Hello all. 

It seems Mother Nature likes to put on a weekly surprise.  This week the snow arrived on Monday, forcing us to cancel the scheduled Parish Council meeting for Monday evening.  Not only was it the snow on the ground but also the threat of more to come which led to the cancellation.  Fortunately, it didn't arrive until after Evensong  on Sunday afternoon.  It was a beautiful service and a wonderful way to end our Patronal Feast Day.  Please plan on attending our next service of Choral Evensong on February 1, 2026.  Don't worry, I'll remind you.

 

Happy Birthday.  Janet Rasmussen's birthday is this Friday and we inadvertently left it out of the bulletin last Sunday.  Happy Birthday Janet and our apologies.

 

The Bishop is Coming This Sunday.   No, not David Niven.  The Rt. Rev'd Dr. Todd Townshend, Bishop of Huron will be Presiding and Celebrating in his Parish Church of St. Martin-in-the-Fields this Sunday at our 10:00 am service.  A reception with coffee, tea and goodies will follow.  This is a major event in our 70th anniversary celebrations, combining worship with an opportunity to chat with Bishop Todd in an informal setting after the service.  Please make every effort to attend.  Due to the size of the diocese and his schedule it will be some time before Bishop Todd will be able to return.

 

Morning Prayer & Quiet Reflection during Advent will be offered on Thursday mornings: Dec 4, Dec 11 & Dec 18 at 10:00 am. Morning Prayer in the tradition of the Book of Common Prayer will begin at 10:00 am. The church will remain open for prayer and reflection until 11:30 am. All are welcome to participate in this time of quiet contemplation and reflection. 

 

Awaiting Christ Together: Advent Meal & Study

Monday, December 8th, 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm in Rowland Hall

You're invited to an evening of fellowship, prayer and study as we prepare our hearts for Christmas together. Join in a simple potluck meal, followed by a reflection on God's Word and a time of contemplation. Please let us know if you can come and what you plan to bring--a sign-up sheet is available on the table in the Narthex, or email stmartinslondon@diohuron.org.

 

St. Michael & All Angels Advent Study - "The Light of the World" by Amy-Jill Levine. This study will take place on Wednesdays after St. Michael & All Angels 10 am Eucharist from November 26 to December 17. Anyone from St. Martin's who wishes to participate is welcome. Please contact Rev'd Mike or Kim if you would like to purchase a book for $25.00: stmichael397@gmail.com

 

Advent Lessons & Carols on Sunday, December 21st at 10:00 am. Save the date! As in past years, our annual service of Advent Lessons & Carols will be offered on the fourth Sunday of Advent. 

 

Kids Club - The Cloak of Kindness Squad, Monday, November 24th 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm.   Have you noticed the lanterns on the window sills in the Church?  They were made by the Kindness Squad at their last meeting.  The theme this coming Monday is Advent.  Join the Squad for an Advent Wreath lighting, make your own Advent calendars, and the Gift of Good Deeds Manger.  All elementary aged children are welcome. Please share information about the program with families you think may be interested.  Pre-registration is recommended:  www.stmartinslondon.ca/ministries/kids-church, or contact the church office. 

 

Decorating for Advent.  In addition to it being the Feast of St. Andrew, November 30th is also the first Sunday of Advent.  The Chancel Guild will be gathering at 10:00 am on Saturday November 29th to put up the Advent Tree and decorate the Church.  Any and all help would be appreciated, especially with the tree.  Many hands etc.

Donations For Christmas Flowers.   Envelopes will be available starting November 30th in the Narthex to allow you to donate towards the purchase of the Advent/Christmas tree and flowers.  The more we are able to collect the more splendid the Church will look.

 

St. Martin's, Our History and Our Artifacts.   I will be adding to the display at the back of the Nave for this Sunday, including some items which need to be identified.  Stop by and have a look.

 

St. Paul's Social Services -Thank you for your generous donations .  I will be making a trip to St. Paul's next week.  This news item never goes away because hunger never goes away   St. Paul's Social Services is an outreach program, a part of which is the St. Paul's Food Bank.  Your generous donations help support it.   Look for the bin in the cloakroom marked "St. Paul's Food Bank".  Food of all descriptions should be the first priority.   Please give what you can.    In addition to food, toiletries, especially in small sizes are always useful. Monetary donations are also well received as it lets them buy items which are needed but not always donated or they buy in bulk.  Like everyone else they are being hit by the rising price of food.  Please make cheques payable to St. Paul's Social Services.  Tax receipts will be issued directly by St. Paul's Social Services.  For the moment please do not donate containers as they are in discussions with the local Health Inspectors on their use.

 

Church Calendars are now available on the table in the Narthex.  The cost is $7.00. Exact Change is appreciated.  Please call the office if you wish to have one put aside for you. 

 

We Are Collecting Egg Cartons.  Annele Robertson has a friend who can use egg cartons for......eggs!  Drop them off in the cloakroom and Annele will pick them up.  

 

Milk Bag Collection is Back.  The ladies are back to making mats.  Please bring in your milk bags and put them in the marked box in the Cloakroom

 

Email Address  Please check that you have our correct email address in your contacts.  It is stmartinslondon@diohuron.org .  The old email address is no longer supported, and we will be losing access to it soon.  Also, if you change your email address, please let us know so we can update our records.

 

Readings for The Reign of Christ.

Jeremiah 23:1-6, Canticle 19: Song of Zechariah, Colossians 1:11-20, Luke 23:33-43

 

 Parish Family Circle of Prayer –    As we gather this week we pray for the following members of our congregation and their families.

Betty Warwick                                 Patrick & Gaye Whippey                     Robert & Allison Wiseman

 

Just a gentle reminder....

The Bishop is coming

 

See you Sunday.
Ian

Ian Haley
Church Warden