There are a couple of significant happenings that are quickly approaching. The Alzheimer Society of Sault Ste Marie and Algoma District is having their 16th annual Coffee Break to raise money for their society (The money is used locally).  Here is a blurb from their event poster:

“As a result of the growing number of individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, our local Society has experienced almost a 50% increase in the number of clients served over the past year. 1 in 10 individuals over the age of 65 are living with dementia and over 2,800 of our local residents and their families are affected by Alzheimer’s disease.”

I would love to participate as a deanery in this event so “stayed tuned” for more info. 🙂

Also, the annual Lay Readers and Lay Leaders Conference is approaching. It is in Thunder Bay this year during the final weekend in September. Here is a link to the poster for more information: Poster for LRC

Today, Monday, August 6th, is The Transfiguration of the Lord (a Holy Day). Peter, James, and John were invited to accompany Jesus to the mountain top where they were astounded to see Christ’s glory revealed to them for a brief time. The best information is on the Gregorian website:  https://gregorians.org/office/

You will need to choose today’s Morning Prayer office and then click on the information circle at the top of the service.

Tuesday, Aug. 7th is the commemoration of the presbyter, John Mason Neale. Born in 1818, Neale lived in a time when Anglicans and Roman Catholics were still wary of each other. He was often the target of violence from those who considered him to be an “agent of the Vatican” sent to destroy the Anglican Church. To read more:  http://justus.anglican.org/resources/bio/220.html

Wednesday, Aug. 8th is the memorial of Dominic, Priest and Friar, who died in 1221. Dominic was a Spanish aristocrat who, concerned with the violence used to combat heresy, founded the Order of Preachers to combat heresy with sound theology and teaching. The order became known as the Dominicans or “Black Friars” in England. For more info:  http://prayer.forwardmovement.org/the_calendar_response.php?id=400808

Friday, Aug. 10th is the memorial of Laurence, Deacon and Martyr at Rome in 258. You really must read about this deacon of Rome. He was reportedly roasted alive (yes, ‘roasted’) after being very cunningly cheeky. Check it out:  http://justus.anglican.org/resources/bio/223.html

Saturday, Aug. 11th is the memorial of Abbess Clare of Assisi who died in 1253. Clare founded the Second Order of Assisi known as the “Poor Clares” because she advocated for the rule of “perfect poverty”…even the community itself was forbidden to own property. Why was a woman from the 1200’s called the patron of television? Find out here: https://www.britannica.com/biography/Saint-Clare-of-Assisi  and then here:  http://taylormarshall.com/2011/08/why-is-st-clare-patron-saint-of.html