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Dear friends of the Parish,  

In the midst of the adventurous and often arduous journey of faith, in the midst of the challenges, violence, and uncertainties, through the wildest wind-storm ever, let us not hold onto either our wish-dreams of how we wish things to be, nor to any number of uncontrollable fixed outcomes, rather may we hold onto HOPE as “Hope does not disappoint us.” (Romans 5:5) And on those days where we can not seem to hold onto Hope, trust that Hope holds us. We hope not in person, place, or thing (outcome). We Hope in the Presence and action of God, our Source, with us. Let us drink deeply of The Living Water, that Spring that gushes up with unending life, in the midst of all things - and carry this Hope to those who ache with thirst. Praying always for and with you.
LOTS of love, Lorie  

 

Rough Translations

Hope nonetheless.

Hope despite.

Hope regardless.

Hope still.

 

Hope where we had ceased to hope.

Hope amid what threatens hope.

Hope with those who feed our hope.

Hope beyond what we had hoped.

 

Hope that draws us past our limits.

Hope that defies expectations.

Hope that questions what we have known.

Hope that makes a way where there is none.

 

Hope that takes us past our fear.

Hope that calls us into life.

Hope that holds us beyond death.

Hope that blesses those to come.

Jan Richardson, Circle of Grace, 2015

 Notes:

  • Available on Sunday’s in the Narthex!

Ø  The Scripture Readings appointed for the day in print – if you like to read along.

NOTE: The page # of the Scripture Reading in the Pew Bible is in the weekly bulletin.

Ø  Music sheets for songs not in the blue Common Praise Hymnal that is in the pew.

Ø  News & Notes – weekly email from Rev. Lorie – For those without computers.

  • NEWS:  The Topic Diocese of New Westminster, MARCH 2026.
  • Prayer Stations & Quiet Reflection for Lent, Tuesdays (1 – 2 pm), Fridays after Circle of Grace (11:30 am), on Sunday mornings before the service starts, during the Eucharist, and other times upon request. Deepen into Invitation, Intention, Interruption, Intimacy, and the Infinite Love of God.
  •  Confirmation Classes Date: March 14 and March 21, 1 – 3 pm. In the church office!

 2 Baptismal Services are coming along with Confirmations and Baptisms when Archbishop John is at St. Thomas April 12. St. Matthew’s, Abbotsford are joining with their candidates as the Bishop is nearby.

Dates and details:

Sunday, March 15                   Baptismal Service – Audrey, Elizabeth, Courtney

Easter Sunday, April 5             Baptismal Service – Penny and Griffon

Sunday April 12                       Confirmations and Baptisms with our bishop.

-          Baptismal Classes – One-on-one with Rev. Lorie

-          Confirmation Classes: Saturdays Mar 14 & Mar 21,  1 – 3 pm.

An Additional Note:  Confirmations will also happen at our beautiful Christ Church Cathedral in Vancouver with the other churches in our diocese on May 9 with a Confirmation Prep Day (optional) on Sat. April 18. Please see Rev. Lorie if you are interested.  

UPCOMING GATHERINGS:

  • NEXT: LGBTQ+ Coffee & Conversation – Wed March 18, 7 pm. with Rev. Lauren Kirkley. Details
  • Lay Administrators Lunch & Practice – Sunday, March 22 after coffee time (11:45 - 1:00pm).
  • Centering Prayer – meditation circle 9:30 – 10:00 am, Fridays when Circle of Grace is on.
  • Circle of Grace – Friday’s 11:00 am Learning & spiritual practice group – Series for Lent Feb 13 – Mar 27 Dwelling in the Castle with Gillian Drader.
  • Healing Eucharist – in the Sanctuary on most Fridays –  Check website for dates.
  • Double Digits Youth gatherings: 1st & 3rd Thursdays of the Month 4:30 – 6:30 with Supper!
  • Men’s Breakfast – Next one is Sat. Mar 21. Please join us at the Midtown Café on Hocking at 8 AM. It would be great to welcome some new participants! Great conversations!

Phone me if you are interested in attending or need a ride – Wayne Adams 1-604-845-7234.

  • Confirmation & Baptismal Classes – See info in above Notes.  
  • HOLY WEEK with special guest preachers!

Palm Sunday – March 29 with palm procession – Hosanna!

Maundy Thursday – 7:00 pm – Foot/Hand Washing & The Last Supper

Good Friday – 10:00 am. Dr. Brad Jersak Easter

Holy Saturday – Morning Prayer 10:30 am & Labyrinth Walk 11:00 with and at St. John’s Anglican, Sardis Details

Easter Sunday – Rt. Rev Dr. Peter Elliott with baptisms and Resurrection Joy! 

  • Ruth & Naomi Mission – Serving dinner on the first Sunday of each month.
  • Bible Book Club: 3rd Wed, 7-8:30 pm. NEXT: April 15 Couch Rm in Hall. 2nd half of Exodus.
  • NEW SPRING EVENTS COMING SOON!
  • St. Thomas WEBSITE Here.
  • YouTube - This is the home address for our YouTube page for services and recordings.

 

James Lam – Youth & Family/Centre Communications        james.lam@stthomaschilliwack.org

Janice Guretzki – People’s Warden                        jangrr@hotmail.com                                   

Irene Tisdale – Vicar’s Warden                               itisdale@shaw.ca

Jody Shaw - Associate Warden  

Deb Edwards – Associate Warden                         countryedwards@telus.net

Jeff Tisdale – Treasurer                                            jeff-tina@shaw.ca

Shauna Fortin – Building & Yard                            shauna.fortin@icloud.com

Larissa Johnson – Ruth & Naomi Mission            lkjohnson.017@gmail.com

NOTE: If you would like a pastoral visit, please let me know! 

Lorie  lorie@loriemartin.com or stthomaschilliwack@gmail.com. 604-217-6966.

Office hours: Wednesday 9-4 | Tuesday & Thursday 1-4

Grace upon grace,

Lorie