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Anticipating All Saints Day (and other upcoming events!)
Greetings Parish Family!
As we listen to the winds and the rain lash against our windows, it is a time of looking back and looking ahead. We look ahead to this Sunday and the feast of All Saint’s Day – and in so doing we look back and remember all those we have lost and carried through this difficult year.
We are so aware how many of our beloved community have lost family members, friends, loved ones… and throughout Covid, we have not been able to grieve and mourn and remember in the ways that bind us together. Join us this Sunday as we hear once more the proclamation of God’s promises – to wipe away every tear, to bring life out of death, to welcome us into the great feast in the presence of the living God. Please send us the names of those you wish to remember this year, for inclusion in our prayer litany.
Looking ahead, you will find details for several upcoming opportunities to practice the presence of God through faith and action in our community – here are just a few highlights! - Tomorrow at 11am (Wednesday Oct 27) Jewish Storyteller Shoshana Litman gives a talk at the UVic multifaith centre. (Our guest preacher Rick Kool recommends her highly!) - Tomorrow evening at 8:30pm, Emmaus Community leads us in Mountain Vespers – a short evening prayer in the style of bluegrass music. Come masked and sing along! - Saturday, Rev. Matt will be a facilitator in “For the Love of Creation Fall Symposium” an event hosted by Kairos Canada, to organize climate action ahead of COP26. - This is the last week to check out the current Chapel Gallery show. - Details for the “Resisting Structural Evil” talks at UVic and special workshop, as noted by Rev. Karen in her sermon, are now available online.
As we anticipate All Saints Day, we find that the readings and the prayers are a gift for us – to remind us that we are not alone, but are knit together in a mystical communion with all who have gone before and have passed over the veil. They are a promise to us that God’s loving presence, tasted and seen here and now, shall remain with us always. They stand as a witness against the profound injustices of our world and remind us that though the world is as it often is – it needn’t and perhaps oughtn’t be. May God grant us the courage and the grace to grieve well all those who have died and to long for the renewal and wholeness of New Creation. Matt and Meagan
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Sunday Worship
We are thrilled to be back in person for worship on Sundays at 10 am. We are continuing to follow the COVID protocols with masks and distancing and vaccines but we are so happy to be able to gather around the table of God's welcome together again!
Reach out with any questions you might have or if you would like to be a reader, greeter or pray-er!
We also meet on Thursday at 10 am to discuss the Sunday readings and share a simple Communion. All are welcome!
This week we will celebrate All Saints. There will be an opportunity for candle-lighting.
Email team@stmatthiasvictoria.ca with names of your beloved departed for the prayers.
Upcoming Sunday's with Readings October 31st (All Saints) ISAIAH 25:6-9 PSALM 24 REVELATION 21:1-6A JOHN 11:32-44 November 7th RUTH 3:1-5, 4:13-17 PSALM 127 MARK 2:38-44 November 14th (No Thursday Eucharist on Nov 11) 1 SAMUEL 1:4-20; 1 SAMUEL 2:1-10 MARK 13:1-8 - November 21st (Reign of Christ - Bishop Visit) 2 SAMUEL 23:1-7 PSALM 132:1-13 (14-19) REVELATION 1:4B-8 JOHN 18:33-37
For more infomation visit: http://stmatthiasvictoria.ca/events/sunday-worship--206/2021-10-31
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Judaism and Pilgrimagetalk at the UVic Multifaith Chapel - Wednesday, October 27, 2021 Shoshana Litman, the Jewish Spiritual Care provider at Multifaith, will be speaking on pilgrimage in Judaism, through story! Learn about Jewish pilgrimages from Temple times to current practices (including transcendent personal experiences) from Canada’s first ordained Maggidah (female Jewish storyteller), Shoshana Litman (www.maggidah.com). Shoshana is the Jewish Spiritual Care Provider at Multifaith, UVic. For more infomation visit: http://stmatthiasvictoria.ca/events/judaism-and-pilgrimage/2021-10-27
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Mountain VespersFourth Wednesday of the month - Wednesday, October 27, 2021 Welcome to Mountain Vespers with Emmaus Community and AbbeyChurch! Led by our own Stained Glass Bluegrass house band and Rev. Matt Humphrey. The ancient office of Vespers derives its name from the Latin, vesperas, which means “evening.” (Old English speakers translated vesperas as æfensang, which became Evensong in modern English.) It is a simple office of evening prayer, an invitation to reflect prayerfully over the day in the context of rehearsing the Scripture together both in reading and in song. Our form of Vespers has been adapted to include traditional elements of evening prayer that date back millennia in the Church (such as singing Mary’s song – the Magnificat) but has been adapted to the particular style of what we’ve called Stained Glass Bluegrass. Bluegrass derives from British-Scottish-Irish folk tunes reflected through the new-world adaptation of Appalachia. It is the music of people, sung in kitchens and on porches, with family and community living through struggle and suffering, joining voices together in a harmony of longing for God’s healing to lead us home. For more infomation visit: http://stmatthiasvictoria.ca/events/mountain-vespers/2021-10-27
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For the Love of Creation Fall SymposiumA full-day virtual gathering to advance climate action - Saturday, October 30, 2021 Join Emmaus Community and Wild Church as part of this online Symposium - hosted by For the Love of Creation and Kairos Canada. Our own Matt Humphrey will be one of the breakout room hosts for Victoria locals.
The 2021 Fall Symposium will mark a key moment in the For the Love of Creation journey, in Canada’s climate plan, and in global climate action as we engage with COP 26 (November 2021). It is intended to bring together people to learn more about climate change and climate change advocacy from a faith perspective. We will hear from the collective reflection and writing process called the Letter of the Faithful that engages in a process of theological reflection and discussion around climate change, learn more about our climate advocacy goals and how they have evolved, and network with others in our regions around local climate action.
Confirmed Speakers:
*For the Love of Creation (FLC) is a national initiative that brings together faith bodies and faith-based organizations in Canada under a unified banner to mobilize education, reflection, action and advocacy for climate justice. FLC is a collaborative effort and KAIROS Canada is one of over 35 organizations who endorse this initiative. As part of our contribution to this initiative, KAIROS Canada has offered to facilitate registration for this event. For more infomation visit: http://stmatthiasvictoria.ca/events/for-the-love-of-creation-fall-symposium/2021-10-30
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The Chapel Gallery Presents: FoundationsLast weekend to see the show! The Chapel Gallery welcomes two Pender Island artists, Andrea Spalding and Annie Smith, who explore that which is foundational in their lives, through book arts, portraiture, watercolor, and washi screens. The past year, with all its upheaval, has left many people pondering their foundations—perhaps rethinking what remains solid and unshakeable in their lives. In this show, two Pender Island artists, Andrea Spalding and Annie Smith, explore that which is foundational for themselves and encourage viewers to think about their own “solid ground,” as well. Through book art, portraiture, watercolor, and washi screens, Andrea and Annie celebrate family, friends, literature, and nature – those elements that have given them strength and sustained them in the time of Covid. When attending the Chapel Gallery, please join us in respecting the Provincial Health Officer's direction regarding mask wearing and vaccination. Thank you for contributing to all our health and wellbeing!
For more infomation visit: http://stmatthiasvictoria.ca/events/the-chapel-gallery-presents-foundations/2021-10-30
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Order of the Diocese of British Columbia service a celebration of the gifts of the body
On Saturday, October 23 the bishop conferred upon thirty-three people the Order of the Diocese of British Columbia, in recognitition of their contributions to the common good. New members and officers include parishioners of our diocese and some outside of the church including leaders of other faith traditions. Dr. Bonnie Henry, who was made an honorary officer, gave closing remarks which mirrored those in Bishop Anna's sermon; both calling us to continue to work together for the good of all, abandonding notions of self-sufficiency and strenghthening our commitment to interdependence. During these days of pandemic life, the service was as much a celebration of what we have come through together as the individuals who have helped get us through it. Read more about the investiture service and the new members in the November issue of the Diocesan Post. Download a copy of the book of recipients below.
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Welcome new canons and archdeacons!
On Friday, October 22 Lon Towstego (Haro region) and Elizabeth Northcott (Nimpkish region) were collated as regional archdeacons. At the same Eucharistic service, Brenda Nestegaard Paul (Trinity Anglican + Lutheran, Port Alberni) and Eric Partridge (St Andrew, Sidney) were installed as canons of Christ Church Cathedral. We are grateful for and celebrate their ministry among us! For more infomation visit: http://stmatthiasvictoria.ca/news/welcome-new-canons-and-archdeacons
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Cathedral observes All Souls' Day with Fauré's RequiemRequiem Eucharist on Tuesday November 2, 2021 at 7.00pm Christ Church Cathedral is pleased to announce its All Souls’ Day observances for 2021: A Solemn Requiem Eucharist featuring Gabriel Fauré’s much loved Requiem in D Minor, op. 48. November is a liminal season in the church’s calendar. It’s what the ancient Celts would refer to as a “thin time,” or a time when the veil between this world and the next is more gossamer than usual. With the turning of leaves and the ever-present chill in the air, we are reminded that death is all around us. November contains not only Remembrance Day, but also the feasts of All Saints and All Souls’, both closely linked to the pagan celebrations of Halloween (or “All Hallow’s Eve”). All Souls’ Day (November 2) is when we pause to once again remember those who have gone before us, and to consider our own mortality. On Tuesday, November 2, at 7.00pm, the Choirs of Christ Church Cathedral will sing French composer Gabriel Fauré’s setting of the Requiem Mass (Mass for the Dead). Originally scored for woodwind, brass, strings, organ, and harp, the 30-voice choir will offer this unusually gentle setting in a version with organ accompaniment. The cathedral offers many services throughout the course of the year with beautiful music and readings, but this one is special because the proceeds raised will go towards our Covid Catapult Campaign, a year-long, multi-pronged program to reduce our structural deficit. The Dean, The Very Reverend M. Ansley Tucker explains, “We regularly take up a collection at all our services, and this offering is returned to the community through the good works that the cathedral does. This work requires the continued support of all who care about making a difference in the world, and we invite all who attend this service to join the cathedral through their generosity.” The Cathedral Choirs, composed of skilled volunteer singers and choral scholars, have kept the tradition of weekly sung services throughout the pandemic (with reduced numbers). In this liturgical offering of the Fauré Requiem, they will be led by Director of Music, Donald Hunt with Mark McDonald at the organ. French composer Gabriel Fauré’s setting of the Mass for the Dead, offered in its original liturgical context by the Cathedral Choirs and Organists. With the turning of leaves and the ever-present chill in the air, we are reminded that death is all around us. In deep respect for our own mortality and in remembrance of those who have gone before us, we gather to hear words and music that bring challenge and comfort. Tuesday, November 2, 2021, 7.00 pm Online donation link: For more infomation visit: http://stmatthiasvictoria.ca/news/cathedral-observes-all-souls-day-with-faures-requiem
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Bishop Anna sets out six diocesan priorities
In her remarks to the recent meetings with synod office staff, archdeacons and the diocesan council, Bishop Anna set out six current priorities as a way of focusing the efforts (as they relate to the vision) of diocesan leadership in the coming months. These priorities were also published in the October 2021 issue of the Diocesan Post: 1. Faith in Foundation — Current ministries: post-pandemic re-opening Support our churches in the work of re-opening. As we transition to a post-pandemic reality, this is an opportunity to consider carefully what needs to be done in-person and what can/should we continue to do online (e.g., worship, workshops, meetings, conferences). 2. Faith in Action — Reconciliation and Beyond: racism and decolonization We need to be awake to the racial reckoning that is going on in the world and do our own work, including learning more about our colonial history. This is work we will each need to actively undertake in a life-long practice, as part of our labour to live into our baptismal covenant by respecting the dignity of every human being. 3. Faith in Action — Engaging God’s World: climate catastrophe We are being called to the work of addressing the climate catastrophe. How will we collectively do this as the body of Christ? Discerning what is ours to do will be a focus of our work. 4. Faith in Foundation — Current Ministries: personnel Our people our most valuable treasure. Diocesan Council has created a human resource (HR) working group, chaired by vice-chancellor Isabel Weeks, to update our HR policies and procedures and develop an HR manual. Some of our recruitment and retention challenges:
We also need to encourage congregations to raise people up for ordained ministry; “Vocations Day” Saturday, November 6 to begin this work. 5. Faith in Foundation — Current Ministries: governance The pandemic has forever altered how we are Church in many ways. We need to identify systems and ways of being that will work for us as we move forward post-pandemic. We also need a governance system that balances transparency and accountability with flexibility and adaptability. 6. Faith in Action/Faith in Foundation: stewardship As we develop a 2022 budget, we will be transparent and conscious that we have a culture in this diocese that has yet to embrace a robust financial stewardship ethos. At the parish level this means that many parishes are overly reliant on rental income. At the synod level apportionment and investment income may not be enough to cover expenses. Difficult decisions will have to made to adjust for this reality. Download a copy of these priorities below. For more infomation visit: http://stmatthiasvictoria.ca/news/bishop-anna-sets-out-six-diocesan-priorities
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Exposure: Call for video submissions
For the 16 Days of Activism in 2021, the Anglican Communion Office is inviting young Anglicans (aged 35 and under) to submit short videos which express their perspectives of gender-based violence. Youth/yound adults are encouraged to submit messages and/or stories looking at sexual and labour exploitation of Indigenous and non-Indigenous women and girls, cis and trans, 2SLBTQAI persons in your local communities. These are critical gender-based justice issues in Canada and globally, for advocacy and action by Anglicans everywhere. Between 25 November and 10 December, the Anglican Communion Office will release a selection of those videos on their official social media channels as part of their response to the 16 Days. Submission deadline October 31. Learn more.For more infomation visit: http://stmatthiasvictoria.ca/news/exposure-call-for-video-submissions
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Resisting Structural Evilwith Cynthia Moe-Lobeda - Saturday, December 4, 2021 Cost: $26 (includes lunch) This workshop will provide an opportunity for us as a diocese to engage her on how varieties of structural evil (climate, racial and economic injustice) operate in our context and how we might respond to them. At the end of the day, we hope you will be able to:
About the speakerCynthia Moe-Lobeda, this fall's John Albert Hall lecturer (December 2), is professor of Theological and Social Ethics at Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary and author of the award-winning Resisting Structural Evil: Love as Ecological-Economic Vocation
For more infomation visit: http://stmatthiasvictoria.ca/events/resisting-structural-evil/2021-12-04
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John Albert Hall LectureCynthia Moe-Lobeda - Thursday, December 2, 2021 Register to view onlineClimate justice may be the foremost moral challenge of the 21st century. Race and class dimensions of the climate crisis are haunting. While caused primarily by high-consuming people, climate change is wreaking death and destruction foremost on impoverished people who also are disproportionately people of color. How are we to face this crisis with courage, wisdom, agency, and hope? What do spirituality and religion bring to this question? What is Cynthia Moe-Lobeda is professor of Theological and Social Ethics at Pacific David Seljak is professor of Religious Studies and chair of the department of For more infomation visit: http://stmatthiasvictoria.ca/events/john-albert-hall-lecture--390/2021-12-02
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