St. John's Anglican Church
Parish of Horton, Wolfville, Nova Scotia
We are a welcoming & affirming community to all persons.
​
December 8th, 2024; Second Sunday of Advent
​Rector: The Rev’d Nicole Uzans, [email protected]
Wardens: Cameron Finlay & Karen Padovani, [email protected]
Director of Music & Organist: Dr. Michelle Boyd, [email protected]
​Livestream Operator: Murray Phillips

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This parish is located in Mi’kma’ki, the traditional territory of the Mi’kmaq people.
This territory is covered by the “Treaties of Peace and Friendship” which Mi’kmaq
and Wolastoqiyik (Maliseet) People first signed with the British Crown in 1725.
We are all Treaty people.

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8AM MORNING PRAYER, THE BOOK OF COMMON PRAYER
Presider & Preacher: Rev. Nicole Uzans

Reader: Val Burtsell
Greeter: Shirley Marston

Collect & Readings for 8AM

     Candle Lighting – First Sunday in Advent
          Since the Middle Ages, Christians have used the Advent wreath as part of our spiritual
          preparation for Christmas. The circular shape and evergreen boughs symbolize God’s
          continuous, everlasting life. Each week, another candle is lit, symbolizing our growing
          expectation and hope as we near the celebration of Jesus’ birth and look forward to the
          fulfillment of all God’s promises for the world.
 
          Reading – Isaiah 2:1-5

          God of healing and renewal, as we light this candle
            we are mindful of those who suffer at the hands of others.
          Our hearts ache for your justice.
          Christ, loving healer, come to us
            and bind up our broken hearts.
          Help us to prepare for your coming with hope and joy.
          Spirit of God, anoint us to make straight a way
            for your justice and peace. 
          Come, let us walk in the light of the Beloved! Amen.

          The first two candles are lit, symbols of Hope and Peace.

     Collect of the Day:
          BLESSED Lord, who hast caused all holy Scriptures to be written for our learning: Grant that we
          may in such wise hear them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them, that by patience and
          comfort of thy holy Word, we may embrace and ever hold fast the blessed hope of everlasting life,
          which thou hast given us in our Saviour Jesus Christ.
          Amen.

     First Reading: Malachi 3:1-4
        At the conclusion of the passage, the reader says, 
                              The word of the Lord.
        All respond:  Thanks be to God.

     Canticle – the Benedictus said in unison
          Blessed be the Lord God of Israel;
          for he hath visited and redeemed his people;
          And hath raised up a mighty salvation for us,
          in the house of his servant David;
          As he spake by the mouth of his holy Prophets,
          which have been since the world began;
          That we should be saved from our enemies,
          and from the hands of all that hate us;
          To perform the mercy promised to our forefathers,
          and to remember his holy covenant;
          To perform the oath which he sware to our forefather Abraham,
          that he would grant us
          That we being delivered out of the hands of our enemies
          might serve him without fear,
          In holiness and righteousness before him, all the days of our life.
          And thou, child, shalt be called the Prophet of the Highest:
          for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways;
          To give knowledge of salvation unto his people
          for the remission of their sins;
          Through the tender mercy of our God;
          whereby the day-spring from on high hath visited us;
          To give light to them that sit in darkness,
          and in the shadow of death,
          and to guide our feet into the way of peace.
        Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit;
        as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen.

     Second Reading: Philippians 1:3-11
        At the conclusion of the passage, the reader says, 
                              The word of the Lord.
        All respond:  Thanks be to God.
 
     The Holy Gospel: Luke 3:1-6
          All stand for the Gospel.
          Reader: The Holy Gospel is written in the 3rd chapter of the Gospel according to Luke,
               beginning at the 1st verse. 
          People: Glory be to thee, O Lord.
 
          At the conclusion of the Gospel, the reader says,
               The Gospel of Christ.
          People: Praise be to thee, O Christ.

10AM SERVICE OF THE WORD​
Preacher & Presider: Rev. Nicole Uzans

The Gathering of the Community
​
     Prelude: Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus (arr. Mark Hayes)

     Candle Lighting – First Sunday in Advent
          Since the Middle Ages, Christians have used the Advent wreath as part of our spiritual
          preparation for Christmas. The circular shape and evergreen boughs symbolize God’s
          continuous, everlasting life. Each week, another candle is lit, symbolizing our growing
          expectation and hope as we near the celebration of Jesus’ birth and look forward to the
          fulfillment of all God’s promises for the world.

          The choir sings Light of Light (Joel Raney)
 
          Reading – Isaiah 2:1-5
​
          God of healing and renewal, as we light this candle
            we are mindful of those who suffer at the hands of others.
          Our hearts ache for your justice.
          Christ, loving healer, come to us
            and bind up our broken hearts.
          Help us to prepare for your coming with hope and joy.
          Spirit of God, anoint us to make straight a way
            for your justice and peace. 
          Come, let us walk in the light of the Beloved! Amen.

          The first two candles are lit, symbols of Hope and Peace.

​     The Collect of the Day:
          As we prepare to hear the words of scripture, let us pray: 
          God of mercy, may the radiance of your redeeming love rise in our hearts, lighting the way
          from the shadow of darkness and guiding our feet into the way of peace.
          Amen.

     Opening Hymn: #103 On Jordan's Bank, the Baptist's Cry
​          On Jordan's bank, the Baptist's cry
          announces that the Lord is nigh;
          awake and hearken, for he brings
          glad tidings of the King of kings.

          Then cleansed be every breast from sin;
          make straight the way for God within.
          Prepare we in our hearts a home,
          where such a mighty guest may come.

          For thou art our salvation, Lord,
          our refuge and our great reward;
          without thy grace we waste away,
          like flowers that wither and decay.

          To heal the sick stretch out thine hand,
          and bid the fallen sinner stand;
          shine forth, and let thy light restore
          earth's own true loveliness once more.

          All praise, eternal Son, to thee
          whose advent doth thy people free;
          whom with the Father we adore
          and Holy Ghost for evermore.

The Proclamation of the Word

     First Reading: Philippians 1:3-11, read by Denyse Nelson
           At the conclusion of the passage, the reader says, 
                              The word of the Lord.
           All respond: Thanks be to God.

     Canticle - the Benedictus (Luke 1:68-79), said in unison
          Blessed be the Lord God of Israel,
          for he has looked favorably on his people and redeemed them.
          He has raised up a mighty savior for us,
          in the house of his servant David,
          as he spoke through the mouth of his holy prophets from of old,
          that we would be saved from our enemies
          and from the hand of all who hate us.
          Thus he has shown the mercy promised to our ancestors,
          and has remembered his holy covenant,
          the oath that he swore to our ancestor Abraham,
          to grant us that we, being rescued from the hands of our enemies, might serve him without fear,
          in holiness and righteousness before him all our days.
          And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High;
          for you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways,
          to give knowledge of salvation to his people
          by the forgiveness of their sins.
          By the tender mercy of our God,
          the dawn from on high will break upon us,
          to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death,
          to guide our feet into the way of peace.
        Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit;
        as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen.

     Gradual Hymn: Change Sleeps Deeply as the Child
          Change sleeps deeply as the child
          forming in its mother’s womb;
          rhythms ancient as the sea
          soothe today but startle soon.
 
          Change burns slowly as a fire
          smoored to last the bitter night;
          ashes deep and soft as snow
          cloak but do not quench its light.
 
          Change flies quietly as a hawk
          soaring in a winter sky;
          with an easy tilt of wing
          miles of fallow ground sweep by.
 
          Change wakes swiftly as a storm
          boiling in the desert air;
          mindful people mark its rise
          and determine to prepare.

     The Holy Gospel: Luke 3:1-6
​          All stand, as they are able.
          Reader: The Lord be with you.
          People:  And also with you.
          Reader: The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Luke.
          People: Glory to you, Lord Jesus Christ.
 
          At the conclusion of the Gospel, the reader says,
                       The Gospel of Christ.
          People:  Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.

     Sermon – Rev. Nicole Uzans

     Affirmation of Faith 
          from the Iona Community
          All are invited to rise.
          We believe in Jesus Christ,
          Son of the One God,
          maker and sustainer of earth, sea, and sky.
 
          Born of Mary's womb,
          ​faithful to the God of Abraham and Sarah,
          Jesus healed the sick, served the poor,
          ​and proclaimed heaven on earth.
 
          Condemned by the religious, crucified by the state, he died,
          but transformed even death and rose to life everlasting.
          He blessed the disciples with his Holy Spirit
          and sent them forth, east and west, north and south.
 
          We commit ourselves to Jesus,
          to one another as siblings in faith,
          and to God’s mission in the world,
          in the grace of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

     Hymn: #100 Comfort, Comfort Ye My People
          Comfort, comfort ye my people, speak ye peace: thus saith our God.
          ​Comfort those who sit in darkness bowed beneath oppression's load;
          speak ye to Jerusalem of the peace that waits for them:
          tell her that her sins I cover, and her warfare now is over.

          Hark! The herald's voice is calling in the desert far and near,
          calling us to new repentance since the reign of God is here.
          Oh, that warning cry obey! Now prepare for Christ a way;
          let the valleys rise to meet him, and the hills bow down to greet him.

          Make ye straight what long was crooked; make the rougher places plain.
          Let your hearts be true and humble as befits Messiah's reign.
          For the glory of the Lord now o'er earth is shed abroad,
          and all flesh shall see the token that God's Word is never broken.

The Ministry of Prayer

     Confession and Absolution: from the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada (ELCIC)
          and ‘Celebrating Common Worship’ (Franciscan)
          Blessed be the holy Trinity, one God, who breaks upon us as the dawn and gives light
          to all who sit in darkness.  Trusting in the tender mercy of God, let us confess our faults
          and failings; let us receive God’s promised forgiveness. Amen.

          Let us confess our sin, trusting in the tender mercy of our God.
             Silence is kept.

          Most merciful God,
          we confess to you,
          before the whole company of heaven and one another,
          that we have sinned in thought, word and deed,
          and in what we have failed to do.
          Forgive us our sins, heal us by your Spirit
          and raise us to new life in Christ. Amen.

          People of God, in Christ Jesus, God has looked with favour upon you! Through the power
          of the Holy Spirit, ☩ your sins are forgiven. May God strengthen you anew to follow the
          way of peace. Amen.

     The Prayers of the People, ​led by MaryEllen Finlay
          All may sit or kneel.

     The Lord’s Prayer:
          Let us gather our prayers in the words that Jesus taught us:
          ​Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as
          ​it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who
          ​trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom,
          ​the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.

     Offertory Anthem: 
          My Heart Shall Sing (Karen Marrolli)
                    violin: Rebecca Czerny

     Prayer Over the Gifts:
          The offering is brought forward by one of the greeters.
          We pray together.
          Yours, Lord, is the greatness, the power, the glory, the splendour, and the majesty; for everything
          in heaven and on earth is yours. All things come from you, and of your own have we given you.

     The Doxology:
          Glory to God, whose power, working in us, can do infinitely more than we can ask or imagine.
          Glory to God from generation to generation, in the Church and in Christ Jesus, for ever and
          ever. Amen.
 
     The Blessing

     Announcements

     Closing Hymn: #102 Prepare the Way, O Zion
          ​Prepare the way, O Zion, your Christ is drawing near!
          ​Let every hill and valley a level way appear.
          ​Greet one who comes in glory, foretold in sacred story.
          ​Oh, blest is Christ that came in God's most holy name.

          ​He brings God's rule, O Zion; he comes from heaven above.
          ​His rule is peace and freedom, and justice, truth, and love.
          ​Lift high your praise resounding, for grace and joy abounding.
          ​Oh, blest is Christ that came in God's most holy name.

          ​Fling wide your gates, O Zion; your Saviour's rule embrace.
          ​His tidings of salvation proclaim in every place.
          All lands will bow before him, their voices will adore him.
          ​Oh, blest is Christ that came in God's most holy name.

     Dismissal
          Let us go forth in peace, rejoicing in the power of the Spirit.
          Thanks be to God!

     Postlude: In Dulci Jubilo (J.S. Bach)

10AM  SERVICE OF THE WORD​
Preacher & Presider: Rev. Nicole Uzans

The Gathering of the Community
​
Prelude: Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus (arr. Mark Hayes)

Candle Lighting – First Sunday in Advent:
Since the Middle Ages, Christians have used the Advent wreath as part of our spiritual preparation for Christmas.  The circular shape and evergreen boughs symbolize God’s continuous, everlasting life.  Each week, another candle is lit, symbolizing our growing expectation and hope as we near the celebration of Jesus’ birth and look forward to the fulfillment of all God’s promises for the world.

The choir sings “Light of Light” (Joel Raney)
 
Reading – Isaiah 2:1-5

God of healing and renewal, as we light this candle we are mindful of those who suffer at the hands of others.
Our hearts ache for your justice.
Christ, loving healer, come to us and bind up our broken hearts.
Help us to prepare for your coming with hope and joy.
Spirit of God, anoint us to make straight a way for your justice and peace. 
Come, let us walk in the light of the Beloved!  Amen.

The first two candles are lit, symbols of Hope and Peace.

All sing:
Voices cry out from a world in grief:
prayers of those who seek relief.
End their darkness, hear their call
for peace on earth, good will for all.

The Collect of the Day:
As we prepare to hear the words of scripture, let us pray: 
God of mercy, may the radiance of your redeeming love rise in our hearts, lighting the way from the shadow of darkness and guiding our feet into the way of peace. Amen.

Opening Hymn: #103 On Jordan's Bank, the Baptist's Cry
On Jordan's bank, the Baptist's cry
announces that the Lord is nigh;
awake and hearken, for he brings
glad tidings of the King of kings.

Then cleansed be every breast from sin;
make straight the way for God within.
Prepare we in our hearts a home,
where such a mighty guest may come.

For thou art our salvation, Lord,
our refuge and our great reward;
without thy grace we waste away,
like flowers that wither and decay.

To heal the sick stretch out thine hand,
and bid the fallen sinner stand;
shine forth, and let thy light restore
earth's own true loveliness once more.

All praise, eternal Son, to thee
whose advent doth thy people free;
whom with the Father we adore
and Holy Ghost for evermore.

The Proclamation of the Word

First Reading: Philippians 1:3-11, read by Denyse Nelson
At the conclusion of the passage, the reader says, The word of the Lord.
All respond: Thanks be to God.

Canticle - the Benedictus (Luke 1:68-79), said in unison
Blessed be the Lord God of Israel,
for he has looked favorably on his people and redeemed them.
He has raised up a mighty savior for us,
in the house of his servant David,
as he spoke through the mouth of his holy prophets from of old,
that we would be saved from our enemies
and from the hand of all who hate us.
Thus he has shown the mercy promised to our ancestors,
and has remembered his holy covenant,
the oath that he swore to our ancestor Abraham,
to grant us that we, being rescued from the hands of our enemies, might serve him without fear,
in holiness and righteousness before him all our days.
And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High;
for you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways,
to give knowledge of salvation to his people
by the forgiveness of their sins.
By the tender mercy of our God,
the dawn from on high will break upon us,
to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.
  Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit;
  as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen.

Gradual Hymn: Change Sleeps Deeply as the Child
Change sleeps deeply as the child
forming in its mother’s womb;
rhythms ancient as the sea
soothe today but startle soon.
 
Change burns slowly as a fire
smoored to last the bitter night;
ashes deep and soft as snow
cloak but do not quench its light.
 
Change flies quietly as a hawk
soaring in a winter sky;
with an easy tilt of wing
miles of fallow ground sweep by.
 
Change wakes swiftly as a storm
boiling in the desert air;
mindful people mark its rise
and determine to prepare.
​
The Holy Gospel: Luke 3:1-6
All stand for the Gospel.
Reader: The Lord be with you.
People:  And also with you.
Reader: The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Luke.
People: Glory to you, Lord Jesus Christ.
 
At the conclusion of the Gospel, the reader says, 
   The Gospel of Christ.
People: Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.

Sermon – Rev. Nicole Uzans

The Affirmation of Faith, 
from the Iona Community
All are invited to rise.
We believe in Jesus Christ,
Son of the One God,
maker and sustainer of earth, sea, and sky.
 
Born of Mary's womb,
faithful to the God of Abraham and Sarah,
Jesus healed the sick, served the poor,
and proclaimed heaven on earth.
 
Condemned by the religious, crucified by the state, he died,
but transformed even death and rose to life everlasting.
He blessed the disciples with his Holy Spirit
and sent them forth, east and west, north and south.
 
We commit ourselves to Jesus,
to one another as siblings in faith,
and to God’s mission in the world,
in the grace of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Hymn: #100 Comfort, Comfort Ye My People
Comfort, comfort ye my people,
speak ye peace: thus saith our God.
​Comfort those who sit in darkness 
bowed beneath oppression's load;
speak ye to Jerusalem 
of the peace that waits for them:
tell her that her sins I cover, 
and her warfare now is over.

Hark! The herald's voice is calling 
in the desert far and near,
calling us to new repentance 
since the reign of God is here.
Oh, that warning cry obey! 
Now prepare for Christ a way;
let the valleys rise to meet him, 
and the hills bow down to greet him.

Make ye straight what long was crooked; 
make the rougher places plain.
Let your hearts be true and humble 
as befits Messiah's reign.
For the glory of the Lord 
now o'er earth is shed abroad,
and all flesh shall see the token 
that God's Word is never broken.

The Ministry of Prayer

​Confession and Absolution:
from the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada (ELCIC) and ‘Celebrating Common Worship’ (Franciscan)

Blessed be the holy Trinity, one God, who breaks upon us as the dawn and gives light to all who sit in darkness. Trusting in the tender mercy of God, let us confess our faults and failings; let us receive God’s promised forgiveness.

Silence is kept.

Most merciful God,
we confess to you, before the whole company of heaven and one another, that we have sinned in thought, word and deed,
and in what we have failed to do. Forgive us our sins, heal us by your Spirit and raise us to new life in Christ. Amen.

People of God, in Christ Jesus, God has looked with favour upon you! Through the power of the Holy Spirit, ☩ your sins are forgiven. May God strengthen you anew to follow the way of peace. Amen.

The Prayers of the People, ​led by MaryEllen Finlay
All may sit or kneel.

The Lord’s Prayer
Let us gather our prayers in the words that Jesus taught us:
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.

Offertory Anthem: 
My Heart Shall Sing (Karen Marrolli) - violin: Rebecca Czerny

The Prayer Over the Gifts:
The offering is brought forward by one of the greeters.
We pray together.
Yours, Lord, is the greatness, the power, the glory, the splendour, and the majesty; for everything in heaven and on earth is yours. All things come from you, and of your own have we given you.

Doxology:
Glory to God, whose power working in us can do infinitely more than we can ask or imagine. Glory to God from generation to generation, in the church and in Christ Jesus, for ever and ever. Amen.

The Blessing

Announcements

Closing Hymn: #102 Prepare the Way, O Zion
​Prepare the way, O Zion,
your Christ is drawing near!
​Let every hill and valley
a level way appear.
​Greet one who comes in glory,
foretold in sacred story.
​Oh, blest is Christ that came
in God's most holy name.

​He brings God's rule, O Zion;
he comes from heaven above.
​His rule is peace and freedom,
and justice, truth, and love.
​Lift high your praise resounding,
for grace and joy abounding.
​Oh, blest is Christ that came
in God's most holy name.

​Fling wide your gates, O Zion;
your Saviour's rule embrace.
​His tidings of salvation
proclaim in every place.
All lands will bow before him,
their voices will adore him.
​Oh, blest is Christ that came
in God's most holy name.​

Dismissal
Let us go in peace, rejoicing in the power of the Spirit.
​Thanks be to God!
​
Postlude: In Dulci Jubilo (J. S. Bach)

---

Greeters: Judy Amos & Michelle Mansfield
Counters: Karen Ferguson & Michelle Mansfield
​​
​Music used for our digital service under permission of OneLicense #738879-A

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Services for December 15th, 2024
Third Sunday of Advent
8AM Book of Common Prayer Holy Communion
10AM Book of Alternative Services Holy Eucharist
​​
Watch our 10am services anytime on the St. John’s YouTube channel

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Cycle of Prayer
Please remember in your prayers…

• The Province of the Episcopal Church of Sudan along with the parish of Lantz, NS.
• All who are in need of God’s healing grace: Mark Fletcher, Steve Boone, Digger MacDougall, Kathleen, John & Michele Niec, Jim O’Neill, Matt, Natasha MacIntyre, Joan, Tahlia Ali, Bernadette & Linda Brehaut, and Sandi King

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Announcements

• Rector’s Days Off: I will be off Monday this week. On days off, I do not respond to non-urgent messages. I can be reached at [email protected] or 902-956-4892 (cell).
• If you would like to have flowers placed in the church over the Christmas Season, contact Camelle Herbin  [email protected]
• PARKING REGULATIONS – a friendly reminder that there are bicycle lanes down both sides of Main St. in front of St. John’s.  Parking is not permitted in bike lanes at any time.  Please show courtesy by parking on Sherwood Ave, in our cemetery lane, or on Oak Ave.  If you are willing to walk those short distances, please leave the spots in our parking lot for those with reduced mobility.  If you have comments or suggestions about parking at St. John’s, please speak to your Wardens or other Parish Council members.  Thanks!
  
• Christian Meditation: Weekly at the church. Friday mornings from 11-11:45am. All are welcome; instructions are given every week.
• Praying with Scripture – Wednesdays, Nov 27th – Dec 18th, 11:30-12:15 at St. John’s.  A short practice of lectio divina (structured reading & meditation) with the upcoming Sunday scriptures.  Attend when you can; no sign-up or preparation required.  Curious, but this timing doesn’t work for you?  Please speak with the Rev. Nicole Uzans about future opportunities
• December Worship gatherings at The Elms & Wolfville Nursing Home Our last monthly gatherings for 2024 are on Wednesday, Dec 4th, 10am (The Elms) and 10:45 (WNH). Additionally, there will be an Anglican Christmas Communion service on Thursday, Dec 18th at WNH. It’s delightful to have a small team of musicians & helpers at these services! The festive season may be a time for you to try this ministry - speak to the Rev. Nicole if you’re interested.
• ACW, Mission to Seafarers Christmas Shoe Box Project. Each year, gift boxes are given to seafarers who travel through the port of Halifax from all parts of the world.  We are in need of shoe boxes for this outreach project. You can leave the boxes and donations at the back of the church. Donations of mitts/gloves, scarf, socks, caps, soap, deodorant, shampoo, shaving cream, disposal razors, tooth brush, tooth paste, hard candy (not chocolate), a small memento, greeting card, note paper, envelopes, pen, postcard, stamps, playing cards, etc. Once they are received by the Mission each box is then inspected and wrapped according to the Canadian Customs Procedures and Regulations.
• Ardyth & Jennifer's "The Longest Night" Concert, December 21st at 7:00pm (doors at 6:30pm), St. James Anglican Church, Kentville.
  Please join us for our annual Winter Solstice Concert and light a candle for hope in these dark days. Harpists, singer-songwriters Ardyth & Jennifer with guests Pam Mason (bass) and Clara Whitman (violin) will be filling the church with stories and song once again this year on the longest night of the year. All proceeds will go to support the "Nightlight Shelter" hosted by St. James. Tickets available for $20 at the door or ahead of time at: www.eventbrite.ca
• PWRDF World of Gifts.  Click on the link to read about what the PWRDF is offering for Christmas Gifts.  https://pwrdf.org/get-involved/shop-pwrdfs-world-of-gifts/  The World of Gifts allows you to support our partners by funding items of need for their programs.
  
• What is a wind phone?
  You may have seen mention of a ‘wind phone’ in the recent Parish Council highlights.  The first wind phone was created in Japan.  When Itaru Sasaki was grieving his cousin who died of cancer, he purchased an old-fashioned phone booth and set it up in his garden.  The phone wasn’t connected to any network or wires, but talking on it to his cousin gave Itaru a deep sense of comfort as it carried his words ‘on the wind.’  Since that time, many individuals & organizations worldwide have placed wind phones in a variety of settings where they can be accessed by the public.
  Valley Hospice Foundation approached St. John’s about installing a wind phone in our cemetery.  After discussions at Parish Council and a funding arrangement with VHF, we are almost ready to place a wind phone near the Elliott bench in our churchyard.  This morning, you can see the phone at the back of the church.  We are grateful to Elmer Uzans, Valley Hospice Foundation, and the parish for making this project possible.
  

Parish Council Highlights – November 20th meeting

The next meeting is Wed, December 11th. 
Please speak to your Wardens, Rector, or any Council member for more information about your Council.

• An update was provided on the exterior lighting project. Council approved a second electrical circuit, so that the church sign may be lit even when the overhead lights are off.  Paving repairs are underway, following installation of underground wiring.
• Bill DeGrace and Nicole Uzans were selected to coordinate the design and fabrication of a new church sign, keeping the size & location of the current sign
• Council discussed installation of a ‘wind phone’ in the St. John’s cemetery to offer people a means of processing their grief. Valley Hospice Foundation has funding available and has spoken with Council about this opportunity to increase grief literacy in our communities.
• Funding from Eastern Kings Memorial Hospital was granted towards the purchase of an automated external defibrillator (AED) for St. John’s
• Council heard a presentation on workplace safety from Camille Herbin and agreed to oversee proper placement of tables and other supplies for church volunteers
• Council approved St. Johns’ participation in Alpha as a means of connecting with townsfolk interested in exploring Christianity.  As lead co-ordinator, Wolfville Baptist Church invited members of all area churches to co-host this program in order to offer the broadest perspective to those without any church connection.
• Council discussed the special blue donations envelopes given to all regular donors and agreed to provide more education on these causes in 2025
  
• Council received correspondence and reports from the Rector, committees, Pop-Up Study Café organizers, and Treasurer.