St. Mary's Sermons & News
2026 05 17 Easter 7 A, Holy Communion, Rite II B, officiated by Fr. Colin Belton, Priest-in-Charge. Thank you, Fr. Colin, for leading us in worship today and preaching a powerful message about the “in-between” time between Ascension and Pentecost. For the disciples, Jesus’ mother, Mary, his brothers and others as they stayed and devoted themselves to prayer together in an upper room. This was a time of preparation for their next thing: carrying out Jesus’ instructions to “go and make disciples of all nations.” How do we deal with the “in between ” times we experience in our lives today? They devoted themselves to prayer. Maybe this is a powerful encouragement to us to pray more today?
2026 05 10 Easter 6 A, Holy Communion, Rite II. Officiant: Fr. Colin Belton, Priest-in-Charge. We welcomed Fr. Colin back this morning from his recent illness and surgery. He is still “on the mend”, but, as you will see, fully able to officiate and preach an excellent sermon. But the service today was also tinged with sadness as Fr. Colin announced that his recent illness had caused him to reflect deeply on his life and ministry. He has decided to retire and will leave St. Mary’s at the end of June. We are sad about his leaving us but are happy he, with Penny, is looking after his self-care in a healthy way. The last hymn of the service seemed to be extremely fitting – It is Well with My Soul. Amen!
2026 05 03 Easter 5, Rite II. Communion from the Reserved Sacrament led by Dcn. Rick Littlejohn. Thank you, once again, for officiating this morning, Dcn. Rick. The news about Fr. Colin is that on Wednesday, May 6 from 10 a.m. to noon, he plans to restart and lead Morning Prayer with Eucharist and Lectionary Study (of the Lectionary passages for Easter 6). Fr. Colin also intends to officiate at next Sunday’s Holy Communion service, which is also Mother’s Day.
2026-4-26 Fourth Sunday after Easter, Easter 4, Holy Communion from the Reserved Sacrament, Rite II, officiated by Dcn Rick Littlejohn. Thank you, Dc. Rick for a good service and sermon on this “Good Shepherd” Sunday. We are please to hear that Fr. Colin is making progress recovering from his serious operation on April 16. There will be a worship service at 9:30 a.m. next Sunday, May 3. Senior Warden, Barbara, will confirm the details of that service during this coming week.
2026-04-19 Third Sunday of Easter, Easter 3, Year A. Holy Communion, Rite II, led by Mother Hannah Armidon. We were very blessed that Mtr. Hannah was able to lead our service today instead of Fr. Colin. We hear Fr. Colin’s operation was successful and he is getting better.
2026-4-12 Second Sunday of Easter – Easter 2, Rite II. Officiated by our Priest-in-Charge, Fr. Colin Belton. Towards the end of the service prayers are always prayed for those who, in the coming week, have a birthday, an anniversary or are travelling. This week, our beloved priest, Fr. Colin is having surgery and will be away for the following two Sundays. As we gathered around and laid hands on Fr. Colin, Dcn. Rick anointed him with oil and the congregation prayed for his full and speedy healing.
2026-4-5 Sunday of the Resurrection, Rite II, New Fire and Paschal Candle, led by Fr. Colin Belton.
2026-04-03 Good Friday, including Stations of the Cross. Officiated by Fr. Colin Belton, Priest-in-Charge. (Sound starts at 8 minutes 10 seconds. Thereafter most of the characters in the story of the Passion and Crucifixion cannot be heard, but please persist in listening until the very end to hear those who have mics)
2026-04-02 Maundy Thursday, Rite II, led by Fr. Colin Belton (includes foot washing). (Sound level is weak. Please increase the volume on your device to suit)
