Mar. 18, 2026
The Fifth Sunday in Lent marks a transition into Passiontide, shifting focus toward Christ’s sacrifice
and resurrection. Readings emphasize God doing “something new” (Isaiah), offering unconditional
mercy (the adulterous woman), and promising eternal life (raising Lazarus). Key themes include
compassion, abandoning judgmental attitudes, and transitioning from spiritual death to new life.
Key Themes and Reflections:
- Divine Mercy Over Judgment: The Gospel (John 8) highlighting the woman caught inadultery challenges believers to abandon harsh judgments of others and embrace their ownneed for mercy. Jesus’ phrase “Neither do I condemn you” encourages a shift from guilt to anew life of grace.
- New Life and Resurrection: The optional, but frequently used, Gospel of Lazarus (John 11) portrays Jesus as the master over death and a compassionate figure who weeps for human suffering. This prepares the faithful for Easter.
- Moving Beyond the Past: The first reading from Isaiah 43 often calls believers to stop dwelling on past mistakes or dwelling in “sinful ways,” and instead focus on the “new things” God is creating.
- Straining Forward in Faith: Paul’s letter to the Philippians (Phil 3) inspires a forward-looking perspective, encouraging followers to “forget what lies behind” and focus on the upward calling in Christ Jesus.
- Entering Passiontide: This Sunday is often called “Passion Sunday,” signaling that Lent is concluding, and the church is entering the final, intense contemplation of Jesus’ passion and death.
Worship Calendar
Mar. 22 When God Arrives Too Late John 11:1-45 Rev. Eric Lee
Mar. 29 When the King Arrived Matthew 21:1-11 Rev. Eric Lee
Apr. 3 Watching the Tomb Gospel of Matthew Rev. Eric Lee
NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
Common Scents
Please be advised that our church has a scent-free protocol. It seems that some of our dear parishioners feel unwell due to heavy floral smells. Please be considerate of those in our congregation who are affected by strong smells and odors and refrain from perfumes or colognes when coming to worship on Sunday mornings.
Thank you one and all.
Soup By Dave Luncheon
Outreach is pleased to announce that we will be hosting the 5 th “Soup by Dave” Luncheon on Tuesday, April 14 th at 11:30 AM in the downstairs hall. Chef Dave Taylor will be preparing beef and barley soup. Given Dave’s track record, the demonstration will be entertaining, and the soup will be delicious. Every guest will receive a copy of his recipe. We are glad that Chef Dave will once again generously share his culinary expertise with us in an engaging presentation. There will be a sign-up sheet on the bulletin board in the front foyer. Please plan to attend and invite your friends to join you. Free-will offerings will be gratefully received.
A Message from St. James Food Basket
Thank you for so diligently collecting egg cartons. We have once again reached storage capacity. We will let you know when we will need of more egg cartons.
Loonies for Lent
This year the Outreach Committee is asking you to set aside loonies and toonies or other monetary donations in order that we may send a large donation to the St James Food Basket. The money that we send will be used to purchase such basics as tuna, canned tomatoes and pasta which will be distributed to their client families.
Each year the number of people relying on food banks continues to grow and the current uncertain times are adding to this need. Outreach is asking our church family to send their monetary donations (loonies/toonies in containers, cash, cheques or e-transfers) to the church to support this initiative. Please mark your envelopes for “Loonies for Lent, Outreach” and include your name and envelope number. We would appreciate receiving your contribution by April 5 th .
Good Friday Hot Cross Bun Breakfast
Outreach will be hosting a Hot Cross Bun Breakfast on Good Friday, April 3rd at 9:30 am. There is a sign-up sheet posted on the bulletin board in the foyer. Please let us know if you will be attending so that we will have lots of food available. We hope to see many of you on Good Friday morning.
A Winter Devotional Update (February 24):
A new edition of Our Daily Bread (March/April/May), as well as the current edition of These
Days (January/February/March) are available on the table in the church vestibule and in the devotional box on the church porch.
Lenten Candle Liturgy Readers
Mar. 22 – Kathy & Bob
Mar. 29 – Harry & Pat
Apr. 3 – Susan & Evelyn
Coffee Sign-Up
It is that time of year again when we are looking for volunteers to serve coffee and tea after worship. The sign up sheet is on the bulletin board in the Adamson Lounge.
Mar. 22 – Paul & Nancy
Mar. 29 – Chuka & Koko
April – Outreach Team
Thank you to all of you who have given so willingly of your time and efforts. We appreciate you!!
UPCOMING EVENTS
- Tuesdays @ 11:00 AM – Walking Group – All are welcome
- Thursdays @ 2:00 PM – Worship service at Centennial Park Place
- Tuesday, Mar. 24 @ 12:00 noon – Lenten Lunch followed by a Lenten Prayer Hour
- Thursday, Apr. 2 @ 2:00 – 4::00 PM – Stations of the Cross in the sanctuary
- Friday, Apr. 3 @ 9:30 AM – Hot Cross Buns served before Good Friday service
- Monday, Apr. 20 @ 6:30 PM – Mission Team meeting
- Sunday, Apr. 26 @ 10:30 AM – Mission Awareness Sunday
*Tuesday, May 19 @ 6:30 PM – Session
*Friday, Sept. 11 @ 2:00 PM – Music & Worship meeting