St. James Westminster Church. Westminster Chimes. Growing Close to God

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1 St. James Westminster Church Westminster Chimes February 2012 Inside this issue: Rector s Message 1 Lenten Prayer 2 Lenten Series 3 Thank you from Diocese 4 Body and Soul 5 Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper 5 Music Workshop 6 Family Ministries 6-7 Bible Study 8 Parish luncheons8 Thank you 8 Healing Prayer 8 Growing Close to God No matter who you are, or where you are on your spiritual journey, St. James Westminster Church offers you the opportunity to draw closer to God this Lenten season. On Ash Wednesday, February 22 nd we will celebrate the Eucharist at both 10:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. in the church. After the 10:00 a.m. Eucharist, Rev. Val will lead a Reflection Day from 10:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in the Westminster Lounge on Body and Soul A Christian Perspective on Bringing the Two Into Harmony. That evening after the 7:00 p.m. Choral Eucharist, I will begin a seven-part series on Believer Building, focusing on the one another passages in the New Testament, such as love one another, be patient with one another, be kind to one another, forgive one another, and so forth. Booklets will be available for purchase ($5.00 each) but every family is invited to have a copy. The class will take place in the Westminster Chapel. Each Wednesday during Lent we will have two Communion services at 10 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. Both services will be held in the Westminster Chapel. Frequent communion is an excellent way to enhance your spiritual life, so why not take the time out of your schedule to attend one of the these services? Beginning on Wednesday, February 29 at 10:30 a.m. and continuing each Wednesday during Lent in the Westminster Lounge, our Spiritual Life Facilitator Heather Nicolosi will lead a course on Valuable Insights on Daily Living. Topics include blessing others, dream dreams, praying with power, healing and restoration, a new vision of the future and more. On Sundays during Lent, from 9:30 to 10:15 a.m., I will continue my classes on Jesus in the Westminster Lounge. Even if you have not been attending the classes thus far, anyone is always welcome to attend. Finally, Rev. Val will lead a Lenten pilgrimage to the Convent of St. John the Divine in Toronto. Spiritual growth also comes through service to others and generosity in giving. Here at St. James there are ample opportunities to do both. Why, for example, not consider helping at our Community Breakfast program the first Saturday of the month when we serve up to 200 meals to hungry people from 9:00 am to 11:00 a.m.? Sadly, for many this meal may be the most nutritious of their day. Volunteers are always needed to set tables, cook and serve meals. Come at 8:00 a.m. to the parish kitchen and we will put you to work. Another way to serve is to be on Altar Guild, which prepares the sanctuary for worship. Or you might consider volunteering in our Children and Youth Ministry. Or you might want to serve as a Parish Visitor to our homebound. Whatever your gifts, we have a ministry for you. (Continued on page 2)

2 Finally, don t forget giving. Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount teaches that almsgiving is a spiritual discipline that draws us closer to God. We give in response to all that God has given us. We give gratefully, joyfully and freely not because we have to give but because we want to give. After all, if God has blessed us, should we not want to be a blessing to others? As I often say, we receive the gift of life by passing it on to someone else. If we keep it to ourselves, we die. If we share it with others, we live. Heather and I tithe our income, giving away at least 10 percent each year. The bulk of our donations go to the parish, but we give a sizable amount to other charities and causes we believe in, such as L Arche, the Down Syndrome Association, the Council of the North, and our colleges and universities. If tithing ten percent of net income is too much for you at this moment, consider sacrificial giving 5% to the church and 5% to other charities, especially to the poor. Or consider a modern tithe of 5% of income and 5 hours of volunteer ministry each week, either to the church or some other worthy charity. At the very least, consider proportionate giving which is a percentage of your income rather than a flat amount. Then, each year, resolve to A Lenten Prayer Project It is a common practice during Lent to give up a desired item as an act of self-denial during the solemnity of this 40-day season leading to Easter. Identifying with the sufferings of Christ, albeit in this small way can be very meaningful in reminding us of all that Jesus endured for us. Giving up ice cream, sweets or that special cup of morning coffee has its merits, but why not consider adding something as well? To be more specific, why not consider your own 40-day prayer project focused on St. James Westminster Church, its clergy, staff, lay leaders, and members? In my view, we need all the prayer we can get. We need to be praying for each other, for the needs of the parish, and for the needs of our community. Our clergy, wardens and parish council members need prayers for wisdom and direction for the future. Our children need increase that percentage 1% until you reach the tithe. However you give, I guarantee that you will experience more happiness and joy in your life. Remember: the root word of miserable is miser the miser is miserable but the giver is joyful. Jesus got it right: It is indeed more blessed to give than to receive. This Lent, take a moment to think about your own spiritual growth and what program or activity or practice might best draw you closer to God. My prayer as your priest this Lent is that you will experience God fully, faithfully and fruitfully as a mature disciple of Jesus. Your Friend and Rector, The Rev. Dr. Gary Nicolosi "Intercession is truly universal work for the Christian. No place is closed to intercessory prayer. No continent, no nation, no organization, no city, no office. There is no power on earth that can keep intercession out." Richard Halverson prayers for protection; our parents and grandparents need prayers for guidance and understanding. Then there are the sick, the suffering and the needy and the list goes on. You can schedule prayer into your daily routine or be spontaneous finding opportune times during the day to say a prayer whatever works best for you. It doesn t matter when or how you do it just do it! It is a known fact that churches and congregations always benefit from the focused prayers of their members. Yes, it is traditional to give up something for Lent, but adding prayers for our church family is a great way to give out on behalf of others. Heather Nicolosi Spiritual Life Facilitator Page 2 Westminster Chimes

3 Wednesday Morning Lenten Series This Lenten season is a great time to examine issues that will touch your heart, build your faith and give you valuable insight for daily living. After our 10:00 am Wednesday Eucharist in the Westminster Chapel, join Heather Nicolosi at 10:30 am in the Westminster Lounge during Lent to explore the following topics. February 29 It s Time to Bless and Be a Blessing to Others Words matter. Proverbs 18:21 says that death and life are in the power of the tongue. We will examine the truth of this saying and explore the importance and supernatural power of the Old Testament act of blessing others. March 7 It s Time to Dream Dreams This session will introduce God s unique form of night time communication to guide, direct, warn and help us. Tools and resources will be presented for those who are interested in further study on this topic. Joseph wasn t the only one who dreamed dreams! March 14 It s Time to Pray with Power We all know how to pray. However, learning to pray effectively and clearly hearing from God well, that s another story. We will explore the methods and ideas found in C. Peter Wagner s latest book Wednesday Evening Lenten Series Have you ever wondered what it means to act like a Christian, or how my belief is supposed to connect with my behavior? Beginning on Ash Wednesday and continuing throughout Lent, Father Nicolosi will lead a seven week course that will focus on the one another phrases in the New Testament. By studying these phrases, we can discover what God wants us to do for one another to build up each other. A booklet will be offered to all participants (one per family) in which we ask a donation of $5.00 to cover costs. The first session will take place after the 7:00 pm Ash Wednesday Choral Eucharist in the Westminster Chapel and last an hour. Subsequent sessions will take place in the chapel, beginning with a simple Eucharist at 7:00 pm followed by an hour class. Lesson titles are: February 22 Loving One Another How do we love people even when we don t like them? Volume 1, Issue 1 entitled Praying with Power. March 21 It s Time for Healing and Restoration It s true: we all have issues! Thankfully Jesus is in the business of healing and restoration. We will discuss what the Bible says about healing and explore ways to foster personal inner healing and restoration. March 28 It s Time to Look at the Supernatural Signs, wonders, miracles, unique spiritual gifts, prophecy, and more what are we moderns to make of these things? This session will answer the question: Should we relegate the supernatural to past biblical accounts or embrace it for ourselves in the here and now? April 4 It s Time to Develop New Vision for Your Future Don t perish for lack of vision! We will discuss what it takes to develop a spiritual mindset for the future. Note: If you are interested in any one of these sessions, but you are unable to attend on Wednesday morning(s), please speak to Heather about additional evening classes. Call Heather at February 29 Being United with One Another How do we keep connected with people rather than isolating ourselves? March 7 Being Patient with One Another How do we overcome pride and perfectionism and suffer fools gladly? March 14 Being Kind to One Another How do we show kindness even when it tests our limits? March 21 Forgiving One Another Is it really possible to forgive and forget, or is there another way? March 28 Encouraging One Another How can we bring out the best in others rather than the worst? April 4 Bearing One Another s Burdens How can we support others when we need to be supported? Page 3

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5 Body & Soul: A Christian Perspective on Bringing the Two into Harmony Be friendly to your body so that the soul enjoys living in it. (St. Teresa of Avila) Directly following our Ash Wednesday morning Eucharist as we begin our Lenten journey, please join us for some moments of reflection upon the question of the relationship between our body and soul. We will be considering such questions as: the unity of body and soul how you can heal the soul through the body, the healing power of feelings and thoughts, the healing power of joy, the healing power of music, the healing power of compassion, how we deal with suffering, the healing power of prayer. We hope to conclude with a simple potluck lunch. Please speak to Rev d Val for more details or to register for this morning. Ash Wednesday Reflection Morning February 22, :30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. There s Always a Place for You Here at St. James Maybe you ve had an ache. An ache of what s been missing in your life. And ache you ve tried to fill with other things. Maybe that ache is your distance from God. And you don t know how to bridge it. We can help you find your way to a place where you can feel at home. Embraced. Supported. And fulfilled. Come home to your parish church. We miss you. God misses you. And maybe you miss God more than your realize. If you ve been away from St. James for whatever reason, we invite you back with open hearts, open minds and open arms. Whoever you are and wherever you are on your journey of faith, you are always welcome! Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper Our annual Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper will take place on February 21 st from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. in the Parish Hall. Bring your appetite, friends and family for fun and fellowship as we move into the Lenten Season the following day. This event is open to the wider community and not just St. James members so spread the word everyone is welcome! If you would like to volunteer with cooking or serving or setting up or cleaning tables, speak with John Sizeland or Robin Shearer. Volunteers are greatly appreciated. Adults $6 Children $3 Children under 3 years of age eat free. Maximum $15/family Volume 1, Issue 1 Page 5

6 To members of the Diocese of Huron Are you interested in South Africa? Do you like music? Are you in your church choir or the church musical director? Join us for a Music of Mthatha Workshop Saturday, April 21 st, am 2pm Registration 9:30 At St James Westminster Anglican Church 115 Askin Street London The workshop will include instruction, practice, lunch and a Eucharist RSVP to Janet Crozier celticknot@live.com by April 14 th First come, first served Limited seating available $20.00 per person Payment due on arrival Things to bring: Any percussion instruments you have Mthatha music booklet Available at or will be for sale along with CD s at the workshop Directions to St James and location of parking: Although there is some parking on Askin St, there is a large parking lot at the back of the church off Bruce St we encourage attendees to use Please let us know of any special dietary needs Family Ministries at St. James Westminster Bless the Lord My Soul - Sunday April 1, pm A service of music, readings and prayer in the style of the Taize with leadership from our pilgrims and special guest Janet Loo, from King s College. As part of our preparation for our pilgrimage we will be attending Taize services at King s. We want to share our learning and experience with our parish family. Please mark your calendars for this date and be with us as we enter into Holy Week as a community of worshippers of all ages. Please keep us in your prayers as our adventure in faith gets closer and closer. From Gerry on behalf of pilgrims Jack, Shen, Noah, Ian, Duncan, David, Michelle, Alannah, Ashley and Heather and leaders Elaine, Sarah, Brian and Rachael Page 6 Westminster Chimes

7 Here s a quick update on Sunday routines for our children and youth, starting on Sunday February 26! At 10:15 am Shannon and her team will be welcoming our smallest friends in the nursery. Katy Clark will lead singing for those children who are interested in a choral experience in the chapel. Those who may not wish to participate are asked to go into church with their families where all ages with One of our ongoing fundraising programs for our Youth Pilgrimage is the sale of gift cards for which we receive a percentage check us out especially after the 10:30 service. Journeying together through the Season of Lent join together for our Lenten Gathering.at the beginning of the service. We will then process with Gerry, Laura, Dorothy, Sarah, Celia, Theo and Natalie to our groups to hear our sacred story and respond in prayer and activities until Communion. Youth classes will continue to meet with leaders Ann, Claire and Norman, Sarah, Brian, Elaine and Rachael on the second and fourth Sundays of the month and as a larger group on the first and third Sundays with Matt Martin. Thanks to our leaders and especially our young people as together we make our holy Lenten journey. If you have any questions, ideas or concerns please do not hesitate to contact Rev Gerry Adam family@stjameswest.ca Piggy Bank Project The season of Lent is upon us and our young people will be challenged to participate in an almsgiving activity that we are calling the Piggy Bank Project. Do you know where Piggy Banks come from? In the Middle Ages household containers were crafted from red clay called pygg (pronounced pug). Householders more than likely had a jar where they collected coins to spend later. Look at the picture below on the left and you see a rather bulbous and round looking clay container with a slot for money. Sources seem to agree that over time when the pronunciation of pygg changed to be the same as the fat and round farm animal one thing led to another and a potter with either a sense of humour or a misunderstanding of what the client ordered, made a pig shaped vessel! The other picture below shows a very wonderful pig-shaped container that for its creators Volume 1, Issue 1 symbolized great wealth two ways pigs have huge litters and the more they eat the bigger they get! Alms containers were for a time crafted from this red clay called pygg. While it is doubtful a pig shaped container found its way into a sanctuary we can certainly use this fun little creature for our purposes in this season of study, prayer, fasting, and considering the needs of others through almsgiving. Alms that were collected through Lent were brought to the church on Maundy Thursday in order to purchase Easter feasts for those who would not be able to afford them. So on Shrove Tuesday at the Pancake Supper we will have a place for our young people to decorate a piggy bank to take home and fill over the forty days of Lent! (pigs will also be available on Sundays until we run out!) Families are encouraged to set the pig in a prominent place like the dinner table and make it a real focus for remembering all God s peoples. Then on Easter Sunday bring it back and we will empty the coins into a larger container to be counted and given to the church by the children. Let us encourage our youngest disciples and one another to not only count our abundant blessings but share them! May our Lent be filled with a sense of mystery, awe and wonder Gerry Adam Page 7

8 Small Group Bible Study Are you interested in a small group Bible study? About six or seven of us have been meeting twice a month to study books of the Bible. In the past two years we've learned together as we've examined 1 Peter, James, and Acts, and we are now studying 1 Samuel. We find that having it in people's homes makes it feel more friendly and St. James Westminster Church 115 Askin Street London, Ontario N6C 1E7 Phone: office@stjameswest.ca like a community. We start at 7pm and go to about 9pm (including snacks and chatting). We are meeting on the 2nd, 4th, and 5th Thursdays of the month. If you're interested in coming to see what it's like, please contact Michael Harwood at or harwood@quarkphysics.ca Fun and Fundraising Fellowship Committee Greetings from the Fun and Fundraising Fellowship Committee. We are underway with the plans for a Spring Musical Dinner Party. Please keep you eyes open for more details in the coming months. Nurture Committee Parishioner Luncheons The Nurture Committee invites all parishioners to a luncheon after the 10:30 a.m. Service on the following dates: Feb. 19th, April 22nd, May 27th A free will offering will be taken. Thank you St. James Westminster Don and I wish to thank you, our Church Family, for all your cards, well wishes and especially your prayers. There is so much power in prayer. We have come a long way, however we are still walking that long path with the Lord at our side. We take for granted how to dress, shower, read, write, talk, think, and not until it is taken from us do we realize how wonderfully we are created. We praise God and are truly grateful for the many Blessings we have received. Don and Marion Rake It has now been one full year that the healing ministers have been active at the 10:30 service. Beginning on Sunday, February 26th, they will also be present at 8:30 following the service. Also, we have created a prayer card that can be found at both the back and side entrances to the church with details of this ministry, a prayer for your use at home, and space allotted where you might like to write a prayer request and pass it along to a healing minister. Prayer requests can be handed to any of the healing ministers at the end of the service or to one of the clergy.