Parish News
June 13, 2021
Dear Friends,
“Arise, shine, for your light has come.”
Isaiah 60: 1
I’d like to share a number of things with you…
“Heaven Is Above” Parish Hall Re-roofing Project
Barring a long, torrential rainstorm (or a day which is so hot, the Dept. of Labour forbids outdoor work), the parish hall roofing project will be completed about the time you read this newsletter. While working on the roof, the contractor pointed out that it would be wise to re-roof a smaller section of the roof – those shingles needed to be replaced as well. The Property Committee, in consultation with the rector and wardens, agreed. A couple of very minor projects were done at the same time – fixing an ice dam on the Church building roof, replacing a piece of aluminum fascia board (where eavestroughs are mounted), etc.
We have not yet received the invoice from the roofer, but we anticipate the work will be $13 000 for the main roof, and just over $2000 for the extra work that was undertaken. Thanks in very large part to receiving the grant from the Anglican Foundation, the parish has the resources in the “Heaven Is Above” cookie jar, to pay for all the work. Thank you to Rob McDonald, and all those who contributed to the success of this project.
Greeting Cards
Do you want some classy quality cards to send a heart-felt note to someone special? Or would you like to receive a card like this? Of course you do! You are a classy quality person yourself!
Even better is when these are available for the very reasonable price of $20/ package. Not only are you a classy quality person, but you know how to get a shrewd deal as well!
St. Brice’s is taking orders for packages of ten cards with matching envelopes. Please see the sidebars for the two available designs, both of the Emmaus window (over the altar of St. Brice’s). These photographs were taken by David Lewis.
Proceeds over expenses go to St. Brice’s. To order a package or two or three, please contact the parish office, and we will make arrangements for you safely to receive your order.
Thank you David Lewis for your artistic and printing expertise.
Outdoor Services, Holy Communion
As I expect everyone knows by now, the provincial government lockdowns during the pandemic are gradually easing. Weather permitting, we are planning outdoor services in the back garden on Sunday, June 20 and 27, at 9am and 11am.
Parishioners will still be expected to provide their contact information in case we need to reach them, to wear masks, and to maintain a distance of at least two metres from people who are not members of your household. Refreshments after the services are not going to be offered at this time.
If it is raining on June 20 or 27, there will be no outdoor services that day.
Some people have already contacted the parish office to make other arrangements – principally, to be able to receive Holy Communion at home by receiving the consecrated elements from the reserved sacrament (please see the diocesan “Roadmap” for details — https://www.dioceseofalgoma.com/2021/06/04/roadmap-to-reopen-the-diocese-of-algoma/).
As well, we know that there are some parishioners who will not participate in public worship just yet. I believe we will be able to accommodate everyone who wishes to receive Holy Communion. However, to be sure, I recommend that you contact the parish office in advance (705-474-4005), indicating which service you plan to attend on June 20 and/ or 27. Contacting the parish office guarantees that there will be space for you. If you simply show up, there will likely be space for you, but you aren’t being promised a space, if we reach our capacity.
The parish Advisory Board will be “meeting” on June 24. Normally we combine to a 10am service throughout July and August. I want to consult with the Board whether or not we will combine our services this year. After the meeting, we will announce our plans on the parish website, and will be in touch with parishioners as well.
Vehicle with Six Seatbelts Sought
Most of you are familiar with Fardowsa Muhumed and her four children. This is the most recent refugee family which St. Brice’s has sponsored. There are still a few challenges – most especially, on-line school learning has not been an easy process for this family. However, they have come a long way. Fardowsa assembles drill bit pieces for the mining industry; she was recently recognized by her company for her diligence.
Fardowsa has decided that, with her children, she would like to visit Toronto. This will be her summer vacation. (They have not left North Bay since arriving in the city in December 2019.) She plans to leave after work on Friday, June 25. I have agreed to take them to Toronto, and show them some sights on Saturday. I will return Saturday evening. Fardowsa and the kids will be staying with some distant relatives on Friday and Saturday nights, returning Sunday afternoon.
I can’t take them to Toronto in my car, as six seatbelts are required. I have made a reservation to book a minivan for the weekend, although I know this will be expensive for Fardowsa. I’ll be driving close to 1000 km. In the event that anyone knows of a vehicle with 6+ seatbelts which will not be used for the weekend, and are comfortable with it being borrowed or traded with my car, please let me know.
ElderCare Submissions Sought
The Ecclesiastical Province of Ontario wants to have a very sharp focus on the need for Elder Care in Ontario. They are asking for submissions from parishes in all the Ontario dioceses. If you have a concern that you would like to raise, please go to the following link — https://www.dioceseofalgoma.com/2021/06/07/provincial-elder-care-working-group-needs-your-help-now/
The Archbishops’ Recent Pastoral Letter
I am sure we are all familiar with the tragic events with regard to the unmarked graves on the property of the former residential school in Kamloops, BC, and its wider implications. Archbishop Anne Germond also encourages everyone to read the pastoral letter she co-wrote with Archbishop Fred Hiltz, which can be found at https://www.dioceseofalgoma.com/2021/06/11/pastoral-letter-from-archbishops-germond-and-hiltz/
Knapsacks for the Homeless
A group of local churches has come together, with the aim of wanting to address the problem of homelessness in North Bay. They have begun an initiative to provide knapsacks with commonly-needed items (socks, toiletries, etc.). This initiative will conclude at the end of this month. If you would like to contribute for a knapsack, or toward the contents of a knapsack, please contact Diane McCaskill (dmmcaskill1@gmail.com).
A.C.W. Fellowship and Tea
The Anglican Church Women are planning an on-line gathering this coming Wednesday at noon – a time of Tea and Fellowship. Here is the information to join the meeting:
Topic: A.C.W. Meeting, June 2021
Time: June 16, 2021 12:00 PM
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86394032994?pwd=Rm1sNHh5MDlreWdQaHpja201U2E5QT09
Meeting ID: 863 9403 2994
Passcode: 978717
Each participant is encouraged to wear a hat to the meeting.
One Agenda item during the meeting will be to talk about support for Alison and Brian Summersby (Alison is in the North Bay hospital, gradually recovering from a stroke). Another Agenda item will the exchange of simple recipes. As well, the A.C.W. has been asked to consider a donation to “Say Yes! To Kids.” Potential projects for the fall, such as an on-line auction or a Fall Lunch, will be considered during the September meeting.
Regarding the recipes to be shared, it would be helpful to prepare in advance, by having a typed copy of your favourite simple recipe on your computer or device. This will make it easier to share during the meeting.
Please bring a cup of tea, and perhaps a snack or a sweet, to the meeting. (If you prepare a sample of your recipe, this can give other people a chance to see what it looks like!)
Youth Survey
St. Brice’s is circulating a survey for youth who have had connections with St. Brice’s in the past. The idea is to get feedback, to improve our ministry with youth. If you know of youth who would like to contribute, who have not yet been contacted, please let me know at the parish office.
Sunday Morning Fellowship & Devotions
Here is the link for the Sunday morning gathering for this coming Sunday, 10:30am:
Topic: St. Brice’s, Sunday Morning, fellowship & devotions
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83150840765?pwd=MDJUYTFERzZIRktRdFlZWGdhSGg2Zz09
Meeting ID: 831 5084 0765
Passcode: 142215
If the weather is good, there will be outdoor services at St. Brice’s on June 20 and 27, 9am and 11am. If it is raining on either of those days, the same blue hyperlink will work on June 20 or June 27, at 10:30am.
Tuesday Evening Bible Studies Link
Here is the link for the Tuesday Evening Bible studies (7-8pm):
Topic: Tuesday Evening Bible Studies
Time: June 15, 2021 7:00 PM
June 22, 2021 7:00 PM
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81571216977?pwd=TlBFNnpZekZFSEpMbjB5bmpDUDFWZz09
Meeting ID: 815 7121 6977
Passcode: 374532
“Difference” Course
I am enjoying hosting the “Difference” Course – about Reconciliation, which is being offered on-line. There are two sessions left in the course. If the course is offered again, and if you were thinking of taking it but didn’t get around to it this time, I encourage you to join in the future.
Fr. Henri Nouwen
Many of us are familiar with the late Fr. Henri Nouwen, a popular devotional writer and Roman Catholic priest. For the 25th anniversary of his death, there was a recent conference with reflections and presentations. If you would like to listen to some of them, please contact the parish office (705-474-4005), and we will provide a link to you.
God bless you all,
Peter Armstrong