St Mary's Anglican Church, Hillsborough
39, Mill Street E4H 2Z7 Hillsborough, NB, Canada

Curate’s CornerJanuary 31, 2021 Is there an Encourager in the house!? ... Hello Everyone! I begin with four silly questions and then one sensible one! So, please bear with me! Have you ever been discouraged? Do you have anything to be discouraged about right now? Are you aware that we will have to stay in the Red Phase for a while longer? Did either of your parents or caregiver ever say: Stop crying, or I’ll give you something to cry about? OK! Enough of the silly questions! We all require encouragement from time to time no matter how strong we are, or whether we are willing to admit it or not. To encourage is to "give support, confidence, or hope to (someone)." Now the reasonable question: Where do you find encouragement when you are in a desolate place, or in the midst of ongoing difficulty or struggle like a pandemic? For some of us, we are encouraged by the testimonies of others who persevered through similar struggles. Others are girded by the hopeful words of a trusted friend or family member. The "encouragers" in Scripture stand out. They stand out not so much for who they were or what they endured, but rather to Whom they turned. In Lamentations, Jeremiah, described as the weeping prophet, provides a vivid picture of the desolation of his circumstances and heart. After a significant lament, he wrote: I will never forget this terrible time!...Yet, this I call to mind and have hope! The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases. His mercies never come to an end. They are new every morning. (Lam. 3:22,23). Well acquainted with suffering, Jeremiah was able see the tangible hope that God provided and allowed God to encourage him in the midst of the desolation. Jeremiah’s contemporary, Habakkuk also had a deep understanding of discouragement. However, like Jeremiah, Habakkuk is encouraged by the Presence of God even though the circumstances remained messy and bleak. He writes: Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, 18 yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior. 19 The Sovereign Lord is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to tread on the heights. (Hab 3:17-19). In the midst of this ongoing pandemic which continues to compound all of the other challenges we face, I encourage you to reach out to God who meets us where we are, and Whose timeless Word continues to provide hope and perspective to all who draw near. In His Peace, Rob+

Curate's Corner Jan 24, 2021 Look directly at the SON! Let there be light! With those words on Day 1 of Creation, God spoke everything into existence. God said a mouthful! To say that light is both significant and essential is a gross understatement. Our lives depend on light. Let’s work from the physical to the spiritual aspects of this. The sun’s distance from... earth is just right. If the sun were any closer or any further away, we would not survive the extreme conditions burning up or freezing solid. Our individual need for physical light is tangible - especially at this time of year when the daylight hours are shorter. The winter grey skies do affect our moods and outlook. Many of us avail ourselves of special mechanical lights which provide the specific light that we require. Physiologically, our bodies are designed to receive Vitamin D when our skin is exposed to Sunlight. Workers in Polar areas are sent south for intentional vacations as they need to see the Sun. Some of us suffer from SAD (Seasonal Affected Disorder). Light is essential in plant life. The process of photosynthesis occurs when a plant receives the sunlight and converts into chemical energy! Science class overlet’s move on! Throughout Scripture, light is a prominent theme. God’s glorious perfection is Light. When Moses would return from a mountaintop encounter with God, his face shone reflecting God’s glory. This same Glorious light, guided the people on their way. Psalm 119 reminds us that God’s word is a lamp to our feet and light to our path. Throughout the ages, the light of God’s word has and does provide direction, correction and consolation to us. In the New Testament, Jesus says I am the light of the world! (John 8:12) The light of Christ shows the way giving us hope. His light reveals truth. When we allow Jesus to shine His light into our hearts, He shows us the areas which require his work and transformation. Also, in 1 John 1:7, the Scripture tells us that when we walk in the Light of Christ, we have fellowship with one another as we share the common light and life of Jesus. Today, in this time and space, we find ourselves more and more in need of the guiding light of Jesus. Many of us are discouraged and cast down by the persisting pandemic. In many cases, our vision and ability to see possibilities has been clouded by fear, anxiety and exhaustion. Looking directly into the light of the sun, will blind us. But, in a stunning paradox, looking directly into the light of the Son, will bring clarity to our vision and healing to us all. In this extended winter season created by the pandemic, I encourage you to open your eyes to see and allow the light of Christ to shine. His light will and does restore hope and joy into our hearts and souls. In the peace of Christ. Rob+ See more

Bible readings for Mon September 28th to Mon October 5th Mon 28th:- Job 1:6-22; Ps 17:1-7; Lk 9: 46-50; Tues :- Gen 28:10-17; Ps 103:19-22; Rev 12:7-12; Jn 1:47-51 Wed :- Job 9:1-16; Ps 88:10-15; Lk 29:57-62 Thur Oct 1st:- Job 19:21-27; Ps 27:10-18; Lk 10:1-12... Fri :- Job 38:1, 12-21,40;Ps 139:1-17; Lk10:13-16 Sat :- Job 42:1-6,12-17; Ps 119:169-176; Lk 10:17-24 Sun :- Ex 20:1-4,7-9, 12-20; Ps 19; Phil3:4b-14;Mt 21:33-46 Mon Oct 5th:- Gal 1:6-12;Ps 111:1-6;Lk 10:25-37 Read and enjoy the word of the Lord and if you are free come to the church for the 9 o'clock service on Sundays and feel the love of our Lord Jesus Christ and the warmth and welcome of the parishioners

Curate’s Corner: September 27, 2020. Hope in the Lord! Hi Everybody! Six months have passed since the Coronavirus took hold and began to seriously impact our lives. This pandemic continues to affect us in so many ways -how we relate to one another, and live our lives. In the midst of this on going and mystifying time, fundamental question arise that called for deeper reflection: When you are down, to whom, or where do you turn?... When you find yourself in a dark place, who or what brings light to your situation? The Scriptures remind us that we are not left alone and we are not without hope. The Psalms are a great place to start. The Psalms reflect a healthy relationship with God. The psalmist thanks, praises and struggles with God to find answers. The psalmist also cries to God from the dark place of fear, anguish, depression and confusion. In every case, it is clear that as the creature of God pours his or her heart out, God hears, listens and moves towards -lifting the spirit of the psalmist. Psalms 42 is helpful -particularly. From a broken spirit, and a desolate place, the Psalmist "thirsts" for God. He Psalmist remembers better times. He vividly describes feelings that God has forgotten him. But, as he pours out his heart, the Lord speaks words of encouragement to "refill" it. Repeatedly, the writer proclaims: "I will put my hope in God. I will praise Him again!" (verses 5, 11 ). Although his situation seems unchanged, his heart is. God is alive, present and encourages him. Psalm 42 is an encouragement, and it also carries a challenge. The Psalm encourages us that we are not alone when we are discouraged. But, it also calls us to put our hope in God -because Hope in the Lord renews us, strengthens us and grows our relationship with the Lord. A healthy Christian life is not marked by a lack of hardship or difficulty. Rather, growth often occurs through hardship and struggle -where God meets and works in the life of His people. Friends, in the middle of the darkest hour, or in the midst of the fiercest storm, in the middle of a seemingly unending health crisis, we remember that Jesus is present with us and is working. Jesus is the tangible hope and the Provider of hope. When we call out to Him, and reach our hands, He will take hold of us and guide us through. Hang in there! As Isaiah writes: - But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:31 In His Love, Rob+

bible readings for the coming week commencing Tues Sept 15 Tues:- 1 Cor 12:12-14, 27-31; Ps 100; Lk 7:11-17; Wed:- 1 Cor 12:31-12:13; Ps 33:1-12,22; Lk 7:31-35 Thur:- 1 Cor 15:1-11; Ps 118:14-29; Lk 7:36-59 Fri:- 1 Cor 15:12-20; Ps 17:1-7; Lk 8:1-3... Sat:- 1 Cor 15:35-49; Ps 30:1-5; Lk 8:4-15 Sun:- Ex 16:2-15; Ps 105:1-6,37-45; Phil 1:21-30; Mt 20:1-16 Mon:- 2 Tim 3:14-17; Ps 119:33-40; Mt 9:9-13 Read and enjoy the readings, look inward and see what it means to you and look outward and see how you can pass on the word of the Lord.

The reading for this week starting on Wed 9th Sept Wed:- 1 Cor 7:25-31; Ps 45:11-18; Lk 6:20-26 Thur:- 1 Jn 5:6-12; Ps 107:23-32; Matt 28:16-20 Fri:- 1 Cor 19:16-27; Ps 84; Lk 6:39-42 Sat:- 1 Cor 10:14-22; Ps 116:10-17; Lk 6:43-49... Sun:- Ex 14:19-31; Ps 114; Rom 14:1-12; Mat 18:21-35 Read and enjoy the good word and lift yourself up so people can see your love of God apologies for the late posting

Bible reading for the week commencing Tuesday 1st Sept Tues:- 1 Cor 2:10-16; Ps 145:8-15; Lk 4:31-37 Wed:- Rev 7:13-17; Ps 116:1-8;Lk 12:4-12 Thur:- 2 Cor 4:5-12;Ps 24:1-6;Lk 5:1-11 Fri:- Ex16:13-17a,31-32; Ps 78:18-25; Jn 6:53-59... Sat:- 1 Cor 4:6-15; Ps 145:14-22;Lk 6:1-5 Sun:- Ex 12:1-14; Ps 149; Rom 13:8-14;Mt 18:15-20 Read and see what surprises the Lord has in place for you and enjoy his compassion as you read His word, Amen

Curate’s Corner Sunday August 30, 2020 Fear buster! NO FEAR!!!! Years ago, these two words were marketed and circulated all over the place. This message could be found on t-shirts, sunglasses and bumper stickers. It is an important message! In a world where fear is pervasive, we proclaim, I will not be ruled by fear anymore!... But many, if not all of us, allow fears to overtake us. This pandemic has compounded and complicated our lives and has also intensified our worries. We are worried about our health or the health of family members. We may be overwhelmed by financial troubles. We may be overly concerned by the isolation that we are experiencing. I am encouraged by the truth that God knows all of our concerns and fears. There are numerous places in Scripture that remind, encourage and exhort us not to be afraid and to take hope in God. In the Old Testament, God exhorts Joshua to be strong and courageous...because God would be with Him. Isaiah an the encouraging message: Fear Not, I have redeemed you, I have called you by name, you are mine. God re-enforces Jeremiah as He proclaims Do not be terrified, for I am with you. In the New Testament, Angels appear to Mary, Joseph, and (later) Shepherds to proclaim the coming Messiah. In all cases, God says; Do not be afraid Later on, in His earthly ministry, Jesus often encouraged his disciples not to be afraid. While it is very important that we are called not be afraid, what is it that Jesus does to help us? Jesus promises His Presence. Loneliness and isolation can and do cause us great concern. Jesus’ promised accompaniment restores our hope. Jesus gives wisdom to negotiate through difficult decision making. Jesus provides special portions of inner strength to face each day. While we have not been promised clear sailing over or around the challenges of life, when we allow Jesus to direct us, big things happen! We also have the opportunity to share our experiences with others such that they might be encouraged. Perhaps even right now, we might ask Jesus to plant in us new seeds of faith and hope. I began with an illustration of vivid bumper sticker with the words NO FEAR!! This mantra has greater force, when it says this: NO FEARWITH JESUS! Let it be so! Rob+

This Sunday August 30, will be a combined service at St. Philip’s at 10 am. As the weather forecast is for rain, the service will be held indoors.

Bible readings for the coming week starting Mon August 24th Mon:- Dt 18: 5-18; Ps 91; Lk 22:24-30 Tues:- 2 Th 2:1-17; Ps 96:7-13; Mt 23:23-26 Wed:- 2 Th 3:6-10; Ps 128; Mt 23:27-32... Thur:- 1 Sam 1:10-11,20; Ps 115:12-15;Jn 16:20-24 Fri:- 1 Jn 4:7-16; Ps 102:19-28; Mt 23:8-12 Sat:- 2 Chr 24:17-21; Ps 71:1-6, 15-17; Mk 6:17-29 Sun:- Ex 3:1-15;Ps 105:1-6,23-26,45c;Rom 12:9-21; Mt 16;21-28 We must all think and contemplate the word of the Lord as he takes us into this coming week, remember He is our strength and shield and call on our Lord to guide us in His love, Amen

Bible readings commencing Aug 10th Mon:- Col 1:24-29; Ps 69:31-36; Mk 8:34-38 Tues:- S of S 2:10-13; Ps 63:1-8; Lk 12:32-37 Wed:- Ezek 34:11-16; Ps 40:5-11; Mt 9: 35-38 Thur:- Jas 2:14-26; Ps 119:1-8; Mt 5:17-20... Fri:- 1 Peter 4:12-14,16-19; Ps 119:105:112; Jn 15:12-19,26-27 Sat:- Is 7:10-15; Ps 132:6-10, 13-14; Gal 4:4-7; Lk 1:46-55 Sun:- Gen 45:1-15;Ps 133; Rom 111-2a,29-32 Enjoy the Lord's word, read, think , digest understand and pray but the most important thing is to believe and enjoy because the Lord is good See more

Bible Readings for the week commencing 3rd Aug Mon :- Jer 26:1-9,12-15; Ps 31:1-7,16; Mt 23:34-39 Tues:- Jer 30:1-2,12-22;Ps 102:16-22; Mt 14:22-36 Wed :- Jer 31:1-7; Ps 121; Mt 15:21-28 Thur:- Dan 7:9-10,13-14;Ps 99;2 Peter 1:16-19;Lk 9:28-36... Fri :- Sir:11-14,16-18;Ps 106:1-5 Mt 13:44-52 Sat :- Rom 10:13-17; Ps 40:4-11;Lk 10:1-12 Sun :- Gen 37:1-4,12-28;Ps 105:1-6,16-22,45c;Rom 10:5-15; Mt 14:22-33 Read, study and pray and give thanks to God for all the blessings we have for our families and the nature that is all around us. Amen See more

Curate’s Corner July 12, 2020. How firm is your foundation? Dear Friends, Oftentimes, drama in real life, reminds us of deeper truths. Several years ago, while I was working in my office, I heard loud noises: Bang!, Boom!, BOOM! BOOOM!! Ok, after that loudest Boom, I had to check this out! When I looked out the front window, I saw the old, rickety apartment house across the street quickly being reduced to a pile of rubble and dust! The building fell down with remarkably f...Continue reading

The readings for the week starting Mon 6th July Mon, 1 Peter 3:13-16; Ps 119:161-168; Mk 12: 13-17 Tues Hos 8:4-7; Ps 115:1-10; Mt 9:32-38 Wed Hos 10:1-3,7-8,12; Ps 105:1-7: Mt 10:1-7 Thur Hos 11: 1-9;Ps 80:1-7; Mt 10:7-15... Fri Hos 14:1-9; Ps 51:1-12; Mt 10:16-23 Sat Is 6:1-8;Ps 93; Mt 10:24-33 Sun Gen25:19-34; Ps119:105-112;Rom8:1-11; Mt13:1-9,18-23 Read , digest study but most importantly ENJOY in Christs name Amen