This week our Sunday Service will shift as we celebrate World Day of Prayer. Each year a service is created for the World Day of Prayer by a writing group from a different part of the world. Normally services are held during the day on the first Friday of March however this means that few people get a chance to experience the service. This year we will be hosting the service in replacement of our regular Sunday service. This years’ service was written by the women of England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
The World Day of Prayer traces its roots to the 19th century when Christian women of Canada and the United States became involved in missions at home and worldwide. Since 1812, women have encouraged one another to engage in personal prayer and lead communal prayer within their mission groups. Presbyterian women in the United States then called for a National Day of Prayer in 1887, and Anglican women in Canada established a national day of corporate intercessions for mission in 1895.
On October 19, 1918, Presbyterian women in Canada called together representatives of five Women’s Missionary Boards – Anglican, Baptist, Congregational, Methodist and Presbyterian – “to promote the spreading of Christ’s kingdom through united prayer and action.” That first inter-church meeting gave birth to the Interim Committee on the Federation of the Women’s Missionary Society Boards of Canada, which organized a national and inter denominational day of prayer on January 9, 1920.
The World Day of Prayer is now a global ecumenical movement which brings Christians of many traditions together. We hear the concerns and needs of the host country and can join in solidarity with them as we pray with and for them. World Day of Prayer, enriches our Christian faith as it grows deeper and broader interacting with international, ecumenical expression of faith. The motto of the World Day of Prayer movement is Informed Prayer and Prayerful Action. Through our participation in the World Day of Prayer, we affirm that prayer and action are inseparable and that both have immeasurable influence on the world.
An additional special offering will be taken for the Women’s Inter-Church Council, these funds are then used to provide grants to grants to projects that empower women and children here in Canada and throughout the world. I hope that you will join us in-person or on-line this Sunday!
A big thanks to the women of our congregation and the Women’s Inter-Church Council who will be leading this service.
As we move towards this second Sunday in Lent let us pray this prayer for discipleship found in Voices United 564
Jesus Christ, our Saviour,
alive and at large in the world;
help us to follow and find you today
in the places where we work and meet people,
spend leisure time and make plans.
Teach us to see through your eyes,
and to hear the questions you ask;
by the power of the Cross,
and in the freedom of your Spirit, we pray. Amen.
1) Sunday March 13th – Worship
2) Daylight Savings Time Change Sunday!
3) Special Offering – World Day of Prayer
4) Charitable Tax Receipts
5) Upper Room Daily Devotional – March-April
6) Bible Study – new zoom link
7) Pantry
1) Worship March 13th, 2022
On Feb 28th the province moved to level 1 which means that we can welcome back the choir and congregational signing with marks on. This week we will be graced with a Choir Anthem. To attend in-person worship here at St. Paul’s United Church we will no longer require you to show proof of vaccination. COVID protocols still in play include:
– Wearing a mask at all times
– Sanitizing one’s hands on entry
– Sitting in the marked pews to maintain distance
– Being aware of social distancing when entering and leaving building
As always, if you are not ready to join us in person we hope to see you on Zoom – link is https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86854718551 Passcode: 165090
You can also join by phone only if you would prefer, if you don’t have a long distance plan charges would apply. All you need to do is call 1 647 558 0588 and follow the prompts to enter Meeting ID: 868 5471 8551 and Passcode: 165090
2) Daylight Savings Time Change This Sunday! Please note that we “Spring Forward” this Sunday so set your clocks ahead an hour either Saturday before going to bed or when you awake Sunday morning. Don’t be late for service!
3) Special Offering – World Day of Prayer: This Sunday there will be special offering envelopes for World Day of Prayer. The funds raised are used to provide grants to projects that empower women and children here in Canada and throughout the world.
4) Charitable Tax Receipts: Tax receipts are available in the Narthex or the office. Any that remain in-house after Sunday will be mailed. Please double check you tax receipt amount and contact Meghan with any discrepancies.
5) Upper Room Daily Devotional: The Upper Room Daily Devotional for March-April has arrived! Available for purchase in the office for $2.
6) Bible Study: Join Rev. Michelle on Wednesdays at 11:15am for bible study. We are back in person, meeting in the parlor. Generally, sessions run 45min-1hour. This coming week’s scripture is Sunday, John 13:1-17. Due to interest we will attempt a hybrid bible study to join online you can log on using this new link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88619319967 and Passcode: 259190
7) Pantry: Items that are need this week are sugar, miracle whip, cheese whiz and cake mix. Thank you for your continued generosity.