This Sunday is the Fourth and Last Sunday in Advent and the focus is LOVE.                

         “What the world needs now is love, sweet love.              
         It's the only thing that there's just too little of.              
             What the world needs now is love, sweet love,                   
No not just for some but for everyone.”  
Jackie DeShannon 

What an incredible weekend we had last weekend – the decorating of the church on Saturday morning, a Ukulele concert in support of NCS that afternoon, a beautiful Advent service Sunday morning, the wonderful Carols by Candlelight service that night (101 people), and Monday night – the Christmas Community Dinner (140+ people)! Whew!  We’ll try and make sure all those events don’t fall on the same weekend next year, but really, we pulled it off and we were the centre of the Nanoose Community, welcoming and serving folks from all over. Thank you to everyone who pitched in, baked, set up, cooked, served, cleaned up, chatted to folks and made the place look beautiful (well, more beautiful than usual!!) We had lots of great feedback and people from outside the parish helping out. Well done, everyone, well done!! 

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. 

ROSTER BOARD KINDA NAKED!  We are in desperate need of readers for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day and the rest of the board too. 

Last week to bring in toques as well as gloves, scarves, and gently used blankets etc. to bring to the homeless cold weather shelter in Parksville. Bring them with you to church on Sunday. Jerry and Julie will make sure the people who really need them receive them. Thank you.  

Next week

Monday Dec 23                        10-3pm            Office OPEN
Tuesday Dec 24                       10-3pm            Office OPEN
                                              7:00pm            Christmas Eve Service – no refreshments after
Wednesday Dec 25                   10am               Christmas Morning Service – no refreshments after
Thursday Dec 26                                             Office CLOSED
Sunday Dec 29                         10am              Carols and Communion 

The last week of 2019 + first 2 Days of January

Monday Dec 30                       10-3pm            Office OPEN
Tuesday Dec 31                       10-3pm            Office OPEN
Wednesday Jan 1                                            Office CLOSED – NO HUB
Thursday Jan 2                        10-3pm            Office OPEN  

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 12:30:  Care meeting followed by 1:00pm  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 to Alzheimer Society of BC would be appreciated.  Please pre-register 1-800-462-2833 or info.nanaimo@alzheimerbc.org 

PINS & NEEDLES GATHERING – First ever! on Thursday January 16 in the library; 1-3pm.  Mark your calendar, drop in with your knitting, crocheting etc. and join other crafters.  Enjoy sharing ideas, learning and completing your project in our comfortable library.  BYO tea or coffee in a travel mug so we don’t have to do dishes.    Call Deana for more information. 

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

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 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.