligations, thanks to your contributions in these difficult and trying times. With a large increase in donations in December, we have a surplus for the month of December and the year as a whole.

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”) Meeting

The next A.C.W. meeting will be held on Thursday, February 18th at 7pm.

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

Sunshine Box

Just a reminder about the Anglican Church Women (A.C.W.) Sunshine Box. This is a custom the ACW administers on behalf of St. John’s church. We make sure that everyone 70 years old and over gets a birthday card and we also send out Get Well cards, Sympathy cards and cards that celebrate or acknowledge important events in one’s life, whatever their age.

We realise that there are some in our congregation who are reaching 70 without fanfare! We would encourage anyone who would like to share in this tradition to get in touch with Joan Scott at 604-941-5795 or scott.joan@hotmail.com  and we will be delighted to add you to our list!

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

“Introduction to Centering Prayer” Program via Zoom

You are invited to this Workshop on Saturday, Feb. 20, 9am to 3pm, followed by four Continuing Sessions on Wednesdays 7pm to 8:30pm.

The Introduction to Centering Prayer Program offers the opportunity to explore a deep reflective practice of silent prayer based on the rich wisdom teaching of the Christian contemplative tradition. It is hosted by Contemplative Outreach of Greater Vancouver. For further information and to register, contact Christine Kesans at chris.kesans@gmail.com or 604-944-7447.

Installation and Seating of the 10th Diocesan Bishop

Bishop Coadjutor John Stephens will be installed as the 10th Bishop of our diocese on Sunday, Feb. 28, 3:30 – 5:30pm at Christ Church Cathedral.

The livestream will begin at 3:30pm with a video featuring music from around the diocese and images of diocesan parishes at worship, in ministry and in community. The liturgy from Christ Church Cathedral will begin at 4pm.

More details about the liturgy and links to the livestream will be posted at  https://www.vancouver.anglican.ca/events/installation-and-seating-of-the-10th-diocesan/2021-02-28 as they are available.

Next Spring Street Community Kitchen Feb. 25 – “One Pot Meals”

You’re invited to join us on Zoom on Thursday, Feb. 25, 6-7pm for our next Spring Street Community Kitchen. We will have a live demonstration featuring “One Pot Meals,” with opportunities to ask questions and share conversation with others. Our guest chefs are members of the Spring Street Community Kitchen planning team.

Pre-registration for February 25th is required – please email your name and email address to SpringStreetCommunityKitchen@gmail.com to be included on the list to receive Zoom connection information or if you have any questions.

Funds raised in support of our Spring Street Community Kitchen are being re-gifted to the communities we serve, and for February, we will give to Crossroads Hospice Society, which provides compassionate care and support to people with life-limiting illnesses and their families. 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 one-pot 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.

(The Spring Street Community Kitchen is a partnership between St. John’s, Inlet United Church, and All Saints’ Catholic Parish – 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 Diocese of New Westminster – the Most Rev. Melissa Skelton, Archbishop, and Metropolitan of the Ecclesiastical Province of BC and Yukon; and the Rt. Rev. John Stephens, Bishop Coadjutor.

And this week:

  • The Deanery of North Vancouver – The Reverend Patrick Blaney, Regional Dean;
  • The Eco-Justice Unit – The Reverend Margaret Marquardt, The Reverend Gail Newell;
  • The Administrators of the Anglican Initiatives Fund;
  • 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 February 14, 2021 – Last Sunday after the Epiphany

2 Kings 2:1-12; Psalm 50:1-6; 2 Corinthians 4:3-6; Mark 9:2-9

Readings for February 21, 2021 – First Sunday in Lent

Genesis 9:8-17; Psalm 25:1-9; 1 Peter 3:18-22; Mark 1:9-15

 

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 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
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