Christmas - December 25th 2023
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Joy to the world!

St. Michael Anglican Church
Christmas - December 25th 2023
 Where and who is Joseph?

Where and who is Joseph?

As some of you know I like to frequent antique shops and thrift stores. A few years ago as I visited some thrift stores in December, I noticed something. The crèche scenes if you looked closely were missing the figure of Joseph. Many might not notice but I did.
In most cases the stores would substitute a shepherd for Joseph and the tableau would be complete. Well sort of complete. I wondered why Joseph had gone missing and soon learned the sad truth. Joseph had been appropriated by commercial interests.
Apparently the figure of Jospeh is the patron saint of home, family, and house hunters. At least that is what Wikipedia says.
The ease with which retailers could substitute a shepherd for Joseph, struck me. In these next days of the season of Christmas we may hear about Jospeh but only if the Gospel of Matthew is used do we get a fuller picture of who Joseph was. As noted above while Jospeh has been ‘imported’ into the commercial realm, to assist families to sell their homes,  I wish to focus on what I believe was his gift of humility.
Joseph  was supportive of Mary on her journey of faith. He did so while with I suspect some desperation, he tri to work through the changes that were being wrought in his life. But he was not always in that place.
The Greek text discloses that Joseph was ‘angry’ when he discovered that his intended was with child. Indeed Matthew tells us that he had resolved to ‘quietly divorce her’.
Joseph had passion, feelings, and a sense of honour that he thought had been betrayed; he was deeply disappointed but through the intercession of an angel of the Lord; through the grace and mercy of God, he was able to rise above it.
I suggest that it is often so with us. We cannot help our feelings when people treat us wrong; when they betray us. When they do so, we often become angry. How often have you and I had the choice between justified righteousness and underserved mercy? It can be tempting to allow one’s heart to harden; forget that God shows more mercy to all of us than any of us could ever deserve.
Joseph was a righteous man who understood righteousness in terms of mercy. So when you have opportunity to look upon a Nativity Scene this season, you might think of moving Joseph from over there by the bails of straw and the cattle, to a position close to Mary and look to the story as a reminder to respond to challenges that present themselves in your life with an attitude of love and mercy.

May you and yours be truly blessed this special season,

In Christ,

Bryan +

The Birth of The Lord.

The Birth of The Lord.

Christmas Day.

Join us on Christmas Day at 10 am as we celebrate the birth of Christ with this beautiful service. 

 

Celebrant:

The Rev. Bryan Beveridge

 

Readings:

ISAIAH 62:6-12;

PSALM 97;

TITUS 3:4-7;

LUKE 2:(1-7) 8-20,

 

Hymns:

O Come All Ye Faithful  CP # 118- Link

Hark! The Herald Angles Sing CP #138 - Link

The First Nowell CP #139 - Link

The Silent Night CP #119 - Link

'Twas in the Moon of Wintertime CP #146 - Link

Joy to the World CP #154 - Link

 

Reader:  Rita

Greeter:  Rita

Pianist:  Suzanne

For more infomation visit:

https://www.stmichaelscanmore.com/pages/bulletin

Digital Bulletin
Diocesan Newsletter

Diocesan Newsletter

The Diocese of Calgary sends out a e-newsletter every two weeks. To view their most recent newsletter click the button below.

For more infomation visit:

https://calgary.anglican.ca/newsletters/190/display

December 20th
Christmas Services Schedule.

Christmas Services Schedule.

Christmas Services Schedule 

December 24th - Family Service at 5pm.

8pm and 11 pm.

December 25th - 10 am. 

 

On December 26th we remember St.Stephen.

On December 26th we remember St.Stephen.

The first Martyr.

St. Stephen’s Day, one of two holidays widely observed in honour of two Christian saints. In many countries December 26 commemorates the life of St. Stephen, a Christian deacon in Jerusalem who was known for his service to the poor and his status as the first Christian martyr (he was stoned to death in AD 36). In Hungary August 20 is observed in honour of King Stephen of Hungary, who united the country under Christianity in AD 1000 and was canonized in 1083 for his accomplishment.

For more infomation visit:

https://www.britannica.com/topic/St-Stephens-Day

Read More.
December 26th.

December 26th.

Please be advised the admin office will be closed on Tuesday December 26th. I will see you at 10 am the next day.

 

 
Stewardship November 2023.

Stewardship November 2023.

Thank you to everyone who has returned their stewardship package. We have received a great
response so far.
The information contained in the financial pledges will help with ongoing work on the 2024 budget. Be assured that financial pledges are confidential to the Envelope Secretary.
If you give online, for example on Canada Helps, and want your contributions to remain anonymous, please submit a financial pledge that simply indicates “same as last year through online giving”.
Your help with the 2024 budget process is very much appreciated.

The Wardens
Elizabeth, Andrew, Gwen and Laurie

Time to be is back!

Time to be is back!

Tuesdays 3pm to 5 pm, and Wednesdays 4 pm to 6 pm.

Pop in to St Michaels Church for a moment of peace and tranquility. A time to pray, meditate, knit or read. A time to come and relax in your favourite pew and enjoy the beauty of the historic church. All are welcome!


Food and Friends has a new way to sign up as a volunteer.

Food and Friends has a new way to sign up as a volunteer.

Food and Friends has a new way to sign up as a volunteer. Opportunities are listed through July 31.

There are lots of openings available. The Food and Friends program is a great way to contribute to a St. Michael’s outreach program and to the community. Consider signing up for one or more weeks by clicking the button.

Choose an open activity, hit Save and Continue and enter your email address and phone number.

For more infomation visit:

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c054cabaf2fa4f49-canmore#/

Sign up

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709 7th Street
Canmore, AB
Canada T1W 2C3

403-678-5191

info@stmichaelscanmore.com