Readings for Christmas Eve, 24th December First Reading: Isaiah 9.2-7
This Friday, Christmas Eve, 24th December , two in-person services are offered, at 7.00 and 9.00 pm, still with limited numbers, and pre-registration is required. Those attending must sign in as they enter the church, hand sanitize and wear a well-fitted face mask that covers the nose and mouth at all times. Seating will be on a properly socially distanced principle, but singing is now allowed, albeit through your mask. The 9.00 pm service will be recorded, and live streamed! The recordings will be available on the church website, Facebook page and YouTube. Here is the link for the live stream: https://youtu.be/-TrUl5aO7CQ
Prayer and Pastoral Care
Please pray this week for
Derek, Elaine; Pat; Barb; Margaret, Phyllis; Dave and Marylynn; Nelson; Ruth; Norma June; Stephanie and Ron; Scot and Logan; Beth; Izzy; Jamie and Cathie; Davina and Sangeeta; Brian; Sandra; Liz and Charlotte; Clarion and Brenda and Lester; Precious; Laura; Vanessa; Bob; Stephanie; Alex; Nirupa and Jim; Simon; Sean, Mary, Gus; Pat; Norma, Jim, Len, Jane, John and Kelly. And for others known to each of you alone, and also those who have no one to remember them by name.
We pray for
All those who are in a state of confusion, anxiety and even anger with ever changing pandemic rules and expectations. May everyone learn to be flexible and accepting that the science is only slightly ahead of this new and mutating virus; therefore, evolving best practice will change and we must be up to the challenge. May all look for the light that is already present in the chaos
We pray for
The tired, exhausted, and burned out first responders, care providers and essential workers. Those that struggle to go to work to offer care in an overwhelmed health care system and those that offer needed goods and services to their communities. May they be treated with respect and dignity and know that their struggles and sacrifices are known and appreciated. We ask that all recipients take all possible steps to decrease the burden of worry by following and complying with public health best practices and always exercising kindness.
We pray for
Bishop Todd and our priest Bill as they prepare the Christmas message, guided by Holy Spirit to bring Hope within themselves and to the people of God during this chaotic time.
We pray for
All the people throughout the world negatively impacted by catastrophic weather events, occurring as a result of global climate change. May they have the strength, resolve and resilience to rebuild in new ways. We pray that the whole world offers assistance and prioritizes their part so that climate Justice will happen and reverse the warming of our planet.
We pray for
All people who struggle during this time of year, that they find hope, support and understanding. We ask that everyone will have a gentle holiday and that gentleness is both given and received.
We pray for
The increased roll out of vaccines to children 5-11, for a pending second dose to the 12-17 age group, for boosters from 18 and up. May there be patience and understanding as infrastructure to accommodate the volumes of people plus availability of staff to administer and the vaccine itself be put in place. We ask that all that are eligible take advantage, and that there be a world effort to share vaccines around the globe with poor countries. always knowing that no one is safe until everyone is safe.
Rest In Peace
Mrs. Dorothy Chapman, (widow of the late Reverend Edward Chapman). Yvonne Skreprechuk (Cursillo member) May the souls of Dorothy and Yvonne find rest eternal and rise in glory, and their families and friends find strength and comfort as they mourn.
Cycle of Prayer for December Transformation – Transforming Society
“To seek to transform unjust structures of society” , to challenge violence of every kind, and to pursue peace and reconciliation, is a call to go beyond charitable giving and help change a world that creates human needs. To join in God’s work in building the Kingdom by transforming society.
Prayer
Lord, let the fire of your goodness and justice burn into us and through us, that we may seek to transform the unjust structures of society. Let your glory fill this place, Let your glory fill this world!
We honour ministries in support of TRANSFORMING SOCIETY: the Fourth Mark of Mission. Support for: Newcomers To Canada, LIRSA, North East Neighbourhood Group, Marriage inclusivity, Pride walk, Crisis Response, Addiction groups, PWRDF, London Food Coalition, IJM (International Justice Mission) Prayer Partner.
Outreach
Ministry of the Month for December
We are supporting two initiatives at St. Jude’s this month, both of which are managed by our priest, and confidentiality is key. Donations can be made with your regular offerings, or placed on the offertory plate with clear direction as to your choice of initiative(s). First, the St. Jude’s Christmas Share provides gift cards, funds etc., to parishioners in need at Christmas and through the year. Your cash donation can make a significant difference in the life of a fellow parishioner. The second initiative is the Rector’s Discretionary Fund. Traditionally, offertory funds given on Christmas Eve go to this Fund. Our Priest then uses these funds throughout the year to provide help to those who come to our doors for help with gift cards for food, rent relief, or any specific needs of the family or individual in need.
Breakfast Program
Our Community Breakfast Program continues to provide a hot take away meal in a bag on the first, third and fifth Saturday of the month. Your terrific generosity has made it possible for us to serve more than 2000 guests this year. Last week, we served 72 take away meals! And we shall be serving breakfast on New Year’s morning . Our guests tell us they’ll be here and our volunteers said “count us in!” Next breakfast is on Saturday January 1st !! Now there’s dedication for you!
Learning Together
Bible study.
Fr. Bill’s on-line Bible study is on hold until the New Year.
Fundraising
St. Jude’s Cookbook
Going forward, cookbooks will no longer be for sale after Sunday services. They are now available by contacting the office from Monday to Friday between 9am and 1pm at 519-660-6198, or by email at [email protected] . A great bargain at only $15.00. You may still purchase them by contacting Faye Geoghegan (519-667-0996 or [email protected] ) or Janette Newcombe (519-660-1486 or [email protected] ) .
2022 Church Calendars
Church calendars can still 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. If you can’t come to the in-person services, and you would like a calendar, come to the office and Kathy will be glad to get you one.
Social
Women’s Coffee Hour meets on the second Wednesday of the month, and the next one is January 12th 2022 , starting in the St. Alban Room, but if numbers make it necessary, moving to the church.
Let’s Celebrate
Happy Birthday! This week to Cassandra Townsend, (Christmas Day!). Hope you have a happy day!!
Office hours over Christmas are as follows: Closed from 24th December to 28th , then closed 31st December to 3rd January. If you need to visit the office when it is open, please remember always to wear your mask.
The fourth “wave” continues, as we all know, with this pesky new variant! Don’t forget to get your booster as soon as you are eligible!
Update wishes all parish members and families the best and safest time at Christmas, and New Year. We are a much blessed community, and pray that we can continue to share our blessings with the community around us!