This Sunday we will be in chapter 15 of Luke's Gospel - sometimes called "the Lost Chapter". It is filled with stories of the lost and we will read two. We will hear how when one sheep out of ninety-nine is lost, the shepherd goes everywhere to find her. The coin is lost, and the woman turns the house upside down to find her. 

So often we hear people say, "I found God when..." But these stories indicate that it is God who is doing the work of finding. He goes everywhere in search of the lost, even the dangerous places. 

I wonder what part of these stories feels like it is about you? 

This Wednesday the school opened and we welcomed close to 40 children and their families into our lives at All Saints'. As you can imagine the first few days have been chaotic and not without some drama (its hard to say goodbye for both parents and children when you don't know anyone!). But overall, we say a huge difference the second day, and expect that soon we will all feel like family!

Cheryl has stepped in as the assistant to the director this week, as the Director has struggled to find someone to fill that role. She has been busy comforting the teary, re-assuring parents, setting up sign-ups for things like snack, etc. and helping during the transition times. 

The school is filling up rapidly. We already have a small waiting list for the toddler room. There is still about ten spots in the Primary Rooms, so if you know someone looking for a pre-school with a child age 3-6 let them know! 

Please continue to pray for the school, the children especially, the parents, and the faculty.

We will return to our usual schedule of worship and programs on Sunday, September 18. 

Here is the schedule:

8:00 am  - Holy Eucharist, Rite I (no music)

9:15 am  - Choir Rehearses

10:00 am - Holy Eucharist, Rite II (with music!)

               - Godly Play for children ages 3-13

               - Childcare for children under 3

11:30 am - Coffee Hour

Click here for a description of our programs for children and youth, and to download a registration form.

 

 

Save the date now for our "at-home" Parish Retreat on Saturday, October 29. We are excited to announce that the Rev. Dr. David Whiddicombe from Winnipeg, Manitoba will lead us throughout the day. Lunch and childcare will be provided. 

David received his B.A. in Philosophy at University of Manitoba, an M.Div. at The Vancouver School of Theology and a D.Phil. from Oxford, England. He began his ministry in his university days at the University of Manitoba as a leader with Inter-Varsity Christian Fellowship and Pioneer Camp where Garry and Kathy Haacke got to know him. They remain close friends and Garry and Kathy's children have both had their faith formed in important ways at St. Margaret's where David is Rector.

David is known as a powerful speaker so this day is sure to inspire all of us. He has also agreed to stay in be our guest preacher on Sunday, October 30.