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The church building remains closed to the public.
Church Office is staffed Wednesdays & Thursdays, 9am-1pm.
The Deacon’s Cupboard (food bank) is open Tuesdays & Fridays, 10am-1pm.
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Week of Prayer for Christian Unity

Processional Hymn: “When Morning Gilds the Skies” (vs. 1, 4 & 6) #2
When morning gilds the skies,
my heart, awaking, cries:
“May Jesus Christ be praised!”
Alike at work and prayer to Jesus I repair:
“May Jesus Christ be praised!”

To God, the Word, on high,
the hosts of angels cry:
“May Jesus Christ be praised!”
Let mortals, too, upraise
their voice in hymns of praise:
“May Jesus Christ be praised!”

Be this, while life is mine,
my canticle divine:
may Jesus Christ be praised!
Be this the eternal song
through all the ages on:
may Jesus Christ be praised!

Greeting
Celebrant: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you all.
People: And also with you.

Welcome

Glory to God (cantor)
Glory to God in the highest, and peace to his people on earth.
Lord God, heavenly king, almighty God and Father,
we worship you, we give you thanks, we praise you for your glory.

Lord Jesus Christ, only Son of the Father,
Lord God, Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world:
have mercy on us; you are seated at the right hand of the Father: receive our prayer.

For you alone are the Holy One, you alone are the Lord,
you alone are the Most High, Jesus Christ, with the Holy Spirit,
in the glory of God the Father. Amen.

Collect
Celebrant: Almighty God, by grace alone you call us and accept us in your service. Strengthen us by your Spirit, and make us worthy of your call; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen

A Reading from the Book of  Nehemiah (Chapter 8: 1-3, 5-6, 8-10)
All the people gathered together into the square before the Water Gate. They told the scribe Ezra to bring the book of the law of Moses, which the Lord had given to Israel. Accordingly, the priest Ezra brought the law before the assembly, both men and women and all who could hear with understanding. This was on the first day of the seventh month.

He read from it facing the square before the Water Gate from early morning until midday, in the presence of the men and the women and those who could understand; and the ears of all the people were attentive to the book of the law. And Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people, for he was standing above all the people; and when he opened it, all the people stood up.

Then Ezra blessed the Lord, the great God, and all the people answered, “Amen, Amen,” lifting up their hands. Then they bowed their heads and worshipped the Lord with their faces to the ground. So they read from the book, from the law of God, with interpretation. They gave the sense, so that the people understood the reading.

And Nehemiah, who was the governor, and Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who taught the people said to all the people, “This day is holy to the Lord your God; do not mourn or weep.” For all the people wept when they heard the words of the law. Then he said to them, “Go your way, eat the fat and drink sweet wine and send portions of them to those for whom nothing is prepared, for this day is holy to our Lord; and do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”

Reader:  The Word of the Lord
People: Thanks be to God.

Psalm 19
Reader: The heavens declare the glory of God, and the firmament shows his
handiwork. One day tells its tale to another, and one night imparts knowledge to another.
Response: The words of the Lord are spirit and life.

Reader: Although they have no words or language, and their voices are not heard, their sound has gone out into all lands, and their message to the ends of the world.
Response: The words of the Lord are spirit and life.

Reader: In the deep has he set a pavilion for the sun; it comes forth like a bridegroom out of his chamber; it rejoices like a champion to run its course. It goes forth from the uttermost edge of the heavens and runs about to the end of it again; nothing is hidden from its burning heat.
Response: The words of the Lord are spirit and life.

Reader: The law of the Lord is perfect and revives the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure and gives wisdom to the innocent. The statutes of the Lord are just and rejoice the heart; the commandment of the Lord is clear and gives light to the eyes.
Response: The words of the Lord are spirit and life.

Reader: The fear of the Lord is clean and endures for ever; the judgements of the Lord are true and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, more than much fine gold, sweeter far than honey, than honey in the comb.
Response: The words of the Lord are spirit and life.

Reader: By them also is your servant enlightened, and in keeping them there is great reward. Who can tell how often he offends? cleanse me from my secret faults.
Response: The words of the Lord are spirit and life.

Reader: Above all, keep your servant from presumptuous sins; let them not get dominion over me; then shall I be whole and sound, and innocent of a great offense. Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my strength and my redeemer.
Response: The words of the Lord are spirit and life.

Gradual: Alleluia (vs. 1) #715
Alleluia, alleluia!
Alleluia, alleluia!

(cantor only)
The Word of the Lord lasts forever.
What is the Word that is living?
It is brought to us through his Son Jesus Christ.

Alleluia, alleluia!
Alleluia, alleluia!

The Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ
Deacon: The Lord be with you
People: And also with you.
Deacon: The Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Luke
People: Glory to you, Lord Jesus Christ.

Then Jesus, filled with the power of the Spirit, returned to Galilee, and a report about him spread through all the surrounding country. He began to teach in their synagogues and was praised by everyone. When he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, he went to the synagogue on the sabbath day, as was his custom. He stood up to read, and the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was given to him. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where it was written: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour.” And he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant, and sat down. The eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on him. Then he began to say to them, “Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.” (Luke 4: 14-21)

Deacon: The Gospel of Christ.
People: Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.

Gradual: Alleluia (vs. 3) #715
Alleluia, alleluia!
Alleluia, alleluia!

(cantor only)
The Word of the Lord is alive,
the word of God is active–
it can judge our thoughts,
bring us closer to the father.

Alleluia, alleluia!
Alleluia, alleluia!

Sermon

The Apostles’ Creed
Celebrant: Let us confess the faith of our baptism, as we say,
All: I believe in God,
the Father almighty,
creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord.
He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit
and born of the Virgin Mary.
He suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried.
He descended to the dead.
On the third day he rose again.
He ascended into heaven,
and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again
to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic Church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting. Amen.

The Prayers of the People
Leader: Loving God,
Response: hear and help us.

Confession and Absolution
Celebrant: Dear friends in Christ, God is steadfast in love and infinite in mercy; he welcomes sinners and invites them to his table. Let us confess our sins, confident in God’s forgiveness.

Silence is kept.

Celebrant: Most merciful God,
All: we confess that we have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed, by what we have done,  and by what we have left undone. We have not loved you with our whole heart; we have not loved our neighbours as ourselves. We are truly sorry and we humbly repent. For the sake of your Son Jesus Christ, have mercy on us and forgive us, that we may delight in your will, and walk in your ways, to the glory of your name. Amen.

Celebrant: Almighty God have mercy upon you, pardon and deliver you from all your sins, confirm and strengthen you in all goodness, and keep you in eternal life; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
All: Amen.

The Peace
Celebrant: The peace of the Lord be always with you.
People: And also with you.

Announcements (click on individual items for more detail)

• • • Prayer Prompts Workshop 
    • Sunday School Resources
    • Annual Vestry Meeting, Feb 27 (reports due January 23)
    • All Saints and Bill C-4

Offertory
The church relies on donations for its ministry work. Right now you can text the word “give” to 1-844-416-1270 to help contribute to the life of the parish. Or please consider donating through Canada Helps or sending a request to become a pre-authorized giver.

Offertory Hymn: “The Church of Christ in Every Age” (vs. 1, 3 & 5) #584
The Church of Christ in every age
Beset by change but Spirit led,
Must claim and test its heritage
And keep on rising from the dead.

Then let the servant Church arise,
A caring Church that longs to be
A partner in Christ’s sacrifice,
And clothed in Christ’s humanity.

We have no mission but to serve
In full obedience to our Lord:
To care for all, without reserve,
And to spread his liberating Word.

Prayers
Loving God, before the world began you called us. Make holy all we offer you this day, and strengthen us in that calling. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ the Lord. Amen

The Lord’s Prayer
Celebrant: And now, as our Saviour Christ has taught us, we are bold to say,
All: Our Father, who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name,
thy kingdom come, thy will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom,
the power, and the glory,
for ever and ever. Amen.

God of freedom, you break the seals and let the Spirit flow: make us impatient to greet the time fulfilled the poor lifted up, the oppressed set free and your love made manifest in Jesus Christ, the anointed servant. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ the Lord. Amen.

The Doxology
Celebrant: Glory to God,
All: whose power, working in us, can do infinitely more than we can ask or imagine. Glory to God from generation to generation, in the Church and in Christ Jesus, for ever and ever. Amen.

The Blessing
The Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the living God, teach you to walk in his way more trustfully, to accept his truth more faithfully, and to share his life more lovingly; and the blessing of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit be with you and remain with you now and forevermore. Amen

Hymn: “In Christ There Is No East or West” (vs. 1, 2 & 4) #48
In Christ there is no east or west,
in Christ no south or north,
but one great fellowship of love
throughout the whole wide earth.

In Christ shall true hearts ev’rywhere
their high communion find,
whose service is the golden cord
close-binding humankind.

In Christ now meet both east and west,
in Christ meet south and north.
All faithful souls are joined as one
throughout the whole wide earth.

The Dismissal
Deacon: Go in peace to love and serve the Lord.
People: Thanks be to God.

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Those Assisting with Today’s Service

Celebrant: The Rev. Geoff Lloyd
Preacher: The Rev. Dr. Gary Gannon
Crucifer: Doug Smith
Voice of the Congregation: Eleanor Stevenson
Deacon: The Rev. Joanne Warman
Organist: Adriaan Bakker
Cantor: Jody Ristow
Prayers of the People: Gail Holland
Reader: Greg Carter
Psalmist: Eleanor Stevenson
Bell Ringer: Jacky Bramma
Digital Vergers: Arleane Ralph, Jeff Schrader

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A memorial donation has been made by Jennifer and Iain Dewar,
to the glory of God, in memory of loved ones.

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All Saints acknowledges being on the traditional territories of the Mississaugas of Scugog Island,
the Iroquoian-speaking Wendat, and the 1923 Williams Treaties First Nations.

All Saints’ is a LGBTQ2SI+ affirming parish.

Thursday, January 20

In this season of Epiphany we have asked members of our congregation to share stories of their own journeys of faith and the Epiphany moments that have inspired them and drawn them deeper into a relationship with God.

“I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.” John 6:35

Jesus said if we believe in him and follow him, we will never be hungry or thirsty. That sounds good. None of us like the idea of being hungry or thirsty at any time in our lives. As Christians we know the forces of evil continue across our lives. Jesus’s words to us are promises of a better life if we believe. The more we feed on him the less we will be hungry or thirsty.

I thank my mother who lived a Christian life for giving me the start on my journey as a Christian. Going to church does not make a person a Christian, it is how you live your life.  My mother taught me that.

She was a loving kind person who worked hard to provide for her children and to share with other children in the community when we lived back in Jamaica.  It was not an easy journey.

“My mother is the most beautiful woman in the world” are words from a scene on Sesame Street. A young boy was searching for his mother, describing her as the most beautiful woman in the world. When the mother was revealed she was a poor humble woman hardly to be described as “beautiful”. How many of us have looked at the appearance of individuals to pass judgment?

Beauty comes from within and as Christians it is to be shone out to the world. The words of a Sunday School chorus “Let the Beauty of Jesus be seen in me….” is how I try to live my life.  This beauty is to be seen from the things we do and the words we express to others. I try every day to let the beauty of Jesus be seen in me.

One day at the hairdresser a young man asked me if I am a Christian. I was surprised at the question and with a smile I said yes. I asked why and his response was surprising. He said he could see that I was a calm and nice person. It was a shocking response. I believe he saw the Beauty of Jesus in me. Not everyone who is a Christian always shows it – but we can help bring it out in others by our love.

I am reminded of an incident involving a neighbour who was locked in her house shouting and screaming like a crazy person. My mother walked up to the window and began speaking with her calmly. Mummy bravely reached for her hand and began praying with her. She calmed down and then my mother told me to accompany her to Bellevue Hospital where she was admitted. 

Jesus’s words to his disciples to “Love God with all your heart mind body and soul” and “Love your neighbor as yourself”filled my heart. I saw the act of my mother loving her neighbour and it imprinted itself on me.  

My mother is 91 years and now living with Alzheimer’s Disease in a nursing home. I miss spending time with her. She is now in a palliative condition. With the pandemic, it is a joy for us to have Face time meetings each week to see her to express our love and to read a prayer. I miss her very much.

I am also now on a personal journey living with MS since 2016 and know if mummy was not in her condition she would be helping me along on this journey. I find strength in the words of Jesus as I feed on him when I am hungry and thirsty. I want my brothers and sisters in Christ to know that despite what we are going through we have to remain faithful in our Lord Jesus Christ who is the Light of the World.

PRAYER:
Heavenly Father, we give you praise and thanks always for every day of life. When there are lonely days we can call upon you for strength and guidance through our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen. 

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