Sunday Reflection: In today’s gospel some were speaking about the temple, its beautiful stones and gifts dedicated to God. It is what structured their community. It gave identity and meaning. It was the center of Jewish life. Jesus looks at it and says, “The days will come when not one stone will be left upon another; all will be thrown down.” Jesus is speaking about more than just the physical temple in Jerusalem. The Jerusalem temple includes every temple you and I have.
So what do we do on the day our temple falls?
Some people will simply give up and walk away in despair. They can see nothing left. All is lost and the situation is hopeless. That is not Jesus’ response.
Jesus’ response is just the opposite. Be still, be quiet, do not be led astray. Do not allow your life to be controlled or determined by fear. Do not listen to the many voices that would cause you to run and go after them. Endure he says. Be faithful, steadfast, persevere here and now. Jesus is calling us to be present and faithful in whatever circumstances we find our selves. If we cannot find God here, in our present circumstances, even in the midst of our temple ruins, we will find God nowhere.
Messages:
ST. MICHAEL’S ADVENT WORSHIP SERVICES
Advent 1: December 1, 2019 – Lighting of Advent Candle and Holy Communion Services at 8:30 and 10:00am. Lectionary: Isaiah 2:1-5; Psalm 122; Romans 13:11-14 Matthew 24:36-44
Advent 2: December 8, 2019 – Lighting of Advent Candles and Holy Communion Services at 8:30 and 10:00am. Lectionary: Isaiah 11:1-10; Psalm 72:1-7, 18-19; Romans 15:4-13; Matthew 3:1-12.
Advent 3: December 15, 2019 – Lighting of Advent Candles, Lessons and Carols & Holy Communion Services at 8:30 and 10:00am.
Advent 4: December 22, 2019 – Lighting of Advent Candles, Christmas Pageant & Holy Communion Services at 8:30 and 10:00am. Lectionary: Isaiah 7:10-16; Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19; Romans 1:1-7; Matthew 1:18-25.
NEWS AND INFORMATION
2019 LEN SHEPHERD CHRISTMAS LUNCHEON: On Monday, December 16th 2019 at 1.00 pm, the Tri-Parish Ministry of St. Helen’s, Church of the Epiphany and St. Michael’s will participate in their Christmas Luncheon. We can help with set up, food finishing, serving and cleanup. We will also be donating some money, desserts and gift bags for approximately 35 residents. We will also have caroling like last time. Each parish will provide 2-4 volunteers. Talk to Jeddy for further details.
2019 ADVENT CALENDAR AND RESOURCES: A daily email with meditations from Archbishop Melissa and Spiritual Directors of the Diocese during Advent will be available. Each day will include an Image, Hymn, or Poem that reflects Advent themes as well as a brief reflection. The sign up web link is, 2019 Advent Calendar | Diocesan Resources | Anglican Diocese of New Westminster
ONLINE SAFE CHURCH TRAINING: The new online Safe Church Training has now launched. Parishes received information on Friday, Nov. 1st, detailing how to enroll lay parishioners and employees. The Archbishop’s bulletin to clergy outlined her expectations for clergy to register and complete this new training over the next three months. More information can be found on the Safe Church training page of the diocesan website, Safe Church training | HR / Screening in Faith | Anglican Diocese of New Westminster
Saint Michael's Anglican Church 