NOTES FROM ST. PAUL'S - FRIDAY, DECember 4, 2020

Advent & Christmas 2020 - Fr. Dean Mercer
Last Friday the maximum number allowed at a church service in Toronto was reduced to 10 by provincial and city authorities, endorsed by our bishops. Every indication is that those restrictions are going to be with us through the Christmas season.
And so, like Lent and Easter this year, we will observe Advent and Christmas closer to home. Odd as it may seem, a lot of distractions have been removed, many which hinder our prayers. Last week, four recommendations were offered for Advent 2020. Below is our schedule for Christmas 2020.
*We will provide an online Christmas recording as we’ve done since last March. Fr. Arthur Boers will preach.
*We will gather by Zoom on Christmas Eve so that as many as possible, by phone or computer, may join together for a simple service of lessons and reflection, and carols led by David McCartney (we can sing in our homes!);
*We will do our very best to accommodate everyone who wishes to receive the sacrament and a Christmas blessing - though not all at once. This year St. Paul’s will take full advantage of the 12 Days of Christmas.  This is by reservation only, which can be done by calling the office (416-499-1545) or using the reservation system online.

THE TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS
Christmas 2020, St. Paul, L’Amoreaux
CHRISTMAS EVE
4.00 PM
*Christmas Recording released - Fr. Arthur Boers, preaching.
*St. Paul’s Animated Christmas Pageant Recording released
*In-person service (by reservation)
5.30 PM
*In-person service (by reservation), with organ and pre-recorded music, and live-streamed
7.00 PM - Zoom service of Christmas lessons, carols, reflection and blessing, hosted by Fr. Dean and David McCartney
CHRISTMAS DAY
8.30 AM
*In-person (by reservation), Tamil, live stream
10.00 AM
*In-person (by reservation)
11.30 AM
*In-person (by reservation)
8.00 PM
*Christmas Day Service, Mandarin, by Zoom
THE TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS COMMUNIONS
December 26 - 10 AM, In-person (by reservation)
December 27 (Sunday) - Regular services
December 28 (Monday) - Nothing scheduled
December 29 - December 30 - 10 AM, In-person (by reservation)
December 31
10 AM, In-person (by reservation)
11.30 PM, Watchnight by Zoom
January 1 - 10 AM, In-person (by reservation)
January 2 - 10 AM, In-person (by reservation)
January 3 (Sunday) - Regular services
January 4 - Nothing scheduled
January 5 - 10 AM, In-person (by reservation)
January 6 (Feast of Epiphany) - 10 AM, In-person (by reservation)
Advent Memorial Service
As usual, there will be an Advent Memorial Service, this year by Zoom, on Saturday, December 19, at 7.00 p.m..
Year-end Giving - A stewardship letter to the parish has been distributed. Both the letter and pledge form are available on the website here: https://stpl.ca/give.html. Help us weather the Covid storm and finish the year well.
New Safety Guidelines
On Friday (November 20), it was announced that church services in Toronto are now limited to ten (10) people maximum. For now, the Sunday schedule will remain the same, but those planning to attend will need to register. The registration site also indicates if a service is full. As always, all are encouraged to take advantage of the Zoom and online services available.
Sunday Schedule
8.00 a.m. (at the church)
10.00 a.m. (at the church)
10.00 a.m. - Sunday School (online - see the church calendar)
10.30 a.m. - English service (online - see the church calendar)
1.00 p.m. (Chinese)
3.45 p.m. (Tamil) - also being streamed.
6.00 p.m. - Evening Prayer (online - see the church calendar)
Morning Prayer will continue to be offered on Zoom, Monday through Saturday. Sunday School by Zoom and the Sunday recording continue.
S.P.Y. - St. Paul’s Youth - Friday Nights, 7 p.m.
Friday Night Bible Study - on Zoom - Next Friday, December 4. Revelation 20, Lesson 20. Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/830877703
Telephone: 647-374 4685, or 647-558 0588; Meeting ID: 830 877 703
Gifts and Offerings - The emergency measures and suspension of all church services and programs presents a large challenge to churches and charities dependent on regular gatherings and fundraising events. Your faithful support is as important now as it has ever been. Church Envelopes can be sent by mail. Members may wish to sign up for the Pre-Authorized Giving Program (contact the office). Or, gifts can be made online at our website through CanadaHelps here: www.stpl.ca/give.html. Members who use online banking may now also make E-transfers (contact the office).
Contact - The clergy of St. Paul’s are all in the vicinity and visiting in homes again, abiding by diocesan safety guidelines. If any one of us can be of service, don’t hesitate to call or write. Website: [http://www.stpl.ca;/]www.stpl.ca; Church phone: 416-499-1545; Email: stpl@stpl.ca;
Fr. Dean Mercer: deanmercer@hotmail.com; Rectory phone: 416-497-6352.