Epiphany Service For June 26, 2022
Image: Hodges Hill, Crescent Moon and the Exploits River by Christopher Pratt
The flowers in the Sanctuary today are to the Glory of God and in loving memory of a dear husband Jean-Pierre Tremblay given by Hilda Sampson.
*Thank you Rev. Peter for Preaching, June 26.
**Crafts Third Saturday 10 till 12.
*Rinsed Aluminum Cans for Keanna
*Church services at 9:15 and 11 am. No services in August. Start after Labour Day.
*Altar Flower, Dan & Sue (shrimpforbait@rogers.com). A donation of $20
*Calendar Planning meeting.
*Food Cupboard. Thank you everyone! Butch. 519-615-9106.
*Mint smoothies Sandra $3.
*Bible Study Tuesday at 10 a.m Rev. Peter.. Closing potluck June 28.
*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.
Audio for Jun 26 Service 2022
Opening:
Officiant Lord, open our lips,
People And our mouth shall proclaim your praise
Officiant O God, make speed to save us.
People O Lord, make haste to help us.
All Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the
Holy Spirit: as it was in the beginning, is now,
and will be for ever. Amen.
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
Prayer:
Beckoning God,
as you moved in the lives of Elijah and Elisha,
move in our lives,
inviting us to journey to unknown territory,
to listen for your voice,
and to speak your prophetic word
in a world that does not want to hear.
empowered by your Spirit,
grant us the courage we need
to journey, trust, listen, speak,
and accept your commission
to be your faithful servant people. Amen.
Reading Luke 9:51-62
9:51 When the days drew near for him to be taken up, he set his face to go to Jerusalem.
9:52 And he sent messengers ahead of him. On their way they entered a village of the Samaritans to make ready for him;
9:53 but they did not receive him, because his face was set toward Jerusalem.
9:54 When his disciples James and John saw it, they said, “Lord, do you want us to command fire to come down from heaven and consume them?”
9:55 But he turned and rebuked them.
9:56 Then they went on to another village.
9:57 As they were going along the road, someone said to him, “I will follow you wherever you go.”
9:58 And Jesus said to him, “Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.”
9:59 To another he said, “Follow me.” But he said, “Lord, first let me go and bury my father.”
9:60 But Jesus said to him, “Let the dead bury their own dead; but as for you, go and proclaim the kingdom of God.”
9:61 Another said, “I will follow you, Lord; but let me first say farewell to those at my home.”
9:62 Jesus said to him, “No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.”
Sermon
Luke 9:51-62
Anyone ever visit a water park?
It’s that time of year when people flock to parks and stand in hour-long lines to go down the biggest, best water slide in the entire region.
You wait and you wait until finally you get to the top of that slide, look down, and….panic!
It looks like a long, long way down.
You look back.
The line is thick and there’s no way you can turn back.
You’ve got to go ahead, close your eyes, and risk it, despite the paralyzing fear!
We love the excitement and novelty of doing exciting and somewhat dangerous things.
But when it comes down to the moment of truth, we often want to chicken out.
That’s where true commitment to following through is the only way to go.
=====
There is the same fear from getting a companion animal.
That phrase, “you’re never ready,” is often quite true.
As the adoption draws near, we can start to panic!
What if I’m not a good owner!
My entire life is going to change.
Can I really pull this off?
When the moment comes, it’s too late to turn back.
But once that pet is here, its little eyes melt our hearts, and all of that fretting and worry is soon forgotten.
You go forward and commit to a lifetime of loving that animal,
along with all of the responsibilities that go with it.
Your life does change.
But no one would say it wasn’t entirely worth it.
===
Now that said, committing to the wrong things can get you into a lot of trouble.
Sometimes, you can be on the road to a very poor decision,
realize your mistake,
and turning back is entirely the right thing to do.
Unless you can’t!
And sometimes that can happen.
Anyone who has seen Jurassic Park remembers the line, “Do you know what you’re committing to?”
Because sometimes,
there’s truly no turning back,
you have to be committed not only to your decision
but to the responsibility that goes with it,
the outcomes,
the consequences.
=====
Today’s scripture story is about commitment
–the commitment to discipleship,
to following Jesus,
with all of the danger,
responsibility,
and difficulties that go with it.
He has come to the time of reckoning in his ministry
— he’s on his way to Jerusalem.
The road ahead is not going to be easy.
Anyone going with him at this point
will be committing to a very difficult life indeed,
Jesus does not hide this fact.
He very bluntly lets whoever wants to follow him
know what life as his disciple will truly be like.
Jesus is not into sugar-coating discipleship.
He doesn’t say, come along with me.
You’ll get a great salary,
awesome benefits,
lots of perks,
excellent food,
5-star hotels,
and a gym membership.
He says,
life with me is like being perpetually on the run.
You can’t stop to rest,
you’ll be constantly watched and threatened.
You may be in danger.
Many will reject you and give you no place to sleep at night.
We move from place to place.
You must be entirely committed to the journey,
so much that you’ll spend most of your time
away from your family and friends.
You will need to give your time and energy
entirely to this mission.
And then you’ll be rejected by nearly everyone.
==========
Sounds like a great job, right?
Like a firehouse that had a sign outside on the lawn,
it read:
Fire Fighters Wanted:
Hard Labor, Low Pay, Odd Hours, Cool Ride
While it was meant to be amusing,
the sign also spoke the truth!
And yet, ask a firefighter in any town,
you’ll find a community loving volunteer
who is proud to serve
who loves the camaraderie and satisfaction
of protecting homes and lives.
Think of the health care workers,
exhausted,
who worked long hours in wearing masks
taking personal risks
in the midst of a dangerous Covid shut down.
Think of the teachers who went back into the schools.
===
We commit to what means a great deal to us.
When we are serious about what we want to do,
we will find no excuses for not doing it.
We leap into dangerous situations all the time,
when we are committed to the mission
and purpose of what we are doing.
It takes real courage.
====
We all know this.
No one commits to a semi-marriage.
No one commits to partial care giving.
No one commits to winning a race by refusing to practice.
No one commits to school and does not attend their classes.
==
What we care about,
we commit to,
what we truly commit to,
we will go through anything to follow through.
===
This is the challenge that Jesus is presenting
to anyone wanting to follow him,
especially during this time
near the end of his ministry.
===
How serious are you about doing this?
Jesus might have said.
What does it take to come with me?
Unconditional commitment.
No half-way.
No sort of disciples.
No change your mind tomorrow.
You’re in or you’re out.
Look ahead, not behind.
Once you come on the road with me,
there’s no turning back.
Can you look ahead and not back?
Can you leave your friends and family?
Can you risk danger, little sleep, rejection, and discouragement?
Do you know what you’re committing to?
If you do,
“Come follow me,
If you’re not on it, you’ve lost your shot.”
We most often look at Jesus
as a kind, loving, caring person,
he certainly was.
But he was also tough as nails
blunt as he could be.
He had to be.
Jesus knew that true discipleship
is not an afterthought
or a fun excursion,
and definitely not a walk in the park
(maybe Jurassic Park!).
It’s a serious occupation,
driven by mission,
and fraught with the unexpected.
Today too, this hasn’t changed.
Anyone looking at the church today
knows how much commitment
it will take to continue to carry out the mission
that Jesus intended
–to bring the message of God’s love
to the world.
In our culture today as well…..
if you are truly a disciple of Jesus….
truly committed to the mission of the gospel,
you too will experience discouragement,
rejection, dismissal, or worse.
For discipleship is not an easy road.
It’s a life-long mission that will challenge you
and change you.
Discipleship with Jesus is a risk.
NO guarantees.
No certainties.
No security.
No plan.
All it requires is for you to let go of your expectations
and your past,
and to forge into the future,
trusting Jesus
to lead you into future places,
where you have never been before.
Are you ready to sign up?
Let’s Go ahead.
Double dare us
Hymn: Holy Holy Holy
Holy, holy, holy
Lord God almighty
Early in the morning my song shall rise to thee
Holy. holy, holy
Merciful and mighty
God in three persons, blessed Trinity
Holy, holy, holy
All the saints adore Thee
Casting down their golden crowns around the glassy sea
All the cherubim and seraphim are falling down before Thee
Which wert and art and evermore shalt be
Holy, holy, holy
Though the darkness hide Thee
Though the eyes of sinful man Thy glory may not see
Lord, only Thou art holy and there is none beside Thee
Perfect in power, in love and purity
Holy, holy, holy
Lord God almighty
All Thy works shall praise Thy name in earth and sky and sea
Holy, holy, holy
Merciful and mighty
You are God in three persons, blessed Trinity
You are God in three persons, blessed Trinity
Oh, God in three persons, blessed Trinity
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:
As you heard the prayer of Isaac and Rebekah, O God,
and guided them in the way of your love,
so listen now to those who call upon you.
Prayers: Anne F.; Brian; Dorothy; Mary; Marcel D.; Tara; Jeff B.; Nicole; Shelley (Sandra); Joel; Melanie; Marlene H. Pam B. (Barb & George); Joyce R. (Bev); Val ; Karen T.;Bill, Sheila, Jessica, Sonya, Jamie (Peter); Brooks (Kim); Linda; Allan; (Brian G.); Colleen; Jean N.; Marilyn B.; Connie C.; Jack B.; Jack and Julie. Keanna, Ella D.; Evelyn Mc; (Church) Norma A,;Dave F.; Peter T.; Dan B.;. (Garfield & Diane); Merico (Darlene); Debbie H (Lorenz); Donna Mc.; John (Ron and Jan); Jade (Carol R.); Dori; Belinda,; Kim; Ross B., Francis & Bill W.; Jeff G. (Dori & Jack); Michelle P.;(Jim P.) Pat P; Grant K; Kathy W. (Jack & Julie); 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; Pansy V; Clark & Helene.(Suzie D.)
Move us to praise your gracious will,
for in Christ Jesus you have saved us from the deeds of death
and opened for us the hidden ways of your love.
We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord. 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:
God of heaven and earth,
before the foundation of the universe and the beginning of time
you are the triune God:
the Author of creation,
the eternal Word of salvation,
and the life-giving Spirit of wisdom.
Guide us to all truth by your Spirit,
that we may proclaim all that Christ revealed
and rejoice in the glory he shared with us.
Glory and praise to you, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit,
now and for ever. 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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In Person Services
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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 June 19, 2022
The silhouette of a large red deer stag walking in the golden morning mist one autumn day
The flowers in the sanctuary today are to the Glory of God and in loving memory of my husband Robert, granddaughter Lindsay, sisters Linda and Dianne, parents Les & Ethel Whittington and in-laws Marjory & Robert Williams given by Sharon Williams and family
*Thank you Rev. Peter for Preaching, June 26.
**Crafts Third Saturday 10 till 12.
*Rinsed Aluminum Cans for Keanna
*Weekly service on website.
*Church services at 9:15 and 11 am.
No services in August. Start after Labour Day.
*Altar Flower, Dan & Sue (shrimpforbait@rogers.com). A donation of $20
*Tues June 21. 7 p.m. Calendar Planning meeting.
*Food Cupboard. Thank you everyone! Butch. 519-615-9106.
*Mint smoothies Sandra $3.
*Bible Study Tuesday at 10 a.m Rev. Peter.
*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.
Audio for Jun 19 Service 2022
Bible readings for Jun 12 2022
-
1 Kings 19:1-4, (5-7), 8-15a and Psalm 42 and 43
-
Isaiah 65:1-9 and Psalm 22:19-28
-
Galatians 3:23-29
-
Luke 8:26-39
Opening:
Officiant Lord, open our lips,
People And our mouth shall proclaim your praise
.
Officiant O God, make speed to save us.
People O Lord, make haste to help us.
All Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the
Holy Spirit: as it was in the beginning, is now,
and will be for ever. Amen.
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
Prayer:
God of delight,
your Wisdom sings your Word
at the crossroads where humanity and divinity meet.
Invite us into your joyful being
where you know and are known
in each beginning,
in all sustenance,
in every redemption,
that we may manifest your unity
in the diverse ministries you entrust to us,
truly reflecting your triune majesty
in the faith that acts,
in the hope that does not disappoint,
and in the love that endures. Amen.
Reading Psalm 42
42:1 As a deer longs for flowing streams, so my soul longs for you, O God.
42:2 My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When shall I come and behold the face of God?
42:3 My tears have been my food day and night, while people say to me continually, “Where is your God?”
42:4 These things I remember, as I pour out my soul: how I went with the throng, and led them in procession to the house of God, with glad shouts and songs of thanksgiving, a multitude keeping festival.
42:5 Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my help
42:6 and my God. My soul is cast down within me; therefore I remember you from the land of Jordan and of Hermon, from Mount Mizar.
42:7 Deep calls to deep at the thunder of your cataracts; all your waves and your billows have gone over me.
42:8 By day the LORD commands his steadfast love, and at night his song is with me, a prayer to the God of my life.
42:9 I say to God, my rock, “Why have you forgotten me? Why must I walk about mournfully because the enemy oppresses me?”
42:10 As with a deadly wound in my body, my adversaries taunt me, while they say to me continually, “Where is your God?”
42:11 Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my help and my God.
Prayer
Psalm 42:1-11
We know eating and drinking is natural and necessary.
Our psalm today says::
Like eating and drinking,
prayer is natural and necessary.
Prayer is at the centre of the Christian life.
Prayer, however practiced,
is an from of our hunger for God.
==
Augustine’said
: “For thee were we made, O God,
and our hearts are restless
until they find their rest in thee
==
.” So, that is where we begin
as we talk about prayer .
-
Prayer Is a Hunger
We have a hunger to experience meaning,
to know that life has purpose.
It is a hunger
to know life is cradled in a bigger Is.
Augustine’s word is still true:
“For thee were we made, O God,
and our hearts are restless till they rest in you.”
===
The first beatitude of Jesus (Matthew 5:3)
in the Sermon on the Mount speaks to this issue.
“Blessed are the poor in spirit”
is the traditional translation of this passsage.
But it can read:
How blest are those who know
their need of God”
==
The psalmist spoke this truth
“As a hart longs for flowing streams,
so longs,
my soul for thee, O God.
My soul thirsts for God,
for the living God.
When shall I come and behold the face of God?”
===
So, prayer is a hunger.
It is also a trust rooted
in the belief that we are not alone in the world,
that there is help
-
Prayer Is Companionship with God
Here and now,
we are God’s friends..
John had been with Jesus in the upper room.
He had heard Jesus say,
“Greater love has no one than this,
that a person lay down their life for his friends.
You are my friends…
No longer do I call you servants,
for the servant does not know
what his master is doing;
but I have called you friends,
for all that I have heard from my Father
I have made known to you”
Here at church,
We have this in common…
We are persons in relationship.
with God.
We share that understanding.
The surest sign of relationship is conversation –
talking and listening to another.
So since we are friends of Christ,
As he said,
Of course we talk and listen…
That is we pray.
====
But let us make some more general observations about prayer.
One, prayer is not easy.
There is a difference between the tendency to pray
and the practice of prayer.
We have the tendency to pray –
Pray as in
the sudden crying out in the face of pain or trouble;
the spontaneous shout of joy in the presence of beauty,
We give expression toprayer
With the moods and circumstances of our life.
Crying out is prayer,
But the practice of prayer is more disciplined.
To live a life of prayer is something else.
Don’t condemn yourself if you find praying difficult.
Most of us do.
Even those whom we call saints found or find praying difficult.
Read their journals and confessions,
and you will find them struggling.
The disciples didn’t find it easy.
But to deliberately set aside time to pray
Is good.
===
A second assumption is that communication with God is possible.
Someone says:
This has been one of the greatest difficulties in my life
– to believe that I could actually talk with God,
that God would hear and listen and respond to me.
What it means is that I,
among all the millions of people in the world,
can have personal communication with the Father.
Of course we know,
God is like a shepherd
who misses even one lost sheep from the flock,
That said,
Let us know that Prayer Is a Privilege
not a duty.
Sometimes we can see prayer as a discipline,
as a duty,
something we must do.
We’ve been taught that we ought to pray,
when we don’t,
we feel guilty.
We will take a giant step forward
in our adventure with our Lord
when we stop seeing prayer as a duty
when we begin to look upon it as a privilege.
As a privilege,
the discipline of praying becomes a creative freedom,
not a bondage of duty.
Consider this testimony of Sir Wilfred Grenfell:
“The privilege of prayer to me
is one of the most cherished possessions,
because faith and experience alike
convince me
that God sees and answers
It is only my part to ask.
It is entirely His to give or withhold,
as He knows best.
If it were otherwise,
I would not dare to pray at all.
In the quiet of home
in the heat of life and strife,
in the face of death,
the privilege of speech with God is inestimable.
I value it more
because it calls for nothing
that a person cannot give –
that is,
the simplest expression to his simplest thought.
When I can neither see, nor hear, nor speak,
still I can pray
so that God can hear.
When I finally pass through
the valley of the shadow of death,
I expect to pass through it
in conversation with Him.”
One last thing:
We Pray to Experience God
We pray to experience God as real.
Sometimes
People say that they do not pray
because God is not real to them.
A truer statement might be
that God is not real to them
because they do not pray.
Harry Emerson Fosdick puts this graphically:
The practice of prayer is necessary to make God
not merely an idea held in the mind
but a Presence recognized in the life.
=
Likewise
From the heart
the psalmist cried,
“O God, thou art my God” (Psalm 63:1).
To stand afar off and say “O God”
is neither difficult nor searching…
but it is an inward and searching matter to say,
“O God, though art my God.”
The first is theology,
the second is religion;
the first involves only opinion,
the second involves experience;
the first can be reached by thought,
the second must be reached by prayer;
the first leaves God afar off,
the second alone draws near God..
Is this a new thought to you?
What an insight:
God does not seem real because we do not pray.
If we want to be close with God,
we must pray.
However prayer is for you?
However inadequate we may feel,
The important thing is to reach out,
To seek like the deer for water
=============================
Hymn: What a Beautiful Day
As I wake up with the morning, of each day that passes by,
and I listen to the sounds upon my ear,
I can’t help but keep a watch toward the eastern sky,
and I wonder if the trumpet will be the next sound that I hear.
What a beautiful day for the Lord to come again,
what a beautiful day for him to take his children home,
how I long to see his face and to touch his nail scared hand,
what a beautiful day for the Lord to come again.
All my earthly disappointments and my trials here below,
fade away when I remember his last words,
he said he’d return and receive his children unto him
and I’m longing to look upon the face of my dear Lord.
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:
Holy, holy, holy God,
in calling forth creation from the void,
revealing yourself in human flesh,
and pouring forth your wisdom to guide us,
you manifest your concern for your whole universe.
You invite us, as your people,
to gather the world’s needs into our hearts
and bring them before you.
Prayers: Brooks (Kim); Linda; Allan; (Brian G.); Brian; Dorothy; Mary; Marcel D.; Tara; Jeff B.; Nicole; Shelley (Sandra); Colleen; Jean N.; Marilyn B.; Connie C.; Jack B.; Jack and Julie. Keanna, Ella D.; Evelyn Mc; (Church) Norma A,;Dave F.; Peter T.; Dan B.;. (Garfield & Diane); Merico (Darlene); Debbie H (Lorenz); Donna Mc.; John (Ron and Jan); Val ; Karen T.;Bill, Sheila, Jessica, Sonya, Jamie (Peter); Jade (Carol R.); Dori; Belinda,; Kim; Ross B., Francis & Bill W.; Jeff G. (Dori & Jack); Michelle P.;(Jim P.) Pat P; Grant K; Kathy W. (Jack & Julie);Melanie; Marlene H. Pam B. (Barb & George); 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; Pansy V; Clark & Helene.(Suzie D.)
Holy, holy, holy God,
fill us with strength and courage,
with discernment and compassion,
that we may be your instruments of justice and love in this world, that it may be on earth as it is in heaven. 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:
God of heaven and earth,
before the foundation of the universe and the beginning of time
you are the triune God:
the Author of creation,
the eternal Word of salvation,
and the life-giving Spirit of wisdom.
Guide us to all truth by your Spirit,
that we may proclaim all that Christ revealed
and rejoice in the glory he shared with us.
Glory and praise to you, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit,
now and for ever. 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.
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
