Good day,

This Friday, June 24th is not only the Holy Day of the Birth of St. John the Baptist, it is also the day when our diocesan COVID-19 protocols change once more – hopefully for the final time because that would mean we are not experiencing any more “waves.”  As our restrictions ease, please do not “throw caution to the wind.” The virus is still out there and is very serious for many of our vulnerable church attenders. It is easiest to let you read for yourself what will be happening on the 24th in terms of our protocols so here is the link. The relevant material begins near the bottom of page 3:   https://www.dioceseofalgoma.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Reopening-Algomas-Churches-Step-4-Revised-2022-05-31.pdf

The Parish of St. Joseph & St. George had a fabulous tea this past Saturday. It was so much fun to dress up – and many guests dressed for tea as well – plus it was well-attended. The support of people from across our area is very much appreciated!!  I’ve attached one photo of those who were working during the tea but there were many others “behind the scenes” without whom we would not have been able to hold the event.  Thank you to everyone!

If anyone from Emmaus has an update they would like to share regarding their bake sale this past Saturday, please feel free to comment.

For Your Devotions:

Tuesday, June 21st is the National Indigenous Day of Prayer.This is a day for us to celebrate the culture, the customs, and the many gifts our Indigenous brothers and sisters. We can take the time to think and learn about the many ways in which we are connected and discover even more ways to connect.  There are many resources at this link to use in our worship services:   https://www.anglican.ca/im/nidp/

Here is the Collect of the National Indigenous Day of Prayer:
Creator God, from you every family in heaven and earth takes its name. You have rooted and grounded us in your covenant love, and empowered us by your Spirit to speak the truth in love, and to walk in your way towards justice and wholeness. Mercifully grant that your people, journeying together in partnership, may be strengthened and guided to help one another to grow into the full stature of Christ, who is our light and our life. Amen.

Wednesday, June 22nd is the memorial of Alban, the first martyr of Britain in about 209. This is an absolutely fascinating story you must read. Alban was actually a Roman soldier who, while harbouring a Christian priest, was converted. When soldiers arrived at his door, Alban disguised himself as the priest so that the priest could escape. Alban ended up being beheaded for his new faith. Alban was the first martyr in Britain but his death resulted in the 2nd and 3rd martyrs. To find out who they were… http://justus.anglican.org/resources/bio/189.html

Friday, June 24th is the Holy Day of the Birth of Saint John the Baptist. When this day lands on a Sunday, it is one of the few feasts that takes precedence of a Sunday. Every Sunday is a celebration of the Paschal Mystery and are, therefore, feasts of the Lord. (This is why secular occasions such as Remembrance Day and Canada Day should be acknowledged but not dominate the Sunday worship.) Saints’ days, as a result, are not transferred to Sundays (with the exception of your church’s patron saint – and even then, not in Advent, Lent, or Easter). The Birth of St. John the Baptist is a “Holy Day” and so, if you have any worship service this day, the liturgical colour is white, not the green of Ordinary Time.

John was born to prepare the way for the Saviour of the world…the Lord Jesus Christ. Luke first introduces us to John’s parents – Elizabeth and Zechariah – and draws unmistakeable parallels between them and Abraham and Sarah.  Luke creates through John a bridge between the Old and New Testaments. For All the Saints says, “the birth of John the Baptist gathered up and embodied the whole truth of the Old Testament and made it ready for its own perfection in Christ Jesus.” To read more, check out p.204…  https://www.anglican.ca/wp-content/uploads/ForAlltheSaints.pdf

Much joy to you this day,

Susan