Entering this year with a new sense of hope and strength
By Craig • Feb 18th, 2009 • Category: From the ClergyDear St. Mark’s family,
We are entering this year with a new sense of hope and strength. In the last meeting of our current parish council, we were rejoicing together at what we have seen God do. Our ministries are rebounding. Youth ministry is rebirthed. There are new families coming and new hope growing. We are beginning to look more to the future and less to the past. Against all odds in weather and economy, our church had a remarkable financial recovery right up to the end of the year. The Lord is working mightily on our behalf.
Even as I write these words, it is you that I am thinking of. We speak of how well the church is doing but in my heart I wonder how well you and your family are doing and I am praying for you. The church is created to be a loving and nurturing family who care for and support one another in the journey of Christian faith. We are not created by God for the purpose of building some nebulous collection of programs, we are here to build you. To build up one another. As the apostle Paul has said, “We are God’s fellow workers, you are God’s field, God’s building.” (1 Corinthians 3:9)
There are a few things coming that I want to mention. First of all, an evening of fun at our talent show on Saturday February 7th at 7PM. We are going to witness a wacky and wonderful collection of performance that will amaze and delight!
Then, a fantastic opportunity to meet new people at Guess Who’s Coming To Dinner on the evening of February 21st. The hosts don’t know who is coming and the diners don’t know where they are going until that day and all for a great cause!
The very next day our annual vestry will meet on February 22nd. We will hear the story of what God is doing and look forward to our future together. There will be one combined worship service at 9:30AM with a light lunch to follow. Our vestry should begin by around 11:00AM.
The following week we enter the season of Lent with our Shrove Tuesday pancake supper on February 24th, hosted by the Men’s Club at 5:30PM. The next day is Ash Wednesday with two services available for the imposition of ashes. The first at 10:00AM and in the evening Holy Trinity will be joining us for our 7:30PM service.
Something new this year is that we are opening the church for prayer and meditation in the mornings Tuesday to Thursday from 9:00AM to noon. Also, on Saturday March 7th we are calling the whole parish together for a half day of worship and teaching with our special guest speaker, The Venerable Stephen Rowe, Archdeacon of the South Frasier Archdeaconry and Rector of the Church of the Epiphany, Surrey. More on that to come.
Every Thursday during Lent there is an ecumenical noon worship and lunch at Mt. Olive Lutheran. Six churches take turns providing the meals and the worship and our turn comes on March 26th.
All of this leading up to Palm Sunday on April 5th and the beginning of the Passion week which culminates in the resurrection of our Lord! Praise the Lord!
We are moving forward into this new year with the presence and blessings of the Lord!
See you on Sunday!
Craig is the rector of St. Mark's. He joined the pastoral team at St. Mark's in the spring of 2008. Craig holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Northwest University, Kirkland, Washington. After studying at the Fuller Theological Extension in Seattle, he completed a Master's degree in Theological Studies from Regent College, Vancouver, BC. Holly, his wife, is also an ordained minister. Together they have traveled extensively throughout the world, and are avid backpackers.
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Dear Craig,
I have read with interest about your church from the information on the website. (Impressed with your website!!!!!!) I am due to move to Langley from England to be with my husband at the beginning of May. I have just completed my curacy and have two more weeks as hospital chaplain left.
I am based at St Peter’s Church, Ravenshead, Nottingham, UK if you get the chance have a look at the website it is quite good too…. I have no doubt you will be busy as we approach Easter however I just wanted to introduce myself and hope we can meet up fpr a cuppa when I land.
Godbless, hope all goes well for your Easter celebrations.
Reverend Karen Ross.