Note from the Rector

Rev. Kirsten is on holidays and will be back August 31.

 

Prayer Chain Update

It has been a number of years since the prayer chain has been updated and so Rev. Kirsten and Sherilene Q are working together to reinvigorate the prayer life at St. Mary’s.  Starting in September, we will be working out a brand-new list of prayerful folks and initiating a NEW PRAYER CHAIN.  This group will be asked to support the parish in prayer weekly, praying for those who are in need of prayer as events or situations arise, as well as praying through a few members from the parish list and the weekly Anglican cycle of prayer.  All members of the previous prayer chain, as well as those who may be interested in joining for the first time are encouraged to email the office to sign up. So  if you are someone who can support this community through regular prayer, please let us know!

 

2023 FUN & FUNdraisers at St. Mary’s

WORK HAS BEGUN ON REPLACING THE HALL ROOF . . .

 

The 'RAISE THE ROOF' PUZZLE CAMPAIGN IS IN FULL SWING!

To make a donation:

  1. In the hall, pick up an envelope with a donation amount on it, (or use a blank one)
       and write on it what you are donating
  2. Fill in your name and envelope number - for income tax purposes
  3. Put your cheque or cash donation in the envelope and take out the photo puzzle piece
  4. Find your puzzle piece number on the grid and add yours to help complete the photo.

Your donation is greatly appreciated.

                         

       November 18th Christmas Fair

Is a Fall downsizing in your near future?   Please keep the Fair in mind when sorting cupboards and closets and going through your Christmas decorations.  Anything BUT clothes please.   

Attic Treasures and Christmas Pleasures look forward to receiving your donations which may be left in the church hall cupboard near the office.  Feel free to call if you need help.  

Once again we are also asking for willing hands to join our teams.  A list of tables and a sign-up sheet will be in the hall every Sunday during coffee hour, or you can call the office and leave your name.   For more information, call Rita G.    

 

     Safe Church Training at St. Mary’s 

Sunday September 10th after service

The Diocese insurance, which covers the people and buildings on this property, now requires assurance that everyone who volunteers has been Safe Church trained by September 30th.  To simplify this certification, the Diocese has put together a one-hour video which we plan to show after church on Sunday, September 10th.    Please save this date and join us for a snack and the video to ensure that we all stay safe and insured. 

Please direct your questions to Val and let her know if you plan to attend.  Thank you.  

Some recipes from our past

- from St. Mary’s cookbook June 1990, courtesy of Shirley Greenwood.  We will be treating you to some delectable recipe offerings in the summer months' NOTICES.   This week:

 

    WOMEN’S FALL RETREAT

The Fall Women's Retreat will run October 13-15, 2023 at Camp Imadene.  The facilitators will be the Right Rev. Logan McMenamie and Kirsten Horncastle-McMenamie.

To register, please download the attached form and mail it along with your registration fee to Brenda Dhaene. Further information is provided on the registration form with regards to payment and registration.

For accommodation, please note that all single rooms are booked, but a waitlist is being taken. There are still shared rooms available.

If you have any questions, please contact Brenda directly at birish@shaw.ca.

PWRDF Event  - Saturday September 9; 1-4pm St. Paul’s Nanaimo

Mapping the Ground We Stand On

As part of its commitment to support the findings of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, The Primate’s World Relief and Development Fund has developed a program called, “Mapping the Ground We Stand On”.  This interactive workshop known as the Mapping Exercise invites participants to explore the Indigenous presence on the map of Turtle Island/Canada, the history of Sellers arrival, and their relationship to one another.  It also offers an opportunity for learning and reflection on the concept of Terra Nullius or “empty land” and the Doctrine of Discovery as foundational to colonialism (of which the residential schools were one aspect). Participants will walk on the map, reflect on their own presence on it, and discuss how they might respond to what they have learned. 

Our Diocesan PWRDF is offering this mapping exercise with the team facilitators John and Nancy Denham, PWRDF facilitators, to present this workshop in four regions.  Ours is in Nanaimo.  Space is limited so please register asap at pwrdf@bc.anglican.ca 

Registration deadline: Thursday August 31, 2023
Please click on this link to view a 7-minute video that shows a bit about the why and how of the workshop.