It was about a year ago that I was appointed Incumbent of Christ Church, Fernie. Knowing I was to be spending my last Christmas in Ontario, when only about 10 other people knew, was difficult, and yet allowed me to focus on the “last time” for many things.
This year has been a year of firsts...almost immediately upon arrival we launched into the Lenten season. Now we are thick into the season of Advent. Each week we light another candle to illumine the darkness. We sing a familiar tune to help us anticipate the coming of Jesus. The banners are being hung, one week at a time. The readings talk more and more about preparation.
Time is getting close, and yet we are not quite there.
Christ Church, Fernie has an incredible history of giving. The Christmas and Easter givings do not stay with the Church, rather they go out into the community and the world. This Christmas our offering will go to Fernie Family Housing Society and Together in Mission. You can learn more about these agencies on our website.
We have done many new things this year. On the 5th of December we had an Advent Quiet Day at the Church and it was very well received. On the 18th of December we will enjoy a Community Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols with participation from Holy Family Roman Catholic and Knox United Churches. The offering from the Lessons and Carols service will be shared between the Salvation Army kettle drive and Holy Family Refugee Committee. The festivities begin at 3:30 and there is a potluck supper to follow. After supper, about 6:15 there will be a gang of us heading over to Rocky Mountain Village to participate in a carol sing. Everyone is welcome!
Christmas Eve this year is a Saturday. We will have two service at 7:00 pm and 10:30 pm. The first is a family-friendly service and the second will be a traditional candlelit service. Both will offer our sacred story, a seasonal homily and a special meal as we gather for Eucharist.
Sunday the 25th of December we will gather at 8:30 am for one service that will be Contemplative and relaxed. It is aimed at those who will be alone for Christmas Day, and is open to everyone. There will be a time of fellowship following the service.
Recently we launched our website christchurchfernie.ca. Check us out for more information on community events and parish happenings.
Beginning in January there will be opportunity to gather to study This Holy Estate, the document prepared on the proposed changes to the Marriage Canon. Please take time to participate in these conversations.
On the back of this letter is a calendar of events. You are encouraged to post it somewhere you will see it to know what is happening at our beloved Christ Church.
I have not yet had the opportunity to meet all of you. I would welcome that opportunity very much. If you are able to come out for Christmas services, I would be delighted to see you! If you are in need of a ride, please call me at 250.430.7970 (before the 24th) and I'll see who I can find to collect you. If you'd like a visit, please call me and we'll find a time to get together for tea.
Come and celebrate with us as we welcome the birth of a helpless baby boy. He was born to change the world, and change it he did. Together we can continue in His message of love and together, with the Holy Spirit, WE can change the world.
From my home to yours, I wish you a Blessed Advent, a Merry Christmas and an Awesome Epiphany. Please remember, YOU are a beloved child of God. In you God is well pleased.
Blessings,
Rev'd Andrea L. Brennan, BA, M.Div., Incumbent
This year has been a year of firsts...almost immediately upon arrival we launched into the Lenten season. Now we are thick into the season of Advent. Each week we light another candle to illumine the darkness. We sing a familiar tune to help us anticipate the coming of Jesus. The banners are being hung, one week at a time. The readings talk more and more about preparation.
Time is getting close, and yet we are not quite there.
Christ Church, Fernie has an incredible history of giving. The Christmas and Easter givings do not stay with the Church, rather they go out into the community and the world. This Christmas our offering will go to Fernie Family Housing Society and Together in Mission. You can learn more about these agencies on our website.
We have done many new things this year. On the 5th of December we had an Advent Quiet Day at the Church and it was very well received. On the 18th of December we will enjoy a Community Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols with participation from Holy Family Roman Catholic and Knox United Churches. The offering from the Lessons and Carols service will be shared between the Salvation Army kettle drive and Holy Family Refugee Committee. The festivities begin at 3:30 and there is a potluck supper to follow. After supper, about 6:15 there will be a gang of us heading over to Rocky Mountain Village to participate in a carol sing. Everyone is welcome!
Christmas Eve this year is a Saturday. We will have two service at 7:00 pm and 10:30 pm. The first is a family-friendly service and the second will be a traditional candlelit service. Both will offer our sacred story, a seasonal homily and a special meal as we gather for Eucharist.
Sunday the 25th of December we will gather at 8:30 am for one service that will be Contemplative and relaxed. It is aimed at those who will be alone for Christmas Day, and is open to everyone. There will be a time of fellowship following the service.
Recently we launched our website christchurchfernie.ca. Check us out for more information on community events and parish happenings.
Beginning in January there will be opportunity to gather to study This Holy Estate, the document prepared on the proposed changes to the Marriage Canon. Please take time to participate in these conversations.
On the back of this letter is a calendar of events. You are encouraged to post it somewhere you will see it to know what is happening at our beloved Christ Church.
I have not yet had the opportunity to meet all of you. I would welcome that opportunity very much. If you are able to come out for Christmas services, I would be delighted to see you! If you are in need of a ride, please call me at 250.430.7970 (before the 24th) and I'll see who I can find to collect you. If you'd like a visit, please call me and we'll find a time to get together for tea.
Come and celebrate with us as we welcome the birth of a helpless baby boy. He was born to change the world, and change it he did. Together we can continue in His message of love and together, with the Holy Spirit, WE can change the world.
From my home to yours, I wish you a Blessed Advent, a Merry Christmas and an Awesome Epiphany. Please remember, YOU are a beloved child of God. In you God is well pleased.
Blessings,
Rev'd Andrea L. Brennan, BA, M.Div., Incumbent
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