Reflection for Boxing Day: The Feast of Stephen

 

St. Stephen
from The Demidoff Altarpiece
Source: Wikimedia commons

Sharing today a reflection on both Boxing Day and The Feast of Stephen, the first Christian Martyr, provided by Rev. Kurt, one of the ministers at the United Church, Sherwood Park, Alberta.  Whether or not you've been out shovelling 'through the rude wind's wild lament and the bitter weather', may it bless your day.  😊

Reflection for Advent as the Nativity Approaches: Steve Bell

 

I bring you tidings of great joy which will come to all the people;

for to you is born this day a Saviour, Christ the Lord.

-- Luke 2: 10-11

Canadian singer-song-writer Steve Bell, who worships with the Anglican congregation of  St. Benedict's Table in Winnipege, in 2020 created a series of three videos of reflection in text and music for Advent.  He is now sharing them for all online.  This is the third in a series of three for this season; may it bless your day.

"Even so, Lord Jesus, come."

Reflection for Advent IV: Steve Bell

 

Canadian singer-song-writer Steve Bell, who worships with the Anglican congregation of  St. Benedict's Table in Winnipege, in 2020 created a series of three videos of reflection in text and music for Advent.  He is now sharing them for all online.  This is the second in a series of three for this season; may it bless your day.

Note: a portion of this particular reflection includes marking the Feast of  John of Kronstadt, a priest of the Orthodox church whose feast day is today (December 20 on the Orthodox calendar).

Reflection for Advent III: In the Whirlwind

Even though this third Sunday in Advent, we're called to be in joyful expectation -- sometimes it's downright hard to be joyful.

To whit: an American friend of mine shared this on Facebook...from her sister's sister-in-law.

"If ever I wished someone would read a post… this is the one.

December 11, 2021 -- 121121

.

I’m not sure I have words adequate for tonight’s post.

I’ve been thinking all day about what I would highlight for the season… and nothing seems right amid the destruction and despair that fills the air.

This morning I posted my usual sunrise walk photos… and added one of a school portrait found in the grass on the side of the path that I take every single morning.

.

I received a text this afternoon about a Facebook Group… ‘Quad State Tornado Found Items’.

.

When I got home I posted the photo to the group and immediately had a message and comment… then more comments…

Aunt Judy

Nana

My mom's cousin.

.

“She lost her life in the tornado. Thanks for sending on.”

.

That photo traveled 150 miles and landed alongside the path I walk every single morning… and I was able to connect with family.

.

Aunt Judy and Uncle Billy lost their lives in the storm.

.

I both hate the universe and love the universe with such intensity right now."

-- (signed) # Christmas Tears

I took particular note of this re: the found photo:

"That photo traveled 150 miles and landed alongside the path I walk every single morning… and I was able to connect with family."

The impact of the tornado. The presence of God (or "the Universe" as expressed in the article) in the life of this person -- and in the lives of those affected -- killed, injured, related to those who were killed/injured, KNOWN by those people.

God is "related" to each and every one of us; God KNOWS each and every one of us...and God's love is shown in the people who are on the ground in the rescue efforts, the recovery efforts, the hospitals and ER rooms and after-math care centres...and in the person who found a photo that was 150 MILES AWAY from home...and stopped, and cared enough to reach out.

Emmanuel. God with us.

Please keep the victims of this extraordinary tragedy in your prayers.

Lord, have mercy. Christ, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. AMEN.

Reflection for Advent II

 Saved from a Facebook post...for your pondering...

Reflections for Advent I

Canadian singer-song-writer Steve Bell, who worships with the Anglican congregation of St. Benedict's Table in Winnipeg, in 2020 created a series of  three videos of reflection in text and music for Advent.  He is now sharing them for all online. Your Editor will post these regularly through this season, hoping that they will bring you blessings.

Worshipping in Person Again!

 

It's official (for now!) -- we're back to in-person worship at St. Cyprian's!  We began on November 14, and now have arranged a schedule of alternating Morning Prayer and Eucharist Services through to January 23, 2022 -- all being well, and COVID statistics permitting.  (Christmas service details will be posted at a later date.)

On the weeks that Rev. Robert is officiating at Eucharist in St. John's Parish, Olds, we at St. Cyprian's will worship with Morning Prayer from the Book of Alternative Services.  The officiants and homilies/reflections at these services will be provided by lay ministry volunteers from the parish.  

Given that this virus is still very much in our midst, there are some protocols that must be followed to keep worshippers and celebrants healthy and safe, to whit:

• We will have a limited number of attendees, and have needed to institute a registration process to ensure we can meet numbers that meet distancing requirements. To register in advance, contact Jean at 587 377-2392 between the hours of 9 am and 5 pm.  
• Out of courtesy, please don't leave it until the last minute!  
• And if you are bringing a guest or another parishioner with you, please ensure that you register them at the same time.  We will do our best to accommodate "surprise" visitors, but space limitations make this a challenge at this time.
• We will be following all protocols outlined by Archbishop Greg Kerr-Wilson for the Anglican Diocese of Calgary:
• Masks and social distancing will be required.  
• We will be able to sing, but with masks on. 
• Social gatherings are not yet allowed, so there will unfortunately be no coffee hour yet.
• Pews have been marked off for alternate use to enable social distancing.
• Please keep your outer-wear (coats etc.) with you, so that you can exit the church through the hall after the service, rather than loop back into the narthex.
• Those wishing to make an offering for the work of the parish, including the Primate's World Relief and Development Fund (PWRDF) may do so in a plate on the table at the entrance.  Our offerings will be taken up to the altar at the appropriate time in the service, for thanksgiving prayer;
• The "Passing of the Peace" will be done with smiles, nods, and hand gestures of welcome;
• Eucharist is being facilitated by priestly intinction, with the congregation remaining in their pews, and the sacrament being administered individually by Rev. Robert as he travels down the aisle of the church.

We welcome you to our worship, and ask only that you are mindful of the needs of others when you join us.  Please practice kindness in these challenging times...

Editor's Note: There is a slight 'skip' in this video from 

Canadian singer-song-writer Steve Bell; 

please don't let that distract you from the music.  

Thank you.

Remembering in Ordinary Time: November 11

 For Remembrance Day, from the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby...

Service for Sunday, November 7, 2021: Worshipping "In Place" (for now)

 

Today's service is provided by Rev. Robert Sears and members of the Anglican Parish of St. John's, Olds, Alberta. We're continuing our reflections on Hebrews.  Hymns will have scrolling text so you can sing along. 

Readings for Sunday, November 7, 2021:

Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17

 Psalm 127

 Hebrews 9:24-28

The Gospel of Mark 12:38-44

This week we remember especially Vince Seymour, a member of St. John's Parish, who was a regular participant in the parish's recorded services.  He passed away October 29 (see https://www.echovita.com/ca/obituaries/ab/olds/vincent-seymour-13617352).  May he rest in peace and rise in glory, and may his family and friends be comforted by sweet and happy memories of his presence in their lives.  

Please note that our parishes prepare to worship in person again, effective November 14, 2021.  Please pray for the Fruit of the Spirit to bless our congregations during this time of transition.  Thank you.

Thanks to Rev. Robert and volunteers for this service.

May it bless your day. 😊

Just a Reminder...

 

Yep! This weekend in Alberta -- Saturday night (Nov. 6) at bedtime...if you still have watches and clocks that need your help (like I do), don't forget to set 'em back an hour!

Music in (Extra)Ordinary Time: All Saints Day 2021

 

A little music for All Saints Day... 

Lyrics: Rev. William Walsham How 

Tune: Ralph Vaughan Williams - SINE NOMINE 

May it bless your day!  😊

An Update on COVID 19: Returning to "In Person" Worship

 From Rev. Robert re: the latest from the Archbishop's COVID-19 Taskforce:

Parish Council decided we will work towards in-person services [at St. Cyprian's, Lacombe] starting November 14. The active case rate is still as high in Lacombe and county, as high as it was when we suspended services in September. Here's hoping it will be at a less risky active case rate by mid-November.

On October 27 the Archbishop has instructed us to follow the standard COVID protocols, including mandatory masks, social distancing, hand sanitizing, limited numbers, priestly intinction, etc. Singing will be allowed with masks on, but social gatherings are not yet allowed. Please see the Archbishop's letter for details.

In order to make in-person services work we will be starting up the rotas. So, if you were a regular on the sides persons, counters, readers, or intercessors lists, then you will be called. We need to have more people helping out in order to make in-person services work for everyone involved.


The Rev. Robert Sears
Incumbent

Service for Sunday, October 31, 2021: Worshipping "In Place" (for now)

 

Today's Service is prepared for you by 

Rev. Dr. Robert Sears 

and 

members of the Parish of 

St. Cyprian's Anglican Church, 

Lacombe, Alberta.

Readings for Sunday, October 31, 2021

Ruth 1: 1-18

Psalm 146

Hebrews 9: 11-14

The Gospel of Mark 12: 28-34

Notes on the Sermon from Rev. Robert:

"In the sermon I discuss Hebrews 9:11-14. There the writer of the sermon to the Hebrews compares Jesus' work as the Messiah with the purification rites of the High Priest on the Day of Atonement. He argues that Jesus's death is the climax of the ages, because Jesus effects a final atonement of God and mankind. This is because his sacrifice was from the transcendental side of the Holiest of Holies.

"I talk briefly about the Axial Age as a way of appreciating a pivotal time in history. The Axial Age was a cross-cultural change in thought, culture, and motivation. There was than a spiritual and ethical-moral awakening that spawned, reformed, or benefited from. This includes Buddhism, Christianity, Taoism, Confucianism, Hinduism, and Judaism. Some well-known figures of this period (800-300 BC) are Pythagoras, Archimedes, Zoroaster, Socrates, Plato, Aristotle, Buddha, Confucius, Lao Tzu, Sun Tzu, Isaiah, and Ezekiel."

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

May it bless your day. 😊

NOTE: In-person services may return soon -- perhaps November 14 -- please keep the parishes of St. Cyprian's, Lacombe and St. John's, Olds in your prayers as we look toward worshipping together again.

Service for Sunday, October 24, 2021: Worshipping "In Place" (for now)

Today's service is provided by Rev. Robert Sears and members of the Anglican Parish of St. John's, Olds, Alberta. We're continuing our reflections on Hebrews.  Hymns will have scrolling text so you can sing along. 

The video montage is from a hike Rev. Robert and his son took in September west of Sundre, to a place called Warden Rock (Ya Ha Tinda, or "mountain prairie" in Stoney/Nakoda).  

Readings for Sunday, October 24, 2021:

  Job 42: 1-6, 10-17

 Psalm 34: 1-8, 19-22 

Psalm 110 - additional - for our study of Hebrews today

 Hebrews 7:23-28

The Gospel of Mark 10: 46-52

Thanks to Rev. Robert and volunteers for this service.

May it bless your day. 😊

Reflection in (Extra)Ordinary Time: For the Feast of St. Luke

Picture of St. Luke the Evangelist
from the preface to his Gospel
in a Bible brought to Canterbury
by St. Augustine in the 5th Century

 

For your study and reflection -- a service of Morning Prayer with Dean Robert Willis, of Canterbury Cathedral -- for this Feast Day of St. Luke the Evangelist. 

An Update re: COVID-19 and Worshipping 'In Person'

 

From Rev. Robert re: the Archbishop's COVID-19 Taskforce...

The Archbishop's COVID-19 Taskforce has informed us (on October 14) that we will be "extending the current suspension by one Sunday until, and including, October 24." The reasons remain an abiding concern for community health and the continued functioning of our healthcare system. Who hasn't heard of a needed operation being postponed because of hospital over capacity?

Assuming there isn't a major spike following Thanksgiving, the Taskforce has said that parishes can consider opening again for in-person services with COVID restrictions on October 31. No parish is compelled to open on the 31st.

We will continue to be mindful of our local COVID case rate. We can look to worshipping in person when the local municipal and county rates dip below 300 and are trending down. And we can look forward to worshipping together without mandatory restrictions when the local case rate falls below 100 (assuming provincial regulations are appropriately adjusted).

I remind you of the risk assessment chart we used to decided to suspend services in September. At the parish level we will continue to be guided by those standards, our local case rates, and any new information that arises.

For the document entitled "Covid Thresholds for Services", click HERE.  

 

Service for Sunday, October 17, 2021: Worshipping "In Place" (for now)

 

Today's Service is prepared for you by 

Rev. Dr. Robert Sears 

and 

members of the Parish of 

St. Cyprian's Anglican Church, 

Lacombe, Alberta.

Readings for Sunday, October 17, 2021

Job 38: 1-7 (34-41)

Psalm 104: 1-9, 24, 35c

Hebrews 5: 1-10

The Gospel of Mark 10: 35-45

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

May it bless your day.

A Prayer for an Election

Lord, please keep our municipalities and counties under your care. Bless the leaders of our communities, that we may be at peace among ourselves, able to bless our neighbours and visitors in our midst.  Help us elect trustworthy leaders, contribute to wise decisions for the general welfare, and thus serve you faithfully in our generation to the honour of your holy name; through Jesus Christ our Lord.

AMEN.*

*Adapted from the Book of Alternative Services, Anglican Church of Canada, 1985.

Coming Online in November...

 

The ACW of the Anglican Diocese of Islands and Inlets, British Columbia, is presenting a ZOOM lecture by textile artist, Camino pilgrim, and local resident, Susan Purney Mark.  

DATE: Friday, November 19, 2021

TIME: 11:00 a.m. - noon, Pacific Time (noon - 1 p.m. Mountain Time)

For more information and to register, click HERE.

Service for Sunday, October 10, 2021: Celebrating Thanksgiving 'In Place'

 

Today's Service is presented by

Rev. Dr. Robert Sears

and members of St. John's Anglican Parish,

Olds, Alberta.

We welcome video and picture submissions from Burt, member of St. John's parish, currently in Spain, walking the French Way of the Santiago de Compostela.

Readings for Sunday, October 10, 2021

Job 23: 1-9, 16-17

Psalm 22: 1-15

Hebrews 4: 12-16*

*Additional re: study of Hebrews: Wisdom 7.15-30 and Psalm 95.

The Gospel of Mark 10: 17-31

A Thanksgiving Prayer

Almighty God, who gives to all life and breath and brings forth food from the earth by the hand of the farmer, keep us in the palm of your hand when this world in all its wonder and glory fades away. Grant that we may so use the fruits of the ground, along with all the other blessings by which you crown the year, prudently. May we either abuse nor undervalue them in all our busyness and worry. Good Lord, bless us with all your gifts that we receive from your bounteous liberality. May we learn from you generosity of heart and mind that we readily reach out to others like you reach out to us. We ask this in Jesus name. AMEN.

Happy Thanksgiving!  May your day be blessed! 😊

Coming Up Online

There is a trio of online study/reflection opportunities happening within the next several weeks, which might be of interest.

The first is a Diocesan ACW Book Study, facilitated by Rev. Betty Piwowar, beginning October 18 as a follow up to the ACW Fall Conference -- and running through November 29, Monday evenings at 7:00 p.m. Mountain Time -- via Zoom.  

The book in question is entitled Women in the New Testament and is available through Amazon in both paperback and digital (Kindle) formats.  Click the link above for more information and registration.

The second is through the Wisdom Centre: two evening sessions with Diana Butler Bass on the topic, Freeing Jesus: Reimagining Faith.  Participants can register for either evening, or for both -- October 20 and 21 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Mountain Time. Visit THIS LINK for more information and to register.

And a third -- also through the Wisdom Centre -- is an online retreat with Rev. Matthew Wright, considering the topic "Holy Wisdom, Mother of God: Exploring the Divine Feminine".  

The retreat takes place online in three sessions: Friday evening, November 5, at 6:00 p.m.; Saturday morning, November 6 from 10 a.m. till noon; and Saturday afternoon, November 6, from 1:00 to 2:30 p.m. -- all in the Mountain Time zone.  Click THIS LINK for more information and to register.

Reflection in (Extra)Ordinary Time: For the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi

 

Statue of St. Francis with the birds
Forest Hills Cemetery, Boston, MA

The following video has been prepared by Rev. Robert Sears, with contributions from members of the Anglican parishes of St. John's, Olds, Alberta and St. Cyprian's, Lacombe, Alberta.  May it bless your day.

Service for Sunday, October 3, 2021: Worshipping "In Place"

 

Today's Service is prepared for you by 

Rev. Dr. Robert Sears 

and 

members of the Parish of 

St. Cyprian's Anglican Church, 

Lacombe, Alberta.

Readings for Sunday, October 3, 2021

Job 1: 1, 2: 1-10

Psalm 26

Hebrews 1: 1-4, 2: 5-12

The Gospel of Mark 10: 2-16

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

May it bless your day.

Truth, Reconciliation, Learning, Reflection, Prayer

 

The Diocese of Calgary will be honouring the newly established Federal Stat National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30th.  

We are encouraged not simply to take time off but to use it as an opportunity to spend some time learning and reflecting on Truth and Reconciliation with Indigenous peoples and considering the TRC calls to action.   

Below are links to related resources; commended by the Diocese:

• Reconciliation Toolkit from the National  Church - https://www.anglican.ca/tr/reconciliation-toolkit/;
• University of Alberta Course  on Indigenous Canada Indigenous Course Indigenous Canada Offered by University of Alberta. Indigenous Canada is a 12-lesson Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) from the Faculty of Native Studies that ... Enroll for free. www.coursera.org  ;
• Truth and Reconciliation Commission:
• Website and Background  
• Truth and Reconciliation
• CALLS to ACTION      
• UN declaration on rights of Indigenous People 
•  Background to the the Declaration

Additional resources:

Anglican Church of Canada -  Every Child Matters: Grace will Lead them Home - a video service of reflection and prayer, designed by a group of Indigenous Anglican Elders; including Archbishop Mark MacDonald, Bishop Sidney Black, the Rev Canon Laverne Jacobs, and Canon Donna G’yogwenace Bomberry.

Kairos Canada

•  A Reflection by Connor Sarazin  of Algonquins of Pikwàkanagàn First Nation; and
• Scroll down the site's page to see contributions by other denominations and organizations including the Canadian Friends Service Committee (Quakers), the Christian Reformed Church, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada (ELCIC), the Presbyterian Church in Canada, PWRDF, and the United Church of Canada.

A Prayer for Reconciliation and Healing*

Holy One, Creator of all that is, seen and unseen, of story and of song, of heartbeat and of tears of bodies, souls, voices and all relations: you are the God of all truth and the way of all reconciliation. Uphold with your love and compassion all who open their lives in the sacred sharing of their stories breathe in us the grace to trust in your loving forgiveness, that we may face our histories with courage; touch us through the holy gift of story that those who speak and those who listen may behold your own redeeming presence; guide us with holy wisdom to enter through the gates of remorse that our feet may walk gently and firmly on the way of justice and healing.  AMEN

*From the Anglican Church of Canada, excerpted from KAIROS, 2011-2012 (pdf) 

Reflection in (Extra)Ordinary Time -- in Music and Praise

 

For your listening pleasure -- Canadian Christian singer-songwriter, Steve Bell of Winnipeg, parishioner in the Anglican congregation of St. Benedict's Table. He is featured here with the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra. May it bring you joy. 😊

Service for Sunday, September 26, 2021: Worshipping "In Place" -- Again

Cooperation: The Better Path

Today's Service is presented by

Rev. Dr. Robert Sears

and members of St. John's Anglican Parish,

Olds, Alberta.

Readings for Sunday, September 26, 2021

Esther 7: 1-6, 9-10, 20-22

Psalm 124

James 5:13-20

The Gospel of Mark 9: 38-50

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

May it bless your day.  😊

 

Reflection in Pandemic Time: St. Matthew, Apostle & Evangelist

Matthew the Apostle (ca 1618-1620)
Artist: Anthony van Dyke (1599-1641)
Source: Wikimedia Commons

Sharing today this Morning Prayer service of reading and reflection from Canterbury's Deanery Gardens.  Dean Robert Willis and cat Tiger present prayers, readings and reflections on the Feast of St. Matthew, and on the arrival of Autumn in this hemisphere -- as well as Spring in the Southern Hemisphere.   

May it bless your day.

A Prayer for the Canadian Federal Election 2021

 

Lord, keep this nation under your care.  Bless the leaders of our land, that we may be a people at peace among ourselves and a blessing to other nations of the earth.  Help us elect trustworthy leaders, contribute to wise decisions for the general welfare, and thus serve you faithfully in our generation, to the honour of your holy name; through Jesus Christ our Lord.

AMEN.*

*From the Book of Alternative Services, Anglican Church of Canada, 1985.

Online Worship Options for Sunday, September 19, 2021: Worshipping "In Place"

Due to short notice, there is no locally-recorded Sunday service for the parishioners of St. Cyprian's, Lacombe, and/or St. John's. Olds, AB. However, the Diocese of Calgary provides these links for online services. Some would require contacting the parish for zoom links, but others are immediately available on YouTube or other live streaming options. Most start at 10 a.m. Mountain Time or later.

You can check these out HERE.

Readings for Sunday, September 19, 2021

Morning Prayer: Psalm 93, 96; 2 Kings 4:8-37; Acts 9:10-31; Collect 381

Holy Eucharist: Propers 381; Proverbs 31:10-31; Psalm 1; (or Wisdom of Solomon 1:16—2:1, 12-22 or Jeremiah 11:18-20; Psalm 54); James 3:13—4:3, 7-8a; Mark 9:30-37; Preface of the Lord’s Day

Evening Prayer: Psalm 34; (Esther 3:1—4:3 or Judith 5:22—6:4, 10-21); Luke 3:7-18; Collect 381

A return to recorded services from St. Cyprian's, Lacombe and St. John's, Olds is scheduled to begin Sunday, September 26, and will continue as long as required.

Be safe, be well, be blessed.

Worship During Pandemic Times: Sunday, September 19, 2021

 From Rev. Robert this afternoon:

In-Person Services Suspended We have had good compliance with the COVID regulations during our in-person services this month. We have had around 13 to 18 people attending. Due to the very high active case count in the city and county as well as the modest attendance at our in-person services, the Wardens and I have decided that we should suspend in-person services again. Our plan is to return to video services starting [September] 26th* and to continue with that until such time that the active case rates in the county and city are around 250 and trending downward. Obviously video services are not the same thing as meeting in person. They are a temporary measure that reaches the most people. Many of us in the parish are being cautious and prudent. Video services enable us to worship together with familiar faces until such time that we can do so safely in person. Video services have an additional benefit of being flexible. Many have actually enjoyed the "pyjama  approach" to worship. We worship at home. We need not worry about our appearance and we can attend at a time that works for us. Video services have the added benefit of reaching into many more homes than we find folks attending in person, even on an average (non-pandemic) Sunday. Video Services Begin September 26 I would welcome your ideas and involvement with the videos. If you have liked certain things we've tried in the videos, please let me know. If you think some new tweak would be of interest, I would also like to hear of it. And those of you who can make video clips and send large files, we would love to enlarge our stable of participants in the videos. Many hands. Assessing Risk of Spread For a number of months now the Diocese has empowered parishes to consider the local COVID risks and decide for themselves whether to hold in-person or video services. I think some of the reason for this was that case rates have differed between regions. Moreover, during the third wave active COVID case rates were worse in Calgary and other large centres than in many rural areas. However, I would note again that at the beginning (or middle?) of the fourth wave, we find the opposite is the case. At least for Lacombe and Lacombe County. Since Sunday [September 12] our active case rate in Lacombe has been nearly 500 and around 700 in Lacombe County. Calgary is only in the low 300s.* Data from Geospatial data (September 15, 2021) https://www.alberta.ca/stats/covid-19-alberta-statistics.htm#data-export In Alberta we have been told that a case rate of 200 was considered high and worrisome. The introduction of widespread vaccination has considered to be super helpful, if not essential, though perhaps not an end to the pandemic. The optimism of the July government announcements has not panned out. Nevertheless, we have had a great couple of summer months. The pandemic is not dead yet. We must persevere and support one another in doing so. And we still need to assess the risk of infection, especially considering the current variant (Delta) is four times more contagious than the prior one. I have, therefore, proposed to that we use the American Centre for Disease Control and Prevention criteria for labelling and assessing COVID risk. The CDC has a four-level risk assessment for travel advisories: low, moderate, high, and very high. They advise not to travel to countries with "very high" active case rates, even if fully vaccinated.   Level 4: Very high level of COVID-19 (>500 cases/100k)   Level 3: High level of COVID-19 (100-500 cases/100k)   Level 2: Moderate level of COVID-19 (50-99 cases/100k       Level 1: Low level of COVID-19 (0-49 cases/100k) Source: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/how-level-is-determined.html I propose that when we are empowered by the Diocese to decide for ourselves on the level of risk of holding in-person events, that:     - if cases are rising past the midway point of Level 3, then we should look to suspending in-person services     - if cases are declining past the midway point of Level 3, then we can entertain recommencing in-person services etc... Please see the following link for particulars of church-related practices for the four levels of risk. This is obviously subject to change, but it gives us some objective thresholds to assess risk in our area. https://www.stcyprian.ca/downloads/Covid%20Thresholds%20for%20Services.pdf Diocesan Direction On Wednesday this week the Archbishop sent out a COVID update letter. He has adopted the advice of the COVID Taskforce and is calling for a suspension of services and church activities for four weeks, starting September 26th. After which time, the Taskforce will revisit the decision based on our situation. This diocesan response follows the province's September 15th declaration of a state of public health emergency. There are new temporary provincial measures. Here is the link: https://www.alberta.ca/covid-19-public-health-actions.aspx Closing Paragraph from the Archbishop's Letter (Sep 16) "In these difficult times of upheaval and uncertainty, it is even more important that we attend to being prayerful – holding up in prayer our world, especially those in countries who do not yet have vaccines widely available; for our governments, federal, provincial and municipal, as they attempt to steer a course through these troubled waters; for our brothers and sisters in the church, or work of ministry and mission in the midst of the human suffering, anxiety and uncertainty; and for ourselves that we will remain and become even more open to the Spirit's leading as we seek to live out our Lord's commandment to love God and to love our neighbour." The Rev. Robert Sears Incumbent - Parish of St. Cyprian, Lacombe - Parish of St John, Olds Regional Dean - Red Deer / Drumheller Deanery

*Editor's emphasis