|
Saint Matthew's Anglican Church
2010 Guilford Drive
Abbotsford, B. C. Canada V2S 5R2
phone: (604) 853-2416
Rector: The Rev. Mike Stewart
Suffragan Bishop & Associate: The Rt. Rev. Dr. Trevor Walters
Assisting Clergy: The Rev. Dr. Ken Deeks (Priest), The Rev. Don Gardner (Deacon), The Rev. Gary Stobbs (Deacon)
Mission Statement
Saint Matthew’s Anglican Church is a community of believers set alight by the fire of God, called to experience and share the fullness of life in Jesus Christ and the healing power of the Holy Spirit.
Parish Vision
That God would continue to pour out His Holy Spirit on us
so that we would seek Him more deeply
and go out to share His love and grace with others
resulting in a community of believers
committed to spiritual growth, discipleship and outreach.
WHERE TO FIND:
Office Hours (look in FAQ)
Core Beliefs & Values (look in FAQ)
Newsletter (look in Forms)
Sunday Bulletin service page (look in Forms)
Week at a glance (look in Forms)
Baptism (look in Forms)
Special News (look in Forms)
Anglican Network in Canada Newsletter (look in Forms or log on to: www.anglicannetwork.ca/newsletters.htm
—–
Saint Matthew's is a part of the world-wide Anglican Communion and also involved in the evangelical and renewal movements. Our church is Christ-centred, Bible-based and motivated by prayer. Everyone as part of our church family is encouraged to use their gifts and talents to the glory of God. We believe in working together with other denominations, the community and the world to share the Good News of Jesus Christ.
Our heartfelt thanks for the prayers, love, words of encouragement and the support of so many. It is indeed a blessing to be part of such a loving world-wide Christian community. God bless you!
All of you, have unity of spirit, sympathy, love for one another, a tender heart, and a humble mind. Do not repay evil for evil or abuse for abuse; but, on the contrary, repay with a blessing. It is for this that you were called - that you might inherit a blessing. 1 Peter 3:8-9
My Dear Friends
Sacrifice thank-offerings to God, fulfil your vows to the Most High, and call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honour me (Psalm 50. 14, 15).
It is with a heavy heart that I write this to you. By now you have probably heard of the mixed decision from Mr. Justice Stephen Kelleher regarding our building. The media release issued at 4.30pm yesterday (Wednesday) and can be found at www.anglicannetwork.ca. The decision is very disappointing for us and not one that we had prayed for. Given the mixed decision of the judge the way forward for us is as yet unclear. We have not been told to leave our building as such but the Judge has said that the parish properties 'are held on trust for Anglican ministry as defined by the Anglican Church of Canada'. It was ruled that Bp. Michael Ingham did not have the authority to terminate and replace our Trustees, but it was also determined that the Trustees were required to exercise their authority in accordance with the Diocese of New Westminster. He then goes on to say that he would 'leave it to the parties to arrive at a workable solution'. This leaves us in a very difficult position. We will be taking counsel from our legal team, and the Trustees of the 4 Churches are meeting in Vancouver on Monday. The Parish will of course be kept informed of all further developments and decisions that will need to be made.
A lawyer friend of mine reminded me today that a judge may sit on the bench but God continues to sit on the throne. This is a good reminder for us. Ultimately our case is in His hands.
This Sunday is Advent Sunday and the beginning of a brand new Church year. We may well be called upon to make big sacrifices this year, our faith will be stretched and tested. But God continues to hold out the promise of His presence to us to guide and provide all that we need. The words from Jeremiah come to mind; 'For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future' (Chapter 29. 11).
This evening at 7pm there will be a special prayer meeting in the Sanctuary, do come if you are able.
Thank you for your faithfulness to our LORD Jesus Christ. This is a time when emotions are running high, let us be patient with one another and continue to choose the way of love.
You are all in my ongoing prayers.
'God of power, you are strong to save and you never fail those who trust in you: Keep us under your protection and spread abroad your reign of peace; through Jesus Christ our LORD. Amen.
Mike Stewart+
Rector.
|
