Weekly Update - Christmas 2 (Epiphany Sunday)

Dear friends,

Glory to God! Christ is born!

Epiphany, celebrated on January 6, marks the manifestation of Christ to the Gentiles, symbolized by the visit of the Magi to the infant Jesus. This feast highlights the universality of Christ's mission, emphasizing that salvation is offered to all people, not just to Israel. We have transferred the observance of this feast to this coming Sunday and our lay minister Ed Brett will be preaching.

Epiphanytide, the liturgical season following Epiphany, lasting until the start of Lent, extends this theme in the Sunday gospel readings by reflecting on the ways Christ reveals his divinity through events such as his baptism in the Jordan, the wedding at Cana, and his miracles and teachings. Spiritually, this season invites us to recognize and respond to the ways God makes Himself known in our lives and to share the light of Christ with the world, living out the call to be a witness to God's universal love and grace. 

Two ways that we can witness to the God who has made Himself known to us is by how we steward the gifts He's granted us and by being advocates for justice. From the first through seventh Sundays after Epiphany I plan to lead us through two series on these two themes. 

Total Life Stewardship: In this three-part series, we’ll explore how to honour God in every area of our lives. From wisely managing our time and finances to serving others with the unique gifts He’s given us, this series will equip you to live a life that reflects God's purpose and glory in all you do.

Journey through Biblical Justice: In this four-part sermon series we will explore God’s vision of justice—one that is rooted in grace, generosity, equality, and communal responsibility. Together, we will learn how to live out biblical justice in our daily lives, reflecting God's love and mercy to a broken world.

I invite you to prayerfully take in these services as we serve Christ together.

Fr. Ken

 Treasures of the Heart: Honoring God with Your Finances
We will consider how biblical principles guide us in managing our money in a way that honors God. Discover how our financial choices reflect the condition of our hearts and learn practical steps to align your finances with God's will. Don’t miss this opportunity to deepen
your understanding of stewardship and live out your faith in every
area of life.

 Talents for the Kingdom: Serving God with Your Gifts
We’ll look at how each of us is uniquely gifted to serve God and others. Learn how to use your talents, whether big or small, to make a meaningful impact for God’s Kingdom and fulfill His
purpose for your life.

 "Radical Generosity: The Justice of Giving What Belongs to God"
In this sermon, we will explore how biblical justice calls for radical generosity—where wealth is not owned by us, but entrusted to us by God. Learn how justice is expressed through acts of stewardship, giving, and loving our neighbors as ourselves.

"The Equality of Justice: Seeing God's Image in All People"
Join us as we dive into the biblical vision of universal equality, where all people—regardless of their background—are seen and treated as equally valuable in God's eyes. Discover how justice, as God defines it, demands equal respect, dignity, and love for every person.

"Justice in the Web of Relationships: Our Responsibility to Each Other"
Join us as we look at the biblical understanding of justice, where responsibility is not only individual but corporate. We’ll explore how families, nations, and institutions share in the consequences of sin, and how God calls us to be agents of change within these systems for His glory.

Since Fr. Julian has a full-time position working with students at Trinity Western University, his role at Ascension will be part-time. In addition to assisting with preaching and presiding at the altar, he will work with Fr. Ken to guide the parish's vision and catechising and will provide pastoral care to our young families.

Bishop Mike will visit us sometime in Spring to officially license Fr. Julian to our parish. When that happens we will have a welcome party following the service.

Let's give thanks for God's faithfulness!

We are grateful to say that through God's faithfulness and your generoisty the deficit has been averted and when the books are finalized we expect to discover that we've ended the year with a modet surplus.

Thanks be to God!

• Pasta & Pasta Sauce
• Cereal
• Snacks
• Spreads (Jam & Peanut Butter)
• Canned Meats and Fish
• Canned Fruits and Vegetables
• Canned Soup
• Rice
• Baby Food & Snacks
• Diapers
• Baby Wipes

Monday, January 6
Feast of the Epiphany (transferred to Jan 5)

Thursday, January 9
9:00 am A4D Group
7:00 pm Brett Home Bible Study

Saturday, January 11
8:30 Men's Breakfast (Murrayville Ricky's)

Sunday, January 12 - First Sunday after Epiphany
10:00 Holy Communion + Children's Ministry
          (start three-week sermon series: Total Life Stewardship
11:15 am Coffee and snacks