First Sunday of Advent

E-Postle

November 27, 2022

8:30am (in-person only) & 10:00am (in-person + Zoom) – Holy Eucharist

https://zoom.us/j/542312325?pwd=R3FKTnZ4WUU1YUFveCtzOUljM2FLZz09

Meeting ID: 542 312 325

Password: 010729

Program & Worship Updates/Links – https://www.stja.ca/2022/program-updates/ – current information on programs, including Zoom meeting information and the bulletin and scripture readings for Sunday worship.

 

There will be a reception to welcome Bishop John after the 10 am service. He will also join the 8:30am Coffee Hour.

 

CALENDAR HIGHLIGHTS:

Sun – 27 November                            1^st Sunday of Advent – Bishop’s Visit and Advent Wreath Workshop

Sat – 3 December                                Christmas Community Kitchen and Caroling Event

Tues – 6 December (date change)     Advent discussion #1 at Zoom Bible Study

 

BOUQUETS:

Thank you to all who have donated to the “Christmas at Sea” for the Mission to Seafarers.

 

NEW THIS WEEK:

Christmas Community Kitchen & Caroling

If anyone has ribbon to donate for decorating the cookie jars and/or scissors to lend, please contact Vivian ASAP at rector@stja.ca – thank you! We would also welcome volunteers to help set up and clean up.

We are excited for our very first in-person Spring Street Community Kitchen, followed by “Feed the Soul’s” inaugural community singing event on Saturday, Dec. 3! All ages welcome.

It will be a Christmas-themed afternoon hosted here at St. John’s, and will have 2 components (feel free to come to one or both):

• 3:30-4:30pm – making Christmas cookie mixes-in-a-jar in the Parish Hall
• 4:30-5:30pm – carol singalong upstairs in the church

Donations will be collected for the Tri-Cities Cold Wet Weather Mat Program. Cookie-mix-making is free, with suggested donations for the completed jars. Caroling is admission by donation.

Click here for more details on cookie-mix-making

Click here for a caroling flyer

Please email SpringStreetCommunityKitchen@gmail.com to RSVP, or if you have any questions.

Bishop’s Visit (Nov. 27) Notes

ODNW members – please remember to wear your ribbon and medallion!

Bishop John will be presiding and preaching at both 8:30 and 10am services.

At the 10am service, he will be offering an All-Ages Chat; we will also have fun activity sheets available at the door for younger folks (you are welcome to take any remaining sheets home to those unable to be present.)

The Bishop will also bless the Advent wreath materials and meet with Parish Council after lunch.

Stewardship Reflection:

Matthew 24:36-44 – Reflections on Stewardship, prepared by the Ven. Dr. Michael Pollesel.

Today’s gospel, marking the beginning of the new church year, sounds pretty scary! Jesus reminds us that things can change very quickly and that there is a need to stay alert. As one who wants to live as a faithful steward, how does my life show that I am alert and participating in bringing God’s dream for creation to reality?

Diocesan Advent Email Devotional – A Very Anglican Advent

This year the annual Diocesan Advent devotional will continue exploring the richness of persons found in the Anglican tradition. The daily devotional will offer a thought-provoking quote from an Anglican past or present and from around the Anglican Communion. Novelists, politicians, scientists, nuns, and more will all be quoted in a daily email during the season. Click here for more information including how to sign up.

St. Stephen’s Christmas Market – Sat. Dec. 3

St. Stephen’s Burnaby invites all to join their annual Christmas Market on Sat. Dec. 3, 10am-3pm. There will be many craft and gift vendors, and a display of nativity scenes to enjoy in the church. Visit their website for more information.

 

INFORMATION:

Office Administrator Change

We thank Paula Minetti for her excellent work in the office these past 2 weeks, and welcome Joanne Fong as our new temporary Office Administrator beginning this week. Office hours will remain Tues/Thurs/Fri 10am-2pm.

COVID Protocols (Update)

Parish Council discussed COVID protocols at our Nov. 22 meeting, and they will remain the same, other than these 2 changes: 1) offertory plate will begin to be passed again each Sunday, and 2) in the office, masks will be required when social distancing is not possible.

We ask that all still remain vigilant in regards to COVID infections. By staying home if you are unwell and letting the clergy or wardens know if you have tested positive, we will avoid further spread in our community. Masks are required at worship.

Advent Wreath Workshop

During the Bishop’s visit on Nov. 27, after the 10am service, on the stage. Greenery and the wreath foundation in a container will be provided. Please feel free to bring any interesting foliage from your garden, clippers or pruning shears, and 5 candles (these are usually purple or blue, but white can be used). We will be collecting donations for costs of materials. Please talk to Ann Adair-Austin for further information.

Parish Advent Program – “From Generation to Generation”

There are countless “ways our lives, histories, actions, and stories are interconnected and woven together. The work of God is always unfolding—in and through us. This Advent, may you remember that you belong—to a story etched into the wrinkles of time, to generations that have come before and will come after, to a love that won’t let you go.” (From the publisher)

This Advent, we will use a daily devotional guide offering Biblical commentary, poetry, visual art, hymns, journaling, and recipes based on this theme.

We will share and discuss our learnings at our Tuesday 10:15am Zoom Bible studies beginning Dec. 6 (note date change). Our Facebook page will also feature some of the devotional material and invite commentary and reflection.

If there is enough interest, we can also gather on a weeknight or at Sunday coffee hours – please let Vivian know this week at rector@stja.ca.

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

Please contact administrator@stja.ca for the links to the electronic versions or to ask the office to print you a copy (donations are welcome to offset printing and mailing costs).

Cold Wet Weather Mat Program – the return of a greatly needed program in the Tri-Cities

Orientation December 10^th 9:30-11am at St. Laurence to sign up for the month of January.

There will be many ways to participate…

Volunteer to work 2 hour shifts early morning (5:30-7:30am) and evening (9-11pm)

Provide items – during the month of January we will be seeking donations… more info to come

Anne Anchor will be attending the orientation and can sign up for you if you are unable to attend. Anne can be contacted through deacon@stja.ca

Wardens’ Note: 

We have just over a month to the end of our financial year and we are running at a deficit of close to $50,000 by year-end. We are asking that you prayerfully discern whether you are able to contribute a little more to assist the parish and the wider community as we follow our mission.

Parish Giving – 

Can be made through e-transfer directly to the church account; please contact Ruby at peopleswarden@stja.ca or Sheila at treasurer@stja.ca for more details.

 

Readings for November 27, 2022 – First Sunday of Advent

Isaiah 2:1-5; Psalm 122; Romans 13:11-14; Matthew 24:36-44

 

Readings for December 4, 2022 – Second Sunday of Advent

Isaiah 11:1-10; Psalm 72:1-7, 18-19; Romans 15:4-13; Matthew 3:1-12

 

IMPORTANT CONTACT INFORMATION

Rector	The Rev. Vivian Lam	rector@stja.ca	604-936-7762
Deacon	The Rev. Anne Anchor	deacon@stja.ca
Parish Office	Joanne Fong	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	Sheila De Vaal	treasurer@stja.ca
Envelope Secretary	Antoinette Woodman & (Asst. Env. Secretary) May Fung	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
Bible Study	Lynne Milner	biblestudy@stja.ca
Building Repairs / Maintenance	Rich Thompson	property@stja.ca
Children’s Ministry/Godly Play		children@stja.ca
E-Postle	Ruby Ng	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 Isaiah 2:1-5):

“War No More” by Lisle Gwynn Garrity

A Sanctified Art LLC | sanctifiedart.org.