Readings for next Sunday, 30th August, Pentecost 13; First reading: Exodus 3.1-15; Psalm 26.1-8; Second reading: Romans 12.9-21; Gospel: Matthew 16.21-28

Good News!

Great news from the Diocese! We are moving to the Amber Stage of our COVID-19 plan as of September 6th and we can resume our in-church services on Sunday September 13th. We will be able to share more details about those services in the coming days. A brochure containing full details of precautions and procedures is now available. In the meantime, please find attached a brief summary from “Loving Our Neighbour”. Some information from the Diocese about policies that we are to follow:

Masks are required for anyone coming into the church. Physical distancing of 2 meters (6 feet) must be maintained. (Please remember this if visiting the church office). While it is great to see one another, social visiting inside is discouraged and should take place outside. Hand hygiene remains a priority! Names and contact information are needed for contact tracing.  A record of anyone coming into the building must be kept. A log sheet will be at each entrance for individuals entering the building for other purposes. Please sign with date and your name and phone number. Logs can be found at: the west entrance, on the telephone table in the lower hall, the Adelaide door (on the window sill), and the main doors, on the desk and in the office, and on the table when the office is closed.

Prayer and Pastoral Care

Please pray this week for – Toby; Lindsey; Erin; Theresa, and family; Ruth; Wes and Joyce; Jeff; Nalini, Sangceta, and Raj; Victoria plus Karen and Debbie; Mary; Nelson; Shirley; Myfanwy; Jack and Diane; Ray; Margaret; Pat and Sean; Brenda; Laurel and Rob; Ruth; Nancy June; Barry; Donna; Sarah; Mike and family; Susan; Stephanie and Ron; Scott and Logan; Beth; Mary Anne; Cate; Don and Shirley; Keith and Betty; Cathy and Susan; Terry and Mike; Brent; Victoria and Debbie; Charles and Pauline; Aldene; Jack and Nancy plus Cindy; Irene and Yoli; Izzy; Joe and Shannon; Phyllis; Norma; Joe; Elaine and Warren; Marg; Jennifer; Chris and JoAnne. AND for those who are in need of prayer but have no one today to remember them by name; and those known to each of you alone.

Pray forall those involved in “back to school” decisions and preparations. May the safety and needs of children and those they contact be paramount, with no judging of individual families since every family has unique reasons for their choices.

Pray forall the people, communities, and animals adversely impacted by forest fires, extreme weather events, and changing weather patterns.

Pray for – all the victims of COVID19, the first responders, medical and research teams, and all essential workers providing care, support and management.

Pray for – people who refuse to follow public health guidelines and put themselves and their neighbours at risk. May they find wisdom and make good choices.

Pray for – all victims of abuse, whose situations and safety nets are worsened as a result of the global pandemic.

Pray for – Bishop Todd and Father Bill as they lead and direct our spiritual wellbeing during this time of uncertainty and evolving church life.

Our Daily Bread” booklet – the current edition, for June -July -August – (small size) devotion booklet of our Daily Bread is available. “Our Daily Bread” booklets for September, October and November are also available. Please contact Sharon  [email protected] or 519-933-3164 if you would like a copy.

Cycle of Prayer for July and August – Living the Marks of Mission WHEN YOU listen with all your heart, honour your elders, encourage young people to be active in church often and loudly, choose good over evil, welcome the stranger, write to the government about the issues that matter, invite a co-worker to church, help your dad with housework, get messy with school kids, say “Thank the Lord” and mean it, tweet your blessings one by one, introduce your grand-kids to nature, read and share God’s word, Pray, THEN YOU ARE LIVING THE MARKS OF MISSION!

Fundraising

Yard Sale!! Saturday, 12th September, 8.00 am to 12.00 noon. Open to all parishioners. Tables will be supplied for you, but you must take away things not sold.   Profits will be split 50/50 with the church.  To book a table or ask for more info, contact Derek Shadlock 519-672-0912 or [email protected]   or call the office 519-660-6198. 

Pig Roast – The Fund Raising Committee have decided to go ahead with the long planned Pig Roast (following up a highly successful St. Alban’s tradition). This year it will to be a takeout event. It’s on Saturday 19th September. Tickets are $20.00 each. Food will be served between 4:30 pm and 6:30 pm. Mark your calendars – no need to cook that night!

Outreach

Community Breakfast Program – the next take out breakfast is this Saturday, 30th August,9.00 – 10.30 am.

Room Rental Needed

Rental needed – The diocese has forwarded a request from a Western music student who would like to rent a room for the upcoming year. His name is Adam MacNeil. His request to the diocese was backed by a letter of recommendation from the Bishop of Niagara. If you can help in any way, please contact him at [email protected] as soon as possible.

Around The Deanery

The Deanery of London – invites us to attend a seminar, via Zoom, called “Dignity for All”, Honest Conversations about Racism. It’s on Thursday 10th September. The panelists include our bishop Todd Townsend. Full details can be found on the poster which we have forwarded to everyone.

Let’s Celebrate!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY! –  This week to Joanne Lubansky-Johns (23rd August); Scott Armstrong (24th); Keith Roberts (25th); Larry O’Connor (27th) and Victor Nwanko (29th). Hope you all had/have a happy celebration!

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY! – Cheryle Ann and David Belford, who celebrate on 29th August. Happy anniversary, and we hope you celebrate well (and safely!).

This week’s picture is of the Ladies Coffee Hour get-together on Wednesday, August 26. Thank you for all who attended!

Stay home as much as possible and stay safe, everybody!