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Dear friends of the Parish,   

Notes & News August 21, 2026

One of the Psalms appointed for today’s Morning Prayer is Psalm 131, only three verses long – one of my favorite Psalms. Some of you may have noticed that I like to be active, productive, and to ‘make a difference’ if I can. For 30 years we had children living at home; five babies born and raised, home, school, and a full family life which was mostly so good! However, even now, if I slow down physically on my lovely deck in the shade, sometimes my mind continues to race, rehearse, plan ahead… I needed and still need to be reminded to “be still my soul and make it quiet…” I remember the sweet calmness when holding my babies in the midst of so much going on. Maybe that is why I like the translation of Psalm 131 in our pew Bibles - NRSV-UE (New Revised Standard Version – Updated Edition). I hope you like this song of quiet trust also.

With love & prayer, Lorie

Psalm 131    Song of Quiet Trust

1 O Lord (living presence), my heart is not lifted up;
    my eyes are not raised too high; I do not occupy myself with things
    too great and too marvelous for me.
2 But I have calmed and quieted my soul, like a weaned child with its mother;
    my soul is like the weaned child that is with me. 3 O Israel, hope in the Lord (Living presence) from this time on and forevermore.

This Week: Sunday: Pride Festival – Sunday Aug 23 starting at 11:00 am. All are invited to come say hi to St. Thomas folk at our booth, and be a loving, healing, inclusive presence.

NEW Autumn events:  (sharing early to save the dates :o)

  • START-UP Sunday – Sun Sept 13 Corn & Cobbler on the lawn and Brad Jersak is preaching!
  • CIRCLE OF GRACE: Alive in the Season of Creation – Fridays Sept 11, 18, 25 10:00 am with Guest author Therese DesCamp on 18th. Centering Prayer at 9:30. Healing Eucharist at 11:00
  • PET BLESSING Gathering – Sat. Sept 19 10:00 am. Bring all pets for a blessing and a gift. Share about this special time with your friends and neighbors. See Joanna and Ryan.
  • LGBTQ+ Coffee & Conversation Evening – Wed. Sept 23 6:30 – 8:30 pm. St. Thomas friends share their stories. Every generation has its own way… Come listen, laugh, and share hearts.
  • LATRIA – Evening of Worship & Communion with Danielle & Drew and other Chilliwack musicians. Wed. Sept 30 7:00 pm. A relaxed evening with candlelight, communion, and LOTS of music.
  • CIRCLE OF GRACE: Living the In-between RETREAT DAY with Carrie Chesham & Herta Klassen. Sat. Oct 3 9:30 am – 3:30 pm at St. Thomas.
  • CIRCLE OF GRACE: Living the In-between follow-up sessions on Fridays, Oct 9, 1, 23, 30th with Carrie Chesam.
  • THE ENNEAGRAM HARMONY TRIADS – 8 Tuesdays in Oct and Nov. 6:30 – 8:30 pm. Online Workshop exploring spiritual formation and growth through the heart, mind, body using enneagram teaching and spiritual practices.
  • CARE FOR THOSE WHO CARE – A contemplative retreat for spiritual and healing caregivers. Sat Oct 24, 10:00 am – 2:00 pm. With a panel of professionals to lead in a time of care.
  • ANNUAL HARVEST DINNER! Save the date and invite friends and family to this fun night.
  • AN EVENING WISDOM RETREAT – The Sacred Passage through the fall Triduum (Halloween, All Saints, All Souls) Sun. Nov. 1 6:00 – 8:30 pm. With Heather Ruce from L.A.
  • CIRCLE OF GRACE: ADVENT: The Holy Practice of Noticing with Cheryl Rostek. 4 Fridays in Advent: Nov 27, Dec 4, 11, 18.
  • CHRISTMAS BRUNCH & SILENT AUCTION – Sat Nov 28 11:00 am – 1:00 pm SAVE THE DATE

An all-age gathering to celebrate the season and to raise funds for St. Thomas.

  • AN EVENING OF BIBLE TEACHING: WHAT REALLY MATTERS? How the Old Testament Proclaims Good News (and when it doesn’t) Wed Dec 2 6:30 pm with Dr. Bradley Jersak.
  • A SPACE FOR CHRISTMAS TOGETHER – A Magical Christmas Concert Fri. Dec 11 7:00 pm at St. Thomas. Save the date!
  • LONGEST NIGHT SERVICE – Dec. 17 6:30 – 7:30 pm. An evening of quietness and comfort. Simple rituals and candlelight for those who grieve or struggle over the holidays.

Ongoing weekly/monthly Gatherings

  • Tuesdays Summer Sanctuary. The Church is open 1 – 2 pm for prayer and reflection – Quiet & Cool. Meditation pages are offered. June – Aug.
  • Friday Centering Prayer & Healing Eucharist Start-up on September 11.
  • Men’s Monthly Breakfast. Next: Sept 19 New location coming! Great conversation and a Gospel reflection. For more info or for rides contact Wayne 1-604-845-7234.
  • Double Digits – Youth gatherings – 1st & 3rd Thurs 4:30-6:30 pm. See James
  • Bible Book Club – 3rd Wed, 7-8:30 pm. Couch Rm in Hall. Starts up Sept. 16th. See Amanda.
  • Ruth & Naomi Mission – serving dinner – first Sunday of each month. See Larissa.
  • Norman Manor – Prayer & Communion – 1:00 pm First Thursday/month. See Lesley.
  • Heritage Village – Prayer Service – 2:00 pm Third Wednesday of the month. See Mark.

NOTE:

  • Daily Summer Bible Readings: https://lectionary.anglican.ca/
  • See St. Thomas WEBSITE for details on upcoming events Here.
  • YouTube - This is the home address for our YouTube page for services and recordings.
  • Available on Sundays in the Narthex!
  • 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.

  • Music sheets for songs not in the blue Common Praise Hymnal.
  • News & Notes – weekly email from Rev. Lorie – For those without computers.
  • 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.