A Reflection on the Shortest Day of the Year

Today marks the Winter Solstice -- the shortest day and longest night of the year for those of us in the earth's Northern Hemisphere. THIS LINK will take you to Kate Bowler's Advent Reflection for this day, this year. May it bless your day. 😊

Coming in January 2025

 

ACW Book Study in the New Year

Via Zoom

The Diocese of Calgary Anglican Church Women are very pleased to offer another Zoom Book Study! This will be led by our Chaplain The Rev. Betty Piwowar.

There will be two opportunities a week to study: Tuesdays at 1:00 pm OR Wednesdays at 7:00 pm. The Tuesday sessions begin January 14 and the Wednesday sessions will begin on January 15, and each will run for eight weeks (each session being 1.5 hours long).

To register contact Margaret Newton or call (403) 734-2130.

NOTE: This book is only available on the secondary market (i.e. old/used books). You can find it online at Abe Books and other such resources.

Our Annual Service of Lessons and Carols

There will be a service of Lessons & Carols at St. Cyprian's Anglican parish, 5005 C&E Trail, Lacombe, Alberta, on Tuesday, December 24, 2024 at 2 p.m.

All are welcome to join us for an afternoon celebrating the message of Christmas, full of hope, peace, joy and love! 🌟 🐦 😊 💖

Tuesday Thoughts...

A Tuesday Thought for your Advent reflections...from Rev. Ed Trevors of the Anglican Parish of St. Magaret of Scotland in Halifax, Nova Scotia. May it bless your day. 😊

Blessings: a New Thrift Shop!

New to St. Cyprian's in Lacombe: the "Blessings" Thrift Shop!

We are opening a modestly-sized, comfy Thrift Shop in the lower level of the hall of St. Cyprian's Anglican church here in Lacombe, Alberta. Our Soft Opening is TODAY -- December 12, 2024! 

To begin, our opening times are Thursday, Dec. 12 and Friday, Dec. 13 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The entrance to the shop is on the west side of the hall, just off C&E Trail.

LOCATION: 5005 C&E Trail, Lacombe Alberta.

Open Hours: Thursday 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. and Friday, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.

In the photos below you'll see a bit of what you'll find. There's sure to be something to bless someone you know this season. 😊

We have a cozy Coffee Corner...

Assorted small items...

Books, puzzles, dishware, small appliances...

Gently used clothing -- and more!

Just look for the sign outside the hall door!

5005 C&E Trail
Take 50th Avenue to C&E Trail
and turn right at the lights!

 

Thessalonians on a Tuesday...

Rejoice always, pray continually, 

give thanks in all circumstances; 

or this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.  

~1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Meme source: the Anglican Diocese of Calgary

Monday Musings

Monday Musings... from Rev. Ed Trevors of the Anglican Parish of St. Margaret of Scotland in Halifax, Nova Scotia. May it bless your day. 😊

Advent I

 

For the first Sunday in Advent, here is a resource you might like to use for reflection this year.

http://katebowler.com/advent

Another option is available from the Primate's World Development and Relief Fund (PWRDF):

https://pwrdf.org/advent2024/

May either one or both of these bless your day and the season ahead. 😊

To add to these resources...

Readings for Advent 1, Year C 

Tuesday Thoughts...

Tuesday Thoughts...from Rev. Ed Trevors of the Anglican parish of St. Margaret of Scotland, Halifax, Nova Scotia.

Context: a commentary on using the Bible to help us follow Jesus more closely. May it bless your day. 😊

Something Yummy This Way Comes!

 

It's our Annual Parish Cookie Sale and Tea!  Take a walking tour around the tables to select the treats you want to take home!  Fill a large box -- or a small one -- to share with friends and family.  Then sit down for a cuppa and a slice of cake before you go on with your day. 

We look forward to your company, and thanks for supporting our Parish!

Resources for Advent 2024

The liturgical year is coming to a close -- shortly to be followed by the season of Advent, the start of another liturgical year, and our preparations for the celebration of the birth of Jesus, the Christ. For those who like to spend some time over Advent in prayer and reflection, here are two offerings you might consider:

From PWRDF (the Primate's World Relief and Development Fund): https://pwrdf.org/Advent2024/
From contemporary theologian, author and professor -- a Canadian supplanted to Duke University in the US -- Kate Bowler: https://katebowler.com/advent

May one -- or both -- of these bring blessings to your Advent days.  😊

Tuesday Thoughts...

Our congregation is aging, and shrinking...but we are still a presence in our community. "Do not grow weary in well-doing"...because each of us has something of value to give to others. Another Tuesday Thoughts excerpt from Rev. Ed Trevors of the Anglican Parish of St. Margaret of Scotland, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada...

 

 

We Will Remember Them

 

Poppies adorn the Cathedral Church of 
the Redeemer in Calgary, Alberta

Let us remember before God, and commend to his sure keeping, those who have died for their country in war; those whom we knew, and whose memory we treasure; and all who have lived and died in the service of humankind.

One hundred ten years ago this year, the Great War began.  These are the names of those from the Parish of St. Cyprian, Lacombe, Alberta, who gave their lives in service to Canada and the Commonwealth in that war: 1914-1918:

• Lieutenant W. Bothamley
• Sergeant A.M. Dick
• Walter Flemming
• Arthur Hansen
• J. Parkinson
• Captain C.W. Ritson
• H.P. Sansbury
• Corporal R.W. Scott
• Foster Thompson
• W.D. Trampleasure
• P.H. Welch
• A. Wynn

These are the names of those related to this Parish whom we remember this day:

• David George Dann
• Harold Dann
• Reginald Walter Daniel
• Elvin Newto Cluderay
• Jack Chapman
• Robert Towers
• Harry Towers
• Ralph Towers
• Will Ironside
• Steve Osborne
• Eugene Conrad O'Brien
• Edward John Roberts
• John Gillies Rennie
• Ivan Young
• Charles Richard Mellafont
• Eric Davis

They shall grow not old as we that are left grow old.  Age shall not weary them nor the years condemn.  At the going down of the sun and in the morning, we will remember them.

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

Almighy and eternal God, from whose love in Christ we cannot be parted, either by death or life: hear our prayers and thanksgivings for all whom we remember this day; fulfill in them the purpose of your love; and bring us all, with them, to your eternal joy; through Jesus Christ our Lord.  AMEN.

Thursday Thoughts: "What Have You Done for Me Lately?"

Thursday thoughts from Rev. Ed Trevors of the Anglican parish of St. Margaret of Scotland, Halifax, Nova Scotia. "The Church of 'What Have You Done for Me Lately?"

May it make you think...as well as bless your day. 😊

 

For All the Saints

For All the Saints...

May this bless your day. 😊

Your Annual Autumnal Reminder...

 

It's that time again...the clocks in most of Canada will have to be set back 1 hour before folks go to bed on Saturday night, as Standard Time resumes at 2 a.m. on Sunday.

Thursday Thoughts

Thursday Thoughts from Rev. Ed Trevors, an Anglican priest in the parish of St. Margaret of Scotland, Halifax, Nova Scotia. May it bless your day. 😊

Note: the headline does not lead to a political discussion.

Coming Up for Advent

 

Incarnation, Hope and Glory: An Advent Conversation

Sunday evenings throughout Advent (December 1, 8, 15 and 22) at 7:00 pm via Zoom

Please join us this Advent for an exploration and conversation around the Incarnation of Jesus.  We will have four unique sessions focusing on different aspects of the Incarnation and Jesus' entrance into creation and human experience.  We are excited, as well, to have each session led by a different person from the Diocese - The Rev. Elizabeth Short, The Rev. Chris Roth, The Ven. Dr. Pilar Gateman and The Rev. Br. Jason Carroll.  This study will enrich your Advent journey.  We'll gather via Zoom on Sunday evenings throughout Advent (December 1, 8, 15 and 22) from 7:00 - 8:30 pm.  

Please contact Br. Jason Carroll at the Diocesan Office to register for the study.

Cost is free.

Honouring St. Francis

 Today is the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi.  May this prayer, attributed to him, be on your heart, in your thoughts, and on your lips -- and may it bless your day. 😊

Did You Know...?

Did you know that the Feast of Michaelmas is approaching? Tomorrow in St. Cyprian's we will mark the Holy Day of St. Michael and All angels.

Here is what Anglican priest and poet, Malcolm Guite, wrote about Michaelmas in his book of sonnets entitled Sounding the Seasons:

St. Michael and All Angels

Michaelmas gales assail the waning year,

And Michael's scale is true, his blade is bright.

He strips dead leaves, and leaves the living clear

To flourish in the touch and reach of light.

Archangel bring your balance, help me turn

Upon this turning world with you and dance

In the Great Dance.  Draw near, help me discern,

And trace the hidden grace in change and chance.

Angel of fire, love's fierce radiance,

Drive through the deep until the steep waves part;

Undo the dragon's sinuous influence

And pierce the clotted darkness in my heart.

Unchain the child you find there, break the spell

And overthrow the tyrannies of hell.

For the Biblical passage about Archangel Michael, read Revelation 12:1-10.

For more information on Michaelmas, here's what Wikipedia has to say about the Feast: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michaelmas

Monday Musings...

From Rev. Ed Trevors of the Anglican Parish of St. Margaret of Scotland, Halifax, Nova Scotia.  May it bless your day.  😊

Two New Workshops in Red Deer -- Coming Soon!

St. Leonard’s Anglican Church in Red Deer is offering 2 free workshops regarding Spiritual Gifts:

• The first workshop takes place on Saturday, September 28th from 9 am to Noon.
• The second workshop takes place on Saturday, October 5th from 9 am to Noon.
• LOCATION: 4241 - 44 Street, Red Deer, Alberta.

Please register prior to each workshop by email:

stleonardsanglicanchurch@gmail.com

When Rev. Robert & Rev. Ed Say the Same Thing...Differently

Rev. Robert was back with us at St. Cyprian's, Lacombe, today...and what he spoke about has *also* been captured by Rev. Ed Trevors (Anglican Priest in the Parish of St. Margaret of Scotland, Halifax, NS) so...thought I'd share this with you.

Rev. Robert's message was that "Grace comes from love" -- and I think Rev. Ed is agreeing and sending out a similar message here:

 

Wise Words on a Wednesday...

Wise Words on a Wednesday...from Rev. Ed Trevors of St. Margaret of Scotland Anglican parish in Halifax, NS. Something that is relevant to those of us in a small, aging congregation...eh?

Coming Up in Red Deer...

On September 14th, 2024 -- 

Hosted by the Anglican Fellowship of Prayer...

 Where?  St. Leonard's on the Hill Anglican Church, Red Deer

Time?  1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

For more info, contact afpfellowship@gmail.com

Food for Thought on a Friday...

Friday food for thought...from Rev. Ed Trevors, a priest in the Anglican parish of St. Margaret of Scotland, Halifax, Nova Scotia. May it bless your day. 😊

Still More Wise Words on a Wednesday...

 Wise words on a Wednesday...from Rev. Ed Trevors of the Anglican parish of St. Margaret of Scotland, Halifax, NS: "Love, Hope and Optimism" May this bless your day. 😊

A Prayer in a Summer of Wild Fires

 Wildfires have destroyed much of the town of Jasper, Alberta, as of this morning.  People have been evacuated to Calgary for safety, but may have little or nothing to come home to when all is said and done.

The Anglican Diocese of Calgary has shared this request and photo:

Please continue to pray for the people who live, work and worship in Jasper. Among many other buildings, it has been confirmed that the Anglican Church in Jasper is now gone.

The Anglican Parish of
St. Mary & St. George, Jasper, Alberta
July 25, 2024

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. - Ps. 46:1 (KJV)

 

More Wise Words on a Wednesday...

Wise words on a Wednesday...from Rev. Ed Trevors of the Anglican parish of St. Margaret of Scotland in Halifax, Nova Scotia...May they bless your day. 😊

Wise Words on a Wednesday...

In the wake of tragedy in Pennsylvania on Saturday evening...this commentary from Rev. Ed Trevors of the Anglican parish of St. Margaret of Scotland in Halifax, Nova Scotia.  May its food for thought bless your day.  💓

A Sermon from Sunday, June 30, 2024

Rev. Robert Sears has recorded a video of his sermon delivered in the parish of St. Cyprian's, Lacombe, on Sunday, June 30. The Biblical text is the reading from 2 Corinthians 8:7-15.  

EDITOR'S NOTE: On June 30, I posted a link to a video from Rev. Ed Trevors of the Anglican Parish of St. Margaret of Scotland in Halifax, NS, which was thought to echo some of Rev. Robert's sentiments in this now-recorded video.  If you are interested, you can watch Rev. Trevors' video HERE.

Rev. Robert comments: "An audio file (only) of my sermon on 2 Corinthians 8.7-15. In this epistle Paul is trying to get the Corinthians to follow through with their promise and desire to give the the collection for the persecuted Christians in Jerusalem. Essentially he is writing a memorial -- a written reminder of a decision another group has made and encouragement that they follow through with it. What is interesting is the fact that Paul neither commands the Corinthians to give nor does he advocate their poverty. Paul thinks giving should not be too much nor too little. And when he cites Exodus 16:18 Paul suggests a fair balance can be achieved through generosity, without an egalitarian rule that defines what each individual's surplus wealth amounts to."

May it bless your day. 

Thoughts About a Homily and a Podcast...

This morning (Sunday, June 30-2024), Rev. Robert Sears spoke on our reading from 2 Corinthians 8:7-15, in which Paul was writing about a commitment the Church in Corinth had made to support the poor -- specifically, the impoverished Church in Jerusalem, which was suffering hardship due to persecution.

Sometime in the last 24 hours, the Supreme Court of the US ruled in favour of the town of Grant's Pass, Oregon, which wanted its police force to ticket (and therefore fine/criminalize) people who were homeless, living in tents or other structures on public property.

Rev. Ed Trevors, an Anglican priest at the Parish of St. Margaret of Scotland in Nova Scotia, had some thoughts about this that perhaps align with what Paul was writing about in today's passage, and about what Rev. Robert was speaking of in his homily. I leave you to watch and judge for yourselves...

A Sermon from Sunday, June 23, 2024

Rev. Robert Sears has recorded this sermon from Sunday, June 23, 2024 -- based on the lectionary reading from 2 Corinthians 6: 1-13.

In his notes he writes, "I use some relationship psychology, specifically the art of listening, to analyze how Paul is responding to divisions caused by "super-apostles" in Corinth. Paul appeals to Isaiah 49.8 as a shared experience with the Corinthians. God has heard them and helped them. Paul bids them listen still. I also look at some of the hurdles to our listening well, and what active, responsive listening looks like. The thumbnail comes from an association that came to me in the all-to-common relationship stereotype of the pursuer and the distancer."

May this bless your day. 😊

A Worthwhile Read...

What follows is a link to a CBC article that I cannot share directly on Facebook, due to Facebook's policy about Canadian news (a rabbit hole I won't take you down here!).  

THIS ARTICLE is about a centenarian and his wife who remain active in their Anglican parish in Westlock, Alberta.  He's currently the Rector's Warden -- and is now driven to church in the priest's car.  

Here at St. Cyprian's we've bemoaned the fact there are fewer of us and all of us are aging and feel less able to do many of the activities we used to do -- yet this year we still did our bit for the County's Highway Clean-up, and on Saturday, we held a bang-up yard sale on our west lawn.  Let us take inspiration from Mr. and Mrs. McConaghy (married 80 years!!) as we seek to move forward.  And let  us take inspiration from the small parish in Westlock, who's priest is 78 years old and just celebrated the 50th anniversary of his ordination.

The article includes a link to a short video -- in which you also see Mr. McConaghy ringing the bell for the service!  

YOU CAN READ ALL ABOUT IT HERE.

On Offer at the Yard Sale...

Did you know we're including a Bake Sale Table at our parish Yard Sale this Saturday? You could go home with a rhubarb loaf (as photographed). Or a banana loaf or a cake or muffins or cookies... Yummmm!

St. Cyprian's Anglican Church,

5001 C&E Trail, Lacombe, Alberta --

9 a.m. to 1 p.m.,

Saturday, June 22, 2024.

See you there, eh?

A Sermon from Sunday, June 9, 2924

Rev. Robert Sears has recorded a video of his sermon from Sunday, June 9, 2024.  It's based on the Gospel passage from the Lectionary for that Sunday:  Mark 3:20-35.  May it bless your day.  😊

 

Annual Yard Sale -- Updated Details!

 

When? Saturday, June 22, 2024

Where? on the corner of 50th Avenue and C&E Trail, Lacombe, Alberta

Time? 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Volunteers needed!

-  To bake for the Bake Table

-  To set up the tables

Set-up begins at 8 a.m. on the day of the sale.

Let Pat C. know if you can help!