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.