The E-Postle

The E-postle – August 27, 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” – mission statement Surveying the Landscape Before a new building goes up, a surveyor takes measurements of the surrounding land to see how it will fit. Before a new priest is called to the community of St. John the Apostle, our parish council has to take the measure of the congregation and estimate how it is willing to grow and change with new leadership. In the coming week, you will be receiving an email survey. The questions cover some of the same ground that focus groups and forums have engaged in, but we are aware that not all people may have been able to attend or felt comfortable speaking up in a group setting. As well, considering the last eight months of interim ministry, it is important to check whether priorities have altered or a new direction has emerged. Please, therefore, take the time to respond to the survey. The more responses we have in this format, the better the canonical committee will be able to compare data received. For those parishioners who do not have email, paper copies will be available and the parish will make every effort to get it out to everyone on the parish list. Help the parish council have the tools to shift gears and move forward in the canonical process this fall at St. Johns. Yours in Christ, Stephanie + Upcoming Dates August 28- 2 pm, funeral for Lorne Sashaw, at Burquitlam Funeral Home 625 North Road August 28- 7 pm, Parish Council in the PMC. All are welcome to attend September 10- after...

Read More

by

in E-Postle

E-postle for August 20th, 2017

The E-postle August 20, 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” – mission statement St. Johns Street Car-Free on August 20 On this coming Sunday, the City of Port Moody is hosting a “Car-Free Day”. St. Johns Street is closed to all vehicle traffic between Moody and Douglas streets from 6 am to 10 pm. Street parking on surrounding roads will be extremely limited. The parking lot for the church will be accessible from Douglas and Elgin streets along the lane. However, this is a great day to consider carpooling with another parishioner in your area! Team up and save on spaces. The following map was published by the City: As we open our doors this Sunday, let’s present welcoming and friendly faces to the people of Port Moody. Encourage visitors to join us in worship and check out our faith community. Yours in Christ, Stephanie + Upcoming Dates August 25- funeral for Bill Shields at St. John’s at 2:30 pm August 28- 2 pm, funeral for Lorne Sashaw at Burquitlam Funeral Home August 28- 7 pm, Parish Council in the PMC. All are welcome to attend September 10- after 10 am service, “Back to Church” Parish Picnic September 17- 10 am Baptism of Alexander Brian McGlashan September 23- 3:30 pm, Wedding of Sherrill Hardy and Bruce Wise September 24- beginning 9:30 am, Walk for Reconciliation at Queen Elizabeth Plaza September 30- Orange Shirt Day (wear them to church on October 1 too!) October 8- Thanksgiving Sunday November 4- Fall Bazaar Two Gentle Farewells In the coming week, we entrust two long-standing members of St. Johns community...

Read More

by

in E-Postle

The E-postle – August 13, 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” – mission statement What is Orange Shirt Day? image credit to Andy Everson Orange Shirt Day is celebrated on September 30. Orange Shirt Day is a legacy of the St. Joseph Mission (SJM) residential school commemoration event held in Williams Lake, BC, Canada, in the spring of 2013. It grew out of the experience of a little girl named Phyllis having her shiny new orange shirt taken away on her first day of school at the Mission, and it has become an opportunity to keep the discussion on all aspects of residential schools happening annually. The date was chosen because it is the time of year in which children were taken from their homes to residential schools, and because it is an opportunity to set the stage for anti-racism and anti-bullying policies for the coming school year. It also gives teachers time to plan events that will include children, as we want to ensure that we are passing the story and learning on to the next generations. Orange Shirt Day is also an opportunity for First Nations, local governments, schools and communities to come together in the spirit of reconciliation and hope for generations of children to come. (from www.orangeshirtday.org ) This year, wear an orange shirt on September 30 wherever you are. You are invited to also wear it on Sunday October 1 so we may remember as a faith community to stand in solidarity with people of all races who desire to raise children with hope. Those interested in purchasing a special 2017 “Every Child Matters”...

Read More

by

in E-Postle

The E-postle – July 30th, 2017

The E-postle July 30, 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” – mission statement Sacred Music Last Sunday, July 23, everyone in the congregation that was present got to choose their favourite hymn. We selected a few to sing during the service. What we sing reflects what we believe. Music in liturgy has an important role to play in expressing our faith, reinforcing the teaching of Christ, and challenging our assumptions about how God works in the world. Interestingly, the songs chosen reflect what the members of this community hold dear. The top five hymns chosen were “All Things Bright and Beautiful”, “Morning Has Broken”, “Be Thou My Vision”, “Come and Journey”, and “Holy, Holy, Holy”. Many of the submissions had themes of praise and trust in God. Interestingly, there were fewer choices that centre on sharing one’s faith, outreach, and mission. These are areas that challenge us to move from our comfort zones (even in singing) and express solidarity with God’s mission and goals. In our life together in community, we try to have a balance of old and new songs, personal and corporate expressions, joyful outpourings and lament. The worship group will try and incorporate the hymns you suggested into the coming weeks. As you rejoice in some and struggle with others, remember that they carry the hopes and prayers of others in our parish. And when a new hymn comes on a Sunday morning, you are encouraged to try it to hear what God is calling out of you. Be an active participant in the liturgy and “make a joyful noise...

Read More

by

in E-Postle

The E-postle – July 23rd, 2017

The E-postle July 23, 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” – mission statement Education for Ministry (aka EfM) for Fall 2017 As we study more of our scripture and our tradition, we work towards developing and creating a faith that means most to us. Study is not about denying what was said in the past but about learning how God’s message from the past impacts our actions now and in the future. In a recent posting in his daily reflection Richard Rohr wrote …“transformation does not mean simply acquiring a new set of beliefs, but becoming a new person, a person in communion with God and others through Jesus Christ. It is in that moment that we can love each other unconditionally, not to get something in return, but because we are all held together in the love of God.” The EfM program offers a chance for us to transform ourselves into being all that God wants us to be and to be bearers of God’s love with all of creation. The theme for each year of study is Year A “Living Faithfully in Your World” Year B “Living Faithfully in the Global Village” Year C “Living as Spiritually Mature Christians” Year D “Our Journey into God”. The EfM curriculum has been recently updated. Some of the study materials over the four years are: Hebrew Scripture (Year A); Christian Testament (Year B); ‘The First Three Thousand Years of Christianity’ (Diarmaid MacCulloch) (Year C); ‘Theology: A Very Short Introduction’ (David Ford), ‘Mysteries of Faith’ (Mark McIntosh), ‘The Christian Moral Life: Practices of Piety’ (Timothy F. Sedgwick), ‘My...

Read More

by

in E-Postle

The E-postle – July 16, 2017

Summer for the children Last week we introduced the learning topic during the summer for the children, during the readings and homily. They will be learning the ‘First People’s Principles of Learning’ The First Principle for last week was…. ‘Learning ultimately supports the well-being of the self, the family, the community, the land, the spirits and the ancestors’ and the image selected for this was the whale. Each principle is also a reflection of what they learn in Godly Play about God and Jesus. A First Nations bear puppet, that we have named Ts’owton and means helper in Strait Salish, will be the leader to the class and return to the liturgy This week the children will be introduced to the Second Principle…. Learning is holistic, reflexive, reflective, experiential, and relational (Focused on connectedness, on reciprocal relationships and a sense of place). The symbol chosen for this is the wolf. These summer sessions have been prepared by Christina Anchor and Deacon Anne. “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” – mission statement Yours in Christ, Stephanie+ Upcoming Dates July 16- guest preacher and presider the Rev. Peter Smythe, Mission to Seafarers July 17- 7:30-9 pm, Beer & Bible at the Parkside Brewery, 2731 Murray Street, Port Moody July 23- “Hymns from a Hat” Sunday July 26- 9:30 onwards, Coffee & Crafts in the hall Stewardship Reflection Do we put God First in our lives? Financial resources and their proper use are a popular theme in the Bible.We are expected to make informed and appropriate decisions about our resources. What...

Read More

by

in E-Postle

The E-postle July 9, 2017

The E-postle July 9, 2017 Summer for the children Over the summer months the children will have an opportunity, during the readings and homily, to learn about the ‘First People’s Principles of Learning’ that were presented to us at Diocesan Synod this year. They will hear a story from the First Nations tradition and in their own colouring books (which they can take home at the end of summer) they will colour a First Nations symbol that reflects the learning. Each principle is also a reflection of what they learn in Godly Play about God and Jesus. The Principle for the week will be introduced at the Children’s Talk by a First Nations bear puppet who will be their leader to the class and their return to the liturgy The First Principle for this week is…. ‘Learning ultimately supports the well-being of the self, the family, the community, the land, the spirits and the ancestors’ and the image selected for this is the whale These summer sessions have been prepared by Christina Anchor and Deacon Anne. “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” – mission statement Upcoming Dates July 8- 9 am to noon, summer yard and garden clean-up July 9- guest preacher and presider the Most Rev. Douglas Hambidge, retired Archbishop July 12- 9:30 onwards, Coffee & Crafts in the hall July 16- guest preacher and presider the Rev. Peter Smythe, Mission to Seafarers July 17- 7:30-9 pm, Beer & Bible at the Parkside Brewery, 2731 Murray Street, Port Moody July 23- “Hymns from...

Read More

by

in E-Postle

E-postle for July 2, 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” – mission statement Frequently Asked Questions During this process of transition for the parish, some questions come up on a regular basis. The interim working group of wardens and synod delegates/alternate delegates has collected together some of them into a FAQ sheet for everyone in the parish. This important reference guide is being sent out at the same time as this E-postle. Please take the time to read it and bring your questions to one of the following: Sheila De Vaal, Geri Grigg, Teri Hazelton, Mary-Lou Kyle, Natasha McDonald, Ruby Ng, Tony Pellett, Maureen Simons, Terry Walton. Yours in Christ, Stephanie+ Upcoming Dates July 8- work party at the church July 9- guest preacher and presider the Most Rev. Douglas Hambidge, retired Archbishop July 12- 9:30 onwards, Coffee & Crafts in the hall July 16- guest preacher and presider the Rev. Peter Smythe, Mission to Seafarers July 17- 7:30-9 pm, Beer & Bible at the Parkside Brewery, 2731 Murray Street, Port Moody July 23- “Hymns from a Hat” Sunday July 26- 9:30 onwards, Coffee & Crafts in the hall Stewardship Reflection Do we put God first in our lives? Stewardship, in its simplest terms, asks us to put God’s priorities before our own. To give the first portion of our gifts of time, talent and money to God’s work and only then to satisfy our own needs. This leads directly to the cornerstone of stewardship: sacrificial giving. What is first on my summer agenda? Parish Work Party This coming Saturday, July 8, parishioners of all abilities are encouraged to...

Read More

by

in E-Postle

The E-postle – June 25, 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” – draft mission statement The Work Does Not Stop As we come to the end of June, many of us are looking forward to some down time during the summer months. For the community of St. Johns, however, the work continues to identify the vision and goals. It is vitally important that you keep in touch with what is going on through email, contacts, and participation in the ongoing interim process. Your reflections on the Sources of Transformation gatherings during Lent, the parish forum on Goals and Marks of Mission, and the Liturgy Workshop are being collated for themes. Based on what you have provided, an interim working group composed of the wardens and synod delegates/alternates is busy with four tasks: To develop an electronic/written survey for individuals that will help each person’s voice be part of the parish identity and priorities To write a narrative statement of “who we are” as a parish To describe the challenges for this community To research the components of a parish profile document in preparation for the fall The next step coming out of these tasks is to reflect what we have gathered back to the parish community, through group gatherings and perhaps some one-on-one visiting for those who find it difficult to attend events. We can then discern the pieces that are still missing and how to fill in the gaps. When we get to the stage of writing the parish profile that will call a new...

Read More

by

in E-Postle

E-postle June 18, 2017

The E-postle June 18, 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” – draft mission statement National Aboriginal Day June 21 is celebrated across Canada as National Aboriginal Day, and the General Synod of the Anglican Church of Canada designates an Aboriginal Day of Prayer to be observed this day or on the Sunday closest. This Sunday, therefore, we gather together to worship and to walk the path that Jesus sets before us towards truth, justice, and healing. Whether we are settlers, First Nations, Inuit, or Metis on this land, we acknowledge that our Creator has given us responsibility to steward and share it with all creation. Our gathering prayer sets the tone, as we invite the Spirit’s reconciling love to be with us. We have still much to learn. The following First Peoples Principles of Learning invite us to be open to other peoples’ teachings that are also grounded in the Good News. Learning ultimately supports the well-being of the self, the family, the community, the land, the spirits, and the ancestors. Learning is holistic, reflexive, reflective, experiential, and relational (focused on connectedness, on reciprocal relationships, and a sense of place). Learning involves recognizing the consequences of one’s actions. Learning involves generational roles and responsibilities. Learning recognizes the role of indigenous knowledge. Learning is embedded in memory, history, and story. Learning involves patience and time. Learning requires exploration of one’s identity. Learning involves recognizing that some knowledge is sacred and only shared with permission and/or in certain situations. (for more information, visit www.fnesc.ca ) Yours in Christ, Stephanie+ Upcoming Dates June 20- 7 pm, Interim Working...

Read More

CONTACT US

The E-Postle

August 23, 2017 -

by

in E-Postle

August 17, 2017 -

by

in E-Postle

August 10, 2017 -

by

in E-Postle

July 27, 2017 -

by

in E-Postle

July 20, 2017 -

by

in E-Postle

July 17, 2017 -

by

in E-Postle

July 06, 2017 -

by

in E-Postle

June 28, 2017 -

by

in E-Postle

June 21, 2017 -

by

in E-Postle

June 15, 2017 -

by

in E-Postle

Share this:

Like this: