PARISH MATTERS NEWSLETTER
_____________________________________________________________________________
Issue # 68 December 2020
Once again we are in the midst of a global pandemic. It seemed as if things were getting better, but now -maybe not. It is a fine balance between keeping yourself safe and becoming depressed because you are not socializing. We are social beings and we have to be creative. We are learning to use digital means to keep in touch and there is always the old fashioned telephone. This Christmas why not phone a few people and wish them a blessed Christmas. If we think about the world and the 2000 plus years between us and the birth of Jesus, we realize that humankind has been through many hard times. Even at that special time in Bethlehem the country was under the domination of the Romans and there was much cruelty and hardship – not very different from some countries in the world today. There have been plagues, famines, floods and fire and there still are but the human spirit refuses to be crushed. We must each do our best to work with what we’ve got. Each minute of each day is precious. Consider the true meaning of Christmas, a message of peace on earth, a message of goodwill to all people, a message that, whether we are a shepherd or a king or just a person, we can make a difference.
Silent night, Holy night Silent night, Holy night,
All is calm, all is bright Shepherd quake at the sight
Round yon virgin Mother and Glory beams from Heaven afar
Child Heavenly hosts sing Alleluiah
Holy Infant so tender and mild Christ the Saviour is born
Sleep in Heavenly peace Christ the Saviour is born
Sleep in Heavenly peace.
Advent Greetings to all,
Our journey through Advent has begun and this year we will be as busy as others in preparing for all the activities of the season and Christmas holiday. Many of us allow our thoughts to fast forward to Christmas Day skipping over all the days in between because we want to get to “ the good stuff”. We want to get there because it is a place of peace and contentment, with all of our “want to have’ items on our To Do mostly filled. How blessed we are to live in these days of abundance, and even in spite of Covid fairly easy access to what we want. As we know, this is not always the situation in every household.
Please remember this year to add to our To Do list donations to worthwhile programs. Here at St. Luke’s we would be happy to forward any donations you would like to make, on your behalf, to the Annapolis Food Bank. If you would like to support our Winter Mitten and Hat Project, whereby we collect hats and mitts for our Champlain School, or for AWEC students we can help with that as well. Recently we have begun a project known as the Welcome Table. This is an effort to reach out to households who could use additional meal support beyond what the Food Bank can offer. Please consider supporting any of these worthwhile efforts if you would like to share some of the blessings we enjoy with others. Donations of 10.00 or more can receive a receipt for income tax purposes.
We all journey along the same road, and some of our fellow travellers could use the help and support that Jesus asked us to share with others. His birth ushered in a new era of God’s kingdom. Unfortunately wars and injustices surround us, but that does not defeat God’s message of hope, peace, joy, and love are meant for al if we choose to believe and to follow. We are to be part of making this world a better world.
Advent Blessings,
Rev. Nita
St. Luke’s Welcome Table will be at the food bank again on the evenings of Wednesday Dec. 9th and Wednesday Dec. 16th to serve hot drinks and cookies to the folks waiting outside.
We have volunteers to serve for both evenings but we need others to make cookies. If you would like to help by baking a couple of dozen cookies, please phone Derek at 532 0342 by Friday Dec. 4th to confirm how many you can make, so that we can be sure we have enough. We require 7 dozen cookies for each date and they should be dropped off at the church between 9am and noon on the Wednesdays noted above. As always, your help is much appreciated.
THE RULES!
Some things you need to know. Most of them are the familiar Covid rules. Rest assured that we are doing our very best to make your church and safe place.
If you feel unwell do not come to church. Stay home
You do not need to make an appointment to come to church, but the church does have the authority to limit numbers if necessary.
In the church you will see some pews have been roped off. The greeters will show you where you can sit. Of course, you can sit with your own family.
A mask must be worn at all times and social distancing must be maintained, but you can talk across the distance. We need to wish each other good morning. Please wash your hands before you leave home. There is hand sanitizer in the church.
If you are a reader you can come up to the lectern and take off your mask while reading.
We are now able to sing hymns while wearing a mask. The choir will present an anthem each week.
Washrooms may be used and the means to sanitize are available
Lukie Looks for Christmas
Hi, Lukie here! I think we may be getting close to that special time of year when my church fills with trees and branches and special smells . Who knows if it will happen this year with so many different things happening. I sure hope it does because Rosie and I love to roam around under the trees and even climb up on some of the low branches. Don’t tell the humans we do such tricks!!!
One thing we have been missing for so long now is having the humans gather in the big hall after they finish their singing and saying stuff like Amen! There were always treats left behind after the last chair was tucked away and the last table folded up. Those crumb treats could keep us happy for a few days and became a special time for us both.
I have been excited to see the little humans in the big hall. It looks like they are having their special time there while the big people are in the church. No crumbs though. It is fun to hear their voices and watch them with the big humans in charge. The older little ones are wearing masks as well as the teachers so Rosie and I put our own masks on as we watch. To be honest, it can be more fun there than in the church although I do love to hear the huge old groaner playing music and listening to the humans singing, especially the big people in the special red and white robes. It seems more like I remember life here before that huge cloud of sickness came across our world. Yes, I am hearing all about the dreaded virus that is making our world sick. Who knows if mice can catch it so we are not taking any chances
So Rosie and I will wait and watch to see if trees start to show up in my church and we will look forward to hearing special music from the “red and white folks” up in the front of the church. I sure hope we do see some signs of a special time at church but I hope even harder that everyone, big and little , mouse and human stay safe and well as the winds howl outside and the big groaner in the basement come on to keep us cozy.
SERVICES IN OUR PARISH
(Please note that services may be changed due to Covid 10 restrictions)
ADVENT SERVICES
We are celebrating the Sundays of Advent with the lighting of Advent candles and special music.
The service is every Sunday at 10.00 am.
CHRISTMAS SERVICES
We invite everyone to celebrate the birth of Jesus at these special services. Please call the office 532 0913 to let us know which service you are coming to so we can control numbers.
CHRISTMAS EVE
4.00 pm. Family service including a video of the Sunday School Nativity play.
6.00 pm Service of Holy Eucharist with some technology
8.00 pm Traditional service of Holy Eucharist
Joy to the the Saviour
world comes
JUST FOR KIDS
SUNDAY SCHOOL
We are now offering two classes - primary and junior. Contact Darlene Sider for registration, all of Covid rules applying to schools are followed. Classes begin at 10 am. The main hall entrance is exclusive for Sunday use only.
The Legend of the Christmas tree
Two little children were sitting by the fire one cold winter's night. All at once they heard a timid knock at the door, and one ran to open it.
There, outside in the cold and the darkness, stood a child with no shoes upon his feet and clad in thin, ragged garments. He was shivering with cold, and he asked to come in and warm himself.
"Yes, come," cried both the children; "you shall have our place by the fire. Come in!"
They drew the little stranger to their warm seat and shared their supper with him, and gave him their bed, while they slept on a hard bench.
In the night they were awakened by strains of sweet music and, looking out, they saw a band of children in shining garments approaching the house. They were playing on golden harps, and the air was full of melody.
Suddenly the Stranger Child stood before them; no longer cold and ragged, but clad in silvery light.
His soft voice said: "I was cold and you took Me in. I was hungry, and you fed Me. I was tired, and you gave Me your bed. I am the Christ Child, wandering through the world to bring peace and happiness to all good children. As you have given to Me, so may this tree every year give rich fruit to you."
So saying, He broke a branch from the fir tree that grew near the door, and He planted it in the ground and disappeared. But the branch grew into a great tree, and every year it bore wonderful golden fruit for the kind children.
OUR PARISH
Despite Covid our Parish has not given up. We sincerely hope that this newsletter reaches those who still feel uncomfortable coming to church.
Christmas flowers
If you would like to put flowers in memory of loved ones in the church this Christmas, please get in touch with Judy Dickinson. (532 5568)
We have turned to technology
There have been a few hiccups but our Facebook page is Anglican Parish of Annapolis. Our phone committee people have emailed out important updates and others have been contacted by mail. If you know of anyone in your neighbourhood who has been left out please get in touch with the office and we will include them straight away.
We have been generous
Members of the congregation have baked and crafted and others have bought the produce and in this way we have replaced the Ecumenical Fall Fair. Thank you to all who took part.
We have enjoyed music
Thanks to our organist, Elsie, the choir have come back and present an anthem each Sunday. The congregation is invited to sing the hymns. We wear masks and space ourselves apart but still make a joyful noise.
We have helped in the services each Sunday
Our readers, greeters, flower and altar ladies and money counters have returned. If you are ready to help please contact Sue Hawkins
Our administrative assistant
Ashley is no longer working with us and we wish her well in her next endeavour. Sue Hawkins has very kindly stepped up to help until we can get a new Administrative assistant. The post has been advertised. Spread the word.
CHRISTMAS
BLESSINGS
_____________________________________________________________________________
Issue # 68 December 2020
Once again we are in the midst of a global pandemic. It seemed as if things were getting better, but now -maybe not. It is a fine balance between keeping yourself safe and becoming depressed because you are not socializing. We are social beings and we have to be creative. We are learning to use digital means to keep in touch and there is always the old fashioned telephone. This Christmas why not phone a few people and wish them a blessed Christmas. If we think about the world and the 2000 plus years between us and the birth of Jesus, we realize that humankind has been through many hard times. Even at that special time in Bethlehem the country was under the domination of the Romans and there was much cruelty and hardship – not very different from some countries in the world today. There have been plagues, famines, floods and fire and there still are but the human spirit refuses to be crushed. We must each do our best to work with what we’ve got. Each minute of each day is precious. Consider the true meaning of Christmas, a message of peace on earth, a message of goodwill to all people, a message that, whether we are a shepherd or a king or just a person, we can make a difference.
Silent night, Holy night Silent night, Holy night,
All is calm, all is bright Shepherd quake at the sight
Round yon virgin Mother and Glory beams from Heaven afar
Child Heavenly hosts sing Alleluiah
Holy Infant so tender and mild Christ the Saviour is born
Sleep in Heavenly peace Christ the Saviour is born
Sleep in Heavenly peace.
Advent Greetings to all,
Our journey through Advent has begun and this year we will be as busy as others in preparing for all the activities of the season and Christmas holiday. Many of us allow our thoughts to fast forward to Christmas Day skipping over all the days in between because we want to get to “ the good stuff”. We want to get there because it is a place of peace and contentment, with all of our “want to have’ items on our To Do mostly filled. How blessed we are to live in these days of abundance, and even in spite of Covid fairly easy access to what we want. As we know, this is not always the situation in every household.
Please remember this year to add to our To Do list donations to worthwhile programs. Here at St. Luke’s we would be happy to forward any donations you would like to make, on your behalf, to the Annapolis Food Bank. If you would like to support our Winter Mitten and Hat Project, whereby we collect hats and mitts for our Champlain School, or for AWEC students we can help with that as well. Recently we have begun a project known as the Welcome Table. This is an effort to reach out to households who could use additional meal support beyond what the Food Bank can offer. Please consider supporting any of these worthwhile efforts if you would like to share some of the blessings we enjoy with others. Donations of 10.00 or more can receive a receipt for income tax purposes.
We all journey along the same road, and some of our fellow travellers could use the help and support that Jesus asked us to share with others. His birth ushered in a new era of God’s kingdom. Unfortunately wars and injustices surround us, but that does not defeat God’s message of hope, peace, joy, and love are meant for al if we choose to believe and to follow. We are to be part of making this world a better world.
Advent Blessings,
Rev. Nita
St. Luke’s Welcome Table will be at the food bank again on the evenings of Wednesday Dec. 9th and Wednesday Dec. 16th to serve hot drinks and cookies to the folks waiting outside.
We have volunteers to serve for both evenings but we need others to make cookies. If you would like to help by baking a couple of dozen cookies, please phone Derek at 532 0342 by Friday Dec. 4th to confirm how many you can make, so that we can be sure we have enough. We require 7 dozen cookies for each date and they should be dropped off at the church between 9am and noon on the Wednesdays noted above. As always, your help is much appreciated.
THE RULES!
Some things you need to know. Most of them are the familiar Covid rules. Rest assured that we are doing our very best to make your church and safe place.
If you feel unwell do not come to church. Stay home
You do not need to make an appointment to come to church, but the church does have the authority to limit numbers if necessary.
In the church you will see some pews have been roped off. The greeters will show you where you can sit. Of course, you can sit with your own family.
A mask must be worn at all times and social distancing must be maintained, but you can talk across the distance. We need to wish each other good morning. Please wash your hands before you leave home. There is hand sanitizer in the church.
If you are a reader you can come up to the lectern and take off your mask while reading.
We are now able to sing hymns while wearing a mask. The choir will present an anthem each week.
Washrooms may be used and the means to sanitize are available
Lukie Looks for Christmas
Hi, Lukie here! I think we may be getting close to that special time of year when my church fills with trees and branches and special smells . Who knows if it will happen this year with so many different things happening. I sure hope it does because Rosie and I love to roam around under the trees and even climb up on some of the low branches. Don’t tell the humans we do such tricks!!!
One thing we have been missing for so long now is having the humans gather in the big hall after they finish their singing and saying stuff like Amen! There were always treats left behind after the last chair was tucked away and the last table folded up. Those crumb treats could keep us happy for a few days and became a special time for us both.
I have been excited to see the little humans in the big hall. It looks like they are having their special time there while the big people are in the church. No crumbs though. It is fun to hear their voices and watch them with the big humans in charge. The older little ones are wearing masks as well as the teachers so Rosie and I put our own masks on as we watch. To be honest, it can be more fun there than in the church although I do love to hear the huge old groaner playing music and listening to the humans singing, especially the big people in the special red and white robes. It seems more like I remember life here before that huge cloud of sickness came across our world. Yes, I am hearing all about the dreaded virus that is making our world sick. Who knows if mice can catch it so we are not taking any chances
So Rosie and I will wait and watch to see if trees start to show up in my church and we will look forward to hearing special music from the “red and white folks” up in the front of the church. I sure hope we do see some signs of a special time at church but I hope even harder that everyone, big and little , mouse and human stay safe and well as the winds howl outside and the big groaner in the basement come on to keep us cozy.
SERVICES IN OUR PARISH
(Please note that services may be changed due to Covid 10 restrictions)
ADVENT SERVICES
We are celebrating the Sundays of Advent with the lighting of Advent candles and special music.
The service is every Sunday at 10.00 am.
CHRISTMAS SERVICES
We invite everyone to celebrate the birth of Jesus at these special services. Please call the office 532 0913 to let us know which service you are coming to so we can control numbers.
CHRISTMAS EVE
4.00 pm. Family service including a video of the Sunday School Nativity play.
6.00 pm Service of Holy Eucharist with some technology
8.00 pm Traditional service of Holy Eucharist
Joy to the the Saviour
world comes
JUST FOR KIDS
SUNDAY SCHOOL
We are now offering two classes - primary and junior. Contact Darlene Sider for registration, all of Covid rules applying to schools are followed. Classes begin at 10 am. The main hall entrance is exclusive for Sunday use only.
The Legend of the Christmas tree
Two little children were sitting by the fire one cold winter's night. All at once they heard a timid knock at the door, and one ran to open it.
There, outside in the cold and the darkness, stood a child with no shoes upon his feet and clad in thin, ragged garments. He was shivering with cold, and he asked to come in and warm himself.
"Yes, come," cried both the children; "you shall have our place by the fire. Come in!"
They drew the little stranger to their warm seat and shared their supper with him, and gave him their bed, while they slept on a hard bench.
In the night they were awakened by strains of sweet music and, looking out, they saw a band of children in shining garments approaching the house. They were playing on golden harps, and the air was full of melody.
Suddenly the Stranger Child stood before them; no longer cold and ragged, but clad in silvery light.
His soft voice said: "I was cold and you took Me in. I was hungry, and you fed Me. I was tired, and you gave Me your bed. I am the Christ Child, wandering through the world to bring peace and happiness to all good children. As you have given to Me, so may this tree every year give rich fruit to you."
So saying, He broke a branch from the fir tree that grew near the door, and He planted it in the ground and disappeared. But the branch grew into a great tree, and every year it bore wonderful golden fruit for the kind children.
OUR PARISH
Despite Covid our Parish has not given up. We sincerely hope that this newsletter reaches those who still feel uncomfortable coming to church.
Christmas flowers
If you would like to put flowers in memory of loved ones in the church this Christmas, please get in touch with Judy Dickinson. (532 5568)
We have turned to technology
There have been a few hiccups but our Facebook page is Anglican Parish of Annapolis. Our phone committee people have emailed out important updates and others have been contacted by mail. If you know of anyone in your neighbourhood who has been left out please get in touch with the office and we will include them straight away.
We have been generous
Members of the congregation have baked and crafted and others have bought the produce and in this way we have replaced the Ecumenical Fall Fair. Thank you to all who took part.
We have enjoyed music
Thanks to our organist, Elsie, the choir have come back and present an anthem each Sunday. The congregation is invited to sing the hymns. We wear masks and space ourselves apart but still make a joyful noise.
We have helped in the services each Sunday
Our readers, greeters, flower and altar ladies and money counters have returned. If you are ready to help please contact Sue Hawkins
Our administrative assistant
Ashley is no longer working with us and we wish her well in her next endeavour. Sue Hawkins has very kindly stepped up to help until we can get a new Administrative assistant. The post has been advertised. Spread the word.
CHRISTMAS
BLESSINGS