Note from the Rector  

Here we are, having completed our Annual Vestry Meeting right on the cusp of the season of lent.  During the meeting, we passed a budget for 2023 with a deficit of just over $27,000.  Now I would hazard a guess that this is a similar situation in sister parishes across our Diocese, as we all cautiously emerge from the pandemic. This doesn't mean that we can simply continue along accepting that this is just the way things are. One thing I am continually amazed about in this congregation is the willingness to step in and the desire to grow and be a beacon within the wider community in various ways. However, our days here in Nanoose Bay are numbered if we just go along expecting things to change without doing the work.   

So as we go along this year - we will be looking at ways to encourage giving, seeking ideas both for fundraising and FUN raising, brainstorming events that we can do as faith community that can bring the outside community in through our doors.  The possibilities are endless as we continue to reimagine and re-invent who we are as a community coming out of these stark COVID years.  A part of this process will be discovering how we can ensure we will be able to continue our ministry here for years to come. 

  One of the first ways that we will engaging in this idea, is through our Giving Boxes through the season of Lent.  On Sunday we will have little boxes available for you to take home and fill with funds above and beyond our regular giving. Perhaps you can save the money from your weekly cup of coffee and put that in the Giving Box, maybe at the end of the day you empty the change from your pockets, or if like me you don't have cash on hand very often - perhaps you can keep tally of those little extras in life, and at the end write a cheque or take some money out to put in the box. And while the boxes are small - you are not limited to just one!  If you find you fill yours up in the first week or two of Lent - let us know as we will have more available as the season goes along.  We will collect the boxes on Palm Sunday and bring them to the altar as an extra part of our regular offerings - so start collecting those loonies and toonies (even if they are adding up in a tally) and let us see what we can give to help enrich our church!!   

Pick up yours this Sunday when you leave the church.  

Kirsten +    

 

ASH WEDNESDAY SERVICE Next Wednesday February 22; 11am.      

LIVING WELL THROUGH LENT 2023 BOOKS ARE HERE! Practicing Compassion With All Your Heart, Soul, Strength, and Mind A daily devotional that provides a foundation for seeking a deeper experience of Lent, an experience that will help prepare us for the true meaning of Easter. You can access the guide online too through a PDF version.   They are FREE.  Pick up this Sunday in the hall.            

 2023 PARISH DIRECTORIES ARE FINALLY READY!  

They are really handy to have at home or in the car.    Suggested donation only $5 to cover colour printing costs.

Please try to have exact change if possible.  Pick up in the hall.              

Got a hankering for a Monday Pancake Supper? 

Well you are in luck as St. Philip-by-the-Sea Church In Lantzville is holding one Monday February 20;4-6pm. By donation. (yes it includes sausage & beverage) And if you can’t make that one then come to ours the next day at noon.  

 SHROVE TUESDAY PANCAKES!

FEBRUARY 21st from 12-1:30pm.  Home-cooked pancakes (gluten-free available), sausages and beverage…need we say more. By donation.  Tell all your friends and neighbours – All are welcome.

      

One-Year Anniversary of the Invasion of Ukraine Candlelight Vigil at St. Mary the Protectress Church, 594 Karls Way, Parksville.  Friday February 24, 7:00pm,  Come and join us in prayer.