From the Rector's Desk

The last few weeks there has been a hum of conversation surrounding what we might do for the Christmas Fair. And it almost seems strange to be looking ahead to Christmas when we are still weeks away from summer. However, this week churches around the globe will be celebrating a significant event that brings us ever closer to the coming of Christ at Christmas.

On May 31st, the church at large remembers that blessed moment when Mary comes to visit her cousin Elizabeth to share the news that she is pregnant with the Son of God. Normally we hear this as part of our Advent story when we read from Luke’s gospel, but this early in the season the story reminds us of the joy that comes when we say Yes to God working in our lives, often in unexpected ways. I can’t imagine that Mary was ready in this moment to not only say yes to God, but to then travel in her pregnancy to tell her family members. But that is the thing about God – the holy keeps reaching down into our lives in strange and wonderful ways, nudging us, guiding us, directing us into new life, coaxing us out of old expectations and understandings to make way for something new to be born.

So as we look ahead in our church year, let us keep our hearts open to God speaking to us and bringing us into new ways of being. Who knows what wonderful new traditions are waiting for us if we make space for God to birth something new in our midst!

Kirsten+

Bishop's Visit

Bishop Anna Greenwood-Lee will be with us on Sunday June 2nd to lead and preach at our service. We are planning on showing her the true hospitality of St. Mary’s so we are inviting everyone to bring some finger food to share, potluck-style, after the service. This is sure to be a wonderful time with our Bishop so please do make an effort to attend.

Coffee Hour Help Needed! – June 9th

We are needing someone to assist at coffee hour on Sunday June 9th as we have had a space open up unexpectedly. If you are able to help fill in the gap on the 9th, please speak to Pat or call the office to let us know.

 

Tired of housework?

A local woman, who has attended our church a few times, is looking for work doing residential housecleaning for seniors in the Oceanside area. Lilian is hoping to add a few more clients to her roster and charges $25/hour for cleaning. If you are interested in this service, she can be reached at 250-465-8167 or via email lilianjoubert@gmail.com. If emailing please put St. Mary in the subject line so the request doesn’t get lost in the mix.

 

JUNE BIRTHDAYS & ANNIVERSARIES

Birthdays

June 1st     Lynne D

June 3rd    Shirley B

June 10th    Oliver Q

June 14th    Janet H

June 16th    Maggie M

June 22nd   Jennifer B-C

June 23rd    Mary T

June 25th    Linda H

June 26th    Rev. Kirsten

June 28th    Evelyn G

Anniversaries

June 7th Ron and Evelyn G

 

 JUNE READINGS

June 2 – 2nd Sunday after Pentecost

Samuel 3:1-10 (11-20)                  Psalm 139:1-5, 12-17                     2 Corinthians 4:5-12                       Mark 2:23-3:6

June 9 – 3rd Sunday after Pentecost

1 Samuel 8:4-11; 16-20                 Psalm 138                  2 Corinthians 4:13-5:1                    Mark 3:20-35


June 16 – 4th Sunday after Pentecost

1 Samuel 15:34-16:13                    Psalm 20                     2 Corinthians 5:6-10, 14-17           Mark 4:26-34

June 23 – 5th Sunday after Pentecost

1 Samuel 17:(1a, 4-11, 19-23) 32-49               Psalm 9:9-20                 2 Corinthians 6:1-13                     Mark 4:35-41

June 30 – 6th Sunday after Pentecost

2 Samuel 1:1, 17-27                       Psalm 130                     2 Corinthians 8:7-15;                       Mark 5:21-43

 

2023 FUNdraisers at St. Mary’s

June Jumble Sale Committee Meeting this Friday May 24; 10 am in church.

Sale – Saturday, June 1st, 2024 -  10-2pm

The June Jumble Sale is THIS WEEKEND!!! Folks will be here on Friday all day sorting and pricing items and setting up tents in the afternoon. If you are able to assist with the final push, please come on out and help us! We will also be here on Saturday at 7am to get the final preparations ready to open the sale to the public at 10am – so come out and support this amazing event as we need all hands on deck to make this a success! If you have any questions, please contact Ed our fearless leader this year.

Be sure to invite your neighbours and friends!