Readings for Sunday 31st October, St. Simon and St. Jude (Pentecost 23) First reading: Deuteronomy 32.1-4. Psalm 119.89-96 Second reading: Ephesians 2.13.22 Gospel: John 15.17-27

All Souls’ Day will be celebrated in the church on Tuesday 2nd November at 7:30 pm.  This is the time when we especially remember those of our parish who have died in the past year, and also family members and friends whom we would wish to remember.  Send the names in to the church office so that they may be placed on the list, and register for the service so that you are here to personally honour their memories.  The registration email has been sent to the parish.

Social

Men of St. Jude are resuming their lunch meetings at the Alibi Roadhouse, 25 Oxford Street West, on Tuesday 9th November at 11.30 am.  All men of St. Jude’s and friends are invited and welcome to attend.

Women’s Coffee Hour   With the change in weather and decrease in numbers we have decided that The ladies coffee group will now only meet on the second Wednesday of the month.  Next ladies coffee is November 10th at 10 am.  If weather is good (dreamer) we can meet in the parking lot, but a place in the church is booked and will likely be the venue for a while.

Prayer and Pastoral Care

Please pray this week for: Bill; Barb; Diane and Jack; Debbie; Margaret, Pat; Phyllis; Dave and Marylynn;  Victoria; Karen; Nelson; Ray; Ruth; Nancy June; Stephanie and Ron; Scot and Logan; Beth; Izzy; Jen; Alison; Jamie and Cathy; Davina and Sangeeta; Brian; Sandra; Liz and Charlotte Clarion and Brenda and Lester; Precious; Betty; Laura; Vanessa; Bob; Maiyada; Stephanie; George; Alex; Paul; Nirupa and Jim; Simon; Sean, Mary, Gus; Pat; Norma, Nasriene, Jim, Jack, Julie, Ruth, Ray, Gary and John. And for others known to each of you alone and also those who have no one to remember them by name.

Rest in Peace Viora Sampson, (mother of our parishioner Betty Noble ). May she live eternally in the presence of God, in whom all find comfort and peace.  We pray for Betty, the family and friends, to find strength and support as they grieve.

We pray for: Bishop Todd,  our priest Bill and the ministry teams who have refocused  to provide services in different formats to support the spiritual needs of the children of God. Clergy need support as transitions evolve into “new ways” often taking a lot of work and energy.

We pray for: Our fellow Canadians living in many areas overwhelmed by unbelievable weather events that can come at a moments notice, and for all who have lost their homes, businesses, memories, and ways of life to the scourge of disaster upon disaster.

We pray for: The ongoing battle against COVID19. When numbers improve we give thanks, but we must always be mindful that others are seeing numbers increase. Each number is a person that is loved and we must never loose sight of this fact. May those that have died Rest In Peace, and those infected, the long haulers and those that mourn, find strength, healing and comfort.

We pray for: The life, skill, dedication and devotion of care providers, first responders, essential workers, scientists, and all who offer support and service for their fellow citizens. They are tired and stressed. May they know they are making a difference and are appreciated.

We pray for: Our parish to have open minds, desire for learning and action with respect to all forms of racism and discrimination with our neighbours of different backgrounds, cultures and races, sexual orientation and abilities. May we be welcoming, looking at diversity as a strength and not to be feared, and especially the breakfast program community, both participants and providers.

We pray for: Our Indigenous Brothers and sisters and  all impacted by residential schools.  We pray that our parish will have open minds, a desire for learning and action with respect to truth and reconciliation with our indigenous neighbours.

We give thanks for a new custodian, and a warm welcome to, Mike. May he feel at home in working at St Jude’s.

Cycle of Prayer for October Teach – Discipling “To teach, baptize, and nurture new believers” and indeed all believers,  by fostering Christian development in new participants, long time members and everyone in between. Prayer: Lord, fill us with your welcoming spirit, that we may faithfully teach, baptize, and nurture those who come to believe in you. Let your glory fill this place. Let your glory fill this world! We honour ministries in support of DISCIPLING: the Second Mark of Mission.

Bible study.  Fr. Bill’s on-line Bible study, via Zoom,  continues Thursdays at 7:00 pm. While the link address remains the same, Fr. Bill will send it each week. All are invited to join in.

Altar flowers.  The Chancel Guild invites parishioners to place flowers on the altar once again, and these can be given in remembrance or as celebrations.  There are envelopes available on the bulletin board in the Narthex for you; please include your donation and dedication, and then place the envelope on the offering plate.

2022 Church Calendars have arrived and can be purchased from any Chancel Guild member for $10.00, a real bargain price that hasn’t changed in years!!  They will be available in the Narthex on Sunday, but please don’t leave money in the box if you can’t see a Guild member, save it until you do. Funds raised through the calendars are used for Chancel needs.

Fundraising

FundScrip It’s time again to order your cards from Rick, usual place!!

Craft & Gift Market November 27 from 9 am until noon. While unable to offer the full Christmas Bazaar experience this year, shoppers will be invited to purchase Christmas crafts, baking and deli foods in the All Saints Hall. Covid protocols will be in place.

Diocesan Event

Actively Waiting. We are all invited to take part in a diocesan Advent series, beginning on 24th November and continuing on 1st , 8th and 15th December. This is a Zoom meeting, and you must register at the diocese. See the separate email with poster and full details.

From The Church of the Ascension: Normally at this time of year Church of the Ascension would be preparing to present our Ascendants fall show. This year things are different, so we have prepared a virtual concert, which we are calling “The Ascendants Studio Sessions.” It’s been a real adventure doing our concert in this new way, and we’re excited to present it to you on YouTube. The full concert will premiere on November 6th  at 7.00  p.m.  The link to the premiere is https://youtu.be/uRkt-ljNh0Q . Donations will go towards the ministries of the Church of the Ascension, as we continue to serve the community and feed the hungry in these difficult times.

Outreach

Ministry of the Month for October is the Christmas Bale. For years the ACW has been paying for the shipping costs to send shipments of used clothing to the North, and currently we are sending things to a store in Kenora called “Twice is Nice”.  This store is affiliated with St. Alban the Martyr, the cathedral in Kenora. Early in November we send only new Christmas items to Kenora to distribute to those in need, with guidance from the cathedral and social services. We have set aside a few new adult things that have come in to the Nearly New Shoppe during the year, but in October we would like to focus on teen and children’s things. The woman who organizes this is very appreciative and has suggested the following: All ages: hoodies, pajamas, socks, underwear, toothbrushes and tooth paste, hats, mitts and scarves. Children: crayons, coloured pencils, markers, colouring and activity books, comic books, smaller child’s back packs, small stuffed animals, small toys and puzzles, playing cards, hockey pucks and sunglasses. Girls: Hair accessories, jewelry, jewelry kits, and dolls. Boys: Wallets. Cash donations designated as “Christmas Bale” are also welcome. Cherie and Marg will do the shopping for you. (This is always fun) Please have things to the church by October 31st . 

Breakfast Program The Community Breakfast continues to offer a hearty takeaway breakfast in a bag the 1st, 3rd and 5th Saturdays each month. As we move into the colder weather, please think about donating boots, warm sweaters and other winter clothing to help those coming to breakfast. Volunteers interested in helping with the breakfast can contact Glenda Hayward @ 519-951-8154 or [email protected]t  Thank you. The next take away “Breakfast in a Bag” is this Saturday, October 30th.

“St. Jude’s Boat” – whatever is that, some of you may say?  A little history tells us that this was commissioned in 1993 by the priest at the time, Fr. John Chapman, to celebrate the newly opened church building which we now enjoy.  Words  were written by Paul Maurice, an English teacher at Sanders Secondary School and Helen Poole, who was the current organist, composed the music. This hymn to St. Jude is sung at our patronal festival every year at the end of October – sometimes all eight verses! (But not often). A gentle and devoted man, Paul Maurice died last year, sadly, but in his time here he was a major contributor, with a great poetic and theatrical sense, and he was at one time a member of a monastic tradition.  Helen Poole is still a strong contributing member of St, Jude’s, we are glad to say, and her contributions to the music here, especially during the building of the organ and its dedication, are immense. So, on Sunday, wherever you are, sing out loudly and with pride “We are the Fellowship of St Jude!”

Let’s Celebrate!

Happy Birthday!!  This week to Andrew Shadlock and Ann Duffield, both on 28th October. Hope you both have a happy day!!

The fourth “wave” continues, as we all will know, and the diocese has mandated the precautions that each parish must follow regarding proof of vaccination.  Fr. Bill has emailed these to the parish.  But, it is beginning to look a little easier!!

Pumpkin picture from Internet Country Living