Parish News

Dear Friends,

Peter…to (those) who have been chosen and destined by God the Father and sanctified by the Spirit to be obedient to Jesus Christ and to be sprinkled with his blood: May grace and peace be yours in abundance. (I Peter 1: 1-2)

I write this the day before Trinity Sunday 2021. Greetings! Who said there isn’t clear evidence of the teaching of the Trinity in the Bible (see above)?

I hope you are all doing well. I want to tell you about several things…

Resuming Celebrations of Holy Communion

Parish clergy received a notice from Archbishop Germond earlier this week, about the resumption of regular in-person worship and celebrations of Holy Communion. As long as new infections of the COVID-19 virus keep diminishing, she is proposing that in-person worship services resume, on Sunday, June 20. The diocesan office will provide further directions this coming Friday.

It is likely that directions will include points like this:

• We will be limited to small groups gathering (if gathering outside, slightly larger groups might be permitted)
• People will be required to keep a minimum physical distance from one another
• Participants will need to wear masks, when not actually receiving Communion
• People will need to provide some contact information (name, phone)
• Parishes will need to make hand sanitizers, etc., available
• We will not be physically touching during the “Exchange of the Peace”
• There will not be refreshments after the worship services
• At least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccination will be strongly encouraged, if not required.

I recognize that some people are eager to return, while others are hesitant at this time. I know as well that some people are more inclined to the traditional Book of Common Prayer, others the Book of Alternative Services, and so forth. I don’t yet know our maximum allowed capacity. For those who want to gather at this time, I encourage you to organize small groups, and to keep the parish office informed. I want to be able to be able to offer Communion as soon as it is permitted.

If, for example, I end up celebrating Holy Communion a number of times on June 20, I think it is unrealistic to expect volunteer musicians to be at every service. So, I can’t make any assurances at this time whether or not there will be music; and if so, of what style.

“Heaven Is Above” Parish Hall Re-roofing Project

I am very pleased to let you know that our $6500 grant application to the Anglican Foundation of Canada has been accepted. I received the award letter yesterday, and will include a copy with this newsletter.

The parish hall roof work will likely begin on June 7.

There are a couple of minor roofing projects which need to be done (repairing an ice dam, re-attaching a piece of eaves-troughing and a facia board). The Advisory Board hopes to entice the workers to take on these tasks for free, by offering them muffins. If you would like to make a batch of muffins for a good cause, please contact the parish office.

“Say Yes! To Kids. Seeds of Hope for the Diocese of Algoma”

The Anglican Foundation is promoting a special initiative this year for children’s and youth ministries in Canada. The Diocese of Algoma has selected the Teen Lunch Program for St. Brice’s to be highlighted.

Who benefits from this? The Anglican Foundation gets attention. The diocesan website gets more “traffic.” Some children’s ministries benefit financially.

If you want to contribute financially to children’s ministries in general through the Anglican Foundation, go to https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/the-anglican-foundation-of-canada/p2p/say-yes-to-kids/team/algomas-seeds-of-hope-team-says-yes-to-kids/

The Teen Lunch Program might be (but it is not guaranteed) to be beneficiary. If you want to support only the Teen Lunch Program, it is best to make a donation directly to St. Brice’s.

Uncomfortable Questions

In the last newsletter I proposed a “stump the rector” hard questions time. Because of a potential time conflict, I am postponing this week, to Sunday, June 6, 4pm. Can you think of a devilishly hard question for me to answer?

Here are the coordinates, to join on-line:

Topic: “Stump the Rector”

Time: June 6, 2021 4:00 PM

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81321612721?pwd=VXlxeGN6MHJUR0tlOERTMnVIaWlZdz09

Meeting ID: 813 2161 2721

Passcode: 890479

Financial Update

During this past month, while we were not gathering for worship, our deficit increased. As of a few days ago, our deficit (costs greater than income for 2021) sits at $10 509. On April 30, our deficit was $7931. We sincerely appreciate all support.

Spiritual Development/ Fellowship

I am pleased to be hosting the current “Difference” course, about reconciliation, which started this past Wednesday. As well, a number of parishioners and I will be participating in a webinar this coming Thursday.

I want to remind people of the regular Tuesday evening Bible Studies. Here are the coordinates:

Topic: Tuesday Evenings Bible Studies

Time: Every week on Tuesday evening, until Jun 22, 2021, 4 occurrences, 7pm

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81571216977?pwd=TlBFNnpZekZFSEpMbjB5bmpDUDFWZz09

Meeting ID: 815 7121 6977

Passcode: 374532

As well, we continue to meet on Sunday mornings, 10:30am, for Fellowship and Devotions:

Topic: St. Brice’s, Sunday Mornings, fellowship & devotions

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83150840765?pwd=MDJUYTFERzZIRktRdFlZWGdhSGg2Zz09

Meeting ID: 831 5084 0765

Passcode: 142215

Youth for Christ

A young woman, Aimee Garbutt, met me this past week. She is leading a ministry called “Youth for Christ,” which wants to engage particularly with young people in the North Bay area. Our prayers are welcome. If you would like to volunteer with this organization (either working directly with kids, or to be on the Board), or if you wish to contribute financially, please call (705) 494-0033, or email nipissing@yfc.ca

Mowing St. Brice’s Lawn

If you are willing to take a turn mowing St. Brice’s lawn this summer, please contact the parish office.

Greeting Cards

In a world of emails, tweets, emojis and bills, who doesn’t enjoy receiving a thoughtful card in the mail from someone who cares about us? We are planning to offer quality St. Brice’s greeting cards (envelope size 4.25 by 5.5 inches). We expect that the cards will be available later in June with matching envelopes, at a cost of $20 for a group of ten. (Once expenses are paid, the parish receives the income.) If you would like to order a group or two of cards, please contact the parish office at (705) 474-4005.

Youth Survey

This week we are sending out a survey for young people who have had connections with St. Brice’s. The aim is to further develop our ministries in this area. We encourage responses.

God bless you all,

Peter Armstrong