News > 2010 Parish Life Notes > 10.02.21 Parish Life

A Letter from Bishop Don Harvey

Bishop Harvey has written to the members of all the ANiC parishes in Canada, admonishing us to take seriously God’s command to sincerely repent of our sins and encouraging us to commit to praying the Collect for Ash Wednesday (p. 138 of the Book of Common Prayer) at “every service, every Bible study, every prayer group gathering, and above all when we say our own personal prayers.” You may pick up a copy of Bishop Harvey’s letter from the Narthex table, the North or South Chapel tables, or the Reception Desk in the Parish Hall.

The Collect for Ash Wednesday (p 138 of the Book of Common Prayer)
Almighty and everlasting God, who hatest nothing that thou hast made, and dost forgive the sins of all them that are penitent: Create and make in us new and contrite hearts, that we worthily lamenting our sins, and acknowledging our wretchedness, may obtain of thee, the God of all mercy, perfect remission and forgiveness; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

The Collect for Ash Wednesday (Contemporary English version from An Anglican Prayer Book, p. 84)
Almighty and eternal God, you who hate nothing that you have made, and who forgive the sins of all those who are penitent: Create and make in us new and contrite hearts, that we, worthily lamenting our sins and acknowledging our wretchedness, may obtain of you, the God of all mercy, perfect remission and forgiveness; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Keeping Company With God

Keeping Company with God service is cancelled on February 22nd because of the Olympics. Upcoming Service Date: March 8th, 2010. Services are normally held the second and fourth Monday of each month at 7:30 in the sanctuary.

Women@10

Women@10 is cancelled this week and will resume on March 4th.

Sidespeople

All those involved in the Greeting Ministry and those considering joining a team are invited to an information meeting in the Trendell Lounge at 7:30 on March 10th. The purpose of the meeting is to discuss our direction, express appreciation, support one another and have fellowship together. Neil Stopforth is the contact person, on behalf of Harold Linnington.

Baptism Services – Sunday, March 14

Are you interested in baptism, for you, or your child? Our next baptism services are scheduled for Sunday, March 14 at either the 9:00 am or 11:00 am service. The application deadline for baptism is Monday, March 1. For more information please contact Krista at the church office by email or phone at 604.731.4966 ext 19.

Casserole Ministry

For all of those who would like to help out the casserole ministry...We are in need! Casseroles for 1-2 and 4 or larger families are needed. Some good ideas are; shepherd’s pie, pot pies, chicken casseroles, desserts or whatever you feel like creating! Thank you in advance for helping to care for our St John’s family. Any questions please call Carolyn 604.263.4465 or Suzie 604.271.4750.

Senior’s Tea

St. John’s Seniors Tea will be held on February 23 at 1:30 pm in the Trendell Lounge. Our guest speaker will be Dr. Bill Fairbanks, who will show pictures and tell us about his medical work and experiences in Haiti in the past. Please call the church office if you need a ride.

Flowers

Flowers can be placed on the Credence Table and given to the Glory of God in rememberence or celebration. If you would like to know more information, please contact Edith at 604.813.4060.

Accommodation Needed

The Rev. Sam Chan and his wife and two sons (aged 2 years old and 6 months old) are coming to Vancouver on study leave from April 24 to June 25 to study at Regent. Sam has visited and preached at St. John’s in the past. If you know of some accommodation for them, please contact Ruth Matheson, 604.731.4966, ext 12.

Parish Family News

Memorial Service Marjorie Stevenson, a long-time member of St. John’s, died on February 5 at the grand age of 100 years and 6 months. Please note that there will be a memorial service here at St. John’s on March 2 at 1pm.

Community News

MOTET: Music for the Feast of the Chair of St. Peter, Monday, February 22, 8 pm - St. John’s
A new sacred music group is performing for the first time in Vancouver!  This first performance will include Duruflé’s Messe cum jubilo alongside chants, motets, and organ improvisations.  Dedicated to promoting good liturgical music for worship, the ensemble strives to maintain the tradition of sacred music for church, beginning with chant and incorporating newer music based on chant.  Featuring David and Sarah Poon, David Tippett, and Michael Molnar.
Admission by donation.  Visit www.MOTET.ca for more information

Tuesday, February 23
Terry Fullerton will play a 1/2 hour organ concert at Christ Church Cathedral at 12:30 pm. Located at the corner of Burrard and West Georgia. All are welcome.

Benefit Concert for Genesis Vancouver:
Saturday, March 6 at 8pm (doors at 7pm)
Featuring Adam Thomas and the Mike Allen Quartet with special guests.
An evening of Vancouver’s finest jazz to support the women and children of Genesis Vancouver (www.genesisvancouver.com) $25 by donation at the door, first come basis. For more information visit: www.genesisvancouver.com/news.htm. Reserve tickets by email: tickets@genesisvancouver.com. Invitations are available today in the Narthex and chapel door.

God’s Loving Touch Renewal Conference
March 19 and 20
You are invited to this conference hosted by St. Andrew’s, Delta (Anglican Network in Canada).  It will be held at Cedar Park Church, 5300 44th Avenue, Ladner, B. C.  The speakers will be Bishop Malcolm Harding and Archdeacon Paul Crossland, rector of two ANiC parishes in Manitoba – one in Brandon and the other in Dauphin. There is a brochure posted on the bulletin board in the church hall.  For more information or to register: phone – 604.943.8727; email – godslovingtouchconference@gmail.com.

God’s Encouragement through the Church of England Synod, February 2010.

Dear Friends,

On February 10, 2010, the Church of England General Synod passed the following motion by 309 votes for, 69 against, and 17 abstentions.

“That this Synod
aware of the distress caused by recent divisions within the Anglican churches of the United States of America and Canada;
recognise and affirm the desire of those who have formed the Anglican Church in North America to remain within the Anglican family;
acknowledge that this aspiration, in respect both of relations with the Church of England and membership of the Anglican Communion, raises issues which the relevant authorities of each need to explore further; and
invite the Archbishops to report further to the Synod in 2011”

Lorna Ashworth, a lay member, put forward this private members’ motion with the purpose of encouragement for the members (such as St. John’s) of the Anglican Church of North America.

The motion, in written form, is encouraging but what is even more encouraging is to see Ms. Ashworth’s presentation of the motion, which was one of the most debated and discussed motions at the 2010 synod. In Ms. Ashworth’s presentation, she highlights the fact that there has been conflict within the Anglican and Episcopal churches of North America that has so impacted the Gospel ministry of both individuals and churches that, in order to continue Gospel ministry, they have had to leave the formal structures. Although these churches have left the formal structures, they are still Anglican and are still upholding the doctrines and tradition of the Anglican church. In fact they are establishing a new vibrant mission-minded church, that is indeed Anglican. To illustrate these points, she tells a bit of the story of St. John’s Shaughnessy and of Canon Dr. J. I. Packer.

God uses the faithfulness of individuals, such as Lorna Ashworth and Dr. Packer, as well as the faithfulness of parishes, to further the Gospel. This past week, God has given us a glimpse of this at the Church of England Synod. What a gracious encouraging gift from God! Ultimately, it points to His faithfulness in North America, in Vancouver, and to us here at St. John’s.

To view Ms. Ashworth’s presentation of the motion on the internet, please go to the following link.

Sincerely,
Joanne Lawrie