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.

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     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.

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     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.