Update from the Rector’s Warden

I received this message from Selinde last week and read it to everyone who joined us on ZOOM at the AVM:

Dear Friends,
 Just a quick word as you begin your meeting, to let you know that I am with you in spirit today as you meet in community. It’s been an incredible year and the response of this parish has been amazing – you have responded with love and determination to all the challenges we’ve encountered. Through prayer, service, giving, each one of you has helped determine that our beloved St. Mary’s continue to thrive. I feel so blessed to be a part of this community. I thank you for your prayers and messages of love and support. I am resting and taking care of myself. It’s a full time job! I want to thank Rev. Alan Naylor for stepping in. His sermons on Sunday are feeding me and I am grateful for his guiding spirit. 
God bless you all, Selinde  

Thank you to all who joined us on our successful ZOOM AVM on Sunday. There were a few glitches with access to Zoom for some people, but on the whole it went very well. We have had positive feedback from parishioners who were very happy to see one another.   Thank you to Alan for chairing St. Mary’s Annual Vestry Meeting, to Jennifer for all of her hard work on the church financials, and to KAT as our Zoom host.  

Thank you also to Clair, Bill and especially to Val, who worked tirelessly for days coaching anyone who needed help with ZOOM so they could join the meeting.  
And it is Selinde’s birthday this week; please keep her in your prayers. 
Have a wonderful week!
Elaine  

                    
LENTEN SERIES: The word 'Lent' can supposedly be traced to an Old English word 'lecten' which is related to 'lengthen' referring to the lengthening of days in the Spring. It's a time for spiritual renewal and what some call a 'spiritual spring'.

CLICK on this link to sign up to receive Bishop Anna's Lenten series messages in your inbox. 

The Diocese is offering a new series, Renew, consisting of short (2-minute) weekly reflections by Bishop Anna Greenwood-Lee during these 40 long days before Easter.  If you have any problems signing up, please contact Val.

  THE READINGS THIS SUNDAY Second Sunday in Lent, February 28, 2021

Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16
Psalm 22:23-31
Romans 4:13-25
Mark 8:31-38      

MARCH READINGS Lent Year B

Third Sunday in Lent March 7, 2021
Exodus 20:1-17
Psalm 19
1 Corinthians 1:18-25
John 2:13-22

Fourth Sunday in Lent March 14, 2021
Numbers 21:4-9
Psalm 107:1-3, 17-22
Ephesians 2:1-10
John 3:14-21

Fifth Sunday in Lent March 21, 2021
Jeremiah 31:31-34
Psalm 119:9-16
Hebrews 5:5-10
John 12:20-33

Sixth Sunday in Lent, Liturgy of the Palms March 28, 2021 
Isaiah 50:4-9a
Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29
Philippians 2:5-11
Mark 11:1-11  

    MARCH BIRTHDAYS & ANNIVERSARIES

Birthdays
Ray D                         March 19
Shirley H                    March 22
Elaine C                      March 27
Clair D                        March 27
Ron G (94)                  March 28
George W                    March 29

Anniversary     
Fred & Linda H             March 3            

The Catholic Women’s League in Parksville is hosting a DRIVE-THROUGH BABY SHOWER  in support of the Crisis Pregnancy Centre of Nanaimo Society on Saturday, March 20 & 27th from 11:30 – 3:00pm in the church parking lot of Church of the Ascension, 887 Wembley Road.  They ask that you bring an unwrapped baby gift as your donation. Cash donations are also gratefully accepted as this enables them to purchase needed items. Please make your cheque payable to The Pregnancy Centre of Nanaimo Society.  Every little bit helps, but most needed at this time is clothing for boys from six months to three years of age, and diapers in sizes 4, 5 or 6. They also will have a 'car door prize' for every 25th person.  Of course, they ask that you please wear masks and practise physical distancing while dropping off your items.   

And LAST BUT NOT LEAST….your chuckle for the day compliments of Harry & Jean Costerton