Welcome to St. Stephen’s Anglican Parish Blog for Christmas week 2015.  

Sending our warmest wishes to all of you for 

a very Merry Christmas full of peace and great joy.

 

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WORSHIP FOR CHRISTMAS EVE

24 December, 2015

 

All Saints’, Canaan  2:00 pm    Holy Eucharist

Readings: Isaiah 9: 2-7; Psalm 96, Luke 2: 1-14

 

St. Stephen’s, Chester 4:30 pm  Creche Service

 

St. George’s, East River 7:00 pm  Holy Eucharist

Readings: Isaiah 9: 2-7; Psalm 96; Titus 2: 11-14; Luke 2: 1-14

 

St. Stephen’s, Chester 9:00 pm  Holy Communion

Readings: Isaiah 52: 7-10; Psalm 98;p Hebrews 1: 1-4; John 1: 1-14

 

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WORSHIP NEXT SUNDAY

First After Christmas

 December 27, 2015

 

 * * * * *   10:00 am, St. Stephen’s, Holy Communion  * * * * *

Readings:  1 Samuel 2: 18-20, 26: Psalm 148, Colossians 3: 12 – 17;

Luke 2: 41-52

 

Please note the time change for this service

 

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ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

FOOD BANK - The food banks thanks everyone for their kind donations.

January is a lean month - all donations are very gratefully received.

 

PASTORAL EMERGENCIES – In case of emergencies, please call your parish wardens.

 

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PARISH TRANSITION PRAYER

 O Faithful God, as your people, we cherish our memories and our history as a sacred gift. We ask you to guide us in our time of transition. Bless and direct the parochial committee as it carries out the work of finding a new rector, that through your Holy Spirit they may make wise decisions on behalf of the parish. Lead all parishioners in Your wisdom, that we might be receptive to change and growth. Give us Your grace to redirect our hearts that we may be willing to offer ourselves in joyful service. Do not allow fear, ignorance or pride to limit the work of your Spirit, nor allow tradition to prevent the creativity within us from bearing fruit. Open our hearts to the call of the Gospel. Give us courage and renewed hope, that we may meet the challenge of being the church of our time. We ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.

 

* * * * * * * * * * *

 

TAKE A MOMENT ON TUESDAYS

 

It was decided at Regional Council that every Tuesday between 12:00 and 12:05 pm,

a moment will be taken to pray for the refugees of the world. 

We hope you will join us in prayer at that time.

 

* * * * * * * * * * * 

 

Welcome to St. Stephen’s Anglican ParishBlog for Sunday, 20 December.    

Hoping to see you at the St. Stephen’s Service of Hope and Compassion on Monday, 21 December.

Safe travels to everyone on their way to be with loved ones over Christmas. 

Our heartfelt wishes for a Christmas full of love, peace and joy are sent out to everyone.

 

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WORSHIP THIS SUNDAY

20 December, 2015

The Fourth Sunday of Advent

 

          8:00 am      St. Stephen’s, Chester      -   Holy Communion  

    9:00 am      St. George’s, East River   -   Prayer & Praise

11:00 am      St. Stephen’s, Chester       -   Holy Eucharist

                                    

    Readings: Micah 5: 2-5a; Luke 1:46b-55 , Psalm ; 

Hebrews 10: 5-10; Luke 1: 39-55

 

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SPECIAL  SERVICE

Monday, 21 December 2015

 

  7:00 pm    St. Stephen’s Chester  - Service of Hope and Compassion

All welcome - refreshments served after the service

 

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Diocesan Cycle of Prayer

Please pray this week for the Parish of Northumberland

and the Parish of St. John’s, Truro.

 

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ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

FOOD BANK - The food banks thanks everyone for their kind donations.  January is a lean month - all donations are very gratefully received.

 

CHRISTMAS 2015 PLUM PUDDING SALE -there are a few puddings still available at the Parish Centre!   Small - $9 Large - $18

 

SOUTH SHORE CHORALE: Sunday, 20 December in St. Stephen’s Church at 4:00 pm                 

 

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THIS WEEK IN THE PARISH

 

MUSICAL FRIENDS - (Vintage Voices, Band, Tuneful Tots, etc) on Mon, 21 Dec, from 1:00 - 4:30 pm

BIBLE TALK -  on Wed, 23 Dec, from 10:30 - 12:00 pm in the Tyler Grant Room.  All Welcome!

 

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WORSHIP FOR CHRISTMAS EVE

24 December, 2015

 

All Saints’, Canaan   2:00 pm    Holy Eucharist

Readings: Isaiah 9: 2-7; Psalm 96, Luke 2: 1-14

 

St. Stephen’s, Chester  4:30 pm  Creche Service

 

St. George’s, East River  7:00 pm  Holy Eucharist

Readings: Isaiah 9: 2-7; Psalm 96; Titus 2: 11-14; Luke 2: 1-14

 

St. Stephen’s, Chester  9:00 pm  Holy Communion

Readings: Isaiah 52: 7-10; Psalm 98;p Hebrews 1: 1-4; John 1: 1-14

 

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PARISH TRANSITION PRAYER

O Faithful God, as your people, we cherish our memories and our history as a sacred gift. We ask you to guide us in our time of transition. Bless and direct the parochial committee as it carries out the work of finding a new rector, that through your Holy Spirit they may make wise decisions on behalf of the parish. Lead all parishioners in Your wisdom, that we might be receptive to change and growth. Give us Your grace to redirect our hearts that we may be willing to offer ourselves in joyful service. Do not allow fear, ignorance or pride to limit the work of your Spirit, nor allow tradition to prevent the creativity within us from bearing fruit. Open our hearts to the call of the Gospel. Give us courage and renewed hope, that we may meet the challenge of being the church of our time. We ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.

 

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TAKE A MOMENT ON TUESDAYS

 

It was decided at Regional Council that every Tuesday between 12:00 and 12:05 pm, a moment will be taken to pray for the refugees of the world.

We hope you will join us in prayer at that time.

 

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Welcome to St. Stephen’s Anglican Parish Blog for Sunday, 13 December, 2015.  

We hope you will have a week filled with peace and love. 

 

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WORSHIP THIS SUNDAY

13 December, 2015

The Third Sunday of Advent

 

          8:00 am      St. Stephen’s, Chester      -   Holy Communion      

  9:00 am      St. George’s, East River   -   Holy Eucharist

11:00 am      St. Stephen’s, Chester       -   Holy Eucharist

                                    

    Readings: Zephaniah 3: 14-20; Isaiah 12: 2-6 (Canticle 3);

Philippians 4: 4-7; Luke 3: 7-18

 

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ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

REQUEST FOR YOUTH - to take part in the Nativity Christmas play which will be performed at the 4:30 pm Christmas Eve service at St. Stephen’s Church.

There will be 2 rehearsals. 

One at 12:30pm  today, 13 Dec in the Parish Hall and the next at 12:30 pm on Sunday, 20 Dec in St. Stephen’s Church.

 

FOOD BANK - The food banks thanks everyone for their kind donations.  January is a lean month - all donations are very gratefully received.

 

CHRISTMAS 2015 PLUM PUDDING SALE -there are puddings still available at the Parish Centre!   Small - $9 Large - $18

 

SING CHOIRS - at 7:30 pm, Wed, 16 Dec in the United Baptist Church, Chester (Storm date Thursday, 17 Dec at 7:30 pm).

Proceeds from the donations of free will from those attending this concert to be given to Vintage Voices,

part of the Musical Friends programme at St. Stephen’s Parish Centre.

 

SOUTH SHORE CHORALE: at 4:00 pm on Sunday, 20 Dec, in St. Stephen’s Church.                

  

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THIS WEEK IN THE PARISH

 

MUSICAL FRIENDS - (Vintage Voices, Band, Tuneful Tots, etc) on Mon, 14 Dec, from 1:00 - 4:30 pm

 

 BIBLE TALK -  on Wed, 16 Dec, from 10:30 - 12:00 pm in the Tyler Grant Room.  All Welcome! 

 

CHOIR PRACTICE - Thurs, 17 Dec, 7:00 pm in Tuck Hall 

                                  

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WORSHIP NEXT SUNDAY

20 December, 2015

The Fourth Sunday of Advent

 

          8:00 am      St. Stephen’s, Chester      -   Holy Communion  

     9:00 am      St. George’s, East River   -   Prayer & Praise

  11:00 am      St. Stephen’s, Chester       -   Holy Eucharist

                                    

    Readings: Micah 5: 2-5a; Luke 1:46b-55 (Canticle 18); 

Hebrews 10: 5-10; Luke 1: 39-55

 

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SPECIAL  SERVICE

Monday, 21 December 2015

 

  7:00 pm    St. Stephen’s Chester  - Service of Hope and Compassion

 

All welcome - refreshments served after the service

 

+ + + + + + + + + + + +   

 

TAKE A MOMENT ON TUESDAYS

 

It was decided at Regional Council that every Tuesday between 12:00 and 12:05 pm,

a moment will be taken to pray for the refugees of the world. 

We hope you will join us in prayer at that time

 

+ + + + + + + + + + + +

 

PARISH TRANSITION PRAYER

 

O Faithful God, as your people, we cherish our memories and our history as a sacred gift. We ask you to guide us in our time of transition. Bless and direct the parochial committee as it carries out the work of finding a new rector, that through your Holy Spirit they may make wise decisions on behalf of the parish. Lead all parishioners in Your wisdom, that we might be receptive to change and growth. Give us Your grace to redirect our hearts that we may be willing to offer ourselves in joyful service. Do not allow fear, ignorance or pride to limit the work of your Spirit, nor allow tradition to prevent the creativity within us from bearing fruit. Open our hearts to the call of the Gospel. Give us courage and renewed hope, that we may meet the challenge of being the church of our time. We ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.

 

 

ADVENT WORKSHOP

SATURDAY, 12 DECEMBER 9:00 am – 12:00 pm

 

You are cordially invited to join us at St. Stephen’s Parish Centre

for our Advent Workshop

 

 

The theme for this workshop will be

 

 

 

Everyone is welcome. 

 

 

 

We look forward to seeing you there. 

 

 

 

The Longest Night

A Service of Compassion and Hope

This is a joyous season for many.  But for some the approaching holidays is not a joyous time. As families gather, the pain of lost family and friends is felt more sharply. Other losses of relationships, health or jobs cloud our minds and hearts.

We recognize the pain and sadness,

but the bright ray of God’s love in Jesus also brings hope.

Come, and share this time of prayer and candle lighting

 followed by light refreshments

December 21 at 7:00 pm

St. Stephen’s Anglican Church

Regent St., Chester

 

Welcome to St. Stephen’s Anglican Parish Blog for Sunday, 6 December 2015. 

We hope you will join us for Messy Church this Sunday at 4:00 pm in the East River Union Hall.

The theme is The Real Saint Nick – friends, fun and food what could be better!

 

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Diocesan Cycle of Prayer

Please pray this week for the Parish of Springhill with Joggins

and the Parish of Lantz

 

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WORSHIP THIS SUNDAY

6 December, 2015

The Second Sunday of Advent

 

  8:00 am      St. Stephen’s, Chester      -   Holy Communion      

  11:00 am      St. Stephen’s, Chester       -  Holy Eucharist           

                              4:00 pm         St. George’s, Union Hall     -   Messy Church - The Real Saint Nick  

                                   

    Readings: Malachi 3: 1-4; Luke 1: 68-79 (Canticle 19); Philippians 1: 3-11;

Luke 3: 1-6

 

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ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

FOOD BANK - We are requesting the following types of food donations for the upcoming weeks before Christmas:

Dec 6 - Canned goods. 

Dec 13 - Crackers, Cookies and Candy.

We are still taking donations of Personal Care bags to pass on to the Food Bank.

CHRISTMAS 2015 PLUM PUDDING SALE – Please pick up all ordered plum puddings.  Some are still available for purchasing.   Small - $9 Large - $18

ST. GEORGE’S LOBSTER SUPPER OR TURKEY SALAD PLATE & BOTTLE DRIVE - at 4:00 - 6:30 pm, Sunday, 13 Dec at the East River Union Hall.

$15 (Lobster) $9 (Turkey)  Dine in, take out, deliveries (within 10km). 

Supper tickets to be PRE-ORDERED by 12 Dec. 

For tickets or information call: Sheila Hirtle at 902-275-5720, Vicky Young 902-275-4219,

Eugene/Grace Cooke 902-857-3585 or at Double Take Hair Salon (6 Pig Loop Road), Chester 902-275-5966.

SOUTH SHORE CHORALE: at 4:00 pm on Sunday, 20 December in St. Stephen’s Church.                

  

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THIS WEEK IN THE PARISH

 

MUSICAL FRIENDS - (Vintage Voices, Band, Tuneful Tots, etc) on Mon, 7 Dec, from 1:00 - 4:30 pm

BIBLE TALK -  on Wed, 9 Dec, from 10:30 - 12:00 pm in the Tyler Grant Room.  All Welcome!

CHOIR PRACTICE - Thurs, 10 Dec, 7:00 pm in Tuck Hall.

 

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WORSHIP NEXT SUNDAY

13 December, 2015

The Third Sunday of Advent

 

           8:00 am      St. Stephen’s, Chester      -   Holy Communion      

  9:00 am      St. George’s, East River   -   Holy Eucharist

11:00 am      St. Stephen’s, Chester      -   Holy Eucharist

                                    

    Readings: Zephaniah 3: 14-20; Isaiah 12: 2-6 (Canticle 3);

Philippians 4: 4-7; Luke 3: 7-18

 

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PARISH TRANSITION PRAYER

O Faithful God, as your people, we cherish our memories and our history as a sacred gift. We ask you to guide us in our time of transition. Bless and direct the parochial committee as it carries out the work of finding a new rector, that through your Holy Spirit they may make wise decisions on behalf of the parish. Lead all parishioners in Your wisdom, that we might be receptive to change and growth. Give us Your grace to redirect our hearts that we may be willing to offer ourselves in joyful service. Do not allow fear, ignorance or pride to limit the work of your Spirit, nor allow tradition to prevent the creativity within us from bearing fruit. Open our hearts to the call of the Gospel. Give us courage and renewed hope, that we may meet the challenge of being the church of our time. We ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.

 

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PLEASE TAKE A MOMENT ON TUESDAYS

 

It was decided at Regional Council that every Tuesday between 12:00 and 12:05 pm, a moment will be taken to pray for the refugees of the world.  We hope you will join us in prayer at that time

 

A PRAYER FOR REFUGEES

 

Grant safe passage, Lord, to those fleeing conflict, warfare and persecution, and for whom the perils of an overcrowded boat in dangerous waters is a risk worth taking compared to the life they have left behind.  Bring peace, Lord, where there is conflict, sow love where there is hate, and begin within our hearts, that the love we display might make a difference in this increasingly fragile world.  Through Jesus Christ alone, the Prince of Peace, we pray.  Amen.

 

(John Birch, faithandworship.com)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Welcome to St. Stephen’s Anglican Parish Blog for Sunday, 29 November, 2015.   

Hope you can make it to the Prayer Breakfast this Saturday, 28 November at 9:00 am. 

 Afterwards, you could stop in to pick up some

Christmas goodies at the Lordly House Heritage Christmas Sale.

 

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WORSHIP THIS WEEK

Sunday, 29 November

THE FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT

 

Jeremiah 33: 14-16; Psalm 25: 1-10; 1 Thessalonians 3: 9-13;

Luke 21: 25-36

 

St. Stephen’s, Chester        8:00 am            Holy Communion

St. George’s, East River      9:00 am            Morning Prayers 

           St. Stephen’s, Chester        11:00 am           Advent Lessons & Carols

All Saints’, Canaan             4:30 pm             Holy Communion

 

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Diocesan Cycle of Prayer

Please pray this week for the Parish of Amherst and the Parish of Parrsboro with Port Grenville

 

Prayer for Refugees

It was decided at Regional Council that every Tuesday between 12:00 and 12:05 pm,

a moment will be taken to pray for the refugees of the world. 

We hope you will join us in prayer at that time

 

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ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

FOOD BANK - We are requesting the following types of food donations for the upcoming weeks before Christmas: Nov 29 - Gluten Free and Diabetic items.  Dec 6 - Canned goods.  Dec 13 - Crackers, Cookies and Candy.

There will be an orange bin in the Church entryway for dropping off Personal Care bags for the Food Bank.

CHRISTMAS 2015 PLUM PUDDING SALE - Available now at the Parish Centre!   Small - $9 Large - $18

RALLY FOR A NOT SO HOT WORLD - Sunday, 29 Nov, 1:00 pm in Chester Parade Square gathering to protest for climate change.

BLOOD DONOR CLINIC - Monday, 30 Nov 1:00-3:00 and 5:00-8:00 pm at Chester Royal Canadian Legion. 1-888-236-6283 for appointments.

MISSION TO SEAFARERS ANNUAL SHOEBOX CAMPAIGN - Last chance to bring a shoebox!  Please do not wrap the boxes as they must all be checked prior to delivery.  Please bring filled boxes to the Parish Office by 3 December.

ST. GEORGE’S LOBSTER SUPPER OR TURKEY SALAD PLATE & BOTTLE DRIVE - at 4:00 - 6:30 pm, Sunday, 13 Dec at the East River Union Hall.  (Lobster $15 – Turkey $8)Dine in, take out, deliveries (within 10km).  Supper tickets to be PRE-ORDERED by 12 Dec.  For tickets or information call: Sheila Hirtle at 902-275-5720, Vicky Young 902-275-4219, Eugene/Grace Cooke 902-857-3585 or at Double Take Hair Salon (6 Pig Loop Road), Chester 902-275-5966

 

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THIS WEEK IN THE PARISH

 

MUSICAL FRIENDS - (Vintage Voices, Band, Tuneful Tots, etc) on Mon, 30 Nov, from 1:00 - 4:30 pm

BIBLE TALK -  on Wed, 2 Dec, from 10:30 - 12:00 pm in the Tyler Grant Room.  All Welcome!

CHOIR PRACTICE - Thurs, 3 Dec, 7:00 pm in Tuck Hall 

                            

                            

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WORSHIP NEXT SUNDAY

6 December, 2015

The Second Sunday of Advent

 

8:00 am          St. Stephen’s, Chester           -   Holy Communion      

11:00 am        St. Stephen’s, Chester            -   Holy Eucharist         

4:00 pm          St. George’s, Union Hall         -   Messy Church -       

                                                                               The Real Saint Nick 

                                   

Readings: Baruch 5: 1-9; Luke 1 :68-79 (Canticle 19); Philippians 1: 3-11;

Luke 3: 1-6

 

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PARISH TRANSITION PRAYER

O Faithful God, as your people, we cherish our memories and our history as a sacred gift. We ask you to guide us in our time of transition. Bless and direct the parochial committee as it carries out the work of finding a new rector, that through your Holy Spirit they may make wise decisions on behalf of the parish. Lead all parishioners in Your wisdom, that we might be receptive to change and growth. Give us Your grace to redirect our hearts that we may be willing to offer ourselves in joyful service. Do not allow fear, ignorance or pride to limit the work of your Spirit, nor allow tradition to prevent the creativity within us from bearing fruit. Open our hearts to the call of the Gospel. Give us courage and renewed hope, that we may meet the challenge of being the church of our time. We ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.

 

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FOOD FOR THOUGHT

In solidarity with the world gathering to address climate change, please pray for God’s world and the awakening of all of God’s

 people to the need to find ways to halt the destruction of this fragile island home we live in.

 

“I brought you into a fertile land to enjoy its fruits and every good thing in it.  But when you entered my land you defiled it and made loathsome the home I gave you/”

 

“When the last tree has been felled and when the last river has been seized, only then will we realise that we cannot eat money.”  (Attributed to Chief Seattle.)

 

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