Reflection at Christmas-tide During a Pandemic...

Just a thought...

(shared via Facebook)

Service for Sunday, December 27, 2020: Christmas Carols - Worshipping "In Place"

This week, a special service of Christmas Carols.

Programme:

126 - Away in a Manger, 3 verses

Little Drummer Boy*

145 - Good King Wenceslas - all 5 verses

135 - Shepherd in the Field Abiding  - v 1,4

138 - Hark! The Herald Angels Sing - v 1,3

120 - O Little Town of Bethlehem - v 1,4

748 - (old hymn book) We Three Kings - all 5 verses

139 - The First Noel - v 1, 2, 3, 4, 6

137 - What Child is This - v 1, 3

118 - O Come, All Ye Faithful - v 1, +1,3 (+latin)

140 - It Came Upon the Midnight Clear - v 1, 2

143 - Angels, from the Realms of Glory - v 1, 5

119 - Stille Nacht (Silent Night)   - 3 verses

*Little Drummer Boy is sung by Maya Solovéy and used under license (Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 United States (CC BY-NC-SA 3.0 US)). Her music can be found at: https://freemusicarchive.org/music/MayaSolovey

Thanks to Pat, Marlene and Tracie for their renditions of these Christmas favourites.  

May it bless your day.

NOTE: Rev. Robert is on holiday from Dec. 28 through January 4.  The next local service will be presented by St. Cyprian's parish on January 10.

Reflection for Christmas Day...

 

"Today in the town of David a Saviour has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.  This will be a sign to you.  You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."  -- Luke 2:11-12

Christmastide

2: on the edge

Christmas sets the centre on the edge;
The edge of town, the outhouse of the inn,
The fringe of empire, far from privilege
And power, on the edge and outer spin
Of  turning worlds, a margin of small stars
That edge a galaxy itself light years
From some unguessed at cosmic origin.
Christmas sets the centre at the edge.

And from this day our  world is re-aligned
A tiny seed unfolding in the womb
Becomes the source from which we all unfold
And flower into being. We are healed,
The end begins, the tomb becomes a womb,
For now in him all things are re-aligned.

                       -- Malcolm Guite, Sounding the Seasons, Canterbury Press, 2012*

*To hear this poem read aloud CLICK HERE.

Christmas Eve 2020: A Collaborative Service of Lessons & Carols - Worshipping "In Place"

 

This Christmas Eve Service of Lessons & Carols

is a collaboration 

presented by the Anglican parishes of 

St. Cyprian's, Lacombe, and St. John's, Olds, Alberta

under the guidance of Rev. Dr. Robert Sears.**

**Tips from Rev. Robert for good quality YouTube video viewing: 

a) Be sure to click into the "settings" cog / flower pedal icon on the bottom right of the video, then click "quality." Select and click "1080." This forces the YouTube player to play the highest resolution of the video, which is 1080p. If you leave it on "auto," then it automatically down-selects to a lower resolution.

b) As usual, the following sections are selectable when you are viewing the video on YouTube. Just run your mouse along the video progress bar of the video and these sections will be indicated and the section title will pop up. You can then jump to and fro to the desired sections.

Order of Service:

• Greeting (Rev Robert)
• Bidding Prayer (Rev Robert)    
• The Lord's Prayer (Linda Saad, Olds)
• 123 - Once in Royal David's City (verse 1) (Pat Cluderay, Lacombe)
• 119 – Silent Night (Maya Solovéy) [ShareAlike]
• First Lesson: Genesis 3.8–19 (Burt Hunt, Olds)
• 139 - The First Noel - piano
• Second Lesson: Genesis 22.15–18    (Pat Cluderay)
• Of the Father's Love Begotten (Marlene Skeet, Tracie Skeet-Brook, Olds)
• Third Lesson: Isaiah 9.2; 6–7 (The Rev Inez Hannett, Olds)
• 89 - O Come, O Come, Emmanuel (Joan Grover, Lacombe) organ
• Fourth Lesson: Luke 1.26–35; 38 (Joan Ainsworth, Olds)
• 120 - O Little Town of Bethlehem - piano
• Fifth Lesson: Luke 2.1; 3–7 (Brenda Hamming, Olds)
• 122 - In the Bleak Midwinter (Margaret Blank, Lacombe)
• Sixth Lesson: Luke 2.8–16 (Sheila Chapman, Lacombe)
• 136 - While Shepherds Watched (Marlene Skeet, Tracie Skeet-Brook)
• Seventh Lesson: Matthew 2.1–12 (Darlene Henry, Olds)
• 138 - Hark! The Herald Angels Sing (Joan Grover) organ
• Eighth Lesson: John 1.1–14 (Brian Chapman, Lacombe)
• 118 - O Come All Ye Faithful (Anne Burchill, Olds) flute
• Ninth Lesson: Matthew 28.16-20 (Vince Seymour, Olds)
• 153 – Good Christians All Rejoice (Marlene Skeet, Tracie Skeet-Brook)
• Collect (Rev Robert)
• Blessing (Rev Robert)
• 154 - Joy to the World (Marlene Skeet, Tracie Skeet-Brook)

Thanks to Rev. Robert and all the parish volunteers who were involved

in presenting this special Service.

May it bless you this Christmas!

***   ***   ***   

Also of Note:

Christmas Eve Service with the Archbishop and his Family – Live Stream

Also today (Thursday, December 24, 2020) from 9:00 - 11:00 pm the Archbishop will be live streaming a service from home. The web site says that a Facebook Live Link will be put up on Web Site at (or around?) 9 p.m.  The following are the links for this event:

• https://www.calgary.anglican.ca/
• Click here for the Order of Service

For Christmas Day, 

check this link for Services being held across the diocese: 

https://www.calgary.anglican.ca/events/christmas-service-online/2020-12-25

May you have a blessed Christmas-tide, wherever you find yourself this year.

This day in the City of David a Saviour [is being] born to you;

he is Christ the Lord....

Glory to God in the highest 

and on earth Peace...

and Goodwill to all people.

-- Gospel of Luke 1: 11a, 14 (paraphrased)

Service for Sunday, December 20, 2020: The Fourth of Advent - "Worshipping "In Place"

 

Today's service is presented by

Rev. Dr. Robert Sears

and members of St. John's Parish,

Olds, Alberta.

Sermon: "The Art of Life"

Readings for Sunday, December 20, 2020

2 Samuel 7: 8-16

Psalm 89: 1-4, 19-24

Romans 16: 25-27

The Gospel of Luke 1: 26-38

Thanks to Rev. Robert and volunteers for this week's service.

May it bless your day.

Editor's Note: For a poetic reflection on the Annunciation and how, perhaps, Mary experienced it, you might listen to and read this work from Marie Howe, "Annunciation", from her book The Kingdom of Ordinary Time.  May it, too, bless your day.

Upcoming Events - Advent: Fasting, Prayer and Praise!

 We may be worshipping "in place" but we're in good company!

Coming Friday, December 18, 2020 -- Two Events

From the Diocese of Calgary Newsletter...this invitation:

Every one of us is undergoing some form of stress or anxiety, whether Covid-related or just worries about family and/or friends.  There are health issues, job issues, feeling isolated, feeling fear, feeling sad or lonely, just to name a few.  And we know our clergy and lay leaders are dealing with a great deal, as they are overwhelmed in this busy season trying to maintain the traditions of the Advent season yet protecting the vulnerable.

What if...we were to spend a day or part of a day, in prayer, in honest, heartfelt communication with our Lord, in looking into His word, in meditating upon Him and slowing down to listen to Him.

We ask that on Friday, December 18, the people of the Diocese of Calgary take time to fast and pray – an hour or many hours; alone, with a spouse or family, via Zoom or whatever means that inspires you.

We pray: for protection from this Virus; for healing of those affected; for hope and provision for those impacted; for comfort for those mourning; for the safe and effective delivery of the vaccine; for the health services and leaders.  We pray for the mission of our Church in these strange times.  And we pray for each other.

Archbishop Greg has set up a Zoom link for prayer from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm and will have AFP members standing by to pray in breakoff rooms for those who wish to pray with someone.  Please request the link here.

Plan ahead, clear your calendar, and give one day, or a portion thereof, to the Lord, together, to raise our supplications and to let Him nurture and heal us.

***************    **************    **************

And from the National Church:

The Anglican Church of Canada is presenting a nation-wide Advent Service of Lessons and Carols Friday, December 18 at 8 p.m. EST (6 p.m. MST).  Viewers will be able to enjoy it on Facebook, YouTube or at www.anglican.ca/lessonsandcarols.

Service for Sunday, December 13, 2020: The Third of Advent - Worshipping "In Place"

 

Today's Service is presented by

Rev. Dr. Robert Sears

and members of St. Cyprian's Parish,

Lacombe, AB

Readings for Sunday, December 13

Advent III

Isaiah 61: 1-4, 8-11

Canticle 18 - The Song of Mary

1 Thessalonians 5: 16-24

The Gospel of John 1: 6-8, 19-28

Moonless darkness stands between

-- Gerard Manley Hopkins

Moonless darkness stands between.

Past, the Past, no more be seen!

But the Bethlehem-star may lead me

To the sight of Him Who freed me

From the self that I have been.

Make me pure, Lord: Thou art holy;

Make me meek, Lord: Thou wert lowly;

Now beginning, and alway:

Now begin, on Christmas day.

Thanks to Rev. Robert and volunteers for this week's service.

May it bless your day.

Being the Church in a Pandemic: A Conversation

 

For those of you who missed it, 

or would like to view it again,

below is the conversation between

Shawn Branch of the Diocese of Fredericton, N.B.

and 

our Primate, Archbishop Linda Nicholls,

recorded yesterday evening.

May it bless your day.  😊

Service for Sunday, December 6, 2020: The Second of Advent - Worshipping "In Place"

 

Today's service is presented by

Rev. Dr. Robert Sears

and members of St. John's Parish,

Olds, Alberta.

Readings for Sunday, December 6, 2020

Advent II

Isaiah 40: 1-11

Psalm 85: 8-13

2 Peter 3: 8-15a

The Gospel of Mark 1: 1-8

 Sermon: "Wilderness Honeymoon"

 Hosea 2: 14-19

John the Baptist, Preaching in the Wilderness
Artist: Anton Raphael Mengs
Source: Wikimedia Commons

Thanks to Rev. Robert and volunteers for this week's service.

May it bless your day.

Reflection in Advent: For St. Andrew's Day

Icon of St. Andrew the Apostle
Artist: Yoan from Gabrovo
19th Century
Source: Wikimedia Commons

 

Today is the Feast Day of St. Andrew...and so here is a reflection on the Apostle from Dean Robert Willis of Canterbury Cathedral in the U.K.  He speaks of Andrew as 'one who notices things' and as an 'encourager', and in the latter part of this short service of Morning Prayer, includes both a hymn in tribute to St. Andrew, and the collect for the Apostle's special day.  At the end of the service, you'll no doubt notice a visit from the Cathedral's head rooster, Russell Crow, and, as the Dean put it, "his wives".  😊  May it bless your day!

Collect for St. Andrew

from the Book of Alternative Services

Almightly God,

who gave your apostle Andre

grace to believe in his heart

and to confess with his lips that Jesus is Lord,

touch our lips and our hearts

that faith may burn within us, 

and we may share in the witness of your Church

to the whole human family;

through Jesus Christ our Lord,

who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,

one God, now and forever.

AMEN.

The Saltire
or St. Andrew's Cross,
the flag of Scotland, 
of which Andrew is the Patron Saint

Service for Sunday, November 29, 2020: The First of Advent - Worshipping "In Place"

 

Today's Service is presented by

Rev. Dr. Robert Sears

and members of St. Cyprian's Parish,

Lacombe, AB

Readings for Sunday, November 29

Advent I

Isaiah 63: 16 - 64: 8

Psalm 80: 1-7

1 Corinthians 1: 3-9

The Gospel of Mark 13: 32-37

Thanks to Rev. Robert and volunteers for this week's service.

May it bless your day.

Service for Sunday, November 22, 2020: Celebrating the Reign of Christ while Worshipping "In Place"

 

This week's service is provided by the Parish of St. John's, Olds, Alberta.

Readings for Sunday, November 22, 2020

Ezekiel 34: 11-16, 20-24

Psalm 95: 1-7a

Ephesians 1: 15-23

The Gospel of Matthew 25: 31-46

We give thanks for Rev. Dr. Robert Sears

and the parishioners of St. John's, Olds,

for providing this opportunity to worship.

Christ the King 

Our King is calling from the hungry furrows

Whilst we are cruising through aisles of plenty,

Our hoardings screen us from the man of sorrows,

Our soundtracks drown his murmur: 'I am thirsty'.

He stands in line to sign in as a stranger

And seek a welcome from the world he made,

We see him only as a threat, a danger,

He asks for clothes, we strip-search him instead.

And if he should fall sick then we take care

That he does not infect our private health,

We lock him in the prisons of our fear

Lest he unlock the prison of our wealth.

But still on Sunday we shall stand and sing

The praises of our hidden Lord and King.

-- The Feast of Christ the King,

a sonnet by Malcolm Guite*,

from Sounding the Seasons, Canterbury Press, 2012

*To hear the sonnet read aloud by the poet, click HERE and scroll down.

Music for Ordinary Time: Henry Purcell

 

Portrait of Henry Purcell
by John Closterman, 1695.
Source: Wikimedia Commons

Composer Henry Purcell was born sometime in 1659, possibly in early September, and died on this day -- November 21 -- in 1695.  He has the distinct reputation of being considered the greatest English composer of his time -- not equalled until several hundred years later, when Edward Elgar, Ralph Vaughn Williams, William Walton and Benjamin Britten appeared in the twentieth century.

He served as an organist, and composed many pieces of liturgical chant, but also wrote for the theatre, including scores for The Fairy Queen (based on A Midsummer Night's Dream), Dido and Aeneas and The Tempest, as well as music for royal occasions -- and music for hymns we still sing today.

It's this music that's included in this reflection today...with links for your listening and viewing enjoyment.

First, from The Hymn Book of the Anglican Church of Canada -- hymns for which he wrote the tune, or for which the tune is attributed to him:

• According to thy gracious word... - Tune: "Burford"; lyrics - James Montgomery, 1825;
• For the Healing of the Nations - Tune: "Westminster Abbey"; lyrics - Fred Kaan, 1968;
• Christ is made the sure foundation... - Tune: "Westminster Abbey" (see above); lyrics - John Mason Neale, 1851; 
• Lord, teach us how to pray aright... - Tune: Walsall; lyrics - James Montgomery, 1819; and
• Lord, when we bend before thy throne... - Tune: Walsall (see above); lyrics - Rev. J. D. Carlyle, 1802.

Next...some examples of his music performed "at diverse times and in sundry places"...

VOCES8 - Hear My Prayer, O Lord

An Evening Hymn - Featuring Voices of Music

with tenor Thomas Cooley

And for those who'd like "just the music, please"...

Pavan in B Flat

played by Voices of Music

May these pieces soothe you, comfort you, and bless your day.  😊

Service for Sunday, November 15, 2020: Worshipping "In Place"

This week's Service is provided

by

St. Cyprian's Parish, Lacombe, Alberta

 

Readings for Sunday, November 15, 2020

Zephaniah 1: 7, 12-18

Psalm 90: 1-8

1 Thessalonians 5: 1-11

The Gospel of Matthew 25: 14-30

Rev. Robert has provided these notes on the sermon this week:

The sermon suggests that we might be wrong about what we think about God. We might be mistaken about how much God loves us and what his expectations of us are. The parable of the talents highlights what it looks like to be woefully mistaken in just how important we are in God's eyes. We can learn from the one talent worker, more than we can from the other two. In fact, the one talent worker illustrates exactly how we shouldn't be.

Thank you to Rev. Dr. Robert Sears

and the volunteers from St. Cyprian's

for providing this at-home worship opportunity.

Source: Anglican Diocese of Calgary via Facebook

May this bless your day.

COVID Cancellation - Further Details

 

Details have arrived from the Anglican Diocese of Calgary...please click through and read the linked pdf file.  Thank you.

COVID-related Cancellation!

This just in from Rev. Robert:

The administration of Reserved Sacrament by Appointment, scheduled for Sunday, Nov. 15, 2020 at St. Cyprian's Parish, Lacombe has been CANCELLED due to up-dated COVID-19 restrictions.

This is to be revisited monthly, so stay tuned!

A Service of Remembrance: November 11, 2020

 

This Service of Remembrance

is provided by both

St. Cyprian's Parish, Lacombe, AB

and

St. John's Parish, Olds, AB.

Thank you to Rev. Dr. Robert Sears

and to all who participated from both parishes.

May the lives of those we remember be for a blessing.

Assorted Announcements...

Remembrance Day Service

There will be a Remembrance Day Service online on Wednesday, November 11th.  

The deadline for submitting digital pictures for inclusion in the Service is Monday night, November 9th.

Rev. Robert has contacted everyone who he believe has sent him a picture. If he has not confirmed with senders by now, then he has not received your communique or he's misplaced it (it happens).  So, if this is your situation, then please contact Rev. Robert if you want your family member's image in the video.

Poinsettias

St. Andrew's United Church  is ordering poinsettias (red, white, or pink).  If you would like to order some, please contact Madeline before November 20th at 403 786 4323.  

The prices are as follows: small (6") = $14;  small with vase = $32; and large (10") = $30.

Reserve Sacrament

On Sunday, November 15th, weather permitting, Rev. Robert will be offering reserved sacrament at the church from 12:00 noon to 3:45 p.m.  If the weather requires cancellation, there will be a date set later -- probably in December.

Because of COVID-19, registration is required. This is not a walk-in arrangement.

If you (and your immediate family or "cohort") would like to come for a 5-10 minute time of prayer and communion, then please contact Rev. Robert with the names of those attending and your first two or three times preferences.  Registered times are on the hour, half hour, and quarter hour, i.e., 12 noon, 12:15, 12:30, 12:45, 1pm, 1:15....

Visits will be for a maximum of 10 minutes. The scheduled times will be set by a first contacted, first assigned basis. Your registration will satisfy the guidelines of logging your attendance.

Entry will be by the front doors. Please sit where you normally sit. That way there will not be any overlap in seating arrangements. Bring your coats and jackets to your pews. Masks are advised. Exit will be through the hall.

There are more than enough slots to meet the expressed demand.  Rev. Robert will inform you of your assigned time by November 12th.   

Thanks to all involved for these opportunities to reflect, remember and celebrate.

 

Service for Sunday, November 8, 2020: Worshipping "In Place"

Today's service is provided by the Parish of St. John's, Olds, Alberta.

 

Rev. Robert's sermon is entitled "You Had One Job"; he describes the theme this way: "The sermon discusses the Gospel parable, arguing that what we need to see is character as what is needed for us to let our light shine before others. It is also suggested that the wise bridesmaids are not without fault. There is a simple need to work together on common projects, especially when we are all pulling in the same direction."

Readings for Sunday, November 9, 2020

Amos 5: 18 - 24

Psalm 70

1 Thessalonians 4: 13 - 18

The Gospel of Matthew 25: 1 - 13

Please note continued prayers for former parishioners, 

our friends Gerry and Sandra Pyper.

***

Thank you to Rev. Dr. Robert Sears

and all participants from the Parish of St. John's

for this service.

May it bless your day.

Reflection in Ordinary Time: All Souls' Day

 

The Day of the Dead
William-Adolphe Bouguereau, 1859

All Souls Day is marked by the Church on the day after All Saints Day.  In Latin countries, such as Spain and Mexico, it is observed as "The Day of the Dead" and can be quite a colourful celebration of rememberance of those near and dear to us who have died.  

This year, All Souls Day hasos a particular poignancy, as so many lives have been lost around the globe, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.  The mourning of all who have died since the start of this year -- whether due to the virus or other causes -- has been stifled by our inabililty to gather together for close comfort; this has deepened our grief and prolonged our sorrow.

Priest and poet Malcolm Guite has written a new book of poetry, specifically in response to the impact of the virus and our global months of quarantine.  It is a series of quatrains, four-line poems, which are often written as a set; the book is entitled The Quarantine Quatrains: A New Rubaiyat -- so called because each set of quatrains is accompanied by a beautiful illustration -- as was the Rubaiyat of old -- created by artist Roger Wagner.

The final set of quatrains in this publication are dedicated to all those who have been caring for the ill, especially those who have died as a result of exposure to COVID-19.  I share it here for your reflection on this special day of remembering...all souls...

VII

35

At close of day I hear the gentle rain/Whilst experts on the radio explain/Mind-numbing numbers, rising by the day/Cyphers of unimaginable pain.

36

Each evening the announce the deadly toll/And patient voices calmly call the roll/I hear the numbers, cannot know the names/Behind each number, mind and heart and soul

37

Behind each number one beloved face/A light in life whom no-one can replace,/Leaves on this world a signature, a trace,/A gleaning and a memory of grace.

38

All loved and loving, carried to the grave/The ones whom ever effort could not save/Amongst them all those carers whose strong love/Bought life for others with the lives they gave.

39

The sun sets and I find myself in prayer/Lifting aloft the sorrow that we share/Feeling for words of hope amidst despair.I voice my vespers through the quiet air:

40

O Christ who suffers with us, hold us close,/Deep in the secret garden of the rose,/Raise over us the banner of your love/And raise us up beyond our last repose.

-- Malcolm Guite, The Quarantine Quatrains, limited edition, UK 2020

NOTE: To hear the poet read this quatrain, and each of the others, click HERE.

May this bless your day.

 

 

Service for All Saints Day, November 1, 2020: Worshipping "In Place"

 

The Forerunners of Christ with Saints and Martyrs
Artist: Fra Angelico - ca. 1420

Today's service is provided by the Parish of St. Cyprian's, Lacombe, AB.

Saints encountered in today's readings:

Richard, Bishop of Chichester, 1253 - Commemoration Date: April 3

Wall painting - 13th century
Artist unknown

Robert Wolfall, Presbyter

Celebrant - 1st Anglican Eucharist

in North America - 1578

Commemoration Date: September 4

Source: "For All the Saints" - Wordpress.com

Sakachuwescam Henry Budd

First Nations person in North America

ordained an Anglican Priest - 1875

Commemoration Date: April 2

Rev. Henry Budd
Source: Saskatchewan Archives Board
Accession #R-A4814

Robert Machray, Bishop of Rupert's Land

and First Primate of the Church of England in Canada

(now the Anglican Church of Canada)

1904

Commemoration Date: March 10

Photograph of The Most Rev. Robert Machray
Photographer: Emory Walker, PHuSC
Source: The Life of Robert Machray
MacMillan Co. of Canada, 1909

Collect for All Saints Day

Almighty God,

whose people are knit together in one holy Church,

the mystical Body of your Son,

grant us grace to follow your blessed saints

in lives of faith and commitment,

and to know the inexpressible joys you have prepared

for those who love you;

through your Son Jesus Christ our Lord,

who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,

one God, now and forever.

AMEN.

May this bless your day!

October 31 Trifecta...

 

Tonight there will be a "blue moon" -- not a moon that's coloured blue, but one that is called this because it's the second full moon in a single month.  For more on exactly how this occurs and when, click HERE.

Being October 31, it's also Hallowe'en -- or 'All Hallows Eve', the start of a period in which the Church remembers 'all hallows', or all the hallowed and saintly souls in the history of Christianity, and those near and dear to us who have left this earth for the hallowed halls of heaven.  

And then...this year...it's also the eve of the first Saturday of November which, at least in recent years, means it's also the evening when -- at bedtime -- people in many countries around the globe find themselves setting their clocks and other time-pieces back one hour, moving from Daylight Savings Time to Standard Time again!

However spooked you are by the blue moon, however celebratory your Hallowe'en, please remember to...

Have a great weekend!