St. John in the Wilderness Brights Grove Ontario

May 24 2020                         Ascencion Day.              Please join us for a Live Stream Service Sunday on our Facebook page, St John in the Wilderness Brights Grove starting at 10:30 am. 

Come join in pre- and post-church service chat chat with each other this Sunday. Father Shaun is going to open up the Facebook Live Service 10 minutes early so we can use the commentary typing function to chat with each other. Thanks to Shirley Mackenzie for the great suggestion. Bring a coffee and wear your Sunday Best pajamas.😇              

We hope many of you join us, as we get to enjoy each others company via the Facebook commentary text functionality.  For those of you who cannot join but have e-mail Father Shaun will send a link to the service via e-mail such that you can see the service afterwards.  Happy Easter to all! 

Parish List Update:

We have updated our Parish Contact List…Thanks to all of you for replying to our emails, phone calls and occasional chat at the mailbox.  We have updated/validated every single parish contact.

Please keep washing your hands, stay at home and know you are loved! 

Yours in Faith, 

Heather, Deb & Peter

Secretary & Wardens

Church Webpage: http://stjohninthewilderness.com/

Church Facebook Group:  St John in the Wilderness Anglican Church,  Bright’s Grove, ON

Church E-Mail: stjohninthewildernesschurch@gmail.com

Church Telephone: 519-869-2403       

                                                                                                                                                            A message from Father Shaun.                                                                                                                                                          Dear Friends, It has been 10 weeks now since we have received word that in-person church services and activities were suspended as part of physical distancing in light of Covid-19.   We have seen tighter measures being put into place across Canada (and the world) to safeguard against further infections and to protect people that have underlying health complications that make them vulnerable.  Most people are cooperating by diligently adhering to these best practices that include:                                                   ·         Washing Hands Thoroughly & Frequently - using at least a 70% alcohol-based hand sanitizer and washing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.                                                                                                                                                 ·         Maintain Physical Distancing & Reducing Contact - by keeping a 2 meter distance to others and limiting the number of people and frequency of picking up groceries and medications.  By self-isolating at home as much as possible.                                                                                                                                     ·         Avoid Touching your Face - to prevent the possible transfer of virus from your hands to your eyes, ears and nose.                                                                                                          ·         Practising Respiratory Hygiene - by covering your mouth and nose with a bent elbow or tissue when you sneeze and disposing the used tissue immediately.                                                                                                                                      ·         Disinfecting Surfaces Frequently - by wiping down surfaces with a disinfecting cleaner or wipes and washing clothes after using them.        During times of crisis or darkness there is always an opportunity for great spiritual growth and transformation.  This is always true, but especially in the Lenten season of self-examination, and in our current circumstances.  Even though times like these are unsettling, we don’t need to live in fear of harm.  As the psalmist says, “Though I walk through the darkest valley… Thou art with me.”   I have made contact by phone with all parishioners and I am happy to let you know that everyone is physically well and has all they need at the moment.  As is expected, anxiety is high at the moment, but we are all in this together and I am already seeing that this situation is strengthening our relationship with one another and with God.  Our Pastoral Care team will also be checking in with you periodically, just to see how you are doing and if there is any way we can be of help. The church building may be closed at the moment, but we are still serving those in need in our midst.  The homeless still need to be fed, and the Inn of the Good Shepherd has been short on supplies. We are helping by sending the Inn a $2,000 donation, and we will be monitoring their ongoing needs.                           We are also adapting by doing more things electronically, such as:                                                                                 ·         Utilizing Facebook - live-streaming the Sunday worship services onto our Facebook page (St John in the Wilderness Anglican Church, Bright’s Grove, ON).  If you have not joined this group, I encourage you do do so by searching for the above page title at the top of you Facebook page.  This is a great way to stay informed of what is happening within our church and to stay connected with one another.                                                                                                                    ·         Utilizing Video Conferencing – currently your Executive Staff, Parish Council and various church groups are using Zoom (www.zoom.us) to continue meeting with one another.  This is currently be offered to anyone free to set up an account.                                                                                                      ·         Updating Our Website – you can visit our site at www.stjohninthewilderness.com to view sermons, minutes from Parish Council and Vestry meetings and various church information and activities.  Parish Council has currently struck up a subcommittee to explore options on improving and modernizing our website.  Stay tuned.                                            ·                                                                                             Yours In Christ, Father Shaun+