Wishing all parish members, families and friends, the holiest and happiest celebration of
the Birth of Our Saviour!

(And, welcome to the Winter Solstice – things should get brighter from now on!)
Christmas Worship times
Christmas Eve, Saturday December 24th, at 7:00 p.m. The much loved tradition of the
lighting of candles will be incorporated into this service, and beginning at 6.40 pm, there will be
carol singing “on request” before the service begins. Here is the link for the livestream of the Christmas Eve service: https://youtu.be/436AXyqWTg8
Christmas Day: Sunday, December 25th at 9:30 a.m.
New Years Day: Sunday, January 1st at 9:30 a.m. This will be a service of Morning Prayer.

Sunday services
The Common Cup is offered at Communion, but reception of this is optional, and receiving just
the Bread still constitutes a full Communion.
The Christmas Eve service will be live streamed and recorded for the website, YouTube and
Facebook pages.

From the Wardens
The Wardens remind us that the wearing of masks and hand sanitizing at our services and
gatherings is now required, and especially urge that anyone who is not feeling well, has a
cough, sore throat, runny nose, etc., should not attend these events at St. Jude’s. Stay home
until your symptoms have resolved, and take part in the live-streamed service. This will ensure
the best protection for us all.
However, at Christmas, when we often have visitors to our services, it is important that we
welcome them and in no way appear to criticize those who are unaware of our on-going health
precautions.

Office hours
Kathy is in the office Monday to Friday, 9.00 am to 1.00 pm. Please wear a mask if you visit the
office. Please note, the office will be closed from 26th December to 2nd January.

Prayer and Pastoral Care

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: New Comers To Canada and LIRSA, North East Neighbourhood Group, Marriage
inclusivity, Pride walk, Crisis Response, Addiction groups, PWRDF, London Food Coalition,
IJM (International Justice Mission) Prayer Partner, Food Bank distribution -LUSO Community
Services Partner.

Let us pray for
Debbie; Win, Brian, Raj and Sangeeta; Sharon; Marie; Sharon; Pat; Sean; Mary, Barb; Dave and
Marylynn; Nelson; Ruth; Precious; Stephanie; Alex; Jamie and Cathie; David, Elizabeth, Diane,
Dave and Joanne, Valerie, Leigh plus Keith and Karleen; Joseph and Erin plus John; Geoff plus
Linda and Randy, Kelly; Baby Caleb, Lynda, Diane; Autumn; Karen; Houda and Len, Bob,
Linda, Joanne, John, Helen, Kyle, Sharon, Nancy, Kim and Family, Fiona and Renato.
And any others known to each of you alone and for those who have no one to remember them
by name.

Let us Pray for

Bishop Todd and our priest Bill as they guide and support the children of God during this
season of Hope – Peace- Joy- Love, as we anticipate the arrival of the Christ Child on Christmas
as a marginalized human who will change the course of human history.

Let us Pray for

All those people who are in war torn countries, especially Ukraine and Africa, and places
where human rights and quality of life issues especially in Afghanistan , North Korea, and China
are non existent or at the discretion of oppressors. May those that suffer know that they are not
alone and may the world provide resources and support so all may know dignity and a life that
flourishes.

Let us Pray for

For all the vulnerable, the sick and their family and professional caregivers especially those
impacted by respiratory concerns related to the trio of Covid, RSV and ‘flu. May all of us do
their part to lessen the burden on the sick, the caregivers and the whole health care system so
that support and resources can be utilized to the benefit of all in need. We pray that best public
health practices – such as immunization, social distancing, hand hygiene, masks, staying home
when I’ll, be seen as a tool for unity and not a weapon of division.

Let us Pray for

For all the poor, the homeless, the marginalized who approach Christmas with trepidation and
fear for staying warm in a safe environment; for not having enough appropriate food; for issues
with depression, isolation, lack of resources and supports to face another day ; to provide for
their loved ones or themselves. May society adjust priorities so all may have quality of life with
affordable appropriate housing resources and support, with a basic living income.

A prayer for Palestinian Christians in Bethlehem that Archbishop Linda, Our Canadian Primate
has requested we offer this Christmas season:
“Lord God our Father, who made yourself known to us in your Son, Jesus Christ, born in
Bethlehem, grant to Palestinian Christians who live in Bethlehem today and throughout the
Holy Land, resilience to endure and remain in the land and to continue the Christian witness.
We pray for all Palestinians to be steadfast under pressure. Amen.”

( Rev. Dr. Munther Issac, pastor of the Lutheran Christian Church in Bethlehem)

Easter Vigil 2023 preparation
For anyone who might be interested in reaffirming their commitment to following in the way of
Jesus in a formal way, there will be a reaffirmation course offered in the New Year.
Please read the information in the attached link, and if this is something you are interested in
please let Fr. Bill know at [email protected] .

Outreach

For December, we continue to remember St. Paul’s Foodbank, and our Community Breakfast. Also, as we near Christmas, remember our own Christmas Share, and the Christmas offering which goes to Fr. Bill’s Discretionary Fund, which he uses throughout the year for those special needs that are presented to him.

St. Paul’s Food Bank
Our next Food Bank Sunday is Sunday, 8th January 2023.

Breakfast Program
92 take away breakfasts were served this past Saturday morning – a new record! Thanks to the
generosity of parishioners, friends and the ACW, gift bags with socks, toiletries, knitted hats,
scarves and mitts and laundry soap were given to all. For each child, a $25 gift card was
provided so families could purchase toys or clothing of their preference, along with a knitted
blanket. Thank you to the bakers, shoppers, and prep team for your work on this special
breakfast. Thanks also to the four packers who put the 90 gift bags together.
To the Saturday team – congratulations and thank you for a job well done in providing the safe
space where all are made welcome, cared for and fed.
Our next breakfast is New Year’s Eve – December 31st All are welcome!

PWRDF At Christmas especially, the PWRDF continues its work around the globe, so don’t
forget them in your Christmas charity donations.

Stamps!! Please save your stamps from cards you receive this year, for the Canadian Bible
Society. The stamps are sold to stamp collectors, and the money raised goes to the Canadian
prison ministry. 10lbs = approximately 6 Bibles. They accept personal collections in books or
binders as well. Please leave a 1/4 inch border around the stamp. Leave them at the CRASH
cupboard, or on the offering plate (clearly marked)!

Learning Together

Advent Study opportunities
This study series composed and led by Bp. Terry Dance, ended last Sunday, but you can still
watch all four videos at home by going to the diocese website (https://diohuron.com), enter the
Media section, and there you will find them.

Happy Birthday! This week to Justin Grignon 18th December. Hope you had a happy day!