Help us through the 4th Quarter - St. Paul’s is a strong parish and remains strong due to everyone’s faithful support. Through three quarters of the year, support has been outstanding at a time when never has it been more important. The 4th quarter is always our largest challenge each year. Your faithful and regular gifts are important.
Gifts can be dropped off at the church or sent by mail. Kindly ensure that your name and envelope number is included. Or, members may wish to sign up for the Pre-Authorized Giving Program (contact the office). Members who use online banking can now make E-transfers (instructions here: www.stpl.ca/give.html). Gifts can also be made at our website through CanadaHelps: www.stpl.ca/give.html. NOTE: Of the various means for online giving, we recommend The Pre-Authorized Giving Program. It is regular, matching the regular responsibilities of the parish, and once initiated all it takes is a phone call or e-mail to increase, decrease, or cancel the donation. The monthly amount is withdrawn on the 20th of each month, and the cost to the church is 50 cents per transaction, irrespective of the amount of the gift. This makes the PAG the most economical of all the online and electronic methods. The Annual Stewardship Letter and 2022 Pledge Card is now available - from the church office or online: https://stpl.ca/give.html The 2022 Offering Envelopes are Now Available for Pickup at the Church A Call for Restraint - Safety Guidelines Update (December 17, 2021) Due to spiking infection rates, a call for restraint by both the province and the bishops, and general uncertainty about the current wave of COVID, current safety guidelines have been adjusted. In particular, all must be masked at all times during church services. Readers, preachers and intercessors are no longer permitted to remove their masks while speaking. Otherwise, the existing Amber Stage Guidelines remain in effect: *Congregational singing is permitted with masks and appropriate distancing. St. Paul's will proceed in measured fashion. *Attendance is restricted to as many people in the church who can maintain "physical distancing of 2 metres." Attendance at church services at St. Paul's is 100. Christmas Week Schedule Watchnight Service - 11 pm (December 31) Each service is limited to 100 people. Seat reservations can be made here: https://stpl.ca/services.html or by calling the church office (416-499-1545). Throughout Christmas, Morning Prayer is said every Morning, Monday through Saturday at 7.30 a.m.. The link can be found here: https://stpl.ca/services.html The Spiritual Companions Program - is a companionship program to encourage spiritual growth. Open to those who are 22 years or older, companions are placed in groups of two, committing themselves to meet weekly for reflection and prayer. Those couples may include married and dating couples. The materials for reflection are agreed on by the pair and may be a reading or Collect from Morning Prayer, from Our Daily Bread, or from another devotional source. Guided by respect, honesty and confidentiality, pairs will agree to a convenient date and time and may meet in person, over the phone, or on Zoom. For a copy of the manual and application, call the office (416-499-1545) or check online: https://stpl.ca/spiritual-companions-program.html Questions - contact Carol Shih (Wycliffe student) - [email protected] St. Paul’s Youth Music Program Now On - Pans and Strings Our parish and community youth music program has re-opened with pan practice on Saturdays at 12.30 pm, and string practice at 4.30. A great group. Our largest string group ever. Registration at practice. Practice resumes in the new year on January 15. Introduction to Christianity & Simple ESL Class for Adults - Saturdays, 4.30 pm, in the church. Class resumes in the new year on January 15. Morning Prayer on Zoom - Password Added Morning Prayer is said Monday to Saturday at 7.30 a.m.. Tuesday to Friday mornings, it is live-streamed from the church. For that reason there is now a password for those attending Morning Prayer on Zoom. Join us for prayer, Monday to Saturday morning at 7.30 a.m.: Computer Access Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/397231088?wd=ekhBRm9XcDRmWXo5Z0Via2dyY2tpUT09 Telephone Access - (647) 374 4685, or (647) 558 0588 Meeting ID: 397 231 088; Password: 549300 Schedule The full schedule of in-person and online services and programs can be found on the online church calendar - www.stpl.ca/calendar.html - or here: www.stpl.ca/services.html. This is the quickest and easiest way to get service and program information. Sunday Services by Phone on Zoom The weekly Sunday recording can be heard by phone on Zoom. (It can also be viewed on Zoom, but the quality is diminished.) Zoom Invitation: By Phone: 647 374 4685; 647 558 0588; Meeting ID: 854 0290 8277; Passcode: 970844 Computer link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85402908277?pwd=Q1RIdkxCZXJNTFJJek5tYWpOTzlFUT09 Ontario COVID-19 Vaccine Booking - You can currently book an appointment at a mass vaccination clinic through the provincial online vaccine booking system (https://covid-19.ontario.ca/book-vaccine/) If you prefer to schedule an appointment by phone, call the Provincial Vaccine Booking Line at 1-833-943-3900 (TTY 1-866-797-0007). This line is available 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., 7 days a week. Information is available in more than 300 languages. If St. Paul’s can be of any help to you in this process, please let our office know. IMARA Generation Project Taibu Community Health Centre is conducting a consultation for parents and other concerned adults regarding Black youth and their mental health. For more information or to participate, please contact [email protected] New Honorary Priest at St. Paul’s Effective December, 2021, The Rev'd Canon Kim Beard has been appointed by Bishop Robertson as honorary priest at St. Paul’s, L’Amoreaux. Canon Beard is the recently retired priest of St. Paul on the Hill, Pickering. We welcome Canon Beard who is our preacher today. Mission Trip to Tanzania Rescheduled: July 2023. Fr. Kim Beard will be leading a work mission trip to Tanzania, now re-scheduled for 2023. Look for an information session this coming March. Sunday School Every Sunday at 10.00 on Zoom Check the church calendar for links and information: www.stpl.ca/calendar.html S.P.Y. - St. Paul’s Youth - Friday nights at 7 pm. Contact Sarah for more information: [email protected]. Friday Night Bible Study - join us at the church or online for study, following the Bible study guides of Bishop Tom Wright. The study guides are available online (www.amazon.ca or www.parasource.com or www.christianbook.com) or may be ordered through Fr. Dean. We are now on Christmas break, resuming Friday, January 14, and beginning a study of Ephesians - 15 copies are available from Fr. Dean for $11. Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/830877703 Telephone: 647-374 4685, or 647-558 0588; Meeting ID: 830 877 703 Contact - The clergy of St. Paul’s are all in the vicinity and visiting in homes again, abiding by diocesan safety guidelines. Don’t hesitate to call or write. Website: [http://www.stpl.ca;/]www.stpl.ca; Church phone: 416-499-1545; Email: [mailto:[email protected];][email protected]; Fr. Dean Mercer: [mailto:[email protected];][email protected]; Rectory phone: 416-497-6352. Help us through the 4th Quarter - St. Paul’s is a strong parish and remains strong due to everyone’s faithful support. Through three quarters of the year, support has been outstanding at a time when never has it been more important. The 4th quarter is always our largest challenge each year. Your faithful and regular gifts are important.
Gifts can be dropped off at the church or sent by mail. Kindly ensure that your name and envelope number is included. Or, members may wish to sign up for the Pre-Authorized Giving Program (contact the office). Members who use online banking can now make E-transfers (instructions here: www.stpl.ca/give.html). Gifts can also be made at our website through CanadaHelps: www.stpl.ca/give.html. NOTE: Of the various means for online giving, we recommend The Pre-Authorized Giving Program. It is regular, matching the regular responsibilities of the parish, and once initiated all it takes is a phone call or e-mail to increase, decrease, or cancel the donation. The monthly amount is withdrawn on the 20th of each month, and the cost to the church is 50 cents per transaction, irrespective of the amount of the gift. This makes the PAG the most economical of all the online and electronic methods. The Annual Stewardship Letter and 2022 Pledge Card is now available - from the church office or online: https://stpl.ca/give.html The 2022 Offering Envelopes are Now Available for Pickup at the Church Christmas Steel Concert - with the steel bands and the musicians of St. Paul’s, Saturday, December 18, at 7.00 p.m. - sold out! Safety guidelines in place, and a limit of 80 tickets available. Recordings of parish musicians and selections from the live concert will be made available. Christmas Flowers The Flower Guild of St. Paul’s is receiving donations for Christmas poinsettias. Please pass along the information below to the church office by mail or email. Please make cheques payable to St. Paul’s L’Amoreaux Church. December 20 is the last date for donations. Poinsettias are $6 each. Kindly indicate the following *In Memory of: or as a Thank Offering: *Donor’s Name: *Envelope #: *Amount of Gift: A Call for Restraint - Safety Guidelines Update (December 17, 2021) Due to spiking infection rates, a call for restraint by both the province and the bishops, and general uncertainty about the current wave of COVID, current safety guidelines have been adjusted. In particular, all must be masked at all times during church services. Readers, preachers and intercessors are no longer permitted to remove their masks while speaking. Otherwise, the existing Amber Stage Guidelines remain in effect: *Congregational singing is permitted with masks and appropriate distancing. St. Paul's will proceed in measured fashion. *Attendance is restricted to as many people in the church who can maintain "physical distancing of 2 metres." Attendance at church services at St. Paul's is 100. Christmas Schedule Christmas Eve - 6 pm and 11 pm. Christmas Day - 8 am (Tamil); 10 am (English) Christmas Recording: A Christmas recording will be available on Christmas Eve at 6.00 p.m. and will be replayed on Zoom on Christmas Day at 11.15 a.m.. The links will be available on the homepage (www.stpl.ca) and here: https://stpl.ca/services.html. First Sunday of Christmas (December 26) - the ordinary schedule Watchnight Service - 11 pm (December 31) Each service is limited to 100 people. Seat reservations can be made here: https://stpl.ca/services.html or by calling the church office (416-499-1545). Throughout Christmas, Morning Prayer is said every Morning, Monday through Saturday at 7.30 a.m.. The link can be found here: https://stpl.ca/services.html The Sacrament by Christmas - A note from Fr. Dean For Christmas this year I would encourage everyone to make plans to receive the sacrament - at least once - whether it be by attendance at one of the in-person services or by a request for home communion. Even with the existing guidelines, that should be more than possible. The ordinary and grateful obligation of a Christian is to gather on Sundays, to unite in prayer and praise, and to be nourished by both Word and Sacrament. The season of Covid is an exception, not a new normal. We will work diligently to to re-establish the ordinary habits of our Christian life - which is precisely what we are doing now as opportunity permits. The 2021 Angel Tree Program - St. Paul's L’Amoreaux will be partnering for an eighth year with Prison Fellowship Canada to provide Christmas gifts for children with a parent that is incarcerated. This year, St. Paul’s will be serving 20 children. Due to the generosity of the parish, we had a surplus of donations from last year that will cover the cost of gifts for this year. A team of volunteers has also signed up to deliver the gifts. Those who ordinarily give to the Angel Tree Program are asked to consider the parish Christmas Hamper Program this year. Thank you St. Paul’s for all your support!! Christmas Hampers are being prepared this Advent to be distributed to families in need. Monetary donations are being sought to fund this ministry and your generosity is greatly appreciated and much needed during these challenging times. Simply indicate that you would like your gift to go towards Christmas hampers. Tamil Congregation Service of Carols - Sunday, December 19th at 3:15pm.. Walk-a-Thon Results are in and thanks to the generosity of St. Paul’s we were able to raise $12,920 for our outreach ministries. Thank you to all who gave of their time and resources for this important ministry fundraiser. The Spiritual Companions Program - is a companionship program to encourage spiritual growth. Open to those who are 22 years or older, companions are placed in groups of two, committing themselves to meet weekly for reflection and prayer. Those couples may include married and dating couples. The materials for reflection are agreed on by the pair and may be a reading or Collect from Morning Prayer, from Our Daily Bread, or from another devotional source. Guided by respect, honesty and confidentiality, pairs will agree to a convenient date and time and may meet in person, over the phone, or on Zoom. For a copy of the manual and application, call the office (416-499-1545) or check online: https://stpl.ca/spiritual-companions-program.html Questions - contact Carol Shih (Wycliffe student) - [email protected] St. Paul’s Youth Music Program Now On - Pans and Strings Our parish and community youth music program has re-opened with pan practice on Saturdays at 12.30 pm, and string practice at 4.30. A great group. Our largest string group ever. Registration at practice. Practice resumes in the new year on January 15. Introduction to Christianity & Simple ESL Class for Adults - Saturdays, 4.30 pm, in the church. Class resumes in the new year on January 15. Morning Prayer on Zoom - Password Added Morning Prayer is said Monday to Saturday at 7.30 a.m.. Tuesday to Friday mornings, it is live-streamed from the church. For that reason there is now a password for those attending Morning Prayer on Zoom. Join us for prayer, Monday to Saturday morning at 7.30 a.m.: Computer Access Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/397231088?wd=ekhBRm9XcDRmWXo5Z0Via2dyY2tpUT09 Telephone Access - (647) 374 4685, or (647) 558 0588 Meeting ID: 397 231 088; Password: 549300 Schedule The full schedule of in-person and online services and programs can be found on the online church calendar - www.stpl.ca/calendar.html - or here: www.stpl.ca/services.html. This is the quickest and easiest way to get service and program information. Sunday Services by Phone on Zoom The weekly Sunday recording can be heard by phone on Zoom. (It can also be viewed on Zoom, but the quality is diminished.) Zoom Invitation: By Phone: 647 374 4685; 647 558 0588; Meeting ID: 854 0290 8277; Passcode: 970844 Computer link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85402908277?pwd=Q1RIdkxCZXJNTFJJek5tYWpOTzlFUT09 Ontario COVID-19 Vaccine Booking - You can currently book an appointment at a mass vaccination clinic through the provincial online vaccine booking system (https://covid-19.ontario.ca/book-vaccine/) If you prefer to schedule an appointment by phone, call the Provincial Vaccine Booking Line at 1-833-943-3900 (TTY 1-866-797-0007). This line is available 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., 7 days a week. Information is available in more than 300 languages. If St. Paul’s can be of any help to you in this process, please let our office know. IMARA Generation Project Taibu Community Health Centre is conducting a consultation for parents and other concerned adults regarding Black youth and their mental health. For more information or to participate, please contact [email protected] New Honorary Priest at St. Paul’s Effective December, 2021, The Rev'd Canon Kim Beard has been appointed by Bishop Robertson as honorary priest at St. Paul’s, L’Amoreaux. Canon Beard is the recently retired priest of St. Paul on the Hill, Pickering. We welcome Canon Beard who is our preacher today. Mission Trip to Tanzania Rescheduled: July 2023. Fr. Kim Beard will be leading a work mission trip to Tanzania, now re-scheduled for 2023. Look for an information session this coming March. Sunday School Every Sunday at 10.00 on Zoom Check the church calendar for links and information: www.stpl.ca/calendar.html S.P.Y. - St. Paul’s Youth - Friday nights at 7 pm. Contact Sarah for more information: [email protected]. Friday Night Bible Study - join us at the church or online for study, following the Bible study guides of Bishop Tom Wright. The study guides are available online (www.amazon.ca or www.parasource.com or www.christianbook.com) or may be ordered through Fr. Dean. We are now on Christmas break, resuming Friday, January 14, and beginning a study of Ephesians - 15 copies are available from Fr. Dean for $11. Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/830877703 Telephone: 647-374 4685, or 647-558 0588; Meeting ID: 830 877 703 Contact - The clergy of St. Paul’s are all in the vicinity and visiting in homes again, abiding by diocesan safety guidelines. Don’t hesitate to call or write. Website: [http://www.stpl.ca;/]www.stpl.ca; Church phone: 416-499-1545; Email: [mailto:[email protected];][email protected]; Fr. Dean Mercer: [mailto:[email protected];][email protected]; Rectory phone: 416-497-6352. Help us through the 4th Quarter - St. Paul’s is a strong parish and remains strong due to everyone’s faithful support. Through three quarters of the year, support has been outstanding at a time when never has it been more important. The 4th quarter is always our largest challenge each year. Your faithful and regular gifts are important.
Gifts can be dropped off at the church or sent by mail. Kindly ensure that your name and envelope number is included. Or, members may wish to sign up for the Pre-Authorized Giving Program (contact the office). Members who use online banking can now make E-transfers (instructions here: www.stpl.ca/give.html). Gifts can also be made at our website through CanadaHelps: www.stpl.ca/give.html. NOTE: Of the various means for online giving, we recommend The Pre-Authorized Giving Program. It is regular, matching the regular responsibilities of the parish, and once initiated all it takes is a phone call or e-mail to increase, decrease, or cancel the donation. The monthly amount is withdrawn on the 20th of each month, and the cost to the church is 50 cents per transaction, irrespective of the amount of the gift. This makes the PAG the most economical of all the online and electronic methods. The Annual Stewardship Letter and 2022 Pledge Card is now available - from the church office or online: https://stpl.ca/give.html The 2022 Offering Envelopes are Now Available for Pickup at the Church Christmas Steel Concert - with the steel bands and the musicians of St. Paul’s, Saturday, December 18, at 7.00 p.m. - sold out! Safety guidelines in place, and a limit of 80 tickets available. Recordings of parish musicians and selections from the live concert will be made available. Christmas Flowers The Flower Guild of St. Paul’s is receiving donations for Christmas flowers. Due to the safety restrictions, only a few plants will be purchased for use in the church and donations above and beyond will be forwarded to the ACSA Food Bank assisting those in need during the pandemic. Please pass along the information below to the church office by mail or email. Please make cheques payable to St. Paul’s L’Amoreaux Church. December 20 is the last date for donations. Flowers are $6 each. Kindly indicate the following *In Memory of: or as a Thank Offering: *Donor’s Name: *Envelope #: *Amount of Gift: The 180th Anniversary of the Parish of St. Paul, L’Amoreaux Dedicated - November 18, 1841, by Bishop John Strachan, 1st Bishop of Toronto Recorded musical mementoes can now be found on the homepage of the church website: www.stpl.ca All are encouraged to donate to the Outreach Program of St. Paul’s. Good News - Safety Guidelines Update Changes have been made to the safety guidelines: *The College of Bishops have relaxed their COVID-19 restrictions as of November 24th to allow for congregational singing with masks and appropriate distancing. St. Paul's will proceed in measured fashion. *Readers, preachers and intercessors may remove their masks while speaking. *The Bishops now permit as many people in the church who can maintain "physical distancing of 2 metres." Attendance at church services at St. Paul's has now increased to 100. Advent and Christmas Schedule Sundays of Advent - the ordinary schedule Christmas Steel Concert - Saturday, December 18, 7 pm Christmas Eve - 6 pm and 11 pm. Christmas Day - 8 am (Tamil); 10 am (English) First Sunday of Christmas (December 26) - the ordinary schedule Watchnight Service - 11 pm (December 31) Each service is limited to 100 people. Seat reservations can be made here: https://stpl.ca/services.html or by calling the church office (416-499-1545). The Sacrament by Christmas - A note from Fr. Dean With the signs pointing in the right direction, Christmas this year should be a lot more like what we expect than what we experienced last year. For that reason, by Christmas this year I would urge everyone to make plans to receive the sacrament - at least once - whether it be by attendance at one of the in-person services or by a request for home communion. Even with the remaining guidelines, that should be more than possible. The ordinary and grateful obligation of a Christian is to gather on Sundays, to unite in prayer and praise, and to be nourished by both Word and Sacrament. The season of Covid was an exception, not a new normal, and we will work diligently to to re-establish the ordinary habits of our Christian life - which is precisely what we are doing now as opportunity permits. The 2021 Angel Tree Program - St. Paul's L’Amoreaux will be partnering for an eighth year with Prison Fellowship Canada to provide Christmas gifts for children with a parent that is incarcerated. This year, St. Paul’s will be serving 20 children. Due to the generosity of the parish, we had a surplus of donations from last year that will cover the cost of gifts for this year. A team of volunteers has also signed up to deliver the gifts. Those who ordinarily give to the Angel Tree Program are asked to consider the parish Christmas Hamper Program this year. Thank you St. Paul’s for all your support!! Christmas Hampers are being prepared this Advent to be distributed to families in need. Monetary donations are being sought to fund this ministry and your generosity is greatly appreciated and much needed during these challenging times. Simply indicate that you would like your gift to go towards Christmas hampers. Tamil Congregation Service of Carols - Sunday, December 19th at 3:15pm. Walk-a-Thon Results are in and thanks to the generosity of St. Paul’s we were able to raise $12,920 for our outreach ministries. Thank you to all who gave of their time and resources for this important ministry fundraiser. The Spiritual Companions Program - is a companionship program to encourage spiritual growth. Open to those who are 22 years or older, companions are placed in groups of two, committing themselves to meet weekly for reflection and prayer. Those couples may include married and dating couples. The materials for reflection are agreed on by the pair and may be a reading or Collect from Morning Prayer, from Our Daily Bread, or from another devotional source. Guided by respect, honesty and confidentiality, pairs will agree to a convenient date and time and may meet in person, over the phone, or on Zoom. For a copy of the manual and application, call the office (416-499-1545) or check online: https://stpl.ca/spiritual-companions-program.html Questions - contact Carol Shih (Wycliffe student) - [email protected] St. Paul’s Youth Music Program Now On - Pans and Strings Our parish and community youth music program has re-opened with pan practice on Saturdays at 12.30 pm, and string practice at 4.30. A great group. Our largest string group ever. Registration at practice. Introduction to Christianity & Simple ESL Class for Adults - Saturdays, 4.30 pm, in the church. Morning Prayer on Zoom - Password Added Morning Prayer is said Monday to Saturday at 7.30 a.m.. Tuesday to Friday mornings, it is live-streamed from the church. For that reason there is now a password for those attending Morning Prayer on Zoom. Join us for prayer, Monday to Saturday morning at 7.30 a.m.: Computer Access Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/397231088?wd=ekhBRm9XcDRmWXo5Z0Via2dyY2tpUT09 Telephone Access - (647) 374 4685, or (647) 558 0588 Meeting ID: 397 231 088; Password: 549300 Schedule The full schedule of in-person and online services and programs can be found on the online church calendar - www.stpl.ca/calendar.html - or here: www.stpl.ca/services.html. This is the quickest and easiest way to get service and program information. Sunday Services by Phone on Zoom The weekly Sunday recording can be heard by phone on Zoom. (It can also be viewed on Zoom, but the quality is diminished.) Zoom Invitation: By Phone: 647 374 4685; 647 558 0588; Meeting ID: 854 0290 8277; Passcode: 970844 Computer link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85402908277?pwd=Q1RIdkxCZXJNTFJJek5tYWpOTzlFUT09 Ontario COVID-19 Vaccine Booking - You can currently book an appointment at a mass vaccination clinic through the provincial online vaccine booking system (https://covid-19.ontario.ca/book-vaccine/) If you prefer to schedule an appointment by phone, call the Provincial Vaccine Booking Line at 1-833-943-3900 (TTY 1-866-797-0007). This line is available 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., 7 days a week. Information is available in more than 300 languages. If St. Paul’s can be of any help to you in this process, please let our office know. IMARA Generation Project Taibu Community Health Centre is conducting a consultation for parents and other concerned adults regarding Black youth and their mental health. For more information or to participate, please contact [email protected] New Honorary Priest at St. Paul’s Effective December, 2021, The Rev'd Canon Kim Beard has been appointed by Bishop Robertson as honorary priest at St. Paul’s, L’Amoreaux. Canon Beard is the recently retired priest of St. Paul on the Hill, Pickering. We welcome Canon Beard on Sunday, December 19, when he will be the preacher of the day. Mission Trip to Tanzania Rescheduled: July 2023. Our incoming honorary assistant Rev. Canon Kim Beard will be leading a work mission trip to Tanzania, now re-scheduled for 2023. Look for an information session this coming March. Sunday School Every Sunday at 10.00 on Zoom Check the church calendar for links and information: www.stpl.ca/calendar.html S.P.Y. - St. Paul’s Youth - Friday nights at 7 pm. Contact Sarah for more information: [email protected]. Friday Night Bible Study - join us at the church or online for study, following the Bible study guides of Bishop Tom Wright. The study guides are available online (www.amazon.ca or www.parasource.com or www.christianbook.com) or may be ordered through Fr. Dean. We are now on Christmas break, resuming Friday, January 14, and beginning a study of Ephesians - 15 copies are available from Fr. Dean for $11. Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/830877703 Telephone: 647-374 4685, or 647-558 0588; Meeting ID: 830 877 703 Contact - The clergy of St. Paul’s are all in the vicinity and visiting in homes again, abiding by diocesan safety guidelines. Don’t hesitate to call or write. Website: [http://www.stpl.ca;/]www.stpl.ca; Church phone: 416-499-1545; Email: [mailto:[email protected];][email protected]; Fr. Dean Mercer: [mailto:[email protected];][email protected]; Rectory phone: 416-497-6352. Help us through the 4th Quarter - St. Paul’s is a strong parish and remains strong due to everyone’s faithful support. Through three quarters of the year, support has been outstanding at a time when never has it been more important. The 4th quarter is always our largest challenge each year. Your faithful and regular gifts are important.
Gifts can be dropped off at the church or sent by mail. Kindly ensure that your name and envelope number is included. Or, members may wish to sign up for the Pre-Authorized Giving Program (contact the office). Members who use online banking can now make E-transfers (instructions here: www.stpl.ca/give.html). Gifts can also be made at our website through CanadaHelps: www.stpl.ca/give.html. NOTE: Of the various means for online giving, we recommend The Pre-Authorized Giving Program. It is regular, matching the regular responsibilities of the parish, and once initiated all it takes is a phone call or e-mail to increase, decrease, or cancel the donation. The monthly amount is withdrawn on the 20th of each month, and the cost to the church is 50 cents per transaction, irrespective of the amount of the gift. This makes the PAG the most economical of all the online and electronic methods. The Annual Stewardship Letter and 2022 Pledge Card is now available - from the church office or online: https://stpl.ca/give.html Christmas Steel Concert - with the steel bands and the musicians of St. Paul’s, Saturday, December 18, at 7.00 p.m.. Tickets: $20. Available from steel pan band members or through the church office. Safety guidelines in place, and a limit of 80 tickets available. Recordings of parish musicians and selections from the live concert will be available. The 180th Anniversary of the Parish of St. Paul, L’Amoreaux Dedicated - November 18, 1841, by Bishop John Strachan, 1st Bishop of Toronto Recorded musical mementoes can now be found on the homepage of the church website: www.stpl.ca All are encouraged to donate to the Outreach Program of St. Paul’s. Good News - Safety Guidelines Update Changes have been made to the safety guidelines: *The College of Bishops have relaxed their COVID-19 restrictions as of November 24th to allow for congregational singing with masks and appropriate distancing. St. Paul's will proceed in measured fashion. *Readers, preachers and intercessors may remove their masks while speaking. *The Bishops now permit as many people in the church who can maintain "physical distancing of 2 metres." Attendance at church services at St. Paul's has now increased to 100. Advent and Christmas Schedule Sundays of Advent - the ordinary schedule Christmas Steel Concert - Saturday, December 18, 7 pm Christmas Eve - 6 pm and 11 pm. Christmas Day - 8 am (Tamil); 10 am (English) First Sunday of Christmas (December 26) - the ordinary schedule Watchnight Service - 11 pm (December 31) Each service is limited to 100 people. Seat reservations can be made here: https://stpl.ca/services.html The Sacrament by Christmas - A note from Fr. Dean With the signs pointing in the right direction, Christmas this year should be a lot more like what we expect than what we experienced last year. For that reason, by Christmas this year I would urge everyone to make plans to receive the sacrament - at least once - whether it be by attendance at one of the in-person services or by a request for home communion. Even with the remaining guidelines, that should be more than possible. The ordinary and grateful obligation of a Christian is to gather on Sundays, to unite in prayer and praise, and to be nourished by both Word and Sacrament. The season of Covid was an exception, not a new normal, and we will work diligently to to re-establish the ordinary habits of our Christian life - which is precisely what we are doing now as opportunity permits. The 2021 Angel Tree Program - St. Paul's L’Amoreaux will be partnering for an eighth year with Prison Fellowship Canada to provide Christmas gifts for children with a parent that is incarcerated. This year, St. Paul’s will be serving 20 children. Due to the generosity of the parish, we had a surplus of donations from last year that will cover the cost of gifts for this year. A team of volunteers has also signed up to deliver the gifts. Those who ordinarily give to the Angel Tree Program are asked to consider the parish Christmas Hamper Program this year. Thank you St. Paul’s for all your support!! Christmas Hampers are being prepared this Advent to be distributed to families in need. Monetary donations are being sought to fund this ministry and your generosity is greatly appreciated and much needed during these challenging times. Simply indicate that you would like your gift to go towards Christmas hampers. Tamil Congregation Service of Carols - Sunday, December 19th at 3:15pm. The Spiritual Companions Program - is a companionship program to encourage spiritual growth. Open to those who are 22 years or older, companions are placed in groups of two, committing themselves to meet weekly for reflection and prayer. Those couples may include married and dating couples. The materials for reflection are agreed on by the pair and may be a reading or Collect from Morning Prayer, from Our Daily Bread, or from another devotional source. Guided by respect, honesty and confidentiality, pairs will agree to a convenient date and time and may meet in person, over the phone, or on Zoom. For a copy of the manual and application, call the office (416-499-1545) or check online: https://stpl.ca/spiritual-companions-program.html Questions - contact Carol Shih (Wycliffe student) - [email protected] Church Calendars 2022 Church calendars have arrived. Four orders remain to be picked up at the Sunday sign-in table or from the office. St. Paul’s Youth Music Program Now On - Pans and Strings Our parish and community youth music program has re-opened with pan practice on Saturdays at 12.30 pm, and string practice at 4.30. A great group. Our largest string group ever. Registration at practice. Introduction to Christianity & Simple ESL Class for Adults - Saturdays, 4.30 pm, in the church. Morning Prayer on Zoom - Password Added Morning Prayer is said Monday to Saturday at 7.30 a.m.. Tuesday to Friday mornings, it is live-streamed from the church. For that reason there is now a password for those attending Morning Prayer on Zoom. Join us for prayer, Monday to Saturday morning at 7.30 a.m.: Computer Access Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/397231088?wd=ekhBRm9XcDRmWXo5Z0Via2dyY2tpUT09 Telephone Access - (647) 374 4685, or (647) 558 0588 Meeting ID: 397 231 088; Password: 549300 Schedule The full schedule of in-person and online services and programs can be found on the online church calendar - www.stpl.ca/calendar.html - or here: www.stpl.ca/services.html. This is the quickest and easiest way to get service and program information. Sunday Services by Phone on Zoom The weekly Sunday recording can be heard by phone on Zoom. (It can also be viewed on Zoom, but the quality is diminished.) Zoom Invitation: By Phone: 647 374 4685; 647 558 0588; Meeting ID: 854 0290 8277; Passcode: 970844 Computer link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85402908277?pwd=Q1RIdkxCZXJNTFJJek5tYWpOTzlFUT09 Ontario COVID-19 Vaccine Booking - You can currently book an appointment at a mass vaccination clinic through the provincial online vaccine booking system (https://covid-19.ontario.ca/book-vaccine/) If you prefer to schedule an appointment by phone, call the Provincial Vaccine Booking Line at 1-833-943-3900 (TTY 1-866-797-0007). This line is available 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., 7 days a week. Information is available in more than 300 languages. If St. Paul’s can be of any help to you in this process, please let our office know. IMARA Generation Project Taibu Community Health Centre is conducting a consultation for parents and other concerned adults regarding Black youth and their mental health. For more information or to participate, please contact [email protected] New Honorary Priest at St. Paul’s Effective December, 2021, The Rev'd Canon Kim Beard has been appointed by Bishop Robertson as honorary priest at St. Paul’s, L’Amoreaux. Canon Beard is the recently retired priest of St. Paul on the Hill, Pickering. We welcome Canon Beard on Sunday, December 19, when he will be the preacher of the day. Mission Trip to Tanzania Rescheduled: July 2023. Our incoming honorary assistant Rev. Canon Kim Beard will be leading a work mission trip to Tanzania, now re-scheduled for 2023. Look for an information session this coming March. Sunday School Every Sunday at 10.00 on Zoom Check the church calendar for links and information: www.stpl.ca/calendar.html S.P.Y. - St. Paul’s Youth - Friday nights at 7 pm. Contact Sarah for more information: [email protected]. Friday Night Bible Study - join us at the church or online for a study of the Letters of Peter and Jude following the Bible study guide by Bishop Tom Wright. Study guides are available online (www.amazon.ca or www.parasource.com or www.christianbook.com) or may be ordered through Fr. Dean. The study on Friday, December 10 will be Lesson 8: Jude 3. We will take a Christmas break, resuming Friday, January 14, and beginning a study of Ephesians, following the study guide of Bishop Tom Wright. Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/830877703 Telephone: 647-374 4685, or 647-558 0588; Meeting ID: 830 877 703 Contact - The clergy of St. Paul’s are all in the vicinity and visiting in homes again, abiding by diocesan safety guidelines. Don’t hesitate to call or write. Website: [http://www.stpl.ca;/]www.stpl.ca; Church phone: 416-499-1545; Email: [mailto:[email protected];][email protected]; Fr. Dean Mercer: [mailto:[email protected];][email protected]; Rectory phone: 416-497-6352. |
Archives
December 2023
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