Traces and Signs

To reflect theologically is to interpret our activities and the events unfolding around us from God’s perspective. Where and in what way(s) is God present and moving in our lives, in the church, in the world? How is what we are saying and doing in our personal lives and common life, a response to or expression of God’s presence and action in the world? Theological reflection takes the facts of our lives and tries them on as traces and signs of God’s love in action.

+++

Here are some of the recent facts which we might wish to reflect upon as traces and signs that the people of the Church of the Incarnation have been pursuing God’s mission. What signs and traces of God’s presence and activity amongst us would you name?  

+++

Generosity was powerfully modelled for us with a major gift of $50,000 for debt reduction.  Paving the Road Ahead has so far received matching pledges of about $30,000 in response! 

+++

Anne Moniuk has filled the resurrected Volunteer Coordinator position and has been hard at work providing all parish volunteers with job descriptions, codes of conduct and screening requirements. 

+++

Volunteer Appreciation Day was June 12^th!

+++

We found ways to share in ministry with the Rev’d Cheryl Fricker and the people of St. Aidan’s, Oakville. St. A’s donated a beautiful offering basin to us (which Mac Morrison carefully refinished).  Both parishes worshipped together on Ash Wednesday and at the Easter Vigil.  They invited us take part in their Lenten study series.  We have a preaching exchange planned for the fall.

+++

A Storage Task Force has been struck so that we can clean out what we no longer need and organize the rest so as to make the best use of our equipment, supplies and facilities.

+++

A new comprehensive web-based Christian education curriculum, “Akaloo” (from the Greek Άκολουθεω – to follow) is being used in Children’s Church.

+++

We were the 1st parish in the diocese to enter into a Ministry Covenant, intended to promote accountability in our mission and ministry.

+++

We plan to offer a fall after-school children’s cooking programme with community partners, Thursdays, Sept 22-Nov. 10. Volunteers needed!

+++

Lively all-ages services, inspired (in part) by Britain’s “Messy Church” movement, have been started at Incarnation:  March 13^th and June 19^th!

+++

Parishioners helped in the 1^st annual Halton Interfaith Council food drive.

+++

Gifts in memory of Paul Maclauchlan, a gospel book & an offering plate, from the Oakville Curling Club were dedicated on May 29^th.

+++

Vestry approved borrowing from the assets in the Building Fund, renamed the Debt Reduction Fund, for paving the parking lot when sufficient funds are available.  

+++

Worship seasons were devoted to the 6 Marks of Mission and the “gifts” of spiritual practices.

+++

We created, on a trial-basis, an intimate chapel space in the worship space’s south-west corner for 8:30 a.m. services. 

+++
Canon Wendy Roy of St. Matthew’s House guest preached - May 29th.