Readings for Sunday 9th January 2022 , The Baptism of the Lord First reading: Isaiah 60.1-6 Psalm 29 Second reading: Ephesians 3.1-12. Gospel: Matthew 2.1-12
Prayer and Pastoral Care
Please pray this week for
Derek; Pat; Barb; Margaret, Phyllis; Dave and Marylynn; Nelson; Ruth; Norma June; Stephanie and Ron; Scot and Logan; Beth; Izzy; Jamie and Cathie; Brian; Liz and Charlotte; Clarion and Brenda and Lester; Precious; Laura; Vanessa; Bob; Stephanie; Alex; Nirupa and Jim; Simon; Sean, Mary, Pat; Norma, Jim, Len, John and Kelly’
And for others known to each of you alone and also those who have no one to remember them by name.
Let us Pray for
Bishop Todd and our priest Bill as they work and develop new and different skills and ways to bring the Word of God to the people of God. May they find a balance between their call and time for personal rest and self care.
Let us Pray for
All those impacted by the new restrictions due to the COVID Omicron variant – overwhelmed and exhausted health care workers, and those who are off work due to being infected with this highly transmissible virus, parents needing to add child care or computer class supports for their children, those laid off due to closures and limitations on different venues, those struggling to get “the next “ vaccine dose, parents fearful for young children where no vaccine is yet available, those wanting Covid tests while others are waiting way past isolation timings for Covid test results, those in hospital with Covid and those not able to go to hospital for planned tests, surgeries and treatments due to Covid patient overload or staffing shortages, all people who are carrying a great and secret hurt, even when they don’t know it. May all have the strength and resilience to face yet another setback, knowing they are never alone, perhaps with another human and always with Christ in the hope of better days ahead in the future.
Let us Pray for
Our globe, as weather patterns are creating new and unexpected events and storms impacting our planet and all creation, the humans, the fauna and flora, water levels and melts, extreme temperatures (cold and hot) with wind, snow, and rain in unexpected places. May climate Justice become every global citizens priority so that future generations may live and prosper in a new normal.
Rest in Peace
Elaine Diwell (A St. Alban’s member, and wife of Warren). May the soul of Elaine find rest eternal in the loving arms of the Saviour , and her soul rise in Glory. Pray for Warren, the whole family and friends to find strength and eventually comfort as they mourn. (The Funeral will be held on Thursday. 6 th January at 1:00pm, and will be live-streamed, the link for which can be found on the Forest Lawn Obituary website).
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
he Breakfast Program team served 56 guests on New Year’s Day, and thanks to the “milder” weather, the clothing, toiletries etc. were displayed outside. Guests are very understanding that we have reverted to serving everything outside again with the surges in Covid numbers. As we begin our new year and foresee serving take out meals for some time, fully vaccinated new volunteers are welcome. Job options include baking muffins and treats, prepping bags on Fridays, sorting donations, and working the Saturday breakfasts. To volunteer, or for more information, please contact Glenda at 519-951-8154 or [email protected] , or any of the Breakfast Team members. There are three breakfasts this month – the next is January 15th.
Fundraising
FundScrip It’s time to order your cards, and Rick will take your orders up to 9th January afternoon.
St. Jude’s Cookbook . Cookbooks are available by contacting the office. 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 notified.
Let’s Celebrate
Happy Birthday!
This week to Jennifer Chalmers (2nd January). Hope you had a happy day!!
Office hours : The office is closed during this Covid “lock down”, and the parish will be notified when it can be open again. Meanwhile, phone messages and emails will be monitored and responded to as necessary.
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!