So God allows Satan to rip Job’s wealth and health from him, just as COVID-19 has done to so many, not because of his unrighteousness but because of his righteousness. The book’s answer, therefore, to the question on all of our minds right now, “Will I be protected from suffering?” is a resounding, “I wouldn’t count on it.” As Jesus declares, “In this world you will have trouble” (John 16:33, NIV).
– from “How the Book of Job Answers the Questions Raised by the Coronavirus” by Will Kynes, Associate Professor of Biblical & Religious Studies, Samford University

How can we understand the presence of troubles and suffering in this world?

Take part in a five-week Bible Study series on the book of Job, starting in the first week of October. Come and ask and explore –alongside Job — the difficult question of  why God allows suffering in the world.

Options include:

• Wednesday via Zoom @7:30pm  click here to zoom to the Bible Study
• Thursdays in person @ 11:00am-12:00pm
• Thursday in person @ 1:00pm-2:00pm

Registration is required for in-person session. Please call or e-mail Deacon Joanne at 905-668-5101 ext. 25

 

Starting on October 5th, All Saints’ will open its worship space on Tuesdays from 12 – 1 PM to members of the congregation and the wider community who seek a time of peace, quiet and contemplation. Those entering the building will be required to wear a mask and provide one of the volunteers on duty with contact tracing information as called for by local public health authorities. 

Thought of the Day by Keith Wager
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

Ya’at eeh, brothers and sisters. (Dene language (Navajo) – Hello)

As the National Day of Reconciliation (formerly Orange Shirt Day) approaches I find myself experiencing a multitude of emotions.
Great sadness at the thought of so many children torn from their homes, with many never heard from again. Ire at the thought of more than 3000 missing or murdered Indigenous women and girls.  Anger that so much was ignored for so long. But also I mourn cultures that have died, languages forgotten.

Jesus told us that when we do something for someone else we do it for Him as well. The Indigenous people of Turtle Island shared with the newcomers. They provided food to keep them from starving, they showed new crops to cultivate, they taught which plants provided food and which were not safe. They shared their knowledge of medicinal plants (we learned how the Algonquin saved Champlain and his settlement from scurvy). They shared their knowledge of the land and provided new methods of transportation such as the canoe, toboggan, and snow shoe. They served as guides and interpreters when needed. Most of all they offered to share (not cede) their land because no one could own the land – how can anyone own what the Creator provided for all?

My feeling is that even though they had not been introduced to this saying of Jesus, the Indigenous followed the teachings better than the European. They welcomed the stranger and treated their new neighbour with a respect that wasn’t shown to them in return.

So, in closing, at some time today, the Day of Reconciliation take time to include our Indigenous brothers and sisters in your prayers.

Wakan Tanka nici un (Cherokee – May the Great Spirit walk with you)
“A’ho” (so be it — Amen)

Prayer:   The Coventry Litany of Reconciliation

All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.

The hatred which divides nation from nation, race from race, class from class,

FATHER FORGIVE

The covetous desires of people and nations to possess what is not their own,

FATHER FORGIVE

The greed which exploits the work of human hands and lays waste the earth,

FATHER FORGIVE

Our envy of the welfare and happiness of others,

FATHER FORGIVE

Our indifference to the plight of the imprisoned, the homeless, the refugee,

FATHER FORGIVE

The lust which dishonours the bodies of men, women and children,

FATHER FORGIVE

The pride which leads us to trust in ourselves and not in God,

FATHER FORGIVE

Be kind to one another, tender hearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. (Ephesians 4:32 – 5,:2,8)

This prayer is from The Community of the Cross of Nails and it was selected because it is comprehensive of more than reconciliation but encompasses other issues of concern to Indigenous Peoples as well.

As we move towards the annual All Saints Bazaar, we are in need of a little help:

First, we are always looking for volunteers. Peruse the Bazaar 2021 promotional post to see where you might fit in, or talk to Jeff or Arleane, your Bazaar 2020-2021 Coordinators. We could definitely use some person-power in the week prior to the Bazaar (Nov 13) to help move tables and inventory into position.

We would also welcome Bazaar contributions of

• preserving jars (125ml, 250ml, and 500ml; no quart sizes please)
• new/gently used items for the classic treasures section (vintage and secondhand goods)
• Christmas decor (take a peak in your stored decorations now and see what doesn’t sparkle for you)
• new or gently loved children’s toys and books
• offers of talents & services, retail gift cards or packages, new/nearly new products, all suitable for silent auction

Donated goods can be dropped off at the church (parking lot entrance) during foodbank hours, or call the office to arrange delivery.

A Word about the Silent Auction: Please contact Linda Finigan if you are able to contribute new/nearly new merchandise, offers of talents & services, or retail gift cards. This years auction will be online. Details forthcoming.

Right now, we are seeking a charming and outgoing individual or two, who would be willing to approach  local businesses and franchises to invite donations. A letter of introduction will be provided.

And for those of you who have almost two-years of pent-up baking energy, get ready to unleash it. The Bazaar Bake Table does brisk business, but it depends on the homebaking of our membership. Pies, cookies, tarts of all kinds (but butter tarts especially) and quick breads such as carrot, cranberry, and banana loaves, are always big sellers. (Note: cupcakes, peanut brittle, fudge do not sell very well.) Contact Sandy Butler to commit to donating some baked treats.