Because of the strike action at Canada Post, our newsletter cannot be mailed at this time. Please see the following information and greetings from our incoming rector.
A full transcription of the text on the graphic follows.
Dear Friend of All Saints’,
It is with joy that we share with you an inspirational message from our new Rector, Rev’d Bob Masters. Rev’d Bob joins our congregation as of December 1, 2024.
Dear friends in Christ! May the joy of the humble servant who entered our human history inspire your thoughts and your interactions with all those whom you may encounter.
It’s so important to emphasize that real joy and real peace are something much deeper than simply “feeling happy” or “feeling carefree”. If there is one crucial message that we could ever convey at this time of the year…it is that even in the midst of sorrow and pain it is still possible to know joy and peace at its deepest level. Let us keep our gaze fixed on that Star of Bethlehem, for in fact, it was in the darkness that they were able to see its light. It was while they were still walking in the darkness, that the shepherds and wise men were attracted to that Light…the Light of the world.
If at times we feel overwhelmed by the trials of life and the uncertainty and the doubts and fears that can plague us in our modern times…let us embrace that image of the “seekers of the New Born King” travelling in the cold and dark towards the Light who dispels all darkness! No matter what…we are never alone!
Christ is Born! Glorify Christ!
Rev’d Bob Masters
Let us carry these thoughts into the weeks of Advent, especially because we at All Saints’ will be seeing changes. Rev’d Bob moves in on November 26 and begins his ministry as Rector to both All Saints’ and St. Augustine’s on Sunday, December 1. Because of the shared ministry, we’ve had to adjust our Sunday worship times, moving from 8:00 am & 10:00 am to 7:30 am & 11:00 am at All Saints’, while St. Augustine’s will be worshipping at 9:00 am. This schedule gives Rev’d Bob time to drive between the churches for his shared ministry.
Page 2 of the Newsletter:
“A Christmas Message of Giving: Support Our Ministry”
Dear All Saints’ Family,
As we enter this blessed season of Advent and Christmas, we are reminded of the greatest gift of all — the gift of love, grace, and salvation through Jesus Christ. Christmas is a time of joy, celebration, and giving, and as we come together in worship and fellowship, we want to extend that spirit of generosity to our church family and the community we serve.
Over the past year, our ministry has seen God’s hand at work in many powerful ways — from our Outreach programs to our worship services, to the lives we’ve touched together. However, as we look forward to the new year, we recognize that there is still much to be done. In order to continue and expand the work of the Lord in our church and beyond, we humbly ask for your financial support.
This Christmas, we invite you to consider a special end-of-year gift to the church. Your generosity will help fund:
Ongoing ministry programs that serve our congregation and our local community. We are active participants with Conversation Café, Soup Shack and Ministry to Newcomers.
Mission projects that reach those in need locally and abroad. For example, The Companion Diocese of Amazonia could be our forefront of which Gerard Phillips is a Diocesan committee member and former co-chair.
Building and maintenance needs to ensure our church remains a welcoming place for all.
We know that this is a busy time of year, but we hope you will prayerfully consider how God may be calling you to give. No gift is too small, and every contribution helps further our mission to spread the love of Christ.
You can make your donation through our enclosed envelopes, collection baskets, a cheque, E-transfer to [email protected], and our bank is WFCU or by dropping it off at the church office. We are also offering opportunities for you to contribute during our Christmas Services.
Thank you for your continued support, your prayers, and your commitment to our shared mission. May God bless you and your family with peace, joy, and abundant love this Christmas season.
In Christ’s Love,
Mary Beth Swain, Church Warden Gerard Phillips, Church Warden.