From the Rector's Desk

Has anyone else noticed the daylight lasting a whole lot longer lately? Maybe it’s just me, but it seems to me that in just the last few days the daylight hours have extended exponentially. And with the lengthening days comes all sorts of life outside: birds twittering in the early dawn of day, tree frogs croaking well into the evening… the sounds of spring in creation are all around us right in time for Earth Day to be celebrated.

In Canada, Earth Day is observed on April 22nd each year. For me growing up here on the Island, I have memories of the whole school planting new trees for Earth day in primary school, and plays about environmentalism coming to an assembly in intermediate school… but as we grow up and get caught up in life, remembering Earth Day often falls through the cracks.

But for us as Anglicans it is important to remember that being good stewards of the Earth is an important part of our call as people of faith. In the Genesis story, God gifts creation to humanity and invites us to care for creation, and in our baptismal covenant we say we will strive to safeguard the integrity of God’s creation and respect, sustain and renew the life of the earth. So let us keep in mind our call to love and serve all of creation, not just one another. Because for us, Earth Day isn’t just a DAY to celebrate creation, but a reminder to honour and uphold the earth every day of the year.


Peace,
Kirsten +

                                        

VANCOUVER ISLAND CHOIR (VIC) CONCERT/FUNDRAISER WAS A GREAT SUCCESS!!

Last Sunday we had the privilege of hearing this wonderful choir headed up by Patricia Plumley.  There were over 90 people who attended. 

The choir split the proceeds with St. Mary’s and we received $420.  Thank you VIC, and enjoy your trip to Malta this year.

 

REV. KIRSTEN IS AT A CLERGY CONFERENCE NEXT WEEK

She won’t be in the church office but she can always be reached by email incumbent@stmarynb.ca. 

Note:  Bible Study on Wednesday May 1 is cancelled.

The church office will be open as usual.  KAT would love to see you!  

 

2023 FUNdraisers at St. Mary’s

June Jumble Sale – Saturday, June 1st, 2024 -  10-2pm

The June Jumble Sale is looking for the following donations: plants (indoor/outdoor), seedlings, household items, kitchen wares, novelties, tools (boys' toys) and baked goods.  We cannot accept clothing or large furniture.  Please bring to the hall during office hours and place in the storage room.  We will be collecting clean bedding and towels for donation to the SPCA.

Please tell all your neighbours and friends.  Ed Y is the fearless leader this year.  He can be contacted through the church office.

HELP needed in THE CHURCH OFFICE

Later this year we will be needing some help in the office as KAT will be away from mid-August through until mid-October. For this 8 weeks we will need someone with some computer skills to assist Rev. Kirsten in the church office. Duties will include tasks such as:  finalizing bulletins, answering phone calls and emails, working in consultation with Kirsten and the wardens, and generally assisting with office duties. If this is something you feel you might be called to do for 8-10hrs a week or know of someone who might be a good fit, please speak to Kirsten or the wardens.

 

THE CHURCH GROUNDS ARE LOOKING BEAUTIFUL!

          

 

A BIG THANK YOU to the 'gardeners' (Elaine C, Marg D, Don & Pat N, Susan L and Karl M) who have made our grounds very tidy and inviting.  There are still a few of the smaller beds that need a little weeding.  If you can spare an hour or two, please feel free to come and weed anytime!  Or have a chat with Don.

       

      MAY BIRTHDAYS & ANNIVERSARIES

 

Birthdays

May 1st      Lorraine V

May 2nd    Cheryle T

May 8th     Jeremiah “JJ” B C

May 15th   Brenda J

May 21st   Teresa S

May 25th   Bev O

May 26      Alex C

May 27th   Mary H

 

Anniversaries

May 2nd              Bill & Rita G

May 24th             Harry & Jean C

 

       MAY READINGS

May 5 – 6th Sunday of Easter

Acts 10:44-48                        Psalm 98 (Pg. 836)                1 John 5:1-6                  John 15:9-17

 

May 12 – 7th Sunday of Easter

Acts 1:15-17, 21-26               Psalm 1 (pg. 705)                  1 John 5:9-13               John 17:6-19

 

May 19 – PENTECOST

Ezekiel 37:1-14                  Psalm 104:25-35, 37b (pg. 844)            Acts 2:1-21             John 15:26-27, 16:4b-15

May 26 – 1st Sunday after Pentecost

Isaiah 6:1-8                            Psalm 29 (Pg. 738)                         Romans 8:12-17                     John 3:1-17

 

 

WOMEN’S WORLD DAY OF PRAYER 2024

FRIDAY APRIL 26th,  2pm at ST. COLUMBA PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

Inter-denominational day of prayer in Canada  is “to promote the spreading of Christ’s kingdom through united prayer and action.” This year’s theme is Palestine.