PARISH NEWS - 3 December 2025

stjamesdundas
4 days ago
4 min read

SERVICES AND GATHERINGS THIS WEEK

SUNDAY, Dec 7^th – 10:00am – Advent 2

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

Tuesday through Friday 10am – 2pm

St. James New Mission Statement

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

Holiday Hope

Thank you all and to the wider community for getting most of the 38 cards taken and the kid’s wishes fulfilled. Deadline to have them back, unwrapped and with the card securely attached is this Sunday. There is still a need for cash donations for grocery gift cards. Food is expensive and these are big families! We are on the home stretch and I really appreciate all the generosity!

St James' 49th Holiday House Tour December 6, 2025

The excitement is mounting at St. James' this week as final preparations are being completed for, this Saturday's Holiday House Tour.

We welcome Christmas cookies to sell that you baked in your home. Please connect with Norma if you have home baked cookies that you wish to donate to the House Tour bake sale.

Many thanks to people who posted House Tour lawn signs. Reminder to retrieve them as soon as possible after House Tour on December 6th and return them to the church.

Help is still required in the kitchen on Saturday. Please contact Carleon if you have time to assist.

A reminder that the church opens at 11:00 am for the Art & Craft Sale, baked goods, and raffle table. Do some Christmas shopping!

It isn't too late to get your tickets for the House Tour!

Canadian Packaged Bread Class Action Settlement

Did you know that if you bought bread in Canada between the years 2001 through 2021 from grocery stores associated with Loblaws/Weston (including Fortinos, No Frills) you could be eligible for a claim of up to $25.00?! Imagine the impact if all eligible parishioners made a successful claim and then donated it to the church. The link for the Canadian Packaged Bread Class Action settlement for claims is www.canadianbreadsettlement.ca/

Claim applications must be submitted by December 12, 2025.

Dave Archbell’s 2026 Calendars

Dave Archbell’s amazing bird calendars for 2026 are available at church. Cost $25. The proceeds for these beautiful works of art go towards the Jean Archbell Memorial Fund – which helps us help newcomers. Think about them making perfect Christmas gifts for friends and family.

Help St. James Fill the St. Matt’s Food Tower for Seniors

Please consider donating a canned good, pasta, or sauce for the St. Matt’s food tower located in the narthex. Our next pick-up is scheduled for the week of December 17th. Every contribution directly supports seniors living independently through St. Matt’s outstanding seniors outreach program. Let’s work together to fill the tower and make a meaningful difference!

Small Actions We Can Take to Help Renew the Earth(a summary of our Creation Commitment Cards)

Find alternatives to plastic coffee pods

Use up groceries before buying more / waste less / share surplus food with the hungry

Avoid taking an airplane as often as possible

Eat a more plant-based, vegetarian diet / Eat less meat

Ensure meat consumed is raised responsibly

Learn about the Indigenous commitment to Mother Earth / learn from nature

Plant native species and pollinator plants in the garden

Reduce water usage (ie. turn tap off while brushing teeth)

Buy second hand / re-use items instead of buying new / re-usable coffee mug

Walk instead of drive / use less gas / use of a hybrid car / use public transit

Take time to enjoy God’s creation every day / spend time outdoors

Make a route map when running errands

Raise my children in the ways of God, and reduce litter around the homestead

Draw attention to how creation works

Turn lights off when leaving a room / use less electricity especially in daytime

Water plants with dehumidifier water

Buy locally grown food / shop small business

Write to political representatives asking for meaningful climate action / safety for earth

Recycle and reduce use of single use packaging / reduce items going to landfill

Return milk bottles

Love, cherish, and care for pets, animals, plants, forests, and all creation

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.

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.