From the Rector's Desk

Often as we talk about our future as a parish, I hear folks make comments longing for more children and young families, yearning for full pews that are bursting at the seams, for new people who can help us remain sustainable for years to come. We look at the 'mega churches' with their flashy services, big stages and huge budgets and wonder how we could ever compete in our little community of St. Mary.  But this week I read an article entitled, “I Don’t Want My Church to Be Small. But It Is. Now What?” by Karl Vaters which asks the question . . . What is better than bigger?

The article invites us to celebrate what we have and to stop worrying about filling more seats or finding gimmicks to bring people in, to stop comparing ourselves to the mega churches of the world and simply be the best church family we can be with who and what we have right now.  Don’t get me wrong – growing our church is important but it isn’t the ONLY thing that matters.  In fact, our church matters – right now – just as it is today.  So the question that I hope we can begin to explore this year is – WHY does St. Mary’s matter?  What do we do well?  What do we add to the wider community?

This year will see many changes – as any year in parish life is bound to – so let’s start looking ahead at our future and start dreaming about what sort of presence St. Mary’s will have in this community of Nanoose Bay – 5, 10 or even 25 years down the road.  Let us stop focusing on things like not having a thriving Sunday school, or not having the pews filled every Sunday, and instead ask the question: why does St. Mary’s matter? - as we focus on our unique call right here, right now.  

Love and Blessings,

Rev. Kirsten +

SHROVE TUESDAY PANCAKE LUNCH –TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 13th, 11:30am

Come and join us for homemade pancakes and sausages - always such a nice treat! A voluntary donation would be greatly appreciated.

Elaine needs some volunteers to assist.  If you can help, please contact her for more details.

ASH WEDNESDAY SERVICE – FEBRUARY 14th, at 10:30am

Ash Wednesday is the first day of Lent. It is the beginning of a season of repentance, fasting, and awaiting Jesus's Resurrection.

We will combine this service with the bible study that day.  Everyone welcome!

 

ANNUAL VESTRY MEETING - SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 18th AFTER SERVICE

We are preparing the 2023 annual report which will be emailed to you before Sunday, February 4th. 

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

 

FEBRUARY BIRTHDAYS

Feb. 3rd               Jan E

Feb. 11th             Sharon V

Feb. 28th             Daniela H

FEBRUARY ANNIVERSARIES

Feb. 9th               Claude &  Roseleagh L

 

       FEBRUARY 2024 READINGS

February 4th – 5th Sunday of Epiphany

ISAIAH 40:21-31         

PSALM 147:1-12, 21C (PG. 906)            

1 CORINTHIANS 9:16-23              

MARK 1:29-39

February 11th – Last Sunday of Epiphany

KINGS 2:1-12                        

PSALM 50:1-6 (Pg. 768)                         

2 CORINTHIANS 4:3-6                      

MARK 9:2-9

February 18th – 1st Sunday in Lent

GENESIS 9:8-17                     

PSALM 25:1-9 (Pg. 733)               

1 PETER 3:18-22                    

MARK 1:9-15

 

February 25th – 2nd Sunday in Lent

GENESIS 17:1-7, 15-16        

PSALM 22:22-30 (PG. 728)                              

ROMANS 4:13-25              

MARK 8:31-38

HARP CONCERT IN OUR CHURCH, SUNDAY MARCH 3rd at 4pm

Marilyn Rummel from St. Peter’s Quamichan has contacted us.  She and a guest musician will be giving an hour-long concert that that will be both calming and inviting.  She is planning to take the show “on the road” to other churches.

A voluntary donation or a ticket will admit you.   Stay tuned for more details.