Dear St. Stephen’s church family and friends,

It seems that Saint Patrick was on to something when using a shamrock to explain the Holy Trinity. I saw an iris on the way over to church just now…another possible teaching example of the mystery of our Triune God. I encourage you to look for 3’s this week—and send photos to me to share. Where do you see the Trinity hinted at in creation?

1. The Holy Spirit

continues to connect us as the body of Christ, even as we are not able to be together in person at the same time for now. Jerry and Jean’s granddaughter Georgia (our extended family in Regina!), sent a photo of her completed Pentecost mail out—mobile and crown. Thank you so much for sending! We always appreciate seeing the work that our church school has been doing and sharing in their learning and joy! It is so encouraging to know that ministry has continued, even in the pandemic, and the good news has been shared, by snail mail, email, phone calls, zoom and in person!  

2. Correction!

I mistakenly said that the All Things Bright and Beautiful flower pick up would be on June 3^rd, but it is actually on June 2^nd! If you have placed an order, you should have received an email, requesting your preference for pick up, either in the afternoon or the evening on Wednesday, June 2^nd. I look forward to seeing people (at a distance) as they pick up their plants, and to distributing donated planters—in addition to the plants that were ordered for people’s gardens, we were blessed by some donated plants, which will go to brighten up the day of people who could use a lift or a special message of our love and friendship. Thank you to all! I will post photos in the parish email next week!

 3. On Eagle’s Wings Ministry

in the North is once again offering a virtual Vacation Bible school with supplies and backpacks being distributed to communities who wish to take part. We have been asked to provide music—videos of the songs–for one of the 5 days in the program which will be used by the groups and individual families who are participating in the program. We are blessed to be able to help out in this small way.

 4. As of tomorrow, May 30^th, in person worship guidelines

have shifted to allow 30% of our capacity. I know that not everybody feels ready or comfortable to meet in person, and we are all waiting until the time when we can celebrate together! It is important that we all feel free and comfortable to do what makes sense for us in this area. In the mean time, if you would like to attend, please register ahead of time for worship by calling or emailing, know that we wear masks, socially distance and sanitize after services. Let us love God and neighbour by continuing to be careful and caring.  

5. I send this invitation to prayer for Christian Unity from the Prairie Centre.

It is so good for us to pray for one another, across denominational lines and differences, so that we might live into Christ’s prayer that we may be one. If you have any questions, talk with Cathryn Wood, who leads the Prairie Centre.

Abide in My Love: Cross-Canada Online Celebration of the

Week of Prayer for Christian Unity

During this season of Pentecost, The Canadian Council of Churches and its ecumenical partners, The Canadian Centre for Ecumenism and The Prairie Centre for Ecumenism, invite you to “Abide in My Love: Cross-Canada Online Celebration of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity”

Saturday, June 5, 3:00 – 4:00 pm EDT (1:00 – 2:00 pm in Saskatchewan)
Register on Eventbrite: https://wpcu-2021-spuc.eventbrite.ca

Gathering as branches of Christ the True Vine, let us experience, and bear witness to, God’s abiding love amid this year’s unique challenges.

Leaders from diverse Christian traditions in Canada will offer prayers and Scripture readings. The Rev. Michael Blair, General Secretary, The United Church of Canada, and His Eminence Gérald Cyprien Cardinal Lacroix, Roman Catholic Archbishop of Québec and Primate of Canada, will offer homiletic reflections.

This event is bilingual (English and French), with simultaneous translation in both languages.
This online celebration is free for all who would like to attend, but a small contribution to offset the cost is welcomed.

Parish Cycle of Prayer:

Monday: for On Eagle’s Wings Ecumenical Ministries, as they prepare the curriculum and roll out of their summer programs. For all children and youth who will be touched by the good news of Jesus through song and story.

Tuesday: for Camp Okema, as they look for summer staff and prepare to share God’s love in safe and possible ways.

Wednesday:  Mark and Rev. Jan and family

Thursday: John and Linda and family

Friday: Clayton and family

 God is far off, unapproachable, mysterious, uncontrollable; and yet, amazingly, this same unapproachable God draws us near and touches us…These two, the beyondness and the nearness, are always held together in tension. -Edmund A. Steimie

 Thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy, “I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit. -Isaiah 57:14 (KJV, in the Book of Common Prayer opening sentences prefacing Morning Prayer)

In the love of God–Father, Son and Holy Spirit,

Rev. Amy <><