FROM THE RECTOR'S DESK:
This Sunday begins Holy Week, as we walk the final days of Jesus’ life together and look through the darkness of despair with hope of the resurrection. It is a week filled with joy and celebration, with darkness and betrayal, with death and new life – in one short week we cover the whole spectrum of emotions and see the true cost of love take shape. I know the reality is, not everyone will be able to make it to all the services as we walk the way together… however I would encourage you to come as often as you can to experience the Way of Christ together in community – for we can’t truly appreciate the joy of Easter morning if we haven’t faced the depth of despair along the way.
 
So with that in mind I invite you to come – just as you are – and experience all the ups and downs of Holy Week with us! Here is the schedule and a brief explanation of each service.
 
We begin the journey with Palm Sunday on April 13th. This is the day we stand with the people who welcomed Jesus into Jerusalem for the Passover with shouts of Hosanna and celebration. We will wave our palm Crosses (which we are making at St. Edmunds on Thursday April 10th @1pm!), and sing with shouts of joy! During this service we will also read the Passion Gospel in its entirety – a foreshadow of what is to come in more detail as the week progresses.
 
Then on Thursday April 17th we will all gather at St. Mary’s @ 5pm for Maundy Thursday, where we will share a meal before moving into the church for a service bearing witness to the last meal Jesus had with his friends, and his final commandment to love one another. We will share a time of washing hands in the baptismal font before coming to the table for Eucharist together. Then we will witness the stripping of the altar, remembering the arrest of Jesus by the guards, and leave in silence.
 
On Good Friday – April 18th  – we will gather at St. Edmunds at 1pm for the Stations of the Cross. This will be held in the church and be a reflective ‘walk’ of the 14 stations using the screen and guided by scripture, prayer and candle light. All are welcome to come and experience these final steps with Jesus and there will be a time of quiet prayer available for anyone who wants it after the final station is reached.
 
Holy Saturday is often missed out in our Holy Week celebrations, but Saturday April 20th we will be gathering for the Great Easter Vigil at St. Mark’s Qualicum Beach at 7pm as we bring the light of the risen Christ back into the church and into the world. This is a service that witnesses our scriptural history and marks the wonder of the light of Christ with flame and song. This year I will be leading the service, with Elizabeth Northcott and Bishop Logan will be preaching. It is sure to be a wonderful event and one you won’t want to miss.
 
Finally, on Easter Sunday, April 20th, we will gather at the usual times to celebrate the Risen Christ together. On this morning there will be a time during the service to decorate the bare cross with flowers, so be sure to bring your flowers and greenery so that we can fill the empty cross with beautiful new life as we celebrate the wonder and joy of the empty tomb!
 
This is truly a sacred time in our faith life, and is made so much richer when we are able to come together and walk the way in worship together. I look forward to seeing you and sharing in the journey in the coming days…
Peace,
Kirsten +
 
FOR ALL SEWERS, CRAFTERS AND OTHER CREATIVE FOLKS!
 
Starting on Friday April 25th, members from St. Edmunds and St. Mary's are invited to get together to work on sewing and other projects that will be used to beautify the churches. This is a great opportunity to socialize and learn new skills, or bring your own project! 
Time: 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Date:  Weekly on Fridays
Location: St. Edmunds Library
 
All are welcome to work collaboratively or bring your own project such as - but not limited to - knitting, colouring, or crochet. Both men and women are welcome. Our first project is to make a cover for the Gospel Reading Binder currently in use at St. Edmunds. If you have materials and embellishments please bring these, as well as your sewing machine and supplies if you want to participate in this project. Elizabeth will bring an iron, ironing board, cutting mat etc. on April 25. 
 
Coffee, tea and goodies will be available. Volunteers are needed to take a turn with refreshments and bringing an iron etc.
 
For information please talk to Elizabeth at church or contact her through Linda in the office.
SERVICE OF REMEMBRANCE AND INTERMENT:
A service of interment has been scheduled for Barbara Klaassen, to be held at St. Mary’s on Friday April 11th at 2pm. The family extends their welcome to anyone in the parish who may wish to attend as we lay dear Barbara to rest.
 
LENTEN BOXES:
Just a wee reminder to everyone to bring the Lenten Boxes back to the church this Sunday. Thank you!!
 HOLY WEEK SERVICES:
 
Maundy Thursday Supper and Service
 
  •       Thursday April 17 at 5:00pm (starting in the hall)
 
Good Friday Stations of the Cross
  •       Friday April 18 at 1pm at St. Anne and St. Edmunds
Oceanside Easter Vigil
  •       Saturday April 19 at 7pm (service at St. Mark’s Qualicum Beach involving folks from St. Mary’s,
                 St. Edmunds, and  St. Marks)
Easter Sunday
 
  •        Sunday April 20 at 10am