From the Rector’s Desk 

This coming weekend Susan Lockhart and I will be going to Victoria for our biannual Synod conference. Synod is a time where delegates from parishes across these Islands and Inlets come together to do the “business of the church.” While many see this is a necessary chore, our previous Bishop, Logan, often referred to me as the “Synod Junkie.” Over the last 25 years I have only missed 4 Synod meetings! To me, Synod is the place where the big movement in the church happens, where we make big decisions, decide on the direction we will go and connect with folks who are all working towards making the love of God tangible in the world. So I am really looking forward to representing again this weekend.

Here is how it will all go down. Friday evening we will be at the Cathedral for our opening worship service at 7pm. This service will be livestreamed for the whole diocese, so you can watch it here https://www.christchurchcathedral.bc.ca/live if you would like. During this evening we will also hear the opening charge from the Bishop as she gives her thoughts on the direction of the church in the coming years.

Then on Saturday Morning, clergy and delegates from all over the Diocese will gather at St. John the Divine, downtown Victoria, where we will gather to elect folks to represent us on committees within the wider church, both provincially and nationally. We will also discuss the finances of the Diocese and make some big decisions around the rules and regulations that govern us, as we vote on acceptance of a new set of Canons for the Diocese.

The rewriting of the canons has been a HUGE undertaking, but this work has pulled the laws that govern us forward over 150 years to become something that is readable, current and in plain language. If the Synod votes to adopt the canons as presented, this will become a living document – one that we can give feedback on as we live with it in practice, which is a first for this diocese.

So there is lots happening, and it is an exciting time to be part of the church body. I invite you to hold Susan, myself and all the delegates in prayer over this weekend as we meet, discuss and vote on the future of our church.

Peace,

Kirsten +

 

Felicity Smith Celebration of Life & Interment

The Celebration of life for Felicity will be this Saturday November 2, 11:30am at St. Mary’s.  All are welcome to attend.  Please join the family in the hall for refreshments and food after the interment.

 

                                             

Fall Back 1 hour this Sunday November 3.  Don't forget to set your clock back! 

 

 Shirley Ann Russell-Cox - Graveside Thanksgiving of Life and Interment

This will be Tuesday November 5, 1pm at St. Mary’s.  All are welcome to attend.  

 

Parish Council Meeting – Wed. Nov 6; 1pm in church

All are welcome to attend.

 

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. 

 

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

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

$15/person at the door.

There will also be a bake table (Pat N) and a Christmas craft table (Marg D). Pat and Marg need your help with providing some lovely things to sell.  If you need more information, please contact them directly.