Note from the Rector

Friends,

Last Sunday we celebrated the Feast of St. Mary, when we talked about Mary as a woman of courage and valour who embraced God’s plan for her life with a revolutionary's heart. And, at the end of the service, I handed out a reminder of Mary in the form of Columbine seeds – a symbol of peace and faith, of the Holy Spirit working within her life.

As I handed out the seeds, a number of you asked questions about how to grow and care for the seeds, and well – I hadn’t come prepared for that!  So here is a little info on the lovely Rocky Mountain Columbine. This particular columbine is said to be a beautiful, hearty perennial with blue and white flowers, which self-seeds readily.  Seeds can be directly sown throughout spring.  The seeds need light to germinate, so simply press them onto the soil surface and barely cover them with soil.  Columbine prefers growing in partial shade and fertile, moist, well-drained soil. And just like our faith, which takes time to take root and grow, when planted from seeds it may take two full years before you enjoy blooms from the Columbine plant.

So now you know all about the columbine and perhaps a little more about our dear patron saint Mary.  The woman who was brave enough to stand up and say YES to where God was leading her.  The woman who, against the odds, stood facing ridicule and shame to take on the role of Mother of Jesus, and shows us what it truly means to put our trust in God and follow in the path before us.

And now I am off on vacation!  I am looking forward to some time away – where I will not be rushing to write a thesis, taking time off for a death, or recovering from surgery – simply taking time to relax and restore so I come back renewed and ready to embrace what God has in store for us at St. Mary’s!   I will be back in the office August 31st and until then you will all remain in my prayers!

Many blessings to you all and enjoy time with Rev. Susan!  I’m sure she could tell you a few stories if given the opportunity as I served as her People’s Warden for 3 years!

See you in September!
Kirsten +

 

Parish Council Meeting

NOTE: The date has changed from Wednesday August 23 to Wednesday September 6 at 1pm in hall.

Anyone is most welcome to attend.

 

Prayer Chain Update

It has been a number of years since the prayer chain has been updated and so Rev. Kirsten and Sherilene Quezada 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 for the new list . So if you are someone who can support this community through regular prayer, please let us know!  

2023 FUN & FUNdraisers at St. Mary’s 

RAISE THE ROOF PUZZLE CAMPAIGN

The hall roof needs a replacement to the tune of approx. $51,500. 

                                              

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

Our teams are coming together, plans are being discussed and formalized and once again, we need your input to ensure another successful Christmas Event.   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:

WRDF 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.