St. Mark's Anglican Church
1320 Wilton Ave N5W 2H6 London, ON, Canada

This week we will be using the Lent in a Bag to start our program. Remember there is sand involved...keep the electronics at a safe distance.

Over on our social media outreach page Church Like Us we are doing daily spiritual practices for Lent! Give us a like and try something new - or old - daily this Lent!

Today is Ash Wednesday - day that marks the beginning of the season of Lent, a season of preparation and repentance preparing for the celebration of the centre ...of our faith - the death & resurrection of Jesus. Ash Wednesday is so called as it traditionally involves the placing of ashes on the forehead - an ancient symbol of repentance of sin. As they are placed the minister reminds us that we are only dust and to dust we will return. A reminder that we are mortal and that each of us - yes even you reading this - is going to die. Lent isn’t a scary or sad time, in fact as Christians death is just part of our journey to the fullness of Life in Christ. During Lent many people choose to give something up, or take something on, as a way of preparation. So, this Lent, Church Like Us will post a daily spiritual practice throughout the 40 days of Lent. These will come from various Christian traditions and time periods - the hope here is that by doing one thing a day we can help discover where we find abundant life, where we need to grow spiritually, and find those little ways we can bring God into our every day.

Our lesson last year

This week's craft kit the children will need for Church is "Faith Fish". You will need the extra pieces that were mailed to you. We will be talking about the Baptism of the Lord.

Praying for peace and reconciliation in the USA and everywhere else.

So deeply saddened to see the depth of distrust leading to violence in Washington DC. Pray for all in the USA that peace will be possible and pray for stre...ngth for all leaders - political, social and religious - that they can bring light and calm to this moment........ O God, it is your will to hold heaven and earth in a single peace. Let the design of your great love shine on the waste of our wrath and sorrows, and give peace to your church, peace among (and within) nations, peace in our homes, and peace in our hearts; through your Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Happy Epiphany! Today marks the conclusion of the "12 days of Christmas" in which we mark the visit of the wise men to Jesus. That's right, the wise men were not at the manger - despite what your nativity set might show!

Prayer request for Bishop Michael Hawkins - https://mailchi.mp//prayer-request-for-bishop-michael-hawk

Season of Stewardship with Archdeacon Wayne Varley The following reflections are intended to encourage individuals and parishes to think about holistic stewards...hip and serve as guideposts along the way of our faith journey. Bless you throughout the lengthy season of Pentecost as we covet anew the Holy Spirit to enable us to take care of the gift and practice of faith; our relationships; Christ's church; our local communities; and the wider world. See more

This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. Today we will be celebrating the ordination of Andra. Although we are not able to be physically gathered, know that you are in all of our hearts and minds today. We give our thanks to God that you are our priest. Congratulations to The Reverend Andra Townshend O’Neill.

From our UK family

Getting organized for the next fundraising event.

In honour of this year's Transgender Day of Remembrance, we are proud to share with you this virtual service. This service was created in collaboration with Pro...ud Anglicans of Huron, the Companion Diocese Committee, the Diocese of Huron, and the Diocese of Amazonia. We hope that you find this service meaningful.

Check out this view

Your checklist before you head out to worship...

AMBER Stage FAQ #5 from The Ven. Tanya Phibbs As the COVID-19 case counts increase in our province, Bishop Todd and your diocesan leadership continue to monitor the situation. Following our AMBER Stage guidelines minimizes the risk of COVID-19 transmission in our churches, however, that risk is not zero. Please do not feel that you must attend in-person worship if you are in any way uncomfortable doing so. It is also perfectly acceptable to refrain from receiving the Eucha...rist at this time should you have concerns with receiving. 1. Face coverings/masks: members of the congregation are to leave their face covering in place throughout the service, including while in their seat. The face covering is only to be removed when consuming communion. Not only is this diocesan policy, it is explicitly stated in the directives of some of the public health units. 2. Service length: it is important that service length be no more than 45 minutes for a Eucharist and 30 minutes for a Service of Word. While this weekend will be hard for many of us who will be missing our extended families that we would usually gather with, there is still much for which to thank God. May you have a blessed Thanksgiving! Tanya+ The Ven. Tanya Phibbs Archdeacon of Huron

Andra ordained to the Order of Priests on the Commemoration of Elizabeth of Hungary, November 19, 2020, at the Cathedral Church of St. Paul, London. (COVID 19 restrictions in place)

https://fb.watch/1SW6yP5A1o/

Harvest Blessings Bake Sale & More Drop off of donated items: Just a reminder to all of you wonderful bakers to bring your goodies to the church Friday night (7 to 8PM) or before 9AM on Saturday To all those who purchased items pick up at the church is on Saturday from 9 to 11AM

Deanery Advent project:

This Wednesday ... [email protected] to register Please join with Canadians Coast to Coast

ICYMI: Starting today, operations at London’s COVID-19 Assessment Centres have changed to meet community needs. Please see the full list of changes below from t...he Thames Valley Family Health Team. ... London’s COVID-19 Assessment Centres are operated by London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC) and Thames Valley Family Health Team, with support from Middlesex-London Paramedic Service, #MLHU and the City of London, Ontario - Municipal Government Learn more: https://bit.ly/36ysgnj #LdnOnt #Middlesex

For our youth....meeting is planned to be outside bring your mask in case we have to move inside. Time is from 6:30 to 8. Same restrictions in place concerning guests. Looking forward to seeing you.