Hello all. 

 Thank you  to everyone who made Bishop Todd's visit such a success.  He is after all an Oakridge boy and the coffee hour allowed an opportunity to re-establish some old connections.  A special well done to Seeley Mcguire who made his first trip down the aisle as the Crucifer.  

At the Haley household fall is officially over.  Two days, one tree, twenty-one bags of leaves and we're done.  Anything after this can stay until spring.  Not a moment too soon either.  Advent 1 is this Sunday as we head towards Christmas and then Candlemas.  It is also the Feast of Saint Andrew for those of Scottish descent. Off we go.

 

Decorating For Advent & Christmas.  Saturday 29 November, 2025 10:00 am  The Chancel Guild could do with a little help here.  Numerous items need to be set up, some of them quite heavy.  In particular there is the Advent/Christmas tree.  Normally, Fletcher, with assistance from your obedient servant and the trimming skills of Vince Chicoine put it up but this year Fletcher and I will be out of town.  Time to call in the grandchildren, especially those needing high school volunteer hours.  I normally list it as"assistance to seniors".  A tree decorating tip: the purple and white lights get plugged into separate extension cords so you can  plug them in separately.  Don't forget to bring a saw and twine or wire to tie back the tree.

 

The Schedule.     Here is an overview.  Some events are expanded on in articles below.

  • Sunday 30 November, 2025 - Advent 1.
  • Sunday 7 December, 2025 - Advent 2
  • Monday 8 December, 2025 -  6:00 to 8:00 pm Advent Potluck Meal & Study
  • Sunday 14 December 2025 - Advent 3
  • Monday 15 December 2025 - 7:00 pm Parish Council
  • Sunday  21 December 2025 - 10:00 am. The Service of Nine Lessons and Carols (followed by Coffee Hour) 
  • Monday 22 December 2025 - 6:00 to 7:30 pm The Cloak of Kindness Squad
  •                                                                          -  7:30 pm Carols in the Courtyard
  • Wednesday 24 December 2025 - 8:00 pm.  Christmas Eve Choral Eucharist (BAS)
  • Thursday 25 December 2025  - 10:00 am Christmas Day Choral Eucharist (BCP)
  • Sunday 28 December 2025 - 10;00 am Service of Holy Eucharist
  • Sunday 4 January 2026 - 10:00 am Epiphany

 

The Advent Wreath.  This Sunday is the First Sunday of Advent.  I learned it's "of Advent" and "in Lent" because the Sundays count in Advent.  It is a time of preparation, prayer and penance as we anticipate the birth of Christ.   The Advent Wreath is a useful reminder and point of meditation on the role of Advent in our lives.  The wreath itself is a circle which is said to symbolize the eternity of God and the immortality of the soul.  There are five candles: three purple (or blue), one rose, and a white candle in the centre.  A candle is lit  each Sunday in Advent, the white candle is lit Christmas Eve.  Each candle has a meaning. 

Sunday Advent 1.  A purple or blue candle.  These are liturgical colours that signify a time of prayer, penance and sacrifice.  It is the "Hope" or "Prophet's Candle" in remembrance of the prophets, especially Isaiah who foretold the birth of Christ.  It represents the expectation felt in anticipation of the coming Messiah.

Sunday Advent 2.  A purple or blue candle.  It is the "Faith" or "Bethlehem Candle" as a reminder of Mary and Joseph's journey to Bethlehem. 

Sunday Advent 3.  The third candle is pink and symbolizes "joy".  It is called the "Shepherd's Candle" and is pink because rose is a liturgical colour for joy.  It is meant to remind us of the joy the world experienced at the birth of Jesus.  It is a pause in the penitential spirit of Advent. 

Sunday Advent 4.  A purple or blue candle.  It is called the "Peace" or "Angels Candle".  It is the final week of prayer and penance and reminds us of the Angels: "Peace on earth, good will towards Men". 

Christmas Eve.  The white candle in the centre is lit Christmas Eve.  It is the "Christ Candle" and represents the life and light of Christ.

 

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

 

St. Martin's Brunchers - Christmas Lunch Thursday December 18th at 11:30 am.  A bit of a change for December.  The Hillside Restaurant,located on the south side of Glendon Drive just past Kilworth on the way to Komoka.  Cross the river, climb the hill and look left.  Please contact Larry or Janice (519) 852-6899 to confirm your participation.  Also contact them if you need assistance with transportation.   

 

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. 

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 have put out a selection of photo albums on the tables.  In addition to parish events they also contain interesting information such as when was the kitchen renovated, how did the extra pew get into the balcony and when was the sign placed at Pinetree and Riverside?  Take some time to look through them, you might be surprised who's there.

 

St. Paul's Social Services -Thank you for your generous donations .    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 First Sunday of Advent.

Isaiah 2:1-5, Psalm 122, Romans 13:11-14, Matthew 24:36-44

 

 

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

Joan Turnbull                                   Robert & Janice Van Dasler                        Kareen Vandertuin

 

Good advice....

Have a good week.
Ian

Ian Haley
Church Warden