Tanzania
By Pat Lee | May 2, 2008
Farmers teach others how to improve techniques
How does one improve farming techniques in the southern highlands of Tanzania? You teach a few who will teach others. That is what has been happening in the Diocese of Southern Highlands in Tanzania since 2004 through Integrated Community Development. Five agriculture extension workers (two women and three men) were trained in environmentally friendly techniques of livestock husbandry, zero grazing, and improved crop selections. These five workers trained trainers of trainers and together they have trained 250 farmers from 10 villages, thereby increasing the farmers’ knowledge on improved farming methods.
Please PRAY for the ongoing training and education of Tanzanian farms so their livelihoods can improve.
The Primate’s World Relief and Development Fund
The Anglican Church of Canada
Topics: Missions | No Comments »
10 Days of Prayer
By Pat Lee | May 2, 2008
Hosted by ten churches in Smiths Falls; from 7:00 - 9:00 pm each evening
May 4th - First Baptist Church
May 5th - Valley Christian Alliance Church
May 6th - Salvation Army
May 7th - Calvary Bible Church
May 8th - Work of Faith - Kingston Highway
May 9th - St. Johns Anglican Church
May 10th - Free Methodist Church
May 11th - Pentecost Sunday “the Global Day of Prayer” at 3:00 pm at the Water Tower.
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St. John’s Annual Spring Dinner / Auction
By Pat Lee | April 28, 2008
On Saturday May 24, we will be holding our spring Dinner/Auction at the Curling Club in Smiths Falls. This enjoyable evening of fun and fellowship raises funds in support of the ministry/mission/maintenance of St. John’s in and around Smiths Falls. An immeasurable amount of work goes into this event by the members of the Organising Committee and many people from the church and the wider community generously donate goods and services to be auctioned. Tickets for the dinner are $12.00 and are available from the Church Office (613-283-1261) and from Organising Committee members.
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Holy Week - Maunday Thursday, Good Friday and Holy Saturday
By Pat Lee | March 20, 2008
The Three Days of Easter: Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Holy Saturday
The Season of Lent ends as we begin our celebration of the Maundy Thursday Holy Eucharist at 7:30 p.m.
During the days of Lent we have tried to observe a Holy Lent–by self-examination, penitence, prayer, fasting, alms-giving and by reading and meditating on the word of God. (BAS page 282).
And now the liturgical life of our church and our individual observations are focussed on the events of Maundy Thursday through Easter Sunday. This sacred time is often called The Three Days of Easter.
It is the time that the historical event of the life, ministry, death and resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth through whom we have been redeemed is most fully celebrated in the Church.
These days are the culmination of the entire Church year. The worship flows together into one worship experience–a time to spend with God– a time like no other. Through what we do in worship beginning on Thursday evening we express our identity as Christians who worship in the Anglican spiritual tradition.
Maundy Thursday 7:30 p.m. Holy Eucharist concluding with the removal of the ornaments and cloths–The Institution of the Lord’s Supper–Jesus’ new commandment “that you love one another as I have loved you”–Jesus goes to Gethsame.
Good Friday—10:00 a.m. The Crucifixion of Jesus
At the end of the service, the wooden cross will be taken to St. Francis’ for use in the Good Friday Walk (12:00 noon) that concludes back at St. John’s.
From the conclusion of the Good Friday service until the Holy Communion at 5:00 on Saturday, we observe Holy Saturday.
Holy Saturday: It seems good that there is a gap between Good Friday and Easter Sunday. There is usually a time lag in our own lives between the source of suffering and our gradual return to new life. In the Apostle’s Creed, we profess our belief that Jesus “descended to the dead” to proclaim the good news to those who had gone before (1Peter 3:19) No-one was, or is, or ever will be out of the reach of the saving power of the cross. Jesus was, and is, and always will be the Saviour of the world, whose healing reconciling love is accessible to all, across time and space. There is an icon that depicts Christ breaking the doors of hell, grasping the wrists of Adam and Eve and lifting them victoriously toward heaven. Adam and Eve do nothing to help. Their salvation, like ours, is a gift from God in the person of Jesus. All we need do is accept the gift and let it touch our hearts and shape the way we live our lives.
Saturday 5:00 p.m.–Holy Communion
Easter Sunday–8:00 a.m. & 10:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist
Topics: Lent | No Comments »
Holy Week - Wednesday
By Pat Lee | March 19, 2008
Wednesday of Holy Week
Scripture Passage: Isaiah 50:4-9(a)
Scripture Verse: ” The Lord God has given me a well-trained tongue, that I might know how to speak to the weary a word that will rouse them. Morning after morning he opens my ear that I may hear; and I have not rebelled, have not turned back” Isaiah 50:4-5
Reflection: On December 1, 1955 an African-American woman named Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat on a bus in Montgomery Alabama. That simple, non-violent protest was a key step in the battle against racial segregation in the United States of America. Mrs. Parks suffered for her decision, but her protest was successful. Her arrest triggered a boycott of the Montgomery bus system–and ultimately, eventually the end of segregation. When she died in 2005, thousands of people turned out to honour the courage of this woman.
In today’s reading, commonly known as one of the ‘Suffering Servant’ songs, we see another person reflecting on his experience of speaking out. This person speaks effectively and encouragingly as a disciple who has learned his lessons well. He suffers because of his words and yet he perseveres.
Everyday, someone, somewhere in the world, is standing up to prejudice, racism or other injustices. Sometimes they suffer for their convictions, sometimes losing friends, sometimes feeling ostracised. Yet somehow they have the strength to persevere. And sometimes they are heard.
Jesus also called on people to hear the good news of God’s Kingdom of justice and peace. And he suffered and died for his convictions. But through the Resurrection, the effect of his courageous actions began to change our world beyond anyone’s wildest dreams. Many people did not listen, and many still do not listen, but for those who do and who allow Jesus to affect their lives, there is a new life.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, bless all who continue Christ’s work here on earth, challenging injustice and teaching the Good News. Give us the wisdom to know when you are calling us to act, the courage to respond and the words to speak. Open our ears when others try to make us hear. We ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen
Topics: Lent | No Comments »
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