Worship at St. Nicholas, Birch Cliff

Sunday, September 5, 2010 - The Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost
- 8:30am - Said Eucharist
- 10:30am - Sung Eucharist
- coffee hour
- Readings & leaflet bulletins see here below »
- 10:30 am - Children are welcome at St. Nicholas! A Summer Church School will be offered this summer until Sunday, September 5. It will be a one-class program using the “Seasons of the Spirit” multi-age curriculum [website »].
- Thank you to the Reverend Joan Waters-Garner and the Reverend Canon Ian Noseworthy, who looked after the parish over the past few weeks during Fr. Kevin’s vacation.
- The 10:00am Wednesday Eucharist is celebrated every week all year.
- A Confirmation Program for teens and adults will be offered this fall. If you are interested in being confirmed, or formally reaffirming your baptismal vows, please consider being part of this course. Confirmation will be celebrated when Bishop Yu is with us in early 2011. Contact Fr. Kevin. Phone the Parish Office 416-691-0449 or email .

Announcements - most recent bulletin (Sunday, August 29) is available to view/download here »

READINGS for Sunday September 5 - The 15th Sunday after Pentecost
- Jeremiah 18: 1-11 In this message to the prophet Jeremiah, the Lord lays it all on the line for the people of Israel. They can either choose obedience, which leads to salvation, or they can choose disobedience, which leads to judgement. Using the metaphor of a potter and his clay, the Lord says that unless Israel repents from its unfaithfulness, he will destroy what he has made and reform it into something new. - Read this text online here »
- Psalm 139: 1-5, 12-17 The psalmist gives thanks that God knows him so intimately. God searches us out, discerns our every thought, knows our words before we speak them and understands us better than we understand ourselves. How is it that God knows us so intimately? Because he created us, and his creation is wonderful and marvelous in his sight. Read this text online here »
- Philemon 1-21 - The Letter to Philemon is the shortest letter in the New Testament, and the only personal letter of Paul that has survived. A man named Onesimus, who was a runaway slave of Philemon, had made his way to Rome where he became a Christian. In this letter written from his jail cell, Paul appeals to Philemon to accept Onesimus, “no longer as a slave but more than a slave, a beloved brother.” Read this text online here »
- Luke 14: 25-33 - The gospel reading today consists of two sayings on the cost of discipleship, followed by two parables to illustrate the necessity of facing that cost (the tower-builder and the King going to war). The point here is that to follow Jesus means surrendering one’s whole life. For those who wish to be disciples, willingness to make an absolute commitment to Jesus Christ is the only prerequisite. Read this text online here »
Bible Online: Read text and lookup analysis/backgrounders online:

Oremus » [NRSV]
Gateway » [several other versions]

The "Weekly Wellsprings" reflection on the readings is available online for any Sunday readings here »

The Paschal Candle burns throughout the season of Easter, to the glory of God and in loving memory of: Gordon Albert Boutilier, given by wife Sheila and family; and in memory of The Reverend Al Gearing, given by Freda and family.

REMINDERS FROM THE ALTAR GUILD

Regularly, on the second Sunday of the month for those who wish it, there is an opportunity to pray specifically for healing. Since Biblical times, this prayer has been accompanied by the anointing with oil. At 8:30, please bring a book with you to the Communion Rail to indicate that you would like to be anointed. At 10:30, please proceed to the chapel after you have received communion.

Do you enjoy singing?

Have you ever considered joining our Choir? All sections are currently in need of new members. We rehearse on Thursday evenings from 7:30 - 9:30 pm and we would love to welcome you! Being able to read music is not necessary, but having the ability to sing in tune is a good idea! For more information, please speak to Joan.

Can't carry a tune in a basket?

...then consider joining the team of Sidespeople. If you're looking for a way to contribute to our worship, but are not sure what's right for you, what about becoming a Sidesperson? You'd be part of a dedicated team of people who greet people with an order of service and a smile as they come into the church. We also collect and count the offering, oversee the movement of people on the way to Communion, and we’re there to catch you if you trip on the steps! Be part of this important ministry in the life of our parish. Speak to Sonia Halloran or any Sidesperson on duty on any Sunday… We also flip pancakes!

Bringing forth the Elements (the bread and wine for Communion)

As you may know, every Sunday two people are invited to take the elements up to the altar at the Offertory. If this is something you feel you would like to do, perhaps, but not necessarily, to mark a special day or anniversary, please speak to one of the Sidespeople on duty on any Sunday. They will take note of your name and the date on which you would like to take on this important role.