Creator of the fruitful earth,
you have made us stewards of all things.
Give us grateful hearts for all your goodness....
Collect for Harvest Thanksgiving BAS page 396

The week past has reminded me once again of the gifts that this congregation brings to the practice of our ministry for God's world. Our church hosted the meeting of the Regional Clericus on Tuesday morning. In the afternoon I was pleased to meet with the Pastoral Care Committee as they reviewed there good work and made plans to continue and build on what is already a wonderful ministry.

The prayer group met on Wednesday morning at our usual time for prayer, fellowship and discussion. Choir practiced on Wednesday evening preparing music for this service today and for future services. Following choir the Finance Committee met to review the financial assets of the parish with a mind to insure the correct and right use of the gifts we have been given.

I was pleased to meet with the wardens, the chief lay leaders of the parish, and Rev. Judie to discuss the joys and concerns of our parish. Following that meeting the Parish Council met to deal with the regular business of the church. We have a very capable Parish Council and we need to give thanks for their time and effort. I invite you to read the minutes of our Parish Council meetings when they are posted either on our web-site or at the back of the church.

We give thanks also for the Altar Guild and others responsible for preparing the church for worship this morning. The visible signs of a bountiful earth the work of a generous God add to the spirit of thankfulness this morning. We give thanks for our Sunday School and their teachers as they present the fruit of their labours with a gift of music this morning. And finally for our worship this morning we give thanks for the generosity of parishioners and their spirit of caring and sharing as we donate food items to those less fortunate than ourselves.

Let us give thanks !!

Eucharistic Practices
There still seems to be some confusion regarding our Eucharistic practice particularly as it relates to the use of the Common Cup. As a result of a possible flu epidemic our Bishop has offered guidelines to discontinue the practice of intinction (dipping the host in the cup). Hands are a primary source for the distribution of germs and contact with the common cup through the practice of intinction poses a major risk. In practice it is generally agreed that drinking from the common cup poses less of a risk. However, if you are not comfortable drinking from the common cup you may choose to receive only the host when you come forward for communion. Such practice does nothing to relinquish the significance and meaning of the holy sacrament.

It is also wise to take care of ourselves as we take care of others. If you have the flu or believe you are getting the flu take care of yourself at home with the proper rest and care. We want to see you in church but we want you be well. If you develop a bug that causes you to miss church for some time and you would like a home visit please call the office and a time will be set up with you.

We need not be alarmed but we do need to be diligent as we make every effort to keep ourselves and one another healthy.
Blessings
Rev. Mike