News > 2009 Parish Life Notes > 09.11.01 Parish Life

Missions Lunch - Today

Please join us after the 11:00 am service, in the Trendell Lounge, to hear Paul Ratsoy speak about his ministry with Lighthouse Harbour Ministries. Cost is $5 for individuals or $10 per family. All are welcome.

Parish Prayer Meeting – Monday, November 2nd 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!

GriefShare – beginning November 8

GriefShare, a 13 week seminar/support group for people who have experienced the death of a loved one will begin on Sun Nov 8 at 2:00 pm The program will run from Nov 8 to Dec 13, and then resume after Christmas on Jan 10. If you, or someone you know is grieving, this program is most helpful in assisting people to recover from grief. To register, or for more information, please contact Edie Rittinger by email or by phone at 604.731.4966 ext 24.

Operation Christmas Child

This Sunday you will find a list of items to include in the shoe boxes. They can be found at the entrances to the church. Please try to do a box for 10-14 year olds, they are often left out. Our boxes will be going to hot countries. The need is greater than ever before. If you have questions please contact Jean Begg, 604.266.0715.

Advent Quiet Day -
“And His Name Shall Called..."

”November 21, from 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
This year Irena Tippett and Tanya Hawke will be leading us as we look at the meaning of Advent. The day will include wonderful music, good food, teaching and time to quietly reflect on both Christ’s coming to live with us here on earth and his coming as our King of Glory to take us to live with him forever. Registration forms are available in the church and at the reception desk in the church hall. You may: leave registrations at the front desk, mail them to St. John’s or register in person in the Trendell Lounge between the 9:00 and 11:00 services. All registrations need to be in the office before 9:00 pm on Tues Nov 17. The cost is $20. For more information please email Marion Maxwell.

Lost and Found

Please claim items from the lost and found outside the library in the Church Hall. Unclaimed items will go to a charity.

St. John’s Book Club

We will be reading the book “The Body - Being Light in Darkness” by Charles Colson. Next meeting is Nov 18th. For more information please contact, Linda 604.266.4374.

Come Hear About Christ Church Jerusalem

Are you interested in the work of the Gospel in Jerusalem? Come hear Jess Cantelon and Kelvin Crombie speak about what God has been doing through the oldest protestant church in the Middle East. Kelvin tells the story of the establishment of Christ Church Jerusalem, the first Protestant, evangelical church to be built in the Holy Land. This mission is built on the shoulders of giants of the faith – Wilberforce, Shaftsbury, Spurgeon, the Wesleys and many others. Jess Cantelon is an ordained Anglican minister that St. John’s has recently begun supporting, who serves at Christ Church Jerusalem. He will tell of his missionary work in Jerusalem. All are welcome, we will meet at 7:30 pm on Mon Nov 9 in the Trendell Lounge.

Community News

Accommodation Needed
The Rev. Peter Young is an Anglican minister in St. John’s, Newfoundland. He will begin a 3-month sabbatical beginning in January 2010 studying at Regent College. He would be appreciative of finding an inexpensive, self-contained suite in Vancouver, or possibly a house-sitting arrangement close to the campus if possible, or on a bus route. If you have a suite or know of something that would be available, please contact Jane Young at 604.264.9244.

Dear friends,

“The children are our future.” This saying expresses the idea that children have potential. However, it needs qualifying. What kind of future are we talking about? Our young ones can certainly grow up to be tomorrow’s leaders, but with completely sinful and selfish motives. We want them to become God’s workers who will bring glory to him. As a community and as a church our duty is to teach our children about faith in God and the radial choices we are called to make in His name. As they mature, children must be encouraged to live for his glory so that they are not captured by the idols of this world that are so gripping and attractive.

I have been asked to be the interim youth minster at St. John’s. This is an honour, and I pray that I will rise to the task of making disciples of our youth. My courage for this ministry comes from the knowledge that it is God who works, and I can only participate in his work as a humble servant. “So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow.” (1 Corinthians 3:7) My job is to continue watering the seeds that have been planted by other gospel workers.

Between CTC, Senior Youth and Ekklesia about one hundred young people are discipled at St. John’s every week. And it is growing. Pray that God continue to bring people. More importantly pray that God brings spiritual fruit and pray that he is glorified amongst us.

In Christ,

Ben Short