Wednesday Evenings
beginning March 25
7:00 pm

· in-depth exploration of the Bible starting with the Gospel of Mark

· examine the historical backdrop to Mark

· discover how Mark has been interpreted differently through time and by varied voices

· examine what Mark’s gospel had to say to the early Christian community and what Mark’s gospel has to say to us 2000 years later;

· learn about ways of praying with scripture … and more.

The ‘more’, of course will come out of the questions and insights that you will bring to the sacred text as we make our way through the earliest canonical
gospel.

St James Carleton Place (Quiet Room)

Let’s save our home. Let’s make change.

March 28 from 8 to 9:30 pm
Come for the entertainment, light refreshments
and, most importantly, to honour international
Earth Hour. Together, we can be the change our
Earth deserves!

Continuing with our theme of ‘…finding holiness in ordinary life…’ come join us for a day of Pysanky, when we will take the humble egg and turn it into a holy and personal work of art. Pysanky is traditional Ukrainian Easter Egg decoration that gives rise to those beautifully designed and coloured eggs you’ve seen at Easter time. The workshop is being given by Doris Wionzek, an Almonte calligraphic artist, who will lead us in learning this Ukrainian technique. The date is Satur- day, April 4th from 9:30 am – 3:00 pm and will take place in the Church Hall at St James, Carleton Place. There is a $25 fee for this workshop. All materials will be provided – but please do bring along an empty egg carton so you can safe- ly transport your treasures home. Lunch will be provided. The maximum number of participants is 20 persons, so please do sign up soon on the sheet provided. THIS WORKSHOP IS FULL.

“Celtic knotwork is well-known as an artful way of illustrating everything from gospel manuscripts, and greeting cards, to forearms. But did you know that the act of drawing a celtic knot can be a form of quiet centering meditation? Think of it as being like walking a labyrinth, but with ordinary paper and an ordinary pencil in-hand instead of feet on the ground. If you are interested in learning how to draw beautiful simple celtic knots as an act of centering prayer then this may be the workshop for you. All materials will be supplied. Workshop 1: Basic Knots will run on Tuesday, March 10th from 10 am – Noon. Workshop 2: Adding a Few Twists will build on the skills learned in the first workshop and will run on Tuesday, March 24th from 10 am – Noon. Both workshops will be held in the Quiet Room at St James, Carleton Place. Pre-registration is required, so if you would like to attend please contact the office or add your name to the sign-up sheet when you’re in church.

Water, flour, salt, sugar and yeast. The most common and everyday of ingredients that when combined create something warm, hearty and magical. Bread is the staff of Life, God’s gift. Bread has the ability to nourish, to comfort, to provide a moment of reprieve from all the coldness out there in the world.

Come explore the spirituality of bread making with the Reverend Jan Staniforth while we make a few varieties of bread together (Jan was a professional Baker before going into ministry). Don’t forget your appetite as we will “break bread together” with our oven warm bread, preserves and local honey. Please sign up by February 28th 2020 by contacting the church office, or calling 613-257-3178. Registration is required for us to obtain baking supplies.

Workshop is Tuesday March 3rd 2020. 12 noon to 4 pm. St James Hall, Carleton Place

Come and enjoy homemade pancakes with maple syrup and sausages!

Tickets at the door!

Children 3 & under:  FREE
Children 4-12 years:  $4.00
Adults:  $7.00

5-7 pm

Wednesdays beginning October 23

Time: 9 am to 11 am

Menu

Coffee/Tea; Eggs; Toast; Muffins

Everyone welcome…open and free to all.

Join us in the Parish Hall monthly to enjoy a time of fun and fellowship.

All welcome and feel free to bring a friend or neighbour!

Tea, coffee, puzzles, cards and more.

Tuesday, November 13

Tuesday, December 4

This report was delivered to the Annual Vestry of the Parish of Mississippi Lake on Sunday, February 25th, 2018.  The Parish of Mississippi Lake includes St James’ Carleton Place, St J0hn’s Innisville and St James’ Franktown.

There is good news in the Parish of Mississippi Lake!

St James Carleton Place had a budget deficit in 2017 that was alarming.  By the end of the year, we had a small (but mighty!) surplus.  Offerings were up thanks to the Journey in Faith financial initiative. Based on the information we received from those who participated, we have every reason to believe that this increase will to carry forward into 2018.  Building on this good work, I am confident our focus on Christian stewardship practices combined with smart financial management will bring the budget into balance.  Until then, I am inspired by the willingness and dedication of the people in this church who consistently rise to the challenge.

The transition to an Area Parish reduced costs for Franktown and Innisville, which certainly helps.  But the really good news is that budgets for 2018 are balanced, and St John’s is going to be able to repay about half of what they owe in past remittances to the Diocese.  The ministry of these small churches is vital and essential to the life of the people they serve and the communities in which they are placed, and we have proved that the new model works.

There have been challenges.  St James Carleton Place lost important and valued members of the congregation this year, and at several times I have witnessed a collective grief enfolding us.  Ralph Langtry would never have wanted to be counted as more than one of God’s beloved children, yet I think we can all agree the impact of losing his ministry is staggering.  Other losses are just as deeply felt.

The flu season has been hard on many of us this year.  Church attendance has suffered.  And yet, the worship we offer and service we render has not faltered or failed.  Welcoming new ministry, in the person of the Reverend Rosemary Parker, and in the form of Advent and Lenten Retreats, Family Fun Gatherings, craft days and study groups give us the opportunity to share faith with one another.  The ministry of Lay Readers across the parish is a real game-changer.  We have already enjoyed a taste of Ian Guenette’s gifts, and I am excited to see what happens when he assumes the position of Director of Music in May of this year.

I truly believe God has led us to this moment, and it is a good place for us to be.  But like the disciples who went up the high mountain and experienced the Transfiguration, staying where we are today is not an option.  The mission of Jesus takes us down the mountain, and out into the real world.

We have important work to do related to anticipated growth in Carleton Place and parts of Beckwith Township.  We have assets and strengths that we should bring to bear before the opportunities that are before us pass us by.  But we need a plan.

A sound plan for financial development and property management will provide for ministry for years to come.  A discerned response to God’s call to mission – to teach, baptize, and nurture new believers; to respond to human need by loving service – will provide focus in a day and age when everything seems like a priority.  A commitment to congregational development will ensure we are responsive to everyone God sends our way.

This is the year, I believe, for us to engage in a planning process that meets these objectives.  A successful process will involve everyone throughout the organization.  It will be based in our values and reflect what we believe to be essential to our identity as followers of Jesus.  It will involve study and research.  It will take into account the strengths and weaknesses of our congregations and have insight into the ministry environment in which we are placed.  It will be championed by lay and clergy leaders.  Ownership by the Church and Parish Council will ensure we follow through with its recommended actions and strategies.

I am asking the Councils of the Parish to devote time on their agendas to the establishment, implementation and monitoring of a ministry plan for the next 3-5 years.  This will involve the work of a dedicated team and the participation of a great many more.  In my experience it can be exciting and invigorating work, especially when we have good news behind us and before us.

There is good news today in the parish, but there is even better news yet to come.  The good news God has in store for us will be found in following the mission of Jesus to the lost, those who long for human and divine connection or who are isolated because of needs and impediments beyond their control.  In the direction Jesus leads us we will find Resurrection and Life, not only for ourselves, but for all God’s children.  What better news could there be, and to what other purpose would we dedicate our time, talents and treasure?

• The Venerable Brian Kauk, Incumbent