Newletter: February 2006

On the Ringing of Bells

The ringing of bells to summon the faithful to worship is very old in the church, going back about 1500 years, and it has become the Christian sound, par excellence. That is why the Turks outlawed the ringing of church bells—causing the Christians to get creative and invent the semandron instead—a large board which is beaten by a wooden mallet to produce a ringing sound. Semandrons remain a part of Orthodox culture (especially in monasteries). But bells are still the quintessential Christian way to summon the faithful to prayer. It is said that the ringing of bells were responsible for driving the fairies out of Ireland - that is, the last traces of paganism were banished by the spread of Christian worship. The typikon (or set of instructions on how to conduct the services) presupposes bells, and gives instructions on how they are to be used.

Up until now, we have had to make do without a bell at St. Herman’s. But no longer. At the December meeting, Parish Council began to investigate how we might have a bell of our own, and one has been obtained. It is a small bell (later perhaps we can get a larger one, in a bell tower, right beside our cupola!), and it will be mounted in the narthex where it can be heard by all in the church. (And where it cannot be stolen during the week, which might be the case were it mounted outside.) The bell will be rung at 10.00 a.m. on Sunday morning, inviting children in the Sunday school and parents waiting for them to come into church. More than that, it will lift up our hearts to God, preparing us to lay aside our earthly cares and draw near to our Lord.

In our frantic society, it becomes harder and harder to focus our attention on the Lord. The church bell helps us in our focus, ringing in our ears and our hearts, and calling us home.

All my love,

Fr. Lawrence

 

Project Mexico!

Our own Kimberley Francis will be among those going from this Deanery and Archdiocese on the Project Mexico trip in March to help out at St. Innocent's Orphanage. Several fundraising projects are planned, with details soon to be announced. Meanwhile if there is anything you want to know or to volunteer your help or make a donation, speak to Kimberley at church or contact her at (604) 626-3296 or kimberleyfrancis{at}yahoo.com (please replace "{at}" with "@").

 

Candle Blessings

The Meeting of our Lord in the Temple is the feast when we bless candles, lamp oil, incense and charcoal for use in our home icon corners. Please remember to bring yours with you to the Vesperal Liturgy on February 1st, the eve of this feast.

 

Fasting Rules February 2006

• Wed. Feb. 1- Eve of Meeting Feast —Complete fast from noon for eucharist at Vesperal Liturgy, Festal foods for the meal afterward
• Feb. 12-18- Fast Free Week all foods allowed
• Mon. Feb. 19-Sun. 26 --Wed & Fri fast as normal.
• Last Meat day Sunday Feb. 26th
• Mon. Feb. 27- Sun. Mar. 5 Dairy Week —all foods except meat allowed
• Last Dairy Day Sunday Mar. 5th

 

FEBRUARY Special EVENTS

• Wed. Feb. 1—Eve of Meeting of our Lord -7: 00 pmVesperal Liturgy & Blessing of Candles/festal meal
• Sun. Feb. 5—Youth event after liturgy see Maria D. or Magdalen
• Tues Feb. 7, 28 -Study at Durans'
• Sat. Feb. 18—Icon workshop w. Heather McKean. Details from Mat. Sarah
• Weekend of Feb 10-13 Fr. Lawrence will be leading the Youth Retreat in Saskatoon—all services continue as usual with Fr. Justin

 

CARE TO SHARE RECIPES …

...with your fellow members?

Check out the blog at http://spruciesinthekitchen.blogspot.com

 

BULLETIN BOARDS

for UP TO THE MINUTE information about special activites, don't forget to check the bulletin boards in the hallway.

 

Women's Group

Our women's group is open to all women in the parish. It is very informal and chiefly to aid fellowship and unity in our far-flung and growing parish. There is now a SIGN UP sheet. Please consider hosting a meeting one month. The exact date and type of activity—anything from a formal study program to a movie night to just chatting, can be worked out by the person hosting. We want to move the days and locations of these get-togethers around to allow all women in the parish to at least attend some of them.

So far there have been: akathist and discussion of plans at Mat. Sarah's (south Surrey), Movie night (I missed it, I don't know where it was?—Ed.), study w. Fr. Justin at Raks' (N. Surrey), Advent Quiet Day at Theresias' (Chilliwack.)

Contact person : Mat. Sarah (604) 541-7343

 

Youth Group

This month's activity: Chocolate & Skating

When: Sun. Feb 5, 1-5pm

Cost: $10

Please pick up your children at the Sports Plex (across from Colossus) at 5

Contact persons:

• Magdalen (778) 898-0013
• Maria D. (604) 339-4613