Welcome to The Circle of Faith Parish
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We are an Anglican Community of Churches located in Southwestern Ontario, Canada
dedicated to sharing our faith with others
through Worship, Fellowship, Caring and ministering to those in need.
St. Thomas’ Valentine’s Brunch
Thanks to Maxine and her helpers for a wonderful
brunch last Sunday!
The food and fellowship was enjoyed by many!!
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Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper at Messiah
Thanks to all who helped make our Pancake Supper
so enjoyable!
The food and fellowship was great!!
Shrove Tuesday Dinner at the Church of the Messiah!
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Thanks to everyone for all your help!
It was a fun evening with yummy food and great company!
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Men’s Group
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Next date will be February 24th at 4:30 p.m.
at The Bruce Steakhouse in Kincardine!
​All are welcome!!
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One Tuesday a month, the Men’s Group meets at a restaurant in Kincardine at 4:30 pm to enjoy wonderful, fun, fellowship and a meal together.
For more information, contact Rob @ 519-396-2127 or robhiscox@diohuron.org ​
St. Thomas’ Coffee & Treats
Please join us for some fellowship and enjoy a beverage and some treats on Sunday, March 1st following worship.
Free Lenten Study!
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The Lenten Journey Begins
Please enjoy a wonderful Lenten study lead by Dr. Sylvia Keesmaat. The link on Facebook is: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/12MnohNPtWM/
or follow the link: www.bibleremixed.ca
Dr. Sylvia Keesmaat is a biblical scholar, activist and farmer. She obtained her doctorate at Oxford University, studying with N.T. Wright, and has most recently taught as an Adjunct Professor of Biblical Studies at Trinity College, Toronto School of Theology.
Sylvia founded Bible Remixed (www.bibleremixed.ca) in 2021 to help nurture a community of Jesus followers who are deeply rooted in the biblical story, and who are becoming a community of welcome, healing and nurture for those people and creatures who suffer most from the violence of our world.
Sylvia is a renowned Biblical Scholar. Her studies and preaching are sought after by many in Canada, and abroad. She has recently visited Gaza, and has ties there as she and Brian continue to support the Anglican Church and other organizations in Palestine. She and husband Brian, also a Biblical scholar, are hugely active supporting and advocating for those unhoused and displaced here in Toronto and around Ontario. Once a student in her studies and classes, you'll keep on wanting to join more along with many others, including Priests. Bishops and other searchers.
And, this is a free study!
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First Female Bishop of Canterbury!
Congratulations to Sarah Mullally on being confirmed as the first female Archbishop of Canterbury! In 1,429 years since St. Augustine established the role in 597 AD, no woman has led the Church of England. That changed on Wednesday when Dame Sarah was confirmed as the 106th person to take up the post in a ceremony at St. Paul's Cathedral, as bells rang out and bishops declared in unison: "We welcome you."
The moment was historic enough that Bishop Rose Hudson-Wilkin called it the Church's "Habemus Mamam" --- a play on the Catholic declaration "Habemus Papam" when a new Pope is elected. George Gross, an expert on theology and the monarchy at King’s College London, said her confirmation highlighted the church’s continuing divergence from the Catholic Church. “It is a big contrast,” he explained. “And in terms of the position of women in society, this is a big statement.”
In an interview, Mullally shared her gratitude for the "support of a whole range of people, including men, in my ministry." She also pledged to use her new platform to confront misogyny. "It is fair to say that I have, both in my secular role as well as in the Church, experienced misogyny at times," she said. Over the years, she has learned it must be spoken about "so that you bring it out into the open."
"I'm conscious that being in this role," she continued, "it's important for me to speak of it, because there are some that don't necessarily have the status or the power of this role, and feel more hesitant to do it. But certainly as a Church of England we have seen many changes over the years and I commit myself to making an environment where all people can flourish and which is safer for all."
A former cancer nurse who became England's chief nursing officer before entering the clergy, Mullally's path to this moment was unlikely. She served as Bishop of London for nearly a decade before being nominated by a 17-member commission and confirmed by King Charles III.
Her appointment has not been without controversy with many conservative Anglican leaders opposing her election. Archbishop Henry Ndukuba of the Church of Nigeria branded it "devastating" and "insensitive" to Anglicans "who are unable to embrace female headship in the episcopate."
Mullally's response was characteristically measured: "I have always understood that people may find my appointment as a woman difficult in the Church, and what I hope to do is to be able to provide a space where I can offer hospitality to people, where I can listen to what their concerns are."
Shortly after the ceremony, stonemasons began carving her name on the plaque at Canterbury Cathedral listing every archbishop back to St. Augustine. She will be formally installed there on March 25, after which her public ministry begins.
Mullally invoked an African proverb to describe her approach to the challenges ahead: "If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together. My desire is to go far and together."
Kudos to Archbishop Mullally for her commitment to making the church a welcoming place for all!
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From: A Might Girl, Facebook post
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The Lambeth Conference's Post
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The 106th Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Revd and Rt Hon Sarah Mullally DBE, has pledged a ‘ministry of hospitality’ in a ‘fractured world’, following her Confirmation of Election service on 28 January 2026.
Reflecting on the service she said: 'In this country and around the world, Anglican churches bring healing and hope to their communities. With God’s help, I will seek to guide Christ’s flock with calmness, consistency and compassion.
‘These are times of division and uncertainty for our fractured world. I pray that we will offer space to break bread together and discover what we have in common – and I pledge myself to this ministry of hospitality.
‘I am committed to equipping the Church to be a kind and safe place that cares for everyone, especially those who are vulnerable, as we rise to the challenge of God’s call to justice, equity, peace and the care of creation.’
Read more about the new Archbishop of Canterbury’s hopes for ministry and reflections on yesterday's ceremony at: https://bit.ly/4rtCc7V
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From: The Lambeth Conference's Facebook post
An Opportunity for Learning
There has been expressed interest in St. Thomas' Walkerton for the EfM (Education for Ministry) program. It would meet weekly (probably a combination of online and in-person) – day and time to be decided by the eventual group. There is a cost of $350 (we get a bit of a deal as a sponsoring Diocese), plus cost of the 5 books for the program which could be downloaded e-books or even shared among participants.
EfM is a seminar format (led by Shirl+ as a trained mentor) and delves into theology and church history, guided by the extensive manual provided to all participants. It is not strictly a Bible study, although the Bible enters the conversation along with the other materials.
It is open to anyone (Anglican or non) interested in exploring matters of the faith in a secure, non-threatening environment.
NB: in spite of its name, EfM is in no way designed to lead to ordained ministry; it is for “every-member ministry” to which we are all called. It is open to everyone wishing to engage in study and conversation about our Christian life and tradition. Typically, the 1-year “Wide-Angle” program runs from September to spring,
so would begin in September 2026.
Link to the EfM Canada website is here: http://www.efmcanada.ca/
Note that the website focuses on the 4-year full EfM program, but there is a new 1-year “Wide Angle” program which I am proposing to offer here. For more information or to express interest, please feel free to contact Rev. Shirl Christian by email shirljc@wightman.ca or phone 519-313-0809.
I have more info on the Wide-Angle program that I could email out if interested.
Together, we're building a healthier tomorrow
With faith and hope, our community is coming together with a bold goal — to raise $18 million in support of an expanded and redeveloped Kincardine hospital. This homegrown effort has already raised $12 million and will bring modern care closer to home, including the area's very first MRI. A hospital redevelopment is key to attracting doctors, nurses and other health care staff to our area. The hospital Foundation would appreciate your support by way of donation; spreading the word; or volunteering.
Please contact Mark Womack, Capital Campaign Manager at 519-396-3331 x4335
or kfcapitalcampaign@outlook.com
for more information,
or visit www.kincardinefoundation.ca for information
or to donate.
Church of the Messiah
"Come In From The Cold"
The Outreach Committee is planning a new venture
and we are reaching out for your help.
Every Thursday, the Food Bank clients line up outside
the church waiting, sometimes for an hour,
for their turn.
With the weather turning colder, we propose that
we invite them into the church beginning
the first week of November.
The second step would be to offer them
hot drinks and thirdly a cup of hot soup which we would serve from crockpots.
All of this will be done in stages.
Please consider stepping up to lend a helping hand. If you have questions contact the church office
email: circlef2185@gmail.com
or telephone: 519-396-2185.
Thank you from the Outreach Committee: Sue Greco, Mary Beth Dennis, Mary Baux
"Share with the Lord's people who are in need, practice hospitality."
Romans 12:13
Monthly Drumming Circle
at the Church of the Messiah
All adults are welcome to attend on the 4th Monday of each month in the Parish Hall at the Church of the Messiah from 6pm-7:30pm. Admission is by donation ($15 suggestion). Teachings and songs will be Indigenous based.
For more info. please see the poster
in the Narthex
or call Rebecca
@ 519-374-5251.
Daily Bread & Forward Day by Day
Please remember, we offer excellent daily devotional resources which can be found at the back of the church. If you haven’t already done so, pick up a copy of each and enjoy!!
Did you know??
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The Circle of Faith Parish has a
prayer chain team!
The Church of the Messiah's Prayer Chain
- is an active ministry, they are consistant in praying for those within our Church Family (and individuals known or dear to them); who request of prayers, for healing, strength or other specific needs.
Names and Requests are always kept confidential and The Prayer Chain is run using The Anglican Church of Canada Guidlines for Prayer Chains.
If YOU wish for specific prayers for yourself or loved ones please contact the prayer Chain members or Use the prayer box just inside the church door by dropping in your written request using slips provided by the box, write them at home and pop it in the prayer box when you come inside the church or ou may also place in a sealed envelope marked Prayer Chain drop in the office or in the church mail box..
The box is locked and only opened by a Prayer Chain member.
If you feel called to this Ministry and wish to serve alongside existing members please contact
Rev Rob or Rev Eric
Training will be provided.
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Interested in a visit or a chat??
Please contact me @ rjhiscox@diohuron.org
or 519-396-2127
( I am usually in the rectory office during the
morning hours from Monday - Thursday )