Dear St. Stephen’s church family,

Blessings on this last summer weekend! 

1.  Today we held the funeral of dear parishioner Coreen Margaret Smith, who had been a member of the church since she was a child. Coreen and her husband Brian were married here, and their twin boys (now in their 20’s) were baptized at St. Stephen’s. It was a small gathering, in light of the restrictions in place, but it was a sacred time to pray and give thanks, remember and share. 

2. Our youth group gathered on the lawn on Friday evening. Our next door neighbours on Grosvenor Crescent had a project they wanted to complete: making cards for essential workers, to thank them for their work during this pandemic. They needed young people to help them make it happen! So we worked together, painted and drew and chatted…It is good to make these neighbourhood connections!

 3. You are invited to come to Zoom Morning Prayer on Tuesday morning at 9:30 am. Please contact Amy or the office for the link. 

 4. Thank you to Sandra, who is filling in for Margaret’s holiday time this week. 

5. In person worship continues on Sunday mornings at 9:30 am. Please register ahead of time. 

 Parish Cycle of Prayer

Monday: Eleanor Weig

Tuesday: Eleanor Wel 

Wednesday: Karen W

Thursday: Bob and Nancy and family

Friday: Boris and Marje and family

A thought from Vincent VanGogh: Many people seem to think it foolish, even superstitious, to believe that the world could still change for the better. And it is true that in winter it is sometimes so bitingly cold that one is tempted to say, “What do I care if there is a summer; its warmth is no help to me now.” Yes, evil often seems to surpass good by far. But then, in spite of us, and without our permission, there comes at last an end to the bitter frosts. One morning the wind turns, and there is a thaw. And so I still have hope.

Sent with faith, hope and love,

The Rev. Amy <><