A Message from the Minister’s Messy Desk
I was recently asked to write a devotional on the verse “O Sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvelous things.” Psalm 98:1. At first I struggled to think of something to say and then in struck me, the command is to sing a NEW song to God! By coincidence, we have been singing new hymns a lot lately! And I know, new hymns are not everyone’s favourite. Yet, here this command is to sing something new. Is it because familiarity can lead to complacency? Is it because old hymns bring us comfort but we should always feel a little unsettled by God? Or is it that Scripture tells us that God is always up to something new and therefore we should be as well? I don’t have an answer! I do know that this Sunday we will be singing a relatively new song that uses old words.
The Lorica by Steve Bell was introduced to me by the Canada Youth worship team in 2018. We’ve sung it at CVPC once before. It is a paraphrase of the words that may have been written on St. Patrick’s breastplate or shield (the word Lorica means body armour).
Hence why I thought it might be an appropriate song for this week.
Regardless of whether you have Irish in you or not- enjoy hearing the Lorica and singing this new song on Sunday!
You can hear this song on YouTube.
The Lorica by Steve Bell:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KucM2F80_uA
Please note, the version we will be singing is a little lower in octave and Elvera has done a great job transposing it to piano!
NAME TAGS
As we come back to in person worship we encourage everyone to wear their name tags or contact the office if you would like one. Two years is a long time to have to remember names, plus everyone looks a little different with a mask on. A reminder that masks are to be worn at all times while in worship unless consuming food or drink.
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING and Lunch
At the upcoming AGM we encourage you to bring a bagged lunch. A reminder that the AGM will be held after the service this Sunday, March 20th. Parishioners can attend either in person or online via zoom.
The zoom link is below:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87479148718?pwd=di9ROGovaVRFWVZLekV0NFI0a0RCQT09
Or call:
+1 778 907 2071 Canada
+1 204 272 7920 Canada
Meeting ID: 874 7914 8718
Passcode: 840878
ADDITION TO THE AGM AGENDA
At our AGM we will also have a “vote of acclamation” as the Session recommends that George Finlay be admitted as an active elder.
George, and his wife Barbara, have been active members of CVPC since October 2002. Barb has been residing at Glacier View Lodge since 2018 and George assists with her care as much as he can. He currently serves as the chair of the Property and Maintenance Committee. Prior to attending CVPC George served as chair of the Board of Managers and an elder at Haney Presbyterian Church in Maple Ridge. In his free time he enjoys playing clarinet, riding horses and attending concerts of the Vancouver Island Symphony.
Traditionally this vote is done with a secret ballot. However, given the circumstances the Session is hoping that this can proceed with just a vote at the AGM.
Please contact Rev. Jenn if you have any questions.
LENTEN PROJECT 2022
Nicaragua: Sowing Seeds for a Secure Future
The Mission Committee wishes to support PWS&D’s Food Security Initiative in Nicaragua for it’s 2022 Lenten Project.
Our goal is to raise $1520 which provides a community with vegetable seeds, fruit tree saplings, tools and training.
To donate to the Lenten Project mark it on the “other” line of your envelope or donate online through our Canada Helps page and choose “2022 Lenten Project”.
Upcoming Lenten Bible Study
Our Lenten Bible study continues on Thursdays at 7pm until April 7. The study is entitled “Becoming the Church” and focuses on the Holy Habits as found in Acts. Please email Jenn for the zoom link.
Senior Services BOOKLET 
Pastoral Care Assistant Angela Hope has compiled a list of services for senior’s in the Comox Valley. Katie has printed out copies in the office.
The booklet includes information on the available; meal services, foot care, pet care, house keeping, house maintenance companies here in the Valley etc. Additionally there are lists of government resources available to seniors, from financial assistance, to estate planning, to medical transportation. Please let Katie know if you’d like your own copy.