|
|
Rector's Desk, December 2023Beloved people of God, this week begins our journey through Advent, the beginning of a new year in the liturgical cycle. While much of the world launches immediately into Christmas, the Christian church takes time to reflect and to wait for Jesus to be born in our lives in new ways. At a time when the world situation is bleak, we are aware that this season is not a joyful one for everyone. As Christians we hold the pain of the world even as we anticipate the joy of Christmas. We place our hope in God who is actively engaged in the world, in our lives, and yes, in our life as a parish. No matter what we face both individually and collectively, our trust is in the one who holds it all and promises us a bright future. In the words of the mystic Julian of Norwich “All shall be well, all shall be well, and all manner of thing shall be well”. I hope you will take time during this busy season to pray and reflect, to enjoy some quiet time and Christmas will find us all celebrating together the birth of our Savior. With every blessing Rev. Colleen+ |
|
Thursday Morning EucharistJoin us weekly on Thursday mornings for a small and prayerful sharing of communion in the Chapel. All are welcome. Thursday morning worship begins at 10am with refreshments to follow at 11am. We use a Celtic liturgy from the wonderful book 'Celtic Daily Prayer Book Two, Farther Up and Farther In.' This is not a ‘Celtic’ service in the sense that it recreates a Communion Service from the Celtic monastic era, but it is a service shaped by a Celtic theology. The potential strength of this service is its simplicity. It aims to get to the ‘essence’ of this meal that all Christians share. In it, also, are echoes of the meal at Emmaus, the Passover Seder meal and the sharing of bread and wine that is part of the ritual binding between brothers, like David and Jonathan. All are welcome. Thursday communion continues on a weekly basis so we invite you to come everyweek or whenever you can. Photo by Greg Willson on Unsplash
|
|
Artisan's MarketArtisan's Market in St. Matthias Church HallA festival art market for all your holiday shopping!Saturday December 9th from 10am - 3pm + Pottery + Soaps + Felt + Paintings + Lino Prints + Hats + Candles + Jewellery +Ornaments +Sewn and Knit Creations +WreathsFree Entry. |
|
Sunday WorshipThe St. Matthias community are a happy, vibrant and welcoming group! We gather to worship together in a warm and joyful way -- whether you're a first-time visitor, an occasional participant, or a regular, we are so glad to see you. At the start of our liturgical year, we turn our hearts and minds towards Advent as we wait in hope for the Lord to come once again into our lives in ever new ways. In the words of the prophet Jeremiah: "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11 St. Matthias warmly and genuinely welcomes everyone who comes through our door, including anyone who sees themself in the rainbow banner or the abbreviation LGBTQ2IA+. So, when we say we welcome you "whoever you are," please know that our welcome is without condition or limit. And ... it's year 'round. Reach out with any questions you might have or if you would like to be a reader, greeter or pray-er! Email admin@stmatthiasvictoria.ca See you on Sunday!
Upcoming Sundays with Readings
Sunday, December 10th, 2023 - Second Sunday of Advent PSALM 85:1-2, 8-13 - 2 PETER 3:8-15A - MARK 1:1-8 Third Sunday of Advent (Violet or Blue or Rose) Sunday, December 17th, 2023 Readings PSALM 126 OR CANTICLE 18 (LUKE 1:47-55); 1 THESSALONIANS 5:16-24; JOHN 1:6-8, 19-28 Fourth Sunday of Advent - Lessons and Carols (Violet or Blue) Sunday, December 24th, 2023 (10AM) 2 SAMUEL 7:1-11, 16; CANTICLE 18 (LUKE 1:47-55) OR PSALM 89:1-4, 19-26; ROMANS 16:25-27; LUKE 1:26-38 Join us for Christmas Eve Service, December 24th, 2023 (7PM) Photo by Joshua Woroniecki on Unsplash |
|
Christmas Day DinnerRev. Colleen and will be cooking Christmas dinner (turkey and all the trimmings) in the church hall on Christmas day at 2pm for all who would like to attend. The invitation is open to all, not just members of the parish. If you want to attend, let Colleen know so that she can begin to get some idea of numbers. RSVP to St. Matthias 250-598-2833. [And, if you are able to help in some way, rumour has it that Colleen would like to know that too!] |
|
The Birth of Light: A Queer Apocalyptic NativityThe Birth of Light: A Queer Apocalyptic Nativity
Date: Wednesday, December 6 Time: 7 pm – 8 pm Where: UVic Multifaith Centre BUY TICKETS HERE: https://www.eventbrite.ca/.../the-birth-of-light-a-queer...
Drop-ins also welcome.
Join us for a community performance of the nativity, re-imagined for our apocalyptic age. The play follows Mary and Jo in their journey to Bethlehem as they work through their relationship issues, haunted by an angel and a religious studies professor. The play struggles with the question of faith in apocalyptic times and tries to understand what use the Christian story can have for people today.
Admission is by donation and all proceeds will go to the actors.
There will also be a performance at Broadview United Church on 1st December at 7pm and at Lutheran Church of the Cross on 10th December at 5pm.
The Birth of Light is written and directed by Sage Dunn-Krahn (he/they).
|
