Notices for the Week of March 8th - 14th
Notices for the Week of March 8th - March 14th
Readings for Next Sunday, March 15th Lent 3
Exodus 17:1-7;
Psalm 95;
Romans 5:1-11;
John 4:5-42
Holy Days and Commemorations this Week
March 8 Edward King, Bishop of Lincoln, Educator and Pastor, 1910 Com
March 9 Gregory of Nyssa, Bishop, Teacher of the Faith, c.395 Mem
March 10 Robert Machray, First Primate of Canada, 1904 Com
The Peace and the Common Cup during Cold and Flu Season In this season of colds, flus, and other viruses, when we worry more about illness, people ask about exchanging the peace and using the common cup. Here is what we are doing at St. Helen’s to ensure we mitigate the risks.
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’
Parish Council for 2020
Rector and Council Chair – The Rev. Stephen Laskey
Curate – The Rev. Jonathan Pinkney
Rector’s Warden – Lynn Turner;
People’s’ Warden – Roy Francis
Treasurer – Mareen Mathew;
Secretary – Simon Lee
Synod Delegates – Jane Denton, Cathy Anderson
Alternate Synod Delegates – Lynn Turner, Roy Francis
Youth Synod Delegate – Lyn Hebert
Members-at-Large – Ian Mulcaster, Anil Richards, Anup Thomas
Trustees Jacquie Stinson, Fil Sotana, Judy Nicholson
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.