Newsletter: October 2005

VANCOUVER NEWS!

In the midst of all the difficulties regarding our hoped-for building expansion, it is nice to have good news to report! In a recent letter, our Bishop has blessed Fr. Justin Hewlett’s work in Vancouver by recognizing it as an official “Mission Station”, albeit under the protection of St. Herman’s parish. The new work, long planned for by the Deanery as part of its over-all mission strategy, is to be called “St. John the Theologian Mission”. An antimension is to follow, so that Fr. Justin may serve Saturday Liturgies there, perhaps by the end of the year.

It should be stressed that, at this time, the work is still in its initial stages, and should be considered as an outreach of St. Herman’s, and not as a separate parish. All the people worshipping there are still full members of St. Herman’s Church, under Fr. Lawrence. On Sundays, they will still gather together for Divine Liturgy in Langley, with their fellow parishioners. But a beginning has been made, and as the Lord blesses the new work with growth in months and years to come, it will one day be on its own. In the meantime, Fr. Justin will continue to work as part of the St. Herman’s clergy, concelebrating in Langley, and doing his own Bible Studies in Vancouver on Thursdays. Any questions regarding this new outreach should be directed to Fr. Justin, or Fr. Lawrence.

Also, the Bishop has blessed Fr. Christopher Rigden-Briscall to undertake a student chaplaincy at UBC. This work among the students has long been needed, since the UBC campus has had no official Orthodox presence for a long time. The last Orthodox chaplaincy was done by Fr. Victor Sokoloff in the late 1980’s—so Fr. Christopher’s work is long over-due! By serving Vespers and Akathists, by giving counsel and teaching, catechetical instruction and Bible Studies, Fr. Christopher will offer support to Orthodox students during the critical time of their campus sojourn, and shine the light of Orthodoxy for those who may not have seen it before. (It is also hoped that this ministry to Orthodox students and to the faculty there will result in growth to the parish, either at St. Herman’s parish in Langley or St. John’s mission station in Vancouver.) On Sundays, Fr. Christopher will join Fr. Lawrence and Fr. Justin in serving at St. Herman’s and pastoring the flock there.

Please pray for these two works, and for Fr. Justin and Fr. Christopher, that the Lord may bless their efforts and crown them with success.

- Fr. Lawrence

FALL BACK!

Before bed Sat. night, OCT. 29 don't forget to set your clocks back an hour!

October Events

• Sat. Oct. 1, 4:30 p.m. Creative Arts group in hall
• Sun. Oct. 2, 4.00 pm: Wedding of Phil Jordahl and Biss Penfold, at the Church.
• Sun. Oct. 9 – Harvest Festival (Church decorated, bring harvest vegetables for blessing)
• Sun. Oct. 23 – St. James’ Day: St. James Liturgy
• Wed. Oct. 5, 12, 19, 26 – Daily Vespers at St. Herman’s
• Thurs. 6, 13, 20, 27 – Bible Study in Vancouver (Fr. Justin)
• Saturday Oct. 29 – Daylight Savings Ends: set clocks back 1 hour before bedtime!

Fasting Rules for October 2005

All Wednesdays and Fridays this month are regular fast days with no meat, fish, eggs or dairy, wine or olive oil.

COMING SOON-- St Herman's Youth Group!

PLANS ARE AFOOT to start regular activities for the youth of the parish!

These will not be Sunday School type activities, but fun and fellowship events where the youth of the parish can spend time together.

For more information contact Youth Leaders: Magdalen Farley or Maria Dafnis.

Women of the Church Unite!

As most of you know we have managed to organize a St. Herman's women's group. We had our first get together on Monday, Sept. 19th. We had a good turnout and talked about future plans such as reading a Handmaiden article, participating in charities, organizing a BC Orthodox Women's retreat, fixing up the gardens at the church, and hopes to plan a 20th anniversary celebration for St. Herman's in 2006.

Our next get together is a Chick Flick night at the Hewlett's on Friday, Oct. 7th7:30 pm.

The Women's chat forum is up and running at www.saintherman.net/forums. Please register and join in.

If you would like to receive e-mails, or a phone call if you don't have e-mail, please give Mat. Sarah your e-mail address and/or phone number.

We have also planned an Advent retreat for the women on Saturday, December 17th at Theresia Lerche's home. Lenten Brunch at 10:00 AM and then a quiet day in the country with friends.

More info on all above from: Mat. Sarah Hewlett.