From the Rector’s Desk  

It can seem overwhelming: Covid, unemployment, climate crisis, escalating domestic violence, war, terrorism. And yes, there is much to be concerned about.

The more I reflect on all the current concerns and issues, I see a common thread. Consumerism, consumption. When we take more than we need, we stress the earth; we create enormous amounts of waste; we create barriers between those who have and those who have not; we resort to protecting and insuring what we have instead of looking at ways of sharing; we become insatiable instead of being grateful.

Greed underpins so much of our world’s problems. And what underpins greed?  Fear and lack of trust. Do we really believe in a loving God? Do we really believe in a God of abundance? Or do we doubt and build barns to store up more than we need, “just in case”?

When asked about her legacy, my mother always said, “I want to live lightly on the earth and leave a small footprint.” As a survivor of WWII, she had her values straight. And it was no hardship for her to do without a lot of material stuff. She valued relationships, art, conversation, music, travel, nature and bridge. She wasn’t out to impress anyone. She wanted authentic connections. Her clear values helped her be decisive about what she bought. She was well before her time. She bought things that weren’t wrapped in plastic and cardboard. She bought fresh, local, and never more than she needed. She wore her clothes until they wore out. She bought second hand. And she reused and recycled. Of course she didn’t change the course of history, but she took her part seriously. And directly influenced her 5 children, their families, and many friends.

My mother was not a Christian but she loved and respected Creation and assumed responsibility for her place in it. She was and is my inspiration. I too want to live lightly, share generously and consume less. The practice is freeing.

When we work to help create the kind of world we want to live in and leave for our children, our values become very clear. And we don’t over-consume to try to fill the holes inside that only God, love, service and creativity can fill. We show our love for this planet, our earthly home. "People don't care what you know until they know that you care."

I am grateful to all the people in my life, past and present, who live lightly, simply and generously.

Thanks be to God!
Selinde  

      Consecration Event!

This Saturday at 3:00 Bishop Anna will be here to consecrate our Memorial Garden directly behind the church. This is a long dreamed-for day. Finally a cemetery with legal status, St. Mary’s Memorial Garden is now protected in perpetuity. Come join the celebration!

Did you know?  The Memorial Board in the Memorial Garden has a section for plaques to remember loved ones who are not buried in the garden. You can honour your loved one with a plaque there. Ask for more information at the front office.

Check this link for an article in the diocesan newspaper, newly titled Faith Tides, about our recent initiative to bring hope and encouragement to the staff in ICU at Nanaimo Regional General Hospital Click HERE.

   We need a new ENVELOPE SECRETARY

Barb W needs to step down but is willing to orient and support someone in this role. It involves about ½ hour of computer work each week. Talk to Barb or Selinde if you want more information or are willing to help out in this capacity.

   Our Annual Vestry Meeting is scheduled for Sunday February 27th at noon.

The Annual Report will come to you via email a good 2 weeks before the meeting so you can review the information and forward any questions to KAT who will pass them on to the appropriate person. And if you are interested in serving on Parish Council, the dynamic caring team that leads this parish, please speak to Clair, Shirley Bays, or Elaine.

   The CARE TEAM needs more members. If you would like to support your fellow parishioners, consider signing up for this ministry. Please talk to Pat N if you are interested.

Theft at St. Mary’s  For your information, the hall at St. Mary’s was broken into sometime this past Sunday night. The key lockbox was destroyed, the key used to enter the building via the ramp door, then the door to the counting room smashed and a computer (with a new hard drive just put in) stolen from that room.  The information on the computer cannot be compromised because it is secured by passwords. Your wardens and Don have worked with the police and the bank and cleaned up the bulk of the mess. Thank you Don, Elaine, Val and Marg! And thanks to our custodian, Peter, who raised the alarm.

 Flower donations

If you would like to donate flowers for the altar in memory of a loved one or to celebrate a special occasion, please sign up in the Narthex Sunday mornings or call the office.

Intersections – a Lenten Series  The Diocese will be running two concurrent Lenten series, as part of parish Lenten observance. They will run February 23-April 6; one during the day (11:30-1:30 on Tuesdays) and one during the evening (7:00-9:00pm) on Wednesdays. All sessions will be held via Zoom.

More information about the series can be found on the diocesan website. To register, follow the links below. You will need to register by January 28th.

Intersections (daytime series) - intersections-daytime-series 
Intersections (evening series) - intersections-evening-series