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Readings for Next Sunday - March 01st, 2015 (Second Sunday In Lent)
Genesis 17: 1-7, 15-16; Psalm 22: 22-30; Romans 4: 13-25; Mark 8: 31-38
St. Stephen’s Rule of Life † STUDY the Scripture every day. In light of what I have read, what is God calling me to be or to do today?
† PRAY at least three times a day [Please add to your prayers on the day specified]
† GIVE regularly to support the Church’s ministry [envelopes, gifts, talents and time]
† LIVE for God, our Church and others [be just, loving, peaceful and caring]
Readings for Holy Communion
Wed., Mar. 04th
Jon. 3: 1 - 10;
Ps. 51: 1-2, 11-13;
Luke 11: 29 - 32
(Study: Rev. 1)
This Week’s Readings for Daily Devotion
Mon. – Ps. 41 & 52; Heb. 2: 11 - 18; Jn. 2: 1 - 12
Tue. – Ps. 45; Heb. 3: 1 - 11; Jn. 2: 13 - 22
Wed. – Ps. 119:49-72; Heb. 3: 12 - 19; Jn. 2:23 - 3:15
Thu. – Ps. 50; Heb. 4: 1 - 10; Jn. 3: 16 - 21
Fri. – Ps. 40, 54 & 95; Heb. 4: 11 - 16; Jn. 3: 22 - 36
Sat. – Ps. 55; Heb. 5: 1 - 10; Jn. 4: 1 - 26
Thought for the
Week
VESTRY MEETING: It was encouraging to see most of you at our Vestry Meeting last week in spite of the fact that it was so cold. Vestry was long but productive. The year is ahead of us let us put hands, hearts and minds together as we work to make ministry in this place transforming and magnetic.
ELECTIONS AND APPOINTMENTS
People’s Warden & Deputy - Norman DaCosta & Rachel Omologe
Rector’s Warden & Deputy - Fanella Hodge & Chris Gleeson
Synod Reps. - Ir is Linton & Ezekiel Ekeh
Alt. Synod Rep. - Monica Herman
Envelope Secretary - Natasha Thompson
Members at Large:
Bannard John, Ricardo Walters, Carol Blackmore-Griffiths, Nadeen Murray, Emeka Ichoku, Maraval Odlum, Bev.Brown,
Orphtee Quarcoo, Hyacinth Nwosu, Dwight RoseGreen
Congrats and let us hold to our commitments to work together for the building up of the Body of Christ and growth of his ministry in this area.
The Church of St. Stephen (Downsview) Established in 1953
2259 Jane Street, TORONTO, ONTARIO, M3M 1A6
Telephone: Office - (416) 241-4639 Rectory - (647) 344-4187 Cell. #: - (647) 382-4596 Fax: Office - (416) 248-5415
Church Email: [email protected]
Fr. Kenute: [email protected]
First Sunday In Lent
February 22nd, 2015
9:00AM - SAID EUCHARIST
10:30AM - YOUTH SERVICE
MISSION
To worship God, creating a caring, Chris-
tian community, through growth and cel-ebration, using our gifts and talents to reach out
in love to others.
OUR MOTTO
Bearing witness by faith and works
OUR PRIORITIES
Christian Education, Youth & Outreach
WELCOME
Welcome to all parishioners, visitors & friends.
A Special welcome to the Most Rev’d Josiah Idowu-
Fearon, Diocesan Bishop of Kaduna, Nigeria.
We invite visitors to sign our
visitors book.
If you do not have a Church home we invite you to make the Church of St. Stephen
your spiritual haven.
BE THOUGHTFUL AND REVERENT
Before Service: Talk with God During Service: Let God talk to you After Service: Talk with each other
From Fr. Kenute’s Desk My Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Today I share with you an extract from Through The Bible, Through The Year by John Stott.
“The Temptations
‘Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil.’ Matthew 4:1
Jesus went straight from the waters of Jordan to the desert of Judea, where he was savagely tempted by the devil. The assault took two forms.
First came an assault on his identity, on who he was. The words of his Father were still ringing in his ears - “This is my Son”- when the voice from heaven was challenged by a voice from hell. The devil sneered, “If you are the Son of God…” (v.6), implying that he was not. It was a deliberate attempt to sow in Jesus’s mind the seeds of doubt. To counter them, Jesus must have kept repeating to himself the words of his Father, “This is my Son.” Still today the devil attempts to undermine our self-conscious identity as God’s children. For he is diabolos, the slanderer. We need to turn a deaf ear to him and listen instead to the great affirmations and promises of God in Scripture.
The devil’s second assault was against the ministry of Jesus, against what he had come into the world to do. We saw yesterday that the heavenly voice identified Jesus not only as God’s Son but also as God’s servant, who would suffer and die for his people’s sins. But the devil proposed other and less costly options. Why not win the world by satisfying its hunger, by a sensational display of power, or by striking a bargain with the devil - in each case bypassing the cross? The devil loves to persuade us that the end justifies the means.
Jesus refused to listen to the voice of the devil. Immediately, instinctively, vehemently, he rejected each temptation. There was no need to discuss or to negotiate. The matter had already been settled by Scripture (“It is written”); each time, he quoted an appropriate text from Deuteronomy 6 or 8. Still today there is a confusion of voices. The devil speaks through the secular culture surrounding us and God speaks through his Word. Which shall we listen to? It is by our daily dogged discipline of Bible reading that we allow the devil’s voice to be drowned by the voice of God. “Resist the devil, and he will flee from you” (James 4:7).”
THINK ON THESE THINGS
Let’s Communicate, Connect and Collaborate
Parish Information Update: If you joined the St. Stephens family in the course of last year and did not complete an information sheet, you are asked to please do so at the earliest opportunity. We also ask all other members of the congregation who did not have the opportunity to sign up previously to do so now. The information will help us to maintain an accurate record of all parish families.
Theme For The Sundays In Lent: “The Wilderness Experience”
Week 1: A Place of Forty Week 2: A Place of Testing
Week 3: A Journey Week 4: A Place of Presence
Week 5: A Place of Covenant
During Lent: every member is encouraged to put aside a “Loonie” or a “Toonie” each day during Lent (40 days) and then offer that sacrifice to God on Easter Day as a Lenten offering.
Commissioning Of The New Advisory Board: will be on Sunday, March 01st at the 10:30am service.
The World Day Of Prayer: We will be the host Church this year on March 6 at 7:00pm as we celebrate the islands of The Bahamas. Please invite family and friends to come and be a part of this life-changing experience as we pray for women all over the world. Our celebrations include music by a 'Live Band, Liturgical Dancing, Bahamian presentation and more!
Lenten Hymn Sing: March 8 at 5:00pm. Please join us for a time of inspirational singing and meditation.
Baptism Service: March 15th at 10:30am. Preparation classes will be held on Saturday, March 07th & 14th at 4:00pm. Parents and God-parents must attend these classes.
Women Of St. Stephen: Please note that February's meeting has been cancelled. Next meeting is scheduled for Saturday March 21st @ 3pm.
Pre-Lenten Dinner & Dance: A note of sincere thanks to all those who were instrumental in putting things in place for our Pre-Lenten Celebration. Thanks also to all those who not only attended the event, but brought friends and fam-ily to join in our festivities - your presence was deeply appreciated. Thanks to the members of the Fundraising team who worked tirelessly to make this happen. United we stand, divided we fall, love and respect will conquer all.
2014 Tax Receipts: Your tax receipts are now available at the back of the church. Please contact the church office if you have any questions.
2015 Envelopes: Members who do not use envelopes but would like to do so in 2015 are asked to speak to one of the ushers or Natasha Thompson (envelope secretary) or call the church office.
Flowers & Candles for Easter: Would you like to donate flowers or Candles in memory or celebration of loved ones or blessings received? Sign up sheets are available from ushers.
Last
Week’s
Answers
Across 3. FEVER 6. SYNAGOGUE 7. HAND 8. HEAL
Down 1. PREACH 2. DEMONS 4. SUNSET 5. BED 6. SICK 7. HELP
St. S
te
ph
en’s
Ac
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Co
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The ministry restarted on Tuesday, January 20th after the renovations to the kitchen.
Please be reminded that this is a partnership with St. Felix Centre. It is not a ministry that is being conducted here by an outside group. Let us claim it but also work for its success.
Volunteers are needed.
A calendar will be given for sign up in order to form a roster for the month. This will allow us all, the opportunity to lend a hand at this very important
ministry while avoiding the strain of over burdening a handful of volunteers.
St. Stephen / St. Felix Café
Sun. Feb. 22nd @ 4:30pm - Black History Service - St Paul’s, Bloor St.
Tue. Feb. 24th @ 7:00pm - Bible Study (Revelation 2: 12 - 29)
Wed. Feb. 25th @ 12:00noon - Eucharist & Study (Revelation 1)
Thu. Feb. 26th @ 7:30pm - Choir Rehearsal
Fri. Feb. 27th @ 7:00pm - Youth Choir Rehearsal
Sat. Feb. 28th @ 9:30am - Leadership 101 - St. John the Baptist (Dixie) 719 Dundas St. East. Mississauga, ON L4Y 2B5
Sun. Mar. 01st - Second Sunday in Lent @ 9:00am - Said Eucharist & @ 10:30am - Sung Eucharist
This Week At St. Stephen’s GATHERING OF THE COMMUNITY
Opening Sentence:
Prayer of Approach (All):
All: Loving God, look with compassion upon each member of this congregation as we come before you now. Override our ignorance, undercut our arrogance, scatter our indifference, and infiltrate all thoughts and feelings with your own Spirit. Set us free from anything that might demean or diffuse this hour of worship. Enable us to put down our roots into the immovable, fertile ground of your eternal goodness, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen!
Processional Hymn: 104BB - O Worship The King
Call To Worship:
Leader: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with us all. All: And also with you.
Leader: On stone and in hearts, from water to wilderness and from the ancestor of nations to the Son lifted up: All: God’s covenant continues; God’s kingdom comes near.
Leader: We follow Jesus on the Lenten path, All: For where he is, we would be also.
For The Kyrie: 638BB - I Need Thee Every Hour
Collect for the Day: page 286
THE MINISTRY OF THE WORD
First Reading: Genesis 9: 8 – 17
Psalm: 25: 3 – 9 (Metric - Tune: Old Hundredth)
Second Reading: 1 Peter 3: 18 – 22
Gradual Hymn: 406CPWI - Be Thou My Guardian And My Guide
The Gospel: Mark 1: 9 – 15
After the Gospel: 107BB - Lord, I Lift Your Name
Sermon:
THE RESPONSE TO THE WORD
The Apostles Creed: page 189
Prayers of the People:
Leader: Let us pray. Holy God, thank you for sheltering us in the storms of life, for ministering to us through angels seen and unseen, and for loving us eternally. Gracious God, steer us through times of temptation, All: and deliver us from evil.
Leader: Today we think of those who are being acutely tempted: tempted to look the other way when wrong is happening around them; tempted to misuse their gifts for a sordid purpose; tempted to allow untamed emotions to hold sway; tempted by the corrupting power of money; and those tempted to stay in a rut rather than strike out on new paths for Christ. Generous God, steer us through times of temptation, All: and deliver us from evil.
Leader: We pray for those who feel pushed and tested almost beyond their endurance; those with heavy responsibility who feel overloaded to the point of collapse; those pressured from all sides by factions in work place or community; suffering people and all who must watch a loved one suffer– who feel they can bear no more; kindly folk whose patience with a difficult friend or family is now at breaking point; persecuted Christians whose faith seems stretched beyond their limit; and the depressed whose inner being endures a misery which no human word can alleviate. Merciful God, steer us through times of temptation, All: and deliver us from evil.
Leader: We also pray for those who seem to be in a position of advantage: the happy, that their happiness may always be used for goodwill and compassion; the strong, that their energies may be used wisely and gently; the clever, that they may employ their mental facility for good not evil; for the rich, that their wealth may be shared for the uplifting of the poor; for the powerful, that they may use their position as a blessing; and those of strong faith, that they may walk humbly and affirm the weaker souls. Righteous God, steer us through times of temptation, All: and deliver us from evil.
Leader: We pray for each other in this church. For our bishops, priests, deacons and the laity in their several vocations. For Bishop Josiah, for the new corporation and Advisory board, for Black History Service later today, and for the sick and suffering, that they will never feel tempted to think that you have forgotten them. Gracious God, none of us know the extent of the pressures that some may be under this very day. Look upon us all, read our thoughts and weigh our feelings, and by your resourcefulness, “save us in the time of trial and deliver us from all evil.” Through Christ Jesus our Saviour. All: Amen!
Confession & Absolution: Priest: God remains faithful to the covenant of steadfast love, even when we are unfaithful. Without fear, then, let us confess our sins.
All: God of mercy, we confess that we do not always live according to your ways, we often participate in systems of injustice, and use power to our own advantage at the expense of others. Forgive us, we pray, when we are tempted to follow paths other than those you set before us. Teach us your commandments; help us to turn from evil in its many guises, and turn us toward your kingdom drawing near. In covenantal love, remember us and be for us an ark of safety and new life, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
THE LITURGY OF THE SACRAMENT
Offertory Hymn: 606BB - O Love That Will Not Let Me Go
Prayer over The Gifts: page 287
Eucharistic Prayer 1: page 193
Sanctus (Schubert)
Lord’s Prayer (Malotte)
Communion Hymns: Sax & Organ - “What A Friend We Have In Jesus”
326CPWI, 526BB, 692BB, 542AAHH
Ablutions: 164AAHH - We Are Marching In The Light Of God
Prayer after Communion: page 287
The Blessing:
Leader: As Christians we are never promised that we won’t be troubled or tested. All: but that we shall not be overcome.
Leader: Go out from this place boldly, for the God of Christ is on your side All: Yes! Nothing can ultimately defeat those who are encompassed by such an incomparable love.
Leader: Live each day in the saving grace of Christ and may the God of covenant faithfulness enfold you; the beloved Son encourage you; and the Holy Spirit descend upon you in blessing; this day and forever. All: Amen! Amen! Amen!
Welcome & Announcements
Recessional Hymn: 682BB - Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah
Hilton & Sandra Ramessar (28th)
Anniversary
Birthdays
Frances Greenidge (23rd Violet Lewis (24th) Berle Bovell (28th)
Today’s Ministers
9:00 a.m. Service 10:30 a.m. Service
Ushers: Omeyeni Oni Margaret, Tellece & Leroy
Chalice: Kojo Mensah Iris Linton & Allan Austin
Readers: Rachel Omologe Lanre Williams & Aliya Whyte
Gospeller: Rachel Omologe George Quarcoo
Intercessor: Chika Ekeh
Altar Guild: Jeanette Baker and Natasha Thompson
Counters: Winsom Bennett, Hyacinth Edghill & Janet Morrissey
