THE FOURTH SUNDAY AFTER EASTER
May 7th, 2023
CHRIST IS RISEN! HE IS RISEN INDEED, ALLELUIA!
LIVE AUDIO STREAMING during today’s service is available on the Order of Service page. Recorded audio will be added following worship.
GETTING READY FOR SUNDAY: PREVIEW OF THE READINGS
THE LESSON: James 1:17-21
Our Epistle lesson gives us a description of what it means for us in baptism to have been united to Jesus in His death and resurrection, and how it is that we experience the presence and power of the Risen Christ to save us: through the Word of God, which like a seed, has been planted into our hearts and minds, to which we give patient attention.
Every good endowment and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth that we should be a kind of first fruits of his creatures. Know this, my beloved brethren. Let every man be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger, for the anger of man does not work the righteousness of God. Therefore put away all filthiness and rank growth of wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.
THE HOLY GOSPEL: John 16:5-15
Our Gospel lesson takes us back to the “Farewell Discourse” in John’s Gospel, where Jesus is preparing His disciples for his departure. Although He will be physically absent from them, Jesus will be present to them in the person of the Holy Spirit, whose coming at Pentecost we now begin to anticipate.
But now I am going to him who sent me; yet none of you asks me, “Where are you going?” But because I have said these things to you, sorrow has filled your hearts. Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you. And when he comes, he will prove the world wrong about sin and righteousness and judgement: about sin, because they do not believe in me; about righteousness, because I am going to the Father and you will see me no longer; about judgement, because the ruler of this world has been condemned. ‘I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth; for he will not speak on his own, but will speak whatever he hears, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. He will glorify me, because he will take what is mine and declare it to you. All that the Father has is mine. For this reason I said that he will take what is mine and declare it to you.
PARISH LIFE NOTES
ST. MARY’S GARDEN AND YARD CLEAN UP will take place this Saturday from 10.00 a.m. until noon. Please join us as you are able and bring your rakes and brooms in the spirit of creation care, the preparation for planting and various events being hosted at St. Mary’s.
WORSHIP CENTRE is still in need of a few volunteers who can assist in the ministry to our 3 to 6 year olds one Sunday a month. Please speak to Claude after the service.
ROGATION SUNDAY (next Sunday) marks the beginning of Rogationtide, 3 days of solemn prayer and intercession for the world leading up to the celebration of the Ascension of the Lord on May 18. Our service next Sunday will include the Great Litany and Procession for the Blessing of the Gardens.
ST. MARY’S OUTREACH AT THE CATHEDRAL VILLAGE ARTS FESTIVAL.
ART AS VISION: IN LIFE,WORSHIP AND THE STUDIO.A Public Lecture Series in conjunction with The Cathedral Village Arts Festival. May 23, 24, 25 at 7:00 p.m.
Over this three-evening lecture series, artist and iconographer Symeon van Donkelaar will explore the theme of art through concentric circles centred on the artist’s perception of reality. Beginning with the common elements that inform modern art, we will move on
to the more specific role of sacred liturgical art before ending the series with a look at the personal aspects that ground Symeon’s studio work at Red Earth Icons.
COMPLINE BY CANDLELIGHT. MAY 23, 24, 25 at 8.30 p.m. The ancient monastic service of Compline, chanted according to ancient tones, has been described as “a place of succour for a soul in disarray…we need not choose our thoughts. The words are aligned like a rope for us to cling to.” (Sr. Monica in “Call the Midwife”)
“SIGNS AND WONDERS CHURCH TOURS” MAY 27, 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Guided tours open the eyes to see how the interior architecture, stained glass windows, wood carving, and symbolic furnishings of this traditional Anglican Church mediate spiritual reality.
“BEESWAX CANDLE – DIPPING” MAY 27, 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.
In this all age activity we will delight in the beauty, warmth and scent of 100% beeswax candles to take home.
ST. MARY’S BOOTH AT THE STREET FAIR: MAY 27, 10:00 – 5:00 p.m.
WORSHIP THIS WEEK
Morning Prayer
- Tuesday, Thursday, Friday at 8:30 am
- Wednesday at 9:00 a.m.
Evening Prayer
- Wednesday at 5:30 pm.