Bulletin Reflections and Prayers - January

JAN 5

REFLECTION:

               As a new year begins, we tend to find ourselves in a ruminative mood... reflecting on what has been and what is yet to come. I find myself particularly considering our community, as we collectively share the anniversary of our first Sunday together. Aside from recognising how truly privileged I am to be part of the St. John’s family, I am aware that a lot has changed in this past year.

               I am also aware that (ironically), change is a constant in our lives! And so we will continue to encounter change. For example, with support of the Parish Council, St. John’s has agreed to be home to a theological student, who will be joining us later this month. We will also be welcoming a new parish secretary in the near future, as the wardens and I have just begun that process.

               Individually, we also have other changes in our lives and communities: we will welcome new friends and say goodbye to others; we will engage in new ministries and let others come to an end.

               Whatever our changes are, I find strength in knowing that God is with us in all that we do, and when we focus our life on following God’s path, we are blessed to realise we are walking in the true light.

               May all of your 2020 be blessed!

PRAYERS:

As we journey, we seek the direction of the Lord.

As we live, we seek the guidance of God.

As we minister, we seek to shine the light of Christ.

To the petition “Lead us Lord,” please reply “Help Us to Shine Your Light”

We pray for the leaders in our church: for our Primate Linda and our Archbishop Ron; for those who serve at St John's and beyond; that you will empower us to minister for your sake and in your name.  Lead us Lord,

 Help Us to Shine Your Light.

We pray for the leaders of the nations: for those who strive for justice and peace, and for those who justify conflict; that they may be guided by your wisdom to seek your light for the benefit of all. Lead us Lord,

 Help Us to Shine Your Light

We pray for the world: giving thanks for places of peace and concord; upholding those who live in fear of war; mindful of those ravaged by the fires, tsunamis, and other forces impacted by climate change. As stewards of your creation we beg you to open our eyes to the needs of the world and inspire our faithful response. Lead us Lord,

 Help Us to Shine Your Light

We pray for our homes: for all who live in our community. As we share our daily lives, may we always be open to the movement of your Spirit. Direct us in ways to build and sustain the compassionate community we crave. Lead us Lord,

 Help Us to Shine Your Light

We pray for all who are sick: in body, mind, and spirit, that they may be comforted by your presence. We ask your blessing on all who provide care and skill for those in any form of need. Lead us Lord,

 Help Us to Shine Your Light

We pray for those whom we love but see no longer, that your perpetual light will shine upon them. We ask that those who mourn may know your peace, and that we may demonstrate the power of your love to their broken hearts. Lead us Lord,

 Help Us to Shine Your Light

Loving God, you hear the whispers of our hearts as we offer these prayers. May all we do give you greater glory in the world, that our lives serve as a testament of our faith in your unfailing love and grace, which you so richly shower upon us. Support us as we follow your light, and bear that light to the world. Lead us Lord,

 Help Us to Shine Your Light

Amen.

JANUARY 12

REFLECTION:

DID YOU KNOW?

As part of our goals to increase communication, and in conjunction with the Communications task group's discussions, we are starting a "Did You Know" section in our weekly worship bulletin. 

Each week until Easter, the Rector's Message will be a space for a piece of information to be shared... things from 

If you have questions, or ideas of information to share with the broader community, please just let us know!

This week: Did You Know?

Archbishop Ron Cutler, our diocesan bishop and metropolitan, has just announced his intention to retire effective 31 july. He has been a wonderful and inspiring leader for us for many years.

The process to elect a new diocesan bishop will be determined by a team established by Diocesan Council at their February meeting. Information will be shared as it becomes available.

I ask your prayers for ++Ron and his wife Marianne, as they begin this transition; also for our diocese as we begin a collective discernment process for our new bishop!

PRAYERS:

In your baptism, Lord, you showed the world that this sacrament connects us to You and to each other. Remembering our own baptismal vows, to the petition "In your name we pray" we pray "Lord, hear our prayer."

Lord Jesus, as we joined you in baptism, we celebrated our place within your church, committing ourselves to nurture and be nurtured in the faith and life of the Christian community. Help us to be fervent in prayer and witness to grow into the full stature of Christ, embracing this personal growth, and supporting the spiritual nourishment of our shared community. In your name we pray,

Lord, hear our prayer.

Lord Jesus, we vowed to renounce Satan and all the spiritual forces of wickedness that rebel against you. Help us to recognise the forces of evil in our world: the greed, corruption, hate, anger, and division that separate us from your love; and empower us to model a life of Christian compassion and charity. In your name we pray,

Lord, hear our prayer.

Lord Jesus, we committed to love and care for all the world as we renounce the evil powers of this world which corrupt and destroy your creatures. We hold in our hearts the victims of fire, flood, and drought. We hold in our hearts the leaders of the nations who struggle to balance economy, resources, and services. We hold in our hearts all who bear authority, including ourselves, that they may use their power and privilege for the greater good. In your name we pray,

Lord, hear our prayer.

Lord Jesus, we vowed to renounce all sinful desires that draw us from the love of you. Remind us to see your presence this day, in the experiences we have and the people we meet. Pour your blessings abundantly on all who guide our hearts towards you; remembering especially our Primate Linda and Archbishop Ron. May our actions be a testament of our trust in you.  In your name we pray,

Lord, hear our prayer.

Lord Jesus, we have accepted you as our Saviour, put our whole trust in your grace and love, and promised to obey you as our Lord. Help us to live into these vows, faithfully living out the ministry you call us into. May we use our gifts to heal the sick, support the weak, comfort the grieving, befriend the lonely, advocate for the oppressed, and uphold your people in prayer. In your name we pray,

Lord, hear our prayer.                                                    

Lord Jesus, as we commemorate your baptism, and recall the promises of our own, we ask you to renew our hearts within us, that we may live the joy of being the baptised, this day and forever more. In your name we pray,

Lord, hear our prayer.

JANUARY 19

REFLECTION:

DID YOU KNOW?

What does a theological student do?

            Last week, we welcomed Mr. Blane Finnie, who is joining us as a theological student.  As the last student placement here at St. John’s was some time ago, and in a different format, some have asked for clarification about what Blane will be doing.

            Blane is studying part-time in Halifax at the Atlantic School of Theology. This placement is part of his first Field Education class. As such, he will be at the parish for approximately 6-8 hours weekly, until the end of April. He will predominantly be with us on Sundays, taking leadership in various liturgical roles, experiencing an active children’s and youth ministry, preaching, and beyond. He will accompany the rector on some home and hospital visits, attend some administrative (committee and council) meetings, and engage in other areas of parish life.

            Please make sure to introduce yourself to Blane – and remember that while we’re meeting one person, he is meeting dozens! – and extend the warmth and hospitality that St. John’s is famous for.

PRAYERS:

God of love, you called us before we were born. Help us, your church, to use our gifts and skills to shine your light in the world. As we thank you for the leadership of our church; our Primate Linda, Archbishop Ron, and Archdeacon Ian; we ask you to empower us to be a blessing to your church. May all we say and do demonstrate our devotion to you, and our compassion to your people. Lord, in your mercy,

Hear our prayer.

God of wisdom, you inspire servant leadership. We ask you to bless the leaders of the nations as they balance their political and personal lives whilst under constant scrutiny. We hold in prayer the Queen and her family; the diplomatic interventions in the Middle East; the governments addressing civil unrest; the authorities combatting climate change; and all others who dedicate their lives to service. Lord, in your mercy,

Hear our prayer.

God of peace, help us to see the world as your great masterpiece. Move your Spirit in our lives that we commit our actions: to work for peace where there conflict; to foster unity where there is division; to journey toward reconciliation where there is prejudice; to seek sustainable lives where there is greed and destruction. Help us to find the strength to amend our lives to your will in ways that will protect and preserve your world, as you intended.  Lord, in your mercy,

Hear our prayer.

God of companionship, we offer our prayers for our local community. For those who work here, and those who are retired; for those who study, and those who teach. For those who do not know you and those who praise you. As you continually reach out to us in love, may we respond to that love by using the gift of our lives in our community: help us to offer more encouragement than criticism, more support than isolation, more kindness than harshness. Lord, in your mercy,

Hear our prayer.

God of comfort, we pause to consider those in any need, remembering in our minds the names we hold in our hearts. Pause We hold before those whose needs are unknown by us; and those who have no one else praying for their well-being. Pause

For those whose bodies lack health and wholeness;

For those whose minds deny them peace;

For those whose spirits are restless or disturbed;

For those whose hearts are broken;

May your presence sooth their souls and bring them the comfort they seek.  Lord, in your mercy,

Hear our prayer.

God of generosity, help us to live in the truth of your love. Help us to see each day as a great gift, choosing to delight in the abundance of graces rather than get caught in a perception of scarcity. Help us to celebrate gratitude, as we reflect on all the blessings of this life.  May our hearts be truly thankful. Lord, in your mercy,

Hear our prayer.

JAN 26

REFLECTION:

DID YOU KNOW?

Hospital Visits

            Clergy visiting in hospitals date back to the beginning of hospitals: at times of births, medical procedures, illness, and even death. Hospital visits provide an opportunity to share in prayer and conversation, and at times the sacraments of anointing and communion. It is a privilege for me to be with you and your loved ones at that vulnerable time.

            It can be difficult to balance a patient’s right to privacy and the value of religious support. Most hospitals and care facilities no longer have a chaplain on-site.

            Privacy legislation means that the staff in our medical facilities (who are doing wonderful work!) are by law not allowed to divulge any patient information. In ages past, a nurse could take initiative to call the parish priest to let them know someone had been admitted: this is no longer the case. Likewise, I cannot call and ask if there are any Anglicans admitted; I can only inquire by specific name.

            If you or a loved one specifically ask the nursing staff to call me, they do their best to make that happen.

            However, the best way to coordinate a clergy visit is to let me know directly. Call or email (or stop by the office and say hello!) and I will do everything I can to get there.

*We also have a pastoral visiting team, who are happy to pay visits!

PRAYERS:

Loving God, we ask you to protect and direct your church to live and serve in unity. We thank you for the leadership of Archbishop Ron and Primate Linda. We ask for your help to use our praise, to keep our focus on you. Lord Jesus, we pray

Hear our prayer

We ask you to remind everyone, everywhere, that we are all connected as one family, of humans and non-humans. Help us to act in a way that respects each other and the earth, sharing in the blessings you provide. Lord Jesus, we pray

Hear our prayer

Help us to turn away from greed, distrust, anger, and selfishness; help us to keep our hearts desiring what is peaceful and just. Remind us of our connection to each other and the world, today and into the future. Lord Jesus, we pray

Hear our prayer

Help us to see your presence in our community: in the beauty of the world around us, in the people we meet, in the events that happen here. Pour your grace on all who work, travel, and live here. Lord Jesus, we pray

Hear our prayer

We ask you to bless all those who help the sick, the lonely, the grieving, the depressed, the fearful. May your love come to all who feel unloved and unloveable.  Inspire us to feed the hungry, clothe the poor, support those in need: help us to reach out to your beloved with love.  Lord Jesus, we pray

Hear our prayer

           

Bulletin Reflections and Prayers, December

DEC 01:

REFLECTION:

     While in the secular world, we count down to the end of the year, in the liturgical calendar we start the new year with a countdown! The season of Advent, which begins today, begins the countdown to Christmas.

     Marking each week is important, as we spiritually journey through a time of both now-and-not-yet, of living in joyful anticipation of the coming of the Messiah.

This constant marking of time can be done in any number of ways; from a weekly wreath-lighting to a daily unveiling of chocolate. ADVENT calendars are relatively new (the wreath as we know it was developed in the 19th century); they were designed for use at home, as a means to carry with us the spirituality of the season into our everyday lives.

     Though many Advent calendars are now rather secularly focused (from beer to Lego toys), we can choose for ourselves to keep the reality of this hope-filled season a time of holy and certain expectation, as we prepare in our hearts and minds and lives to welcome the Christ-child in our midst.

DEC 08:

REFLECTION:

St Nicholas: The Man, The Myth, The Legend!

            On Friday, 06 December, the Feast of St. Nicholas was met with great recognition: he was the star (if you'll pardon the pun) of the "Stories Under the Stars" event.

            At this event, our young folks were invited to spend some time under the stars and to learn about Nicholas: the Man, a 4th century bishop from Myra (now Turkey)... the Myth, a jolly and generous fellow in a red suit (ahem)... and the Legend, saving girls from slavery and praying miracles into reality.

            However we wish to remember Nicholas, it is worth remembering his faithful witness in our own time: whether it's our own fervent prayers for others, or generosity in priding the needs of those in our midst, or going so far as protecting the rights of vulnerable women and girls (especially as December 6th is also the National Day Against Violence Against Women).

            However we choose to consider Nicholas, it is important that we recall and re-tell his story. A powerful man, an enduring myth, a faithful legend. Thank God for "Jolly Old St. Nicholas"!

PRAYERS:

In this time of waiting, Lord, we offer our prayers, responding to "Come, Lord Jesus" with "Lord Jesus, come soon."

We ask your blessing on the church: for the faithful witness and leadership of our Primate Linda and Archbishop Ron; for St. Nicholas and all the saints whose teachings continue to enlighten our hearts; for ourselves as we continue together on our Advent journey. Come, Lord Jesus; 

   Lord Jesus, come soon.

We ask your strength for the Queen and her family, noting the strain of their public duties; for the leaders of the nations, enduring challenging meetings this week; for all in authority as they strive to provide the common good. Come, Lord Jesus;

   Lord Jesus, come soon.

We ask your grace upon this community: for those who endure challenges as the cold weather encroaches, for those stressing about the coming holiday season, and for those whose ministry is to bring extra joy to us all. Come, Lord Jesus;

   Lord Jesus, come soon.

We ask your comfort for those enduring any need, in mind, body, or spirit: for the sick and suffering; for the caregivers who offer their healing skill; for those in the depths of fear, loneliness, Come, Lord Jesus;

   Lord Jesus, come soon.

We ask your peace for those who grieve: the families preparing for a first Christmas without a loved one, for those whose broken hearts have never healed, and for all who commemorate with lamentation the 30th anniversary of the Montreal Massacre. Come, Lord Jesus;

   Lord Jesus, come soon.

 Gracious God, as our lives become busy preparing for Christmas, may we remain steadfast in love and faithful in action:  help us to keep our focus on loving you and preparing ourselves, our families, and our community for your Advent among us. Come, Lord Jesus;

   Lord Jesus, come soon.

DEC 15:

REFLECTION:

               This week, in the Advent wreath, we light the candle of JOY. This third Sunday of the Advent journey may be called Gaudete Sunday – a Latin word meaning rejoice: a focus coming from Philippians 4.4: “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say, rejoice.”

               At this time of year, when the lights are twinkling and the trees are trimming, the stress can also be increasing: from cookies that burn or presents that aren’t yet ready, to financial concerns or the pressure of the “perfect Christmas Dinner”… the made-for-TV movies suggest high expectations for a month of eternal happiness, and so often our real life experience may not live up to that.

               For those of us with faith, we are invited this week to pause – and rejoice. To return our focus to preparing our lives for a moment of great joy that is right now ebbing into our reality. The happiness may come and go, the plans may not work out as we wish, but the Lord will still come: Christmas is coming. What a joy when we can take that sacred moment out of the hustle and bustle and simple live in the joy of the Lord that is being showered upon us.

               “Rejoice in the Lord” is therefore an invitation for us all: to know that the joy of the Lord is within you, to trust that the Christ will come as God plans, and to believe that it will all be just fine. Rejoice in the Lord always; again we hear – rejoice.

 PRAYERS:

We pray for the church; for our Primate Linda and our Archbishop Ron; for the clergy and lay leaders in this busy time: may we support them in prayer and encouragement as they help us anticipate your Emmanuel. May we, the church, always encourage faithful response to you.

We pray: Lord Jesus, Come soon.

We pray for our homes, our neighbours, our community: as we engage in the busyness of preparing for December 25^th, may we also be preparing for the true Christmas. Grant us patience to be present to the time that is both now and not yet.

We pray: Lord Jesus, Come soon.

As we pray for your comfort to enfold us, we pray that we may also be distressed by injustice and conflict: that we may orient our hearts and lives to respond with loving kindness to all who are in need in your world: may we be emboldened to speak up for the voiceless, to reach out to the lonely, to befriend the downtrodden.

We pray: Lord Jesus, Come soon.

We hold before you those in our hearts and minds who we know are struggling: those who are unwell in body, in mind, and in spirit. We ask you to hear the whispers of our hearts and to bring your care to their souls. We also pray for all in distress, who have no one to whisper their names to you.

We pray: Lord Jesus, Come soon.

We pray for your world; that all may be awed by your majesty. As we journey closer to you, may our lives reflect the light of your Christ that we will be inspired towards your world of well-being. That we may be bearers of your joy;

We pray: Lord Jesus, Come soon.

DEC 22:

REFLECTION:

            Our Gospel this morning is full of wonderful and challenging realities as we're invited into the most intimate nature of personal relationships. While we know and trust in the divine intervention in so many ways for this young family, they must have experienced all manner of societal judgement.

            Yet: despite that, they chose to let love win - triumph even! Mary and Joseph both demonstrated how love is stronger than gossip, stronger than the suppositions, stronger than anything and everything that the world could throw at them. Because love is God's greatest gift.

            We are invited then, to learn from the intimacy of the Holy Family about the gift of love in our lives, and the opportunity to share that love with the world. Let's embrace our own story of receiving love, and choose to share only good news. For truly, "God is with us" when we opt to live in love.

PRAYERS:

Holy Jesus, who humbled your Godly self into the tiny human presence we await this week: you use your divinity to empower the vulnerable, and your humanity journey with the fortunate. Help us, your church, to see your face in all we encounter this week, and to express our love for you throughout all our interactions.

Emmanuel, we pray:

Lord Jesus, Come soon!

Companion of our lives; help us to turn our hearts more fully to you. Surround our leaders with peace as they govern for all the people. Strengthen our church leaders, especially Primate Linda and Archbishop Ron, whose lives and ministries exude your grace and truth. May all we do glorify your name to the world.

Emmanuel, we pray:

Lord Jesus, Come soon!

God of compassion, you know the stirrings of our hearts, and join us in caring for those who are near to us. We ask your blessing on all who are sick: in mind, body, or spirit. We ask your peace and comfort to those who mourn. We ask you to surround with love all who struggle in this holiday season, and to bring them knowledge of your perfect love.

Emmanuel, we pray:

Lord Jesus, Come soon!

God of light and life, we pray for your world. In times of darkness, we ask you to shine your light. In times of great courage, we ask you to pour out your strength. For all who strive that justice and peace may prevail, we ask your abundant blessing. May all we do encourage us to live in the joy that is you.

Emmanuel, we pray:

Lord Jesus, Come soon!

Bringer of peace: we ask for that peace today to enfold us, all dear to us, and all who have no peace. While the outside world is harried, may our hearts and minds rest in the still, small voice that is you. Help us to focus on the blessings we are receiving, and to dwell in the opulence of your love.

Emmanuel, we pray:

Lord Jesus, Come soon!

DEC 24:

PRAYERS (Children's Service)

Jesus, whose mother Mary gave him an earthly family: we pray for our loved ones near and far. Lord Jesus,

hear our prayer.

Jesus, whose parents had nowhere to stay, and who was laid in a manger:

we pray for all who are homeless, lonely, the rejected, the refugees.  Lord Jesus,

hear our prayer.

Jesus, sharing the stable with the animals: we pray for the goodness of all your creation. Lord Jesus,

hear our prayer.

Jesus, worshipped by every race and class, from shepherds to magi:

we pray for ever nation and people. Lord Jesus,

hear our prayer.

Jesus, whose birth was announced by angels singing praises: we pray for all who glorify your name. Lord Jesus,

hear our prayer.

Jesus, our Emmanuel, our God-With-Us: we pray for everyone who needs a prayer today. Lord Jesus,

hear our prayer.

Jesus, you bring Joy to the World: we pray for everyone to know joy this Christmas, and for us who have joy to share it. Lord Jesus,

hear our prayer.

DEC 29:

REFLECTION:

           This past week has been a busy time for us all; with jubilant celebrations of our Lord’s birth here at St. John’s that have invited everyone into a space of God’s peace and light. I wish to thank everyone who has given so much of themselves in preparing for our shared ministry to God and to our community.

            At Christmas our celebrations have also included family gatherings and feasting, sharing of love and joy. It is in this spirit that I have been reflecting on the past year... as we come to the end of my first year among you here at St. John’s, words cannot convey how delighted I am to be as part of the family. This is a special place, and the blessing are abundant!

            The outpouring of Christian love and grace is abundant year-round; and as all people are welcomed in our midst - wherever they are on their spiritual journeys - the people of St John’s have gone above and beyond to show the hospitality of Jesus amid the warmth of Lunenburg.

            As we continue in Christmas, I pray that the peace of Christ will enfold you, all those who are dear to you, and all those who have no peace.  May God’s peace continue to surround us in 2020 and beyond.