A painting by Heinrich Hoffman, 1889

Please note that Daylight Saving Time begins this week, and the clocks spring ahead Saturday night!

I am drawn to the posture of that young man. He has assured Jesus that he has fulfilled the commandments and is seeking assurance that he will enter the ‘Age to Come’. Jesus has replied ‘You lack one thing …’ (Mark 10:21) and then Jesus pointed to what he was lacking. The young man is portrayed in a moment of deliberation between hearing and decision. This scene is the only time that we are told Jesus ‘loved’ an individual in the Gospel according to Mark. It is also the only scene in which an individual is called by Jesus and does not follow. The last we are told,  ‘he went away grieving’ (Mark 10:22). What does Jesus say to us? And how will we respond?

The service will include a moment of remembrance to mark one year since the official declaration of a pandemic by the World Health Organization.

If you are able and wishing to attend in person, please review the mandatory protocols detailed in the previous post and in the link found under ‘Special Events’ to the right, ‘Re-Opening the Sanctuary’.

This service will be live-streamed and available at  https://youtu.be/Y1xSyFmTrNQ – organ preludes will begin around 10:20 a.m. and the service will commence at 10:30 a.m. Other services can be found on the St. Andrew’s Youtube channel at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzEy41z3sqfRm8X_lLfKGUA  

You are invited to have a look at the printed Order of Service below, and the announcements.

Of particular note this week are :

  • Tuesday evening, 7 p.m., the fifth of the St. Andrew’s online winter study sessions, exploring gospel themes as embodied by characters (this week, revolution with ‘les amis’) in Les Misérables (email [email protected] to receive the Zoom link) https://www.standrewskingston.org/winter-study-series-les-miserables/
  • Wednesday evening, 7 p.m., the penultimate of a Lenten online series offered by Dr. William Morrow, ‘Where’s the Gospel in Genesis? Hard Stories in the Bible’s First Book’. This week’s topic: Does God Reward Tricksters? This is an inter-church initiative and free, but registration is required to receive the Zoom link … https://stjameskingston.ca/lenten-series/
  • Thursday morning, 10:30 – 11:30 a.m., we will continue reading through the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7),  pondering how these words of Jesus might shape our lives more fully in the promises of God and the Christian way in this world

Download (PDF, 346KB)

 

 

As is our custom on the first Sunday of the month, we will be gathered by the Holy Spirit to celebrate Holy Communion. ‘Taste and see that the Lord is good’ (Psalm 34). If you are joining at home, you are invited to prepare bread and cup before this service. If you are joining in the sanctuary, bring your own bread and cup, or receive a packaged unit as you enter.

This Sunday we arrive in Mark’s gospel at the words of Jesus ‘Whoever is not against us is for us’ (Mark 9:40). What might these words mean for us today? 

If you are able and wishing to attend in person, please review the mandatory protocols detailed in the previous post and in the link found under ‘Special Events’ to the right, ‘Re-Opening the Sanctuary’.

This service will be live-streamed and available at  https://youtu.be/Y1xSyFmTrNQ – organ preludes will begin around 10:20 a.m. and the service will commence at 10:30 a.m. Other services can be found on the St. Andrew’s Youtube channel at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzEy41z3sqfRm8X_lLfKGUA  

You are invited to have a look at the printed Order of Service below, and the announcements.

Of particular note this week are :

– Tuesday evening, 7 p.m., the fourth of the St. Andrew’s online winter study sessions, exploring gospel themes as embodied by characters (this week, ‘les amis’) in Les Misérables (email [email protected] to receive the Zoom link) https://www.standrewskingston.org/winter-study-series-les-miserables/

– Wednesday evening, 7 p.m., the third of a Lenten online series offered by Dr. William Morrow, ‘Where’s the Gospel in Genesis? Hard Stories in the Bible’s First Book’. This week we look at The Sacrifice of Isaac. This is an inter-church initiative and free, but registration is required to receive the Zoom link … https://stjameskingston.ca/lenten-series/

Download (PDF, 571KB)

Imagine over 1.5 million Christians speaking 79 different languages in almost 150 countries coming together in spirit; uniting to pray for relevant issues affecting women and children. This is the reality for this tremendous movement that has been active for nearly 100 years. This year’s prayers and thoughts have been prepared by the Christians of Vanuatu.

Here in the Kingston region we have the opportunity to join together online by Zoom, hosted by St. John Roman Catholic parish. Friday March 5, 1:30 p.m. Please register in advance at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdZlBU-Ynos1_lTcBZj5Tax821MJ54MJLZt96hthQMx9-2xRg/viewform

Introduction

The World Day of Prayer is a global ecumenical movement which brings Christians of many traditions together to observe a common day of prayer each year. Through preparation and participation in the worship service, we can learn how our sisters of other countries, languages and cultures understand the Biblical passages in their context. We can hear their concerns and needs and can join in solidarity with them as we pray with and for them. In this way, it is possible to enrich our Christian faith as it grows deeper and broader in an international, ecumenical expression.

History of the World Day of Prayer in Canada

The World Day of Prayer traces its roots to the 19th century when Christian women of Canada and the United States became involved in missions at home and worldwide. Since 1812, women have encouraged one another to engage in personal prayer and lead communal prayer within their mission groups. Presbyterian women in the United States then called for a national day of prayer in 1887, and Anglican women in Canada established a national day of corporate intercessions for mission in 1895.

On October 19, 1918, Presbyterian women in Canada called together representatives of five Women’s Missionary Boards – Anglican, Baptist, Congregational, Methodist and Presbyterian – “to promote the spreading of Christ’s kingdom through united prayer and action.” That first inter-church meeting gave birth to the Interim Committee on the Federation of the Women’s Missionary Society Boards of Canada, which organized a national and inter denominational day of prayer on January 9, 1920.

In 1922, the Canadian and U.S. committees agreed to use the same theme and day for the Day of Prayer as U.S. women. This annual event became the Women’s World Day of Prayer in 1927. The Canadian committee changed its name to become the Women’s Inter-Church Council of Canada and now includes representatives from 11 church partners. This council continues to coordinate the World Day of Prayer in Canada and to speak to issues that concern women of faith across the country.

Read more about how and why the World Day of Prayer was founded: “A Glimpse into our History“ (International WDP website)
More Women’s Inter-Church Council of Canada History

Juliette Pita’s artwork depicts a mother praying and sheltering her child under a tree with strong roots during a cyclone.

 Jesus Christ cures an epileptic boy.  Aremnia, early 14th century.

As we journey towards Easter, we continue our journey through the Gospel of Mark. We arrive at a scene (Mark 9:14-29) in which a father brings his suffering son to Jesus for healing. And Jesus brings the father  to exclaim ‘I believe, help my unbelief’, surely speaking for all of us. Jesus meets us where we are, and brings new life not only to the boy but to all who look to Jesus. 

This is an illustration from a book of the Gospels from 14th century Armenia, home of one of oldest Christian traditions in the world, dating right back to the 1st century. There is a wonderful dynamic to it. Start at the centre with the boy’s agony dramatically imagined, complete even with a chain around his waist to prevent him from hurting himself by falling into fire or water during his convulsions. Continue to the right, and the father’s growth in understanding communicated by those pointing fingers. Follow them to Jesus on the left, with that outstretched arm and hand from which divine compassion and healing flow to the boy and the father.

The doors of the sanctuary will be open. For those who are able and wishing to attend in person, please review the mandatory protocols detailed in the previous post and in the link found under ‘Special Events’ to the right, ‘Re-Opening the Sanctuary’.

This service will be live-streamed and available at https://youtu.be/tqrnSWTLIGA – organ preludes will begin around 10:20 a.m. and the service will commence at 10:30 a.m. Other services can be found on the St. Andrew’s Youtube channel at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzEy41z3sqfRm8X_lLfKGUA Immediately after the service, the congregation will hold their Annual General Meeting, available online by Zoom. 

You are invited to have a look at the printed Order of Service below, and the announcements.

Of particular note this week are :

– Tuesday evening, 7 p.m., the third of the St. Andrew’s online winter study sessions, exploring gospel themes as embodied by characters (this week, Fantine) in Les Misérables (email [email protected] to receive the Zoom link) https://www.standrewskingston.org/winter-study-series-les-miserables/

– Wednesday evening, 7 p.m., the second of a Lenten online series offered by Dr. William Morrow, ‘Where’s the Gospel in Genesis? Hard Stories in the Bible’s First Book’, with the first being a look at The Flood: an inter-church initiative and free, but registration is required to receive the Zoom link … https://stjameskingston.ca/lenten-series/

also Friday afternoon, March 5, World Day of Prayer, 1:30 p.m.: see the WDP link at http://www.stpaulkingston.org for details

Download (PDF, 552KB)

Anglican, Lutheran, Presbyterian and United churches are joining together to sponsor a series of evenings of online study and discussion, led by the Rev. Dr. William Morrow. No prior knowledge of the Bible needed. Readings will be provided in advance. Without charge, but registration is requested to receive the Zoom link: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/141532570729 

http://www.stjameskingston.ca/lenten-series

 

The Transfiguration (detail) by Raphael (1520)

This painting by Raphael was considered for centuries the most famous painting in the western world. With drama and skill it attempts to depict the scene of mystery and meaning known as ‘The Transfiguration’ (Mark 9:2-10). It was while in the presence of their transfigured Lord on top of Mount Tabor that Peter, James and John declared ‘It is good for us to be here’ (Mark 9:5).

The image above, however, is only a portion of Raphael’s painting. The disciples did not linger there. The sermon will explore how both portions of this painting and scene are needed to provide a complete understanding of this moment for Christ and Christian. Join us!

The doors of the sanctuary will be open. For those who are able and wishing to attend in person, please review the mandatory protocols detailed in the previous post and in the link found under ‘Special Events’ to the right, ‘Re-Opening the Sanctuary’.

Due to internet issues, the service was not streamed live, but was recorded, and you can find it here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jvwJ-YuRLTA  Other services can be found on the St. Andrew’s Youtube channel at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzEy41z3sqfRm8X_lLfKGUA You are invited to have a look at the printed Order of Service below, and the announcements.

Of particular note this week are :

– Tuesday evening, 7 p.m., the second of the St. Andrew’s online winter study sessions, exploring gospel themes as embodied by characters in Les Misérables (email [email protected] to receive the Zoom link) https://www.standrewskingston.org/winter-study-series-les-miserables/

– Wednesday evening, 7 p.m., the beginning of a Lenten online series offered by Dr. William Morrow, ‘Where’s the Gospel in Genesis? Hard Stories in the Bible’s First Book’, with the first being a look at The Flood: an inter-church initiative and free, but registration is required to receive the Zoom link … https://stjameskingston.ca/lenten-series/

Download (PDF, 656KB)

Our journey to Easter begins today. The season of Lent commences with Ash Wednesday, when we acknowledge our mortality and turn anew to the Holy One.

This year, a collection of Christian communities have joined together to offer a series of Lenten services beginning today with Ash Wednesday. These Ecumenical Worship Partnership services can be found at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWRlJZoKQxFCSk0V_Gl_xQQ

Today’s Ash Wednesday service will be available from noon, and is offered by Princess Street United and St. Paul’s Sydenham Anglican Churches.

Other services:
– Maundy Thursday (Thursday April 1)
offered by St. Mark’s Lutheran and Chalmers United Churches
– Good Friday (Friday April 2)
co-ordinated by Faith United and St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Churches
– Holy Saturday (Saturday April 3)
offered by St. James Anglican and Sydenham Street United Churches
– Easter 2 (Sunday April 11)
co-ordinated by St. James and St. Paul’s Anglican Churches