Newsletter: Hello February!
Thinking about a 5-year plan…
Where do we want the church to go?
Last week, I asked you to think about the Five Marks of Mission of the Anglican Communion. This week, I would like you to imagine how ministry at St Andrew’s is connected to the Five Marks of Mission. My thoughts are as follows:
1. To proclaim the Good News of the Kingdom.
We offer various kinds of worship through the week. We offer an inclusive welcome to all those who come to our doors. We are especially effective at proclaiming the word through music, and our choir is growing! We also work hard to keep our online newsletter, website and social media updated.
2. To teach, baptize and nurture new believers.
We offer various kinds of Christian Formation programs at St Andrew’s including Tuesday Bible Study, monthly Spiritual Practice Retreats, and Family Eucharist every second month. We also baptize anyone who asks for it! Who’s up for confirmation this year?
3. To respond to human need by loving service.
We have monthly visits to two care homes. We offer low rents to various non-profit community groups. We work to keep our property accessible in terms of water and electricity for vulnerable neighbours. We have, in the past, attempted to connect with the homeless and other vulnerable people near the church with food, clothes and/or shelter, and to connect with the other organizations that serve vulnerable people. These efforts often seem thwarted by forces beyond our control, i.e. the City of Langley.
4. To seek to transform unjust structures of society, to challenge violence of every kind and to pursue peace and reconciliation.
We are currently advocating for the homeless and other vulnerable people, with some parishioners writing letters to Langley City, hoping for some movement on the city’s part with regard to these issues.
5. To strive to safeguard the integrity of creation and sustain and renew the life of the earth.
We have a large property right on the river with a highway going past. We work hard to keep the property tidy and in good health, though this sometimes feels overwhelming. We try to look out for our animal neighbours by advocating for traffic calming measures on nearby roads. We are attempting to plant more trees on the property and have been exploring options for community gardens and/or urban forests, as well as wondering what to plant instead of grass. Maybe we need some bees?
I wonder how you would imagine and organize the ministries of St Andrew’s fitting into the Five Marks of Mission.
Centre for Spiritual Renewal
Check out the Centre’s offerings! Click the button below…
Donations to Sources Food Bank
Thanks to Bev for her great commitment to the Food Bank!
Suggested Food Donations
When choosing food donations, please consider healthy choices
· Canned protein (ex. Tuna, Salmon, Chicken, Ham, Chili, Stew)
· Rice and Rolled Oats
· Peanut Butter
· Pasta
· Canned fruit
· Canned vegetables
· Fresh fruit
· Fresh vegetables
· 100% Fruit juice
· Meal replacement (ex. Ensure, Boost)
Donations can be made at the Food Bank: 208 20445 52 Ave Langley, BC, Monday to Thursday 8:30pm—4.00pm. Food donations can also be left at all local grocery stores.
Events!
Tuesday Bible Study has begun again on Zoom at 7pm. In this season before Lent, we’ll be having a look at the Gospel of Mark
And on Thursdays at 11am, we have a Healing Eucharist Service every week. If you or someone you know would like to be anointed with the Holy Oil, this is the service for you. The service will also include an extended prayer time so bring your prayer concerns with you.
Our Saturday afternoon Spiritual Practice Retreat will be on the 24th this month, beginning at 1:30pm and going until 4:45. Our topic is Martha, Mary, & the Spiritual Practice of Hospitality. Please sign up for the retreat on the sheet on the office window! There will be retreats on March 30th (Holy Saturday) when we will look at the Seven Last Words of Christ, and April 27th, topic TBA.
Keep your eyes open for the Knitting Group. They usually meet on Wednesdays. February’s date TBA.
Ash Wednesday will be on Valentine's Day, February 14th. We’ll have a service in the evening at 7pm for those who would like to be marked with ashes.
Family Eucharist services will be on two Saturdays, February 17th and April 20th from 4:30-630pm. The theme in February will be Ash Wednesday, and the theme in April will be Easter! This is a fun time for the whole family and includes a Bible story, some crafts and activities, Holy Communion, and pizza supper. Please mark these days in your calendar and plan to bring your whole family. And, if you are interested in helping with some of the activities, Cathy & I are going to have a short meeting to make some plans. Please let me or Cathy know if you would like to help out!
The Annual Vestry Meeting (which is the church’s AGM) will be held on Sunday, February 25th after the 10am service. We’ll begin the meeting in the church at about 11:30 am. If you are interested in helping with coffee or snacks for the meeting, please speak to Cathy or to Marsha.
Care Home Ministry
Harrison Landing: Wed, Feb 14 at 2pm
Harrison Pointe: Thurs, Feb 15th at 2pm
As always, please let me know if you or anyone you know would like a visit from the clergy!
Love from,
Andrew
