Christmas Letter

We pray daily, “Thy kingdom come”. Part of our identity as Christians, together with faith and love, is hope. We can see beyond our present, imperfect, fallen state, to imagine the beauty and joy of God's kingdom, of which the prophets have spoken poetically. We yearn for it, we hunger for it, and even more so when our life is filled with disappointments and setbacks.

St. Philip's Church Welcomes You This Christmas

These are uncertain and difficult times, and yet in Christmas, we are assured that a light still shines in this present darkness. A light that cannot be overcome. Jesus entered the world in weakness so that we might know God more fully and love one another more completely. The one who the universe could not contain was found lying in a simple feedbox in a stable on the outskirts of the city. Light shone in the darkness. Though the world keeps changing, God is unchanging, Gods love is unending and Gods love is for you. Wherever you come from, whoever you love, no matter what you think you have done to separate yourself from God. God still shines light into the dark places of our lives, bringing joy, forgiveness, and healing. Celebrate Gods love with us this Christmas.

St. Philip's Christmas Bazaar 2016

Thanks and Best Wishes to Steven B. as he Embarks on a New Chapter of His Life

Last Sunday parishioners at St. Philip's said goodbye to Steven B. who is moving out west. While we wish him well we cannot help but feel some sadness. However, our spirits are buoyed by the knowledge that our loss is another church's gain.

Steven is the kind of person that represents the best of who we are as a Christian family. His quiet leadership and faithful dedication will be sorely missed.

As a warden he helped to steward our parish through some difficult times.  As one of the people who patiently yet persistently pursued me to be warden I owe him a personal debt of gratitude.

Congregational development: ‘An opportunity for a reformation’

The following is part of an ongoing monthly series on congregational development, which features reflections from Anglicans on how they are responding to the challenges facing churches today.
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What is the end goal of congregational development? Some view it as preserving the institution or the business of the church, which often involves bringing in more people to achieve a certain numerical target. Others focus on mission, asking questions about the church’s identity and what it is becoming.

Warden's Summer Letter

Father Jim's Summer Letter 2016