Readings for Sunday 15th October, Pentecost 20.
First reading: Exodus 32.1-14
Psalm 23
Second reading: Philippians 4.1-9
Gospel: Matthew 22.1-14
Psalm refrain: “O God, you are my shepherd, I shall not be in want”
Live-stream link for this Sunday 15th October, 10.00 am service:
Sanctuary Servants. Are you interested in becoming a crucifer (person who carries the cross)
or a server (person who assists in the sanctuary during worship)? This is a ministry opportunity
available to both Youth and Adults, and there will be a training day on October 28th
at 10:00 a.m. at the Church. A great way to offer yourself in service to your Church family.
Office news. The office is closed this week, October 9th to 13th
Kathy will be back on Monday, 16th.
Outreach
Outreach for October is the CHRISTMAS BALE. For years now the ACW has been paying
for the shipping costs to send shipments of used clothing to the North. 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 Shop during the year.
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, toothbrushes and tooth paste, mitts and scarves.
Cherie has purchased socks and hats in the spring that were on clearance so we will not need
those this year.
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 L. and Marg B.
will do the shopping for you. (This is always fun) Please have things to the church by October 29th
Breakfast Program
You have seen it on the news and read it in multiple places – the unprecedented rise in the use of
food banks across the country. The Toronto Daily Bread which supports 200 programs saw
65,000 client visits a month in 2019, last month they served 275,000 clients. The London
Foodbank has experienced a rise of 43% in the number of households served over the last year.
A man that recently started coming to our breakfast program is on the list for housing and yet
is feeling pretty good because while he waits, a friend has offered his hayloft for when it gets
colder. He thanked us for some bungy cords that will help hold up a tarp in the rain but refused
an extra sweater because it is hard to carry too much. This is just one story of the 109 people
who received a breakfast this past Saturday. We frequently receive thanks for the simple bowl
of hot porridge, the warm clothing, and the welcoming place to sit and enjoy a coffee with
friends. It is through the generosity of the St Jude’s family and friends – time, talents, and
treasures – that we can continue this vital ministry in God’s kingdom in this very troubled world.
Thank you! Our next breakfast is Saturday October 21st from 9 – 10:30 am.
St. Paul’s Food Bank
Our next Food Bank Sunday is Sunday, 12th October.
They always appreciate spaghetti sauce, canned meat, mac & cheese, peanut butter, cereals,
canned soup, etc. They would also like shopping bags, plastic or other, and egg cartons.
Nearly New Shop.
The Nearly New shop has a nice assortment of winter clothing for children from 24 months
to XL. Don’t forget we have lovely adult things as well. Please pass the word to family and friends.
FundScrip Rick will have your cards this Sunday, 15th October, so look for him in the Narthex
between the services that day.
Learning Together
A Weekly Bible Study continues via Zoom on Thursday evenings at 7:00 p.m,. Everyone is
welcome. You can attend every week or just occasionally if that is what your schedule allows.
We will hear a passage of scripture read a number of times. Each time the passage is read
participants will be asked to reflect on a different question. Following each reading of the
passage participants will be invited to share their thoughts and reflections on the question they
were asked to think about. This is a very informal approach to reading and talking about
scripture and again everyone is welcome.
Here is the link for the study: Join Zoom Meeting,
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81338897948
Please note: An Advent study series via Zoom from St. Aidan’s Church, featuring Brian Zahnd,
“The anticipated Christ: an Advent journey”, on 29th November, 6th and 13th December. See the
poster in the Narthex for full details, including how to register.
Let’s Celebrate
St. Jude’s Day 2023 On Saturday 28th October, our patronal festival, and this year marking 70
years since the founding of the parish, so our Social Committee is researching and planning
these special events:
– In All Saints Hall from 2 to 4.00 pm, a Tea social – mingle, chat and enjoy coffee, tea, and
cake, as well as browse group displays.
– Then, at 7:30 for an Evening Social – mingle, chat, share hors d’oeuvres (bring your
favourite), coffee, tea, or beverages (cash bar), view displays*, and be entertained with musical
interludes offered by fellow parishioners – current and former minstrels!
* Groups in the church, newer and long standing missions, will be setting up displays of their
ministries over the course of our history. This will be an opportunity to see the breadth of our
commitment to faithful, loving service in our community and the world.
Saturday Night Partiers! Please sign up in the Narthex so that the Social committee can plan
appropriate seating, quantities of beverages, and the hors d’oeuvres buffet. We will try to
orchestrate a variety of tasty munchies!
Happy Birthday this week to Don H. (8th October), John B. and Mary Lynn H.
(9th), and Sean L. (12th). Hope you all had or have happy celebrations.
And congratulations to Stephanie and Michael M., and Sheila D. and Andy
S., who celebrate their wedding anniversaries on 12th October!
Covid update
The new Covid vaccine (XBB) is beginning to arrive in London, but is NOT available at the
Health Unit clinics, yet. Ministry of Health guidelines recommend waiting for the XBB vaccine
rather than getting one of the previous boosters.
When they become available, they will be offering only Moderna until Pfizer comes in, but it has
been shown that Moderna and Pfizer are interchangeable so if you have only had Pfizer to date,
please do not wait. I (Joanne) have mixed all my vaccines and have had no problems. These
guidelines apply to all regardless of age, health status, date of last booster, travel plans. Keep
checking healthunit.com for updates.
Please make an appointment for your vaccine, as it is likely that walk-ins will not be accepted at
first. That does not mean there may not be a wait, as with any health care appointment.
Flu shots will also be available at upcoming clinics, and you can safely receive both vaccines on
the same day.
Joanne L-J.