This Sunday is the Third Sunday in Advent and the focus is JOY.

“Acknowledge the power of joy. Today more than ever,  
it’s important to protect and feed the flame of joy.            
Joy is coded into our DNA for a reason.     
It is a medicine we will need in the times to come." 
- C. Ardagh 

Does thinking about the future of St. Mary’s excite you? Are you a creative and collaborative person?  The Transforming Futures Team is being formed and we need people who want to be part of determining our way forward. Please speak to Deana, Val or Elaine if you are interested or want more information. 

Julie and Jerry are collecting warm headgear such as toques as well as gloves, scarves etc. to bring to the homeless cold weather shelter at St Anne’s. Bring them to church and they will make sure the people who really need them, receive them. Thank you. 

Do you have a wall clock you no longer need? Selinde needs one for her office. 

Left over from the CHRISTMAS FAIR SILENT AUCTION: A FlavourWave Turbo Oven!  All brand spanking NEW, still in the box!  Come & have a look-see in the church office.  Suggested retail $100 with a minimum bid $65.  A great Xmas gift!  It cooks food up to three times faster than traditional methods using combined power of halogen heat, infrared waves and convection cooking.  Converts electrical energy into intense heat.  Seals juices and enhances natural flavour.  Moves air around speeding up cooking time and cooks food evenly from all sides. Wowsa! 

This weekend

Saturday Dec 14: 10:00am         Decorating the Church – please come and help out!
                                2:00pm          Ukulele Concert in the church – by donation to NCS

Sunday Dec. 1: 10:00am           Third Sunday in Advent
                              7:00pm           Carols by Candlelight
                                                 Please bring finger goodies already plated to the Hall by 6:45pm

Next week

Monday Dec 16: 4-6:00pm       Community Dinner – Christmas Meal! Turkey and ham and all the
                                                   trimmings. Bring your friends and neighbours.                                                     Volunteers are very much needed.

Tuesday Dec 17: 4:00pm          Parish Council Social

Wednesday Dec 18                   HUB Wednesday as usual 

Christmas Week

Christmas Services:                   7:00pm Christmas Eve, Tuesday Dec 24th                                            
                                                   10:00am Christmas Day, Wednesday Dec 25th 

Coming in 2020

Sunday, January 12th at 10:00am. We will be celebrating our 30 years as St. Mary’s parish in Nanoose Bay in 2020, starting with a pastoral visit from Bishop Logan McMenamie, who will preside at the Eucharist.  

Monday, January 13th from 1:00-3:30pm.  WORKSHOP – LIFE IN LONG-TERM CARE.  Tell your family, friends and neighbours. Get tips for enhancing your visits, working with a care team and acting as an advocate. FREE but donations appreciated for the Alzheimer Society of BC.  Please pre-register 1-800-462-2833 or info.nanaimo@alzheimerbc.org 

Thursday, January 30th:  St. Mary’s 30 Year Anniversary Dinner. Mark your calendar and stay tuned for more information! 

January 31/February 1st - Good theology for God’s world :  – come and hear Rev. Dr. Pat Dutcher-Walls, one of Selinde’s favourite profs from VST (Vancouver School of Theology) speak and lead a workshop on 'New Eyes for Reading the Old Testament' at St. Paul’s, Nanaimo.  You don’t have to know anything about the Old Testament to be able to enjoy and learn. Poster in the Hall. Free Friday evening talk. Saturday workshop - $25. Register online. 

Sunday, February 9th after the 10am service. St. Mary’s Annual Vestry Meeting – A light lunch will be provided. Interested in serving on Parish Council? We need new blood!  Please speak to Elaine, Clair or Mary Holte.