High Mass
Fourth Sunday in Lent | March 30, 2014 | 10:30 am
Welcome We acknowledge our presence on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territory of the Coast Salish Peoples.
Welcome to St. James’, especially if you are a newcomer or visitor. Children of all ages are fully welcome at every liturgy. We hope that you will enjoy your visit here with us. Please help us to get to know you by introducing yourself to one of the clergy. VISION STATEMENT Discovering the beauty of holiness in our lives and neighbourhood, by living a Christ-centred sacramental life rooted in the Anglo-Catholic tradition. MISSION OBJECTIVES To be a beacon for all as a neighbourhood and destination church where we invite and welcome friends, family, and strangers into our midst; To deepen our life of prayer and formation in Christ; To develop relationships and fellowship in open, honest, and spiritual ways among parishioners, with our neighbours, and those in need; To pursue and practice justice and mercy for the imparting of the Kingdom of God within and beyond the Parish; To maintain financial equilibrium, develop our reserves, and optimize the use of our assets to ensure the preservation of our sacred space and ministry from generation to generation, to the everlasting glory of God. ______________________________________________________________________ TODAY 9:30 AM Formation: Philokalia, with Father Mark Greenaway-Robbins 9:45 AM Rosary Prayers, Lady Chapel 10:30 AM High Mass 12:00 PM Coffee Hour, Parish Hall 12:15 PM Confirmation/Re-affirmation/Reception, May Gutteridge Room 4:00 PM Solemn Evensong and Benediction with the Oculus Choir ______________________________________________________________________ This booklet is printed on recycled paper. Discarded copies will be recycled. 2 | HIGH MASS
Before Mass If you require assistance at any time, please speak to one of the welcomers at the Church entrance (narthex).
As a friendly reminder, please turn off all electronic devices that might disrupt worship. In the interest of security, please keep purses and other valuables with you at all times. Wireless hearing amplifiers are available. Washrooms can be accessed through the doors on the left hand side at the back of the Church on the opposite side to the entrance. Your family is welcome at St. James’. Children may remain in the Church during the service: there is a play area with toys and colouring books in the back of the Church. The sacrament of reconciliation (confession) is available. Speak with a priest to make an appointment. The Mass booklet contains all the prayers and information required to participate in the Mass. The directions given in this booklet to stand, sit, and kneel are offered as guidelines to those who are able. The symbol + indicates when to make the sign of the Cross. It is also customary to make a discreet bow at the name of Jesus.
You are encouraged to take the opportunity before Mass for silence, stillness, and prayer. Please refrain from talking before Mass begins. We adore you, most Holy Lord Jesus Christ here and in all your churches throughout all the world; and we bless you because by your Holy Cross you have redeemed the world. St. Francis of Assisi
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A Reflection 31. Do not pray for the fulfillment of your wishes, for they may not accord with the will of God. But pray as you have been taught, saying: Thy will be done in me (cf. Luke 22:42). Always entreat Him in this way — that His will be done. For He desires what is good and profitable for you, whereas you do not always ask for this. 32. Often when I have prayed I have asked for what I thought was good, and persisted in my petition, stupidly importuning the will of God, and not leaving it to Him to arrange things as He knows is best for me. But when I have obtained what I asked for, I have been very sorry that I did not ask for the will of God to be done, because the thing turned out not to be as I had thought. 33. What is good, except God? Then let us leave to Him everything that concerns us and all will be well. For He who is good is naturally also a giver of good gifts.
34. Do not be distressed if you do not at once receive from God what you ask. He wishes to give you something better — to make you persevere in your prayer. For what is better than to enjoy the love of God and to be in communion with Him? 35. Undistracted prayer is the highest intellection of the intellect. 36. Prayer is the ascent of the intellect to God. 37. If you long for prayer, renounce all to gain all. 38. Pray first for the purification of the passions; secondly, for deliverance from ignorance and forgetfulness; and thirdly, for deliverance from all temptation, trial and dereliction. 39. In your prayer seek only righteousness and the kingdom of God, that is, virtue and spiritual knowledge; and everything else 'will be given to you' (Matt. 6:33). From the Philokalia “On Prayer: One Hundred and Fifty-Three Texts,” Evagrios the Solitary http://www.orthodoxchristianity.net/forum/index.php? PHPSESSID=fcl8qallu88drobgdoehjkeh23&topic=46111.msg784058#msg784058
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Notes
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Entrance Rite PRELUDE At the entrance of the clergy and servers all stand.
Stand
INTROIT Rejoice with Jerusalem and be glad for her, all you who love her. Sing out in exultation, all you who mourn for her, that you may suck and be satisfied by her consoling breasts. Laetare Jerusalem (Mode V)
KYRIE ELEISON Lord, have mercy upon us. Christ, have mercy upon us. Lord, have mercy upon us.
Kyrie eleison. Christe eleison. Kyrie eleison. Missa brevis – Matyas Seiber
COLLECT OF THE DAY Celebrant All
The Lord be with you. And with thy spirit.
Celebrant
Let us pray. Almighty God, through the waters of baptism thy Son hath made us children of light. May we ever walk in his light and show forth thy glory in the world; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
All
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The Liturgy of the Word OLD TESTAMENT READING
Reader
Be seated
A reading from the First Book of Samuel. The Lord said to Samuel, "How long will you grieve over Saul? I have rejected him from being king over Israel. Fill your horn with oil and set out; I will send you to Jesse the Bethlehemite, for I have provided for myself a king among his sons." Samuel said, "How can I go? If Saul hears of it, he will kill me." And the Lord said, "Take a heifer with you, and say, 'I have come to sacrifice to the Lord.' Invite Jesse to the sacrifice, and I will show you what you shall do; and you shall anoint for me the one whom I name to you." Samuel did what the Lord commanded, and came to Bethlehem. The elders of the city came to meet him trembling, and said, "Do you come peaceably?" He said, "Peaceably; I have come to sacrifice to the Lord; sanctify yourselves and come with me to the sacrifice." And he sanctified Jesse and his sons and invited them to the sacrifice. When they came, he looked on Eliab and thought, "Surely the Lord's anointed is now before the Lord." But the Lord said to Samuel, "Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him; for the Lord does not see as mortals see; they look on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart." Then Jesse called Abinadab, and made him pass before Samuel. He said, "Neither has the Lord chosen this one." Then Jesse made Shammah pass by. And he said, "Neither has the Lord chosen this one." Jesse made seven of his sons pass before Samuel, and Samuel said to Jesse, "The Lord has not chosen any of these." Samuel said to Jesse, "Are all your sons here?" And he said, "There remains yet the youngest, but he is keeping the sheep." And Samuel said to Jesse, "Send and bring him; for we will not sit down until he comes here." He sent and brought him in. Now he was ruddy, and had beautiful eyes, and was handsome. The Lord said, "Rise and anoint him; for this is the one." Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the presence of his brothers; and the spirit of the Lord came mightily upon David from that day forward. Samuel then set out and went to Ramah. 1 Samuel 16:1-13
Leader Allll
The word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
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PSALM
A cantor sings the antiphon first; the people repeat it thereafter.
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures and leads me beside still waters. Antiphon You spread a table before me in the presence of those who trouble me; you have anointed my head with oil, and my cup is running over. Surely your goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever. Antiphon Psalm 23:1-2, 5-6
EPISTLE READING Sub-deacon
A reading from the Letter of Paul to the Ephesians. For once you were darkness, but now in the Lord you are light. Live as children of light for the fruit of the light is found in all that is good and right and true. Try to find out what is pleasing to the Lord. Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. For it is shameful even to mention what such people do secretly; but everything exposed by the light becomes visible, for everything that becomes visible is light. Therefore it says, "Sleeper, awake! Rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you." Ephesians 5:8-14
Sub-deacon Allll
TRACT
The word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Stand Those who trust in the Lord are like mount Zion which cannot be moved, but stands fast forever. Qui confĂdunt (Mode VIII)
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HOLY GOSPEL
All stand and turn to face the book of the Gospels
As he walked along, he saw a man blind from birth. His disciples asked him, "Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?" Jesus answered, "Neither this man nor his parents sinned; he was born blind so that God's works might be revealed in him. We must work the works of him who sent me while it is day; night is coming when no one can work. As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world." When he had said this, he spat on the ground and made mud with the saliva and spread the mud on the man's eyes, saying to him, "Go, wash in the pool of Siloam" (which means Sent). Then he went and washed and came back able to see. The neighbours and those who had seen him before as a beggar began to ask, "Is this not the man who used to sit and beg?" Some were saying, "It is he." Others were saying, "No, but it is someone like him." He kept saying, "I am the man." But they kept asking him, "Then how were your eyes opened?" He answered, "The man called Jesus made mud, spread it on my eyes, and said to me, 'Go to Siloam and wash.' Then I went and washed and received my sight." They said to him, "Where is he?" He said, "I do not know." They brought to the Pharisees the man who had formerly been blind. Now it was a sabbath day when Jesus made the mud and opened his eyes. Then the Pharisees also began to ask him how he had received his sight. He said to them, "He put mud on my eyes. Then I washed, and now I see." Some of the Pharisees said, "This man is not from God, for he does not observe the sabbath." But others said, "How can a man who is a sinner perform such signs?" And they were divided. So they said again to the blind man, "What do you say about him? It was your eyes he opened." He said, "He is a prophet." The Jews did not believe that he had been blind and had received his sight until they called the parents of the man who had received his sight and asked them, "Is this your son, who you say was born blind? How then does he now see?" His parents answered, "We know that this is our son, and that he was born blind; but we do not know how it is HIGH MASS | 9
that now he sees, nor do we know who opened his eyes. Ask him; he is of age. He will speak for himself." His parents said this because they were afraid of the Jews; for the Jews had already agreed that anyone who confessed Jesus to be the Messiah would be put out of the synagogue. Therefore his parents said, "He is of age; ask him." So for the second time they called the man who had been blind, and they said to him, "Give glory to God! We know that this man is a sinner." He answered, "I do not know whether he is a sinner. One thing I do know, that though I was blind, now I see." They said to him, "What did he do to you? How did he open your eyes?" He answered them, "I have told you already, and you would not listen. Why do you want to hear it again? Do you also want to become his disciples?" Then they reviled him, saying, "You are his disciple, but we are disciples of Moses. We know that God has spoken to Moses, but as for this man, we do not know where he comes from." The man answered, "Here is an astonishing thing! You do not know where he comes from, and yet he opened my eyes. We know that God does not listen to sinners, but he does listen to one who worships him and obeys his will. Never since the world began has it been heard that anyone opened the eyes of a person born blind. If this man were not from God, he could do nothing." They answered him, "You were born entirely in sins, and are you trying to teach us?" And they drove him out. Jesus heard that they had driven him out, and when he found him, he said, "Do you believe in the Son of Man?" He answered, "And who is he, sir? Tell me, so that I may believe in him." Jesus said to him, "You have seen him, and the one speaking with you is he." He said, "Lord, I believe." And he worshipped him. Jesus said, "I came into this world for judgement so that those who do not see may see, and those who do see may become blind." Some of the Pharisees near him heard this and said to him, "Surely we are not blind, are we?" Jesus said to them, "If you were blind, you would not have sin. But now that you say, 'We see,' your sin remains." John 9:1-41
SERMON
Be Seated Sister Mary Christian Cross (At the conclusion of the sermon, silence is kept)
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NICENE CREED
Stand
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PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
Celebrant
In peace let us pray to the Lord.
All
After each petition this response is said: Lord in thy mercy. Hear our prayer.
All All
After the petition for the departed: + Rest eternal grant unto them, O Lord. And may light perpetual shine upon them. May they rest in peace. Amen. The celebrant concludes the prayers with a collect.
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Stand
CONFESSION & ABSOLUTION Deacon
All
Celebrant
All PEACE
Ye that do truly and earnestly repent you of your sins, and are in love and charity with your neighbours, and intend to lead the new life, following the commandments of God, and walking from henceforth in his holy ways: draw near with faith, and take this holy sacrament to your comfort; and make your humble confession to almighty God. Kneel Almighty God, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Maker of all things and judge of all people: We acknowledge and confess our manifold sins and wickedness, Which we from time to time most grievously have committed, By thought, word, and deed, Against thy divine majesty. We do earnestly repent, and are heartily sorry for these our misdoings. Have mercy upon us, most merciful Father; For thy Son our Lord Jesus Christ’s sake, Forgive us all that is past; And grant that we may ever hereafter Serve and please thee In newness of life, To the honour and glory of thy name; Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Almighty God, our heavenly Father, who of his great mercy hath promised forgiveness of sins to all them that with hearty repentance and true faith turn unto him: have mercy upon you; + pardon and deliver you from all your sins; confirm and strengthen you in all goodness; and bring you to everlasting life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Stand
The ministers and people may greet one another in the name of the Lord in the customary way. You may choose not to shake hands at the Peace. A simple exchange of “Peace be with you” with eye contact and a nod, or a bow, is a good substitute. HIGH MASS | 13
The Liturgy of the Holy Eucharist OFFERTORY & PREPARATION OF THE GIFTS
Be seated
Give light to my eyes, that I sleep not in death: lest my enemy say, “I have prevailed against him.” Illumina (Mode IV)
OFFERTORY HYMN
Stand
The People sing the hymn while the People’s gifts of bread, wine and money are brought forward. 520 Blue Hymn Book (Common Praise) –The King of Love My Shepherd Is
SURSUM CORDA & PROPER PREFACE
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Stand
It is very meet, right, and our bounden duty, that we should at all times and in all places, give thanks unto thee: O Lord, holy Father, almighty, everlasting God: creator and preserver of all things. Who hast bidden us thy faithful people to cleanse our hearts and to prepare with joy for the paschal feast; that reborn through the waters of baptism, and renewed in the Eucharistic mystery, we may be more fervent in prayer and more generous in works of love. Therefore with Angels and Archangels, and with all the company of heaven, we laud and magnify thy glorious name; evermore praising thee and saying:
SANCTUS & BENEDICTUS Sanctus, Sanctus, Sanctus Dominus Deus Sabaoth. Pleni sunt cĂŚli et terra Gloria tua. Hosanna in excelsis. + Benedictus qui venit in nomine Domini: Hosanna in excelsis.
Holy, holy, holy, Lord God of hosts, Heaven and earth are full of thy glory. Glory be to thee, O Lord most high. + Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord: Hosanna in the highest. Missa brevis – Matyas Seiber
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PRAYER OF CONSECRATION Celebrant
Kneel
Blessing and glory and thanksgiving be unto thee, almighty God, our heavenly Father, who of thy tender mercy didst give thine only Son Jesus Christ to take our nature upon him, and to suffer death upon the cross for our redemption; who made there, by his one oblation of himself once offered, a full, perfect, and sufficient sacrifice, oblation, and satisfaction, for the sins of the whole world; and did institute, and in his holy gospel command us to continue, a perpetual memorial of that his precious death, until his coming again. Hear us, O merciful Father, we most humbly beseech thee; and grant that we receiving these thy creatures of bread and wine, according to thy Son our Saviour Jesus Christ’s holy institution, in remembrance of his death and passion, may be partakers of his most blessed body and blood; who, in the same night that he was betrayed, took bread; and, when he had given thanks, he brake it; and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take, eat; this is my body which is given for you: Do this in remembrance of me.” + Likewise after supper he took the cup; and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, “Drink ye all, of this; for this is my blood of the new covenant, which is shed for you and for many for the remission of sins: Do this, as oft as ye shall drink it, in remembrance of me.” +
Allll
Celebrant
Allll 16 | HIGH MASS
Wherefore, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, we thy humble servants with all thy holy Church, remembering the precious death of thy beloved Son, his mighty resurrection, and glorious ascension, and looking for his coming again in glory, do make before thee, in this sacrament of the holy bread of eternal life and the cup of everlasting salvation, the memorial which he hath commanded. We praise thee, we bless thee, we thank thee and we pray to thee, Lord our God. And we entirely desire thy fatherly goodness mercifully to accept this our sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving, most humbly beseeching thee to grant, that by the merits and death of thy Son Jesus Christ, and through faith in his blood, we and all thy whole Church may obtain remission of our sins, and all other benefits of his passion; And we pray that by the power of thy Holy Spirit, all we who are partakers of this holy communion may be fulfilled with thy grace + and heavenly benediction; through Jesus Christ our Lord, by whom and with whom, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, all honour and glory be unto thee, O Father Almighty, world without end. Amen.
LORD’S PRAYER
Kneel
BREAKING OF THE BREAD
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All
We do not presume to come to this thy table, O merciful Lord, trusting in our own righteousness, but in thy manifold and great mercies. We are not worthy so much as to gather up the crumbs under thy table. But thou art the same Lord, whose property is always to have mercy: Grant us therefore, gracious Lord, so to eat the flesh of thy dear Son Jesus Christ, and to drink his blood, that we may evermore dwell in him, and he in us. Amen.
AGNUS DEI Agnus Dei, qui tollis peccata mundi: miserere nobis. Agnus Dei, qui tollis peccata mundi: miserere nobis Agnus Dei, qui tollis peccata mundi: dona nobis pacem.
Lamb of God, that takest away the sins of the world : have mercy upon us. Lamb of God, that takest away the sins of the world: have mercy upon us. Lamb of God, that takest away the sins of the world: grant us thy peace. Missa brevis – Matyas Seiber
All who are baptized and believe Christ present in this sacrament are invited to come forward for communion. Those who are unable to receive communion, or do not yet receive, are invited to come forward for a blessing. To indicate you wish a blessing, fold your arms rather than holding out your hand for the Sacrament. When coming forward to receive, please approach from the centre aisle only and follow the directions of the attendant standing at the head of the aisle. Please return to your seat via the side aisles. When you receive the Holy Bread please consume it immediately. It is no longer permissible to intinct the Holy Bread in the Holy Wine. You may choose not to receive the Holy Wine from the chalice at this time. If so, once you have received the Holy Bread please remain kneeling and fold your arms to indicate that you do not wish to receive from the chalice. MOTET The Lord is my shepherd; therefore can I lack nothing. He shall feed me in green pasture, and lead me forth beside the waters of comfort. He shall convert my soul and bring me forth in the paths of righteousness, for his Name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for thou art with me: thy rod and thy staff shall comfort me. Thou shalt prepare a table for me against them that trouble me: thou hast anointed my head with oil and my cup shall be full. But thy loving kindness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. The Lord is My Shepherd — John Rutter 18 | HIGH MASS
COMMUNION HYMN
Sit or kneel
300 Green Hymn Book (New English Hymnal) – O Food of Men Wayfaring
Concluding Rite PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION Celebrant All
The Lord be with you. And with thy spirit.
Celebrant
Let us pray. Father, through thy goodness we receive thy Son in word and sacrament. May we always have faith in him, Jesus Christ the Lord. Amen.
All
Stand
SOLEMN PRAYER OVER THE PEOPLE AND BLESSING Please wait for the Deacon to bid us to ‘bow down’ before kneeling.
Deacon
Bow down before the Lord.
Celebrant
All
Look down in mercy, Lord, on thy people who kneel before thee; and grant that those whom thou hast nourished by thy Word and Sacraments may bring forth fruit worthy of repentance; through Christ our Lord. Amen. Amen.
All
And the blessing of God almighty, the + Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit be amongst you and remain with you always. Amen.
Kneel
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Notices and announcements may be given.
Be Seated
THE BLESSING OF THE FLOWERS ON MOTHERING SUNDAY The Celebrant invites the children and all who would like to honour their mothers or carers with a flower to come forward. Celebrant All Celebrant All
Our help is in the name of the Lord. Who hath made heaven and earth. The Lord be with you. And with thy spirit.
Celebrant
Let us pray. Bless, O Lord, these flowers, and grant that as they are to be used to honour our earthly mothers, they may make us mindful of Our Lady and the Holy Catholic Church, the Mother of us all, through Jesus Christ our Lord, who with the Father and the Holy Spirit, liveth and reigneth, now and forever. Amen.
All
THE DISMISSAL
ANGELUS
Stand
(see facing page)
FINAL HYMN 505 Blue Hymn Book (Common Praise) – Be Thou My Vision POSTLUDE Prelude in E flat (BWV 552a) — J. S. Bach During the postlude you are encouraged to remain quietly in the nave, or to move to the Bishops’ Room to enjoy coffee hour conversation. 20 | HIGH MASS
ANGELUS
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The flowers on the High Altar are given
to the Glory of God and in loving memory of deceased members: Hannah Brookfield, Irene Clark, Josephine Cutler, Mary Davie, Gwladys Dunstan, Rita MacLean, Alison Marais, Lillian Morgan, Winifred Nahanee, Agnes Retter, Edna Smallman, and Betty Tickell by the Mothers’ Union.
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The Thurible RECTOR’S NOTES At the time of writing I am on retreat with the Benedictine community at Westminster Abbey, Mission, BC. During this week I have been preparing the Holy Week addresses. This is the first time – after fourteen years in holy orders – that I have had the opportunity to preach at such a time. At St. James’ I have deeply appreciated the experience of participating in the liturgy each day of Holy Week and making this pilgrim journey together with Jesus, aided by the reflections of a guest preacher. Thomas Traherne, Anglican priest (1637-1674), offers us nine images of the Cross of Christ in the short paragraph below. The seven addresses of Holy Week will take each image as a point of departure for us to contemplate the meaning of the Cross of Christ and its impact upon our lives. Each image will help us to look again at the witness of scripture, tradition, visual depictions of the Cross and our pastoral experience. The feedback I have received so far has been illuminating and helpful – thank you. It’s not too late to share your thoughts on these images of the Cross.
The Cross is the abyss of wonders, the centre of desires, the school of virtues, the house of wisdom, the throne of love, the theatre of joys, and the place of sorrows; It is the root of happiness, and the gate of Heaven. (Centuries of Meditation 1.58) How does this text help you pray and reflect on the Cross of Christ? How does it give you new insight into the mystery of the Cross, indeed the paschal mystery, and the response demanded of you? Please offer your input by email, phone, or on paper to the Office, or to me in person by April 2nd.
Inform. Inspire. Invite.
INSIDE:
Today at St. James’
Formation on Sunday Growing in the Knowledge of God
Your input is most welcome since it will help to strengthen our journey together during Holy Week. Fr. Mark Greenaway-Robbins The Centuries of Meditation can be read at http:// www.spiritofprayer.com/00introcenturies. php. Reliable information about Traherne can be read at http:// www.thomastraherneassociation.org.
Dido’s “Did You Know?” Resourcing Our Faith Liturgy
Opportunities to Serve Quote of this Week
Outreach to the World
Justice & Mercy Relationships &
Fellowships
Saints This Week
Daily Lectionary
Mass this Week
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TODAY AT ST. JAMES’ MORNING PRAYER 8:00 am in the Church
FORMATION ON SUNDAY FORMATION ON SUNDAY: TODAY Father Mark Greenaway-Robbins on Philokalia 9:30 am, Bishops’ Room
LOW MASS 8:30 am in the Church FORMATION SESSION 9:30 am in the Bishops’ Room ROSARY PRAYERS – THE SORROWFUL MYSTERIES 9:45 am in the Lady Chapel
HIGH MASS 10:30 am in the Church COFFEE HOUR 12:00 pm in the Parish Hall CONFIRMATION/RE-AFFIRMATION/RECEPTION 12:15 pm in the May Gutteridge Room SOLEMN EVENSONG AND BENEDICTION 4:00 pm in the Church
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The Philokalia is an anthology of texts from the Christian East which spans one thousand years of Christian prayer, reflection and practice. Since its publication in 1782 the Philokalia has initiated a renewal in the Church, which in our time continues to grow and to extend beyond the Christian Orthodox world. Although the texts were written by and for Orthodox monks, the Holy Spirit continues to speak and to work through this treasure of Christian wisdom to all who seek the beauty of Christ and the Kingdom of God. Every Christian who desires to cultivate their inner life with Christ (as a complement to the growth of our exterior life of service) need look no further. We will explore: heyschasm – the practice of stillness, the Jesus Prayer, God’s energy and essence, compunction and dispassion (time permitting). A feast awaits for all who are curious about cultivating their life in the Holy Spirit.
SPEAKING PERSONALLY . . . When did you last read the Philokalia? Among Western Christians, one most likely will get a blank look and a response, “the what?” Among Eastern Orthodox Christians the look is more likely to be one of bemusement. It’s the equivalent question to, “when did you last brush your teeth?” In my early twenties I attended a local English Orthodox Church near my home and got to know some of the parishioners. At university I became friends with a Russian Orthodox monk, who invited me to his monastery (large, with forty religious and mixed, with monks and nuns). I shall never forget the worship and their love of the Philokalia. As an outsider I could sense that here was a book which profoundly shaped and formed disciples of Christ. For me it was a whole new world. The intense ascetic Christianity practiced on Mount Athos had come to the whole Church through the Philokalia. My life had changed – forever. The riches of the transfigured Christ and the Holy Trinity had become for me truths to be lived. I give thanks to God for all the Orthodox Christians I have known and with whom I have worshipped for enlarging and mystifying my experience of God. FORMATION DURING LENT: CLASSIC DEVOTIONAL WORKS 6 April Fr. Matthew on Christopher Smart's Jubilate Agno
GROWING IN THE KNOWLEDGE OF GOD SESSIONS FOR CONFIRMATION / RE-AFFIRMATION / RECEPTION TODAY Sunday, March 30, 12:15 pm approx. after High Mass in the May Gutteridge Room All welcome. Come and explore what’s on offer. Ask Fr. Mark for more information.
DIDO’S “DID YOU KNOW?” After the Bible, the Philokalia is the next most beloved and influential book for Orthodox Christians. Philokalia is the Greek term for an anthology. “Philokalia” means love of the beautiful, the exalted and the excellent. It is a collection of spiritual and mystical texts by some 36 authors, dating from the 4th to the 15th century, all except one from the Christian East. And what do these 36 authors speak about? Many themes, but chiefly about inner prayer, about the quest for God in the secret kingdom of the heart, that kingdom of which Christ spoke when he said, “The Kingdom of God is within you.” The texts were collected with a view to helping the reader be purified, illuminated and perfected. The works in the Philokalia were written by and for those within the Orthodox monastic tradition. However, one of the compilers, St. Nikodimos, in the original introduction (1782) stresses that unceasing prayer can and should be practiced by everyone, provided the reader actively participates in the sacramental and liturgical life of the Church. So the texts of the Philokalia are guides to the practice of the contemplative life. The immediate influence of its publication led to a revival of monasticism in Russia. Through translations in the 20th century the Jesus Prayer (“Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me”) has grown in popularity well beyond the Orthodox world.
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RESOURCING OUR FAITH TOP TIPS FOR THE OBSERVANCE OF LENT 1) Remember the goal of our Lenten journey – participation in the paschal mystery. The aim of Lent is to prepare us for the celebration of the passion, death and resurrection of Christ – the paschal mystery. Lent is a time of repentance, metanoia, a change of heart and mind, which is conversion. 2) Now’s the time to book Holy Week in your schedule. Since Holy Week is the culmination of our Lenten observance, prepare now to attend as much of the liturgy as possible. Why would you not prioritize a date with Jesus? Make a commitment to attend the liturgies of Holy Week. Spill ink in your diary. Save those dates in your calendar.
desires require perseverance, prayer and patience. It is a season of grace when you can recommit to be in partnership with the grace of God. Suffering and joy are finely woven – be prepared for each. 6) Reconciliation is to be expected. Reconciliation is the fruit of God’s work of redemption. Examine your life before God. Confess your sin. Seek absolution. Make amends whenever possible. Live the resurrected-life of Christ. Meet Jesus Christ in scripture, in the sacrament of reconciliation and in silence. Meet Jesus Christ through practicing mercy. 7) Lent is not a private enterprise – we are in this together. Your sin diminishes the whole body of Christ. Your practice of mercy enriches the whole Church. Your conversion to Christ infuses all Christians with grace. Fr. Mark Greenaway-Robbins, Ash Wednesday, 2014. STATIONS OF THE CROSS ON FRIDAYS 12:45 pm Stations of the cross will be prayed on Fridays in Lent.
3) Be careful what you say about your practices. Keep your Lenten practices between you and God. Talk surrounding what you have given up and what you have taken up is often a cause of pride, competition and failure. Make your vow before God and share your practices with caution, only to seek spiritual guidance. 4) Give up sin. Take up the practice of mercy. Whatever you give up – all fasting and abstinence – has the ultimate purpose of equipping you to fast from sin. Don’t confuse the means with the end. Conversely, every practice you take up this Lent has one ultimate purpose – to enable you to practice mercy in all your relationships.
SERMON NOTES: Copies of recent sermons are available in the Narthex and online, at www.stjames.bc.ca.
5) Lent is hard (although grace-filled). God’s work of conversion is life-changing. The reorientation of your heart and mind, your body and
SERMONS ON VIDEO Don’t forget to check out videos of our sermons online, at www.stjames.bc.ca.
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LITURGY LENT, HOLY WEEK AND EASTER 2014 BROCHURE Wondering what’s happening at St. James’ during Lent and Holy Week? Pick up a copy of this brochure that provides all the events, dates, times, and details. Please take extra copies to give to others. Available in the Narthex and at: http:// tinyurl.com/lrtf63n MAUNDY THURSDAY ALL-NIGHT WATCH Following the Mass on Maundy Thursday, an allnight watch before the Altar of Repose in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel will commence, and continue until 9:00am Friday. The watch recalls the watch of the disciples with Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane on the night before his crucifixion. We would like a confirmed presence (including one male parishioner) for each one-hour time slot. If you can commit to a time, please write your name on the sign-up sheet in the Narthex.
OPPORTUNITIES TO SERVE HAPPY MOTHERING SUNDAY Today is known as Mothering Sunday and is the one day in Lent that we can relax our Lenten observances and celebrate motherhood. We have flowers on the High Altar, usually pink and purple, to complement the purple vestments. In the UK today is also Mothers’ Day and traditionally was the day when all those in service in the aristocratic houses, e.g. Downton Abbey, were allowed to go home to visit their families bearing a gift for their mothers. Sometimes it would be a basket of food from the House or a just bunch of violets gathered from the hedgerows.
EVENSONG IN PARTNERSHIP WITH OCULUS CHAMBER CHOIR Sunday, March 30 at 4:00 pm in the Church Please note: no 5:00 pm Evening Prayer is said on the last Sunday of the month when Evensong is offered at 4:00 pm.
The Mothers’ Union at St. James’ celebrates Mothering Sunday in the donation of the High Altar flowers, giving of carnations to mothers and the distribution of simnel cake to all parishioners. Simnel cake, another seasonal tradition, is a light fruit cake with a layer of marzipan (almond icing) in the centre. The top can be decorated with another layer of marzipan with twelve balls representing the twelve apostles, slivered almonds or a thin layer of white icing.
PREVIEW OF PASSION AND RESURRECTION Wednesday, April 2 at 7 pm in the Church Electra Women’s Choir and Chor Leoni Men’s Choir, with soprano Rachel Fenlon, will present a free preview of their upcoming co-production of Passion and Resurrection. This 30-minute preview will include works sung by each choir on its own, as well as combined selections.
Today also marks the end of our Make a Mother’s Day campaign. If you intended to purchase a gift for a global family but haven’t yet got around to it, the onepage catalogues are in the Narthex and I would be happy to receive your donations. In order to receive tax receipts, please make out cheques to Canadian Mothers’ Union. Celia Dodds
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EASTER FLOWER DEDICATIONS It is our custom that flower dedications at Easter go toward beautification of the whole church for our Easter celebrations instead of being directed toward specific altars. Please contact the Church Office by 9 am on Monday, April 7th with your dedications to ensure that they will be included in the Easter bulletins, being printed that same day. Email office@stjames.bc.ca or call 604-685-2532. SOUP SALE NEXT SUNDAY Soup Sale on Sunday, April 6. Please see Mary Brown in the Bishops’ Room after High Mass to make your purchases.
PALM CROSS MAKING Friday, April 11, at 9:30 am in the Bishops’ Room Help is welcome and instructions will be given, so no experience is necessary. You are cordially invited to this event and to the fellowship of the Women’s Guild. Tea will be served. (We suggest you bring your own scissors.) Thank you, Mary-Ann Currie
Please take this booklet away with you to aid in your own reflection, prayers, and for your information.
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QUOTE OF THIS WEEK The work (the Philokalia) as a whole is to be seen as a spiritual ‘time bomb,’ whose chief influence has come, not at the moment of its first publication towards the end of the eighteenth century, but two hundred years later. Metropolitan Kallistos Ware http://www.oxfordscholarship.com/view/10.1093/ acprof:oso/9780195390261.001.0001/acprof9780195390261
OUTREACH TO THE WORLD PROGRAMS IN EARTH LITERACIES: WORKSHOP Saturday, April 12, 2014, 9:30 am – 3:30 pm St. Philip’s Anglican Church 3737 W. 27th Ave. Vancouver Cost: $60.00. Registration: earthliteracies@gmail.com Tel: 250 220 4601 / 604 272 4779 This workshop is based on Pauline Le Bel’s recent book, Becoming Intimate with the Earth. She speaks poignantly of this time we are living, “We have a new sacred narrative for the world – a scientific cosmology that redefines the role of humans and offers hope in these challenging times.” With wisdom, wit, and poetry, she will guide workshop participants through the Ways of Intimacy described in her book: Wonder, Emptiness, Imagining, Transformation, and Community. Opportunities for group interaction and storytelling, Intimacy Practices, Pauline’s Earth-honouring songs lead participants to see how our isolation and separation from the natural world keep us from being intimately connected to everything in the
Universe and to the Divine who lives as Love at the heart of all. Please bring your lunch. Refreshments included.
JUSTICE & MERCY FILM SCREENING: MIGRANT WORKERS JUSTICE Sunday, April 6th, 2014, 6 p.m. Our Lady of Sorrows Church Hall 555 Slocan St. Vancouver You are invited to a one-hour documentary The End of Immigration? Filmed in collaboration with community groups, unions and advocates across Canada and internationally, this film takes the pulse of a movement challenging the system that turns workers into global commodities. Known traditionally as a land of immigrants, Canada is recruiting more Temporary Foreign Workers than ever before, a process that could spell the end of immigration as we know it in Canada. This is a fund raising event for the ongoing support of migrant workers. Donations gratefully received by the Coalition for Migrant Workers Justice Committee.
RELATIONSHIPS & FELLOWSHIPS READING OF AUDEN’S HORAE CANONICAE April 18th, 7:30 pm Chapel of the Epiphany 2030 Chancellor Boulevard, UBC Come hear a meditative reading of W. H. Auden’s masterpiece Horae Canonicae with intervals of silence and instrumental music. Auden wrote this great religious verse, the Horae Canonicae (The Canonical Hours) over the period 1949-1955, as a series of seven short reflections on the meaning of Christ in human history.
Receive The Thurible every Saturday in an email! Subscribe by visiting www.stjames.bc.ca, on the home page click “Sign up for our Email Newsletter,” add your email address. It’s a great way to keep connected with the latest news and events – specially for those who cannot attend Mass every Sunday.
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SAINTS THIS WEEK John Donne Priest and Poet, 1631 March 31 John Donne is numbered among the great poets of the English Renaissance, but we remember him today chiefly as someone who learned the deeper poetry of God’s grace and gave it voice both in his verse and through his ministry as priest and preacher. Born into a prominent Roman Catholic family in 1572, he passed through a period of scepticism about all religion before he conformed to the Church of England. Gifted with high spirits and a brilliant mind, he looked forward to a great career in service to the Crown. But his secret marriage in 1601 to the niece of a powerful politician caused scandal, and for several years he struggled to support his wife and growing family. In the year 1615, as the best hope in a bad situation, he accepted ordination as a priest of the Church of England. Seven years later Donne became Dean of St Paul’s Cathedral in London, where he remained until his death in 1631. He slowly learned that the priesthood was indeed his true vocation, and his original half-hearted resignation to the office was changed into a wholehearted embrace of the crucified Christ who had embraced him. This selfdiscovery showed in his preaching, which drew great throngs to St Paul’s, and even after three centuries his sermons still have power to move the heart. They reflect his wide learning as a scholar, his passionate intensity as a poet — and above all, the profound devotion of someone who struggled to relate the word of God’s grace to all the sorrows and joys of human life. Slightly adapted from For All the Saints, Prayers and Readings for Saints’ Days, ABC, 1994 To watch Paul Stanwood deliver Donne’s Second Preband Sermon go to: http://tinyurl.com/oxdz53t
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SAINTS THIS WEEK Emily Ayckbowm Foundress of the Community of the Sisters of the Church, 1870 April 5 Mother Emily Ayckbowm founded the Community of the Sisters of the Church (CSC) in 1870 to proclaim the Love of God to the People of God. She was a pioneer who challenged Victorian Society for the sake of all who were seen as marginal. She offered dignity as well as practical help, and was a controversial figure in her day for doing so. Under the patronage of St. Michael and the angels, the CSC are reminded that their calling is both to prayer and active ministry, giving witness to God’s concern for the whole human life, women, men and children, and the reconciliation and redemption of all God's creation. The CSC are a Religious community for women in full communion with the Anglican Church, with a Mother House at Ham Common, Richmond, in England. Women in Canada, England, Australia and the Solomon Islands bring the richness of their different cultures when they unite to form CSC. The Community has pioneered work in Christian education, child care, social welfare and mission work. In Canada today, Mother Emily’s vision is lived out in St. Michael’s House in Oakville, [Ontario] where the Sisters of the Church blend contemplation and action in their lives of individual and corporate prayer and by their ministries of hospitality, education, retreats, spiritual direction and pastoral counselling. http://www.anglican.ca/faith/files/2010/10/Propers-Mother-EmilyAyckbowm.pdf
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CLERGY
PARISH STAFF
Rector: Father Mark Greenaway-Robbins rector@stjames.bc.ca / 778-316-7941 Days off: Friday & Saturday
Office Managers: Linda Adams: Mon – Wed, 9:00 am-4:00 pm Deanna Ferguson: Thu – Sat, 9:00 am-4:00 pm
Deacon: Mother Joyce Locht joyce.locht@gmail.com
Street Outreach: Father Matthew Johnson streetoutreachinitiative@gmail.com
Custodial Staff: Art Cuthbertson: Mon-Thu, 9:00 am-2:00 pm 604-329-7567 Darren Campbell: Sat, 7:00 am-1:00 pm, Sun, 7-10 am
604-685-7522 (non-emergency #) Days off: Monday & Saturday Honorary Assistants: Mother Alexis Saunders, Priest Sister Mary Christian Cross, Deacon
Organist & Choirmaster: Gerald Harder Assistant Organist: Bruce McKenzie
CLERGY AVAILABILITY
PARISH OFFICERS
Clergy may be contacted through the Office: 604-685-2532 For immediate contact or within a few hours please contact the Rector on his cell phone at: Father Mark Greenaway-Robbins: 778-316-7941 You may need to leave a message if we are engaged in a pastoral matter and we will promptly return urgent calls. We seek to be available to all in any circumstances and encourage you to contact us and request an opportunity for a pastoral appointment. For pastoral care and support you may also contact our Pastoral Care Ministry Coordinator: joyce.locht@gmail.com | Joyce Locht 604-614-9915
Rector’s Warden: Brian Rocksborough-Smith 604-291-9852 wardens@stjames.bc.ca People’s Warden: Reece Wrightman 604-872-4129 wardens@stjames.bc.ca Associate Warden: Betty Carlson 604-522-4412 wardens@stjames.bc.ca Trustee: Leslie Arnovick Trustee: Graham Murchie Trustee: Pat McSherry Treasurer: Rhodri Windsor-Liscombe Envelope Secretary: Philip Green Parish Privacy Officer & Vestry Clerk: Linda Adams Archivist: Paul Stanwood PARISH COUNCIL Chair: Jenny Scott Secretary: Tracy Russell
Diocese of New Westminster Anglican Church of Canada 303 East Cordova Street, Vancouver, BC, V6A 1L4 T: 604-685-2532 | Fax: 604-685-7605 E: office@stjames.bc.ca | Web: www.stjames.bc.ca Parish Office hours: Mon-Sat 9:00 am-4:00pm