Weekly e-News for Sunday, March 10, 2019
FIRST SUNDAY IN LENT
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Follow me, Satan (Temptation of Christ) Repin Ilya
credit: curiouschristian.blog
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This Sunday we mark the first Sunday in the season of Lent. Traditionally, we explore the story of the temptation in the wilderness. This year, we consider the story as Luke describes it.
You will also notice some seasonal changes this week. We change our furniture to what is called "collegiate style" that seats the congregation like a choir and places the altar and the lectern at the centre. We will begin with a penitential rite and at the offertory, we're trying something new. We'll use an instructive song and invite a number of people to help set the table.
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Weekly Bulletin Announcements
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Readings for next Sunday March 17th Genesis 15.1-12; Psalm 27; Philippians 3.17-4.1; Luke 13.31-35
Looking for altar helpers: For the season of Lent, we will be using an instructive song for setting the table for the Eucharist and dividing the role into several parts. If you would like to have a turn helping to set the table, or your child/grandchild would like to participate, please let Megan or Beth know so that we can find a role for you.
Website Update: The development phase of our new website is now complete, and we are now in an ongoing support arrangement with the developer. This provides us back up, updates, 24/7 support and further design and development up to 2 hrs/month starting March 2019 for one year. This cost as well as what we spent on the development have been covered by our grant from the Our Faith, Our Hope funds with the Diocese of Toronto.
Please examine and test the new web site: saintaugustine.ca using your phone, laptops, desktops and tablets. We want to hear what you think and in particular your ideas on improvements. Please send these comments to Peter Shepard at shep81@sympatico.ca
Megan's Winter Week Holidays: Megan will be taking her annual winter week of holidays from March 12 to March 19, 2019. The Venerable Jim Boyles will be back to preach and preside on Sunday, March 17.
The Groove Room is looking for new performers. Don't be shy, come on out and play. Invite any musical friends to come and play. It is a very supportive venue that is especially kind to first time performers. You can contact Mike Rapson at mkrapson@gmail.com
Capital and Maintenance Budget / Planning: As discussed at Vestry, we have prepared three options for capital spending during 2019*. The Wardens have set a budget limit of around $25,000 for 2019, but we recognize that renovation costs are hard to predict. Members will be asked to indicate their priorities in a voting process that will be held on March 10, 17 and 24. Each Sunday members in the church, who have not yet voted, will be given three pieces of coloured paper. Three containers will be placed at the back of the church; one for each option. You are asked to put your votes in each container reflecting your priorities. You can distribute your votes in any way that you wish. We will announce the results and capital spending plans by the end of March. This list of renovations and repair does not cover all the projects that the Capital Committee is tracking. Several smaller projects may also be considered. A complete project list is available.
Option 1
Major Outdoor Masonry (approximate cost = $30,000)
Replace and repair exterior tower masonry, remove, repair concrete, concrete blocks on the north-west corner and repair concrete steps, patching stairs, remove / repair existing concrete steps at the southeast corner at kitchen door.
Option 2
Major Indoor Renovations (approximate cost = $25,000)
Replace linoleum flooring in rear entry area, halls, kitchen and stairs. Sanding and refinishing the main chancel flooring in the worship space.
Option 3
Outdoor Repairs and Upgrades (approximate cost = $10,000)
Trimming large tree in north parking lot, Memorial bench for Joan Francis, Back fence repair / rebuild, Buy and install railings in the Carousel in garden on the south side. Caulking, sealing windows on the south side, east end of building, worship space, Fleck windows.
*The Capital Account contains $150,000.00 and budget has been extended to 2023. Planning includes maintaining a contingency fund of about $100,000 in case of urgent needs.
PAR Increase: Now that we have a better sense of our routine expenses, the leadership of the parish are asking parishioners to prayerfully consider a 5% increase in regular offering. If you're using the PAR system, you can amend your offering amount by sending an email to Marcus in the church office.Click here to contact the office by email.
Thank you: Over the past weeks, I have been overwhelmed by waves of uplifting prayer and encouragement from friends and family around the world. Between the highly competent staffs at North York General and Sunnybrook Hospitals’ treatment for my, yet to be fully determined, immediate future are well in hand. Ultimately, as are we all, I am in the hands of The God of all things. Which is good.
To my St Augustine family, in Christ, thank you for your love, prayers and messages of encouragement. As my journey is far from over, I crave the continuing prayers of your hearts. Again, thank you.
Colin Campbell
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March 11: PA Day Camp for children in Kindergarten through Grade 8. Our theme will be a focus on Easter. Join us for stories, crafts, and games. Helpers wanted! Please let Megan know if you can help for all or a portion of the day.
March 12: Advisory Board meets next in the Bracken Room on Tuesday March 12 at 7 pm.
March 13: Our Lenten faith formation series on the Old Testament scriptures begins. 7 pm in the Bracken Room. Scripture passages will be provided, but you may wish to bring your own Bible to annotate.
March 18: Community Lunch – 12:00 to 1:30. Pay what you can, with a suggested contribution of $5. Space is limited. Please sign up or call the office to reserve a seat.
March 23: 2019 Supporting Parish Leaders Workshop. An annual workshop for churchwardens, treasurers, administrators, and parish clergy. Especially suited to those in new leadership roles. 8:30 am to 11:30 am at the Church of St Andrew, 2333 Victoria Park Avenue. Click here to register.
April 14: Bishop Kevin Robertson will join us on Palm Sunday at 10:30 am for his regularly scheduled pastoral visit to our parish. Please note there will be one service only this Sunday.
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A number of thank-yous this week. Thank-you to Judie Arrowood and Patricia Sadleir for their participation in the World Day of Prayer service held on March 1 at St. Cuthbert's. In 2020, it will be St. Augustine's turn to host.
Thank-you to all who came out on Tuesday evening for our annual pancake supper. Thanks to Barb Goodbody and all her merry helpers for making this event such a success. And thanks to all those who attended and invited friends and family to attend with you.
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