Note from the Rector

Have you noticed how long the days are becoming?  How long the light lingers in the evening inviting us into new patterns and new ways of enjoying life that we would never dream of in the depths of December?  I don’t know about you but I have really been enjoying evenings out on my deck. There is something about being able to sit in the breeze, as the warmth of the day begins to cool and birds slowly settle in for the night that is so calming to my soul. For so many of us the last few months have been busy – wrapping up the school year, making plans for summer travel, trying to tie up loose ends on projects, digging and planting and preparing gardens, and of course here at St. Mary’s – preparing for the Jumble Sale which was a lot of work but a huge success.  But now we are heading into the so called “Dog Days of Summer,” those long, hot summer days where life slows down a little and makes room for restoration and renewal.  And while the term “Dog Days” comes from the appearance of the “Greater Dog” constellation in the night sky, this time of year also coincides with the time of our church year called “ordinary time,” this lengthy season after Pentecost where much of our services look fairly ordinary. 

While we welcome a time when churches slow down a little too, it is also an extraordinary time for the church as we dive into scriptures that are familiar and loved and let these wonders seep into our beings – like water on dry ground.  During these long weeks ahead, we are renewed and are encouraged to grow in our faith as we explore how the Spirit is enlivening God’s people once again and allow ourselves to be reshaped in the image of God.  

So while we rest and renew it is also a time for growth and maturation -  a time in which the mystery of Christ is can seep ever more deeply into our beings as we slow down and rest in these “Dog Days of Summer”. 

So as you enjoy the lingering light, the summer breezes in creation – be sure to watch for the Spirit at work, pray for God to speak to your heart in new ways as we make ‘ordinary time’ something extraordinary and continue to grow in faith together.   

Peace, 

Kirsten +  


Bible Study will resume in September.      

Did you know . . .  St. Mary’s cross has been painted!!

And it needed it desperately!  The roofing company who did the church roof was supposed to come back and do it, but never came back!! 

     
Thank you again Dave Gemmell of AMP Timber Rigging in Nanoose Bay, who is a friend of St  Mary’s. His contact info is amptimberrigging@gmail.com or 250-668-9711 if you need any work done.  

2023 FUNdraisers at St. Mary’s

June Jumble Sale....is OVER and was a GREAT SUCCESS!

   
We are truly so blessed at St. Mary’s.  It was a tad damp in the morning but it cleared up as the day went on.  Marrianna and her brigade of dedicated volunteers worked so hard in the months, weeks, the day of  and after the sale  The delivery of boxes of  unclaimed “treasures” had to be taken to the Salvation Army and the SOS as neither could pick up. 

A BIG THANK YOU to Marrianna for leading the charge with her organizational skills and expertise and making the event a welcoming, well-run event for our community. The total is still being tallied.  Stay tuned for more information.  

St. Mary’s Festival of Music on Sunday June 25; 6:30pm  


Come and enjoy beautiful music and friendship with Patricia Plumley & Friends and our very own Margaret Nelson.    Suggested donation $20 with reception to follow.