Sunday Reflection: In Ancient Near Eastern societies, “shepherds” was also a term used to refer to kings or leaders. Today, our readings look specifically at the kings of Judah who are subject to the judgments given in Jeremiah 23:1.
The shepherd metaphor is used for God (Psalm 23), humans (Ezekiel 34), and, in Christian tradition, Jesus (Mark 6:34).
A shepherd brings sheep – or, in this case, people – together and protects them, tends to them. Who are the shepherds in your life? Whom do you shepherd? How are you mirroring God’s shepherding in these relationships?
The reading from Colossians gives us a twofold message. The first part lays out a multitude of ways in which we are can grow and be transformed in Christ: strength, power, glory, endurance, patience, joy, and thanksgiving. The second part of the reading gives us a Christological vision of ways to describe and understand Christ: He is the visible image of the invisible god, the creator, redeemer, and sustainer, a direct channel to the timeless eternal things of God. What does this text tell us about the connection between our daily lives and our ability to let God transform us interrelate with the facets of who Christ is? (Sermon That Works)
MICHAEL’S ADVENT WORSHIP SERVICES
Advent 1: December 1, 2019 – Lighting of Advent Candle and Joint Worship Service at 9:30am. 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.
Christmas Eve: December 24, 2019
7:00pm – Carol Singing at 7:00pm.
7:30pm – The Lighting of the Christ Candle
Holy Communion and Candlelight Service
Dec. 25 -Christmas Day Morning Eucharist at 10:00am
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 