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The Big Question on Everyone’s mind - Will  we be cancelling our Sunday Worship services?
We are sure this is a question that is on everybody’s mind these days.  Even though some dioceses across the country have done so, we have not had any directive from the Archbishop.  Until we hear differently, we will continue with our regular Sunday Eucharist at 10am.  We ask that everyone spread themselves out around the church rather than staying close together. If you are unwell, please stay home.  It is best to get better and not bring anything to the church with you.

If the Archbishop sends a directive that we are to stop gathering, the information will be put up on our Parish website and on our St. Helen’s Facebook page.  For those who do not use computers or have access, we will update the phone message on the parish office phone. 

Also for the Information of Parishioners
The Mar Thom a Church - For your information, the Mar Thoma Church which meets here at St. Helen’s at 4pm on Sundays have been directed by their bishop to discontinue their gatherings until further notice.

The Korean Congregation will continue to meet at their regular time on Sunday afternoons.  

The Creative Zone Childcare which we have been waiting to begin operating here in the lower church hall has finally been granted a license to operate by Fraser Health.  It has been a very long process.  

Lenten Programme of Prayer & Study It seems best at this time to discontinue the Lenten study. We are also discontinuing the Friday evening and Saturday morning openings of the church for quiet reflection and prayer.   

Special Thanks this week to a few people who helped with some upgrades in the sacristy and cleaning:
1/ The Altar guild who were out in numbers on Friday for the care of the sanctuary and chancel as well as dusting in the church.
2/ To Les Foulds, Simon Lee, and Roy Francis for their work in the sacristy to replace the sink and counter top AND install a small water heater.  We now have hot water in the sacristy which is very timely.
3/ To Simon and Christine Lee for disinfecting the covers to all the hymnals on Friday morning.
4/ To Luke ler Pwe and Steve for wiping down all the pews with disinfectant on Friday in preparation for Sunday  

Hymnals – After the service please return your hymnal to the back of the church.  

Readings for Next Sunday, March 22nd Lent 4
1 Samuel 16:1-13; 
Psalm 23;
Ephesians 5:8-14; 
John 9:1-41  

Holy Days and Commemorations this Week
March 17 Patrick, Missionary Bishop in Ireland, 461 Mem
March 18 Cyril of Jerusalem, Bp and Teacher of the Faith, 386 Com
March 19 St Joseph of Nazareth HD
March 20 Cuthbert, Bishop of Lindisfarne, Missionary, 687 Com
March 21 Thomas Cranmer, Archbishop of Canterbury, 1556 Com  

For our Weekly Eucharist
The Peace and the Common Cup at this time of the Coronavirus  
At the Peace - We do like to share the peace here at St. Helen’s with a great sense of community as we move around the church. If you have a cold and are shaking many hands it is possible to pass on a cold, flu germs and viruses.  It would be best not to pass the peace in our usual manner.  In addition, the best practice is to use hand sanitizer before and after the peace.  At this point in time then, it is best for us to put aside shaking hands for the peace. You are invited to turn to your neighbour and simply nod as you say the words of peace or clasp your own hands together as you give a slight bow to the person and say ‘Peace be with you’.  You can even knock elbows together.  There are bottles of hand sanitizer around the church.  In addition, there is a bottle on each side of the choir.  You will see them as you move through the rood screen on your way to communion. It is a good practice to use hand sanitizer, not just during the cold and flu season, but at any time.  If you have any concerns, please do speak with either our Rector, Steve, our curate, Jonathan, or one of our wardens, Roy Francis or Lynn Turner.  
The Common Cup - We want to assure everyone that it is safe to partake of the chalice.  The rims are wiped well by the chalice administrators and the alcohol content of the wine is very high which mitigates the risks of sharing the chalice.  Intinction of the bread (dipping) is not allowed.  This is a pastoral directive from the Archbishop.  Remember that the church teaches that the fullness of communion is received in the bread alone. Should you not want to take the chalice, or if you yourself have a cold and are contagious, you can simply touch the base of the chalice as the words are said and say ‘Amen’  

ACW BUNNY RUN On Monday, April 6, members of St. Helen’s ACW will be at the Surrey Food Bank handing out Easter Gifts to needy families in our community, in particular those with infants and children up to age 12.  This form of outreach is done to let others know of God’s presence and love.  In addition to member donations, the ACW is hoping others, including yourself,  will consider donating new stuffed animals, small toys, crayons, colouring and story books, craft kits, board games, activity books, beads, hair clips, and other Easter-related items suitable for boys and girls.  The Food Bank receives sufficient donations of candy so we are not including this.  If you are uncertain about what to buy, or shopping is difficult, financial donations are most appreciated.  Please give these to Wendy Russell (604-507-0203; wendyruss@shaw.ca) and members will shop for you.  A donation box for stuffed animals, toys, etc. will be placed at the font.  Your support is appreciated.  

ACW MONTHLY MEETING – MARCH 18  As part of our Parish Lenten Study, the ACW is pleased to welcome Father Steve to our March meeting at 7pm in the Upper Hall.  Please join us as he helps us reflect on our journey through the world in the sense of making a ‘pilgrimage.’A time of fellowship and refreshments will follow.  

ACW MONTHLY MEETING --  APRIL 15 Parishioners are encouraged to join us at 7pm in the Upper Hall as we welcome a Guest Speaker, Romeo Kabanda.  He is the Director of Operations & Volunteer Coordinator for SURREY URBAN MISSION SOCIETY located in the heart of our community at 10776 King George Boulevard in Whalley.  He has been with SUMS since 2018 and manages the day-to-day operations of the mission and ensures that the shelter is safe for everyone who walks through the doors.   Find out how this organization provides ‘A Bridge to Hope’ through their Meal Program, Medical Program, Shelter and Outreach work. Let’s welcome him and show our support with a good turnout.  Light refreshments will be served.