Readings for Sunday 2nd January 2022 First reading: Jeremiah 31.7-14 Psalm 147.12-20 Second reading: Ephesians 1.3-14. Gospel: John 1.1-18
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; Brian; Sandra; Liz and Charlotte; Clarion and Brenda and Lester; Precious; Laura; Vanessa; Bob; Stephanie; Alex; Nirupa and Jim; Simon; Sean, Mary, Pat; Norma, Jim, Len, Jane, John, Michael, Kim and Kelly.
We pray for
All the isolated and lonely people, the many who find Christmas and New Years so difficult to face due to memories, absence of loved ones, loneliness, illness, trauma, or any other reason. May even a little light come into their lives so they find some meaning and a way forward.
We pray for
All those people who are working to provide the necessities of life, (health care workers, in the hospitals, community, vaccination and testing centers); essential workers in stores (like grocery and pharmacies); outside emergency workers (like police, fire fighters, hydro, road crews, etc.). May they know that their work and dedication is of value and appreciated.
We pray for
Anyone suffering from Covid impacts; those hospitalized, those in isolation, those waiting test results, those with long term Covid symptoms, those who have lost their livelihood, those who have lost loved ones, those separated from family and loved ones, those living in fear and often lonely, and for those who have died. May they find the strength and support needed and the resilience to move forward and/ or find peace in this world or the next.
We pray for
Our world, where adverse weather (storms, winds, floods, extreme temperatures) is causing humans, fauna and flora to face untold hardships, dangers, pain, and losses. May all come to see that climate Justice is a priority and appreciate that creation needs all of us doing a little and where possible a lot, (especially world leaders, the powerbrokers, and super rich) to protect and provide for current and future generations.
We pray for
Bishop Todd and our priest Bill as they lead the people of God through yet another variant of Covid, knowing that making decisions and stress is having a significant impact on all. May Holy Spirit provide them the guidance and wisdom needed.
Christmas is not a one day event, it is the arrival of light into this world in the form of a baby to show the way of love, of mercy and grace, of wisdom, so we may come to know God better by example. Then every day we can try and put this knowledge and understanding into real action.
Rest In Peace
Davina (from our prayer list) Sister to Roberta and friend of Sangeeta.
Mr. Michael Loyal , (Brother of the Reverend Mark Loyal).
Bob Stevenson (Cursillo member, missed by wife Kathie).
May the souls of Davina, Michael and Bob find eternal rest in the arms of the Saviour and rise in glory, and family and friends find strength and comfort as they grieve.
Rest In Peace
Archbishop Desmond Tutu , a modern day prophet. May light perpetual shine on him as he joins with all the saints that have gone before him. Pray for family, friends, and all who knew him or felt the impacts of his global efforts to end apartheid and care for neighbours May they be comforted, carry on with and celebrate his legacy.
And for all in any sort of need or who have passed this life and are known to each of you alone, and for those who have no one to remember them this day.
Cycle of Prayer for January : The fifth Mark of Mission
Treasure, Safeguard and Renew the Earth. As Christians we are called to “safeguard the integrity of creation”. Our world is a gift from God. We bear the responsibility for caring for the world and the earths resources.
Prayer
Lord, you came into our lives to redeem all that is good, guide us in our turn to renew and sustain the the life of your creation. Let your glory fill this place. Let your glory fill this world!
We honour ministries in support of SAFEGUARDING AND RENEWING THE EARTH: the Fifth Mark of Mission, Including Stewardship Environmental Team, Work to reduce single use plastics and major recycling initiatives, Buildings and Grounds, Lock up Security Group, Grubby days Finance and Audit groups, Committee of Stewards, Treasurer, Fundscrip, Garage Sales and Garden Volunteers.
Outreach
Ministry of the Month for January
Outreach for the month of January is Men’s Month and we shall be supporting the Men’s Mission and the Unity Project.
Men’s Mission: providing emergency shelter for an individual or family, or caring for those with mental health needs, Mission Services of London is there with a message of hope through faith serving those who struggle with poverty and homelessness. They provide food, shelter, clothing, crisis intervention and rehabilitation.
Needs: gloves, toiletries, razors, underwear, wallets.
Unity Project: working to stabilize people in their moment of crisis and to engage them in their own process toward stability while utilizing all available community resources. Housing (with supports) is the solution to homelessness and we shall continue to develop our program around this outcome for participants.
Needs: socks, bus tickets, T-shirts, small backpacks, razors, underwear, coffee mugs.
The Committee would sincerely like to thank everyone for their generous support. This parish of St. Jude is a very caring community.
Breakfast Program
The Breakfast Program team wishes a very Happy New Year to all, with many thanks for your generosity and loving support over the past year. We look forward to providing our guests with warm hospitality in the year ahead as, with your help, we live out our mission of being A Vibrant Community in Faithful Service.
Next take out breakfast is this Saturday January 1st !! Now there’s dedication for you!
Fundraising
2022 Church Calendars can still be purchased for $10.00, a real bargain price that hasn’t changed in years!! If you would like a calendar, contact the office and Kathy will be glad to get you one.
St. Jude’s Cookbook . Going forward, cookbooks 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] . At $15.00 each, they are an impressive product. You may also purchase them by contacting Faye Geoghegan (519-667-0996 or [email protected] ) or Janette Newcombe (519-660-1486 or [email protected] ) .
Social
Women’s Coffee Hour: In view of COVID19 and the infectious Omicron variant we are cancelling the Women’s Coffee Group for the foreseeable future. Once it is safe to gather we will issue an general invitation. Be well and be safe.
Learning Together
Bible study: Fr. Bill’s on-line Bible study is on hold until the New Year.
Let’s Celebrate
Happy Birthday! This week to Myrna Walsh (31st December), and Geoff Viglianti (1st January). Hope you both have a happy day!!
The fourth “wave” continues, as we all will know, with this pesky new variant! Each parish must follow the rules regarding proof of vaccination for in-person services, and we must continue to be careful. Don’t forget to get your booster as soon as you are eligible!
Update wishes all parish members, families and friends, a safe and happier New Year, with a prayer that 2022 will see us able to return to a more normal way of life.