st. paul’s and trini ty advent & christmas...
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God who Created the world did not come and dwell among us as one better than us. God came humbly, creating space through which all people could encounter God: shepherds and magi, the poor and the sick, the sinners and tax collectors, the rulers and kings. No one is excluded from meeting God with us as a baby in a manger. As we journey through Advent we await the wonder and grace of this story. We wait, except that what we are waiting for is actually already here. God comes to us not only on Christmas but every time we gather to worship, every time we pray, every time we open our hearts to meet God in the least and lowly. God is already here, offering us love and forgiveness and challenging us to live as Jesus lived EVERY DAY of the year. “We wait for what we
already have”! This is the
theme of our Advent
journey. Let us pray that
our hearts remain open to
the invitation of the one
who is and was and is to
come so that we are
continually transformed by
God with us today and
every day. Amen.
Back on Nov. 8, Global News did a segment in which they interviewed two of the individuals who had been selected to participate in the Basic Income Pilot Project which was initiated by the Liberals Provincially and then cancelled by the Conservatives at the beginning of this year: One woman shared that she had used the money to buy healthier food, over-the-counter medications and to visit her grandchildren. Returning to receiving only ODSP, she is no longer able to afford these and struggles to spend time with her grandchildren as she can’t provide for them. The other woman, trusting that the funds were guaranteed for three years, took out a business loan in order to expand her business. Losing this income so early in the project has left her struggling to pay back the loan and do the work she had hoped to do. How often do we take the time to listen to the stories of individuals impacted by the choices and actions of individuals, businesses and governments? How many people have we met who are excluded, marginalised and impoverished by policies and practices that
are promoted by privileged majorities? In what ways are we ignorant to the implications of things we support? What would happen if we continually tried to look beyond our own ideals and priorities to the bigger picture? In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. All went to their own towns to be registered. Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David. He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. (Lk 2:1-7) Jesus was born in a manger – away from home, the victim of policies, practices and ideologies. But that was the point. The
We wait for what we already have...
S T . P A U L ’ S A N D T R I N I T Y
A N G L I C A N C H U R C H E S
Advent & Christmas 2019 N O V E M B E R 2 4 , 2 0 1 9
Watch for:
Paint Night
Ornament
Making
“Preparing in
Christ’s
Presence” our
Advent
Ministerial
Series
“We wait for
what we already
have” the
theme for our
Advent Journey
Youth led,
Request a
Hymn Morning
Prayer and
Potluck with
Christmas
Kahoot at St.
Paul’s Dec. 15
Blue
Christmas,
Dec. 17th
Ways to make
a difference
Vestry Dates
Opportunities
for food and
fellowship
A look back at
the Kingsville
Christmas
Tour
Insight in the
Transgender
Day of
Remembrance
and our service
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P A G E 2
In the midst of
the busyness of
this season, to
what extent do
we stop to
reflect on the
reasons we are
doing everything
we are doing?
Rev. Chris
Brouillard-Coyle
Why do we do what we do at Christmas? Dear friends in Christ; Christmas is coming. Have you started shopping yet? What about decorating? Baking? What have you done so far to prepare for the season? What is on your list to do? Why? Now there is an interesting question: Why? In the midst of the busyness of this season, to what extent do we stop to reflect on the reasons we are doing everything we are doing? Are we acting to fulfil some expectations? Is our focus trying to make other people happy? Are we simply doing what we have ‘always’ done? Why do we do all that we do in the Christmas season? As Christians, hopefully somewhere in our response to these questions is the reason for the season – the coming of God as a baby in a manger. Ideally, in fact, everything we do should somehow point towards our faith that Jesus is Emmanuel, God with us. What does this look like? In what ways does our shopping, decorating, baking, partying and exchanging gifts at this time of year
demonstrate our faith? How would anyone, seeing our actions during this season recognise in them our desire to give glory to God in the highest and peace and good will to all? While it is easy to get distracted by secular celebrations of Christmas, opportunities are provided by our churches to help focus our efforts and energies this season. The theme for our Advent Ministerial Series is “Preparing in Christ’s Presence” and will feature reflections on: do less; experience wonder and hold on to hope. Listen for ways in which the theme “we wait for what we already have” is incorporated in our sermons and worship over the course of Advent. Watch for our young people to provide leadership in worship at St. Paul’s Dec. 15 as we enjoy readings, reflection and carols. For those who are finding it difficult to navigate the season, we continue to offer our “Blue Christmas” service, a quiet celebration with music, readings, reflection, candles and silence
that enables us to slow down and listen for God. Christmas Eve we will centre ourselves on the wonder and mystery of God with us through worship at 7pm at Trinity and 9pm at St. Paul’s. Christmas morning at 10am we will wake to the opportunity to come as you are and celebrate the babe in the manger in a relaxed way. All of these opportunities are provided as a way to draw our hearts and minds into the wonder of the season. As we do so, hopefully we can continually keep before us the reason for the season so that our desire to celebrate God with us permeates all that we do during this time. Thank you for all that you do to help make Christmas meaningful and to support the work of these churches. I pray you all have a blessed Christmas and a wonderful New Year,
With love,
Chris.
A D V E N T & C H R I S T M A S 2 0 1 9
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Christmas Giving—Toys for local children
P A G E 3
The toy box is filling up but
there is always room for more!
Help bring joy to children in the
area with donations of new
unwrapped toys! Every
donation can bring a smile
Christmas morning!
We will be taking donations
until Dec. 8th after which
Goodfellows will be contacted
to facilitate distribution.
Thank you for your generosity!
The Giving Tree is back at Trinity waiting to
be filled with hats, scarves and mittens that will
be shared through the clothing cupboard and
with migrant
workers to help
keep folks warm
this winter!
Knickers and Toes is back at St. Paul’s!
Add your contributions to the clothesline at
the entry of the church! All items will go
towards the clothing cupboard. There is no
deadline, just a call to be generous! It is
always nice to have new socks and
underwear!
Christmas Giving—Keeping people warm & cozy
Stories from the closet...
Thank you for
your
generosity
year after
year! It makes
a difference!
Thank you for
your
generosity!
On behalf of all that volunteer at the clothing cupboard and all those who find
themselves in need and visit the clothing cupboard, THANK YOU to all who donate
and/or gather clothing. There are people and communities across Windsor-Essex who
continually and generously support this ministry. It is a wonderful gift to experience
the joy and gratitude of clients when they are able to find what they need! We couldn’t
do it without donations. Thank you for supporting this work!
Are you or is someone you know
struggling this season for any reason?
Take time to breathe and be at our
Blue Christmas Service
This is a gentle service that invites us to slow down and listen for God’s
presence through silence, readings, reflections, music and prayer.
Dec. 17, 7pm at St. Paul’s All are welcome! Bring a friend! It
may be a wonderful Christmas gift!
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P A G E 4
From Oct.1,
2018 to Sept. 30,
2019 there were
370 reported
deaths of trans-
identified people
around the world
Transgender Pride
Flag at St. Paul’s
Transgender Day of Remembrance November 20th is the
International Day for
Transgender
Remembrance. This
day provides an
opportunity to raise
awareness about the
violence transgender
people experience.
Over the course of the
past year, there were
370 reported deaths of
trans-identified people
worldwide. It is
expected that this
number is far greater.
The average life
expectancy of a trans
woman of colour in the
U.S. is 35. The acts of
violence towards
transgender individuals
include many haunting
stories:
Medely Razard died
at the age of 15 on
September 20th,
2019. They were
beaten, raped, and
strangled with wire.
(Brazil)
Rajathi was a priest
who died at the age
of 38 on February
15th, 2019. Her
mutilated body was
found inside the
sanctum of the
temple she ran,
known for being a
welcoming place for
LGBTQ. Her severed
head was left outside
the temple premises.
(India)
Paris Cameron was
20 years old when
she was shot and
killed in Detroit,
Michigan, on May
25th, 2019. Two gay
men were killed
alongside her.
(United States)
Becky Gonzalez
Reyna owned a bar
popular for LGBT+
folk that became a
gunman’s target on
Good Friday. She
was celebrating the
first birthday of her
nephew, and made
to watch while
thirteen members of
her family were killed
(including her
nephew) before she
herself was killed.
(Mexico)
These stories and
others were shared as
we paused and
remembered during an
ecumenical
Transgender Service of
Remembrance on Nov.
19 at St. Paul’s. This
service also provided an
opportunity to reflect on
scripture and story as a
way to better
understand our
relationship with
transgender individuals.
We are left with a
challenge to act:
1. To learn more about
the Transgender Day
of Remembrance go
to https://
tdor.translivesmatter.i
nfo/
2. Use inclusive
language—siblings
instead of brothers
and sisters, folks or
everyone as a
greeting. Make sure
washrooms and
spaces are available
for those who don’t
strictly identify as
male or female.
3. When people share
their name and
pronoun with you—
use these. Even if
you knew them with a
different name, try
your best to listen
and respond as they
have chosen. It is
respectful and gives
them a sense of
dignity.
Don't let this just be a
day of remembrance.
Let this day be a sign of
our commitment to
make the world a better,
safer place for our trans
brothers, sisters, and
siblings, so that future
generations won't need
to have a Transgender
Day of Remembrance.
Submitted by: Sydney
Brouillard-Coyle
A D V E N T & C H R I S T M A S 2 0 1 9
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Pick a Song is back! P A G E 5
Did you enjoy hearing “What a
wonderful world” and “Lord the
Light of Your Love” ten times
throughout 2019? Ready to pick a
new hymn for 2020? Here’s the
rules:
1. MAKING SUGGESTIONS: Throughout December a
suggestion box will be at the back
of each church for people to
submit their favourite hymns.
These can be from our hymnbook
or any other song that we can sing
in Church. You can submit as
many and as often as you like.
2. TOP THREE: On the first
Sunday in January the three most
commonly requested hymns from
each church’s collection will be
announced. Jars will be set up at
the back of each church for each of
these songs.
3. VOTING: You can vote for a
particular hymn with your change.
Only coins are accepted. Nickels
are 5 points, dimes 10, quarters 25,
loonies 100, and toonies are
negative 200 points. That’s right,
you can sabotage a hymn’s votes
with your toonies! You will have
the entire month of January to vote.
4. THE RESULTS: After the last
Sunday in January, the coins will be
tallied up and the hymn with the most
points will be announced on the first
Sunday in February. That hymn will
be sung at least 10 times over the rest
of the year.
NOTE: What happens at one church
does not necessarily influence what
happens at the other. Money raised at
St. Paul’s will go towards the music
program. Stayed tuned to find out
what will happen with the money at
Trinity.
Several people said it was out of their way but, had heard great things and were happy that they visited. Members came forward and baked and baked and then when we ran out of baked goods on Saturday, baked some more. A lot of work went into the event to create a beautifully decorated church and gazebo. Our thanks to everyone who helped to make this a truly wonderful weekend. Submitted by: Pat Jackson
Over the past few years, we have inquired about being included in the annual Kingsville Christmas tour. This year, with a little more than 3 weeks notice we were told that we were on the list. We were the only place in Cottam and had been advised that we probably wouldn't have many visitors. We were pleasantly surprised and delighted to have approx. 400 people through the doors of our beautiful little church.
Dec. 11: Experience Wonder
Led By: Major Jim Hann
Hosted at: St. Paul’s
Anglican Church
Dec. 18: Hold on to Hope
Led By: The Rev’d Carl
Emke
Hosted at: Holy Name
Catholic Church
Dec. 4: Do Less
Led By: The Rev’d Chris
Brouillard-Coyle
Hosted at: Woodslee United
Church
Preparing in Christ’s presence: 2019 Advent Ministerial Series...
Kingsville Christmas Tour
All programs
begin at noon and
are followed by a
light lunch from
the host
community. Free
will offerings
gratefully
received.
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St. Paul’s and Trinity Anglican Churches
92 St. Paul’s St. Essex, ON, N8M 1C5
Office Hours: Wednesdays & Fridays 9am—1pm
Clothing Cupboard Hours: Tuesdays & Thursdays 9am—1pm
Office Email: [email protected]
Parish Website: stpaulstrinity.org
Facebook Page: St. Paul’s Anglican Church Essex & Trinity Anglican Church Cottam
Facebook Group: Trinity-St.Paul Anglican Parish Family
Dates to Remember
Nov. 30—Paint Night, Trinity Anglican Church, 6:30pm
Dec. 2—Ornament making, Essex Glass, 7pm
Dec. 4— “Preparing in Christ’s Presence”, noon, Woodslee United Church
Dec. 6—Holiday Themed Pasta Dinner with music & wine draw, 5-6:30pm, St. Paul’s
Dec. 7—Pie Pick up, 10-11am, Trinity
Dec. 11— “Preparing in Christ’s Presence”, noon, St. Paul’s Anglican Church
Dec. 14—St. Paul’s Christmas Market, 10am-2pm
Dec. 15—Youth led, Hymn Request Morning Prayer with potluck and Christmas
Kahoot at St. Paul’s at 11am
Dec. 17—Blue Christmas service (a gentle opportunity to come before God carrying
whatever struggles we may have this season—make a difference in someone’s life and
bring a friend), 7pm, St. Paul’s
Dec, 18—“Preparing in Christ’s Presence”, noon, Holy Name Catholic Church
Dec. 24—Christmas Eve worship with candles, 7pm Trinity, 9pm St. Paul’s
Dec. 25—Christmas Morning come as you are service, 10am St. Paul’s
Dec. 29—Last Day to submit hymn suggestions
Jan. 5—Deanery youth bowling, 2pm. See Donna Flood to sign up.
Jan. 10—Stew Supper at St. Paul’s, 5-6:30pm
Jan. 19—Trinity Vestry meeting following 9:15am service (reports due Jan. 8)
Jan. 26—St. Paul’s Vestry meeting following 9:30am worship and breakfast (reports
due Jan. 15)
Jan. 26—Last Day to Vote for your favourite hymn
Feb. 2—Winning hymns will be announced
Note: the clothing cupboard will be closed from Dec. 6 to Jan. 6 as the Essex Food
Bank moves to a new location. Look for opportunities to volunteer to help maintain the
cupboard during this time.