July 5th Pentecost 5

Dear St. Stephen’s church family,

Greetings in Christ!

1. The readings for this Sunday are:

Genesis 24:34-38, 42-49, 58-67

Song of Solomon (Song of Songs) 2:8-13

Romans 7:15-25a

Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30

The Gospel contains the “comfortable words” from the Book of Common Prayer, said before communion: Come unto me, all ye who are weary and heavy laden, and I will refresh you. These words speak straight to our hearts, as we listen to Christ’s invitation to come and rest in him.

2. As I mentioned earlier this week, we were able to contribute to a project put together by On Eagle’s Wings Ministries.

They are sending a Bible Camp curriculum package to people living in Canada’s northern communities and who will not be able to gather this summer as usual. Julie put all of the bits and pieces together for the crafts they needed, and I simply had to take out materials and follow along. I felt like Mrs. Dressup!  We also sent in 3 songs and a small monetary donation to help them with their ministry. Please pray for this wonderful program, that it might be a way for families and children to experience God’s love and learn about Jesus.

 3. On the St. Stephen’s children’s ministry front

we are planning a summer evening on the lawn with Bible stories, activities and singing, on Sunday, July 12th at 7 pm. If you would like any information about this, please be in touch with me or Julie. We are looking forward to getting some of our church family and kids together for a socially distanced time of fellowship, fun and learning. RSVP required

 4. In person Services during COVID

Wednesdays at noon.

Sundays at 9:30 am.

Both by registration.

 We continue to give thanks for the health and welfare of our nation and pray for all those who are struggling to contain covid 19. A prayer from the Prayer Book, for Healing Ministries:

Almighty God, whose blessed son Jesus Christ went about doing good, and healing all manner of sickness and disease among the people: Continue, we beseech thee, this his gracious work among us, especially in our sister provinces and in the United States; cheer, heal and sanctify the sick; grant to the physicians, surgeons and nurses wisdom and skill, sympathy and patience; and send down they blessing upon all who labour to prevent suffering and to forward thy purposes of love; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 

Parish Cycle of Prayer

Monday: Eunice and family

Tuesday: Audrey and family

Wednesday: Evadne and family

Thursday: Nestor and Gaye and family

Friday: Harry and Aleen and family

 

Sent faithfully, with hope and love,

 

The Rev. Amy <><