What are the 12 days of Christmas and what do they mean?  Why do we celebrate these days in the Anglican Church?  Spoiler: It’s more than just a song! 

In this episode of  @praytellthepod  Tyler and Trevor from St. Matthew's Anglican Church ( @abbyanglican  ) explore the rich traditions and feast days that make up this season—from Christmas Day to Epiphany on January 6th.

🎙️ They share childhood memories, modern Anglican practices, and fascinating insights into the liturgical calendar. Plus, they review  Granville Island’s Winter Ale 🍺

Discover how historical traditions meet modern festivities and get the inside scoop on the deeper meaning behind the beloved Christmas carol.

📅 Don’t miss this lively, thoughtful, and festive episode!

💬 Tell us your favorite part of the 12 Days of Christmas!

And if you're in Abbotsford, we would love to see you on Sunday at 11am!  Our address is...

2010 Guilford Drive

Abbotsford, BC. V2S 5R2

Singles, families, retirees and EVERYONE else neglected or rejected by mainline churches - YOU are welcome here.

// CHAPTERS //

00:00 What's with 12 Days?

00:37 Welcome & Introducing 12 Days of Christmas

04:12 Personal Backgrounds

07:52 Lion's Winter Ale!

10:54 Celebrations During the 12 Days!

32:42 Why December 25?

42:27 Favourite Gift from the Song?

44:39 Wrapping Up!

👪 Learn more about St. Matthew Anglican Church on:

Website: https://www.abbotsfordanglican.ca/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abbyanglican/profilecard/?igsh=OHp3eTJmZHJxcTZj

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/abbyanglican

Anglican Church of Canada Website:

https://www.anglican.ca/

🎤  Listen to the Podcast:

YouTube: @praytellthepod 

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pray-tell/id1718881539

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/50P2r7jPZoynx9uCLDWc4J?si=e0d227f7f8d44bdc

// ABOUT ST. MATTHEW //

St. Matthew Anglican Church is a small Parish located in Abbotsford, BC.

Far too many people have experienced Christianity as constricting.  But it doesn't have to be this way.

As a community rooted in the Anglican tradition, we believe church is all about exploring the grand mysteries of God.  Like everything else in life - whether it's architecture, carpentry, music, or even worship - we believe it's through structure that we find the freedom to experience more!

Recognizing that everyone has a unique and challenging journey, we want to be a safe, inclusive and welcoming community that embraces transformation while also maintaining the best that tradition has to offer.

No matter where you are on your spiritual journey and in your relationship with God, you are welcome here.

Jump into holiday nostalgia with mystical St. Nicholas, the Christmas Pickle, top 10 holiday movies and MUCH MORE!

Tyler and Trevor from St. Matthew Anglican Church in Abbotsford dive into the festive spirit of Christmas! This special episode of Pray Tell features a fun and nostalgic look at their top 10 Christmas movies, traditions, and favorite holiday foods. From the best Christmas episodes like Mr. Bean's classic antics to sharing unique traditions like the German Christmas pickle, this episode is full of holiday cheer - perfect for anyone looking to get into the Christmas spirit and learn more about how different traditions and memories shape the season.

Tune in for insightful discussions on the significance of patterns, the church calendar, and how to meaningfully observe Advent.

And if you're in Abbotsford, we would love to see you on Sunday at 11am!  Our address is...

2010 Guilford Drive

Abbotsford, BC. V2S 5R2

Singles, families, retirees and EVERYONE else neglected or rejected by mainline churches - YOU are welcome here.

// CHAPTERS //

00:00 Trevor's Holiday Specials

00:47 Listener Advisory

01:24 A Holiday Introduction!

03:53 Drinks

05:52 Saint Nicholas

08:09 Christmas Pickle

10:37 Holiday Food

13:27 Nostalgia

19:15 Christmas At Church

23:42 Top 10 Holiday Movies

38:06 Honorable Mentions

40:16 Wrapping Up!

👪 Learn more about St. Matthew Anglican Church on:

Website: https://www.abbotsfordanglican.ca/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abbyanglican/profilecard/?igsh=OHp3eTJmZHJxcTZj

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/abbyanglican

Anglican Church of Canada Website:

https://www.anglican.ca/

🎤  Listen to the Podcast:

YouTube: @praytellthepod 

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pray-tell/id1718881539

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/50P2r7jPZoynx9uCLDWc4J?si=e0d227f7f8d44bdc

// ABOUT ST. MATTHEW //

St. Matthew Anglican Church is a small Parish located in Abbotsford, BC.

Far too many people have experienced Christianity as constricting.  But it doesn't have to be this way.

As a community rooted in the Anglican tradition, we believe church is all about exploring the grand mysteries of God.  Like everything else in life - whether it's architecture, carpentry, music, or even worship - we believe it's through structure that we find the freedom to experience more!

Recognizing that everyone has a unique and challenging journey, we want to be a safe, inclusive and welcoming community that embraces transformation while also maintaining the best that tradition has to offer.

No matter where you are on your spiritual journey and in your relationship with God, you are welcome here.

In this episode of the Pray Tell Podcast, Tyler and Trevor discuss how to prepare for Christmas 2024 by living into the season of Advent. 

Drawing from their experiences as Anglicans attending St. Matthew's in Abbotsford BC, they explore how Advent is the season of rest and fasting that prepares us for the celebration of Christmas. The duo also share practical ways to embrace the season in daily life, from tuning in to your local Anglican parish to intentionally slowing down in a busy culture. 

Tune in for insightful discussions on the significance of patterns, the church calendar, and how to meaningfully observe Advent.

And if you're in Abbotsford, we would love to see you on Sunday at 11am!  Our address is...

2010 Guilford Drive

Abbotsford, BC. V2S 5R2

Singles, families, retirees and EVERYONE else neglected or rejected by mainline churches - YOU are welcome here.

// CHAPTERS //

00:00 Kramer & Patterns

00:40 Introducing Advent

03:01 Soggy Bottom Coffee Stout

06:17 Overview of Advent

09:37 A Celtic Prayer

13:35 The Challenges of Living into the Season

22:15 Why Bother with Liturgical Patterns?

25:30 Advent Resources

30:50 Advent TV & Movies

36:02 Christmas Tree Controversy

38:58 The Reason for the Season

👪 Learn more about St. Matthew Anglican Church on:

Website: https://www.abbotsfordanglican.ca/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abbyanglican/profilecard/?igsh=OHp3eTJmZHJxcTZj

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/abbyanglican

Anglican Church of Canada Website:

https://www.anglican.ca/

🎤  Listen to the Podcast:

YouTube: @praytellthepod 

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pray-tell/id1718881539

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/50P2r7jPZoynx9uCLDWc4J?si=e0d227f7f8d44bdc

// ABOUT ST. MATTHEW //

St. Matthew Anglican Church is a small Parish located in Abbotsford, BC.

Far too many people have experienced Christianity as constricting.  But it doesn't have to be this way.

As a community rooted in the Anglican tradition, we believe church is all about exploring the grand mysteries of God.  Like everything else in life - whether it's architecture, carpentry, music, or even worship - we believe it's through structure that we find the freedom to experience more!

Recognizing that everyone has a unique and challenging journey, we want to be a safe, inclusive and welcoming community that embraces transformation while also maintaining the best that tradition has to offer.

No matter where you are on your spiritual journey and in your relationship with God, you are welcome here.

Who Was Saint Matthew?

In this episode of Pray Tell, Tyler and Trevor from St. Matthew's Anglican Church in Abbotsford explore the life and significance of Saint Matthew, the patron saint of the parish. 

From a despised tax collector to a trusted disciple of Jesus, Saint Matthew's legacy can teach us important lessons today.  Besides the saint himself, Tyler and Trevor also chat about the unique aspects of Anglican tradition and share their personal experiences with saints. 

Join us for another enlightening and engaging conversation!

And if you're in Abbotsford, we would love to see you on Sunday at 11am!  Our address is...

2010 Guilford Drive

Abbotsford, BC. V2S 5R2

Singles, families, retirees and EVERYONE else neglected or rejected by mainline churches - YOU are welcome here.

// CHAPTERS //

00:00 "Bad Dude"

00:45 Welcome to Pray Tell

07:41 Perceptions of Saints

12:04 Historical Context and Authorship

19:50 The Reliability of Scripture & Personal Doubt

20:16 Depictions of Saint Matthew

22:55 Feast Days

28:39 What's the Point?

32:38 Favourite Saint

39:52 Wrapping Up

👪 Learn more about St. Matthew Anglican Church on:

Website: https://www.abbotsfordanglican.ca/

Instagram: https://www.facebook.com/abbyanglican

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/abbyanglican

Anglican Church of Canada Website:

https://www.anglican.ca/

🎤  Listen to the Podcast:

YouTube: @praytellthepod 

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pray-tell/id1718881539

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/50P2r7jPZoynx9uCLDWc4J?si=e0d227f7f8d44bdc

// ABOUT ST. MATTHEW //

St. Matthew Anglican Church is a small Parish located in Abbotsford, BC.

Far too many people have experienced Christianity as constricting.  But it doesn't have to be this way.

As a community rooted in the Anglican tradition, we believe church is all about exploring the grand mysteries of God.  Like everything else in life - whether it's architecture, carpentry, music, or even worship - we believe it's through structure that we find the freedom to experience more!

Recognizing that everyone has a unique and challenging journey, we want to be a safe, inclusive and welcoming community that embraces transformation while also maintaining the best that tradition has to offer.

No matter where you are on your spiritual journey and in your relationship with God, you are welcome here.

What is liturgy and why does it matter in the Anglican church? (or does it?)

There's a new Anglican Priest in Abbotsford!  

We are delighted to introduce you to Father James Hwang, the new rector at St. Matthew Anglican Church.  James' journey began in Seoul, South Korea, where he was first compelled by the Franciscan order in the Roman Catholic Church.  After leaving the order, James came to Canada to pursue a religious education to become an Anglican Priest.  

In this candid sit-down, James shares his personal and professional background including his passion for pottery, sports, and home-cooked meals!  We also explore his vision for St. Matthew's as he joins our community to serve our city.

We hope you will join us in offering Father James a warm Parish welcome! 

We hope you enjoy the conversation, and if you have any questions for us or Father Hwang, please leave it in the comments below!

And, if you're in Abbotsford, we would love to see you on Sunday at 11am!  Our address is....

2010 Guilford Drive

Abbotsford, BC. V2S 5R2

Singles, families, retirees and EVERYONE else neglected or rejected by mainline churches - YOU are welcome here.

// CHAPTERS //

00:00 Introducing Father James Hwang

03:45 

👪 Learn more about St. Matthew Anglican Church on:

Website: https://www.abbotsfordanglican.ca/

Instagram: https://www.facebook.com/abbyanglican

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/abbyanglican

Anglican Church of Canada Website:

https://www.anglican.ca/

🎤  Listen to the Podcast:

YouTube: @praytellthepod 

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pray-tell/id1718881539

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/50P2r7jPZoynx9uCLDWc4J?si=e0d227f7f8d44bdc

// ABOUT ST. MATTHEW //

St. Matthew Anglican Church is a small Parish located in Abbotsford, BC.

Far too many people have experienced Christianity as constricting.  But it doesn't have to be this way.

As a community rooted in the Anglican tradition, we believe church is all about exploring the grand mysteries of God.  Like everything else in life - whether it's architecture, carpentry, music, or even worship - we believe it's through structure that we find the freedom to experience more!

Recognizing that everyone has a unique and challenging journey, we want to be a safe, inclusive and welcoming community that embraces transformation while also maintaining the best that tradition has to offer.

No matter where you are on your spiritual journey and in your relationship with God, you are welcome here.

Ever wonder what is baptism for?  From infants to adults to even the un-catechized, different Christian denominations emphasize different things.  This episode offers an introduction to baptism from an Anglican perspective.

Welcome back to Pray Tell!  In this episode, your regular hosts, Trevor Smale and Tyler Evans, parishioners at St. Matthews Anglican Church in Abbotsford, are joined by special guest Dick Martin to explore the history, meaning and symbolic significance of baptism.  Dick is a lay minister with extensive experience in the Church of England. 

This conversation spans everything from the history of baptism, the concept of confirmation, the place of this rite of passage in an individuals's personal faith journey and much more!

We hope you enjoy the conversation, and if you have any further questions or topics you would like us to discuss in the future, please leave it in the comments below!

And, if you're in Abbotsford, we would love to see you on Sunday at 11am!  Our address is....

2010 Guilford Drive

Abbotsford, BC. V2S 5R2

Singles, families, retirees and EVERYONE else neglected or rejected by mainline churches - YOU are welcome here.

// CHAPTERS //

00:00:00 Teaser

00:00:37 Introductions

00:01:58 Today's Guest Dick Martin

00:05:35 Blood Orange Beer From Trading Post

00:06:52 Baptism History & Meaning

00:12:14 Infant Baptism

00:25:37 How Do We Understand Jesus' Baptism

00:33:12 The Role of Confirmation

00:41:56 Getting Re-Baptized?

00:44:14 Re-Dedication

00:47:55 Wrapping Up & Takeaways

👪 Learn more about St. Matthew Anglican Church on:

Website: https://www.abbotsfordanglican.ca/

Instagram: https://www.facebook.com/abbyanglican

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/abbyanglican

Anglican Church of Canada Website:

https://www.anglican.ca/

🎤  Listen to the Podcast:

YouTube: @praytellthepod 

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pray-tell/id1718881539

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/50P2r7jPZoynx9uCLDWc4J?si=e0d227f7f8d44bdc

// ABOUT ST. MATTHEW //

St. Matthew Anglican Church is a small Parish located in Abbotsford, BC.

Far too many people have experienced Christianity as constricting.  But it doesn't have to be this way.

As a community rooted in the Anglican tradition, we believe church is all about exploring the grand mysteries of God.  Like everything else in life - whether it's architecture, carpentry, music, or even worship - we believe it's through structure that we find the freedom to experience more!

Recognizing that everyone has a unique and challenging journey, we want to be a safe, inclusive and welcoming community that embraces transformation while also maintaining the best that tradition has to offer.

No matter where you are on your spiritual journey and in your relationship with God, you are welcome here.

It's an Anglican Christmas at Pray Tell!  Join us as we explore the history and importance of the 12 days of Christmas and the significance of Epiphany!

Tyler and Trevor, hosts of Pray Tell, reflect on the stories of Saint Nicholas/Santa, examine the week's Scripture readings from Isaiah and Luke, and consider the socio-political contexts that shaped the Christmas story.

They also reflect on beloved Anglican traditions during Advent, and their favourite memories and Christmas carols.

Settle into this Christmas episode with some warm cider as Tyler and Trevor remind us of the rich narrative, theological, and historical reality of Christmas! 

By the way... do you know of any other bizarre stories of St. Nicholas?  We'd love for you to share them in the comments below!

We wish all our listeners profound blessings and abiding joy this Christmas season.  And, if you're in Abbotsford, we'd love to see you on Sunday day at....

2010 Guilford Drive

Abbotsford, BC. V2S 5R2

You are welcome here.

********************

👪 Learn more about St. Matthew Anglican Church on:

Website: https://www.abbotsfordanglican.ca/

Instagram: https://www.facebook.com/abbyanglican

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/abbyanglican

Anglican Church of Canada Website:

https://www.anglican.ca/

🎤  Listen to the Podcast:

YouTube: @praytellthepod 

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pray-tell/id1718881539

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/50P2r7jPZoynx9uCLDWc4J?si=e0d227f7f8d44bdc

// READINGS //

Isaiah 9:2-7

Psalm 96

Titus 2:11-14

Luke 2:1-14, (15-20)

Why is it that Mary matters at Christmas? What is her role in the story of God's love?

For this episode of @praytellthepod, Tyler and Trevor explore the theme of love in Advent by looking at the role of Mary in the Christmas story - her role as the mother of Jesus and her willing response to obey God's call. 

The guys also discuss the intriguing parallels between Old Testament promises of a dwelling place for God and how this ultimately happens unexpectedly and mysteriously in Mary. You'll hear their takes on balancing different perspectives on Mary's role, from Catholic veneration to Protestant suppression, as well as seeing God's profound love through His relentless pursuit of wayward people. 

And if you're looking for a life-giving, Christ-centered, inclusive place of worship this holiday season, come visit us at St. Matthew's Anglican Church in Abbotsford!  We're located at...

2010 Guilford Drive

Abbotsford, BC. V2S 5R2

You are welcome here.

******************

👪 Learn more about St. Matthew Anglican Church on:

Website: https://www.abbotsfordanglican.ca/

Instagram: https://www.facebook.com/abbyanglican

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/abbyanglican

Anglican Church of Canada Website:

https://www.anglican.ca/

🎤  Listen to the Podcast:

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pray-tell/id1718881539

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/50P2r7jPZoynx9uCLDWc4J?si=e0d227f7f8d44bdc

// READINGS //

2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16

Canticle 18 (LUKE 1:47-55) / Psalm 89:1-4, 19-26

Romans 16:25-27

Luke 1:26-38

Joy unwrapped - WHAT DOES IT EVEN MEAN (and how is joy connected with Jesus)? - from the Anglican perspective!  

Finding real joy during the Advent season can be tough in the busyness of Christmas.  Here to unwrap this theme, Tyler and Trevor explore this week's scripture readings and explore what, if anything, the Anglican tradition has to say about grasping joy during the Advent season.

With humour, beer and thoughtful discussion this is a delightful and candid conversation between two friends you are sure to appreciate!

Even if you're not a Christian or Anglican, this episode offers insightful reflections on the struggle to experience joy, especially when life gets chaotic. 

We hope you enjoy the episode, and subscribe to @praytellthepod for our weekly release during Advent!

**********************

👪 Learn more about St. Matthew Anglican Church on:

Website: https://www.abbotsfordanglican.ca/

Instagram: https://www.facebook.com/abbyanglican

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/abbyanglican

Anglican Church of Canada Website:

https://www.anglican.ca/

🎤  Listen to the Podcast:

YouTube: @praytellthepod 

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pray-tell/id1718881539

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/50P2r7jPZoynx9uCLDWc4J?si=e0d227f7f8d44bdc

// READINGS // (WRONG)

Isaiah 35:1-10

Psalm 146:4-9

Luke 1:47-55

James 5:7-10

Matthew 11:2-11

// READINGS // (RIGHT)

Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11

Psalm 126

Canticle 18

1 Thessalonians 5:16-24

John 1:6-8, 19-28