Merry Christmas

     We hold two services on Christmas Eve - the first at 7pm at St. Luke's O'Leary and the second at 9pm at St. Peter's Alberton.  It was great to see old friends and new friends and all excited children!
     On Christmas morning a Morning Prayer Service is held at St. Peters.  Below is Rev. Andrew and Janet Mortimer following the service - all ready to go enjoy Christmas Dinner.
     Thank-you Lord of all your blessings!!

Above is Rev. Andrew and Janet's Christmas Letter.

***********************

     Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to pubic disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.  But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, "Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. (Matthew 1: 19,20)

     Just as Joseph was afraid to accept Mary as his wife "under circumstance", we can sometimes be afraid when our Faith leads us against the flow of the world we live in.  God spoke to Joseph in a dream, and Joseph listened.  Joseph's fear did not stop him from entering into his relationship with Christ.  Not everyone could look past who Jesus was, and where he came from, and how he lived.  These people rejected Jesus, rejected a relationship with Jesus, rejected His teachings, and the truths He spoke.

     I wonder, if I was living two thousand years ago would I have only seen a man who was not living as others said one should live, or would I have heard God in the words He spoke, and seen God in the things He did? Although I am not living two thousand years ago, the question is still relevant - Would I hear God in the words that others say, and would I see God in the things they do?  And then the next question is would they hear God in my words, and would they see God in my actions?  

    Joseph's fear did not stop him, may our own fears not stop us.

Merry Christmas to everyone and a Happy New Year.

Janet And Andrew

The Hanging of the Greens

     Last sunday our service was "The Hanging of the Greens" First sunday of Advent.  

Look up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawings near.

(Luke 21:28) 

     “The Hanging of the Greens is a service for the first Sunday in Advent. It is based on the English tradition of decorating the home with wreaths, garlands, a Christmas tree, and evergreens for Advent and Christmas. In a church setting, it readies the sanctuary (and church members) for the season. This service assumes a Protestant setting. It is adapted from an unknown source to reflect a process-relational theology.  Suggested hymns may be replaced by your favorites or appropriate anthems from a choir.”

Info cf. http://processandfaith.org/resources/liturgy/hanging-greens-first-sunday-advent

Above is a devotional calendar found at the back of the church - please take one.

* * * * * * * * * *

     Today's devotional starts with a reading from Mark 1:1-3 

"Look, I am sending my messenger before  you.  He will prepare your way."

- Mark :2b.   

     The Reading starts, "Do you think there was anyone in Jesus' day who was as busy as we are today?"  

     The Reading ends, "Prayer: God, guide my thoughts and help me spend time in your Word. Help me listen with more than my ears.  Prepare my heart to hear your melody of love, so that I can pass along the song of those who may need to hear it.  Amen"

A Women's Advent Program

Image cf. http://dccpres.org/news-posts/advent/

     A Women's Advent Program was held on Tuesday evening, November 26th at St. Peter's Hall.  
     The very successful evening was planned and organized by Janet Mortimer with many in attendance from the Parish and the community in general.

New Bishop Elect - The Right Revd Ronald Cutler

     Yesterday Synod gathered at All Saints Cathedral in Halifax to elect a new Bishop.  The current bishop, the Rte. Rev. Susan Moxley will retire on March 31, 2014.  The Rev. Ron Cutler will become the 16th Bishop of the Diocese of Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island.  ( Above: logo of the Diocese of NS & PEI ).

     The above photo and following quote appears today on the Anglican Journal website http://www.anglicanjournal.com/articles/cutler-elected-in-diocese-of-nova-scotia-and-pei

     "Bishop Ron Cutler has been elected as the new coadjutor bishop for the diocese of Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island, where he has been suffragan bishop since 2008.

Cutler was elected with a simple majority in both the houses of clergy and laity on the first ballot."
     Below: photo from my vantage point inside All Saints Cathedral during Synod.  Located forward on the altar were the officiators of the election.   The Most Rev. Claude W. Miller, Diocesan Bishop of Fredericton, who was the celebrant, preacher and chair of the election, along with other diocesan staff.  ( it's more difficult to take photos with iphone - zooming is more challenging )

     We started with the Electoral Synod Service at 9:30am.  Following the Eucharist, around 11am procedures began for the vote and within 40 minutes our first ballot was made.  At noon we broke for a 1-hr lunch.  We were back at 1pm and within 30 minutes results of the vote were read-out,- Rev. Ron Cutler was declared our new bishop.

     During the Prayers of the People, said by Rose McFadden and Tyler Nieforth, started with the following prayers:

     "As we gather here today as God's family in the Diocese of Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island, we give thanks for the many blessings we have known.  For our rich and vibrant history spanning more than 300 years, and for all those who helped to build and shape this church.  In thanksgiving we pray for bold vision and the courage to continue to journey forth in faith.  On this day, and always; send your Holy Spirit amongst us, O Lord."

     "Today on this National Housing Day, we are reminded of the great needs in our world and the challenge for us to live out our calling to act justly, to love mercy and to walk humbly with our God.  Heavenly One, Who although homeless at your birth, made your home with us on earth, and in doing so marked each one of us with divine dignity:  Infuse us with your mercy and inspire us to offer each of your children a safe home that we all may live on earth as we shall in heaven."

Jesus Tells Disciples About the Signs of the Last Days

Luke 21: 5-19
⁵ Some of his disciples were remarking about how the temple was adorned with beautiful stones and with gifts dedicated to God. But Jesus said, ⁶ “As for what you see here, the time will come when not one stone will be left on another; every one of them will be thrown down.”

⁷ “Teacher,” they asked, “when will these things happen? And what will be the sign that they are about to take place?”

⁸ He replied: “Watch out that you are not deceived. For many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am he,’ and, ‘The time is near.’ Do not follow them. ⁹ When you hear of wars and uprisings, do not be frightened. These things must happen first, but the end will not come right away.”

¹⁰ Then he said to them: “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. ¹¹ There will be great earthquakes, famines and pestilences in various places, and fearful events and great signs from heaven.

¹² “But before all this, they will seize you and persecute you. They will hand you over to synagogues and put you in prison, and you will be brought before kings and governors, and all on account of my name. ¹³ And so you will bear testimony to me. ¹⁴ But make up your mind not to worry beforehand how you will defend yourselves. ¹⁵ For I will give you words and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict. ¹⁶ You will be betrayed even by parents, brothers and sisters, relatives and friends, and they will put some of you to death. ¹⁷ Everyone will hate you because of me. ¹⁸ But not a hair of your head will perish. ¹⁹ Stand firm, and you will win life.

cf.  http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%2021:5-19

"Remember With Us" in honour of our Veterans

Five years of remembering

Choir Practice

Photo Credit: West Prince Graphic *  Wed, 11/06/2013

            November 11 is a day for all Canadians to remember. On this day in 1918, the hostilities of World War One came to a close. Since then November 11 has been used as a time to remember and be grateful for the individuals who laid down their lives in the service of our nation and who are still fighting for our Country. St. Peter’s Anglican Church in Alberton invites the public to share an evening with them during their “Remember With Us” service, being held Thursday, Nov 7, beginning at 7 pm. There will be songs, readings, reflections and light refreshments.
            Leading the service through song will be St. Peter’s Choir and friends, composed of singers from many local churches. They will sing songs written about the Great War, but also the songs that got people through World War II, such as ‘Don’t Sit Under the Apple Tree,’ and, ‘We’ll Meet Again”. The audience is encouraged to sing along. There will be solo performances by Reverend Lynn McKinnon, special musical guests and readings by Reverend Andrew Mortimer and others. Merry Carruthers will be playing the piano for the service, as she has for the past four years. This will be the fifth annual Remember With Us service hosted by St Peter’s.
            In the past, there has been as many as 15 choir members volunteering their time, and there’s usually a full house in the audience. The service has been described as emotional and moving in previous years, but also fun for those who attend. St Peter’s Church welcomes everyone to join them that evening to remember. After the service, there will be a luncheon available to all. There is no cost to attend, and no donations are requested.

cf.  West Prince Graphic website, Alberton

http://peicanada.com/west_prince_graphic/publication/five_years_remembering

Praying for Others

Praying for Others God is His Word and praying God’s Word is speaking the very being of God into the situation. Meditating upon His Word causes truth, Spirit and power to become integrated with our own beings and with the being for whom we are interceding. Speaking His truth, His love, His power brings knowledge, cleansing, healing, and wholeness. It brings peace and unexplainable joy – it brings freedom!

            Whatever the need, great or small, God’s Word has the answer. Take the Sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God (Eph 6:17). This sword, the Word of God, is to be used as a powerful weapon against satan and all the powers of darkness. It is to be used to open all people’s eyes so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the dominion of satan to God, in order that they might receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who have been sanctified by faith in Jesus Christ ( Acts 26:18).

            It is to be used to tear down strongholds, to build up, to heal, to set captives free, and to seek and save those who are lost. (from The Sword of the Spirit...by Joy Lamb) 

Image cf.

http://www.dogfuranddandelions.com/2012/09/how-to-pray-for-others-part-2/

            In her chapter on praying for physical healing, Joy Lamb says, “This is a key to healing – that they will not harbour any unforgiveness”. The author lists scripture references for praying for physical healing for others and begins the prayers with Thank you Lord and ends them with In the name of Jesus Christ. For example:

Psalm 103: 3 is prayed : Thank you Lord that You have promised to pardon all our iniquities and to heal all our diseases. In the name of Jesus Christ.  Likewise, Jeremiah 33:6 is prayed: Thank you Lord that You will bring them health and You will cure them, and reveal unto them an abundance of peace and truth. In the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Joy Lamb clearly heard the Lord say:

“Pray My Word, child. It brings healing in all areas. Trust Me and pray My Word.”

( Above cf. Parish Bulletin, Sunday, November 10, 2013 )

St. Luke the Evangelist: Holy Day October 18th

     We were introduced to the cartooning of John Sheppard in this week's Parish Bulletin.  They're great!!!  
     Here's a link to his website along with the cartoon featured this week.
http://johnsheppardcartoons.com/saints.html

     The Parable of the Persistent Widow.  Luke 18: 1-8.

     The NIV Study Bible notes  tell us the windows were particullarly helpless and vulnerable becuase they had no fmaily to uphold their cause.  In this parable the widow had only justic and her own persistence in her favour.  Jesus' message is that if an unworthy judge who feels no constraint of rght or wrong  is compelled by persistence to deal justly with a helpless individual, how much more will God answer prayer!  Further, God will not delay his support of the chosen oones when they are right because he is not like the unjust judge who had to be badgered until he was wearied and gave in.  God loves faith that perserves in prayer and loyalty!  Chirst makes a second application that looks forward to the time of his second coming.  A period of spiritual decline and persecuton is assumed - a time that will require perseverance such as the widow demostrated.

cf. Parish Bulletin, Oct. 20, 2013

Blessing of the Animals Service at St. Peter's

     We had a great service on Sunday morning in St. Peter's Hall with the Blessing of the Animals.  
     There were a few animals who preferred to stay in their car, however, we had a good turn-out of pet dogs, along with photos of animals who couldn't come to the church, ie. cats, cows, geese, ducks, etc.
     Here's a few photos.

Reading from a Sermon of St. Francis: 'Peace, birds, peace!'  My brother and sister birds, you should greatly praise your Creator and love him always.  He gave you feathers to wear, and wings to fly, and whatever you need.  God made you noble among his creatures and gave you a home in the purity of the air, so that, though you do not sow nor reap, he nevertheless protects and governs you without your least care.

     ( Adapted from "Occasional Celebrations of the Anglican Church", and "For All the Saints", Anglican Book Centre, Toronto; a liturgy prepared by the Rev. Barbara Allen Chaplain, Lort Smith Animal Hospital August 2007; and a liturgy prepared by The Rev. Robert P. Morrison of the Episcopal Parish of St. James in Lincoln City, Oregon )

Blessing of the Animals: 

"(pet name), you were created by God, and you are loved by God.  May you and your human family experience joy and companionship together, and continue to be a blessing to each other.  In the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, Amen."

Following the service we had our regular coffee fellowship time in the Hall. 

Praying Each Day...for those who suffer chronic illness & disability

cf.  Praying Each Day http://www.prayingeachday.org/Sept25.pdf
SEPTEMBER 25 
1  There was a standing ovation at the ‘Oscar’ ceremonies in 1996 for the wheelchair-bound actor Christopher Reeve, who was born on this day in 1952.
2  The touching tribute was made to Christopher Reeve for his courage, having been paralysed from the neck down since a fall from a horse the year before, when he was aged 43. He is well-known for playing the part of ‘Superman’ in various films, and he was a role-model of an active and healthy man.
3  Some months after his disabling accident, Christopher Reeve stated that “laughter has the power to restore life”. A newspaper commented that he has been determined to set his disability aside and still aim to live life to the full. The newspaper wrote these words:
4  “Christopher Reeve - Superman - will never resume his old role but, when he shares of himself as he now is, on a million TV screens, then he will be facing the greatest challenge we can imagine - and then he really will be a ‘super-man’.”

image cf. http://cinemaniac2008.blogspot.ca

5  Let us pray: God our Father, we bring before you today those who suffer from chronic illness or disability - those for whom sickness or disability profoundly affects their lives.
6  When they feel diminished, remind them that you call them by name and hold them in the palm of your hand. Is 431
7  When they feel fragile and broken, mould them and heal them, that they may more closely resemble the image of Jesus, your Son and our Brother.
8  When they are reminded of different times in the past, lead them to grow in the faith that you love them today, as they are, in the reality of their lives this day.
9  When they feel uncertain about the future, lead them to that perfect love which casts out all fear. 1 John 418
10  When situations remind them - not of what they can do, but of what they cannot do - remind them that “love never fails”, 1 Cor 138 and that, living in your love, they will bear your fruit in plenty. Jn 155,9
11  May all of us - whatever our circumstances - never be so taken up with our own concerns
that we do not see or respond to the needs of others. May we live with courage the different challenges that each of us faces.
Amen

The Lost Sheep and the Lost Coin

Luke 15: 1-10:  The Lost Sheep and the Lost Coin
     Through the parable of The Lost Sheep scripture tells us that, "God's love for the individual is so great that he seeks out each one and rejoices when one is found."  The parable of The Lost Coin further expresses God's love for each of his children.  In Jesus' culture "women received 10 silver coins as a wedding gift.  Besides their monetary value these coins held a sentimental value like that of a wedding ring and to lose one would be extremely distressing.  Just as a woman would rejoice at find her lost coin, so the angels rejoice over a repentant sinner.  Each individual is previous to God.  He grieves over every loss and rejoices whenever one of his children is found and brought into the Kingdom." (cf. Chronological Life Application Study Bible NLT p. 1410)  Parish Bulletin Sept. 15, 2013.

Above cf. http://meekatuano.blogspot.ca/2012/09/luke-15.html

     If you would read Luke 15, you will notice that it has 3 parables with the same message.  Ø  Parable of the Lost Sheep tells us of a shepherd who leaves 99 sheep to find the one sheep that was lost.

Above: St. Peter's Alberton stained glass window at altar.

CBC Radio host Stan Carew coming to St. Luke's Hall

     Stan Carew, host of CBC's Radio's Weekend Morning show from Halifax will be doing a concert at St. Luke's Hall on Sunday, October 6, 2013 at 7:30pm.  
     Tickets are $15 each.

Image cf. http://www.buzzon.com/articles/music/4218-stan-carew-concert

End of Summer Service, Christ Church Kildare Capes

     The last service of the summer season was held at Christ Church Kildare Capes on Sunday, August 27th.  It was a nicely attended service with an evening of special music provided by David Barbour and Friends (Joy Barbour, Judy Cotton, Linda Leard, Linda MacDonald, Wanda Matthew and Shirley Phillips - missing was Ann Champion) along with Rev. Andrew who also performed.
     Christ Church is open annually during July and August for evening services.

     Below is the window over the altar - installed a few years ago In Loving Memory of Cy Pringle - given by his family.

Combined Parish Service at Holy Trinity

     The Parish held its annual summer Combined Parish Service at Holy Trinity Church, Alma on Sunday past.

Thanks to Perry Batten and Rev. Andrew for providing music.

      Below:  A Christ Candle donated in honour of Edna Trainor on celebrating her 90th birthday in June 2013 was dedicated during the service.  Edna was born in the area and came to Holy Trinity in her youth and through the years.

     There was a nice congregation of parishioners from around the Parish - we also welcomed former Parish Rector, Fran Boutilier (1997-2002) and folks visiting from Ottawa.

     Following the service a potluck lunch was held at the Jeffery Homestead.

Are you ready?

Today's Gospel Luke 12: 32-40

     Are you ready? Do you believe the statement in verse 32 which says not to be afraid because God wants to give you everything? Do you totally trust God to meet all your needs? How do feel about verse 34 which describes the relationship between your treasure and your heart? What is your treasure? How do you treat your treasure? Verse 35 asks you to be ready for action at all times – ready for doing God’s bidding. Verse 37 says  if you are ready to meet and serve your Lord whenever he comes that you will be blessed.  Verse 40 urges readiness because ...”the Son of Man is coming at an unexpected hour.”  God provides, God’s blesses, God expects his disciples to act wisely and love one another now! 

cf. Parish Bulletin, Aug. 11, 2013

Image cf. http://biblechallenge.salvationarmy.org.uk/

Luke 12: 13-21

This is the Gospel for Sunday, August 4th, 2013 - cf. Parish Bulletin

Reflecting on Today’s Gospel Luke 12: 13-21

Excerpts from a sermon by Pastor Elisabeth Johnson, Lutheran Institute of Theology, Meiganga Cameroon (The Text This Week on line)

     Why is the rich farmer called a fool? ...The rich farmer is a fool not because he is wealthy or because he saves for the future, but because he appears to live only for himself, and because he believes that he can secure his life with his abundant possessions.  ...Like the rich farmer, we are tempted to think that having large amounts of money and possessions stored up will make us secure. Sooner or later, however, we learn that no amount of wealth or property can secure our lives. No amount of wealth can protect us from a genetically inherited disease, for instance, or from a tragic accident. No amount of wealth can keep our relationships healthy and our families from falling apart. In fact, wealth and property can easily drive a wedge between family members, as in the case of the brothers fighting over their inheritance at the beginning of this text.  ...Most importantly, no amount of wealth can secure our lives with God. In fact, Jesus repeatedly warns that wealth can get in the way of our relationship with God. “Take care!” he says. “Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of possessions” (12:15). Our lives and possessions are not our own. They belong to God. We are merely stewards of them for the time God has given us on this earth. We rebel against this truth because we want to be in charge of our lives and our stuff. Yet this truth is actually good news. Because all that we are and all that we have belongs to God, our future is secure beyond all measure. So Jesus tells us, “Do not be afraid, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom” (12:32).

image cf. http://frbonnie.wordpress.com/

Memorial Service at Holy Trinity

    The well attended second annual Memorial Service at Holy Trinity Alma Anglican Church was held on Sunday, July 21st at 2:30pm - officiated by Rev. Andrew Mortimer, who also played his guitar for hymns.  
     The service began in the cemetery with the intention of moving in to the church half way through, however, the day was so lovely we decided to stay outside.

     Following the service we went in to the church to have refreshments and fellowship.

     Thanks Janet for doing the bulletins!

Be Mine, prayer by Janet Mortimer

Above: Heaven's Garden by Marino Petro, marinapetro.blogspot.com

There is a garden of rest, I call you to,

A place to come to be with me,

A place to leave the world behind,

A place of love and healing mind,

Look up, kneel down, let go, be mine.

- Janet Mortimer June 14, 2013

cf. Parish Bulletin, July 7, 2013

Prayer for All Leaders in the Church

( A Bedside Prayer Card )

     Lord, watch over the leaders in your Church. Keep them faithful to their vocation and to the proclamation of your Gospel. Teach them to recognize and interpret the signs of the times. Strengthen them with the gifts of the Holy Spirit and help them to serve their subjects well, especially the poor and lowly. Give them a vivid sense of your presence and the knowledge of how to show it to others. 

Amen

cf. Parish Bulletin, July 7, 2013

Three EFM Graduates in our Parish

    On Sunday, June 30th Janet Mortimer, EFM Facilitator, presented Dr. David Crocker, Mrs. Adrienne MacDonald, and Rev. Andrew Mortimer with Certificates from the University of the South School of Theology ( http://theology.sewanee.edu/  ) in recognition of their completion of the four year, Education For Ministry Program.
     Congratulations to our EFM Graduates!

Prayer for The Tongue

1 Peter 3: 10: For, “Whoever would love life and see good days must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from deceitful speech. (NIV)

Prayer for The Tongue (Prayers from the Word by Jane Jones)

Father, help me to put a guard on my lips so that I will only speak words of life (Prov. 18:21). I determine to guard my heart so that life flows forth from me. Let my lips speak only truth in love. (Prov. 34:13). My tongue will speak of Your righteous word (Ps. 119:72) and I will promote life. (Prov. 12:18). Let the law of kindness always be on my tongue (Prov. 31: 26) Amen.

Jeremiah 33: 3 “Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know”.

 .......and He will.

cf. Parish Bulletin, June 30, 2013

The birth of Saint John the Baptist

The Birth of Saint John the Baptist June 24 Holy Day

(from For All the Saints, Anglican Church of Canada)

 

Image cf.  http://valtorta.org/johns_birth_circumcision_defaultpage.asp

      The birth of Saint John the Baptist is told in the Gospel according to Luke, where it serves as the bridge between the Old Testament and the time of Christ.

     Just as God intervened to make Abraham and Sarah have a child (OT) and become the forebears of the chosen people, so an angel announced to righteous Zechariah that he and his wife were to have a son who would be the forerunner of the Chosen One, the Christ. So it came to pass that Elizabeth conceived and gave birth to a son, whom she named John. Then his father, Zechariah prophesied, saying, ‘You my child, shall be called the prophet of the Most High, for you will go before the Lord to prepare his way,

to give his people knowledge of salvation by the forgiveness of their sins.’

Zechariah also saw that his son’s mission would prepare the way for the fulfilment of God’s oath, ‘the oath which he swore to our father Abraham, to set us free from the hands of our enemies, free to worship him without fear, holy and righteous in his sight all the days of our life.’

     Thus, according to Luke, the birth of John the Baptist gathered up and embodied the whole truth of the Old Testament and made it ready for its own perfection in Christ Jesus, the One whose way John was born to prepare.

cf. Parish Bulletin June 23, 2013

Visit by Bishop Ron Cutler and two 90th Birthdays

     We were honoured to have Suffragan Bishop, The Right Reverend Ron Cutler visit our Parish on Sunday, June 2 - he attended services at St. Peter's and St. Luke's.  Following many joined the Bishop, Rev. Andrew and Janet for a fellowship lunch at the G&E Restaurant in O'Leary.

Image cf. www.anglicanjournal.com

     We were honoured to celebrate the 90th birthdays of two wonderful ladies on Sunday past.  Edna Trainer, a life-long member of our Parish; and Rose Cox (Jan's mother) visiting from London, England.  Congratulations on your milestone birthdays!

Rose & Edna - photo cf. Parish Bulletin.