Saint Bartholomew the Apostle…24 August

Bartholomew is known to us only because his name is listed among the twelve apostles in the Gospels according to Mat[1]thew, Mark, and Luke. His name means “son of Tolmai,” and he is sometimes identified with Nathanael, a disciple who appears at the beginning of the Fourth Gospel. According to John, Nathanael learned about Jesus of Nazareth from his friend Philip and gave the skeptical response, “Can anything good come from Nazareth?” Nevertheless he went along with his friend, and when Jesus saw him he said, “Here is an Israelite worthy of the name; there is nothing false in him.”

Some sources credit Bartholomew with having written a Gospel; its existence was known to various Christian theologians up to the eighth century, but it has been long since lost. There is a tradition that he travelled to India, where it was later said that he left behind a copy of the Gospel according to Matthew in Hebrew. Another ancient tradition says that Bartholomew was flayed alive at Albano’polis in Armenia while seeking to bring the good news of Christ to that nation.

You are those who continued with me in my trials. You shall eat and drink at my table in my kingdom. Luke 22.28, 30

Let us pray: Almighty and everlasting God, who gave to your apostle Bartholomew grace to believe and preach your word, may your Church truly love what he believed and faithfully preach what he taught; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

News Update

Joint Worship Service: Next Sunday, August 25^th, will be our parish combined worship service at 9:15am. This will be followed by a fellowship meal in the church. All Welcome. 

Youth Retreat at Camp Artaban:The Diocese of New Westminster & DYM will host a youth retreat at Camp Artaban, Gambier Island from Friday, August 23, 5:00 PM to Sunday, August 25, 3:00 PM. 

This retreat is open to youth aged 12-18 with activities including; Campfire, Beach and waterfront time, walks in the forest, shared meals, worship in the outdoor chapel, optional activities: Canoeing, kayaking, swimming, rock climbing, and archery!

The theme of the retreat, “Come & Journey,” draws inspiration from the lyrics of the late Herbert O’Driscoll’s hymn. Each session will focus on a different verse of the hymn, exploring its relevance to our faith journey and fostering a deeper connection with God and each other.

To Register: tinyurl.com/DYM2024ARTABAN

September 1-October 4: Season of Creation – Christians around the world are invited to give particular attention to praying and caring for God’s creation as part of the global Season of Creation, observed from September 1 to October 4 every year. General Synod 2019 passed a resolution adopting the Season of Creation in the Anglican Church of Canada as a time of prayer, education and action, and encouraging dioceses and parishes to participate. St. Michael will focus its liturgy on the Season of Creation during this period.