01 March
REFLECTION:
DID YOU KNOW?
- LENT
The season of Lent is an ancient
tradition, marking the journey towards Easter. In the service of Ash Wednesday,
we identify this as a time of penitence, prayer, scriptural devotion, fasting,
and almsgiving (or charity). The season lasts 40 days plus Sundays, ending at
Maundy Thursday.
On Ash Wednesday, we gather together
in prayer and receive the mark of the cross on our foreheads, made with the
ashes of last year's palm fronds. They are blessed, and remind us that we are called to give something up, as
ultimately we will be giving up everything earthly.
This is the basis of the tradition
of "giving something up for Lent" - and this tradition is meant to be
a self-denial that will lead to a deepening of the spiritual journey, leading
to self-betterment. Some folks take on new practices during Lent, for the same
purpose: for example a new prayer discipline or volunteer act. Whether giving
up or taking on, a Lenten practice should lead us closer to God.
May we all be inspired to live a
holy Lent!
PRAYERS
To the petition "Lord, in your mercy," please reply with
"Hear our Prayer."
As we begin our Lenten journey, O Lord, we pray for
your church: that we may be agents of reconciliation and unity in a world that
focuses on division and separation.
Lord, in your mercy, Hear our Prayer.
We ask you to bless Primate Linda, Archbishop Ron,
Archdeacon Ian; for those on the Episcopal Nominations Committee and those
discerning a call to the ministry of Diocesan Bishop.
Lord, in your mercy, Hear our Prayer.
We ask you to inspire us to be bearers of your Gospel;
help us to align our lives to your mission, and proclaim your good news to all
who would hear it.
Lord, in your mercy, Hear our Prayer.
We pray for peace in the world: for your comfort to
surround places in conflict and people in distress; and for your Spirit to
soften the hearts of those who oppress and commit violence.
Lord, in your mercy, Hear our Prayer.
We hold before you those in need of body, mind, and
spirit; for the victims of our society, and for those who care for them.
Especially these days we pray for those with the Corona virus, for those
struggling under unjustified stigma, and the researchers and health care
workers directly involved.
Lord, in your mercy, Hear our Prayer.
We pray for ourselves; reflecting inward to consider
the intentions of our hearts and the impacts of our actions: we pray
forgiveness for times when we have offended, and we ask for your grace as we
journey in your name.
Lord, in your mercy, Hear our Prayer.
We offer you our thanksgivings for the blessings of
this life, whether we recognise them or not; for all good things come from you,
and to you we owe a depth of praise.
Lord, in your mercy, Hear our Prayer. Amen.
MARCH 08
REFLECTION
DID YOU KNOW? International
Women's Day
Since 1910, March 8th is
International Women's Day. In its
earliest days, it was to highlight the importance of women and girls in the
world of work; as years past (and women's rights increased) it has become a day
to respect the role of women and girls in society, and the movement towards
gender equality.
Each March, the United Nation's
Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) takes place, with thousands of
politicians, non-governmental organisations, and activists from around the
world gather in New York to share, learn, advocate, and support one another as
we continue in our efforts. (The Anglican Church has a large presence at the
UN, and at CSW in particular).
2020 was to be a year celebrating
the 25th Anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action. While
progress towards equality is being made, there is no country in the world that
has achieved. Due to the current situation of Coronavirus outbreaks, this
year's CSW has been cancelled.
While
my intention to attend CSW has obviously fallen through, I will still be taking
my scheduled time away 7-14 March. I am grateful to Rev. Linda for leading
worship this morning. If you have pastoral need, please contact the office or
wardens.
PRAYERS
As we ask the
Lord to grant us fulfillment and peace, we respond to the petition "Lord,
in your mercy" with "Hear our
Prayer."
Loving God, we
pray for your church: for our leaders Primate Linda and Archbishop Ron; for the
members of the Episcopal Search Committee and those discerning a call to be
bishop; for all who proclaim your Good News throughout the world.
Lord, in your
mercy; Hear our prayer.
We hold before
you those who are sick: in body, mind, and spirit: those whose names we carry
in our hearts, those whose names are known to you alone. For those suffering
from the corona viruses, and those impacted by the fear it brings. We ask your healing comfort to surround all
who struggle to know joy and peace this day.
Lord, in your
mercy; Hear our prayer.
We pray for the
victims of our society: for the weary and depressed, the hungry and homeless,
the frightened and lonely: that we may be inspired by your call to strengthen
community and embrace all your family.
Lord, in your
mercy; Hear our prayer.
We pray for your
world; for places of conflict and fear, for communities and peoples seeking
reconciliation, for those who are desperate for rights to be upheld; that we
may be counted among those who strive for justice and peace.
Lord, in your
mercy; Hear our prayer.
On this
International Women's Day, we hold before you all the women in our lives; with
gratitude for the work they do and the leadership they bring; acknowledging the
opportunity to continue our work for equality.
Lord, in your
mercy; Hear our prayer.
As we celebrate
the blessings of this life, and offer our thanksgivings, we as you to guide us
Lord, and enlighten our days, that we may always know you to be our truth, our
way, and our hope.
Lord, in your
mercy; Hear our prayer. Amen.
15 MAR
REFLECTION
DID YOU KNOW? - The Peace of the Lord be Always With
You!
In this season of
sniffles and sneezes, and flu and fear of sinister viruses, it's a good time to
review to practice of Passing The Peace: an ancient and scriptural practice of
embracing to symbolise unity and compassion in the midst of life's divisions.
Within the
service, we collective make peace or reconciliation: with ourselves (at
confession), with each other (Passing The Peace), and with God (reconciled
through Christ in the Eucharist).
However - in a
time of germ awareness, and respect for personal space and agency, passing the
peace does NOT need to come with physical contact. We can:
flash a peace
sign
smile
wave
nod heads
rub elbows
(literally)
Please be
sensitive to your comfort level and that of the people around you - and in the
most Christian of spaces, share the peace of Christ with one another!
PRAYERS
We come together
as church, and pray that we may be carry your truth into the world. We pray for
our church leaders: for Primate Linda and Archbishop Ron; for members of the
Episcopal search committee and those discerning a call to be bishop. For the
power to carry your Gospel Truth to the world:
In your name we
pray:
Lord, hear and have mercy.
We pray for the
leaders of the nations: those who ascend to authority through heritage,
violence, and election; those whose primary focus is on themselves, on their
country, and on all people; guide and direct those who govern to be led by a
spirit of generosity and benevolence, that all your chuldren may flourish.
In your name we
pray:
Lord, hear and have mercy.
We pray for
ourselves: that through your unceasing care you may help us to open our eyes
and ears and hearts to those around us: to support the vulnerable, advocate for
the oppressed, reject over-indulgence, withstand temptation, and renew our
energies to serve you alone:
In your name we
pray:
Lord, hear and have mercy.
We pray for our
homes: that they may be havens of comfort and safety; to enjoy with our loved
ones times of prayer, meals, and leisure. Help us to extend our sense of home
beyond our four walls, to our neighbours on our streets, in our town, and in
our wider community.
In your name we
pray:
Lord, hear and have mercy.
We pray for those
who suffer with ailments of mind, body, or spirit; we hold before you those who
offer care in person and in research. Help us to be charitable to the needs of
others, help us to be agents of compassion to the vulnerable in our society.
Free us from the prejudice and hardened hearts that prevents our own health in
you.
In your name we
pray:
Lord, hear and have mercy.
We pray for your
world, that we often take for granted. Help us to discover new and just ways of
protecting and preserving your created masterpiece; that we may be the stewards
of your creation as is best for now and generations to come.
In your name we
pray:
Lord, hear and have mercy.
We lay before you
abundant gratitude; with our petitions and intercessions we also celebrate with
prayer our thanksgivings of this life. For food and shelter, for our families
and friends, for all we receive and for opportunities to share, we extend our
thanks and praise.
In your name we
pray:
Lord, hear and have mercy.
March 22 - World Water Day
(NB church
building closed due to COVID-19; worship offered online)
REFLECTION:
DID YOU KNOW?
- Fred Rogers
Famed
children's TV presenter Fred Rogers promoted "a beautiful day in the
neighbourhood!" to many generations. With his entry song, his trademark
sweaters, and his puppet friends beside him, his was a voice that many of us
still turn to when we orient our moral compass.
One of his
famous pieces of advice to young children about scary things was this:
"Look for the
helpers. You will always find people who are helping."
As adults, we get the opportunity to engage in this behaviour - for we
ARE the potential helpers that others see and emulate.
This past week, as we are all experiencing fear and anxiety, we are also
witnessing the best of ourselves, as we help others. From picking up groceries,
to sharing of board games, to unexpected door-drop deliveries of homemade
cookies: help is happening. Because we are helpers.
As we journey through the unknown, may be do so together in spirit: in
faith, in joy, and in Christ.
PRAYERS OF THE
PEOPLE
Loving God, in
the midst of our confusion we seek to find you. On this World Water Day, may we
recognise that your gift of water is as ever-present as you are: in the land,
in the air, and in the seas. Help us to celebrate this water, which you
blessed, as the lifeblood whose arteries nourish every living thing, including
ourselves.
When we stagger
in spiritual deserts, help us to seek your living water. When we swim in
spiritual oceans, help us to celebrate your promise that we will never thirst.
Lord, in your
abundant mercy, Hear our prayer.
Teacher, you use
water to remind us of community, abundance, and humility. You received the
sacrament of baptism; you accepted a hospitable drink from a well; you walked
across stormy waves to calm your anxious friends; you washed feet in servant
leadership; you created good wine to promote dignity; you assured us of quenching
all thirst as the spring of living water.
Help us to learn
from your examples that all water is sacred, and has been entrusted to us, as
stewards of creation, for our use and care - for this generation and for every
generation to come.
Lord, in your
abundant mercy, Hear our prayer.
In this
community, we live by the sea, and on the sea. We hold before you all whose
livelihood is connected to our waters: those in the fishing and seafood
industries, especially our lobster fishers currently on the water. We pray for
those whose employment is based on tourism, and for those who enjoy the water
for recreational and restorative pursuits. We hold up all those who depend on
commercial shipping lanes and cargo routes, those who serve in coast guard and
in the navy.
We pray for all
whose life is on the water:
Lord, in your
abundant mercy, Hear our prayer.
As we live in the
shadow of fear of COVID-19, we ask for stronger faith to carry us through. We
offer thanks for the front-line care givers: the doctors and nurses, medical
and support staff, for pharmacists and those staffing essential services; for
researchers and technicians; for mental and emotional health providers in a
time of collective anxiety; for all those whose ministry is to serve the wider
people even at personal risk. We turn to you for healing: in our hearts, our
relationships, and our communities.
Lord, in your
abundant mercy, Hear our prayer.
We hold before
you, especially in this time of pandemic, those who are living in precarious
and scarce economic situations. As we are reminded to wash our hands, drink
fluids, and eat healthy foods, we call to mind those who struggle to meet the
basic needs of clean and affordable water, soap, and food: for indigenous
communities with boil-water advisories or no running water; for those whose
experience of homelessness or poverty prevents safe access to bathing
opportunities or the accumulation of provisions.
As we ask you to
calm the hearts and minds of the most vulnerable in our society, we also ask
that you give us courage to advocate for systematic changes that would
encourage physical and spiritual health through basic needs.
Lord, in your
abundant mercy, Hear our prayer.
God of
compassion, we ask you to open our hearts to those who are sick in mind, body,
or spirit: remembering those who are unable to access medical care due to the
current pandemic. We pray for those who have had procedures delayed; for those
whose existing conditions put them at increased risk; those whose fear is
preventing them from seeking care. We ask for your love to surround all those
who are depressed, isolated, and lonely in this time of disconnect. We beg your
light to shine in the hearts of those who are acting with cynicism and cruelty.
Lord, in your
abundant mercy, Hear our prayer.
God of
togetherness, we pray for our community. We give thanks for the actions of those
who are seeking the common good; for those who are paying staff despite
mandatory closures; for those who are checking on isolated neighbours; for
those finding new ways to build community despite social distancing. We ask
your continued blessing as we navigate uncertain times, that we may model the
best of family and grace. We ask you to quiet our minds and calm our hearts,
that we may rest fully in your blessing.
Lord, in your
abundant mercy, Hear our prayer.
Lord Jesus, we
turn to you as the Cornerstone of our faith. You have provided for us
leadership at this time in our churches and in our governments; we ask that
your blessing would be upon them all: in our church we give thanks for the
faithful example of our Primate Linda, our Archbishop Ron, our Archdeacon Ian,
and all in leadership. In our governments we ask your blessing upon the Queen,
our Prime Minister, Premier, and Mayor, as they seek the best course of action
for all of your people. In these times of political and economic stress, help us
to pray daily for those in leadership, asking them to use your wisdom in their
discernment and decisions.
Lord, in your
abundant mercy, Hear our prayer.
God of masterful
creation, we hold our thanksgivings to you: for our life, our families, our
friends, and our privilege to serve. Pausing for a moment to reflect on the
gifts of this day, we offer gratitude for the blessings that we enjoy, those
that we take for granted, and those that we are unaware of. We offer our
thanksgivings for new opportunities arising before us; new possibilities to
care for each other and for your earth. We thank you for the patterns of
cleaner air in Northern Italy and China; for the aquatic life returning to
Venetian canals; for the tiny temporary pause in our climatic destruction that
invites us to reconsider how we connect with your creation.
Lord, in your
abundant mercy, Hear our prayer.
We thank you,
Holy One, for hearing the words of our mouths and the stirrings of our hearts.
May all we do this day give you greater glory.
Lord, in your
abundant mercy, Hear our prayer. Amen.
March 29
REFLECTION:
DID YOU KNOW?
- CONSISTENT PRAYER
There's a bit of an inside joke
about Anglicans being people of the book... not the Bible - but the Prayer
Book! This comes from a bit of a tradition whereby Anglicans may be able to
quote the prayers and liturgies of the Prayer Book better than some of the
parts of the Bible. (Interestingly counter to that perception, the Prayer Book
is profoundly scriptural.)
Liturgical churches, however, with a
written liturgy, offer the same prayers week after week and day after day. It
is comfort to some, and for others it feels flat. For some of us, it can change
day to day and hour to hour.
In times of inconsistency, however,
many find solace in the consistency of prayer. The comfortable words have
brought comfort for centuries, in times of individual, community, and global
fear. Psychologists have advised that in our present state of pandemic,
maintaining a routine in our daily lives will assist our resilience to the fear
of the unknown.
Thus, the church has this
consistency to offer. And offer we shall. We shall continue to gather daily for
prayer: every Monday through Saturday we will have an email sent out on our
mailing list and Facebook page, and prayers will be said around noon on the
Facebook page. (You do not need to sign up for Facebook to view)
On Sundays, we will pray together
online. Our 8.30 Morning Prayer service will be based on the Book of Common
Prayer (1962 version); our 10.30 service from the Book of Alternative Services.
Bulletins will include the entirety of the service, and be available via email
and our Facebook page.
I am fully aware that our spiritual
journey of the coming weeks and months will feel very different as our community
of faith is worshipping in our own homes. We have not yet established a firm
liturgical plan for this new reality.
In this time of uncertainty,
however, we are blessed with the consistency of prayer. May we embrace this
familiarity and find the comfort of Christ in the words of our prayers; lifting
our hearts and souls and voices to the power and presence of God.
PRAYERS:
Let us respond to
the petition "Lord in your mercy" with "Hear our prayer"
Holy God, we come
to you as the body of Christ in this in-between time; a Lenten time of
penitence and sacrifice; a spring time of new growth; a pandemic time of
confusion. We ask you to calm our hearts and minds, that we may feel and
embrace your peace deep within us this day. May we be comforted by you, and be
a comfort those we love.
Lord in your
mercy, Hear our prayer.
We pray for the
church: for the guidance of our Primate Linda and Archbishop Ron, and all in
authority; for the leadership in all levels that are encouraging us to be the
church beyond the walls of the building. As we feel a time of physical
distance, help us to carry your inspiring truth of spiritual connection.
Lord in your
mercy, Hear our prayer.
We pray for the
leaders of the nations, charged to navigate these uncharted waters of pandemic
living. Open their hearts to practice compassion for all humanity, in these
immediate days and for ages to come.
Lord in your
mercy, Hear our prayer.
We hold up before
you those who experience discomfort or pain, those whose dis-ease affects body;
mind; and spirit. Pour your Spirit upon all who offer care; on all who are
finding new ways to provide health; on all who are engaging the lonely despite
isolation. For those who are exhausted; we beg refreshment. For those who are
fearful; we beg peace. For those who are depressed; we beg your Light.
Let us pause to
hold before you those whose names we carry in our hearts.
Let us pause to
hold before you those whose names are elsewise unspoken.
Lord in your
mercy, Hear our prayer.
We pray for those
who have died; that they may enter their eternal rest in the peace of Christ.
We ask your consolation upon all who mourn, that they may seek solace from you
in this their time of sorrow.
Lord in your
mercy, Hear our prayer.
God of community,
we pray for this our home town: giving thanks for those working in essential
services; for those labouring for the ease of others; for the helpers who are
running errands for neighbours; for all who are seeking ways to do good. We
pray for those who are paralyzed by fear; for those whose employment is
unexpectedly ended or ending; for those who feel forgotten and alone. We ask
your healing balm to soothe us and still our anxieties, that we may find new
ways to connect with one another.
Lord in your
mercy, Hear our prayer.
God of grace, it
is so easy to forget to thank you: so we pause now to reflect on the goodness
of this day. For the fruitful earth which sustains our bodies; for the family
and friends who nourish our selves; for the journey with you to uphold our
spirits. Help us to offer you thanks for all the gifts and blessings of our
yesterdays, todays, and tomorrows. May we use our grateful hearts to share your
greater glory in the world.
Lord in your
mercy, Hear our prayer. Amen.
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