Parish News

Dear Friends,

“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, full of grace and truth.” John 1: 14

I sincerely hope you are all well. You remain in my daily prayers.

A.C.W. On-line Auction

As many of you know, a key way St. Brice’s supports missions, both locally and around the world, is through the A.C.W. (Anglican Church Women). During the pandemic, their regular sources of fund-raising could not be offered. An on-line auction was offered for two weeks this past month; almost all of the donated items were distributed this morning. I don’t know the exact figure, but I know over $1200 was raised in this endeavour.

I have observed that a number of other Canadian churches have recently scaled back the outreach initiatives which they previously offered. I am extremely proud that during this trying time of a global pandemic, lay people here were not just thinking of themselves, but others. I want to express my appreciation to all the bidders, donors, cooks, etc., who collectively made this auction possible. Thank you.

Sponsored Family

A year ago today, the Resettlement Committee here welcomed Fardowsa Muhumed and her four children to North Bay. Fardowsa and her four children are originally from Somalia, but due to the on-going civil conflict and personal tragedies, they fled to Uganda, where they had lived in a U.N. refugee camp for the previous seven years. It has been a significant adjustment for the family to adapt to life in northern Ontario. I’m pleased to write that Fardowsa has secured a full-time job, and is working tirelessly for the welfare of herself and her family. Many parishioners have supported the family directly and indirectly, setting up their apartment, helping with school orientation, facilitating financial support, helping with government forms, etc. I particularly want to express my gratitude to Fay, Bill, Colin, Andrea, and Nancy, and the Rev. Beth Hewson from St. John’s, who served on the Resettlement Committee. Our legal responsibilities toward the family end today, but I am sure the friendships will endure.

Roof

We’ve been advised that the parish hall will need to be re-roofed this coming year — when the weather gets warmer. I anticipate we will be getting price quotations, and there will likely be an update at the Vestry meeting on this coming February 7. When needed, your generous support would be gratefully received. (Incidentally, I expect that the upcoming Vestry meeting will be a hybrid of in-person and on-line participation. More information will be available, and circulated, early in the new year.)

Advent

We are in the midst of the Church season called Advent, as we prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus the Messiah. There will be several special services:

Lessons & Carols: Unfortunately, St. Brice’s will not be able to offer our annual Service of Lessons and Carols, as congregational singing is not allowed, due to increased risk of unintentionally passing on the virus. There will, however, be a National Service of Lessons and Carols, offered on-line on December 18, at 8pm local time. Please see www.anglican.ca/lessonsandcarols for more information.

Blue Christmas Service: We acknowledge that the Christmas season is difficult for some of us. St. Brice’s will be hosting a Blue Christmas Service on Sunday, December 20, at 4pm. If you have a particular music request, please complete and submit a copy of the form in the narthex (Church entrance).

Service of Hope: There will be a diocesan service of hope, offered on-line on Sunday, 13 December at 2pm. Further information will be posted on the diocesan website, a few days before the service – see

www.dioceseofalgoma.com. A link might also be posted on the parish Facebook page.

Christmas Eve Services

We have given a great deal of consideration to our Christmas Eve services this year. Our intention is to be hospitable to the highest degree possible. We are determined to worship Almighty God in both in-person and on-line formats, because we recognize that within this community, we need to offer both. We are absolutely committed to upholding the safe health practices which are required.

The principal changes this year are that (1) we will be adding a service at 2pm on Christmas Eve; (2) in the event the Church building becomes full to the capacity we are allowed, worshippers who arrive later will be invited to worship in the parish hall. (That is, the parish hall is for overflow, if needed.) Those in the parish hall, if needed, will be asked to take their overcoats with them, and to exit through the sidewalk door. Those in the hall will be able to hear the service, and will be able to receive communion, but will not likely be able to view the service.

The Service Times

December 24

2pm

(with Organ) Contemporary Worship

7pm (with Band) Contemporary Worship

(this service at least will be recorded and available on-line)

9:30pm, Traditional Service (B.A.S., p. 230)

December 25

11am

(Book of Common Prayer)

All services will be celebrations of Holy Communion. Of course, we will be expected to mask, observe social distancing, observe the markings on the pews where to sit, along with other precautions. There will be cleaning teams between each of the services. Please don’t wait to be asked; if you would be willing to take a turn helping, please contact the parish office, or contact warden Deb Young. The service on December 27 will be at 10am.

Finances

Although a number of local churches and other charities have reported a significant drop in income during the pandemic, St. Brice’s is in a relatively good position. Typically, we receive a significant portion of our annual income in the month of December. As of 30 November, we had a $5314 surplus – that is, we have $5314 more in our general bank account now than we did on 1 January. Most of all, that is because of the generosity from those of us who can afford to be financially generous. We strive to be good stewards of what has been entrusted to our care. Money is one of the tools which makes ministry happen. Thank you.

There are two other reasons why we have a surplus – first, the diocesan office applied for a wage subsidy from the Canadian government, and we received $9336 as a result. As well, the Tuesday Meals ministry is currently a revenue stream; $6566 was received in fund-raising this year, which was almost all through this ministry. So, we are doing relatively well, and a number of people have been generous; but we do not want to become complacent either.

What Christmas Is Really About

I know that the current pandemic has been hard for many people, and a number of parishioners have reduced their participation in parish life, out of concern for their own health, or for loved ones. I am absolutely committed to providing pastoral care to the best that I can. I am not always aware of everything that goes on in people’s lives. If you would like a visit or a talk, please don’t wait for me to call – feel free to call me, or to reach out to one another.

As always, I am grateful for your prayers. I am absolutely convinced that prayer affects our world for good.

It’s worth bearing in mind that, although this pandemic was a surprise to us, it was not a surprise to the Lord. God continues to unfold his purposes among us, and we are learning to cooperate with him, even when times are tough.

For those of us who will be missing family members this Christmas – including myself and my wife – it is worth remembering, and sharing, that Christmas ultimately is about the birth of Jesus, the incarnate Son of God. These hard times are a good time to state afresh the wonderful story of the gospel.

May God bless and keep you. In Jesus’ love,

Peter Armstrong

P.S. Don’t forget tomorrow is the first Sunday of the month – service time is 10am.