As we once again approach the holy season of Christmas, my heart is filled with gratitude for each one of you. This blessed time of year invites us to pause from the busyness of daily life and to reflect on the profound mystery of God’s love made visible in the birth of Jesus Christ.

In the Christ Child, we see a light that no darkness can overcome—a light that brings hope to the weary, peace to the troubled, and joy to all who welcome Him. May this light shine brightly in your homes and hearts throughout this season and into the new year.

I want to extend my sincere appreciation for the kindness, generosity, and faith you have shown throughout the past year. Whether through your prayers, your service, or your presence in our parish family, you help make our community a true reflection of Christ’s love.

As we gather to celebrate the Nativity of the Lord, may you and your loved ones be blessed with deep peace, renewed hope, and the comforting closeness of God. Let us continue to walk together in faith, supporting one another and sharing the Good News with all whom we encounter.

Wishing you a joyous, grace-filled Christmas and a blessed New Year.

With prayer and gratitude,

The Rev. Amirold Lazard, Your Pastor

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“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.  Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God”. 1 Thessalonians 5,18; Hebrews 13:16.

Siblings in Christ,

It is with great joy I greet you today in the mighty name of Jesus. I hope this letter finds you well or will contribute to bring you wellness in the Same name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Few weeks ago, I sent you a letter for the “Homecoming Service”, inviting all of you to come to worship together. By doing so, I was grieved when I remembered some of you would not be able to make it because of illness. I knew you would love to come but your body would not cooperate, as it is written in Matthew 26,41 “the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak”.  However, I rejoice because I know your spirit is always with us and your faith remains healthy. I pray that the Lord keep you in his favour. I congratulate and thank all of you who have come out that day to worship together, especially those we had not seen for a while, while we continue to pray for those who are sick or/and shut in.

Now we are preparing to celebrate Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving is celebrated in numerous countries around the world. The origin and the meaning are different, but they are all celebrating <<gratitude>>.  I am sending you this letter to invite you once again, as you do every year – and you know how to do it! Hats up! – to join with us to give thanks to the Lord on Sunday, October 13^th, 2024, at 10:00 AM.

The same way the origin and the meaning of Thanksgiving are different in the countries, the reasons of giving thanks to the Lord vary within us also. But the good thing is that everybody has a reason to be thankful for even amid sufferings: For the breath of life, your good health, your food; your home, your family, your friends, etc. Give thanks in all circumstances.

Beloved, as we are encouraged to give thanks in all circumstances, let us also show gratefulness in every way, by our songs of praise, our offerings, our acts of generosity, as the apostle eagerly encouraged the early Christians: “Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God”

As you will gather with families and friends to celebrate, do not forget to make the Lord your first guest.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Your servant,

Incumbent
The Rev. Lazard

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Dear friends in Christ, it is Summer and the weather is HOT HOT HOT!!!!

School is over for the season and the teachers get a break to take vacation. Students go to camp, friends host BBQ gatherings, families and friends tend to travel to visit relatives and friends. It is an exciting time of the year when we take a moment for ourselves so we can enjoy the summer and prepare ourselves  to be ready for the lovely Canadian cold in the Fall/Winter.

It is also important to allow ourselves some time to rejoice and rejuvenate. Let everyone do what makes them happy. This is a way to avoid and fight stress, anxiety and illness.

While we go on vacation and relax, we think of our sisters and brothers who are suffering, and those who are shut in and can’t navigate the nice weather and the beauty of the nature.  As a community of faith, we believe a day is coming where we will be all rejoicing in the love of God.

We are glad to share with you, some achievements and what is going on at our church from January to date.

• We have seen our congregation grow even though we still suffer from some of the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. The average attendance in person on Sundays is about one hundred (100) parishioners. This includes welcoming new members and families to the church from time to time.
• We assure that the connection is kept with our church family by visits, phone calls or both.
• We have upgraded our audiovisual system within the last little while to facilitate those who cannot join us in person and allows them to participate in the service without any issues.
• The Men’s and Women’s ministry recently honoured some of the seniors/elders of the church, and many more activities within the different ministries.
• We continue to move ourselves and our minds into a more prayerful church focusing on our work and each other. As a result, and accordingly to the spiritual renewal launched in the diocese earlier this year, we have started a weekday service on Wednesdays. Every Wednesday at noon, with the Eucharist every other Wednesday, this new ministry has seen an increase of participants. In this service we share reflections on the readings, testimonies and we pray for each other, the church and the world.

Be well, stay safe and enjoy the summer. While we continue to hold our regular service on Sundays, for those who haven’t been to church since the pandemic was lifted, this may be a good time to start making plans to come back out to church in the Fall. Feel free to come in your mask or without your mask. We would welcome you.

Looking forward to seeing all of you in person.

~

Incumbent
The Rev. Lazard

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