Note from the Rector

This week I want to take a moment to update you on where we are at with having the day care come to St. Mary’s in September.  At this moment in time, a draft contract has been sent to the Diocesan Chancellor, Isabel Weeks for review and  formalization.  She, along with Executive Archdeacon Eric Partridge, will take the informal contract drafted in the parish, and turn it into the language of ‘legalese’ for signing.  Both Archbishop Eric and Bishop Anna have agreed that this is a great opportunity for St. Mary’s and wish us well as we move forward in this new relationship – so all is coming along from that side of things.  

In the last two weeks, I have also had a few meetings with Courtney, the owner of the day care, as we have meet with various officials to get the last of the paperwork stamped for her licensing.  While there will be a few new signs up around the building and a smoke detector and fire extinguisher in the library/den space, the Fire Chief and the RDN Building Inspector have been through and given their approval on condition of the signs, etc.  Courtney is also starting to make her plans for the first week of September when we will begin to see some real changes – particularly with the clean-up of the fenced-in outdoor space outside the hall and kitchen.  

And finally, as part of this whole process, we are starting to look at how we can be good stewards of our spaces, using the space we have to serve and do the most good possible in the community both in and outside of our church.  Part of this will see changes, such as reconfiguring the NCS room with an addition of a sitting space that can be used by the church when NCS is not in the building.  We are also looking at ways we can better use the space at the back of the church to make it more flexible and user friendly both on Sundays when children are with us, and also as a possible meeting space during the week. This will include a trial of moving the old altar out of that space into the entry way, and adding in a cupboard from the den space into the back of the church for storage of toys and books when they are not in use by the children on Sundays.  

I know that the changes we are facing seem big and at times maybe even a bit overwhelming, but I want to remind you that it is all done with careful consideration and steeped in prayer as we move forward.  The changes are coming at us quickly, and part of this is because of the deadline the day care has been working under, with their eviction notice from the building that is unsafe for the children – so we are working as diligently and cautiously as possible, while respecting the fact that time is of the essence. With this in mind, some of the furniture items from the den will need to be rehomed, and will be in the hall on Sunday for anyone interested to take before we make other plans for them.  

If you would like to be part of the process of moving furniture, redesigning the space or have any questions or concerns please do not hesitate to reach out. I continue to invite your prayers for myself, for our wardens, parish council, for Courtney and her staff as we all prepare for this transition. May God be in our hearts and minds as we continue to move forward, reaching out and welcoming in, sharing all that we have here at St. Mary’s.  

Blessings,
Kirsten +  

Musical Instrument Lending Program

Do you have an old musical instrument collecting dust in a closet at home?  This last week I discovered the Oceanside Classical Concerts Society, and saw an ad requesting instruments for their instrument lending library.  This group takes old musical instruments and gives them new life – having them reconditioned and repaired to then be lent out to deserving music students in the area who might not otherwise be able to afford an instrument.  I (Kirsten), just donated an old trumpet and clarinet to the cause and met Joe Straka, one of the coordinators, who was overjoyed to receive them!  This is just another unique way we can support the community around us – so if you have an instrument to donate or would like more information, check out the website for details! Click HERE.  

2023 FUN & FUNdraisers at St. Mary’s 

Christmas Fair Meeting - Wednesday August 2; 10:30am
Just to get things rolling…The emphasis again for our Fair will be on working together and getting to know each other in a friendly atmosphere as we organize and plan this much-anticipated annual event.  The more people we have on board means less pressure on a few and more enjoyment for the many.   There will be some changes this year regarding the configuration of tables as we share space with our new Day Care Centre but I know we can work around this.   Looking forward to seeing you all then. Rita

        St. Mary’s Matronal Day is August 13th   

It will be a potluck after the morning service, so anything that “tickles your fancy” will be sure to delight others!      

    AUGUST READINGS

August 6th – Transfiguration of the Lord

Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14                      
Psalm 99                                         
2 Peter 1:16-19                                 
Luke 9:28-36  

August 13 – 11th Sunday after Pentecost

Genesis 37:1-4, 12-28                   
Psalm 105:1-6, 16-22, 45c            
Romans 10:5-15                                 
Matthew 14:22-33  

August 20th – 12th Sunday after Pentecost

Genesis 45:1-15                             
Psalm 133                    
Romans 11:1-2a, 29-32                  
Matthew 15:(10-20) 21-28  

August 27th – 13th Sunday after Pentecost

Exodus 1:8-2:10                             
Psalm 124                    
Romans 12:1-8                              
Matthew 16:13-20  

AUGUST CELEBRATIONS

Birthdays

Aug. 5                  David S
Aug. 12                Luis Q
Aug. 18                Jean R
Aug. 22                Rose B-C
Aug. 27                Marg D
Aug. 30                Margo W  

Anniversaries

Aug. 10                David & Maria S

Some recipes from our past . . .

from the St. Mary’s cookbook of June 1990, courtesy of Shirley G.  We will be treating you to some delectable recipe offerings in the summer months' Notices.