Weekly notices - June 28, 2023
Note from the Rector
I’m sure that you have all noticed that summer is truly and finally here. The days are growing warmer, the grasshoppers and crickets are playing, the weeds and butterflies float through the afternoon breezes. As I sit in my office at St. Mary’s you can tell summer is here as the school children head through the church yard heading to the ocean with water bottles and towels in hand. The sounds of laughter and the buzz of voices act as a clear reminder that summer vacation is just around the corner. As we too begin to look towards summer, there is chatter of folks planning vacations and time away with family. Some are travelling far and some staying close as friends and family come here instead. Summer is a time of much movement as we all yearn to soak up the sunshine and enjoy these days before the rains and cooler weather settle in once again. And as a result of this, our numbers for Sunday services are going to fluctuate greatly in the coming weeks. So I invite you to remember St. Mary’s in your summer plans, as the summer months are typically the time of year where weekly giving dwindles as folks are out adventuring and enjoying the goodness of God beyond our church walls. If you want to keep supporting the work of St. Mary’s even while you are taking some time way, maybe it’s time to look at electronic giving to be sure you can share your abundance with others no matter where you are in the world. Another way to support us is through prayer; keeping the work we are doing here, the leadership, staff and all who continue to do the work of the church in your prayers, or even sending a note of thanks to one another can make a huge impact.
There is no doubt in any of our minds that it can be hard to think about the needs of the church when we are lying on the beach, swimming in the neighbour’s pool, or attending a BBQ or picnic event. But the reality is that the church is still here, and still looking to do the work we are called to be doing in the world! So while it may not be on the top of your list of things to remember this summer (you know, along with the watermelon and sunscreen), know that we are still here and still loving and living out our faith in this community and beyond.
Prayers for a safe, happy and productive summer for us all!
Peace, Kirsten +
NEW Summer Office Hours effective July 4 – August 31
For July and August the office will be open from 9am - 1pm on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Between 1 - 4 pm KAT will monitoring emails and phone calls while working from home. And Kirsten and I, are of course, happy to stay if you need assistance with anything as long as you let us know.
This Sunday July 2nd, we will be celebrating Canada’s Birthday after the service
Please bring appies or finger food to share.
2023 FUNdraisers at St. Mary’s
St. Mary’s Festival of Music
This was a beautiful, well attended event with over 60 people attending. Many parents and families came to support the singers and us. 
Elaine and her team put on a beautiful spread too. A BIG thank you for the “many hands” that make all of our events so great! The tally was about $700.
JULY READINGS
July 2 – 5th Sunday after Pentecost
Genesis 22:1-14
Psalm 13
Romans 6:12-23
Matthew 10:40-42
July 9 – 6th Sunday after Pentecost
Genesis 24:34-38, 42-49, 58-67
Psalm 45:11-18
Romans 7:15-25a
Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30
July 16 – 7th Sunday after Pentecost
Genesis 25:19-34
Psalm 119:105-112
Romans 8:1-11
Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23
July 23 – 8th Sunday after Pentecost
Genesis 28:10-19a
Psalm 139:1-11, 22-23
Romans 8:12-25
Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43
July 30 – 9th Sunday after Pentecost
Genesis 29:15-28
Psalm 128
Romans 8:26-39
Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52
JULY BIRTHDAYS
July 1 Barbara K
July 3 Heather U
July 4 Harry C
July 8 Trefor W
July 10 Val D
July 17 Graham H
July 24 Bill G
July 28 Malcolm K
JULY ANNIVERSARY
July 30 Clive & Bev O