St. Barnabus Church

It was a close call whether I’d get to church this morning.  I slept in. After the first coffee I’d thought I’d have to get dressed in a hurry.  I did. Madigan needed a walk anyway. Once dressed all is possible. 

I actually was amazed as we arrived almost on time the service just beginning. It was March 17 St. Patrick’s day. I had my green flannel shirt and my Irish rag vest I’d bought in Dublin. 

Priest Emily gave a wonderful sermon on rebirth and resurrection in the preparation for Lent. With the help of a child from the congregation she showed how what appeared dead in nature, seeds, came to life in Spring. I enjoyed seeing the daffodils near my place were in bloom.  Madigan was glad to see his friend Fritz.  Bill was there and Patty kept the singing alive.  We are blessed with accomplished pianists.  

I enjoyed the coffee after church.  I talked with June again whose conversation and wisdom I’ve so enjoyed.  I met Jill and talked with Margaret who is such an amusing raconteur. It was good to see Bill. He was in spring clothes and not dressed for official capacity. I liked the coffee. So often I have enjoyed the coffee meeting after the meeting. People are so interesting and those in our church so diverse and amazing.  Lovely people.  

St. James Anglican Church

Gilbert and I love to go to church when we're in town on the weekend. The people are so friendly.  I love being greeted by Alice at the door. She's such a lovely lady and Gilbert likes her too.

St. James is Anglo Catholic.  People come from around the province to attend this very old service with a truly amazing choir.  There's a whole lot of ritual and vestment.  Peter was saying that it was once just very high Anglican but today it's also got a very homey parish church feel.  That's mostly after church over coffee where the regulars meet and greet.  Bear and Dodo, Gilbert's friends often make a visit there too.

Today was the first Sunday of Lent.  Father Greenaway-Robbins sermon was truly thought inspiring. Having lived in Israel he told of us his hike up the hill where the Temptation of Jesus occurred. Then he proceeded to list the temptations that the Devil offered Jesus. With each of these he reframed them in modern terms.  That certainly brought the message home.  I learned a lot today.  As always I enjoyed the prayers, the Peace, and the eucharist.  Leaving the church lighter hearted,  I was ready for a new week.