The Epiphany E-postle 2017

 

December 31, 2017

 

“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”

 

the symbol for St. John the Apostle is the eagle

 

A New Year for St. Johns

This Sunday marks a double celebration for the Church.  On December 27 is the Feast of St. John, Apostle and Evangelist.  On January 6 is the Feast of the Epiphany.  So we are combining them on December 31.  They both fall in the post-Christmas whirlwind of cookie crumbs and social invitations.    And both set us back to work as Christians.  Our patron saint’s career was to proclaim the gospel, and this community is called to follow him in evangelistic action.  The coming of the magi to visit the Christ Child heralded the good news to all nations.

We may not be called to write a major theological work or to travel across the world to witness, but each of us has a part to play in sharing the good news.  Who of your parish family have you not seen in church over Christmas?  Give them a call.  Which of your neighbours or family can you invite to a service or event?  Why not try and see what happens?  What opportunity to go deeper in faith is speaking to your heart in 2018?  Make it your new year’s resolution.

This year, go deeper, go farther, go more boldly in faith, and see what riches God has in store for you at St. Johns.

Yours in Christ, Stephanie +

Upcoming Dates

January 3- 9:30-noon, Coffee & Crafts in the parish hall

January 24- Group and Committee reports due to parish office for Annual Vestry

January 29- 6-9 pm, Parish Council meeting.  Note early start for council members!

February 14- Ash Wednesday:  pancake supper and services TBA

February 18- 11:30 am Annual Vestry Meeting

February 23-25- Spiritual Formation Weekend at Loon Lake “Prayer Beyond Words”

Stewardship Reflection
Shout for joy the whole earth and everything within rejoice!

 For light has come into the world. The angels song rings in the air a child has been born Hallelujah! The saviour of the world is here.  Author unknown.

 How will God’s Spirit help you renew St. John’s this coming year?

A huge thank you for the energy and service of all who make Christmas so special at St. Johns:

• Helpers, cooks, and servers at the December 21^st community meal
• Decorators, Godly Play, and Altar Guild who made the church so beautiful
• Those who shoveled and salted and tidied
• pastoral visitors and phoners who keep in touch with those who cannot get to church
• all who so generously donate their time, financial contributions, cookies, and talents for the many outreach ministries

Budget Proposals Requested

The parish council will be preparing a draft budget for 2018 to present to the Annual Vestry Meeting.  If your group needs continued or new funding for materials or programming in 2018, please submit a proposal to our Treasurer Chelsea Belyk by January 14.

Help Women in Need through Ignite

Ignite is a women’s rights and activism club at Gleneagle Secondary in Coquitlam that has started a project to help women in need in the tri-cities area with care packages made of a variety of essential items (feminine hygiene products, dentist hygiene products, soap, shampoo, conditioner, etc).  A basket by the main doors of the church is available to receive your donations for the next two weeks.

 Order of the Diocese of New Westminster

Several suggestions for recognizing individuals have been received and will be considered by parish council for our one nomination to the Bishop.  It is not too late to submit your recommendation.  See  http://www.vancouver.anglican.ca/programs/the-odnw

Prayer Cycle

In the Anglican Communion-

* Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby; Primate of Canada Fred Hiltz and Indigenous Archbishop Mark McDonald; BC & Yukon Archbishop John Privett; Council of the North Diocese of Athabasca (Alberta)

* our partner Diocese of Northern Philippines, Bishop Brent Alawas, and especially the people of our twin church at St. Johns Mission, Bila, Mountain Province;

* Diocese of New Westminster Bishop Melissa Skelton, and this week:

*The Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada- National Bishop Susan Johnson, BC Synod Bishop Greg Mohr;

*In our parish:

The work of the Canonical Committee as the first draft of the Parish Profile is prepared

*The brothers and sisters who share our worship space: The Port Moody Korean Presbyterian Church and the Polish Evangelical Church.

Readings for January 7, 2018      Baptism of the Lord

Genesis 1:1-5; psalm 29; Acts 19:1-7; Mark 1:4-11

Important Contact Information

Interim Priest– The Rev. Stephanie Shepard rev.seshepard@gmail.com or 778-773-6816

Parish Office– Karen Evans stjohn7@shaw.ca or 604-936-7762

Wardens– Geri Grigg gerigrigg@gmail.com Terry Walton terry&joanne_walton@telus.net

Maureen Simons mesimons@telus.net or through the parish office

Treasurer– Chelsea Belyk chelsea.belyk@gmail.com

Parish Council– Adelaine Miller, Secretary adelainemiller@shaw.ca

Altar Guild– Brenda Binns Brenda.Binns@hotmail.com

St. John Prayer Circle– Sue Elliott Elliott.sue1@gmail.com

Pastoral Visiting Ministry– Joanne Walton terry&joanne_walton@telus.net

or Alma Oldenburg almaolden@hotmail.com

Anglican Church Women (ACW)- Sue Hall 604-936-0176 sbhcat@hotmail.com