St. Paul's Anglican Church Essex & Trinity Anglican Church Cottam

Thank you to all who participated in our Gratitude Hunt. There are so many wonderful moments and creative ideas! Those who received messages of gratitude were touched. Thank you to the local businesses who helped make this event a success!

A simple Service of the Word for Pentecost 23 with prayers of remembrance, scripture (Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25), reflection ("Choose this day whom you will serve"), music ("Christ be our Light") and prayers. May all who engage find it meaningful.

Spirit Day Statement by: Irene Moore Davis (she/her) Annually on #SpiritDay, observed the third Thursday in October, people around the world take a stand in sol...idarity with LGBTQ2S+ youth who are disproportionately at risk of bullying and harassment. Not only just on #SpiritDay, but every day, allies have an important role to play in showing support for LGBTQ2S+ youth allies including global leaders, forward-thinking companies, workers, celebrities, educators, families, friends, neighbours, people of faith, and each of us. Did You Know? ~ More than 70% of LGBTQ2S+ youth report having been bullied or harassed because of their identities. Nearly half have experienced cyberbullying. ~ More than 70% report having heard homophobic remarks from school personnel or educators, making their learning environments unsafe. ~ One out of three LGBTQ2S+ young people has experienced physical threats or harm as a result of their identity. ~ Fewer than half of LGBTQ2S+ youth who experience bullying and harassment in school report the abuse, suspecting that nothing will be done. ~ Nearly a third of LGBTQ2S+ youth have experienced homelessness as a direct result of their gender identity, whether being kicked out or feeling compelled to run away. If you are a young member of the LGBTQ2S+ community who has experienced bullying or harassment, please know that you are loved; you are fearfully and wonderfully made. #spiritday

The United Nations flag is up at St. Paul's to honour two important awareness days: World Food Day (October 16th)... Worldwide, nearly 690 million people are hungry. The COVID-19 pandemic could add between 83 to 132 million people to this number. Approximately 14% of food consumption produced for human use is lost every year. Our future food systems need to provide affordable and healthy diets for all and decent livelihoods for food system workers, while preserving natural resources and biodiversity and tackling challenges such as climate change. International Day for the Eradication of Poverty (October 17th) In a world characterized by an unprecedented level of economic development, technological means and financial resources, that millions of persons are living in extreme poverty is a moral outrage. Poverty is not solely an economic issue, but rather a multidimensional phenomenon that encompasses a lack of both income and the basic capabilities to live in dignity. This international day, held annually on 17 October, presents an opportunity to acknowledge the effort and struggle of people living in poverty, a chance for them to make their concerns heard, and a moment to recognize that poor people are the first ones to fight against poverty. #funwithflags

The Intersex Pride Flag is up at St. Paul's for Fun With Flags in honour of the Intersex Day of Remembrance. What is Intersex? An intersex person is born with reproductive or sexual anatomy that doesn’t fit the boxes of male or female. Being intersex is a naturally occuring variation in humans (approximately 1% to 2% of the population), and isn’t a medical problem - therefore, medical interventions on children usually aren’t medically necessary. The best thing that a pare...nt of an intersex child can do is to love and support their child for who they are. What is the Intersex Day of Remembrance? The Intersex Day of Remembrance, also known as Intersex Solidarity Day, is an internationally observed civil awareness day designed to highlight issues faced by intersex people. November 8th marks the birthday of Herculine Barbin, an intersex person who was forced into the public light by doctors after they were discovered to be intersex. Goals of Intersex Day of Remembrance: -Education on the realities of being intersex; -Showing the need to stop Intersex Genital Mutilation; -Upholding intersex rights to dignity and equality; -Equal access to prenatal medical care; -Solidarity of intersex people, friends, family, and supporters. How to Be An Ally to Intersex People: -Educate Yourself - intersex people come from all walks of life. Read stories and perspectives from different intersex authors. -Use Intersex-Inclusive Language - avoid gendering body parts. Always ask people what terminology they use for themselves. -Speak to Legislators About Intersex Rights - to date, no hospital system has issued clear policy prohibiting unnecessary genital surgeries on intersex children. Get intersex rights on the radar. Learn More: https://intersexday.org/en/ #intersexdayofremembrance #funwithflags

Do you know a teacher, administrator and/or school staff whom you could thank for their work this year? Pick up a Gratitude Bag at our Pasta Dinner (5-6:30pm) and take part in our Gratitude Hunt. There are prizes to be awarded and shared! http://stpaulstrinity.org/legacy-of-heroes/

Tonight! Take Out Pasta - PLUS an opportunity to pick up your Register and pick up your Gratitude Bag for our Gratitude Hunt. Lots of great prizes from local businesses! Check it out! St. Paul's, 5-6:30pm Nov. 6th. Submissions for the Gratitude Hunt must be sent to our Facebook page by Sunday, Nov. 8 at 4:30pm to be counted towards prizes.

Online donations can be made to St. Pauls through CanadaHelps.org by completing this secure online form:

A simple Service of the Word featuring scripture (Matthew 20:1-16), reflection ("The Kingdom of Heaven"); music ("Canticle of the Turning") and prayer. May all who engage with this video find it meaningful.

As we look forward to Advent, there are many different kinds of activities we can undertake as community. To determine what we will do, you are encouraged to complete the survey through this link. We look forward to your responses. https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/923SMCR

Do you know someone who has made a difference this year? Would you like to say thanks to those who have gone above and beyond to serve the community in the midst of a pandemic? This is your chance! Teams of up to 4 people from personal bubbles are invited to register for our "Gratitude Hunt". Come to St. Paul's on Nov. 8th at 1:30pm to receive your goody bag and a list of the types of people to thank. You will have until 4pm to thank as many people in as many different wa...ys as you can, each time sending a photo and information through messenger on this Facebook page. These photos and stories can be shared through social media and/or the Essex Free Press. Prizes will be awarded for a variety of categories such as most people thanked, most creative expression of thanks and so on. All are welcome as we say thanks in safe and meaningful ways. See more

Season of Creation Day 19 - There is something profound in connecting a plant in your garden to a biblical story. What other stories can be told about the plants we have?

Happy Thanksgiving all! What blessings are you grateful for today? <3

A glimpse of a church community group focused on how we can better live in relationship to Creation. One of the videos in this years Season of Creation program.

Happy National Coming Out Day! What does it mean to come out? Coming Out as queer or trans* is a lifelong process. It starts with coming out to oneself: in...ner exploration and discovering term(s) that feel right for you. Then, some people may choose to formally come out to other trusted people - family, friends, coworkers, etc. What is National Coming Out Day? The original intention for National Coming Out Day was to let people see us, who we are, people they already like, know and respect - who happen to be gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender. Today, it provides the space to educate people about queer and trans* identities, to tell our stories, and to celebrate who we are with the people we love. Resource for Coming Out: https://www.thetrevorproject.org///Coming-Out-Handbook.pdf Coming Out in a Pandemic: https://www.cnn.com//national-coming-out-day-20/index.html How to Support Someone Who is Coming Out: https://www.bustle.com//26838-how-to-support-a-friend-who- https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/z6d28xs A Message from the Human Rights Campaign: https://youtu.be/6-FPbnA9hL4 #NationalComingOutDay

It was so nice to see everyones friendly faces yesterday ( I know you were smiling under your masks!!) I think things went pretty well for our first indoor service!

A Service of the Word for the Second Sunday in the Season of Creation. Video includes scripture (focus on Romans 14:1-12), reflection ("Choices"); music ("For the Fruit of all Creation") and prayer. May all who watch this video find it meaningful.

The Rainbow Pride Flag is back up at St. Paul's,honouring: National Coming Out Day - October 11th What does it mean to come out? Coming Out as queer or trans* is a lifelong process. It starts with coming out to oneself: inner exploration and discovering term(s) that feel right for you. Then, some people may choose to formally come out to other trusted people - family, friends, coworkers, etc. ... What is National Coming Out Day? The original intention for National Coming Out Day was to let people see us, who we are, people they already like, know and respect - who happen to be gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender. Today, it provides the space to educate people about queer and trans* identities, to tell our stories, and to celebrate who we are with the people we love. What does the rainbow flag represent? Red = Life Orange = Healing Yellow = Sunshine Green = Nature Blue = Harmony Purple = Spirit #funwithflags #nationalcomingoutday

Today is National Coming Out Day! We offer this prayer in honour of this important moment: Loving God, we honour and celebrate the fact that today is National C...oming Out Day. In this time of pride and celebration, help us to protect those who live in fear and who must remain in the closet, so that one day, all of your children can live as you created them to be. Give us the open hearts to listen to the stories of your beloved children, the strength to continue to advocate for the rights of those in the queer and trans* community, and the hope to see your world and children as you do: precious, loved, and created in your eyes. Hear us, O God: Your love is fabulous. Amen. #nationalcomingoutday

The time has come for us to return to indoor worship!! Our first indoor service at St. Pauls will be this Sunday September 13th at 11am. While things will look a little different, we would love to see you!! Please bring a mask and follow the directions of the Greeter. Looking forward to seeing everyone again!!!

A simple Service of the Word in honour of Harvest Thanksgiving. This service includes scripture (Deuteronomy 8:7-18), a reflection ("Giving Thanks"), music ("Let All Things Now Living") and prayers. May all who engage find this service meaningful.

Are we paying attention?

The lesbian flag is back up at St. Paul's to celebrate International Lesbian Day! #funwithflags

Season of Creation Day 9

Let us pray....

Season of Creation Day 7 (Sept. 7)

This worship service honours the Season of Creation and is filmed in an outdoor location. Worship includes scripture (Mt 18:15-20), reflection (Being Accountable), Music (God of the Sparrow) and prayer. May all who engage with this service find it meaningful.

Season of Creation Day 5

I just had a wonderful conversation with a parishioner about the upcoming changes to how we will worship together. Comments included how much needed to be negotiated and how things changed during the first few months of marriage and then again each time they moved and as each child arrived. Life is full of change. We need to keep in mind the things that are important like why we worship and who we worship. Wise words based on lived experience. What would it look like for folks to share their experiences and wisdom as it relates to the challenges and changes of this time?

Season of Creation Day 3

An interesting way to engage with the Season of Creation. Watch for photos daily through Oct. 4.

As we begin the Season of Creation, let us pray: (see BAS p. 396) Creator of the fruitful earth, you made us stewards of all things. Give us grateful hearts for all your goodness, and steadfast wills to use your bounty well, that the whole human family, today and in generations to come, may with us give thanks for the riches of your creation. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ the Lord. Amen.

A Service of the Word with scripture (Romans 12:9-21; Matthew 16:21-28); reflection (Marks of a Good Christian); Music (Not for Tongues of Heavens Angels) and prayer. May all who access this video find it meaningful

Worship for Aug. 23 is offered by Wilma Clark with guest preacher Bishop Todd Townshend. May you have a wonderful week. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fQrUayD_hdI

Register by Friday to secure your spot in these two amazing workshops! Check out Proud Anglicans of Huron for more information.

Those interested in participating in the Baking & Bible Scheduled for 4pm Aug. 17th can do so by clicking on this link: https://meet.google.com/egv-ckkk-mbj Or call:647-732-6595 and, when prompted enter the PIN #: 853341052#

Reminder: Monday Aug. 17 at 4pm we gather via video conferencing for food and reflection. All are welcome! Let us know if you would like to attend!

A simple Service of the Word for Pentecost 11 featuring scripture (Psalm 133 and Matthew 15:10-28), reflection ("Embracing dogs"), music ("For all the Children) and prayer. May all who engage with this video find it meaningful.

Dont miss out on this incredible educational and engaging virtual opportunity! Register now. <3

Service of the Word for Pentecost 10, August 9th, 2020 Watch party August 9th at 10am

An excellent opportunity of virtual education and engagement. Dont miss out!

(By Revd Chris): Preparing psalm study material, I have come to Psalm 119. It is the longest at 176 verses. What I didnt know (or more likely had forgotten from my Psalm Course), is that it is an acrostic psalm that goes in 8 verse segments. That is, the verses start with the same letter of the Hebrew alphabet, changing to the next letter every 8 verses. Imagine the thought and discipline required to write such a psalm. I am in awe of the author! I hope those participating in this study will also have moments of awe and wonder in this book.

Please hold them in prayer

To local artists of all ages: here is a great way to brighten the day of isolating migrant workers. There is a link to the Facebook page to enable delivery.

Immortal, Invisible Piano Solo Words by: Walter Chalmers Smith Traditional Welsh Melody From John Roberts Canaideau y Cyssegr... #musicmonday See more

Given the saturation of the ground due to overnight rain and the threat of more rain this morning, I think it is time to admit weather is not permitting today. While there will be no outdoor worship, folks are encouraged to take advantage of our online worship video. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CL9rSUW8XbI&t=1s There will be a watch party at 10am this morning. After which, I will send out a link so folks can participate in a virtual coffee hour via computer and/or phone. At least this way we can see and hear one another today. Blessings, Chris.

A short Service of the Word in honour of the ninth Sunday after Pentecost. Readings for the Sunday are: Genesis 32:22-31; Psalm 17:1-7, 16; Romans 9:1-5; Matthew 14:13-21. This service includes prayers, scripture (Matthew 14:13-21), reflection ("Beyond bread and fish") and music (More than we can ask or imagine). May all who engage with this video find it meaningful.

Take out coffee cups say hot, not because millions of people would burn their hands if it didnt, but because a few people blame the company when they burned their hands. There are many good farmers in our region. Lets give thanks for these wonderful, conscientious leaders and make sure to do what is needed for the few that are not so conscientious.

A simple Service of the Word with prayer, scripture (Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52), reflection (What is the Kingdom of heaven like?) and music (Let there be Light). May all who engage with this video find it meaningful.