PARISH NEWS - 11 March 2026

SERVICES AND GATHERINGS THIS WEEK

SUNDAY, March 15^th – 10:00am – Fourth Sunday in Lent

If you are unable to attend worship in person, the service is live streamed. For links to the service and the order of service please visit St. James at: stjamesdundas.ca or the St. James Facebook page.

 The church office is open this week Tuesday - Friday 10am-2pm.

St. James Mission Statement

“To know Jesus and share Love through prayer, story, and service”

Messy Church Fun!

Please speak with Leslie if you can help with set up, take down, kitchen prep, wash up, or oversight a children’s ministry station.  The only requirement is a willingness to have fun and fellowship in the process!  The commitment is only once per month.

Belonging

Easter is approaching, and so is our next edition of Belonging. Please submit your articles and photographs (with accompanying names!), to Dana by end of day today, March 11^th.

Monday Afternoon Games

First and third Monday of the month from 1:30-4pm, in the Parlour. Everyone is invited to participate, ladies or gentlemen.  Any questions, please speak with Jill.

Tuesday Evening Prayer

The Tuesday evening prayer group has evolved. We are now meeting in a hybrid format. You are welcome to join on Tuesday evening at 6:15 in the Parlour at St. James, or through Zoom at the same time. If you would like to join via Zoom, please email Dana on Tuesdays by 4:00pm to receive the Zoom meeting link. The meeting is a combination of prayer and discussion of either a devotional or a passage from scripture. We look forward to welcoming you.

Join the Bishop's Company:  Membership is now open

This year’s Bishop’s Company Dinner is open to everyone to participate in the work of the Bishop’s Company,  and to learn how member support makes a difference through care for clergy and lay leaders in times of extraordinary need, through educational bursaries, and emergency response initiatives. Members enjoy priority access to the dinner, with complimentary tickets, premium seating, and special recognition.

Membership options:

Individual: 1 ticket

Couple: 2 tickets

Additional tickets available during early RSVP.

For more info, visit the diocesan website or contact Hannah Keller at hannah.keller@niagaraanglican.ca

WEDNESDAY – COMPLINE – 9:15 p.m.

Compline is a short service of night prayer. The heart of Compline is the recitation of several psalms. There is a short reading from scripture, intercession, and time for reflection. It is a beautiful way to close out an active day. Compline is offered by St. James’ through Facebook to bring the community together. If you cannot join live, the service is available afterwards on St. James’ Facebook channel.

Volunteers Needed for ADC Lenten Lunch

Volunteers are needed to help make hamburger soup for the upcoming ADC Lenten Lunch. We are looking for 7 people who would be willing to prepare a pot of soup.

The recipe and ingredients will be provided, making it easy for anyone who would like to help. The Lenten Lunch will be held at St. Paul’s United Church on Tuesday, March 25th.

If you are interested in volunteering or would like more information, please contact Norma.

Mothering Sunday

Did you know?! ...this Sunday is not only the fourth Sunday in Lent but also 'Mothering Sunday' and 'Laetare Sunday' which is often celebrated with simnel cake in some parts of the world.

Simnel cake is a fruitcake associated with Lent and Easter and widely eaten in the United Kingdom, Ireland and countries with patterns of migration from them. It is distinguished by layers of almond paste or marzipan, typically one in the middle and one on top, and a set of eleven balls made of the same paste. It was originally made for the fourth Sunday in Lent, also known as Laetare Sunday, the Refreshment Sunday of Lent (when the 40-day fast would be relaxed), Mothering Sunday, the Sunday of the Five Loaves, or Simnel Sunday. In the United Kingdom, it is commonly associated with Mothering Sunday and Easter Sunday. In the United Kingdom, simnel cakes are often associated with Mothering Sunday, also known as Simnel Sunday, named after the cake. According to historian Ronald Hutton, the custom of live-in apprentices and domestic servants going home (their only day off in the year) to visit their "Mother Church" where they had been Christened, and visit their mothers (and family) on Mothering Sunday, checking that their families were well and taking food or money if needed, started in 17th Century Gloucestershire and Worcestershire. This was a time of year when food stocks were low, and the high-calorie simnel cake was useful nutrition. The cake later simply became an Easter cake.*

*from Wikipedia 

A Message from Allison and Gerald Flemming

regarding their Music Internship with St. James

Dear St. James Dundas,

We are so honoured to join you for a Lent and Easter Worship Residency! Throughout the season, we’ll be leading Thursday rehearsals and music for Sunday services.

Our passion is blended worship. Inspired by scripture and working closely with Rev. Leslie, we’ll bring together beloved hymns, newer worship songs, and music from various traditions to create a beautiful, spirit-filled, and inclusive worship experience for this holy season. As lifelong songwriters, we’re also excited to share some of our original creations with you.

Most importantly, we want YOU to be part of this Worship Residency!

We're making space for singers, musicians, and songwriters to share their gifts. You can join the choir, play your instrument with us each Sunday, or simply join us one week for a special song.

You can learn more about us at www.InfinitelyMore.ca and www.facebook.com/InfinitelyMoreBand 

Please reach out to us on either of those sites or at allison@InfinitelyMore.ca with any questions. We’ll see you soon!

Blessings,Allison and Gerald Flemming

Infinitely More - Ephesians 3:20

15^th Annual Winter Coat and Boot Drive

Please spread the word about the collection of winter coats through your networks.  Not as many coming in this year and the need is great.

Upcoming Events & Important Dates

March 14                  Saturday Service and Supper

March 15                  Messy Church 4-6pm

March 22                  Afterthoughts

March 27                  Piano Concert – An evening with Andy Elmhirst

March 29                  Palm Sunday