Note from the Rector

Friends, This week while moving items around and walking the grounds I was keenly aware of the constant hum of bees busily working alongside me.  And it reminds me of that beloved scripture from Ecclesiastes 3 – for everything there is a season.  Even in the heat of summer, the bees are busy collecting pollen and preparing for the hibernation of winter that still seems so far away knowing there is a time and season for everything under the sun.  

Here in the church we too are busy preparing for the future.  As you know these last few months we have also been spending time exploring how we can be good stewards of all that God has provided for us.  We have seen some lovely improvements to the gardens around the church, and have been exploring how we can make the best use of our spaces.  As we continue to prepare for the next season of life at St. Mary’s we also want to be sure that our structures are ready for whatever God has in store for us.  Recently we have done a much needed upgrade on the water softening system, and are now making plans for a new roof on the Church Hall and offices.  Quotes have been received and Parish Council has passed a motion to put a new roof on the hall.  Thankfully, there are some funds available to do this through generous donations received in memoriam that have been set aside for capital projects.  However, the roof is a needed but costly endeavour. So stay tuned as there is a fundraiser in the works that will be launched at our St. Mary’s Day Pot Luck on August 13th to help offset the cost of the new roof.  

The next few months will see much change, but God is with us every step of the way as we continue to seek out how God is calling us to be good stewards of this beautiful place and discern where we are being called as the people of God here in Nanoose Bay.

Blessings,
|Kirsten +  

 

January 1 - June 30, 2023

This is an update on the financial picture of St. Mary’s from January 1 to June 30, 2023. St. Mary’s approved the budget at the 2023 AVM with a deficit of -$27,894 for the year.  Over the past six months we have seen a slight increase in Offerings than we had anticipated.  We also had some very inventive 'FUNdraising' efforts i.e. Lenten Boxes, Easter Gift Baskets, Yard Sale and a Music Concert.  These events, through your participation and that of our extended community, brought in some much-needed extra revenue. This has resulted in a reduction of the January - June 30th proposed budgetary deficit of -$13,947 to -$5,900.

Thank you all for your efforts in helping St. Mary strive to pay down this deficit.
Jennifer Birchall-Creighton, Treasurer  

Safe Church Training at St. Mary’s – Sunday September 10 

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.    

2023 FUN & FUNdraisers at St. Mary’s 

      St. Mary’s Matronal Day is August 13 After Service   

This will be a pot luck, so any dish that 'tickles your fancy' will be sure to delight others!      

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 one looks easy peasy!!