From the Rector’s Desk 

It is hard to believe that we are a mere six weeks until Christmas. Maybe I am the only one but this seems a little scary to me! That being said, preparations are well under way for the Christmas Tea on November 30th, plans are in the works for Advent services and I have been working to sort out Christmas plans as well. And yet I'm always surprised at how the Advent Season sneaks up on us! 

It is also a very busy time of year in the church, with extra services and events all taking place very close together. So with that in mind I will be taking the next two weeks off to recuperate some energy after an incredibly busy fall, and ready myself for the Season of Advent, and all the preparation that comes along with the Christmas Season. 

So please be sure to welcome Rev. Susan Hermanson as she will be with you on Sunday Nov. 17th and Nov. 24th. If you have any concerns or questions please reach out to the wardens (Don and Jean) and they will connect you with Susan for any pastoral emergencies. The office will also be open during regular hours during this time, so Kat will be around to support you. 

I look forward to returning just in time for the Christmas Tea, so will see you all on November 30th! 

With every blessing, 

Kirsten + 

 

FROM THE DIOCESE - STATEMENT FROM BISHOP ANNA

See attached below the Bishop's letter about the resignation of the Archbishop of Canterbury.

 

 

HALL CHRISTMAS DECORATING: SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 16 at 10am

The more, the merrier!    There will also be a brief Christmas Tea meeting afterwards.

 

John Garenkooper Celebration of Life

The Celebration of life for John will be at St. Philip by the Sea Lantzville November 16 at 1:30pm. All are welcome to attend. There will be an interment for John at St. Mary's at a later date. 

 

Advent Bible Study

Bible Study will be taking a break while Rev. Kirsten is away, but mark your calendars as there will be a special 4-week study for the Season of Advent on Tuesdays in December. 

We will be meeting Tuesdays on December 3, 10, 17 and 24 from 10am to 12pm and ALL are welcome to join! There is no preparation or pre-reading required, just an open heart and mind to discuss how scripture can prepare us for the coming of Jesus at Christmas. 

 

KITCHEN CLEAN-UP RESPONSIBILITIES

This is just a gentle, friendly reminder that if you have a meeting or gathering in the hall or church, please clean up after yourself.  Items should never be left in the sink or in the dish tray.  The Thinking Garden looks after all the kitchen items they use daily.  Thank you for your cooperation.

 

St. Mary’s Christmas High Tea – November 30 from 1-4pm

 

 

Tell all your neighbours and friends and mark your calendar!!  This will be a festive afternoon tea with delectable treats. 

Cost: $15/person at the door.

Grab a few posters after the Sunday service if you can help with posting them around Nanoose, Parksville, Qualicum Beach and Lantzville. There will also be a bake table (Pat N) and a Christmas craft table (Marg D). 

For those doing some baking, below are some ideas to consider from Pat…

WHAT SELLS  WELL AT THE BAKE TABLE:

TARTS           Butter, mincemeat, pecan or almond

COOKIES    Regular – oatmeal, chocolate chip, oatmeal chocolate chip, oatmeal raisin

                       Fancy for Christmas – shortbread, iced cookies, gingerbread

                     Cookies with fruitcake mix or mincemeat

                     Fancy shapes of shortbread or sugar cookies (whatever your Christmas specialty)

CAKES        Christmas fruit cakes, cupcakes,  pound cake

PIES              No cream, only fruit-filled ones

QUICK BREADS    Loaves (banana, banana/choc chip)
                                   dried fruit or with fruit chopped up and added

                                   Lemon or orange loaf                                  

BREAD AND BUNS      Your specialty

PRESERVES              Marmalade, jams and jellies, relish or chutney

 

Please label anything containing nuts.  All gluten-free items sell well.

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