New Visions: Or, Church for People Who Aren't So Sure about Religion
Mark Twain is said to have quipped in 1897, "The rumors of my death have been greatly exaggerated." Today rumors are rampant of the impending death of the church. But, although unimaginable transformations await us in the coming two decades, this is not one of them.
Karl Marx thought that religion, like the state, would shrivel away in the utopian society. Yet the human species without religion is about as likely as the human species with a perfect government. (We can't even create a functional government!) Nor is it likely that the world will be pervaded by religions and religious practices but that Christianity won't be numbered among them. In 2030 churches will still exist, along with some of the other institutions that define Christianity today.
The questions are: which institutions will still be around? What radically new forms of Christian existence will arise in the coming twenty years? And, most importantly, what new forms of Christian life and practice do we need now? What forms resonate with today's new types of believers, non-believers, and seekers?
Changes At SSJD
The Sisters of St John The Divine will be saying farewell to Sr Louise Manson, SSJD and Sr Doreen McGuff, SSJD who are moving on to other ministries in Canada. The Sisterhood is also preparing to welcome Sr Brenda and Sr Mary-Jean who will be taking up their ministries in Victoria soon.
You're invited to join the Sisters in celebration of these changes and give particular thanks for Sr Doreen's ministry at St Peter (Lakehill) , 3939 St Peter's Road, Victoria for a service of Holy Eucharist followed by a reception on September 21st at 10 am.
Summer Food Bank Food Drive
Written by John Wilson | Thursday, 03 June 2010 19:17
The Ladysmith Food Bank is fortunate enough to be helping it's clients get a more protien rich diet along with the usual spring, summer and fall assortment of fresh fruit and vegetables at this time of year.
What's most needed are non perishable items. Peanut Butter, canned goods such as meat, tuna, salmon, ham, chicken and so on as well as healthy snacks for childrens and adults alike such as granola bars, juice boxes and fruit cups.
You can bring any donations to the church service you attend on Sunday or drop them off at any time the office is open.
Contact Pastoral Care
At St John's we have a team of dedicated people who take part in pastoral care duties.
Care for those in need is one of the most important ways that we carry the mission and minstry of Christ, takes many forms and is the responsiblity of all baptized persons.
If you need care or a visit you do not need to be a member of St John's or even a baptised Christian. You only need to be in need of someone to lend an ear, perhaps pray for you, to listen and understand.
For information please contact Rev. Daniel Fournier or call Barbara at 250-245-8113. Any messages will be returned ASAP.
Ministry: Giving Someone A Lift
Ministry is not simply the province of the ordained. It is also the duty of all baptized Christians to take part, as they can, in some form of ministry. An expression, as best each of us are able, of the radical acceptance and love Jesus taught us and which we try to emulate.
One expression of ministry is to be available to give rides to those who need rides to and from services and other Church functions. But it doesn't end there. There are parishioners and others who need rides to and from doctors and dentists appointments, to shopping and other things to get by in their lives.
These are the elderly, of course, not at all the collection of sticks in the mud you might assume!, they're young families who don't have reliable transportation, young people, and many others.
The "chore" is offset by getting to know those you already know better and meeting new people who can broaden your outlook and experience in life. You may even find a new friend!
If you feel called to this ministry please speak to Shelagh Huston or sign up in the little book in the Narthex at the back of the church.
Upcoming Events
| Sun Sep 05 @ 8:00AM - 09:00AM 8am Holy Communion (BCP) |
| Sun Sep 05 @10:00AM - 12:01PM 10am Holy Eucharist |
| Mon Sep 06 @ 8:00AM - 05:00PM Sparks |
| Mon Sep 06 @11:30AM - 12:30PM Ladysmith Seniors Soup & Sandwich |
| Mon Sep 06 @12:30PM - 02:30PM Ladysmith Seniors Wii |
| Tue Sep 07 @ 1:00PM - 04:00PM Ladysmith Seniors Society General Meeting |
| Wed Sep 08 @ 1:00PM - 04:00PM Seniors Carpet Bowling |
| Wed Sep 08 @ 7:00PM - 07:30PM Centring Prayer |
| Wed Sep 08 @ 7:30PM - 08:00PM Spoken Eucharist |
| Thu Sep 09 @ 8:00AM - 05:00PM Seniors Cribbage |
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