Newsletter #38
Hello all, it is November, and this will probably be the last newsletter for 2024.
Our interim priest, the Reverend Paul Richards, is away until December 8th but we are fortunate to have Father Fred Tassinari, who is well known to us, covering for the next three Sundays, including the first Sunday of Advent on December 1st. Thanks, Father Fred!
This Fall has seen a bevy of awards coming our way. Paul has been awarded the King Charles 3rd Coronation medal for his service. (I hope I got that right) Congratulations!
Betty Ross received the Order of the Diocese from Bishop John at a ceremony on November 2nd at the Massey Theatre. Well done, Betty!
I (Janet) became an Honorary Associate of the Board of PWRDF in September. As you know, support of PWRDF has always been close to my heart.
The Divine Dashers raised $2,235 for the Wild Ride this year, which was phenomenal! Most went to the fund for Refugees and Displaced Persons, but Trudy asked for $300 from her red pepper jelly sales to go specifically to the fund for Lebanon.
We also, as part of the Wild ride, amassed 7 large bags of toques, toiletries, chocolate etc. for the Mission to Seafarers. Thanks to everyone for their generosity, especially the knitters and crocheters.
Finally, accolades are due to the hardworking gardening group who have been relentlessly tidying up the Rectory grounds, as well as our flowerbeds in the front. The lawn in the Rectory front yard is coming along beautifully!
And now to the main subject of this newsletter, which is part of the “Transparency of Ministries” series – THE ALTAR GUILD
The Altar Guild are a dedicated group working behind the scenes to ensure all goes smoothly on a Sunday. Here is one possible list of duties:
- Preparing the sanctuary for services
- Caring for the altar, vestments, vessels, and altar linens
- Supervising the decoration of the sanctuary with flowers
- Setting up for weddings, baptisms, and funerals
- Providing training and mentoring for new members
Caring for the altar includes cleaning the silver and washing linens. They also purchase supplies as necessary. Preparing the Sanctuary includes choosing the correct colour hangings for that day and marking the readings in the Bible so the Readers can find them easily.
There are 4 teams of 2 people for each Sunday of the month and an extra team in case there is a fifth Sunday. For special services such as Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas everyone helps out (and it is usually fun decorating our beautiful little church!).
Anne Schaffar, who has been carrying out this ministry for many years says, “I love doing it!”
She says it gives a “special” feeling – a “peaceful feeling” knowing that everything is in order for the next Sunday.
EASTER
If you are interested in being part of this ministry, please contact Anne or Beth Scott.
If there are any ministries you would like to see highlighted in the newsletter, please let me (Janet) know or send an email to stjmr@shaw.ca.
Our Holly Tea is coming up on November 23rd, from 11am to 3pm, so SAVE THE DATE and tell your friends!
There is a sign-up sheet for volunteers in the Lounge and flyers to post or distribute in the Lobby. The Tea is a bargain at $12 for soup, sandwich, dessert and beverage.
We also need donations of the following:
Baking (for the Bake Table and for the Tea itself)
Crafts
Jewelry
New 2 You (Items for re-sale in good condition)
Christmas items
Raffle – an “Appy” basket. Any suitable contributions gratefully received so that we can put together an attractive offering.
Please bring donations on Sunday 17th or during office hours. Baking on Friday 22nd if possible or early on 23rd.
OFFICE HOURS THIS WEEK - Nov 11th – 15th ARE CHANGED TO THURSDAY AND FRIDAY 9-3 (this week only, the following week returns to normal).
Last but not least, there is an Advent Education program which may interest you.
Bishop John is giving a course on “Science and Celtic Mysticism” on ZOOM, Tuesday evenings from November 26th – December 17th at 7.00pm – 8.15pm. Click the link for more details and to register:
I have registered already and am looking forward to it.
A BLESSING:
God bless each step that you take today,
Whether that road is rough or smooth.
And in God’s strength
Step out in faith
Step out in love
Step out in peace
and bless this world
with God’s presence
In and through your life.
God bless the steps you take
And the path you tread.
May they bring you safely
To where God needs you
At the start of this new day.
AMEN
JOHN BIRCH