Good afternoon Saint Catherine's Community,

As we prepare to enter Advent, I am looking forward to the stillness of our Saturday Advent Retreat tomorrow. Nancy Sunderland, Jessie Motherwell and myself will be leading us in contemplative practices for the season. The retreat will take place at St. Stephens, if you haven't yet registered, send me an email (rev.sharon.anglican@gmail.com) and we can space for you.

On Sunday is the first day of Advent, with the theme: the Weary World Rejoices. Together we will gather around the breakfast table to pray, sing, listen and eat. We will be learning about symbols of marking time and making Advent Wreaths. Please bring greenery from your garden, if you have access. 

I am thrilled to be introducing our new Music Director to you. Her name is HyeJung Jun. She will be with us as a guest at Soul Food Sunday and will engage us in music for the first time on December 8th, 2024.

Thanks to everyone for your care for me as I grieve the loss of my Mom. I leave for South Africa on Monday December 2nd. Rev. Harold Munn will be preaching and presiding on December 8th, in my absence.

May you know God's deep peace as we wait for the coming Christ, in this season.

In Faith, Hope and Love

Sharon 

_________

This Sunday, December 1, 2024 - Soul Food Sunday of the Season 

Our Musician will be the Anna Shi and Choir

A downloaded bulletin can be found here: Sunday December 1, 2024

And Amica will have several copies 

The service will be livestreamed.

The Service livestream can be found here:

St. Catherine's Website Services Page

Previous livestreamed services, and sermon notes can be found here:

St. Catherine's Website Past Services Page or

St. Catherine's YouTube Channel 

We pray for Ted, Spencer, Nicole, Richard,  Sandra, Janet Morris, Tony, Mel, Nancy, Monica M, Jean K, Joy, Gary, Mike K, Heather & John, Bonnie and Robert Calder, Paula, Dian, and Nancy Sc., Toni Parsons, Jeff and Ashkon.

We pray for those who have died: For Ronnie Rae who has died, and Terry, Andrew and Sharon who mourn her. and for Rev Sharon's trip to be with Family. For Brenda Macdonald who has died, and her family and friends who mourn her.

Send non-confidential requests to Natasha: scadmin@shaw.ca

**Please note that for confidential, urgent prayer requests, Natasha will send these to our prayer circle ministry. We ask that you make this clear either by phone or email.

In our prayers this week, Advent 1 Province of the Episcopal Church of South Sudan

We pray for our Companion Diocese: The Episcopal Diocese of Northern Philippines, The Right Rev Benny Lang-akan, Bishop. We pray for our companion cluster parish of St. Catherine of Siena in Cervantes and The Rev. Gladys Pag, Bunga, Tadian.

In Canada, we pray for Archbishop Anne, Primate of the Anglican Church of Canada. The members of the Lutheran-Anglican-Moravian Commission in Canada

In our Province, we pray for our Metropolitan, Archbishop Lynne McNaughton.

In our Diocese, St. Andrew, Langley - Archdeacon Andrew Halladay Primate of the Anglican Church of Canada, Archbishop Revd Linda Nicholls

Presider and Preacher: Rev. Sharon Smith

Guest Musician and Choir: Anna Shi (harp)

Altar Guild: Vivian McGie

Greeters: Marion Porter and Gillian Holland

Readers: John Luccock, Cathy Davidson, Hugo Lao and Elizabeth Barratt

Table Hosts: Alison Watt, Marion Porter, Lynn Spence, Vivian McGie and Bob Paxton

Coffee Group/ Meal Coordinator: Penny Zuk, Susana Wensley and Ivy Howes/ Rhonda Garton and Bonnie Grundy

Livestream: Cody Spence

Sunday School Teacher: Shaunti Bains

(Any changes please let the office know at scadmin@shaw.ca or if you would like to join the ROTA)

Dear Friends at St. Catherine’s,

Saying good-bye feels very final and I worry that I will miss something or not say the perfect thing. So fortunately for us, even though I will begin my new job as vicar of St. George’s, Fort Langley this Sunday and I will continue as the priest of Salal + Cedar, this is not good-bye for us because we will continue to know and to see one another.

The bishop will announce an induction service at St. George’s, probably in January, and I hope some of you will be able to make the trip, or maybe a summer field trip some Sunday morning to see me.

I am really fortunate to have worked with such an excellent team of staff, clergy, council and community. I have had so many excellent experiences with you all it is impossible to pick the best or favorite but I will remember and be grateful for being present for the start of the food program with Harvest, for a delicious and community-filled Thanksgiving dinner, our Stone Soup stewardship day, and paddling in the inlet in a Tsleil Waututh canoe.

Pray for me as I will continue to pray for you.

With much love,
Laurel

Saint Catherine’s Anglican Church welcomes you to the Season of Advent.

We are excited to invite you to join us for a sacred journey through the Season of Advent—a time to entrust, let go, release, and open ourselves to be filled with love, meaning, and peace on Saturday, November 30th, 2024, from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. to be held at Saint Stephen’s Anglican Church, 885 - 22nd Street West Vancouver, BC. During this season of waiting, we explore the spiritual practice of kenosis (self-emptying), where we prepare ourselves to be infused with divine grace.

Morning Program Details:

• 9:30 AM – Coffee and Scones in the Lounge 
  Welcome and Intentions
• 9:50 AM – Morning Prayer
• 10:10 AM – Reflective time with icons, images, breath practice, prayer beads, and journaling. In silence, we engage in the sacred process of self-emptying, creating space to trust in God's filling.
• 11:15 AM – Sharing of Experience
• 12:00 PM – Midday Prayer
• 12:15 PM – Brown Bag Lunch
                      Please bring your own lunch

Join us as we prepare our hearts for the coming of Christ. All are welcome to come and share in this sacred time of self-reflection, renewal, and anticipation.

Please RSVP to  at 604 985 0666 or scadmin@shaw.ca.

We look forward to walking this season of waiting and being filled with you!

The first day of Advent, Sunday, December 1st, we will gather around the breakfast table. Accompanied by the harp, we will sing, pray, share and create Advent Wreaths. Circles, Water, Greenery and Candles, are all meaning laden symbols of Advent. 

Together we will make 4 or 5 wreaths and these will be given to families who need the blessing of light this season.

This Advent, we join the Weary World in rejoicing. 

November 30th, Saturday, 9:30 am to 1:30 pm
Season of Advent Retreat, Self-emptying - We wait to be filled
at Saint Stephen’s Anglican Church 885 - 22nd Street West Vancouver, BC
More details HERE. Kindly email Natasha at scadmin@shaw.ca to register.

December 1st,  Sunday, 10 am 
Advent 1: Soul Food Sunday - An Advent Feast of Hope
The making and symbolism of Advent Wreaths - light in Dark Times
at Saint Catherine's Anglican Church

December 8th,  Sunday, 10 am
Advent 2: We Ring In Love with the Bells
at Saint Catherine’s Anglican Church

December 11th, Wednesday, 6pm
St. Catherine’s Preschool Christmas Service
at Saint Catherine’s Anglican Church

December 13th, Friday
7 pm Saint Catherine's @ AMICA Carolling and Christmas Service
Contact Bonnie Grundy for more information

December 15th, Sunday
10am Advent 3: Celebrating Joy with the Art of Children
at Saint Catherine’s Anglican Church

5pm to 10pm Young Adults D&D Adventure in the Holy Land
at Saint Agnes Anglican Church, 530 12th St E, North Vancouver, BC V7L 2K4
Kindly contact Ashkon at natsuvahedi1@gmail.com to register.

December 17th,  Tuesday, 7pm to 8pm
A Service of Loss and Light with Highlands United Church
at Saint Catherine’s Anglican Church

December 22nd, Sunday, 10 am
Advent 4: We Breathe In Peace
Before the hubbub of Christmas Eve, we pause to be still and to find peace
at Saint Catherine's Anglican Church

December 24th, Tuesday
3pm Christmas Eve Pantomime for Young Children
5pm Christmas Eve Family Traditional Service
Both services will be held at Saint Catherine’s Anglican Church

December 25th, Wednesday, 10am - 11am
Christmas Day Service 
at Saint Clement's Anglican Church, 3400 Institute Rd, North Vancouver, BC V7K 2K9

December 29th, Sunday, 10 am
Second Sunday in Christmas: Lessons and Carols
at Saint Catherine’s Anglican Church

January 4th, Saturday, 9:30 am to 5pm
An Epiphany Centering Prayer Retreat
at Saint Catherine’s Anglican Church

January 5th, Sunday, 10 am
Epiphany Sunday: A Contemporary Morning Prayer Service
at Saint Catherine’s Anglican Church

Everyone is invited to join a special Evensong service to welcome in the Christmas season and wrap up out anniversary celebration at St. John.  Bishop John will be joining us for this special event, so please mark this in your calendars now!

We were truly honored to gather for the Saint Catherine’s Day Service on November 24, a special occasion marked by a heartfelt visit from Bishop John R. Stephens. This memorable event featured the confirmation of five new members and the reaffirmation of baptism for one, all of whom now deepen their commitment to the St. Catherine’s Community.

A significant highlight of the service was the blessing of our beautiful new chapel table, crafted from the wood of our original pews, symbolizing the enduring strength and tradition of our church. Bishop John also blessed our Wall of Remembrance, honoring the legacy and spirit of all who have been part of our church family throughout the years.

The service was followed by a delightful tea and cake gathering in the chapel, where we shared in fellowship, laughter, and joy.

As Psalm 95:2 reminds us, “Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving; let us shout joyfully to Him with psalms.” Indeed, we came together in worship, celebration, and gratitude for this 76th milestone in the life of our beloved church.

Thank you to everyone who joined us for this blessed event. We look forward to continuing this journey together in faith and community!

Photos by Marymil Cabrera and Billy Garton

Last Sunday, following the St. Catherine's Day service, our Art Wall of Remembrance located in our chapel, was blessed by the Bishop John R. Stephens.

This special moment was a heartfelt occasion for our community, as the wall, adorned with meaningful artwork and commemorative pieces, now stands as a tribute to those who have passed. The Archbishop's blessing imbued the space with spiritual significance, offering prayers for peace, remembrance, and the eternal rest of those honored. The Art Wall serves as a lasting memorial, connecting our past with our present, while providing a place for reflection and prayer for all who visit.

A huge thank you to our People's Warden Rhonda Garton, who prepared the wall beautifully. Lynn Spence's memorial garden water colour looks beautiful on the wall. And thanks to all who brought in photos.

Below is a prayer written by the Rev. Sharon Smith:

“All Loving, Creator God, we thank you that you have put it into the hearts of your people to make offerings for the beautification of this church. Be with us now and bless us as we dedicate this art wall to your praise and glory. 

We pray for each person whose photo reminds us of their life on earth. We pray also for the members of the community who hold love and memory in their hearts. 

And we pray for future art exhibits, may they be for us an inspiration
to love God, to love our neighbours and to care for all creation, in Jesus’ name.  Amen.”  

North Shore Hospice and Palliative Care is inviting everyone to join its annual "Honour A Life" event, a non-denominational celebration to honour the life of a loved one who has passed on Thursday, December 5. The gathering will start at 7pm, and it will take place at The Honour A Life Tree, Seawall Park, West Vancouver Seawall (Foot of 19th St.).

For more information visit www.everydaycounts.ca or contact everydaycounts@vch.ca or call 604 363 0961.

"Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." – Luke 6:38

We want to remind everyone that the Emergency Food Program will be holding its final two sessions of the year on December 11th and 18th. These sessions are an important opportunity to share with those in need as we approach the holiday season.

In the spirit of giving, we are kindly requesting contributions of the following items to help make Christmas a little brighter for our community members:

• Cereal
• Juice
• Pasta sauces
• Toothbrushes
• Crackers
• Oatmeal
• Bagels

Please consider donating these items at your earliest convenience, and put it in our basket in the foyer, or connect with Marymil at community_engagement@shaw.ca. Your generosity will make a significant difference to families this holiday season.

Thank you for your support and for helping to make this a season of love and hope.