THE CAT’S MEOW

 St. Mark’s Anglican Church, Port Hope

The Second Sunday after Epiphany (B)                      17  January 2021

FLOWERS THIS WEEK

We will print the dedications for flowers that would have been placed in the church each Sunday.

Jan. 17.  Given to the Glory of God and in memory of Daisy Higgins by Jane and Jim McGrath;

And in memory of Jack Goering, Amie and Sydney Goering, Helen and Frederick Tate, Ian Tate by Sheila Goering

THIS WEEK’S READINGS

Should you wish to follow the Lectionary at home, here are the readings:

Genesis 1: 1-5; Psalm 29; Acts 10 : 1-7;  Mark 1: 4-11

 

PRAYERS

Through The Cat’s Meow we can gather in the names of those who are suffering in body, mind or spirit at this time and for whom you have a special concern and we can each undertake to lift them up in prayer before God.

For those who are living in fear for whatever reason;

For nursing homes, rehabilitation centres and other long term care facilities: May God encourage the lonely residents and strengthen the staff members who help them; prevent further spread of infection, and comfort families who can no longer visit their loved ones. Remember those fighting outbreaks at Port Hope’s Hope Street Terrace long term care facility and Cobourg’s group home, Christian Horizons. We give thanks for the end of the outbreak at the Golden Plough Lodge.

 For the lonely and forgotten in this time of social isolation;

 For those who are living on the margins of society;

 For those whose burden is too deep for words.

 For all in any kind of need.  For Merle Carson (Gwen Duck’s aunt), Molly Mulloy, (Tom Lawson’s daughter), Gail Rowe and her family, Gail Varey, Terry Moore,  Pat Paddon,

 For the souls of all the departed,

and for those who mourn. remembering Diane Nisbett and for family and friends who mourn her passing.

 Let us have names by next Friday and they will be included in the

next issue.

 

UPDATE FROM THE COVID RESPONSE TEAM:

Due to surging COVID case numbers and compromised health care systems, Premier Ford has declared a “State of Emergency” for the province of Ontario. This strict lockdown will stay in effect for at least 28 days. The order means all people remain at home, except for essential workers and unless you are travelling for health/medication, groceries and emergencies. You may not gather with those outside your household or travel for social reasons. You may go outside to exercise or walk you dog.  More details are provided on the provincial website. Unfortunately, the virus spread is being encouraged by those who do not want to follow the rules or by those who are asymptomatic and are not aware they are spreading the virus. Please continue to sanitize, mask, distance and not visit with those outside your household, especially indoors. COVID is active in our area and there is evidence of community spread.

Some good news this week from Dr. Ian Gemmill who announced, “We’re in the queue: First local batch of COVID19 vaccine anticipated in early February”. More details will follow when the vaccine arrives.

During these tough times it is even more important to continue to support and stay connected with family and friends. Pick up the phone, send an email or a note …share a story, create a smile and some hope.

Stay safe, stay the course …together we can make this happen,

Gwen, for the COVID Response Team

  

Renew Your Membership

St. Mark’s Heritage Foundation

For present members, now is the time to renew your Membership for 2021. You will have received a letter or email. For St. Markers who are not currently members, please consider joining. All monies go to the repair and

restoration of the church building. In this disrupted year where fund-raising is difficult, it is very important to maintain the mandate of the Foundation. Extra copies of the membership renewal form is available in the rack on the wall at the back of the church (right side above table).

 

CALL FOR NOMINATIONS & VOLUNTEERS

Have you always hankered for a career in public service?  Well, here’s your chance!

Both Gary Potter, People’s Warden, and Marion Thompson, Rector’s Warden, are stepping down this year after two years and four years respectively of service to St. Marks in these positions.

The People’s Warden is an ELECTED position that takes effect at the annual meeting of Vestry (Feb 28 this year).  Nominations should be made known to Fr William and the wardens, showing the name of the candidate and the names of the TWO nominators.

The Rector’s Warden is APPOINTED by the Rector, in this case Fr. William.  If you wish to be considered for this position, please make yourself known to Fr. William and the Wardens.

We will be happy to answer any questions you may have about process or the positions.

 

Don’t delay!  Your Church needs you!

 

For 2021, Coldest Night of the Year is a COVID-safe, family-friendly blended event. Walk virtually or in person on February 20, 2021 – there’s a place for everyone! We walk to raise money for the Green Wood Coalition, working with people experiencing homelessness, hurt, and hunger. Our Team, “The St. Marks Marchers” is set up and ready for members to join or you can donate to our walkers. Go to www.cnoy.org to “register to fundraise” or “donate”, then “find your location” (Port Hope) and follow the instructions.  Call Phil Redford if necessary (905-376-4771) The need is now greater than ever, so please remember…

It’s cold out there.

 

Don’t forget to sponsor Cathy Carlyle!

https://cnoy.org/donate. She is on team St Marks Marchers (no period, no apostrophe).

Make your cheque payable to Coldest Night of the Year and write her name on the memo line.

 

2021 Church Calendars

We may only have one or two more Church calendars left, if any.  They have gone quickly this year!

In the final stages of production is a 25-minute video of our Cantate Chimers ringing favourite Christmas Carols. A generous donation has supported this project, filmed by the amazing Tyler Matoff (‘Holy Spires of Port Hope’) and Dennis Gagnon of New Oculus Imaging.

The DVD is available- people can order copies of it from me, Randy Mills  (905-373-0867)  $5 each

 

The Cat’s Meow:  For inclusion, contact Marion Thompson at marionwhitevale@gmail.com before Friday morning.  905-885-0787

 

Internet Services

Provided pro bono to St. Mark’s by:   Jim Corkery at Corkery + Co.

  289-252-0215

 
 

 

 

 

 
 

     
 

 

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