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Dear friends of the Parish,    

What a joy to celebrate our patron St. Thomas, at our Patronal Feast on Sunday and the 25th Anniversary of Lutheran & Anglican churches in Canada being in full communion. In chatting with Bishop Gerhard after the service, I discovered that he was at the 2001 signing of the Declaration of Waterloo where this landmark occurred! Many parishioners were away on vacation or not feeling well, so here is the link if you would like to tune in. The first half of my sermon is dedicated to the 25th anniversary and in honor and joy of experiencing this unity and joy at St. Thomas with Christ Lutheran Church as we have worshipped together throughout the past year. The second half of the sermon is a meaningful reflection on the bravery, devotion, longings, and serving of our patron saint, Thomas. https://youtu.be/HK96FVheMmc?si=jLDbC95WlIgefRtG  

With love and prayers, Lorie 

Here is a note that came to the church: “Fifty years ago this weekend my wife, Jane, and I crossed the border as new “landed immigrants” to settle in Chilliwack where I would begin my ordained ministry as part of the clergy team for what was then the Area Parish of Fraser-Cheam. It was a great adventure and I still look back at the ways my experience there has shaped and enriched my life. Please express my thanks and blessings to the sisters and brothers of the parish as you celebrate your patronal festival.” Michael Deck

Notes:

  • With GREAT GRATITUDE we thank the Chilliwack Foundation for approving a grant to St. Thomas for $8,073.43 to be used for fire-safe landscaping, a vacuum for the church, and knives, pots and pans for the kitchen! Many applicants do not receive the full amount requested, but they were pleased to do so for St. Thomas. This was accomplished due to the diligent and thoughtful work of Jeff Tisdale, St. Thomas’ Treasurer. Great thanks to you Jeff! Cheers! 
  • A HUGE THANK YOU to Irene, Wayne, Jeff, Jody, Dwight, James and all who lent a hand to have the wonderful Annual Picnic & BBQ on Sunday. What an amazing community we have! Really!
  • The Music Team is looking for more singers and musicians for Sunday mornings so singers don’t need to be leading every Sunday. Maybe have 2 teams that rotate? Over the summer the regular singers are taking a rest. If you would like to sing on the music team for the summer (or longer) contact Music Director Christine to chat - millarmusicstudio@gmail.com. 

NOTE: There will be a rehearsal with Christine next Thursday July 16 at 6:30 – 8:00 pm.

  • Daily Bible Readings: https://lectionary.anglican.ca/
  • Summer Arts Camp for Youth & Children – AUGUST 10-14 9am – 12:30pm – lunch is included! Invite family, friends, and neighbors. Invitation cards are available.

       Summer Arts Camp Team - Can you help prepare snacks or lead an outdoor game or teach a story one day or all week? See me or James and if possible, attend Camp Team meeting with James - Sun. July 12 after church at coffee time.

This Week:

  • TUESDAY – Summer Sanctuary  1 – 2:00 pm. Church is open for prayer & quiet reflection.
  • WEDNESDAY – Warden’s Meeting @ 4:30 pm.
  • SATURDAY – Summer Retreat Day – “Into the Woods”  Sat. July 11 @ Cultus Lake 9 – 4.
  • SUNDAY – Meeting for ART CAMP Teamwith James at coffee time.  

Upcoming 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.
  • Parish Council Meeting – Tuesday July 14, 6:30 in the couch/youth room.
  • 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 – New location: Jimmy J’s! Next one is July 18 NOTE: time change to 9:00 am. Great conversation and a short time of prayer and a Gospel reflection. For more info or to arrange rides contact 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 – 3rd 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:

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.

the Reverend Lorie Martin

Vicar St. Thomas Anglican Church Chilliwack BC.

Inter-parish Director 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.