St. Jude's Anglican Church

Newsletter

August Edition 2010

Rev. Dr. Michael Thompson, Rector

Dear friends at St. Jude's,

Here are some of the things that the Fall of 2010 will bring our way:

Pentecost 2010 Edition

Ven. Dr. Michael Thompson, Rector

In a few weeks' time, I will be with delegates from across Canada at our Anglican Church's triennial "General Synod". Among the things we will consider is a proposed strategic vision for the national work of our church, "Vision 2019". At a recent meeting preparing for General Synod, the Bishop of Edmonton, Jane Alexander, expressed hope that Vision 2019, and especially its foundation in the Anglican Communion's "Marks of Mission" would shape and transform the ministries of our church at all levels - local, regional, and national.

Vestry Edition 2010

Report of the Rector to Vestry
February 21, 2010

As I reflect on the last year and look ahead to the future, I am mindful of how my work here at St. Jude's and my participation in the work of the wider church are woven together. And I am grateful for the opportunity to serve in a parish that understands its life as part of a wider whole, contributing generously to ministry beyond our own reach, and graciously releasing me to participate in that wider ministry.

Easter Edition 2010

Dear Friends at St. Jude's,
At our Vestry meeting, I identified a number of ways in which we are, at St. Jude's, taking hold of the ministry challenges and opportunities that God has set before us. At the same time, I acknowledged a tendency I share with some others to be so focused on those challenges and opportunities (the ‘not-yet' of ministry) that we lose sight of ground already gained, developments already underway, and the long arc of faithfulness that brings us into the present - the ‘so far' of our common life.

In the events of Holy Week and Easter, we trace our journey into events in Jesus' life with his first disciples. We meet him on Palm Sunday entering the city, acclaimed by crowds who have heard of him - of his compassionate healing, wise teaching, truthful confrontations with the powerful, and passionate proclaiming of God's kingdom of love and justice. On that day, the crowds who greet him are making a choice - between God and Caesar. For on the same day, at another gate, the Roman army entered Jerusalem to occupy it during Passover, when passions and populist dreams might turn against the Roman occupation.

Advent 2009 edition

from the desk of...
The Rev. Dr. Michael J. Thompson - Rector

Dear Friends at St. Jude's,

In Heart's Desire, a cowboy love story from the early 20th century, Curly sits down next to his horse, his misanthropic horse, Pinto, no less and reflects on what keeps Pinto from running away:

"Pinto," he said, "your remind me of a heap of folks I know. You think them reins hold you, but they don't. They ain't tied to nothing. You're just like them, hitched to a fool notion, that's all."