Readings for Sunday 21st February, First Sunday of Lent; First reading: Genesis 9.8-17. Psalm 25.1-10; Second reading: 1 Peter 3.18-22; Gospel: Mark 1.9-15

Ash Wednesday Service

Sadly, no Pancake Supper this year, but hope you made them at home instead.  Also, we cannot have the usual Ash Wednesday services, with Imposition of Ashes as we begin Lent; perhaps next year.  Don=t forget to join the Ash Wednesday service tonight, either on the church website or by clicking on this link:     https://youtu.be/t7YYVskMTb4

Prayer and Pastoral Care ✝

Please pray this week for – Diane; Phyllis; Margaret and John; Alysa plus Greg and Susan; Lauren; Nancy; Elizabeth and Charlotte; Thampi and Babu; Dave and Marylynn; Pat; Karen; Victoria; Len; Darlene; Jane; Margaret and Anita; Fran and Bill; Nelson; Ray; Laurel and Rob; Ruth; Nancy June; Susan; Stephanie and Ron; Scott and Logan; Beth; Mary Anne; Izzy; Jen; Alison; Jamie and Cathie plus Keith and Cate; Fred and Marlene; Davina and Sangceta; Matt; Brian; Bob; Gwen and Harland; Jack and Julie. 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…

Rest in Peace – Amanda Lodge (10 yr. old cub died in hospital as a result of injuries after car accident). May light perpetual shine on her and her soul find rest eternal, as she joins her brother Evan (scout, age 12 who died earlier from the same accident) in the loving hands of the Lord, and rise in Glory. Pray for strength, comfort and healing for parents Greg, Susan and sister Alysa (cub, age 8, remains in hospital major injuries and surgery but is progressing). The family is finding some comfort that 8 people have benefitted from Amanda’s organ donation, so she does live on.

Pray for – Bishop Todd and Bill, for all clergy as they work to bring spiritual comfort and manage technology, so the people of God may be supported and connected during this time of a Lenten lockdown in the world of COVID19.

Pray for – Christians near and far, as the Body of Christ enters Lent to reconnect with God and reflect on the fullness of our own humanity, the good and the bad, in some intentional way; perhaps in some sacrificial way or contemplative practice, reflection, or commitment is a wonderful way to draw closer to God during this time.

Pray for – people throughout Canada and the US whose lives are impacted by adverse weather conditions as extreme cold, snow storms, ice roads and unstable power make life precarious.

Pray for – residents of Ontario as Covid restrictions are disproportionately altered and adjusted; leaving confusion, uncertainty, and fear. May humans be able to make informed decisions, based on the best known science and public health directives serving the best interest, for the general good demonstrating love of neighbour as self.

Pray with thanks – for all the people, the family of St Jude’s, who work and contribute to make St Jude’s such a prayful and caring community, committed to the way of Jesus. May every member know that they are valued just as they are.

February is Black History Month. Pray for the many people working to bring this history to all people, and for the lives of all those who have contributed and made contributions to making that history (past and present) in the first place.

World Day of Prayer – Always the first Friday in March, and this year will be via Zoom. The login information is below. Topic: World Day of Prayer Service Time: Mar 5th, 2021, 02:00 PM Eastern Time To join Zoom Meeting use this link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87536688602?pwd=dmI2ZDF1cG1QYldZVnpia2hFRmJDdz09 Meeting ID: 875 3668 8602, Passcode: 642446 Connecting by Phone, use 1 647 558 0588 Canada, Meeting ID: 875 3668 8602

This year the World Day of Prayer country is Vanuatu (small multi islands East of Australia). Sharon has digital copies of the service booklet, donation information, and even appropriate coconut mug cake recipe! Let her know if you want any information forwarded. Rowntree United is looking after the Zoom set up and will be using the WDP video so it should be a good experience. Hope you can join.

Anglican Fellowship of Prayer, Canada – AFP will be hosting a one‑hour time of prayer on  March 15th, April 19th, May 17th, and June 21st, all at 1:00 pm Eastern time.  We are inviting people to join us for some or all of the hour. It will be a mixture of biblical readings, reflection, music, intercession, silence and other types and kinds of prayer.  You are welcome to actively participate or simply listen and pray quietly. We will use the Zoom way of gathering people together. To join on computer, please use:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82001408803?pwd=WXRMWFJZSHRLcUYwdGpUU1YvMmlxZz09   (this is all one address, and will be used for all meetings) Meeting ID: 820 0140 8803 Passcode: 359803 You can also join us by telephone at one of these numbers (with the same meeting ID and passcode): (778)907‑2071, (204)272‑7920, (438)809‑7799, (587)328‑1099, (647)374‑4685, (647)558‑0588

Cycle of Prayer for February – Tell – Evangelism –

“To proclaim the good news of the kingdom” is to share the news that Christ God is reconciling the world to himself in words. Prayer: Lord Jesus Christ, let your presence fill our hearts and overflow in our actions, that we may proclaim the good news of your kingdom. Let your glory fill this place. Let your glory fill this world! We honour ministries in support of EVANGELISM the First Mark of Mission ‑ Liturgical Ministries: Priests, Licensed Lay Readers, Servers, Intercessors, Readers, Lay administrators, Chancel Guild, Seminary Student and Seminary Student Committee, Prayer and Eucharistic Services in Area Long Term Care Homes, Funeral Home Services, On Line Worship Services and all the liturgical technical support people.

Outreach

Community Breakfast Program – The next take out breakfast is this Saturday, 20th February. To give you an idea of what is involved each Breakfast Saturday, here are some pictures (courtesy of Glenda Hayward).

(Breakfast is ready!!  That=s Derek Shadlock hiding behind the mask)

(Inside or out, a big selection of gently used clothes, on top of breakfast)

Coffee Hour☕

Join Allie McDougall in a Zoom coffee hour every Wednesday morning at 10.00 am. The Zoom meeting ID will remain the same for each session. Follow this link: https://westernuniversity.zoom.us/j/3141546335  or call in at +1 647 558 0588 to join!

Around the Deanery

Deanery Lenten study – The London Deanery invites us to join, via Zoom, a series called AUnbinding Heavy Burdens; a Lenten Journey@, beginning on 24th February and continuing on each Wednesday in March.  Each session will begin at 7.30 pm, and the featured speakers are Diana Butler Bass and Bishop Todd Townshend.  You can register for this series by emailing [email protected]  or call 519-471-1430.

“Encounters with Christ” a Lenten sermon series from the diocese, on Thursday mornings in Lent at 10.00 am, beginning on Wednesday 17th February.  This is a Zoom meeting series, and to register email [email protected].

Let’s Celebrate!!🎂

HAPPY BIRTHDAY! – This week to Margaret Bryant (15th February). Hope you had a happy day!!

Things are beginning to look a little better, but still be cautious, directed, stay home and stay safe until this lockdown can be lifted.