Note from the Rector

As I am sure you are all aware, Remembrance Day is coming up this Friday.  My understanding is that in years past there has been a small time of remembrance observed here at St. Mary’s, however this year we are doing things a little differently.  

Last week, I attended my first clergy day at the cathedral in Victoria.  It was a really lovely time of connecting with and getting to know other clergy in the diocese as well as a time for Bishop Anna to speak to us as her clergy, living out the vision in the diocese.  One of the things she said was to remind us that we are here to serve the people but we are also to be citizens of the world.  The focus was reminding us that we need to be participants in the world to show that we care, that we are informed and that we are not just walled up in our own communities of faith but are the hands and feet of God trying to make a difference.  

So with this in mind, this year on Remembrance Day I encourage you to be participants in your own community. Be it in person or virtual, there are services being offered by folks far more qualified than I in this area – Legion members, veterans, musicians etc… and it is important that we participate and make ourselves known in the communities where we live.

So where can you go and how can you watch, you might ask? Well, let me tell you!

The official Remembrance Day Service for the province comes out of Victoria and includes a ceremony that will take place at the provincial cenotaph at the east corner of the grounds, at Belleville and Government streets. While most of us won’t be in Victoria for the event, it will be aired live starting at 10:30am on CHEK News.  The ceremony will be followed by the Naden Band Remembrance Day concert, which will also be livestreamed.

Closer to home….November 11 In Nanaimo – The Royal Canadian Legion Branch 10 and Branch 256 will be having services, as well as the City Remembrance Day service at the Dallas Square Cenotaph next to St. Paul’s. This will also be livestreamed starting at 10:30 a.m. on YouTube.

In Lantzville - A Remembrance Day service will be held at 10:45 a.m. in Huddlestone Park.   Spectators are welcome, but are asked to respect physical distancing.

In Parksville - There will be a ceremony at the cenotaph, 100 Jensen Ave., at 10:45 a.m. Attendees are asked to practise social distancing.

And finally, Qualicum Beach Remembrance service is at 10:30 am at the Civic Centre - Doors open at 9:30 am.  A bus will be available to transport veterans to and from the service, loading at 10:15 am.  Following the service, the parade will form at 11:00 and march back to the Legion. Refreshments, entertainment and comradeship to follow at the Branch.  Doors Open to Public at 1:00 pm.

So let us take time on November 11th to participate with those in our wider community as together we take a moment of silence to remember lives lost and those who serve this country to preserve our freedom and promote justice and peace around the world.

Peace to you all,
Kirsten +  

 

                                                         

Mark your calendars and tell everyone you know about our Christmas Fair on Saturday, November 26, 2022; 9:30am-2pm

Thank you to all who have donated to our Silent Auction efforts so far.  Our Silent Auction team would like to remind everyone that the deadline for items to be brought in is Sunday November 13th.   

The Christmas Fair is fast approaching and while all is coming along well, we need YOUR help!! There are lots of ways you can get involved to assist us in making our Christmas Fair a wonderful success. From bakers to dishwashers, servers and more, there is a place for everyone to help out.  

Are you a closet baker? Well – Pat could sure use your skills to prepare for the bake table. Some items that sell well are tarts (butter, mincemeat, pecan or almond), cookies (both regular and your Christmas specialties), cakes (fruit cake or cupcakes), fruit pies, quick breads (think banana or lemon, pound cake etc.), your specialty bread or buns, and homemade preserves.  Please label anything containing nuts. Any gluten-free items sell well.  And if you have any questions, please speak to Pat!  

We are also needing some help with the Café – muffins and coffee will be available before the lunch – but we need folks to donate the muffins. We are also needing people to volunteer in the kitchen and to assist with dishwashing and serving. There is a pre-set menu and tickets will be sold for lunch items; however, we are looking for a few folks to help out as cashiers for the Café too!! So if you are able to assist Marty and her team in any of these roles, please speak to her.  

Ministry Opportunity! 

As folks are beginning to plan time away for the winter and beyond, we are needing some new people to step up and assist in various aspects of our Sunday service. The two areas that are really needing some added support are Sidespeople - greeting and ushering on a Sunday, as well as Readers to read and offer Prayers of the People. Please give it some prayerful consideration and if you have any questions or would like more information speak to Rev. Kirsten as she would be happy to advise or answer questions.   

Advent Devotional

Advent begins this year on November 27th and plans are being made to bring this season to life! One way that meaning can be brought into the Advent season is through a devotional study where we specifically decide to dedicate some of our time each day for reflection, study and prayer. While there are many methods and devotionals out there to help with this advent journey, this year Rev. Kirsten has the Living Compass Advent Devotional ready for anyone who wants it. The devotional is available for download via a PDF, or a print copy can be made in the office for anyone who would prefer a hard copy version. If you are interested in this resource, please contact Kirsten at incumbent@stmarynb.ca or speak to her on Sunday.  

  Service of Lessons and Carols

Mark your calendars for Sunday December 4th, as our service on the second Sunday of Advent will be something a little different! We will be having a service of ADVENT lessons and carols that day – so come prepared with your best singing voice and be ready to hear the story of our Christian history as we prepare our hearts for the coming of the Christ Child! Please note there are a number of readings for that Sunday so Rev. Kirsten will be looking for lots of people to step up to the podium to read! If you would be interested in doing a reading, please speak to Rev. Kirsten.    

SOMETHING ELSE TO DO . . . our very own Margaret Nelson will play the harpsichord and Sue Foreman is in the choir.  They need an audience.