On January 1st we count down the seconds to 12 am and the beginning of a new year in the Gregorian calendar. The liturgical calendar marks Advent 1 as the beginning of the new year. But everyone with school-aged children knows that the New Year really begins the Tuesday after Labour Day.
The same is true with our church programs at St. G’s. So many of our ministries have just returned from summer hiatus. I know that several small group bible studies are now back in full-swing. We have just started a new sermon series that will carry us through till the Christmas season. Fall is an exciting time around St. G’s. With that in mind, I write this brief blog outlining a few of the highlights you can expect in the months of September and October. Mark them in your calendars and plan to participate.
September 25th 6pm-9:30pm Joint Pastorates Meal and Newcomer Welcome Night
It’s a fun evening for the entire family and for everyone in our church. Reception at 6pm, dinner at 6:30pm followed by a short talent show, a small silent auction to benefit the building fund and a word from the Rector (me!). The Friends of St. George’s have asked that you plan to bring a main dish, salad/veggies or dessert. This event will replace our regular pastorate meetings for the month of September.
October 2nd 7:30pm-8:30pm Aaron Emie from Christ Church, Jerusalem
Based in Jerusalem, Aaron is an international speaker on the Jewish roots of Christianity. There will be a time of Q&A following Aaron’s presentation. St. G’s is hosting this regional event and welcoming people from other churches in the area.
October 4th-5th Act Like Men Conference
Click on this link and check out the website. Men of St. G’s, you MUST go to this.
October 7th-13th Love the Village
We are organizing a week of concerted prayer walks through Alton Village. Everyone can be a part of this exciting initiative. Pick up a map and prayer guide on Sunday October 6th. Plan to spend a few hours that week walking the sidewalks of Alton Village, praying for the families, schools, parks and the good of the Village. Watch for more details.
October 21st-26th GAFCon 2
Please pray for this strategic and historic meeting in Nairobi, Kenya. Worldwide archbishops, bishops and a select few delegates are gathering for fellowship, bible study and to develop a strategic plan for the realignment of the Global Anglican Communion. Please remember to pray for me. I have been asked to take a lead role in chairing some of the meetings.
October 25th-26th Youth Retreat
Our quarterly youth retreat is being planned now. This quarterly retreat has grown into a regional event, with churches sending their youth from all over Southern Ontario.
Early November (date TBD) Bible in a Day Conference
The Bible is the most published book in human history, a foundational document of western civilization, and the basis of Christianity, but it remains widely under-read and misunderstood. But what is the purpose of the Bible? Why has God given it to us? How do the Old and New Testaments fit together? Check your weekly announcements and click on this link for more details.
Please also pray for our Executive Council meetings on September 11th and October 9th from 6pm-9:30pm, Parish Council meetings on September 19th and October 17th from 7:30pm-10pm, By Laws Committee meeting on September 11th from 7pm-9:30pm and our Building Committee that meets weekly.
This represents just some highlights of the ministries and programs getting back into full-swing in the months of September and October. Please plan to participate in the ones you can and pray for the fruitfulness of the rest.
“Therefore my beloved brothers [and sisters], be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labour is not in vain.” 1 Corinthians 15:58
