All Saints'

for all ages, for all times, for everyone. See yourself here.

  • All Saints'
  • Event Details & Resources
  • Upcoming Services
  • First Visit?
  • On Sundays
  • Life at All Saints’
    • Life Events
    • Children & Youth
    • Community
    • Learning
    • Music
    • Our Ministry Team and Staff
    • Our Building’s History
  • News & Events
    • Latest News
    • Prayer Life
    • Calendar
  • Donate
  • Contact

March 16, 2023

Deacon Gary’s Thought and Prayer

Thursday, March 16

This week I have been thinking about a convergence – that is seeing two or more ideas or things coming together – as I prepared this week’s Thought and Prayer for the Day for Thursday, March 16th. One stream relates to a reading from the Old Testament and the other a passage from one of my favourite Canadian authors – Louise Penny. And I may need your help with one aspect of this possible union.

The March 16th Old Testament reading for the Evening Prayer service is Psalm 86. As some of you know, I am still a neophyte in Old Testament scholarship. Being a neophyte in this instance can expose oneself to head scratching, but also to moments of wonder and joy. It is the latter case with this psalm entitled A Prayer of David.

This Scripture passage is about a desire for God as one’s helper. Its opening verse states this quite plainly “Incline your ear, O LORD, and answer me for I am poor and needy.” But it then boldly declares the psalmist’s full devotion and trust saying “You are my God, …. In my day of trouble, I call to you for you will answer me.”  It is also about asking, particularly for guidance and strength of character, “Teach me your way, O Lord, that I may walk in your truth, give me an undivided heart to revere your name.” There is also an element of thanks and commitment as one moves through the verses, “I give thanks to you, O Lord my God, with my whole heart and I will glorify your name forever.”

It has been said that in the Book of Psalms, the term “heart” never refers to a physical organ, but rather to several other dimensions of our humanity – the self, or the spirit, or the mind, or the soul. These parts of who we are, while less tangible than a beating heart, are indeed at the locus or centre of our decision making and discernment capacities. In thinking about all of this during the week, I have found one point of the convergence I will now turn to.

Louise Penny is a wonderful storyteller, and I am a particular fan of her Chief Inspector Gamache detective series. Presently, I am re-reading this series and yesterday I came across a wonderful passage in her book, Bury your Dead. Gamache recalls, from early on in his police career, being told by his mentor four sentences that lead to wisdom.
I am sorry. I was wrong. I need help. I don’t know.

These twelve words in but four simple sentences have held my interest this week as I consider how one can guide one’s behaviour in daily encounters with those whom we love and others we encounter by chance. Gamache uses these four sentences in Penny’s novels, as he trains and develops new recruits to be part of his detective team, remembering that each sentence is part of one’s path to wisdom. Each elicits a sense of personal vulnerability, particularly in Western culture, in the journey towards wisdom. Yet, that should not discourage us from its pursuit. Here comes the second point of convergence. Is there also a connection – a point of convergence -between the content in Psalm 86 and the path to wisdom as set out by Penny’s character? I think there might be, but I am looking for your help.

The Oxford Dictionary defines wisdom as the ability to make sensible decisions and give good advice because of the experience and knowledge that you have. Given this definition, might there be a fifth short sentence, starting with the pronoun “I” that encompasses one’s sense of faithfulness, our Christian beliefs or our relationship to our Creator that is also part of the path that leads to wisdom? I think there might indeed be an additional pearl of wisdom that we could add in relation to all the wonderful elements seen in Psalm 86. Play with this idea and let me know your thoughts.
 
Prayer
Gladden the soul of your servant,
for you, O Lord, are good and forgiving,
abounding in steadfast love to all
who call upon you.
Give ear, O LORD, to my prayer;
listen for my plea for grace.

Amen.

Psalm 86, v. 4-6, The Book of Psalms, (ESV)

Filed Under: Uncategorised Written by Arleane Ralph

Featured Events and Services

Comments Box SVG iconsUsed for the like, share, comment, and reaction icons

MOVIE NIGHT AT ALL SAINTS

MOVIE NIGHT AT ALL SAINTS

Mar 24, 7:00pm - Mar 24, 9:00pm

All Saints', Whitby300 Dundas St. WestWhitby, ONL1N 2M5 Map

Join others from the church to watch the film "I Can only imagine". A Christian movie about redemption, forgiveness, transformation.

Popcorn will be provided.

Speak to Deacon Joanne if you have any questions.

2 interested  ·  2 going
View on Facebook

·Share

Share on Facebook Join others from the...Share on Twitter Join others from the...Share on Linked In Join others from the...Share by Email Join others from the...
Confirmation Classes

Confirmation Classes

Mar 25, 9:30am - Mar 25, 11:00am+5Apr 1, 9:30am - Apr 1, 11:00amApr 8, 9:30am - Apr 8, 11:00amApr 15, 9:30am - Apr 15, 11:00amApr 22, 9:30am - Apr 22, 11:00amApr 29, 9:30am - Apr 29, 11:00am

All Saints', Whitby300 Dundas St. WestWhitby, ONL1N 2M5 Map

If you are looking to grow deeper in your faith this year think about coming and joining our 7 week Adult confirmation class, Saturday mornings from 9:30-11am March 11th to April 29th (no class April 8th), where we will be exploring what it means to be Christian. Those who desire confirmation will be joining others at the Cathedral confirmation service May 7th; others can use this occasion to reaffirm their faith.... See MoreSee Less

1 interested
View on Facebook

·Share

Share on Facebook If you are looking ...Share on Twitter If you are looking ...Share on Linked In If you are looking ...Share by Email If you are looking ...
Making Palm Crosses

Making Palm Crosses

Mar 31, 2:00pm

All Saints', Whitby300 Dundas St. WestWhitby, ONL1N 2M5 Map

The Chancel Guild invites you to help with making palm crosses on Friday, March 31 at 2PM in the parish hall No experience is required, just a willingness to participate. Instructions are provided. The more the merrier. Thank you

4 interested  ·  1 going
View on Facebook

·Share

Share on Facebook The Chancel Guild ...Share on Twitter The Chancel Guild ...Share on Linked In The Chancel Guild ...Share by Email The Chancel Guild ...
Palm Sunday

Palm Sunday

Apr 2, 8:00am

All Saints', Whitby300 Dundas St. WestWhitby, ONL1N 2M5 Map

Spoken Service of Holy Communion

1 interested  ·  1 going
View on Facebook

·Share

Share on Facebook Spoken Service of ...Share on Twitter Spoken Service of ...Share on Linked In Spoken Service of ...Share by Email Spoken Service of ...
Palm Sunday Service - Family Service

Palm Sunday Service - Family Service

Apr 2, 9:30am

All Saints', Whitby300 Dundas St. WestWhitby, ONL1N 2M5 Map

Family Service focused on Jesus' Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem and Passion

2 interested  ·  3 going
View on Facebook

·Share

Share on Facebook Family Service ...Share on Twitter Family Service ...Share on Linked In Family Service ...Share by Email Family Service ...
Palm Sunday - Choral Service - in person and via zoom

Palm Sunday - Choral Service - in person and via zoom

Apr 2, 11:00am

All Saints', Whitby300 Dundas St. WestWhitby, ONL1N 2M5 Map

Choral Service with Palm and Passion featuring the Biblical Storytellers.

Also available via zoom, allsaintswhitby.org

1 going
View on Facebook

·Share

Share on Facebook Choral Service with ...Share on Twitter Choral Service with ...Share on Linked In Choral Service with ...Share by Email Choral Service with ...
Holy Tuesday - Stations of the Cross

Holy Tuesday - Stations of the Cross

Apr 4, 7:00pm

All Saints', Whitby300 Dundas St. WestWhitby, ONL1N 2M5 Map

Meditative Stations of the Cross

2 going
View on Facebook

·Share

Share on Facebook Meditative Stations ...Share on Twitter Meditative Stations ...Share on Linked In Meditative Stations ...Share by Email Meditative Stations ...
Maundy Thursday

Maundy Thursday

Apr 6, 7:00pm

All Saints', Whitby300 Dundas St. WestWhitby, ONL1N 2M5 Map

Sung Choral service celebrating the Last Supper. Also available on Zoom.

allsaintswhitby.org

1 going
View on Facebook

·Share

Share on Facebook Sung Choral service ...Share on Twitter Sung Choral service ...Share on Linked In Sung Choral service ...Share by Email Sung Choral service ...
Good Friday

Good Friday

Apr 7, 10:00am

All Saints', Whitby300 Dundas St. WestWhitby, ONL1N 2M5 Map

A solem service meditating on Jesus' Crucification.

Children will participate in their own Stations of the Cross program.

1 interested  ·  1 going
View on Facebook

·Share

Share on Facebook A solem service ...Share on Twitter A solem service ...Share on Linked In A solem service ...Share by Email A solem service ...
Easter Sunday Service - Book of Common Prayer Service

Easter Sunday Service - Book of Common Prayer Service

Apr 9, 8:00am

All Saints', Whitby300 Dundas St. WestWhitby, ONL1N 2M5 Map

A festive, joyous day as we celebrate the Resurrection of our Lord.
Spoken Service.

1 interested  ·  1 going
View on Facebook

·Share

Share on Facebook A festive, joyous ...Share on Twitter A festive, joyous ...Share on Linked In A festive, joyous ...Share by Email A festive, joyous ...
East Sunday - Contemporary Family Service

East Sunday - Contemporary Family Service

Apr 9, 9:30am

All Saints', Whitby300 Dundas St. WestWhitby, ONL1N 2M5 Map

A festive, joyous day as we celebrate the Resurrection of our Lord.

1 going
View on Facebook

·Share

Share on Facebook A festive, joyous ...Share on Twitter A festive, joyous ...Share on Linked In A festive, joyous ...Share by Email A festive, joyous ...
Easter Sunday - Choral Service

Easter Sunday - Choral Service

Apr 9, 11:00am

All Saints', Whitby300 Dundas St. WestWhitby, ONL1N 2M5 Map

A festive, joyous day as we celebrate the Resurrection of our Lord!

Also...broadcast virtually. allsaintswhitby.org

1 going
View on Facebook

·Share

Share on Facebook A festive, joyous ...Share on Twitter A festive, joyous ...Share on Linked In A festive, joyous ...Share by Email A festive, joyous ...
AWARE 2023

AWARE 2023

May 5, 10:00am - May 7, 1:00pm

Elim Lodge696 Elim Lodge RdBuckhorn, ONK0L 1J0 Map

This year’s Anglican Women’s Conference will be in person on May 5-7 at the rustic and Christian conference centre of Elim Lodge on Pigeon Lake. This weekend offers an excellent speaker, small group discussions, a music team, prayer, workshops, delicious meals – all within the grounds of Elim. Relaxation and Christian growth is offered to all.

Information pamphlet and registration form are available in the breezeway and on the table by the baptismal font.

Visit the AWARE website

A. All Women
W. Women -By God’s design
A. Alive -In Jesus Christ
R. Renewed –In the Holy Spirit
E. Enriched -For Service
AWARE is a retreat for women of all denominations and ages. It is a weekend of spiritual refreshment and challenge. It is a weekend that includes an excellent speaker, small group discussions, worshipful music, fun and fellowship, or the blissful solitude of sitting beside the lake and listening to the loons.... See MoreSee Less

1 going
View on Facebook

·Share

Share on Facebook This year’s ...Share on Twitter This year’s ...Share on Linked In This year’s ...Share by Email This year’s ...


Load more

View the full Calendar

Visit Us

All Saints’ Anglican Church
300 Dundas Street West
Whitby, Ontario
L1N 2M5
Canada

 

  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • Facebook

Regular Sunday Services

8:00 a.m.
Quiet and Contemplative
Communion Service

9:30 a.m.
Shorter Contemporary Seeker-Oriented
Communion Service

11:00 a.m.
Classic Anglican Communion Service
with Choral Music
(also joinable by Zoom)

See Upcoming Services for more information

Donate Online

Office Hours:

Tuesday to Friday:
9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Tel: (905) 668-5101
allsaintswhitby@nullbellnet.ca

All Saints’ is a 2SLGBTQQIA+ affirming parish.

 

Copyright © 2023 · Website lovingly built by Carlén Communications

Copyright © 2023 · All Saints, Whitby on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in