|
|
Blessings, Backpacks and BBQ Lunch- Friday, September 16, 2022 The backpacks assembled at the altar told the story. Kids were back in school and it was time to bless them, acknowledge their jitters, but also reassure them that no matter what the new school year brings "God's got their backs." This year we also had backpacks for children recently arrived from Ukraine. Thank-you to everyone for your donations! Pastor Vida loaded her car and drove out to Holy Eucharist Cathedral in New Westminster on Thursday afternoon. There she was greeted by children and their parents including assistant priest, Father Yuriy and his three children who had just arrived from Ukraine the day before! Although the seventeen backpacks could be considered a modest donation, they nevertheless conveyed a message of compassion and care. It was particularly meaningful to the Ukrainian children when they heard some of the backpacks came from children from Gloria Dei. Following a prayer and blessing by Father Yuriy, the children did not waste time choosing a backpack from the table. Iryna, parish co-ordinater of the aid effort for Ukrainian newcomers, will distribute the remainder of the backpacks to families who could not attend last Thursday's function. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ In celebration of the Season of Creation, we had wanted to hold last Sunday's worship and BBQ potluck lunch outside, but wildfire smoke blanketing the North Shore forced us to go inside. However, this didn't dampen the community spirit which was evident in the lively conversations around the tables. Thank-you to all who brought wonderful dishes to share, and our cooks and kitchen clean-up crew - you know who you are. Our gathering was also blessed by the participation of new Ukrainian friends, Viktoriya, Oxana, and her daughters, Sofiya and little Alice. For more photos go to our website by clicking on the "Read More" button below. For more infomation visit:
|
Season of Creation Prayer Walk
Al and I went for one of our walks along Boundary Bay earlier this evening. The waters were calm and tide was almost at its peak. There was nothing particularly noteworthy about the scenery - a cloud cover blanketed most of the sky hiding the radiance of the setting sun. There were a few shore birds feeding in the shallows as they do every evening this time of year at this stopping point on their southern migration. It all seemed rather ordinary . . . and yet, the tranquility and peaceableness of the place soothed my soul. I remarked to Al, "it is just good to be out here, in nature, under the big sky among God's creatures that call this marshland home." It is all to easy to overlook the ordinary moments of life -- a heron poised so still before lunging forward to grab its prey, crickets chrping, the last pink blooms of wild pea flowers. But in fact, they are sheer wonders, astonishments, glories to behold.
In this Season of Creation I invite you to take a prayer walk. Go to a park, or along the shore, or a forest trail, even your own backyard - anywhere where you can connect with God's creation. As you go on your walk, look out for things in the world that you think are amazing. It could be a flower, a beautiful tree, a leaf, or the way the sun lights up a space – anything about creation that you want to give thanks for. Look for God in the world around you – what do you see? What do you hear? You may want to take a photo or draw a picture of what gave you Joy. Consider a way that you could put your drawing/photo somewhere to remind you of the goodness of God’s creation. For a short video of what we saw and heard on our prayer walk along Boundary Bay, click on the "Read More" button below.
For more infomation visit:
|
Online Vigil for Peace
September 21, 7:30 PM - Online Vigil for Peace - (“Peace Day”) is observed around the world each year on 21 September. Established in 1981 by unanimous United Nations resolution, Peace Day provides a globally shared date for all humanity to commit to Peace above all differences and to contribute to building a culture of Peace. The BC Synod Leadership Team for the Vigil for Peace invites us to commemorate this day by participating in an online Vigil for Peace to pray for all in need-- the people involved in the tragic violence in Saskatchewan, the wars in Ukraine, Afghanistan, Yemen, Syria, Ethiopia, and so many other places around the world. Mark your calendars and email gloriadei5838@gmail.com for the Zoom link which will be sent out on Sept. 20. |
Pastor Vida's Induction Service
October 30, 2:00PM: Save the Date! Our 10am Service will be cancelled, and everyone is warmly invited to a festival service in which Pastor Vida will be inducted as our regular called pastor. A light reception will follow. |