Note from the Rector

As most of you are aware - I am still in school.  Nearly every week I attend class on zoom, and one step at a time, chip away at the last piece of my Master of Divinity.  Seminary has been a process of many ups and downs over the last 3 years.  I have met some amazing people from across the country and beyond who have shared this journey of study and learning with me and each week we gather online for worship together as community from one coast to the other.   

As we are an ecumenical group, our services ebb and flow; the liturgy is fluid and varied and each of us are invited to participate in different ways throughout the year.  This last week we shared our advent service and I was asked to write the opening gathering prayer for the service.  As we find ourselves winding our way towards Christmas, heading toward the fourth week of Advent, I thought for this weeks’ note from me - I would share the prayer that I wrote for our worship service at the Atlantic School of Theology.  It is a reminder that even in the long nights of winter, there is a light that is coming, it is a call for that light to be among us once again.  May these words be our prayer as we continue the journey to Christmas.   

The mystery begins as winter finds its feet.
When the rush of frost and chill competes
With the old hope of incarnation.
Darker nights unfold and with the fading of the light
The sun weakens held by this frozen earth
Wrapped in winters frost 
The mystery of the ancient hope is alight once more
For from the stump of Jesse
From the dry old tree of David’s line
Comes a new branch, a new shoot
Cracking and breaking through 
This seemingly lifeless season
With a promise, yet unfulfilled
 This is our hoping
This is our waiting
This is our advent. 
So, let us gather around the words
the prophets spoke, O so long ago
Believing and trusting;
Emmanuel is on the way.
So come,
O come, Emmanuel– God with us.
Come into our brokenness;
Come into our joy.
Come into our captivity;
Come into our freedom.
Come into our fear;
Come into our studies;
Come into our worship;
Come into our homes;
Come into our lives;
With compassion and peace
Until our souls have had their fill.
Have mercy upon us, O God,
And come, O come, Emmanuel.  

God's Peace, 
Kirsten     

  CHRISTMAS DECORATING THIS SATURDAY, DECEMBER 17: 10:00am

Come and join us at the church to decorate ready for Christmas!        

2023 CANADIAN CHURCH CALENDARS AVAILBLE (Anglican Edition) We have a few if so inclined.  An offering of $10 would be greatly appreciated!            

2023 “MY OFFERING” WEEKLY ENVELOPES HAVE ARRIVED. Please pick yours up at the back of the church as soon as you can.        

 


     

Please join us on Sunday, December 18th at 7pm. Tell your friends, neighbours and family.   There will be refreshments provided afterwards in the church hall.        

 

        

Sunday, JANUARY 1, 2023 is Rev. Alan Naylor's Last Day With Us

Rev. Alan has been with us for a while now.  He will celebrate and preach that day.  His years of experience, calm ways, kindness and thoughtfulness will be sorely missed.  His next assignment is at St. Anne & St. Edmunds Anglican Church in Parksville.  If you can, please come to the hall after the service for a bunwich, treats and refreshments and say farewell!    

  - December Issue

Faith Tides is the official publication of the Anglican Diocese of Islands and Inlets. It is a space where people of faith and doubt can share their stories, challenge their perceptions, and grow together.

In this issue: 'Waiting on Advent' by Bishop Anna; The story and the glory – a Christmas bouquet; Update on the diocese’s refugee sponsorship program; Jesus loves our transgender siblings; No stone left alone; and more. For more information visit: https://faithtides.ca/