From the Rector's Desk

This year, Ash Wednesday falls on February 14, Valentine’s Day.  At first glance, these two days could not be more different:  one is a lighthearted celebration of love and affection, the other a somber reminder of human mortality.  But the reality is, love and death are not strangers; they chase each other like childhood friends playing tag in the schoolyard.  The coincidence of these two celebrations occurring on the same day feels opportune, reminding us that death always lingers at the edge of our lives, and is often made the most poignant when first accompanied with the greatest of loves.  

The dichotomy of love and death is fitting for us as we prepare to move into the Season of Lent – where we meet God in the wilderness as together we journey to the cross that looms heavy on the horizon.  It is a time when we are called to get our hearts right, when we ask the question “How is it with our soul?” and do the work of self-examination as only one who is deeply loved by the Holy One can do.  On this day we are marked with the cross - a reminder of who we are and whose we are - belonging to a God who loves beyond measure, who sits with us in the wilderness and died on the cross that marks us, so that sin and death would never have the final word.  

So maybe the dance of love and death is in fact perfect, as it speaks to the heart of the mystery of our faith.  For God so loved the world – so loved each one of us – that God gave up life for us all.  And as we celebrate love and ashes, life and death, I wish you all a Happy VaLENTines day!  May you remember that you are dust and to dust you shall return, just as you are so deeply loved, and to love you will always return.

Rev. Kirsten+

ANNUAL VESTRY MEETING - THIS SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 18th AFTER SERVICE

You should have received in an email the 2023 annual report, which you can read before the meeting.

Please bring a bagged lunch to the meeting.  Coffee, tea, etc. will be provided.

CHURCH OFFICE CLOSED FOR STATUTORY FAMILY DAY HOLIDAY

The office will be closed on Tuesday Feb. 20 and will reopen Wednesday Feb. 21 at 9am

Sorry for the inconvenience.

 

Maundy Thursday, March 29 – Help Needed!

While it is only the beginning of Lent, Holy Week will soon be upon us and Kirsten is starting to think about services!  In light of the announcement on Sunday, we are looking to invite our friends at St. Ann & St. Edmund, Parksville, to join us at our Maundy Thursday service!  To make sure we have the means to extend hospitality, Kirsten is looking for some folks to assist in the meal portion of the evening – someone to bring buns, a few people to make soups and help set up etc.

If you might be interested in helping with this, please speak to Kirsten as soon as possible so we can get plans in place for this event.

 

 

On Wednesday April 24th, Primate Linda Nicholls will be in attendance at St. Mark’s Qualicum Beach and we are invited to attend a service where Primate Linda will preach, celebrate and share a meal with us all. 

More details will come as we get closer to the date, but this is a big event for the North Island so mark your calendars and be ready to sign up when the time comes, as space will be limited!

                                                                        

Lent Devotional Booklet by Living Compass

We could not obtain the Living Well Through Lent 2024 booklets this year and, as it is over 50 pages long, it is unfeasible to print copies, but see below for a .pdf copy, which you can save somewhere easily accessible on your device and refer to daily.

 

         Bible Study

Join us over the next 5 weeks on Wednesdays at 10:30 -12:30, for a focussed study during the season of Lent, Walking With Jesus through Lent.

Together we will look at the final days of Jesus through the lens of the four gospel writers and discuss some thoughtful questions together. No preparation is required as we will look at the readings and other materials together each week.  

All are welcome to join in the discussion as we walk through Jesus' final days together.

 

HARP CONCERT at St.Mary's, SUNDAY MARCH 3rd at 4pm

                                                    

Join us for a new experience at St. Mary’s where we will have the musical talents of Marilyn Rummel on harp and Danel Cove on flute offering a time of classical folk fusion.

Come hear some familiar pieces reimagined through contemplative improvisation.

Admission will be at the door with a suggested donation of $20.   Money raised will be split between the musicians and St. Mary’s community.

 

 

 

 

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