Weekly Notices - September 27th, 2023

Note from the Rector

This week all across Canada communities, schools, churches and businesses alike will be wearing Orange and educating themselves around the much needed work of truth and reconciliation in our country.  September 30^th marks the 10^th anniversary of the first Orange Shirt day, established as part of an effort to promote awareness and education of the Canadian residential school system and the impact it has had on Indigenous communities across Canada. In 2021, the Government of Canada passed a bill to make this day a statutory holiday which we now formally refer to as National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

The diverse lands of Vancouver Island with its mountains, fertile agricultural lands, beaches, ancient rainforests, rivers, fjords, and archipelagos, make up the traditional territory of over 50 different Indigenous nations among the Coast Salish; Nuu-chah-nulth; Kwakwaka'wakw peoples.  Archaeological evidence shows that Indigenous peoples have lived in this region since at least 9000 BC, thousands of years before the first settler arrived on these shores.  So September 30^th, is an important day in our life together in community with Indigenous people on these Islands and Inlets.  It is a day for the Indigenous peoples to embrace and affirm their culture and voice past harms in safe ways.  And it is a day for the settler communities to take a moment and acknowledge all that has been done over the last 150 or so years to eradicate the first peoples of these Islands and Inlets, and affirm to the work of reconciliation and repair.

In the coming days, I invite you to take a moment this week to watch or read something about reconciliation, maybe look up and attend an Orange Shirt celebration, and of course wear Orange on Sunday morning.  This Sunday we will be doing our own observance of Orange Shirt Day – with Indigenous informed liturgy,  a story of resilience in the face of deep harm in the residential schools and a continued commitment to the work of reconciliation rooted in love as we continue to affirm the dignity of all people.

Many Blessings,

Kirsten +

 

Hymn Practice before Service this Sunday

To practise a new hymn: Sweetgrass and Candles by Ron Klusmeir

 

 

The office will be closed on Tuesday October 3^rd -  statutory holiday.

 

                                                       

Thanksgiving Church Decorating

This will be on Saturday October 7, 2023 at 10am - come and help!

 

                                      

Saturday October 7, 2023 at 1pm

Do you have a beloved animal in your life? A cat or dog? A fish or lizard? A horse or sheep?

If so, you and your furry, scaly, hooved or feathered friend are invited to come on over to St. Mary's for a short service and blessing of the animals!

Rev. Kirsten will be here to lead us through some reflections and prayers on all the wonderful things God has created, including the animals that make our lives that much more meaningful. All well-behaved animals are welcome to join us and if you can't bring your pet, a photo of our pet will do! All creatures great and small will receive a special blessing from our priest.

Looking forward to seeing you and your animals!

 

 

Sunday October 8, 2023 - Thanksgiving Potluck Lunch

This will take place after the morning service on Thanksgiving Sunday. A great way to celebrate Thanksgiving and all we are thankful for.

 

2023 FUN & FUNdraisers at St. Mary’s

The NEW ROOF CAMPAIGN ENDS THIS SUNDAY . . . we have raised over $6,000! 

Your donation is greatly appreciated.  Thank you!

  

Let’s complete the photo of the hall!

Only 10 squares remain - a $10 donation provides approximately 1 square foot of new roofing.

 

CHRISTMAS FAIR MEETING

The meeting will be Wednesday Oct 4th at 10am

Sign-up sheets continue to be in the hall during coffee hour.  All that is needed is a willing heart. There is a place for everyone.

 

TUMAINI EDUCATION FUNDRAISER 'Scrubbies'

                                                   

These useful items will be available on Sunday after the service in the Hall.  Please see Val.

OCTOBER BIRTHDAYS AND ANNIVERSARIES

Birthdays

Oct. 18th      Richard N

Anniversaries

Oct. 6th       Val & Clair D

Oct. 11th     Cheryle & Ted T

Oct. 17th     Michael & Sherilene Q

 

     OCTOBER READINGS

October 1 – Truth & Reconciliation Sunday  (18^th after Pentecost)

Exodus 17:1-7                                
Psalm 78: 1-4, 12-16            
Philippians 2:1-13                            
Matthew 21: 23-32    

October 8 – Thanksgiving Sunday (19^thafter Pentecost) 

Deuteronomy 8:7-18           
Psalm 65                               
2 Corinthians 9:6-15                     
Luke 17:11-19

October 15 – 20^th Sunday after Pentecost

Exodus 32:1-14                    
Psalm 106:1-6, 19-23                    
Philippians 4:1-9                   
Matthew 22:1-14 

October 22 – 21^th Sunday after Pentecost

Exodus 33:12-23                  
Psalm 99                                         
1 Thessalonians 1:1-10    
Matthew 22:15-22

October 29 - 22^th Sunday after Pentecost

Deuteronomy 34:1-12         
Psalm 90:1-6, 13-17                      
1 Thessalonians 2:1-8                
Matthew 22:34-46

 

    When I Sing by Oceanside A Capella 

Wednesday October 11th at 7pm

A concert directed by Rosemary Lindsay that will be held right here in our beautiful church! 

When I Sing is for family and friends to share the joy that these women have when they get together and sing.  It features a collection of songs from their latest repertoire, including audience favourites from song writers like Billy Joel and Gordon Lightfoot. 

14 tickets are available at the church office.  Donations will be gratefully accepted at the door.