Feast of the Holy Innocents

Icon - The Holy Innocents

Today we mark the Feast of the Holy Innocents -- when Herod, terrified of being usurped by the new-born King folks had told him about, had his soldiers kill all baby boys in his regional kingdom.

But Joseph had been warned in a dream to take his new family to Egypt, and so Jesus' life was spared -- for the time being. See Matthew 2:13-18.

Let us pray that in these challenging times, the leaders of this world have their hearts and minds changed, and the killing of innocents -- children, women and men -- will cease.

St. John the Evangelist

 

Today is the Feast of John the Evangelist -- aka St. John the Apostle, John of Patmos, and/or John the Divine.

The Anglican Church here in Canada has an order of nuns, with oblates and associates, founded in 1884, called the Sisters of St. John the Divine (SSJD for short). It no longer has a presence in western Canada, but at one time it operated a Priory and retreat house in Edmonton as well as a house in Victoria, B.C. The sisters still actively minister at St. John's Hospital in Toronto, hold retreats at the convent there and provide spiritual directon services. They have also been a source for hand-stitched altar linens. You can find out more about them HERE. May this bless your day. 😊

Thursday Thoughts Near the End of a Year

As our parishes close out one calendar year and begin another, it is a time of reckoning. Why are we here?

Thursday Thoughts from Rev. Ed. Trevors of the Anglican parish of St. Margaret of Scotland in Halifax, N.S. For this listener, the real meat of the message comes at 5:08 in the video through to the end. May it give you pause for thought and prayer.

 

Good King Wenceslas

 

Today is the Feast of Stephen, most often referred to as Boxing Day, after the generosity of Good King Wenceslas, who boxed up meat, drink and firewood, and took them out to a poor peasant who was trying to find fuel to bring a bit of warmth and cheer to his family.

If you're out at the Boxing Day sales today, perhaps buy a wee something to give to your local food bank, women's shelter, or homeless shelter -- or simply do something kind for a stranger. May this bless your day.

Christmas Blessings

 

Love came down at Christmas.

Love remains with us, if we will but open our hearts.

Merry Christmas!

Yuletide Services at St. Cyprian's

 

Christmas Services at St. Cyprian's parish, Lacombe:

The Eve of Christmas, Tuesday, Dec. 24. 2024 - 2 p.m. - Lessons & Carols;

Christmas Day: Wednesday, Dec. 25, 2024 - 10 a.m. - Holy Communion - Book of Common Prayer.

All Welcome!

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