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March 5th, 2023 – Second Sunday in Lent

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We strongly encourage you to wear a high-quality medical mask for in person attendance at worship. Although not required, this advice comes from the provincial Chief Medical Officer of Health and Hamilton’s Medical Officer of Health, and from diocesan guidelines. Wearing a mask while indoors in public is the best way to protect yourself and others.

Nicodemus – John 3:1-21

You can join the service, live or later, via YouTube. The live-stream will begin at about 9:45 am, and the service will begin at 10 am. You are able to watch or re-watch it on YouTube at this link at any later time.

The order of service is available here. It includes the readings, all the responses, and the words of the hymns, to help you join in as fully as possible via the live-stream.

This is the second Sunday in Lent. Sundays and Seasons offers this reflection on the day and the readings we’ll hear:

During Lent we journey with all those around the world who will be baptized at the Easter Vigil. In today’s gospel Jesus tells Nicodemus that he must be born of water and Spirit. At the font we are a given a new birth as children of God. As God made a covenant with Abraham, in baptism God promises to raise us up with Christ to new life. From worship we are sent forth to proclaim God’s love for all the world.

Vestry Report

Our Annual Vestry Meeting will be held on February 26th, 2023, following the 10 o’clock service. It is held to receive the accounts of the Vestry from the previous year, to elect and appoint wardens and lay delegates, and for other business connected with the temporalities of the parish.

Each year, we publish a Vestry Report. It includes financial and attendance information, shares significant ministry moments, and offers a snapshot of what the previous year has looked like. You can read the Vestry Report about 2022 here.

In accordance with diocesan guidelines, the meeting will be held in person. All are welcome to attend. Per diocesan Canon 4.1, eligible members of vestry entitled to speak and vote at the meeting are: baptised members of the Church of the Nativity of the full age of 16 years, who for at least six months preceding the meeting have been identifiably involved with the Church of the Nativity, through worship, fellowship, and financial support.

Sunday, January 1, 2023

Following the advice of the Chief Medical Officer of Health of Ontario and diocesan guidelines, we strongly encourage you to wear a high-quality medical mask for in-person attendance.

You can join the service, live or later, via YouTube. The live-stream will begin at 9:45 am, and the service itself will begin at 10 am. You’ll be able to watch or re-watch it on YouTube at the same link at any later time.

You can find the order of service here. It includes the readings, the responses, and the words of the hymns, so you can join in as fully as possible via the live-stream.

Christmas Songs & Stories

A Christmas tree--whose greenery is musical staff, whose base is a treble clef, and whose ornaments are musical notes.

Join in singing Christmas Carols, hear the Christmas story, enjoy special anthems from the choir and musical treats from some parishioners, and keep the kleenex handy for a special Christmas-themed story!

Christmas Songs and Stories will be streamed to YouTube at 3 o’clock on December 18th, and you can join in via live-stream either then or later. If you’re coming in person, you won’t want to miss out on the refreshments after the service, so we suggest getting here early to snag a great pew and to enjoy an incredible afternoon!

A copy of the booklet for this afternoon’s celebration is available here.

Sunday, 18 December – 4th Sunday of Advent

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Following the advice of the Chief Medical Officer of Health of Ontario and diocesan guidelines, we strongly encourage you to wear a high-quality medical mask for in-person attendance.

You can join the service, live or later, via YouTube. The live-stream will begin at 9:45 am, and the service itself will begin at 10 am. You’ll be able to watch or re-watch it on YouTube at the same link at any later time.

You can find the order of service here. It includes the readings, the responses, and the words of the hymns, so you can join in as fully as possible via the live-stream.

Sundays and Seasons offers this reflection on this Sunday’s readings:

Today Isaiah prophesies that a young woman will bear a son and name him Emmanuel. The gospel is Matthew’s account of the annunciation and birth of the one named Emmanuel, God-with-us. During these final days of Advent we pray, “O come, O come, Emmanuel,” a beloved hymn based on the O Antiphons, ancient prayers appointed for the seven days preceding Christmas. On this final Sunday of Advent we prepare to celebrate the birth of the one born to save us from the power of sin and death.

Sunday, 11 December – 3rd Sunday of Advent

Following the advice of the Chief Medical Officer of Health of Ontario and diocesan guidelines, we strongly encourage you to wear a high-quality medical mask for in-person attendance.

You can join the service, live or later, via YouTube. The live-stream will begin at 9:45 am, and the service itself will begin at 10 am. You’ll be able to watch or re-watch it on YouTube at the same link at any later time.

We’ve struggled with our live-streaming the past two weeks, but have had support visit and believe we have now corrected the problem!

You can find the order of service here. It includes the readings, the responses, and the words of the hymns, so you can join in as fully as possible via the live-stream.

Sundays and Seasons offers this reflection on this Sunday’s readings:

A note of joyful expectation marks today’s worship. Isaiah announces that the desert shall rejoice and blossom, and Jesus points to the unexpected and transforming signs of God’s reign. We wait with patience for the coming of the Lord, even as we rejoice at his presence among us this day: in word and holy supper, in church and in our homes, in silent reflection and in works of justice and love. We pray that God would open our eyes and ears to the wonders of Christ’s advent among us.

Sunday, July 24th – Seventh Sunday after Pentecost

All are welcome to attend in-person services. Entry is from the main doors on King Street East. Weather-permitting, coffee hour follows the ten o’clock service out in the Nativity Gardens behind the church.

Service Guidelines are available here.

Masks are not required, but with the current surge in COVID cases we do strongly recommend that you wear a high-quality medical mask for in-person attendance.

You can join the service, live or later, via YouTube. The live-stream will begin at 9:45 am, and the service itself will begin at 10 am. You’ll be able to watch or re-watch it on YouTube at the same link at any later time.

Keep this order of service handy! In it, you’ll find the readings, the responses, and the hymns–all so you can join in as fully as possible from afar.

The first reading this week is from the letter to the Colossians. Colossae was a city in the Roman province of Phrygia Pacatiana, and a significant city in Anatolia (modern Türkiye). The followers of Jesus in Colossae are encouraged to know that because they were buried with Christ in baptism, they are raised with him through faith. (Colossians 2.6–19)

The Courtyards of the Church of the Pater Noster, built on the location where Jesus is said to have taught the disciples the prayer we call “the Lord’s Prayer.”

This Sunday’s gospel passage begins with Jesus’s disciples asking him to teach them to pray–and him sharing the familiar words of what we now refer to as the Lord’s Prayer. Jesus goes on to reassure them that they will be heard as they continue to pray, and that God’s love will protect and care for them. (Luke 11.1–13)

Here are pictures of some of the plaques from around the Church of the Pater Noster, built on the Mount of Olives where Jesus is said to have taught the disciples to pray. They ones here–a small fraction of all the plaques at the church!–record the Lord’s Prayer in English, Greek, Latin, Cree, Ojibwe, Welsh, and German.

Sunday, May 15th — Fifth Sunday of Easter

All are welcome to attend in-person services. We no longer need attendees to preregister, and you will be able to choose where to sit. One side of the church still has some pews blocked off to support those who need to maintain physical distancing. All entry to the building is from the King Street East main doors.

Everyone–without exception–must wear a mask properly at all times while inside the building.

You can join the service, live or later, via YouTube. The live-stream will begin at 9:45 am, and the service itself will begin at 10am. You’ll still be able to watch or re-watch it on YouTube at the same link any time thereafter.

Keep this order of service handy! It has the readings, the responses, and hymn texts–so you can join in as fully as possible from afar.

Peter’s vision as described in Acts 11.

In our first reading, Peter reports to the Church in Jerusalem about his baptism of non-Jewish believers. He shares a vision given to him by God that God’s intention to love Gentiles as well as Jews is revealed in Jesus’ testimony. This vision leads to the authorizing of the mission to the Gentiles. (Acts 11.1–18)

Our second readings is from the Revelation to St. John. John’s vision shows us that in the resurrection the new age has dawned; God dwells with us already. We wait for the time when the tears that cloud our vision will be wiped away. Then we will see the new heaven, new earth, and new Jerusalem. (Revelation 21.1–6)

Today’s gospel pericope takes us back to Maundy Thursday. After washing the disciples’ feet, predicting his betrayal, and then revealing his betrayer, Jesus speaks of his glorification on the cross. This deep complicated love of Jesus, even to death on the cross, will be the distinctive mark of Jesus’ community. (John 13.31–35)

Sundays and Seasons offers this reflection on the week’s readings:

Easter initiates a new day. It anticipates a new heaven and a new earth. The risen Christ is making all things new. In the mystery of holy baptism God has made new people of us. Today Jesus invites us to see everyone in a new light—through the lens of love.

Requiem Eucharist for Kath Dubecki

The requiem eucharist for Kath will be held on Saturday, 23 April at 10am.

The service will be live streamed, and the order of service is available here.

Kath Dubecki, O.N.

Kath was appointed to the Order of Niagara in 2017. This citation was read at her induction to the Order.

Kath’s dedication, commitment, and passion for the mission of the church have been unflagging over many years and even multiple communities. She has served as a warden, a lay delegate to Synod, a member of Synod Council, a chorister, and a member of parish councils. Of particular note at the Church of the Nativity is her role as one of the organizers of the parish’s community lunch program since its inception. Her perspicacity, warmth, determination and good humour and humility make her a joy-filled companion on the journey of discipleship.

Sunday, March 20 – Third Sunday in Lent

If you’d like to join in-person worship at the Nativity, please call the office to pre-register. We continue to maintain 2 meters of distance between different household groups. Masks must be worn properly at all times inside the building. Our 10 o’clock Eucharist will continue to be live-streamed each week.

You can join in worshipping on Sunday, live or later, via YouTube! We’ll continue to offer a welcome at about 9:45, followed by some prelude music. The service will begin at 10 am. The service will be posted to YouTube, and you can use the same link to join in later.

If you’re joining in from afar, keep this order of service handy so you can participate in the service! It has all the responses, the hymn texts, and special prayers you might choose to use while those attending in person receive the eucharist.

This week, we’ll hear Isaiah sharing God’s invitation to draw close to our God, who provides all that we need. (Isaiah 55.1-9). We’ll also hear Jesus share a parable about patience and nurturing–even when the recipients of our care seemingly aren’t bearing fruit. (Luke 13.1-9)