Rector’s Corner: On behalf of the parish council and the parish team that prepared the commemoration service of the first Anglican Eucharist in Canada, I would like to thank you for your time and unstinting support in making our joint service a blessing for each and every member of our parish. We will continue to find ways and means on how we could make our Sunday morning a spiritual encouragement for all of us.

I ask your continued prayers for the people of Syria and for all the nations of the world. You may be aware that children and adults, young and old have been victims of injustice, peace and even death. As we witness this tragic event unfolding in our very eyes, let us seek the guidance of the Almighty and help ease their suffering. A Statement has been issued, Regarding the Syrian Refugee Crisis, from the Right Reverend Melissa Skelton, 9th Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of New Westminster. If you would like to learn how to respond to this crisis through refugee sponsorship please email the Chair of our Diocesan Refugee Unit, Michael McGee at mmcgee1@shaw.ca

Sunday Reflection: On September 14, the church celebrates Holy Cross Day in honor of Christ’s self-offering on the cross for our salvation. This feast day is also known in some churches as the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross and the Feast of the Triumph of the Cross.

The celebration commemorates the consecration of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre on that day in 335 by the Roman Emperor Constantine the Great. Constantine’s mother, Saint Helena, is said to have discovered the True Cross during a pilgrimage to Jerusalem, and Constantine built the Church of the Holy Sepulchre on the site of her discovery. A portion of the Cross is said to have been placed inside the church.

Sermon that Works: Holy Cross Day by SARAH JOHNSON