Readings for Sunday 7th February, Epiphany 5 First reading : Isaiah 40.21-31. Psalm 147.1-11, 20c Second reading : 1 Corinthians 9.16-23. Gospel : Mark 1.29-39
Prayer and Pastoral Care
Please pray this week for: Lauren; Nancy; Elizabeth and Charlotte; Thampi and Babu; Dave and Marylynn; Pat; Kathleen; Norma; Karen; Victoria; Len; Darlene; Jane; Margaret and Anita; Anne; Fran and Bill, Loraine and Gord, Nelson; Ray; Margaret; Laurel and Rob; Ruth; Nancy June, Susan; Stephanie and Ron, Scott and Logan, Beth, Mary Anne, Izzy; Jen; Alison, Jamie and Cathie plus Keith and Cate, Diane; Fred and Marlene; Davina and Sangceta, Matt, Brian,Bob; Erika and Darrel, Jack, Julie and Margaret. AND for those who are in need of prayer but have no one today to remember them by name; and those known to each of you alone…
Rest in Peace Don Walmsley (spouse of Shirley and resident in Long term Care) has completed his earthly Journey. May the soul of of Don find peace eternal and rise in glory. Pray for Shirley (a faithful St Jude’s member, and regular supportive visitor to Don in his long term care residence) and all the family as they mourn his death and face Covid funeral restrictions.
Pray for Bishop Todd and our priest Bill as they navigate bringing strength and comfort to so many hurting people in a time of pandemic lockdown. May they have strength and compassion for other and for their own well being.
Pray for all impacted by the ravages of COVID19; those who have died and those who mourn ; those who are fearful, lonely and isolated; the essential workers, the care givers; the everyday heroes helping others to cope and navigate these troubled waters; those working to manage, treat and control this pandemic in various and often unknown ways.
Prayers for the Annual Vestry Meeting Gracious and loving God, we pray that our Annual Vestry will truly be a time when our congregation comes together to be united and inspired in our shared work of Continuing the Work of Jesus. AMEN Holy God, the navigator of our souls, hear us as we hold up before you our annual Vestry. Be with us in our yearning to chart a course together, inspired by the presence of your Spirit. Give courage to our clergy, all of our leaders, and each of us, as we move forward with your blessing. For all we do, we do to your glory, in Jesus’ name. AMEN Lord, make our congregation a community that beholds your marvelous works. AMEN Heavenly Father, give to our leaders, a daily renewal in your presence, uphold them with your peace, a peace that passes all understanding, enlighten them with your word, and strengthen them with your grace. AMEN Almighty God, give us a new vision of you, of your love, of your grace and power; and then, give us a new vision of what you would have us do as your church in this congregation at this time. Give us an awareness that in the strength of your Spirit we can do it to your glory. In Jesus’ Name we pray. AMEN Lord, remind us when we forget that you talked of our being in the world not of the world. AMEN Remind us when we conform to this world that you want us to be transformed by the renewing of our minds so that we will be the witnesses You asked us to be. AMEN
Cycle of Prayer for February: Tell – Evangelism – “To proclaim the good news of the kingdom” is to share the news that Christ God is reconciling the world to himself in words.
Prayer: Lord Jesus Christ, let your presence fill our hearts and overflow in our actions, that we may proclaim the good news of your kingdom. Let your glory fill this place. Let your glory fill this world! We honour ministries in support of EVANGELISM the First Mark of Mission- Liturgical Ministries: Priests, Licensed Lay Readers, Servers, Intercessors, Readers, Lay administrators, Chancel Guild, Seminary Student and Seminary Student Committee, Prayer and Eucharistic Services in Area Long Term Care Homes, Funeral Home Services, On Line Worship Services and all the liturgical technical support people.
Outreach
We decided not to put the rack and tables of clothes out for guests the last two breakfasts to support physical distancing rules, and to avoid getting items damp with the snow. However, our warmly dressed volunteers Sheila Dempster and Cate Ferguson stayed outside during the breakfast to run and get items if needed for guests and to ask about their needs. Items requested this week are: incontinence pads, razors, shaving cream and warm socks for men and women. A huge thank you to the May Court Club for the very generous donation of vests, boots, sweaters and other warm clothing for our guests. As they are unable to open because of Covid they didn’t want folks to be cold when they had items on hand. Their help is most appreciated and as their fundraising supports program for hungry children, they are a great partner for ours. The next take out breakfast is this Saturday, 6th February .
Around the Deanery and Diocese
Deanery Lenten study. The London Deanery invites us to join, via Zoom, a series called “Unbinding Heavy Burdens; a Lenten Journey”, beginning on 24th February and continuing on each Wednesday in March. Each session will begin at 7.30 pm, and the featured speakers are Diana Butler Bass and Bishop Todd Townshend. You can register for this series by emailing [email protected] or call 519-471-1430.
“Encounters with Christ” a Lenten sermon series from the diocese, on Thursday mornings in Lent at 10.00 am, beginning on Wednesday 18th February. This is a Zoom meeting series, and to register email [email protected].
Let’s Celebrate!!
Happy Birthday this week to: Liam Smith and Krystal Grignon (1st February), Jessica Shadlock (3rd ), Don Norris and Sharon Frank (4th ) and Mary Anne Campbell (5th). Hope you all had/have a happy day!
Things are beginning to look a little better, but still be cautious, directed, stay home and stay safe until this lockdown can be lifted.