News & Notes

How is your week going? I wonder in the midst of it all, how you might notice or experience God-with-you, this week. Perhaps in a bird song or seeing a glorious blooming garden or in the voice of a loved one, or in a song that comes to mind. Somehow hearing a light-hearted whistle always reminds me that God is near – so near as to be the very breath I breathe – not far off somewhere uninterested, but faithfully present. It is good to notice these ordinary graces that come along The Way. Yesterday, a hummingbird flew into our home and travelled upstairs to a bedroom window. Trapped in there, we tried this and that to help her escape. Finally, the only thing left was to gently pick her up with my hands, take her off the windowsill and set her on the outside deck fence rail. And off she flew –  quick as a zipper – way up into the sky and woods – she was free. Daily, the meaningful little hummers, as I call them, bless me as they join us on the deck at the feeder for their snacks and meals throughout the day and evening. It was a joy to bless this little one back. This was an extra-ordinary encounter in my ordinary day – reminding me extra-ordinarily that God (Healer & Joy Giver) is with me and invites me to participate in the healing and joy giving of the world in some way in Ordinary Time. What might you notice in these ordinary days (like James' invitation to notice the orange, and wait ) that the extra-ordinary God, the rocklike dependability of God, the God who is always near, the God of the impossible, is with you? I’d love to hear!  With love, Lorie

Notes:

·         THANK YOU to Elder Rene, Amanda, the children and others who participated in the National Indigenous Day of Prayer on Sunday – what a wonderful community of healing and support St. Thomas is as we faithfully grow in our loving response to the T & R Calls to Action. 

·         THANK YOU for the Kleenex – Your generosity has us in good shape for a while!

·         PRAYER for the elderly among us – let’s remember to remember those aging with all the challenges they face. We offer our prayers, care, time, and listening.

·         Re: Mid-year Financial Appeal – Thank you to those who have been able to increase your monthly giving to meet the ministry growth needs we are experiencing at this time. I was reminded this week by one of my wise colleagues that,

“Ministry costs – good ministry costs more” (which we have here!)

A mini-plan to accomplish our goal of meeting the budget by the end of the year is: Consider increasing our giving $10 more/week/family = $40/month, that would total $4,000/month (St. Thomas has 100 ‘giving units’ of individuals or families).

This would wonderfully solve our present growth and building needs!

·         Summer Arts Camp for Youth & Children – NOTE DATE: AUGUST 10-14, 9am – 12:30pm – lunch is included! Can you help prepare snacks or lead an outdoor game or teach a story? See me or James to join the fun for a day or for all 5!

·         Music Team is looking for more singers and musicians – interested? See Christine.

This Week:

·         TUESDAY – Summer Sanctuary  1 – 2:00 pm. Church is open for prayer & quiet reflection.

·         FRIDAY –  Labyrinth Tour This week is the last session – 10:00 am at Cultus Lake. Carpool at St. Thomas or Garrison at 9:30. Bring a potluck lunch item to share if you are able.

·         Community Care Team meeting – Fri June 26 @ 1 pm in church office.

Upcoming Special Events:

·         TUESDAYS – 1 – 2 pm Summer Sanctuary  Church is open 1 – 2 pm for prayer and reflection – Quiet & Cool. Meditation pages are offered. June – Aug.

·         Church Annual BBQ – Sunday, July 5 – On the lawn with games after church. Save the date!

Suggested donation for burgers and dogs etc: $10+ per person – kids eat free (scholarships available) Bring a salad or desert! SO FUN!

·         Summer Retreat Day 1 – “Into the Woods”  Sat. July 11 @ Cultus Lake 9am-4pm.

·         Summer Retreat Day 2 – “A Day with the Celts” Sat. Aug 8 @ Eden Dr. Chilliwack 9am-4pm.

·         Youth & Children’s Art Camp – Aug 10 – 14 9am – 12:30 pm  lunch included!

Ongoing Gatherings:

·         Friday Centering Prayer & Healing Eucharist are on pause till September 11.  

·         Men’s Breakfast – Next one is July 18 NOTE: time change to 9:00 am Great conversation and a short time of prayer and a Gospel reflection. Wayne Adams 1-604-845-7234.

·         Double Digits – Youth gatherings are finished for this season – watch for summer get-togethers!  See Arts Camp to participate or help with the kids. Aug 10-14.

·         Bible Book Club – 3^rd Wed, 7-8:30 pm. Couch Rm in Hall. Read ahead or just come!

·         Ruth & Naomi Mission – serving dinner – first Sunday of each month.

·         Norman Manor – Prayer & Communion service – 1:00 pm. First Thursday of the month.

NOTE:

·         Let’s Grow in Grace: The Centre for Spiritual Renewal Spring/Summer 2026 Program Guide

·         See St. Thomas WEBSITE for more details on upcoming events - check them out Here.

·         YouTube - This is the home address for our YouTube page for services and recordings.

·         Available on Sundays 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.

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

Ø  Give Away/Take Away Table – Items are available to reuse and share for all – In the hall of the hall building up by the offices and washroom.

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

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

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

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

the Reverend Lorie Martin

Vicar St. Thomas Anglican Church Chilliwack BC.

Director of the Inter-parish ministry of The Centre for Spiritual Renewal.org

lorie@loriemartin.com 604.217.6966

“Teach us that by your grace, all shall be well, all shall be well, all manner of things shall be well.” 

- Lady Julian of Norwich

I acknowledge that I live and love on the traditional and unceded lands of the Stó:lō peoples with prayers and action toward reconciliation, reparation, and healing.