Stories of Invitation Over the last two years, we’ve been encouraging you in different ways to think about how to share your faith. And as we approach Christmas, we’ve been thinking again about reaching out. For many non-Christians, attending a traditional Christian event during the Christmas season is a very natural and attractive way to celebrate the season. So, throughout November and December, we will provide suggestions on ways you can extend invitations. We realize this will be done differently for each of us, so we’ll try to offer a wide array of suggestions. If you have ideas from your own life or that you have seen (or heard of) feel free to let us know (email brie@sjvan.org). practical suggestions to consider:
• Invite friends to an afternoon service in December (Advent Carol Service or Lessons and Carols) and go for dinner together afterwards. • Invite someone over for lunch or dinner after the service today. • Invite someone to join in your everyday tasks (eg. going for a walk or bike ride). • Invite people to join your Christmas or Christmas Eve dinner, and think through how to make them feel welcome at dinner. As you are in conversation in the next few weeks think about if they have somewhere to go – perhaps they’re not going home for Christmas, or they’re an international student. • Invite people over for an afternoon of advent crafts, baking, or gingerbread house decorating. who should i invite?
• People sitting around you at church • Neighbours • Co-workers
What’s up at St. John’s THE GIFT OF SENIORS TO YOUNG PEOPLE // NOV 19
LEARNERS’ EXCHANGE
Join us for Seniors Tea on Tuesday, November 19 at 1:30 pm in the church chapel for tea and coffee.
Every Sunday in the Café Room at 9:00 am, Learners’ Exchange offers stimulating speakers and engaging discussions.
Thena Ayers will be sharing stories and reflections on the gift seniors can be in the lives of younger Christians. Thena has worked both for Inter-Varsity Christian Fellowship and Regent College. Please RSVP to Margaret Wilson, margaret@sjvan.org or 778-838-7400. PRAYER MEETING // NOV 18 @ 7:30 PM It’s time for our next Quarterly Prayer Meeting. Join us for teaching, sharing, and of course, prayer! Please bring a dessert to share if you are able. YOUTH PARENT NIGHT // NOV 22 @ 6:00 PM Parents are invited to come learn how to understand your teens favourite artist. We’ll learn from one another how to use music as a launching point for important family dialogue about our emotions, our affections, and recognizing why what we listen to matters. For more information visit sjvan.org/events. ADVENT CAROL SERVICE // DEC 1 @ 4:30 PM Join us as we begin the Advent season with a service of music and Scripture in order to fix our eyes on the joy of Jesus Christ.
Today // Jeanette Jones Hezekiah’s Last Words November 24 How “The Five Love Languages” by Pastor Gary Chapman can help you love your neighbour in a practical way SOUP-ER SOUP!! // DEC 15 On December 15 we’ll be having Soup-er Soup Sunday after the Evening Carol Service! This is a great night to invite visitors! If you would like to make a pot of soup, whip up a dessert, help set-up or take-down, email Katy, katy@sjvan.org CONDOLENCES
UPDATE ON DAVID SHORT We know that many of you have been praying for David Short and he is grateful for your prayers. Over the last few weeks David has slowly been resuming some of his work duties but is still experiencing concussion symptoms and is unable to return to full-time work at this time. Please continue to pray for a full recovery for him. We will keep you updated on his progress. 2020 WOMENS RETREAT Women are invited to join us in Cedar Spring from Jan 31-Feb 2. Connally Gilliam will join us and will be speaking on the theme of Good News: Embraced by the Goodness of God. Registration is now open! Sign up now for early bird rates at sjvan.org/women
Please pray for Kathryn Haller and her family as they grieve the loss of Kathryn’s mother who passed away on Nov 3. Pray particularly for Kathryn’s father who was married to the love of his life for 66 years. Funeral arrangements are still being made. BRASS & ORGAN CONCERT Please note that the date of the Brass and Organ Concert has changed. It will now be on Dec 17 at 7:30 pm.
In our Community LIGHTHOUSE ADVENT BREAKFAST // DEC 7 @ 8:30 AM Lighthouse Harbour Ministries is hosting their annual Advent Breakfast on Saturday, December 7. You are invited to join them as they celebrate the Lord’s wonderful work among seafarers. Breakfast will be at Bethany Baptist Church, 22680 Westminster Highway, Richmond. A freewill offering will be taken. To RSVP, contact Paul, 604-988-5084 or info@sealight.org. HOMEMADE JAMS, PICKLES, CHUTNEYS & SO MUCH MORE Several members of St. John’s have been busy making all sorts of preserves this fall, both savoury and sweet, which will be sold to support Journey Canada. Everyone is invited to the sale! The sale will be at the home of Manya and George Egerton (2071 Kitchener St) from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm, on Saturday, November 23. For a list of what will be sold email Manya, megerton@telus.net. HOW DO WE DO COMMUNITY LIVING WELL? // NOV 23 Join us for a morning of dialogue and learning together about shared life in intentional community and the Christian tradition that can support it. This is an event for those living in community, curious about community, wanting to start a community, and long-time veterans. This Community Café is being held at Grandview Church, 1803 1st Ave East, Vancouver from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm. RSVP: communitycafevancouver.eventbrite.ca
Prayer Points Catechism: Pray that the work of catechesis would continue to ground St. John’s Vancouver in sound doctrine, grow us in obedience, and fill us with delight in Christ. Small Groups: Pray that our new groups would continue to be strengthened and encouraged, and that God would draw new members to them. Gospel Formation: Pray that during the season of Advent, God would strengthen the life of Bible reading and prayer in the lives of our church family. Get our weekly email with all events happening in our community by subscribing to the parish email list at sjvan.org
Calendar MONDAY, NOV 18 Little Years @ 10:45 am Marpole-Oakridge Community Centre 7:30 pm
Quarterly Prayer Meeting
TUESDAY, NOV 19 1:30 pm Senior’s Tea 6:00 pm Life Explored WEDNESDAY, NOV 20 7:20 am Men’s Bible Study Ekklesia (18 6:30 pm to late 30s) @ UChapel THURSDAY, NOV 21 7:00 pm DivorceCare FRIDAY, NOV 22 6:00 pm Parent Night 6:00 pm Youth (grades 7-12) SUNDAY, NOV 24 Matthew 20:17-34 7:30 am Holy Communion 9:00 am Morning Prayer 11:00 am Morning Prayer 12:30 pm
The Newcomer Sessions
5:00 pm Catechism 6:00 pm Holy Communion Learn more at sjvan.org/calendar
Advent is nearly upon us, and we have several ways to celebrate this season of waiting for the coming of Christ. We hope you will invite your family and friends to join us as we prepare for Christmas together. Unless otherwise noted, all events will be held at St. John’s Vancouver, 5350 Bailie Street, and are free to attend.
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ADVENT CAROL SERVICE
4:30 pm We begin the Advent season with a service of music and Scripture in order to fix our eyes on the joy of Jesus Christ.
WELCOME TO CHRISTMAS
10:00 am // Childcare provided Women are invited to join us for our make-your-own-craft fair, to wander our marketplace, and share in the story and songs of Christmas.
EVENING CAROL SERVICE 6:00 pm Join us for “Nothing but the Hits!” Christmas carols and readings of the Nativity story followed by a soup dinner.
FIRST NOEL
1:00 pm // VanDusen Garden Perfect for families with children, this favourite afternoon of fun activities is a lovely way to celebrate Christmas.
CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICES 5:00 pm Contemporary Carol Service 8:00 pm Traditional Carol Service 10:00 pm Holy Communion
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EXPECTING EMMANUEL
7:30 pm This service of comfort and hope for those feeling weary or burdened will be accompanied by special music.
BRASS & ORGAN CONCERT 7:30 pm // Kerrisdale Presbyterian Celebrate Christmas with music from the VSO Brass Quintet with organist Terry Fullerton. Tickets are available at the door.
LESSONS & CAROLS
4:30 pm This classic Christmas service intersperses Scripture readings with carols sung together and by the choir.
CHRISTMAS DAY
10:00 am Holy Communion
SUNDAY SERVICES
Our Sunday Services throughout December will be at 8:00 am, 10:00 am, and 6:00 pm.
St. John’s Vancouver Offices: 2325 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC V6J 3J2 | Phone: 604.558.4400 | stjohnsvancouver.org Stay informed: facebook.com/stjohnsvancouver | Engage with each other: facebook.com/groups/stjohnsvancouver