Epiphany Service For Sept. 25, 2022
The flowers in the Sanctuary today are to the Glory of God and in loving memory of dear parents Leon and Stella; brothers Tom and Art Ouellette and sister Laura, given by Terry Ouellette
*Cookies for Ukraine. $4. Order from Jack and Julie.
*Garage Sale/ Bake Sale. Thank you.
*Thank you to everyone who continues to support our church, especially during holidays. The board gently reminds us that bills continue even when we are not here. Thank you.
*Apportionment update from the Board: Assessed $18,595.00. Paid $8000.00. Higher payments necessary in order to pay this obligation by the end of the year
*Euchre, Crib. Monday Sept 26 1 till 4. Fourth Mondays.
*Thanksgiving. Decorate Sat. October 1. Thanksgiving Sunday 9. An idea: maybe we can express our thanks with a donation of food or money to buy food.
*Blessing of the Animals. Sunday October 2. 2 p.m. Donation of Cat food or money to buy cat food suggested.
*Penny Social. Friday October 14. Set up? 6:30 doors open. Tickets sold.
7:30 Calling or Drawing begins. Donations of small nice items?
*107th Church Anniversary. Sunday October 16.
*Baptism. Sunday October 23.
*Rinsed empty drink containers for Keanna.
*Food Cupboard. Thank you everyone! Butch. 519-615-9106.
*Mint smoothies Sandra $3.
*Cancelled stamps. Gloria Thompson.
*The Church Website http://www.thechurchofepiphany.com/
*Please Like Our PAGE on Facebook.
*If you wish, our regular weekly donations or special donations may be sent to our Envelope Secretary:
Barb Smallman
4860 Whiteoak Road
London, Ontario
N6E 3Y8
519-680-0649
*Thank you. Ron Adam Anusha Stephen. Dan D for helping with this weekly on line service.
Bible Readings for September 25 2022
-
Jeremiah 32:1-3a, 6-15 and Psalm 91:1-6, 14-16
-
Amos 6:1a, 4-7 and Psalm 146
-
1 Timothy 6:6-19
-
Luke 16:19-31
Audio for September 25 2022
Opening:
Invitory:
Alleluia! The Spirit of the Lord renews the face of the earth:
O come, let us worship
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
Thematic Prayer:
God of power and justice,
like Jeremiah you weep over those
who wander from you,
turn aside to other gods,
and enter into chaos and destruction.
By your tears and through your mercy,
teach us your ways
and write them on our hearts
so that we may follow faithfully
the path you show us. Amen.
Reading Luke 16:19-31
16:19 “There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously every day.
16:20 And at his gate lay a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores,
16:21 who longed to satisfy his hunger with what fell from the rich man’s table; even the dogs would come and lick his sores.
16:22 The poor man died and was carried away by the angels to be with Abraham. The rich man also died and was buried.
16:23 In Hades, where he was being tormented, he looked up and saw Abraham far away with Lazarus by his side.
16:24 He called out, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue; for I am in agony in these flames.’
16:25 But Abraham said, ‘Child, remember that during your lifetime you received your good things, and Lazarus in like manner evil things; but now he is comforted here, and you are in agony.
16:26 Besides all this, between you and us a great chasm has been fixed, so that those who might want to pass from here to you cannot do so, and no one can cross from there to us.’
16:27 He said, ‘Then, father, I beg you to send him to my father’s house–
16:28 for I have five brothers–that he may warn them, so that they will not also come into this place of torment.’
16:29 Abraham replied, ‘They have Moses and the prophets; they should listen to them.’
16:30 He said, ‘No, father Abraham; but if someone goes to them from the dead, they will repent.’
16:31 He said to him, ‘If they do not listen to Moses and the prophets, neither will they be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.'”
Sermon
Luke 16:19-31
Today’s we hear jesus parable of the “rich man and Lazarus.”
This is the only time that Jesus uses an actual name of a person in his parable.
The name Lazarus means “whom God has helped.”
===
This is a story of one “whom God has helped!”
===
Charles Dickens used this story
as the basis for one of his most famous stories!
But he decided to change the ending!
Can anyone guess? That’s right. A Christmas Carol.
What happens in the story?
Let’s go through the main plot.
Scrooge is a very rich but stingy man,
whose former partner Marley has died before him.
It’s nearly Christmas, and Scrooge is,
as is his usual way,
giving everyone a hard time about the celebration
refusing to take part in any kind of “brotherly love” .
That night,
he is visited first by his dead friend Marley
who comes to warn Scrooge
that his current way of living will
lead to a terrible doom in the afterlife.
As Scrooge tries to ignore his friend,
chalking the vision up to a hallucination,
Marley informs Scrooge
that he will be visited that night by three ghosts.
As we know,
Scrooge is visited by three ghosts: of Christmas past, present, and future.
Just like Lazarus asked God to do,
To visit his brothers from the dead
So they would change their ways.
As Scrooge is brought face to face
with his own hurts, pain,
he finally realizes the state of his soul
He repents only to find that it is still Christmas morning.
A changed man,
Scrooge visits his nephew,
brings food,
and blesses everyone he meets.
He has had an entire repentance.
A change
not only of heart
but of life and action.
==
Now let’s get back to Jesus’ story
about the rich man and Lazarus.
We hear of a rich man
who feasted sumptuously every day.
He’s never lacking for anything.
By his gate lies a poor man named Lazarus
(the one whom God will help).
Lazarus longed for the scraps
from the rich man’s table.
He desired merely the scraps and crumbs.
The story doesn’t say if he ever got any.
It only says, he longed for them.
We don’t know if the “rich man” ever relented.
But if he did, it surely wasn’t much.
When he died, he went to be with Abraham.
Later the rich man died as well.
The rich man went to Hades.
Lazarus was with Abraham.
Oddly, they are able to carry on a conversation,
even though Abraham tells him,
he can’t do anything for him
because a “great chasm has been fixed,
so that those who might want to pass
from here to you cannot do so,
and no one can cross from there to us.”
==
To this, the “rich man” asks if Abraham
might at least send Lazarus to his father’s house –
for he has five brothers
(whom we assume
are just as unconcerned with the poor as he was)
—that they might be warned!
So, they will not come to the same end as he has!
However, unlike Dicken’s tale,
here Abraham replies:
“They have Moses and the prophets.”
And when the rich man pleads,
“but if someone goes to them from the dead,
they will repent!”
Abraham replies,
“If they do not listen to Moses and the prophets,
neither will they be convinced
even if someone rises from the dead.”
===
What a great story!
One of the great metaphors in the story is the Greek word “chasm.”
although the rich man is in Hades
Lazarus is in heaven
that the man can hold a conversation with Abraham
from “across the chasm.”
In fact, Abraham calls him “child.”
For despite his consequences,
God has not abandoned him.
He has instead chosen his own path.
Yet he is still a beloved
(if errant) child of God.
How do we know this?
The word chasm.
One of the misconceptions
about the story is that we assume
that God has “fixed” this chasm between them.
However, the story never says that.
It in fact says plainly that
“A great chasm has been fixed.”
Who established this chasm?
Why the rich man of course!
All during his lifetime.
Let’s look at what this means.
Remember the meaning of “mitzvah.”
You could say that the “great chasm”
is exactly the opposite act from “mitzvah.”
In fact, that might make a great title for this parable:
“The Great Chasm,”
because that is exactly the kind of relationship
that the rich man set up in his life
between himself and Lazarus
(and all others like him).
Culturally, socially, even religiously in Jesus’ day,
the religious elite, the wealthy,
the powerful lived on one side of the spectrum,
while the poor,
lived exactly on the other side of the spectrum.
The wealthy and powerful
stayed in their well-appointed homes,
ate well, socialized with each other,
felt quite righteous living out their faith
according to the Jewish “rules” of the day
(namely do not come in contact with those “others”!).
On the other hand,
the poor and those outcast from the Jewish community
Languished often in poverty, illness, and loneliness.
They were the “forgotten” and “neglected”
of the social network.
This did not seem terrible or unusual to those
with food and means.
They thought they were just doing
what they were supposed to do.
But as Jesus pointed out.
They followed all the rules.
But their hearts were not engaged with others,
at least not the “others” they deemed unworthy.
===
So who fixed the “great chasm”
between the rich man and Lazarus?
Why the rich man of course.
The chasm between them in life
was simply reversed in death.
But the chasm remained.
What was the rich man’s failing?
Observing the “chasm,”
Making a “separation” between himself and others,
by doing so between himself and God!
As Jesus said,
“What you do to/for others is what you do to/for me.”
In this,
he learned too late from Abraham
what it meant to “fix” one’s heart
on God and others
…not on material means.
Simply we are to remain connected.
We are to care as a church,
as a society…
as a group…
In our political structures,
We are to care for those around us…
Regardless of who they are.
There is to be no chasm.
Hymn: Be Thou My Vision
Be Thou my vision, O Lord of my heartNaught be all else to me, save that Thou artThou my best thought, by day or by nightWaking or sleeping, Thy presence my light
Be Thou my wisdom, and Thou my true wordI ever with Thee and Thou with me, LordThou my great Father, and I Thy true sonThou in me dwelling and I with Thee one
Riches I heed not, nor vain, empty praiseThou mine inheritance, now and alwaysThou and Thou only first in my heartHigh King of heaven, my treasure Thou art
High King of heaven, my victory wonMay I reach heaven’s joys, O bright heaven’s sunHeart of my own heart, whatever befallStill be my vision, O ruler of all
Heart of my own heart, whatever befall
Still be my vision, O ruler of all
The Apostles’ Creed
I believe in God,
the Father almighty,
creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord.
He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit
and born of the Virgin Mary.
He suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried.
He descended to the dead.
On the third day he rose again.
He ascended into heaven,
and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again
to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic Church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting. Amen.
Prayers:
Friends in Christ,
God invites us to hold the needs of our sisters and brothers
as dear to us as our own needs.
Loving our neighbors as ourselves,
we offer our thanksgivings and our petitions
on behalf of the church and the world.
and proclaim your saving deeds to all the world. Amen.
Prayers: Shelley and Martin C.; Sharon; Anne F.; Mary; Marcel D.; Tara; Jeff B.; Nicole; Shelley (Sandra); Linda H.; Joyce and Jim W.; Sharon D.; Philip D; Jacquie and Cam D.; Diana, Ian, Edna, Mathew & Annika; Janice L & Darrin R; Roland; Clark & Helene.(Suzie D.) Donna Mc.; (Ron and Jan); Diane; Norma A,;Dave F.; Peter T.; Dan B.;. (Garfield & Diane); Drew T. (Gloria); Marilyn; Val ; Karen T.;Bill, Sheila, Jessica, Sonya, Jamie (Peter); Joel; Melanie; Marlene H. Pam B. (Barb & George); Joyce R. (Bev); Brooks (Kim); Linda; Allan; (Brian G.); Eunice S.; Jean N.; Marilyn B.; Connie C.; Jack B.; Jack and Julie. Keanna, Ella D.; Evelyn Mc; (Church) Merico (Darlene); Debbie H (Lorenz); Jade (Carol R.); Dori; Belinda,; Kim; Ross B., Francis & Bill W.; Jeff G. (Dori & Jack); Michelle P.;(Jim P.) Pat P; Grant K; (Jack & Julie); Lynda D . (Mary Beth & Paul); Jean (Bruce J.); Brian (Jeanne);
We pray for Kathy W. and all who mourn her passing, especially her family and Aunt Julie and Uncle Jack.
Hear our prayers, God of power,
and through the ministry of your Son
free us from the grip of the fear,
that we may desire you as the fullness of life AMEN
As our Savior taught us, let us pray,
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.
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.
Prayer:
O God,
you call us to embrace
both you and the children of this world
with unconditional love.
Give us grace to discern
what your love demands of us,
that, being faithful in things both great and small,
we may serve you with an undivided heart. Amen.
Blessing from the Book of Common Prayer:
The peace of God, which passeth all understanding, keep your hearts and minds in the knowledge and love of God, and of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord; and the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, be amongst you, and remain with you always. Amen.
Our Parting Blessing Song:
May God’s blessing surround you each day
As you trust Him and walk in His way
May His presence within guard and keep you from sin,
Go in peace, go in joy, go in love.
Go in peace, go in joy, go in love.
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Helen Johnson
JOHNSON, Helen
Peacefully on Wednesday, May 18, 2022, Helen Eileen Johnson (nee Walker) in her 91st year, passed away surrounded by family. Beloved wife of the late Leonard Johnson and mother of the late Pam Johnson. Survived by her daughter Janet (Scott), her grandchildren Matthew, Andrew and Renee (Jeff), great-grandchildren Dominic and Natalie, her sisters Sheila, Gerrie, Carole and many nieces and nephews. Also remembered by her son-in-law Dave and close family friends Anne, Declan (Phyllis) and Liz. Helen found great joy in her family, friends and spending time at the family’s cottage in Port Bruce.
The family will receive friends on Saturday, May 28, 2022 from 1:00-1:45 p.m. at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London where the memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. in the funeral home chapel. Private inurnment at a later date at Woodland Cemetery, London. In memory of Helen, donations may be made to Church of the Epiphany, 11 Briscoe Street West, London, ON N6J 1L9. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com
Marion Rice
RICE, Marion…
Peacefully at Chelsey Park Long Term Care, London, Marion Rice passed away on Sunday, January 23, 2022, her 102nd birthday. Beloved wife of the late Frederick Rice (2012). Loving mother of John Rice (Barbara) of Manitoba, Annette Pole (Ken), Tom Rice (Gail) and Jane Kowalski (late Rom) all of London and Tim Rice (Cathy) of Glencoe. Loved grandmother of 10 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. Predeceased by her granddaughter Shahna Rice. Marion was the only child of Nellie and Leonard Greenaway. Her life was centered around her family and beloved husband of 72 years.
A private memorial service will be held on Friday, January 28, 2022 at 1:30 pm at the A. Millard George Funeral Home. As per the directive of the Bereavement Authority of Ontario, a limited number of people can attend. All those attending are required to wear masks and follow COVID-19 protocols. Family and friends are invited to watch the funeral service live from the comfort of their homes, by visiting the AMG Funeral Home YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpfL6_cm3hysYQm6qoamdgQ?app=desktop or our website and clicking on the YouTube logo. Interment in Woodland Cemetery, London. As an expression of sympathy, donations to the Church of the Epiphany Memorial Fund, 11 Briscoe Street West, London, ON N6J 1L9 would be appreciated. Online condolences, memories and pictures shared at www.amgfh.com
Cans for Keanna
Don’t throw out that aluminum. Save it and bring it to Epiphany. Crush it down first if you are able.
Epiphany Service For Sept. 18, 2022
The flowers in the Sanctuary are to the Glory of God and in loving memory of special parents Glenn and Betty Whittington, and sister Susan, given by Mary-Liz and Joe Whalls.
*Cookies for Ukraine. $4. Order from Jack and Julie.
*Garage Sale/ Bake Sale. Saturday Sept. 24. 9 till 12.
Household items, bake table goods and clothing in good shape needed. No large items, please (we just cannot carry them!)
Set up and donations of good saleable items Friday Sept. 23 from 1 till 4 in the hall..
*Thank you to everyone who continues to support our church, especially during holidays. The board gently reminds us that bills continue even when we are not here. Thank you.
*Apportionment update from the Board: Assessed $18,595.00. Paid $8000.00. Higher payments necessary in order to pay this obligation by the end of the year
*Euchre, Crib. Monday Sept 26 1 till 4. Fourth Mondays.
*Thanksgiving. Decorate Sat. October 1. Thanksgiving Sunday 9. Lets show our thanks with donations of food or money to buy food.
*Blessing of the Animals. Sunday October 2. 2 p.m. Donation of Cat food or money to buy cat food suggested.
*Tea and Talk. Postponed till January due to sharing of food.
*Penny Social. Friday October 14. Set up? 6:30 doors open. Tickets sold.
7:30 Calling or Drawing begins. Donations of small nice items?
*Doors Open London. Adam and Kydra have plays. Free admittance, see Ad in Upcoming Events.
*107th Church Anniversary. Sunday October 16.
*Baptism. Sunday October 23.
*Rinsed empty drink containers for Keanna.
*Food Cupboard. Thank you everyone! Butch. 519-615-9106.
* Mint smoothies Sandra $3.
*Cancelled stamps. Gloria Thompson.
*The Church Website http://www.thechurchofepiphany.com/
* Please Like Our PAGE on Facebook.
*If you wish, our regular weekly donations or special donations may be sent to our Envelope Secretary:
Barb Smallman
4860 Whiteoak Road
London, Ontario
N6E 3Y8
519-680-0649
*Thank you. Ron Adam Anusha Stephen. Dan D for helping with this weekly on line service.
Bible Readings for September 18 2022
Audio for September 18 2022
Opening:
Invitory:
Alleluia! The Spirit of the Lord renews the face of the earth:
O come, let us worship
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
Thematic Prayer:
God of power and justice,
like Jeremiah you weep over those
who wander from you,
turn aside to other gods,
and enter into chaos and destruction.
By your tears and through your mercy,
teach us your ways
and write them on our hearts
so that we may follow faithfully
the path you show us. Amen.
Reading Luke 16:1-13
16:1 Then Jesus said to the disciples, “There was a rich man who had a manager, and charges were brought to him that this man was squandering his property.
16:2 So he summoned him and said to him, ‘What is this that I hear about you? Give me an accounting of your management, because you cannot be my manager any longer.’
16:3 Then the manager said to himself, ‘What will I do, now that my master is taking the position away from me? I am not strong enough to dig, and I am ashamed to beg.
16:4 I have decided what to do so that, when I am dismissed as manager, people may welcome me into their homes.’
16:5 So, summoning his master’s debtors one by one, he asked the first, ‘How much do you owe my master?’
16:6 He answered, ‘A hundred jugs of olive oil.’ He said to him, ‘Take your bill, sit down quickly, and make it fifty.’
16:7 Then he asked another, ‘And how much do you owe?’ He replied, ‘A hundred containers of wheat.’ He said to him, ‘Take your bill and make it eighty.’
16:8 And his master commended the dishonest manager because he had acted shrewdly; for the children of this age are more shrewd in dealing with their own generation than are the children of light.
16:9 And I tell you, make friends for yourselves by means of dishonest wealth so that when it is gone, they may welcome you into the eternal homes.
16:10 “Whoever is faithful in a very little is faithful also in much; and whoever is dishonest in a very little is dishonest also in much.
16:11 If then you have not been faithful with the dishonest wealth, who will entrust to you the true riches?
16:12 And if you have not been faithful with what belongs to another, who will give you what is your own?
16:13 No slave can serve two masters; for a slave will either hate the one and love the other, or be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth.”
Sermon
Henry Ford was known for both his thrift and his charity.
He was visiting his family’s ancestral village in Ireland
when two trustees of the local hospital
found out he was there,
they managed to get in to see him.
They talked him into giving the hospital $5,000 dollars
(this was the 1930’s,
so $5,000 dollars was a great deal of money).
The next morning, at breakfast,
he opened his newspaper to read the banner headline:
“American Millionaire Gives Fifty Thousand
to Local Hospital.”
Ford wasted no time in summoning
the two hospital trustees.
He waved the newspaper in their faces.
“What does this mean?” he demanded.
The trustees apologized profusely.
“Dreadful error,” they said.
They promised to get the editor
to print a retraction the very next day,
stating that the great Henry Ford hadn’t given $50,000,
but only $5,000.
Well, hearing that,
Ford offered them the other $45,000,
under one condition:
that the trustees erect a marble arch
at the entrance of the new hospital,
with a plaque that read,
“I walked among you and you took me in.”
====
Suitable.
After all today is the story of the shrewd manager.
-Similar to the Henry Ford Story.
It is not clear what Jesus’ meaning is.
About wealth maybe….
Money is a strange thing,
To have Enough is good
Too much, like the story of manna in the wilderness,
Is going to go bad, rotten.
===
Maybe like another story:
An enormously rich man
complained to a psychiatrist
that despite his great wealth
which enabled him to have whatever he wanted,
he still felt miserable.
The psychiatrist took the man
to the window overlooking the street.
He and asked, “What do you see?”
The man replied,
“I see men, women, and children.”
The psychiatrist then took the man
to stand in front of mirror
Then asked, “Now what do you see?”
The man said, “I see only myself.”
The psychiatrist then said,
“In the window there is a glass
– in the mirror there is glass,
when you look through the glass of the window,
you see others,
but when you look into the glass of the mirror
you see only yourself.
The reason for this, “said the psychiatrist,
“is that behind the glass in the mirror
is a layer of silver.
When silver is added,
you cease to see others.
You only see yourself.”
Whenever someone’s devotion
to money
to material things causes you to be self-centered,
you then are out of sinc with Christ
who is all about love of others….
To Love you must see others.
===
Now, In today’s parable
Jesus seems to be saying
there is a place for money in our lives.
It would be foolish to imagine
that we could get by without money.
Afterall, there are some things money can do.
Pay for health care, for example.
Put a roof over our heads,
put food in our tummies,
pay the vetrinarian
buy bus tickets.
Try to do it without money.
Impossible.
Jesus knows
There is a place for money in our lives.
He was a most practical man.
He knew that there are some things
only money can do.
Maybe Jesus is saying,
that we are in deep trouble
if money has first place in our lives.
Money is a good servant but a terrible master.
===
Like another story about money and religion,
There was an interesting legal question posed in
The Saturday Evening Post.
It seems that one lovely Sunday
when the sermon was overlong,
the congregation rushed, as usual,
from its pews on the first syllable of “Amen!”
Faithful Abigail, the only worshiper
held entranced by the sermon,
moved slowly and was knocked over.
She sued the church and its officials for damages.
“Those in charge of the church
knew that most of the congregation
stampedes after long sermons,” Abigail argued.
“They should have recognized the danger in the situation.
Not being prepared to cope with it,
they were negligent.”
The church’s attorney argued like this in response:
“A church is a non-profit organization
manned for the most part by volunteers.
No one has a right
to expect it to be run
with the smart efficiency of a business concern.
Abigail, therefore, has no real claim.”
If you were the judge,
would you award damages to Abigail?
Well, those are some shrewd business stories,
To go along with the shrewd steward story.
What is the point?
Well, 2000 years later the answer is
Who knows? It is a mystery. Amen.
Hymn – Sing a New Song
Sing a new song unto the Lord
let your song be sung from mountains high.
Sing a new song unto the Lord,
singing alleluia.
Yahweh’s people dance for joy.
O come before the Lord.
And play for him on glad tambourines,
and let your trumpet sound.
Sing a new song unto the Lord
let your song be sung from mountains high.
Sing a new song unto the Lord,
singing alleluia.
Rise, O children, from your sleep
your Savior now has come.
He has turned your sorrow to joy,
and filled your soul with song.
Sing a new song unto the Lord
let your song be sung from mountains high.
Sing a new song unto the Lord,
singing alleluia.
Glad my soul for I have seen
the glory of the Lord.
The trumpet sounds the dead shall be raised.
I know my Savior lives.
Sing a new song unto the Lord
let your song be sung from mountains high.
Sing a new song unto the Lord,
singing alleluia.
The Apostles’ Creed
I believe in God,
the Father almighty,
creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord.
He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit
and born of the Virgin Mary.
He suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried.
He descended to the dead.
On the third day he rose again.
He ascended into heaven,
and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again
to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic Church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting. Amen.
Prayers:
Friends in Christ,
God invites us to hold the needs of our sisters and brothers
as dear to us as our own needs.
Loving our neighbors as ourselves,
we offer our thanksgivings and our petitions
on behalf of the church and the world,
and proclaim your saving deeds to all the world.
Amen.
Prayers:
Kathy W. Pat P; Grant K; (Jack & Julie); Donna Mc.; (Ron and Jan); Diane; Norma A,; Dave F.; Peter T.; Dan B.;. (Garfield & Diane); Drew T. (Gloria); Sharon; Anne F.; Mary; Marcel D.; Tara; Jeff B.; Nicole; Shelley (Sandra); Marilyn; Val ; Karen T.; Bill, Sheila, Jessica, Sonya, Jamie (Peter); Joel; Melanie; Marlene H. Pam B. (Barb & George); Joyce R. (Bev); Brooks (Kim); Linda; Allan; (Brian G.); Jean N.; Marilyn B.; Connie C.; Jack B.; Jack and Julie. Keanna, Ella D.; Evelyn Mc; (Church) Debbie H (Lorenz); Dori; Belinda,; Kim; Ross B., Francis & Bill W.; Jeff G. (Dori & Jack); Lynda D . (Mary Beth & Paul); Jean (Bruce J.); Brian (Jeanne); Joyce and Jim W.; Sharon D.; Philip D; Jacquie and Cam D.; Diana, Ian, Edna, Mathew & Annika; Janice L & Darrin R; Roland; Clark & Helene.(Suzie D.)
Hear our prayers, God of power,
and through the ministry of your Son
free us from the grip of the fear,
that we may desire you as the fullness of life AMEN
As our Savior taught us, let us pray,
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.
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.
Prayer:
O God,
you call us to embrace
both you and the children of this world
with unconditional love.
Give us grace to discern
what your love demands of us,
that, being faithful in things both great and small,
we may serve you with an undivided heart. Amen.
Blessing from the Book of Common Prayer:
The peace of God, which passeth all understanding, keep your hearts and minds in the knowledge and love of God, and of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord; and the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, be amongst you, and remain with you always. Amen.
Our Parting Blessing Song:
May God’s blessing surround you each day
As you trust Him and walk in His way
May His presence within guard and keep you from sin,
Go in peace, go in joy, go in love.
Go in peace, go in joy, go in love.
“John Denver” concert a great success
Jeremy Smith sings John Denver
On Sunday July 31st at 2 pm our friend Jeremy Smith – world’s greatest John Denver tribute artist – gave a concert at our little church. The concert was well attended and everyone thoroughly enjoyed an afternoon full of music, something that has been missing from Epiphany since the start of the pandemic.
Jeremy started off the concert with songs made famous by the likes of Johnny Cash, Neil Diamond and Frankie Valli. This was followed by a gospel tune, a country ballad and a weird by wonderful rendition of Homegrown Tomatoes made famous by Guy Clark. After that Jeremy moved into his strength as a performer, John Denver songs.
It was a great afternoon of music, One we will remember for a long time.
Thanks Jeremy.
Intro to Ramadan
Above is a picture of our friend and neighbour, Nazia along with Rev. Teresa and Judy
A few weeks ago our Muslim neighbours Nazia & Humaira (Members of ICNA Sisters London) contacted Epiphany through our website with the following beautiful words.
Rev. Teresa responded and the result was a small informal get together last week. I have added a couple of links at the bottom of this post for those of us who wish to know more about our Muslim neighbours and the celebration of Ramadan.
Greetings of Peace and everlasting Health!
I am writing to you today to express my wish to extend a small symbol of my respect and neighborly love for you and your Church community. I am a Muslim neighbor of yours and a member of a Muslim women’s organization called ICNA Sisters Canada, and we are reaching out to you in friendship and goodwill.
This year as we celebrate Eid, which is a celebration at the end of Ramadan, the month of fasting, we want to share our happiness with you. Islam teaches us, as I believe Christianity does too, to spread love and peace and instructs us to begin with those nearest to us. Moreover, not only are we neighbors but brothers and sisters in the Abrahamic tradition. As Muslims, we honor and recognize the immense love for God the Creator that you, as Christians, have in your hearts and see your dedication to all things good as an example for humanity. If you would like, we would love to drop by and hand you a small Eid gift some time/date to your preference.
What is Ramadan
Ramadan Fasting and Traditions
ICNA Sisters
Sing-a-long at Epiphany
On the afternoon of March 17th, St Patrick’s Day the Little Church that Cares hosted an afternoon of sing-a-long music.
Thanks to Steve and Suzanne.
Mary Bosley
Bosley, Mary Ellen
It is with deep sadness that we share that Mary Ellen Bosley passed away peacefully on February 19, 2022 in her 82nd year at Victoria Hospital in London, ON.
Mary was born on August 15, 1940 to Herbert and Beatrice Bosley in London, ON. Mary graduated from Western University while she pursued a career at London Life which she enjoyed for 35 years. Mary was an avid investor who enjoyed the occasional night out at the symphony.
Mary was predeceased by her parents, Herbert and Beatrice. She is survived by her brother, Alex, and sister-in-law, Shirley; her nephews, Keith (Beverly), Kevin (late Gloria), David (Pamela) and Darren; her great-nieces and nephews, Kayla, Rachel, Olivia, Philip and Brandon; and her cousin Barbara (late Steve) Clarke and her family.
Mary’s family would like to extend their heartfelt thank-you to Patty, Jean and the various PSW staff for their dedicated help.
Visitation is to be held Tuesday, February 22 from 1-2 p.m. at Harris Funeral Home, 220 St. James St. at Richmond in London with the funeral service to follow at 2 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to a charity of your choice would be greatly appreciated by the family.
All Saints Safe Home
