Come & Worship with us!
September 2021
Midweek Worship and Community Time at Holy Trinity St Stephen’s
“My times are in your hand” Psalm 31:15
Please join us for a time of worship and community on Wednesday mornings.
There will be two formats, alternating each week so that everyone will have a chance to participate. (Please note: There will not be two services on one day.)
The options will be: In-person worship (Holy Communion) being celebrated at the church at 10:30am, and Virtual worship (Morning Prayer) will be held via Zoom at 8am. Please see the schedule below for September and join as often as you wish. If you plan to participate on Zoom, please email Rev. Rob for the link to the prayer room: robhenderson@diohuron.org.
September Schedule:
Sept 8: 8am on Zoom for Morning Prayer
Sept 15: 10:30 am for Holy Communion Outdoors in Veterans Memorial Garden. (Or indoors if weather doesn’t cooperate)
Sept 22: 8am on Zoom for Morning Prayer
Sept 29: 10:30 am for Holy Communion Outdoors in Veterans Memorial Garden. (Or indoors if weather doesn’t cooperate)
Midweek Worship and Community Time at Holy Trinity St Stephen’s
“My times are in your hand” Psalm 31:15
Please join us for a time of worship and community on Wednesday mornings.
There will be two formats, alternating each week so that everyone will have a chance to participate. (Please note: There will not be two services on one day.)
The options will be: In-person worship (Holy Communion) being celebrated at the church at 10:30am, and Virtual worship (Morning Prayer) will be held via Zoom at 8am. Please see the schedule below for September and join as often as you wish. If you plan to participate on Zoom, please email Rev. Rob for the link to the prayer room: robhenderson@diohuron.org.
September Schedule:
Sept 8: 8am on Zoom for Morning Prayer
Sept 15: 10:30 am for Holy Communion Outdoors in Veterans Memorial Garden. (Or indoors if weather doesn’t cooperate)
Sept 22: 8am on Zoom for Morning Prayer
Sept 29: 10:30 am for Holy Communion Outdoors in Veterans Memorial Garden. (Or indoors if weather doesn’t cooperate)
INDOOR WORSHIP RETURNS SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 12 (We Hope!)
We are excited to welcome you back inside the sanctuary for worship services beginning September 12th with two services at 9am and 11am.
A recorded version of the service will be available on our YouTube channel by 3pm every Sunday. We want everyone to be safe and feel comfortable gathering inside so masks will be required.
***IMPORTANT***
Reservations are required every week. Please note: We have a new on-line reservation system that is quick and simple to use. (This will replace the telephone system we used last time).
Due to limited space and the need to social distance, reservations are still required on a weekly basis.
It is very easy to use, and you can reserve your space for the upcoming Sunday service anytime in the week prior, simply by clicking the following link or the button above named:" HTSSM ONLINE Reservations "
For anyone that may not have access to a computer or has difficulty with accessing the internet; they can contact Beth McKinley directly via her home (519-681-9530) or cell phone (519-709-2123) and she will gladly help with registering.
Reservations will be required on a weekly basis and will be available Sundays at 6pm. Those that do not have computer or internet access will be contacted and advised on how to register.
If there are any changes to public health guidelines that prevent us from being indoors, we will inform you right away. Please watch your email and check our website for updates. www.parishofhtssm.ca
Our outdoor worship services in August have been a great gift! We all know how life giving it is for us to gather as a faith community and we pray and hope that we can continue to do so this fall.
Thanks to all who have participated and continued to support the parish through your prayers and financial gifts.
May God’s abundant love be known to you and may the Spirit inspire you to show that love to others.
See you soon!
Rev. Rob+, Beth, Harry, Pat, and Dave
We are excited to welcome you back inside the sanctuary for worship services beginning September 12th with two services at 9am and 11am.
A recorded version of the service will be available on our YouTube channel by 3pm every Sunday. We want everyone to be safe and feel comfortable gathering inside so masks will be required.
***IMPORTANT***
Reservations are required every week. Please note: We have a new on-line reservation system that is quick and simple to use. (This will replace the telephone system we used last time).
Due to limited space and the need to social distance, reservations are still required on a weekly basis.
It is very easy to use, and you can reserve your space for the upcoming Sunday service anytime in the week prior, simply by clicking the following link or the button above named:" HTSSM ONLINE Reservations "
For anyone that may not have access to a computer or has difficulty with accessing the internet; they can contact Beth McKinley directly via her home (519-681-9530) or cell phone (519-709-2123) and she will gladly help with registering.
Reservations will be required on a weekly basis and will be available Sundays at 6pm. Those that do not have computer or internet access will be contacted and advised on how to register.
If there are any changes to public health guidelines that prevent us from being indoors, we will inform you right away. Please watch your email and check our website for updates. www.parishofhtssm.ca
Our outdoor worship services in August have been a great gift! We all know how life giving it is for us to gather as a faith community and we pray and hope that we can continue to do so this fall.
Thanks to all who have participated and continued to support the parish through your prayers and financial gifts.
May God’s abundant love be known to you and may the Spirit inspire you to show that love to others.
See you soon!
Rev. Rob+, Beth, Harry, Pat, and Dave
August 2021
Returning to In-person worship at HTSSM!
We are excited to announce our return to In-person worship at Holy Trinity St. Stephen's!
Summer worship will resume Outdoors in our Veteran's Memorial Garden every Sunday at 10 am beginning this Sunday, August 1st! (Weather permitting, please see note below*.)
A service of Holy Communion will also be offered Outdoors in our Veteran's Memorial Garden every Wednesday morning from August 4th - 25th at 10:30am*.
Any updates or information on re-opening of the church will also be sent via Email as it becomes available, please contact the church office if you'd like to be added to the Parish distribution list.
Please note: We are easing our way back together so health requirements are still in place as we seek to love our neighbor as ourselves.
*Important note about the weather. If the forecast calls for a high chance of rain on Sunday or Wednesday mornings; service for that day will be cancelled. Unfortunately, we cannot gather inside at this time.
You will receive an email by 6pm the evening before if the service is to be cancelled due to weather concerns. Otherwise, please check the home page on the Parish website (parishofhtssm.ca) and/or our Facebook page for updates.
We look forward to seeing each other and worshipping our loving and compassionate God together. See you soon!
Returning to In-person worship at HTSSM!
We are excited to announce our return to In-person worship at Holy Trinity St. Stephen's!
Summer worship will resume Outdoors in our Veteran's Memorial Garden every Sunday at 10 am beginning this Sunday, August 1st! (Weather permitting, please see note below*.)
A service of Holy Communion will also be offered Outdoors in our Veteran's Memorial Garden every Wednesday morning from August 4th - 25th at 10:30am*.
Any updates or information on re-opening of the church will also be sent via Email as it becomes available, please contact the church office if you'd like to be added to the Parish distribution list.
Please note: We are easing our way back together so health requirements are still in place as we seek to love our neighbor as ourselves.
- Services of Holy Communion will take place outdoors in the Veteran Memorial Garden and will be approximately 45 minutes.
- Masks are required to be worn during the service.
- Pease bring your own lawn chair. A few chairs will be available if needed. while there is some shade a hat would be a good idea.
- Upon arrival, please try to stay socially distanced as much as possible.
- Pre-registration is not required. Be prepared to sign in upon arrival as we need to keep a tracing log.
*Important note about the weather. If the forecast calls for a high chance of rain on Sunday or Wednesday mornings; service for that day will be cancelled. Unfortunately, we cannot gather inside at this time.
You will receive an email by 6pm the evening before if the service is to be cancelled due to weather concerns. Otherwise, please check the home page on the Parish website (parishofhtssm.ca) and/or our Facebook page for updates.
We look forward to seeing each other and worshipping our loving and compassionate God together. See you soon!
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March 2021
Dear Friends, As of today, (Monday March 1, 2021) London-Middlesex is now in the Orange-Restrict level of Ontario Covid-19 response framework. This means that Holy Trinity St. Stephen’s will be resuming in person worship beginning Sunday March 7th. There will be 2 services on Sunday at 9am and 11am.
Preparations are underway to make sure that we are gathering safely and that all public health guidelines are being followed. However; if you or anyone in your household are feeling unwell or experiencing any flu-like symptoms related to the COVID virus please stay home!
If you cannot attend or do not feel comfortable attending, please know that our Sunday worship will be recorded and be made available on our YouTube channel Sunday afternoon and posted on our Parish Website for your viewing pleasure.
We wanted to remind you of a few things to keep in mind for those who would like to attend worship:
1. You must call and reserve space before attending these worship times.
Please call 226-582-0439 and leave the following information:
Your full name and contact phone number;
The number of people that will be in your group;
The time you would like to attend, 9am or 11am.
PLEASE NOTE: You will not receive a confirmation call back unless we are unable to reserve a seat due to space restrictions.
When you arrive Sunday morning you will be met at our Welcome Desk and taken to your seat(s).
2. Masks must be worn for the entire service.
3. There will not be a coffee hour or any indoor gatherings following the service.
4. Rev. Rob will offer a few reminders about the service on Sunday morning.
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to any of the Wardens or go to the parish website parishofhtssm.ca for news and updates.
We are thankful that we can gather again! May we be mindful of our call to “love our neighbor as ourselves”. Looking forward to seeing you at Holy Trinity St. Stephen's!
Let us Bless the Lord!
Rev. Rob+
Wardens: Beth McKinlay, Harry Harris, Dave Keegan, Pat Edgerton
HTSSM Parish Council
Dear Friends, As of today, (Monday March 1, 2021) London-Middlesex is now in the Orange-Restrict level of Ontario Covid-19 response framework. This means that Holy Trinity St. Stephen’s will be resuming in person worship beginning Sunday March 7th. There will be 2 services on Sunday at 9am and 11am.
Preparations are underway to make sure that we are gathering safely and that all public health guidelines are being followed. However; if you or anyone in your household are feeling unwell or experiencing any flu-like symptoms related to the COVID virus please stay home!
If you cannot attend or do not feel comfortable attending, please know that our Sunday worship will be recorded and be made available on our YouTube channel Sunday afternoon and posted on our Parish Website for your viewing pleasure.
We wanted to remind you of a few things to keep in mind for those who would like to attend worship:
1. You must call and reserve space before attending these worship times.
Please call 226-582-0439 and leave the following information:
Your full name and contact phone number;
The number of people that will be in your group;
The time you would like to attend, 9am or 11am.
PLEASE NOTE: You will not receive a confirmation call back unless we are unable to reserve a seat due to space restrictions.
When you arrive Sunday morning you will be met at our Welcome Desk and taken to your seat(s).
2. Masks must be worn for the entire service.
3. There will not be a coffee hour or any indoor gatherings following the service.
4. Rev. Rob will offer a few reminders about the service on Sunday morning.
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to any of the Wardens or go to the parish website parishofhtssm.ca for news and updates.
We are thankful that we can gather again! May we be mindful of our call to “love our neighbor as ourselves”. Looking forward to seeing you at Holy Trinity St. Stephen's!
Let us Bless the Lord!
Rev. Rob+
Wardens: Beth McKinlay, Harry Harris, Dave Keegan, Pat Edgerton
HTSSM Parish Council
January 2021
From our Parish Rector:
With the declaration of a State of Emergency for the province of Ontario beginning at 12:01am on Thursday, January 14, 2021, please note that the church building is closed. Please do not drop into the building for any reason without prior authorization from the wardens. Beth McKinlay 519-709-2123 or Harry Harris 519-681-8529. Offering envelopes and messages may still be placed in the mailbox.
Do not leave cash in the mailbox. The building is checked every day.
The next few weeks will be difficult in many ways but we are not alone.
God is with us, “an ever present help in times of trouble.” May you feel God’s presence with you during these during these days.
Rev. Rob+
December 2020
From our Parish Rector:
Dear Friends:
On Monday December 14, the London region will be moving into the red zone by the provincial government.
After meeting with the wardens and after consultation with the Bishop’s office as well as wanting to follow health and safety guidelines from our health unit, we have made the decision to suspend in-person worship at Holy Trinity St. Stephen’s until further notice. Beginning this Sunday December 13, a recorded service of worship will be sent via email and will be available on our YouTube channel to access at your convenience.
I know that this is disappointing news to hear especially in this holy season and so close to Christmas day. We were truly hopeful that we would be able to remain open for worship.
As Christians we are called to love God and to love our neighbour above all else. To love God is to love what God loves. To love our neighbour is to show that they are seen and cared for. We can follow Jesus at this time by ensuring that no one, especially the most vulnerable in our midst, is exposed to this virus. We love each other, so for a time, we will not gather in unsafe conditions.
Advent season is not cancelled. We will wait in joyful anticipation for God’s holy presence to break into our darkness. Christmas is alive and well because we will see God’s promise of Emmanuel on Christmas day. This season is holy because we are loved.
May the God you hope and yearn for, bless you, comfort you, and bring you peace, in the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen
Rev. Rob+
From your Wardens
We share your disappointment that we will have to go back to recorded worship for a while. While this was not a place we wanted to be, we know it is in the best interest of all so that we can be safe and return to each other in 2021.
For those who were planning to attend in person worship:
If you contribute by envelope or have any donations for the church to deliver before the end of the year, please mail envelopes (cheque only no cash) or drop off envelopes in the mailbox at the church Monday- Friday. The mailbox is checked everyday during the week.
2021 envelopes have arrived. The office is open this Wednesday from 9a-2p for pickup. If you can’t get there at this time, please call (226-456-8776) or email (holytrinityststephens@gmail.com) and we will arrange a time to meet you.
Please continue to check our parish website and watch your email for updates and parish news.
Thank you for your understanding and your continued support of our parish. We will be together again.
Your Wardens.
Beth, Harry, Chuck and Dave.
From our Parish Rector:
With the declaration of a State of Emergency for the province of Ontario beginning at 12:01am on Thursday, January 14, 2021, please note that the church building is closed. Please do not drop into the building for any reason without prior authorization from the wardens. Beth McKinlay 519-709-2123 or Harry Harris 519-681-8529. Offering envelopes and messages may still be placed in the mailbox.
Do not leave cash in the mailbox. The building is checked every day.
The next few weeks will be difficult in many ways but we are not alone.
God is with us, “an ever present help in times of trouble.” May you feel God’s presence with you during these during these days.
Rev. Rob+
December 2020
From our Parish Rector:
Dear Friends:
On Monday December 14, the London region will be moving into the red zone by the provincial government.
After meeting with the wardens and after consultation with the Bishop’s office as well as wanting to follow health and safety guidelines from our health unit, we have made the decision to suspend in-person worship at Holy Trinity St. Stephen’s until further notice. Beginning this Sunday December 13, a recorded service of worship will be sent via email and will be available on our YouTube channel to access at your convenience.
I know that this is disappointing news to hear especially in this holy season and so close to Christmas day. We were truly hopeful that we would be able to remain open for worship.
As Christians we are called to love God and to love our neighbour above all else. To love God is to love what God loves. To love our neighbour is to show that they are seen and cared for. We can follow Jesus at this time by ensuring that no one, especially the most vulnerable in our midst, is exposed to this virus. We love each other, so for a time, we will not gather in unsafe conditions.
Advent season is not cancelled. We will wait in joyful anticipation for God’s holy presence to break into our darkness. Christmas is alive and well because we will see God’s promise of Emmanuel on Christmas day. This season is holy because we are loved.
May the God you hope and yearn for, bless you, comfort you, and bring you peace, in the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen
Rev. Rob+
From your Wardens
We share your disappointment that we will have to go back to recorded worship for a while. While this was not a place we wanted to be, we know it is in the best interest of all so that we can be safe and return to each other in 2021.
For those who were planning to attend in person worship:
If you contribute by envelope or have any donations for the church to deliver before the end of the year, please mail envelopes (cheque only no cash) or drop off envelopes in the mailbox at the church Monday- Friday. The mailbox is checked everyday during the week.
2021 envelopes have arrived. The office is open this Wednesday from 9a-2p for pickup. If you can’t get there at this time, please call (226-456-8776) or email (holytrinityststephens@gmail.com) and we will arrange a time to meet you.
Please continue to check our parish website and watch your email for updates and parish news.
Thank you for your understanding and your continued support of our parish. We will be together again.
Your Wardens.
Beth, Harry, Chuck and Dave.
December 2020
A Reminder from your Wardens and Parish Council:
Dear Friends:
We have been blessed at HTSSM to be able to worship together again since September. After a long exile, our return to the church sanctuary was celebrated. Even for those who have not returned in person and who watch worship services from home, there has been a sense that our parish family shares our worship time together on Sunday.
It is imperative that we do all we can to ensure that we will be able to continue to gather for worship. While some circumstances are out of our control, (for example the Ontario governments decisions on which stage is assigned to London;) we do have control on how we protect each other and ourselves. The guidelines we have in place for Sunday worship are in place so that we can keep all in our community safe as well as to make sure we can continue to gather on Sunday’s.
This is a reminder that when you come to worship on Sunday to follow the churches COVID guidelines.
1. Sanitize your hands before entering.
2. Keep your mask on for the entire service. If you feel suffocated or uncomfortable, safely make you way outside for a breath of fresh air.
3. Socially distance (6ft apart) upon entering and exiting the sanctuary. Do not congregate around the entrance and exit doors. Wait for folks to clear the doors and then make your way in or out.
4. Avoid conversations with friends inside the sanctuary. Make plans to call each other and do “church business” after the service and find a safe place outside of the church to talk.
5. Once seated, do not wander the sanctuary looking for people.
We realize this new way of being together can feel unnatural and stiff but it is a temporary way of being. Thank you for being mindful of each other and thank you for your presence at worship in these days.
August 30th, 2020
Reservations Required!
Our Sunday Worship will resume in the church sanctuary beginning on
Sunday September 13th at 9am and 11am. You must please call and reserve space before attending these worship times.
Please call 226-582-0439 and leave the following information:
PLEASE NOTE: You will not receive a confirming call back unless we are unable to reserve a seat due to space restrictions.
When you arrive Sunday morning you will be met at our Welcome Desk and taken to your seat(s).
Looking forward to seeing you at Holy Trinity St. Stephen's!
A Reminder from your Wardens and Parish Council:
Dear Friends:
We have been blessed at HTSSM to be able to worship together again since September. After a long exile, our return to the church sanctuary was celebrated. Even for those who have not returned in person and who watch worship services from home, there has been a sense that our parish family shares our worship time together on Sunday.
It is imperative that we do all we can to ensure that we will be able to continue to gather for worship. While some circumstances are out of our control, (for example the Ontario governments decisions on which stage is assigned to London;) we do have control on how we protect each other and ourselves. The guidelines we have in place for Sunday worship are in place so that we can keep all in our community safe as well as to make sure we can continue to gather on Sunday’s.
This is a reminder that when you come to worship on Sunday to follow the churches COVID guidelines.
1. Sanitize your hands before entering.
2. Keep your mask on for the entire service. If you feel suffocated or uncomfortable, safely make you way outside for a breath of fresh air.
3. Socially distance (6ft apart) upon entering and exiting the sanctuary. Do not congregate around the entrance and exit doors. Wait for folks to clear the doors and then make your way in or out.
4. Avoid conversations with friends inside the sanctuary. Make plans to call each other and do “church business” after the service and find a safe place outside of the church to talk.
5. Once seated, do not wander the sanctuary looking for people.
We realize this new way of being together can feel unnatural and stiff but it is a temporary way of being. Thank you for being mindful of each other and thank you for your presence at worship in these days.
August 30th, 2020
Reservations Required!
Our Sunday Worship will resume in the church sanctuary beginning on
Sunday September 13th at 9am and 11am. You must please call and reserve space before attending these worship times.
Please call 226-582-0439 and leave the following information:
- Your full name and contact phone number,
- The number of people that will be in your group;
- The time you would like to attend, 9am or 11am.
PLEASE NOTE: You will not receive a confirming call back unless we are unable to reserve a seat due to space restrictions.
When you arrive Sunday morning you will be met at our Welcome Desk and taken to your seat(s).
Looking forward to seeing you at Holy Trinity St. Stephen's!
August 30th, 2020
Sunday Service Volunteers Needed!
Dear Friends:
As we prepare to return to Sunday worship at Holy Trinity St. Stephen’s, planning is in full swing for September 13th. One of the big pieces of the puzzle we need to fill is to have volunteers at both the 9am and 11am services. Will you offer your gifts so that our return can be as safe and organized as possible?
Please look at the following opportunities to serve. Each position has a brief description attached to help you decide if you feel comfortable in that role. Information on how to sign up is at the bottom of this list.
Thank you for your willingness to serve at HTSSM!
We will need the following at 9am and 11am Services:
Welcome Desk Greeters: You will welcome folks as they arrive and check to see that they have called ahead and that the number in their group matches their reservation. You will make sure they have a mask. You will direct them to hand sanitizing stations and send them up the stairs to the usher who will direct them to their seats.
Ushers: You will direct people to their assigned seats and direct them out the side door following the service.
Cleaners: Stay after the service to help wipe down pews, handrails, bathroom, other surfaces in sanctuary.
How to sign up: Please contact Kathy Belshaw, (Sunday morning Volunteer Coordinator) by email kathybelshaw@hotmail.com or phone 519-685-0975. Indicate the date, service time, and position you can fill. Please note that some positions may already be filled when you contact Kathy (that’s a good thing!)
Sunday Service Volunteers Needed!
Dear Friends:
As we prepare to return to Sunday worship at Holy Trinity St. Stephen’s, planning is in full swing for September 13th. One of the big pieces of the puzzle we need to fill is to have volunteers at both the 9am and 11am services. Will you offer your gifts so that our return can be as safe and organized as possible?
Please look at the following opportunities to serve. Each position has a brief description attached to help you decide if you feel comfortable in that role. Information on how to sign up is at the bottom of this list.
Thank you for your willingness to serve at HTSSM!
We will need the following at 9am and 11am Services:
Welcome Desk Greeters: You will welcome folks as they arrive and check to see that they have called ahead and that the number in their group matches their reservation. You will make sure they have a mask. You will direct them to hand sanitizing stations and send them up the stairs to the usher who will direct them to their seats.
Ushers: You will direct people to their assigned seats and direct them out the side door following the service.
Cleaners: Stay after the service to help wipe down pews, handrails, bathroom, other surfaces in sanctuary.
How to sign up: Please contact Kathy Belshaw, (Sunday morning Volunteer Coordinator) by email kathybelshaw@hotmail.com or phone 519-685-0975. Indicate the date, service time, and position you can fill. Please note that some positions may already be filled when you contact Kathy (that’s a good thing!)
August 23rd, 2020
Psalm 13
How long, O Lord? Will you forget me for ever?
How long will you hide your face from me?
How long must I bear pain in my soul,
and have sorrow in my heart all day long?
How long shall my enemy be exalted over me?
But I trusted in your steadfast love;
my heart shall rejoice in your salvation.
I will sing to the Lord,
because he has dealt bountifully with me.
Dear Friends:
These words of lament from Psalm 13 have taken on great significance to us in these past 6 months. It has been painful in many ways not being able to be together in our spiritual home and to share in worship and community together. Yet even in our exile we know our God waits faithfully with us.
As many of you know we are preparing to return to worship at Holy Trinity St. Stephen’s on Sunday September 13. While our faces will be masked and our voices may not be singing, we know our hearts will be filled and that we will rejoice in our return.
As we think about our return in September, we would like to ask your help in doing some preparation of your own. Please take time to read the accompanying brochure that outlines some guidelines and information you will need to know so that we may gather together safely.
Our plan at HTSSM will be to offer 2 worship services on Sunday’s at 9am and 11am. These will be identical services of Holy Eucharist.
The biggest change will be that you will have to call ahead to reserve a space for you and your family. Because we can only accommodate 50 people per service we need to plan appropriately and set aside space for you that ensures physical distancing guidelines are followed.
Please do not call or email the office now. We will be providing a designated phone number for you to call and reserve in September.
For now we ask that you just think about when you might like to come.
We are aware that some of you may not yet be comfortable gathering with others or you may be ill or experiencing COVID like symptoms that will prevent you from attending. To accommodate this, we will be recording our Sunday services so that you can see them on our YouTube channel later that Sunday.
The most important thing we want to emphasize is that our return to Sunday worship will look and feel quite different from what we are used to. This is a work in progress, and we are learning as we go in this new world. We will all have to offer each other patience and grace as we adjust to our new way of being together.
Please continue to watch your email and/or the parish website parishofhtssm.ca for more information and updates between now and September 13.
We ask for your prayers for our parish and all parishes in our Diocese as we prepare to return with joyful hearts to our spiritual homes on September 13.
Peace
Rev. Rob+ and your Wardens
Psalm 13
How long, O Lord? Will you forget me for ever?
How long will you hide your face from me?
How long must I bear pain in my soul,
and have sorrow in my heart all day long?
How long shall my enemy be exalted over me?
But I trusted in your steadfast love;
my heart shall rejoice in your salvation.
I will sing to the Lord,
because he has dealt bountifully with me.
Dear Friends:
These words of lament from Psalm 13 have taken on great significance to us in these past 6 months. It has been painful in many ways not being able to be together in our spiritual home and to share in worship and community together. Yet even in our exile we know our God waits faithfully with us.
As many of you know we are preparing to return to worship at Holy Trinity St. Stephen’s on Sunday September 13. While our faces will be masked and our voices may not be singing, we know our hearts will be filled and that we will rejoice in our return.
As we think about our return in September, we would like to ask your help in doing some preparation of your own. Please take time to read the accompanying brochure that outlines some guidelines and information you will need to know so that we may gather together safely.
Our plan at HTSSM will be to offer 2 worship services on Sunday’s at 9am and 11am. These will be identical services of Holy Eucharist.
The biggest change will be that you will have to call ahead to reserve a space for you and your family. Because we can only accommodate 50 people per service we need to plan appropriately and set aside space for you that ensures physical distancing guidelines are followed.
Please do not call or email the office now. We will be providing a designated phone number for you to call and reserve in September.
For now we ask that you just think about when you might like to come.
We are aware that some of you may not yet be comfortable gathering with others or you may be ill or experiencing COVID like symptoms that will prevent you from attending. To accommodate this, we will be recording our Sunday services so that you can see them on our YouTube channel later that Sunday.
The most important thing we want to emphasize is that our return to Sunday worship will look and feel quite different from what we are used to. This is a work in progress, and we are learning as we go in this new world. We will all have to offer each other patience and grace as we adjust to our new way of being together.
Please continue to watch your email and/or the parish website parishofhtssm.ca for more information and updates between now and September 13.
We ask for your prayers for our parish and all parishes in our Diocese as we prepare to return with joyful hearts to our spiritual homes on September 13.
Peace
Rev. Rob+ and your Wardens
