The E-Postle, January 9, 2022

The E-Postle, January 9, 2022
January 11, 2022

Baptism of the Lord
E-Postle
January 9, 2022

“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

*New or updated announcement this week

  • Upcoming Dates
  • Worship & Prayer:
    • *Pastoral Message – Linda Aiken
    • Zoom Worship Continues
    • Flowers for the Altar
    • Tech & Hospitality Volunteers Needed for Worship
    • Ongoing Pastoral Care & Support
  • Formation:
    • Epiphany Stars
    • Area Youth Group!
  • Stewardship:
    • *Stewardship Reflection
  • Parish Matters:
    • *People’s Warden Away
    • Current Parish Office & Buildings Status
    • Financial Status for Sept. and Oct. 2021
    • Parish Giving
    • Ongoing Updates Pages
    • E-Postle Submissions
  • Parish Ministries:
    • New Members for the Altar Guild
    • ReSponse News
    • Food Bank Report
  • Community News:
    • *“What is Heaven?” Zoom Series
    • Save the Date: An Ecumenical Evening of Taize on Jan. 21
    • Spring Street Community Kitchen – Next Kitchen January 20
  • 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, January 9                  8:30am & 10:00am – ZOOM ONLY – Morning Prayer

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

Password: 010729


Sunday, January 9                  following 10:00am worship – Informal Zoom “Coffee Hour”
Tuesday, January 11               10:15am – 12noon – Bible Study
Tuesday, January 11               7:00pm – 8:00pm – Prayer Group
Tuesday, January 18              7:00 – 9:00pm – Parish Council meeting
Thursday, January 20             6:00pm-7:00pm – Spring Street Community Kitchen
Thursday, January 20             7:00pm – ACW meeting
Friday, January 21                  (at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church) 7:00pm – Ecumenical Taize Service
Sunday, February 27              Annual Vestry meeting


WORSHIP & PRAYER

*Pastoral Message – Linda Aiken

We are sad to announce that parishioner Linda Aiken died last week, after being in hospice for several weeks. As we grieve this loss together, please also keep her husband Bob, her children Natalie and Sean, and the rest of the family in your prayers. May Linda rest in God’s peace.

A small family-only service is planned to be held shortly, with a bigger memorial service at our parish sometime in the future after COVID-restrictions lift more. Sympathy cards may be sent to Bob Aiken at their home address (please contact the office if you need this information) or sent to the parish office to be passed on to the family.

Zoom Worship Continues

At our Nov. 28 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. 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 reach out to any Council member before the 18th, if you have comments or suggestions.

Flowers for the Altar

Due to services being held via Zoom, 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. Descriptions of the roles can be found at http://www.stja.ca/2022/e-postle-ongoing-announcements#techsupport.

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 described at http://www.stja.ca/2022/e-postle-ongoing-announcements#pastoralcare, if and as you need.

FORMATION

Epiphany Stars

This coming year, we will again be distributing “Epiphany stars,” each of which has a different word to reflect on for the coming year. If you’d like to receive an Epiphany star word, please connect with Vivian at rector@stja.ca and she would be glad to draw one out randomly for you.

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 3:15-17, 21-22
At his baptism, Jesus feels affirmed in the choices he has made to live as God’s faithful child. How often do we think about the covenant made at our own baptism to live as God’s faithful ones?

PARISH MATTERS

*People’s Warden Away

Please note that Ruby will be away from Jan. 8 through Jan. 29. While she is away, please contact Deanna at the office at administrator@stja.ca, Rich at rectorswarden@stja.ca, or Vivian at rector@stja.ca for any parish matters.

Current Parish Office & Buildings Status

Please read the current status of Worship, Parish Office, Small Groups, and Outside User Groups at http://www.stja.ca/2022/e-postle-ongoing-announcements#buildingstatus

Financial Status for September and October 2021

Please see the Parish financial status as of Oct. 31 at http://www.stja.ca/2022/e-postle-ongoing-announcements#financialstatus.

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

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

Please visit http://www.stja.ca/2022/e-postle-ongoing-announcements#response for current information on the ReSponse refugee ministry.

Food Bank Report

Please visit http://www.stja.ca/2022/e-postle-ongoing-announcements#foodbank for current information on the Food Bank.

 

COMMUNITY NEWS

*“What is Heaven?” Zoom Series

“Heaven” is a word loaded with meaning. We encounter the word in Genesis as part of the creation story, and we are presented with surprising images of heaven in the Book of Revelation. Jesus preached about the kingdom of heaven, and our funeral liturgy speaks of the “promise of eternal life.”

This four-part evening series will explore “Heaven” from a variety of perspectives. Led by Fr. Michael Batten (St. Thomas, Vancouver) and Archdeacon Stephen Muir (St. Agnes, North Vancouver), this informal series will feature engaging presentations followed by a time for questions and conversation. Tuesday evenings starting at 7PM: January 18 & 25, February 1 & 8. The series will be on Zoom. To register, simply email your request to priest@saintagnes.ca and you will be sent the Zoom link. There is no fee and the program is available to all who are interested.

Save the Date: An Ecumenical Evening of Taize on Jan. 21

The Parish of St. John’s has been invited to join with St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Port Moody, in an evening of Taize Worship together at St. Joseph’s Church, on Friday, January 21st at 7pm.

This event is being organized as part of the annual ecumenical celebration of a “Week of Prayer for Christian Unity” to promote Christian unity and interfaith understanding.

This is an ‘in person’ service, with a reception following the service for fellowship and refreshments. All Covid protocols will be implemented. More information on this event will follow soon.

Spring Street Community Kitchen – Next Kitchen January 20

Please save the date for our next Spring Street Community Kitchen, scheduled for Thursday, January 20, 6-7pm on Zoom. We will let you know details as soon as they are available.

And thanks to all who participated in our most recent kitchen, where we shared our favourite holiday recipes. The recipes are available 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 our November gathering (collected through the end of the year) 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 Archdeaconry of Westminster –The Ven. Richard Leggett, Regional Archdeacon.
  • Mother’s Union – Diocese of New Westminster Chapter.
  • Diocesan Council – Officers and Members.
  • 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 Kathy Martin.
  • The brothers and sisters who share our worship space: The Port Moody Korean Presbyterian Church.

*Readings for January 9, 2022 – Baptism of the Lord

Isaiah 43:1-7; Psalm 29; Acts 8:14-17; Luke 3:15-17, 21-22

*Readings for January 16, 2022 – Second Sunday after Epiphany

Isaiah 62:1-5; Psalm 36:5-10; 1 Corinthians 12:1-11; John 2:1-11

 

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

 

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