Thursday 29 October 2015

 
Welcome to the St. Stephen’s Anglican Parish Blog for Sunday, 1 November 2015
(All Saints’ Day).  
Remember to turn your clock back on Saturday after all the Trick or Treaters have gone home.
 
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WORSHIP NEXT WEEK
1 November, 2015
All Saints’ Day
Twenty-Third Sunday after Pentecost
 
  8:00 am        St. Stephen’s, Chester        -   Holy Communion 
            11:00 am        St. Stephen’s, Chester        -   Holy Baptism & Eucharist
   4:00 pm        Tuck Hall, Chester              -   Messy Church        
                                   
    Readings: Isaiah 25:6-9, Psalm 24; Revelations 21: 1-6a;
John 11: 32-44
 
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ANNOUNCEMENTS
 
 
WELCOME – On Sunday, 1 November, St. Stephen’s Parish welcomes Seanna Shirley Marie Petley, daughter of Candace and Michael,
 into the family of God through the waters of Holy Baptism.
 
WATER BOTTLES NEEDED - The Pastoral Committee is still looking for empty 500ml  water bottles (with the screw tops) which will be used to collect donations.  Bottles can be dropped off at the Parish Centre.
 
PASTORAL COMMITTEE MEETING: Monday, 16 November at 10:00 am in the Tyler Grant Room
 
PARISH COUNCIL  MEETING - on Monday, 16 November at 7:00 pm in Tuck Hall.
 
ANNUAL CHRISTMAS BAZAAR: will take place on Sat, 21 November.  Doors open from 11:00, lunch 11:30 - 1:00 pm (soups, breads, dessert, tea and coffee - $8 Adults $5 children 5-10, under 5 free). Bake table, wreaths, books, Christmas items.  For more information contact Vicky by email at tvjnmyoung@yahoo.ca,  
Donations of books and gently used Christmas items would be gratefully received.
 
REFUGEE SUPPORT MEETINGS - A public information session will take place at 7:00 pm, Mon, 23 November in Tuck Hall. All welcome.
 
CHRISTMAS 2015 PLUM PUDDING SALE - To order your plum puddings, please complete the order sheets at the Parish Centre or in St. Stephen’s Church as soon as possible.  Small - $9 Large - $18.  Ready late November or early December.
For more information please call St. Stephen’s Parish Office at 902-275-3804.
 
CANADIAN CHURCH CALENDAR 2016 - there are still some calendars available. $6 each.  Please contact Joyce Hiltz or leave a message at the parish office 902-275-3804
 
PRAYER BREAKFAST - At 9:00 am in Tuck Hall, St. Stephen’s Parish Centre in Chester on the last Saturday of each month except December.     
 
LENTEN LUNCH SPEAKERS - The Pastoral Committee is looking for suggestions for topics and speakers for the Lenten Lunch program.  If you have any ideas please sent an email or note to Cindy in the Parish Office.                   
 
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THIS WEEK IN THE PARISH
 
ANGLICAN LAY READER COURSE - cancelled for Halloween.  Next class on Sunday, 8 Nov, 7:00-9:00 pm . The topic - Church History. All Welcome
MUSICAL FRIENDS - (Vintage Voices, Band, Tuneful Tots, etc) on Mon, 2 Nov, from 1:00 - 4:30 pm in St. Stephen’s Church.
BIBLE TALK - Wed, 4 Nov, 10:30 am, in Tyler Grant Room.  All welcome!
CHOIR PRACTICE - Thurs, 5 Nov, 7:00 pm in St. Stephen’s Church.
 
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WORSHIP NEXT WEEK
8 November, 2015
Twenty-Fourth Sunday after Pentecost
 
       8:00 am        St. Stephen’s, Chester         -   Holy Communion
       9:00 am        St. George’s, East River       -   Holy Eucharist
      11:00 am        St. Stephen’s, Chester         -   Holy Eucharist
       4:30 pm        All Saints’, Canaan       -   Holy Eucharist
                                   
    Readings: Ruth 3: 1-5, 4:13-17;, Psalm 127; Hebrews 9:24-28
Mark 12: 38-44
 
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PARISH TRANSITION PRAYER
    O Faithful God, as your people, we cherish our memories and our history as a sacred gift. We ask you to guide us in our time of transition. Bless and direct the parochial committee as it carries out the work of finding a new rector, that through your Holy Spirit they may make wise decisions on behalf of the parish. Lead all parishioners in Your wisdom, that we might be receptive to change and growth. Give us Your grace to redirect our hearts that we may be willing to offer ourselves in joyful service. Do not allow fear, ignorance or pride to limit the work of your Spirit, nor allow tradition to prevent the creativity within us from bearing fruit. Open our hearts to the call of the Gospel. Give us courage and renewed hope, that we may meet the challenge of being the church of our time. We ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.
 
 
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Friday 23 October 2015

 
Welcome to St. Stephen’s Anglican Parish Blog for
Sunday, 25 October, 2015. 
   Have a wonderful weekend.
 
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WORSHIP THIS WEEK
25 October, 2015
Twenty-Second Sunday after Pentecost
 
         8:00 am        St. Stephen’s, Chester         -   Holy Communion 
       9:00 am        St. George’s, East River      -   Prayer & Praise 
      11:00 am        St. Stephen’s, Chester         -   Holy Eucharist   
                    4:30 pm       All Saint’s, Canaan               -  Evening Prayers            
                                  
    Readings: Job 42: 1-6, 10-17; Psalm 34: 1-8, (19-22); Hebrews 7: 23-28;
Mark 10: 46-52
 
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ANNOUNCEMENTS
 
 
COLCANNON SUPPER – at St. John’s Anglican Church in Chester Basin from 4:30 – 6:00 pm.  All welcome.
 
WELCOME TO THE MEN’S CHOIR - This Sunday in St. Stephen’s Church at 11:00 am, we are blessed with a visit from the Men’s Choir which has been joining us on and off for about 20 years.
 
AN EVENING OF MUSIC AND SONG - at 7:00 pm, Sunday 25 October in St. Barnabus Church, Blandford.  All welcome.  Contributions go to St Barnabus.
 
PARISH OFFICE HOURS: Mon-Fri, 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
 
WATER BOTTLES NEEDED - The Pastoral Committee is still looking for empty 500ml  water bottles (with the screw tops) which will be used to collect donations. 
Bottles can be dropped off at the Parish Centre. 
DINNER THEATRE - “On The Air” - Saturday, 24 October at the Little Red School in Canaan.  Doors open at 5:00 pm, show starts at 6:00 pm.  Dinner served will be salad, roast beef and dessert.  Tickets $25.00.  To book tickets, please contact Maxine at 902-275-3496 or 902-275-3777.  Book soon - tickets go quickly!
 
ORDINATION - Nicholas Hatt will be ordained as a deacon by Bishop Ron Cutler on Wed, 28 October at 7:00 pm in the Cathedral Church of All Saints, 1330 Martello St., Halifax.  All are welcome to attend, and your prayers for Nicholas would be very much appreciated.
 
CHILDREN’S HALLOWEEN PARTY - at 2:00 pm on Sunday, 25 Oct at the East River Village Hall.  There will be games, treats, crafts, costume parade and all kind of fun.  Donation jar at the door.  All Welcome (any age) for info call 902-275-5720.
 
ANNUAL CHRISTMAS BAZAAR: will take place on Sat, 21 November.  Doors open from 11:00, lunch 11:30 - 1:00 pm (soups, breads,dessert, tea and coffee - $8 Adults $5 children 5-10, under 5 free). Bake table, wreaths, books, Christmas items.  For more information contact Vicky by email at tvjnmyoung@yahoo.ca,   Donations of books and gently used Christmas items would be gratefully received.
 
REFUGEE SUPPORT MEETINGS - A public information session will take place at 7:00 pm, Mon, 23 November in Tuck Hall. All welcome.                                   
 
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THIS WEEK IN THE PARISH
 
ANGLICAN LAYREADER COURSE - at 1:00-3:00 pm on Sunday, 25 Oct this week’s topic - Anglican Doctrine.  All Welcome
MUSICAL FRIENDS - (Vintage Voices, Band, Tuneful Tots, etc) on Mon, 26 Oct, from 1:00 - 4:30 pm
HOSPITALITY COMMITTEE: meeting on Tuesday, 27 Oct, 7:00 pm in Tyler Grant Room.
BIBLE TALK - Wed, 28 Oct, 10:30 am, in Tyler Grant Room.  All welcome!
CHOIR PRACTICE - Thurs, 29 Oct, 7:00 pm in Tuck Hall.
MESSY CHURCH - on 1 Nov, 4:00 pm in Tuck Hall.  All welcome!
   
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WORSHIP NEXT WEEK
1 November, 2015
All Saints’ Day
Twenty-Third Sunday after Pentecost
 
8:00 am        St. Stephen’s, Chester        -   Holy Communion
           11:00 am        St. Stephen’s, Chester        -   Holy Baptism & Eucharist
4:00 pm        Tuck Hall, Chester              -   Messy Church    
                                   
   Readings: Isaiah 25: 6-9, Psalm 24; Revelations 21: 1-6a;
John 11: 32-44
 
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PARISH TRANSITION PRAYER
 
    O Faithful God, as your people, we cherish our memories and our history as a sacred gift.
We ask you to guide us in our time of transition.
Bless and direct the parochial committee as it carries out the work of finding a new rector,
that through your Holy Spirit they may make wise decisions on behalf of the parish.
Lead all parishioners in Your wisdom, that we might be receptive to change and growth.
Give us Your grace to redirect our hearts that we may be willing to offer ourselves in joyful service.
Do not allow fear, ignorance or pride to limit the work of your Spirit,
nor allow tradition to prevent the creativity within us from bearing fruit.
Open our hearts to the call of the Gospel. Give us courage and renewed hope,
that we may meet the challenge of being the church of our time. We ask this in Jesus’ name.
Amen.
 
 
 
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Thursday 15 October 2015

 
Welcome to St. Stephen’s Anglican Parish Blog for  Sunday, 18 October 2015. 
Just a reminder that in the Tyler Grant Room at the Parish Centre from 7:00-9:00 pm on Saturday, 17 October, the topic for our Learning About Our Anglican Worship program is 
“ Bible Basics – what it is, how to read it, how to share it”. Everyone is welcome . 
We hope to see all of you at the farewell party for Reverend Gordon and Donna on Sunday afternoon in Tuck Hall. The tea will be strong and the tales will be tall. 
 
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WORSHIP THIS WEEK
18 October, 2015
Twenty-first Sunday after Pentecost
 
8:00 am        St. Stephen’s, Chester         -   Holy Communion
   9:00 am        St. George’s, East River      -   Holy Eucharist       
            11:00 am        St. Stephen’s, Chester         -   Holy Eucharist                  
                                   
    Readings: Job 38: 1-7; Psalm 104: 1-9, 25, 37b; Hebrews 5: 1 - 10;
Mark 10: 35-45
 
Image result for the son of man not to be served but to serve
 
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ANNOUNCEMENTS
 
 
PARISH OFFICE HOURS: Mon-Fri, 9:00 am - 12:00 pm from 19 Oct. 2015.
TUCK  HALL IN THE PARISH CENTRE CHESTER - is being used as a Polling Station on Mon, 19 October for the federal election.
FOOD BANK  - We don’t need a special day to give to the Food Bank- please give generously whenever you can.
WATER BOTTLES NEEDED - The Pastoral Committee is working to help raise funds for PWRDF.  The committee is looking for small empty water bottles (with the screw tops) which will be used to collect donations.  Bottles can be dropped off at the Parish Centre.
RETIREMENT PARTY FOR REVEREND GORDON AND DONNA - will be held today ,Sunday, 18 October from 3:00 - 5:00 pm in Tuck Hall.  Please join us to say farewell to the Druggetts and to wish them all the best for their retirement.
DINNER THEATRE - “On The Air” - Saturday, 24 October at the Little Red School in Canaan.  Doors open at 5:00 pm, show starts at 6:00 pm.  Dinner served will be salad, roast beef and dessert.  Tickets $25.00.  To book tickets, please contact Maxine at 902-275-3496 or 902-275-3777.  Book soon - tickets go quickly!
ORDINATION - Nicholas Hatt will be ordained as a deacon by Bishop Ron Cutler on Wed, 28 October at 7:00 pm in the Cathedral Church of All Saints, 1330 Martello St., Halifax.  All are welcome to attend, and your prayers for Nicholas would be very much appreciated.
REFUGEE SUPPORT MEETINGS - Voting of the four congregations last week was all positive and the Refugee Committee met on 13 Oct.  A public information session will take place at 7:00 pm, Mon, 2 November in Tuck Hall on how you can support the effort.
ANNUAL CHRISTMAS BAZAAR: will take place on Sat, 21 November.  Doors open from 11:00, lunch 11:30 - 1:00 pm (soups, breads,dessert, tea and coffee - $8 Adults $5 children 5-10, under 5 free). Bake table, wreaths, books, Christmas items.  For more information contact Vicky by email at tvjnmyoung@yahoo.ca,   Donations of books and gently used Christmas items would be gratefully received.
                
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THIS WEEK IN THE PARISH
 
MUSICAL FRIENDS - due to the Election, all groups will be using St. Stephen’s Church on Mon, 19 Oct, from 1:00 - 4:30 pm
PARISH COUNCIL - Tuesday, 20 Oct, 7:00 pm in Tuck Hall.
BIBLE TALK - Wed, 21 Oct, 10:30 am, in Tyler Grant Room.  All welcome!
CHOIR PRACTICE - Thurs, 22 Oct, 7:00 pm in Tuck Hall.
DINNER THEATRE -  “On The Air” – Roast Beef Dinner and entertainment, Saturday, 24 October in Canaan.
LEARNING ABOUT OUR ANGLICAN WORSHIP –  1:00 – 3:00 pm, Sunday, 25 Oct  (Anglican Doctrine) in the Tyler Grant Room
 
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WORSHIP NEXT WEEK
25 October, 2015
Twenty-Second Sunday after Pentecost
 
    8:00 am        St. Stephen’s, Chester         -   Holy Communion
     9:00 am        St. George’s, East River    -   Prayer & Praise
           11:00 am        St. Stephen’s, Chester         -   Holy Eucharist
4:30 pm       All Saints’ and Canaan Baptist Church         -  Joint service in the Hall.
                                   
    Readings: Job 42: 1-6, 10-17; Psalm 34: 1-8, (19-22); Hebrews 7: 23-28;
Mark 10: 46-52
 
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AFFIRMATION OF FAITH
 
We believe that the earth is the Lord’s
And All that lives on it;
We believe that living gratefully
and giving generously are marks of faith;
We believe that all of humanity should have access to
the Earth’s resources, and
Every individual must now act to preserve this world
so that the children of tomorrow
may not be burdened with the mistakes of today
And so we commit ourselves empowered by the Holy Spirit,
To think globally,
To trade fairly,
To live responsibly,
To give gratefully,
To love this world as God loves it,
who, in Christ, became part of creation.
Amen.
 
 
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Wednesday 14 October 2015

AN INVITATION TO THE PARISHIONERS  AND FRIENDS OF
ST. STEPHEN’S PARISH 
                                                                                           
 
YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED
TO COME SHARE SOME TEA AND TASTIES 
WHEN WE GATHER TO WISH
REVEREND GORDON AND DONNA DRUGGETT
A FOND FAREWELL AND LOTS OF GOOD WISHES
AS THEY EMBARK ON THEIR
RETIREMENT
 
WHERE: ST. STEPHEN’S PARISH CENTRE, CHESTER
 
WHEN: SUNDAY,  18TH OCTOBER FROM 3:00 – 5:00 PM
 
 
BRING ALONG TALES TO SHARE – ALL WELCOME (MUMMERS INCLUDED)
 

Thursday 8 October 2015

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Welcome to St. Stephen’s Anglican Parish Blog for Thanksgiving Sunday, 11 October 2015.  
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend.    The list of things for which I give thanks is very long.   I wish everyone great peace, love and reasons to be thankful wherever you may be.
 
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WORSHIP THIS WEEK
THANKSGIVING SUNDAY
11 October, 2015
Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost
 
        8:00 am        St. Stephen’s, Chester         -   Holy Communion
         9:00 am        St. George’s, East River       -   Holy Eucharist      
                 11:00 am        St. Stephen’s, Chester         -   Holy Eucharist                
                        4:30 pm       All Saints’, Canaan                -  Holy Communion                 
                    
    Readings: Joel 2: 21-27; Psalm 126; 1 Timothy 2: 1-7
Matthew 6: 25-33
 
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ANNOUNCEMENTS
 
PARISH HALL IN CHESTER - is being used as an Advanced Polling Station 9-12 October for the federal election. 
ANGLICAN CHURCH WOMEN AGM - to be held at Holy Trinity Church, Alexander Street, Bridgewater on Wed, 14 Oct - 9:30 am registration, 10:30 am Eucharist, 12:00 Lunch made by Men’s Club (Chicken - $10), AGM follows lunch.  To register please contact Connie English at 902-543-9959.
 ****  HEALING SERVICE - Wed, 14 October, 7:00 pm at St. Stephen’s, Chester  **** 
****  All welcome !  ****
WORLD FOOD DAY - is on October 16  - please give generously to your local Food Bank.
REQUEST FOR HELP - The Pastoral Committee is working to help raise funds for PWRDF.  The committee is looking for small empty water bottles (with the screw tops) which will be used to collect donations.  Bottles can be dropped off at the Parish Centre.
REFUGEE SUPPORT MEETINGS - there will be a meeting following each of the church services on Sunday, 11 Oct to discuss a support plan.  We look forward to your participation.
SHOREHAM VILLAGE - is offering two volunteer orientation sessions.  They will take place at 10:00 am in the OT Room at Shoreham on Wed, 14 Oct and Fri, 16 Oct. 
 For more info contact recreation@shorehamvillage.com or call 902-275-5631 ext 233.
PARENTS SUPPORTING PARENTS - The Canadian  Mothers’ Union is helping to promote a parenting program called ‘Parents Supporting Parents’ (http://canadianmothersunion.ca/parenting_program.html). Anyone  interested in seeing this program running in this area may want to consider taking the facilitators course to be held in October in the St. Margaret’s Bay area.  The 4-day course will take place the weekend of 16-19 Oct.  The cost of the course is $50.  Snacks, lunches, and dinners will be provided for the 4 days and the organisation will try to supply billeting if required.
OUR HEALTH CENTRE - congratulations on breaking ground! There will be a  Kitchen Party FUNdraiser on Sat, 17 October from 4:00 pm - closing time at the Chester Legion.  All welcome!
RETIREMENT PARTY FOR REVEREND GORDON AND DONNA - will be held on Sunday, 18 October from 3:00 - 5:00 pm in Tuck Hall.  Please come to say farewell to the Druggetts and to wish them all the best for their retirement.
DINNER THEATRE - “On The Air” - Saturday, 24 October at the Little Red School in Canaan.  Doors open at 5:00 pm, show starts at 6:00 pm.  Dinner served will be salad, roast beef and dessert.  Tickets $25.00.  To book tickets, please contact Maxine at 902-275-3496 or 902-275-3777.  Proceeds to three local churches.  Book soon - tickets go quickly!
 
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THIS WEEK IN THE PARISH
.
BIBLE TALK - Wed, 14 Oct, 10:30 am, in Tyler Grant Room.  All welcome!
HEALING SERVICE - WED, 14 OCT, 7:00 pm AT ST. STEPHEN’S ***
CHOIR PRACTICE - Thurs, 15 Oct, 7:00 pm in Tuck Hall.
 
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WORSHIP NEXT WEEK
18 October, 2015
Twenty-first Sunday after Pentecost
 
        8:00 am        St. Stephen’s, Chester         -   Holy Communion
           9:00 am        St. George’s, East River        -   Holy Eucharist      
                  11:00 am        St. Stephen’s, Chester           -   Holy Eucharist               
                                   
    Readings: Job 38: 1-7; Psalm 104: 1-9, 25, 37b; Hebrews 5: 1 - 10;
Mark 10: 35-45
 
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AFFIRMATION OF FAITH
 
We believe that the earth is the Lord’s
And All that lives on it;
We believe that living gratefully
and giving generously are marks of faith;
We believe that all of humanity should have access to
the Earth’s resources, and
Every individual must now act to preserve this world
so that the children of tomorrow
may not be burdened with the mistakes of today
And so we commit ourselves empowered by the Holy Spirit,
To think globally,
To trade fairly,
To live responsibly,
To give gratefully,
To love this world as God loves it,
who, in Christ, became part of creation.
Amen.
 
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Happy Thanksgiving
 
 
 

Thursday 1 October 2015

 
Welcome to St. Stephen’s Anglican Parish E-News for Sunday, 4 October, 2015.  Should you no longer wish to receive this weekly message, please contact the Parish Office by return e-mail.   We are very excited about our ‘Blessing of the Animals’ service this Sunday at 4 pm.  We hope to see lots of you and all the creatures, great and small, that you bring along.
 
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WORSHIP THIS SUNDAY
4 October, 2015
Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost
 
        8:00 am        St. Stephen’s, Chester         -   Holy Communion
                11:00 am        St. Stephen’s, Chester         -   Parish Family Worship
                 4:00 pm       St. Stephen’s,  Chester         -   Blessing of the Animals
                    
    Readings: Job 1:1, 2:1-10; Psalm 26; Hebrews 1: 1-4, 2:5-12;
Mark 10: 2-16
 
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ANNOUNCEMENTS
 
THANKSGIVING FOR THE FOOD BANK
 Donations of food items which would help create or add to a Thanksgiving meal (eg cranberry sauce, stuffing) would be very much appreciated. 
 
REQUEST FOR HELP
 The Pastoral Committee is working to help raise funds for PWRDF.  The committee is looking for small empty water bottles (with the screw tops) which will be used to collect donations.  Bottles can be dropped off at the Parish Centre.
 
REFUGEE SUPPORT MEETINGS
There will be a meeting following each of the church services on Sunday, 11 Oct to discuss a support plan.  Please contact Robert at rcmkam@eastlink.ca with specific questions before 11 October, 2015.
 
SHOREHAM VILLAGE
  is offering two volunteer orientation sessions.  They will take place at 10:00 am in the OT Room at Shoreham on Wed, 14 Oct
and Fri, 16 Oct.  For more info contact recreation@shorehamvillage.com or call 902-275-5631 ext 233.
 
PARENTS SUPPORTING PARENTS
The Canadian  Mothers’ Union is helping to promote a parenting program called ‘Parents Supporting Parents’ (http://canadianmothersunion.ca/parenting_program.html). Anyone  interested in seeing this program running in this area may want to consider taking the facilitators course to be held in October in the St. Margaret’s Bay area.  The 4-day course will take place the weekend of 16-19 Oct.  The cost of the course is $50.  Snacks, lunches, and dinners will be provided for the 4 days and the organisation will try to supply billeting if required.
 
DINNER THEATRE
  “On The Air” - Saturday, 24 October at the Little Red School in Canaan.  Doors open at 5:00 pm, show starts at 6:00 pm.  Dinner served will be salad, roast beef and dessert.  Tickets $25.00.  To book tickets, please contact Maxine at 902-275-3496 or 902-275-3777.  Proceeds to three local churches.  Book soon - tickets go quickly!
 
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    THIS WEEK IN THE PARISH
 
MUSICAL FRIENDS - Mon, 5 Oct, 1:00 - 4:30 pm, Tuck Hall.  All Welcome!
BIBLE TALK - Wed, 7 Oct, 10:30 am, in Tyler Grant Room.  All welcome!
CHOIR PRACTICE - Thurs, 8 Oct, 7:00 pm in Tuck Hall.
 
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WORSHIP NEXT WEEK
THANKSGIVING SUNDAY
11 October, 2015
Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost
 
   8:00 am        St. Stephen’s, Chester         -   Holy Communion
9:00 am        St. George’s, East River        -    Holy Eucharist
11:00 am        St. Stephen’s, Chester           -      Holy Eucharist 
  4:30 pm        All Saints’, Canaan                -   Holy Communion
                    
    Readings: Joel 2: 21-27; Psalm 126; 1 Timothy 2: 1-7
Matthew 6: 25-33
 
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LEARNING ABOUT OUR ANGLICAN WORSHIP
 
As part of the training of our Lay Reader in training, we will be holding seminars on Saturday evenings, 7-9 pm in the Tyler Grant Room that open to all.
 
The topics will follow the Lay Readers training video series, a series of short video introductions that we will watch at the beginning of each session.  Many of the topics may be of general interest to many parishioners whether you think you might want to be a Lay Reader or not.  There is no obligation to follow the whole program; just drop in to any session that interests you
 
October 10:        Introduction, Anglican Ethos - Who are we?
October 17:        Bible basics - what it is, how to read it, how to share it
October 24:        Dinner Theatre Canaan.  No session
October 25:        Anglican Doctrine (Sunday 1-3 pm)
October 31:        All Hallow’s Eve - no session
November 7:      Church history - especially Anglican History
November 14:    Worship Books and using them - Part 1
                           Part 2 will be a practical session at a separate time TBA
November 28:    Prayers of the People and Spiritual Discipline
December 5:      Homiletics, that is, preaching
 
Sundays @ 4
 
A series of special services/events - in addition to our regular service schedule, around special topics
 and intended to be accessible and attractive to unchurched people as well as active members. 
Worship/activity and refreshments.
 
October 4 :    Blessing of the Animals – chips, sweets
November 1 :    Saints & Sinners Messy Church
December 6 :    The real St. Nick Messy Church  
 
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STEWARDSHIP THOUGHTS
     
    “Let the children come to me . . . after all, God’s domain belongs to people like that.” A faithful steward aims at and works towards simplicity — in all aspects of their life.. (Michael Pollesel)
 
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PARISH TRANSITION PRAYER
 
    O Faithful God, as your people, we cherish our memories and our history as a sacred gift. We ask you to guide us in our time of transition. Bless and direct the parochial committee as it carries out the work of finding a new rector, that through your Holy Spirit they may make wise decisions on behalf of the parish. Lead all parishioners in Your wisdom, that we might be receptive to change and growth. Give us Your grace to redirect our hearts that we may be willing to offer ourselves in joyful service. Do not allow fear, ignorance or pride to limit the work of your Spirit, nor allow tradition to prevent the creativity within us from bearing fruit. Open our hearts to the call of the Gospel. Give us courage and renewed hope, that we may meet the challenge of being the church of our time. We ask this in Jesus’ name.   Amen
 

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Welcome to St. Stephen’s Anglican Parish E-News for Sunday, 4 October, 2015.  Should you no longer wish to receive this weekly message, please contact the Parish Office by return e-mail.   We are very excited about our ‘Blessing of the Animals’ service this Sunday at 4 pm.  We hope to see lots of you and all the creatures, great and small, that you bring along.
 
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ANNOUNCEMENTS
 
THANKSGIVING FOR THE FOOD BANK
 Donations of food items which would help create or add to a Thanksgiving meal (eg cranberry sauce, stuffing) would be very much appreciated. 
 
REQUEST FOR HELP
 The Pastoral Committee is working to help raise funds for PWRDF.  The committee is looking for small empty water bottles (with the screw tops) which will be used to collect donations.  Bottles can be dropped off at the Parish Centre.
 
REFUGEE SUPPORT MEETINGS
There will be a meeting following each of the church services on Sunday, 11 Oct to discuss a support plan.  Please contact Robert at rcmkam@eastlink.ca with specific questions before 11 October, 2015.
 
SHOREHAM VILLAGE
  is offering two volunteer orientation sessions.  They will take place at 10:00 am in the OT Room at Shoreham on Wed, 14 Oct
and Fri, 16 Oct.  For more info contact recreation@shorehamvillage.com or call 902-275-5631 ext 233.
 
PARENTS SUPPORTING PARENTS
The Canadian  Mothers’ Union is helping to promote a parenting program called ‘Parents Supporting Parents’ (http://canadianmothersunion.ca/parenting_program.html). Anyone  interested in seeing this program running in this area may want to consider taking the facilitators course to be held in October in the St. Margaret’s Bay area.  The 4-day course will take place the weekend of 16-19 Oct.  The cost of the course is $50.  Snacks, lunches, and dinners will be provided for the 4 days and the organisation will try to supply billeting if required.
 
DINNER THEATRE
  “On The Air” - Saturday, 24 October at the Little Red School in Canaan.  Doors open at 5:00 pm, show starts at 6:00 pm.  Dinner served will be salad, roast beef and dessert.  Tickets $25.00.  To book tickets, please contact Maxine at 902-275-3496 or 902-275-3777.  Proceeds to three local churches.  Book soon - tickets go quickly!
 
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    THIS WEEK IN THE PARISH
 
MUSICAL FRIENDS - Mon, 5 Oct, 1:00 - 4:30 pm, Tuck Hall.  All Welcome!
BIBLE TALK - Wed, 7 Oct, 10:30 am, in Tyler Grant Room.  All welcome!
CHOIR PRACTICE - Thurs, 8 Oct, 7:00 pm in Tuck Hall.
 
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WORSHIP NEXT WEEK
THANKSGIVING SUNDAY
11 October, 2015
Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost
 
   8:00 am        St. Stephen’s, Chester         -   Holy Communion
9:00 am        St. George’s, East River        -    Holy Eucharist
11:00 am        St. Stephen’s, Chester           -      Holy Eucharist 
  4:30 pm        All Saints’, Canaan                -   Holy Communion
                    
    Readings: Joel 2: 21-27; Psalm 126; 1 Timothy 2: 1-7
Matthew 6: 25-33
 
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LEARNING ABOUT OUR ANGLICAN WORSHIP
 
As part of the training of our Lay Reader in training, we will be holding seminars on Saturday evenings, 7-9 pm in the Tyler Grant Room that open to all.
 
The topics will follow the Lay Readers training video series, a series of short video introductions that we will watch at the beginning of each session.  Many of the topics may be of general interest to many parishioners whether you think you might want to be a Lay Reader or not.  There is no obligation to follow the whole program; just drop in to any session that interests you
 
October 10:        Introduction, Anglican Ethos - Who are we?
October 17:        Bible basics - what it is, how to read it, how to share it
October 24:        Dinner Theatre Canaan.  No session
October 25:        Anglican Doctrine (Sunday 1-3 pm)
October 31:        All Hallow’s Eve - No session
November 7:      Church history - especially Anglican History
November 14:    Worship Books and using them - Part 1
                           Part 2 will be a practical session at a separate time TBA
November 28:    Prayers of the People and Spiritual Discipline
December 5:      Homiletics, that is, preaching
 
Sundays @ 4
 
A series of special services/events - in addition to our regular service schedule, around special topics
 and intended to be accessible and attractive to unchurched people as well as active members. 
Worship/activity and refreshments.
 
October 4 :    Blessing of the Animals – chips, sweets
November 1 :    Saints & Sinners Messy Church
December 6 :    The real St. Nick Messy Church  
 
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STEWARDSHIP THOUGHTS
     
    “Let the children come to me . . . after all, God’s domain belongs to people like that.” A faithful steward aims at and works towards simplicity — in all aspects of their life.. (Michael Pollesel)
 
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PARISH TRANSITION PRAYER
 
    O Faithful God, as your people, we cherish our memories and our history as a sacred gift. We ask you to guide us in our time of transition. Bless and direct the parochial committee as it carries out the work of finding a new rector, that through your Holy Spirit they may make wise decisions on behalf of the parish. Lead all parishioners in Your wisdom, that we might be receptive to change and growth. Give us Your grace to redirect our hearts that we may be willing to offer ourselves in joyful service. Do not allow fear, ignorance or pride to limit the work of your Spirit, nor allow tradition to prevent the creativity within us from bearing fruit. Open our hearts to the call of the Gospel. Give us courage and renewed hope, that we may meet the challenge of being the church of our time. We ask this in Jesus’ name.   Amen
 

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