Alleluia! Christ is Risen.

~~~ HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY ~~~

Safe Practices in Relation to the Eucharist
Our Anglican practice for the distribution of the elements of Holy Eucharist, bread and wine, have long been in affect and rarely has there ever been any evidence of transmission of infection because of it. However, in the name of caution our bishop is recommending some changes and precautions in light of the potential for the spread of the H1N1 flu virus. These precautions include:
1. All persons handling the bread or the chalice must clean their hands before doing so. Hand sanitizers have been placed in the sanctuary and will be used before the distribution of the elements.
2. Intinction (the dipping of the bread in the wine with fingers) is not an acceptable practice. Hands are the biggest source of contamination. If someone does not wish to drink from the common cup then they should receive bread only. There is no evidence at this time to discontinue the use of the common cup.
These measures are appropriate in our effort to reduce the risk of disease. At the same time the healing ministry of the Church is carried out in community and therefore we are called to worship together, and care for one another as we witness the presence of the Risen Christ.

Through the sacrament of Holy Baptism we welcome into our church family Isaac Robert MacDonald and Jaymee Aniyah Crawford-Howell.

I was pleased to meet with the Pastoral Care Committee this week. As I have in the past I continue to give thanks to those who serve on this committee in their important ministry on behalf of our parish.
The weekly meeting of prayer group took place on Wednesday morning. The Worship Planning Committee met for a supper meeting. We are excited about the celebration of Rev. Ron's 45th anniversary of service in the Church Army, and look forward to the special celebration on May 24th, to mark the occasion.

I checked the list for in patients at the hospital and was pleased to find that none of our parishioners are in need of hospital care at this time. I was pleased also to make several home visits and make contact with some parishioners by phone.

Please remember in your prayers this morning Gladys Boutilier, who was 100 years young on May 9th.

As I write this report on Friday I am anticipating a wonderful roast pork supper tomorrow night at St. Andrew's. Thanks to all who work to make these events possible.

M-O-T-H-E-R
"M" is for the million things she gave me,
"O" means only that she's growing old,
"T" is for the she shed to save me,
"H" is for her heart of purest gold;
"E" is for her eyes, with love light shining,
"R" means right, and right she'll always be,
Put them together, they spell
"Mother"
A word that means the world to me.
Howard Johnson

Blessings,
Rev. Mike