Bishop's Lenten Books for 2021
This year, Bishop Susan Bell has chosen to recommend two books for Lent: Seven Spiritual Gifts of Waiting by Holly Whitcomb and The Way of St. Benedict by Archbishop Rowan Williams.
A source of inspiration for the bishop’s most recent charge to synod, Seven Spiritual Gifts of Waiting is well suited to a time of pandemic, especially during the season of Lent. This book presents seven spiritual gifts that waiting can teach us: patience, loss of control, live in the present, compassion, gratitude, humility, and trust in God.
The latest work by Archbishop Rowan Williams, is being recommended for individual study as a way growing in one’s faith and discipleship. The Way of St Benedict explores the appeal of St. Benedict's sixth-century Rule and shows it to be a document of great relevance to contemporary Christians and non-believers alike. The book speaks to the Rule's ability to help anyone live more fully in harmony with others while orienting themselves fully to the will of God.
Both books are readily available through online book suppliers at an affordable price.
Canterbury Hils a Forever Memory
Registration Open
Canterbury Hills Virtual Camp registration is now open. Bring the magic of Canterbury Hills right to the comfort of your own home. Each week will offer a variety of activities that encourage spiritual growth, independent play, creativity, and exploration, with opportunities to connect and share with staff and fellow campers. View the dates and themes of each week here to pick the right session for your camper! Each week will also include a virtual group campfire and chapel sessions!
To register, visit the Canterbury Hills website.
Pen Pals
Canterbury Hills Camp is excited to launch a new pen pal program. Campers will be matched with another participant of similar age and interests. Your camper will then receive five pre-addressed, stamped envelopes, and conversation starter cards. What a fun opportunity to meet a new friend who could even become a cabin mate in an upcoming summer! This will be an add on program that is accessible to campers registered in any of the 2021 summer sessions. Select this option while registering online. The pen pal program comes with a one-time $10 fee.
ST. PAUL'S
ANGLICAN CHURCH
For where two or three
are gathered in my name, I am there in the midst of them.
MATTHEW 18:20
These are extraordinary times. Though we are unable to gather together for worship this morning due to the precautions surrounding COVID-19, we still have an opportunity to worship at home, and as we each do so, we do so together, united in spirit as we seek God together.
Follow through this post, pausing to think about each reading, listening to each song, as we start our prayers on the Sunday mornings at 10 a.m.
Worship at Home Service for Deliverance from the Coronavirus
The Fourth Sunday in Lent
March 19, 2023
(Light up a candle)
Gathering the Community
Almighty God, to you all hearts are open, all desires known, and from you no secrets are hidden. Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you, and worthily magnify your holy name; through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Confession
Father eternal, giver of light and grace,
we have sinned against you and against our neighbour,
in what we have thought,
in what we have said and done,
through ignorance, through weakness,
through our own deliberate fault.
We have wounded your love
and marred your image in us.
We are sorry and ashamed
and repent of all our sins.
For the sake of your Son Jesus Christ,
who died for us, forgive us all that is past
and lead us out from darkness
to walk as children of light. Amen.
Collect for the Fourth Sunday in Lent
Almighty God, through the waters of baptism your Son has made us children of light. May we ever walk in his light and show forth your glory in the world; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
Hymn
#615 'Just as I Am'
The Word of God
Homily
Silence for Reflections
Prayer of the People
As we gather in the name and power of our risen Lord, through whom the glory of God is revealed, let us offer our prayers to almighty God, saying, “Lord in your mercy: Hear our Prayer"
Jesus Christ, you travelled through towns and villages “curing every disease and illness.” At your command, the sick were made well. Come to our aid now, in the midst of the global spread of the coronavirus, that we may experience your healing love. Heal those who are sick with the virus. May they regain their strength and health through quality medical care. R~
Heal us from our fear, which prevents nations from working together and neighbours from helping one another. Heal us from our pride, which can make us claim invulnerability to a disease that knows no borders. R~
Jesus Christ, healer of all, stay by our side in this time of uncertainty and sorrow. Be with those who have died from the virus. May they be at rest with you in your eternal peace. R~
Be with the families of those who are sick or have died. As they worry and grieve, defend them from illness and despair. May they know your peace. R~
Be with the doctors, nurses, researchers and all medical professionals who seek to heal and help those affected and who put themselves at risk in the process. May they know your protection and peace. R~
Be with the leaders of all nations. Give them the foresight to act with charity and true concern for the well-being of the people they are meant to serve. Give them the wisdom to invest in long-term solutions that will help prepare for or prevent future outbreaks. May they know your peace, as they work together to achieve it on earth. R~
Whether we are home or abroad, surrounded by many people suffering from this illness or only a few, Jesus Christ, stay with us as we endure and mourn, persist and prepare. In place of our anxiety, give us your peace. Jesus Christ, heal us. R~
Give comfort and strength to those in need of our prayers, especially -
Ellie E. and sister-in-law Joyce H.
Sheila E's daughter Kim V.
Maysen R. & Mom Cheryl
Carol L's daughter Alex
Jerry & Genny S.
Cort & Joan B.
Elizabeth K.
Norma T.
Isabel G. and her husband Joe
Tom P.
Carol L's daughter Mattigan
Sheila E.
Richard M.
During this time, we remember our loved ones, those who have had impact on our lives, those who have endured wars and those who have passed on and we keep them in our hearts and minds.
“Lord in your mercy: Hear our Prayer"
Let us pray. May the Lord God Almighty who loves you protect you. May Jesus Christ, His Son who died for you save you. And may the Holy Spirit who broods over the chaos and fills you with his presence, intercede for you and in you for others at this time. Amen.
The Lord’s Prayer
Let us pray with confidence as our Saviour has taught us –
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come; thy will be done; on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory for ever and ever. Amen.
Diocese of Niagara prayer for Deliverance from Coronavirus
Loving God, whose peace passes all our understanding; as we face this present pandemic, and experience fear and anxiety, may we hear your voice, bringing calm to the storms of our time.
Strengthen those who work to limit the spread of infection, and those who seek to care for the sick, and keep us mindful of those most vulnerable.
May we shape our living to protect one another, and may our changing habits, practices and sacrifices, be for the greater love of our community and all your people. Amen
Doxology
Glory to God, whose power, working in us, can do infinitely more than we can ask or imagine. Glory to God from generation to generation, in the Church, and in Christ Jesus, for ever and ever. Amen
Blessing
For each step that we might take
Be our guide, O Lord of life
For each load that we might bear
Be our strength, O Lord of life
For each mountain we might face
Be our power, O Lord of life
For each river that might impede
Be our safety, O Lord of life
For each place where we might rest
Be our peace, O Lord of life
For each sunrise and sunset
Be our joy, O Lord of life.
Go in peace as a sign of hope for all people by showing forth the living presence of Christ in the world, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.