Pastoral Epistle – March 2, 2022

Beloved congregation,
Greetings in Jesus on this first morning of Lent season!

“I am a great King, says the Lord of hosts, and my name is reverenced among the nations.” ‭‭Malachi‬ ‭1:14

As we prepare our hearts for the Lent Season starting today, the Lord reminds us that he is eternally a great King and has to be revered by the nations; but he left his glory to reconcile the nations with him. This Penitential preparation that begins with Ash Wednesday until Easter Sunday started in AD 325 following the first Council of Nicaea; but it is believed that such a season of penitence was observed since the apostolic period.  We prepare ourselves to draw closer to God through self denial and sacrifice. 
Ash Wednesday in person Service at 7:30pm, today:

Please pre register if you haven’t yet for in person service. https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/st-bede-sunday-worship-ash-wednesday-service-rsvp-tickets-273072596487 

If you are joining on zoom, please use our regular Sunday Service link Youtube stream link :https://youtu.be/JUDeczPQYSk

Also please pray for God’s blessings and guidance as we enter the Lent season. Let us search ourselves and meditate on the sacrificial work of God for redemption of our soul. 

Confirmation Service:  We will have our Confirmation Service this Sunday, March 6th. Please remember our six confirmands in prayer. May the Lord bless them and guide their steps.  Also kindly pray for God’s blessings on the confirmation service.  Pray for God’s blessings on our celebrant and preacher, bishop Kevin Robertson. 

Offerings and tithes:  Sincere appreciation for everyone who has been faithful in bringing your tithes and offerings to the house of God. Please continue your good work.  May the Lord prosper you in all you do.  

Lent Services:  
Starting next week, every Wednesday till the holy week we will have Lent Services on Zoom at 7.30pm.  Please join and be blessed. Again please use our Sunday Service Zoom link
COVID Guidelines : According to our last week Diocesian newsletter, we have returned to the guidelines and protocols that were in place in early Advent, which means that choral singing and people who are leading prayers and readings and preaching can remove their masks.

Let us hold fast to our faith and be fervent in prayer.  May the season of Lent draw us closer to God. 

Blessings

Pastor

The Rev’d  Dr. Irwin Sikha