Parish Prayer Meeting
Monday, October 5, at 7:30 pm
Our monthly parish prayer meeting is for everyone who considers himself or herself to be a member of St. John’s. It would be a great blessing if you would come. You would be blessed and encouraged in your praying for St. John’s ministries as well as for those ministries that are beyond our walls. And you would bless your fellow brothers and sisters in the faith by your presence and your prayers. Give it a try!
Thanksgiving Decorating
Please come help us decorate for Thanksgiving this Saturday, October 10 at 9 am in the sanctuary. Coffee and snacks will be provided. Donations of greenery , leaves, pumpkins, flowers, etc. can be left outside the south chapel door.
Connections: Hospitality Ministry
Do you want to get to know other people at church? Are you finding it challenging to connect with new people at St. John’s? Connections is a way to get to know new people or connect with old friends by sharing a light lunch with 6 or 8 others in a host-family’s home. You will meet with them after the Sunday services on October 25 and November 22. How do you get involved? We will have a registration table today, and next Sunday, after the 9 am service in the Trendell Lounge and after the 11 am in the Narthex. For more information contact Jan by email or at the church office (ext 28).
LIVEWORD Women’s Conference – Pride and Prejudice – The Surprising Message of Jonah
Ladies, mark your calendars now and register for the women’s conference on Sat, Oct 17. We invite you and women from churches throughout the Lower Mainland to attend a day of Bible teaching and great music, as three speakers (Bev Greenwood, Lesley Bentley, and Polly Long) teach from Jonah and Matthew. Brochures will be available soon. For more details visit our women's conference page or contact Jan at the church by email or at 604.731.4966 ext 28.
Goodbye to The Mosers
On October 18, we will be saying goodbye to the Mosers. If you would like to make a contribution (non-receipted), please give it to Sallie Boschung leave it at the church office for her. Cheques should made payable to “Sallie Boschung in trust”. Contributions may also be placed in the offering plates, but must be in seperate envelopes and addressed to Sallie.
St. John’s Children’s Choir
The St. John’s Children’s Choir rehearses every Wednesday from 4:45 – 5:45 in Room 100 of the parish hall. If your child is between the ages of 7 and 13 and loves to sing, they are more than welcome to join us as we learn to praise the LORD in song! Contact David and Sarah Poon by email or at 604-729-0836.
Christianity Explored
A course for the curious, a place to ask questions.
The Christianity Explored course meets on a week night at 7 pm in the Trendell Lounge for a meal, short presentation and discussion. The course runs for 7 weeks and is designed for those who are curious about Christianity or are new to the Christian faith. Contact Aaron to register by email or by phoning 604-731-4966 ext 22. The next course begins Thu, Oct 22. Please note the change of day and date.
Parish Family News
Condolences
Please keep Bronwyn and David, Ben and Josh Short, Bronwyn’s father, Colin Harmer, and her brothers, Dave and Phil and their families in your prayers. Bronwyn’s beloved mother, Margaret, died suddenly on Sep 26 in Australia and a service was held for her in Wolongong this past Fri, Oct 2. Margaret and Colin have visited Vancouver and St. John’s on a number of occasions and have been supporters of our ministry here. Margaret was a loving, kind, and practical woman and will be missed not only by her family, but also by her many friends. She trusted in the risen Christ for her life and for her death.
Condolences
Please keep Susan and Alan, Michael, Steven, and Brian Hobkirk, as well as Susan’s siblings David, Laura, and Nancy Shandip and their families in your prayers. Susan’s beloved father died recently in Edmonton, full of faith and trusting in his Saviour. He was a remarkable man who left his mark on his community. He will be missed by everyone who knew him. A memorial service will be held sometime in October in Edmonton.
|
|
“Be still, and know that I am God” Psalm 46:10
Reflecting on the last week, it is not hard to see how richly God has blessed us at St. John’s.
Terry Fullerton and our choir led us through Bach’s Cantata BWV 80 based on Luther’s famous hymn “A mighty fortress is our God”. It was a gift for all of us, and our visitors. A neighbour’s response was, “ We have never been here before and had no idea how wonderful it is.” Thank you Terry and choir members for your hours of work in preparation and then for leading us so well last Sunday in praising God.
On Thursday night, we met as a family to pray, sing, and hear from God’s word as we await Justice Kelleher’s judgement with regards to our buildings. What was so evident from the evening was God’s gift of his mission to St. John’s. As we worked through the questions on the opportunities for the gospel whether we keep the buildings or have to move and the dangers we may face in either scenario, it became clear that God’s mission will go forward and we will need to rest in his protection whatever the decision may be.
We heard about God’s provision of temporary space that will accommodate all of us, should we need it. Our Plan B Committee has explored a variety of options and we are grateful for their endeavours on behalf of our members. Between city bylaws and the basic requirements we have for physical space and availability in order to meet on a regular weekly basis, it became apparent that space to accommodate us was little to none within the City of Vancouver. Again, God has provided for us before we call upon him, reminding us that he loves us and will protect us in all our circumstances.
As we approach Thanksgiving, I would encourage you to read Psalm 46 again, and thank God for who he is.
Joanne Lawrie
|
