Readings for Sunday 26th April, Easter 4
Psalm 23
Reading: 1 Peter 2.19-25
Gospel: John 10.1-10
Psalm refrain: “God is my shepherd, I shall not be in want”
Outreach
Outreach for April
Focus on the Environment: education on composting at the church and at home and eliminating single use plastic. Please see the information on the Outreach bulletin board. And, continuing to consider St. Paul’s Place, and our own breakfast initiative.
St. Paul's Foodbank
Our next Paul’s Place food bank Sunday is Sunday, 10th May.
Nearly New Shop: The Nearly New Shop now has spring and summer clothes available. A great time to freshen up your wardrobe. All sizes from babies to adult 2X, both men and women, Shoes, hats and purses. Everything is like new. For those who are unfamiliar the shop is downstairs.
Open Tuesday morning 10 to noon, Saturday 9 to noon.
All sales are used for Outreach.
Please come in and see what we have. Cash only, please.
Fundraising and Social
Diocese of Huron Annual Meeting of the ACW - "Believe and Trust". Join with the women of the Diocese at our annual meeting on Saturday April 25th at the Church of the Ascension on Dundas Street East. Registration fee includes morning coffee and lunch. $20 in advance, $25 at the door. Preregistration required. See poster on the bulletin board. Contact: Glenda Hayward.
Anglican Fellowship of Prayer: The Bishop of Huron's conference will be at St. Jude's on Saturday 2nd May, 10.00 am to 3.00 pm, with Bishop Todd as guest speaker. All are welcome and invited to attend. Cost is $20.00, and you can register at brlmail2@aol.com.
See the poster in the Narthex for more details.
Living the Gift - Stewardship in Word and Practice – This is advance notice that on Saturday, June 13th St. Jude’s will be the location for an all day, diocesan workshop on the topic of holistic stewardship: time, talent, treasure. The guest facilitator will be Davey Gerhart, Executive Director of The Episcopal Network for Stewardship, based in San Francisco. Please mark your calendar and plan to attend. Also, please speak to Father Kevin if you would be willing to serve on the local arrangements committee for this event, or for the clergy day that will precede it on Friday, June 12th.
Learning Together
“Chapter 29: The Church That Easter Built” – Through the Easter season, a five-week preaching series comes to us from the Bible’s Book of Acts. The series develops Scripture’s witness that the Church is a living force sent into the world by Jesus. The Book of Acts contains 28 chapters, so we may think of ourselves as the disciples of Chapter 29. These messages from Father Kevin echo former Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams who said, “The Church exists because something has happened – Jesus is alive.” Today’s message, informed by Acts 2:42-47, is called, “More Than The List.”
Education for Ministry (EfM) Open House – Education for Ministry is a nation-wide, small group, faith-based learning experience that focuses on how our faith connects to and is lived out in our everyday life. Conveniently, one of the face-t0-face regional groups for EfM meets at St. Jude’s on Tuesday mornings. There are currently three parishioners of St. Jude’s enrolled. Interested in learning more? Attend one of the upcoming Open Houses: May 12th at 7:00 pm (virtual), June 10th at 7:00 pm (in person), August 26th (virtual). Reach out to Libi Clifford or Val Kenyon at EFM@huron.anglican.ca or call (519) 854-9998 to indicate you’re coming or with any questions. Also, speak to Sharon Frank here at St. Jude’s.
Streams of Grace: Reflections on Spiritual Formation – This series of online reflections is posted by Father Kevin each Wednesday on St. Jude’s Facebook page. Over the centuries, the Church has returned again and again to at least six practices that renew its life in seasons of need. A request – as you view each reflection on Facebook please hit “like” and “share.” Please spread the word.
Our Environment
Love God, Love Creation – During the month of April, St. Jude’s is putting a special emphasis on environmental stewardship. Thank you to all who participated yesterday in the Grubby Day in which we did some yard work and clean-up at the church. Thank you, also, to those who have been depositing depleted batteries and CFL light bulbs into the box in the narthex, to be disposed of properly. This morning, we welcome a Stewardship Moment offered by Bryan Smith with a special environmental emphasis.
Grubby Day! A spring grubby day for parish volunteers this Saturday, April 25th, when we shall clean up outside, and fix things inside. Bring your appropriate tools, beginning at 9.00 am, and coffee will be available!! The more people come, the more we'll get done.
Today’s Creation Care Tip – Follow your heart and invest in the future. Choose what you can: solar and wind, energy-efficient appliances, hybrid or electric vehicles, voting for electric public transit, quality and long-lasting fashion made of natural textiles, investments that do not support fossil fuels. Let God use your financial resources, your love, and your power to aid the healing of Earth and the righting of injustices. For more ideas, see this resource from the United Methodist Church in the USA: www.umcreationjustice.org
Let's Celebrate
Happy birthday! This week to Roger R. (24th April) and Steve P., (25th). Hope you celebrate well!