THE VERRRRY GOOD NEWS REPORT
Information from the Diocese (Thursday, February 17, 2022) indicates that there will be some major changes taking place over the next couple of weeks.
First, ALL CHURCHES ARE EXPECTED TO RE-OPEN FOR ASH WEDNESDAY SERVICES.
And, a number of other announcements, effective immediately (Thursday, February 17, 2022)
Offices may re-open for non-essential work and allowing people to attend by appointment;
Small indoor meetings and activities of no more than 15 people; capacity limits for social service and food security programs, including 12-step groups – 25 person limit;
Capacity limits for kitchens used for essential food programs to the number who can physical distance;
Film and TV companies may use the property (with permission);
“one-off” large gatherings and rentals are still restricted.
KETCHUP …. Or is it CATCH-UP?
As the Diocesan Executive Officer, Bill M., reminded us in the weekly update, “the sacrifice of these last two months has been hard, but we have borne faithful witness to the Gospel through our loving care of those most vulnerable”. As we start to welcome folk back in our midst, we would hope that those of you who normally send in your offering through the envelope system will now be able to attend and play a little “catch-up”. In January and February, with the church virtually shuttered (and sometimes not being able to reach the mailbox … although Gillian really has done some great work with our snow removal folk in this area), our finances in this area are in a virtual snowdrift! So, it’s a little like the Oscars….”the envelopes, please!”
SERVICES AND GATHERINGS THIS WEEK
SUNDAY - To view all services and their order of services, go to the links provided on Facebook and our website - stjamesdundas.ca
TUESDAY – BIBLE STUDY - Please join Peter Wall for a Tuesday morning service of Morning Prayer and Bible Study at 10:00. Phone the office or
WEDNESDAY – Ash Wednesday In-person Services at 10am and 7:30pm. Registration is required. Please register online at stjamesdundas.ca under Events tab or call the office 905-627-1424. If leaving a phone message for registration include your name, email (if you have one) and phone number.
WEDNESDAY – COMPLINE - 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 as a way to bring the community together. If you cannot join live, the service is available afterwards on St. James’ Facebook channel.
THURSDAY - Our coffee hour occurs on Zoom at 10am. Join us to chat and enjoy one another’s company for an hour. Bring your own coffee! Contact the office before Thursday for the Zoom link 905-627-1424
CLIMATE JUSTICE TEAM
The Climate Justice Team hopes you can take a few minutes to undertake an environmental action every day of Lent. Each week in the e-blast there will be a simple, achievable, implementable and climate-friendly daily suggestion on how to tread more carefully in our beautiful world. Thanks for caring. Also note that the Action 13 group is holding a “Speak Up for Climate ZOOM meeting” on March 3rd …. Contact Carleon Hardie for further information.
YOUR SPECIAL LENTEN CALENDAR … WEEK ONE … STARTS TOMORROW
DAY
DATE
ENVIRONMENTAL ACTION
Tuesday
March 1
Shrove Tuesday – Let’s enjoy the pancakes and use local Ontario maple syrup bought in glass bottles
Wednesday
March 2
Ash Wednesday – As we “re-open” for the first time in several months, let us pray for those who are still fearful of joining live services in our churches
Thursday
March 3
Can you leave the car at home today? See if you can use an alternate mode of transport as much as possible – bicycle, public transportation, bicycling, walking
Friday
March 4
Going shopping today for the week-end? Take along reusable cloth bags and avoid unnecessary plastic packaging
Saturday
March 5
Out for much of the day today? Turn down your thermostat a few degrees while you are away, to save energy.
Sunday
March 6
Sing a new song unto the Lord. Let your song be sung from Mountains high … even in the Valley Town … Just SING!
Monday
March 7
Meatless Monday … what a blessing we have in our local cheeses which could be used to make a delicious meal for this evening.
Tuesday
March 8
International Women’s Day – Pray for all the women in your live now and in the past and also for those in danger both locally and internationally.
World Day of Prayer - March 4, 2:00 pm
The beginning of March always brings the World Day of Prayer, an annual project of the Womens' Interchurch Council. Perhaps more than ever, we need to pray together for the world! This year's service has been planned and designed by the churches of England, Wales, and Northern Ireland and can be seen on Zoom at 2:00 Friday. Contact the office before Friday for the Zoom information.
LENTEN BOOK STUDY – ADVANCE NOTICE
Fr. Peter is inviting folks to gather with him, at his regular Tuesday morning 10:00 time slot, during Lent (beginning Tuesday, March 8) to study both of the bishop's Lenten Books - Saving Us: A Climate Scientist’s Case for Hope and Healing in a Divided World by climate scientist Katharine Hayhoe and A Spirituality of Fundraising by Henri Nouwen.
If you are interested in participating (one hour, Tuesday mornings, March 8 - April 12), please advise the office or Fr. Peter directly so that books can be acquired by participants.
Books: HELP
If you have a copy of 'The Spirituality of Fundraising' by Henri Nouwen, we would like to 'borrow' it back for Lent (we'll get it back to you!!). Evidently this book was used by Parish Council a couple of years ago; we are studying it during Lent and need to get our hands on some copies! If you can help, call or visit the office. Thanks!!!
FRIDAY NIGHT FOOD FARE AND BEAN LADIES SOUP VENTURE
What a great start to fundraising in 2022. With sincere thanks to all who prepared, cooked and delivered goodies and to all of you who “took advantage” of the offerings … WOW!!!!!! Special words of thanks to all who participated cooking, baking and buying and eating!!!The two ventures did very well from a logistics perspective and also from a financial perspective … and may be repeated later in the year!
QUESTIONNAIRE
A big THANK YOU to all of the 75 parishioners who have submitted their questionnaires. The results are being tabulated and analyzed by the Parochial Committee. A brief summary will appear in the next HAPPENINGS, and more information will be shared as we move forward in the process.
A SMILE OR TWO… or more …. FOR THE DAY
Some Ponderings on getting older…..
Don't be worried about your smartphone or TV spying on you. Your vacuum cleaner has been collecting dirt on you for years.
If you can't think of a word, say, 'I forgot the English word for it.' That way people will think you're bilingual instead of an idiot
I'm at a place in my life where errands are starting to count as going out.
I'm getting tired of being part of a major historical event.
I don't always go the extra mile, but when I do, it's because I missed my exit.
My goal for 2022 was to lose 10 pounds. Only have 14 to go.
ALTHOUGH IT IS NOT QUITE LENT YET …..
Preparations are under way - Easter novelties being knitted to sell as a fundraiser for the ministries of St. James. If you would like to help with knitting, sewing, stuffing, packaging, promo, etc for these delightful bunnies, baskets, chicks please contact Anne W. via the office 905-627-1424. Every little bit helps!.
Comments