Note from the Rector

September is upon us and with it comes much change – there is a crispness to the air, the evenings are markedly cooler, children are heading back to school and people are settling back into routines.  I am sure many of you have grandchildren or greatgrandchildren who have had the obligatory “first day of school” photo taken this week, and while it is at times seen as a nuisance by the kids it really is important to mark this special passage of time.

With that in mind, time continues to march on for us at St. Mary’s and I can hardly believe that I have been here a full year with you all, and what a year it has been!  From big events like ordinations, fundraisers and fairs, concerts and baptisms galore, to big things like the coming of the daycare, it has been a FULL year.  I fully admit that our life together has had its ups and downs over the last 12 months as we have gotten to know one another but we have weathered the storm together and I give thanks for each of you for your support, dedication and devotion to make this community such a wonderful place.  To mark this milestone in our lives together  I will be having a review of my first year with the wardens, and Archdeacon Clara Plamondon on September 19th, so if you have any comments, complaints or concerns about my performance over the last year I invite you to share it with the wardens so it can be brought forward on the 19th.

And my friends, this marks the first of what I hope will be many more years together as we continue to grow, seeking where God is calling us as community and listening for the Spirit moving among us.

Many Blessings,
Kirsten +

 

Diocesan Council Meeting

We are hosting this meeting at the church on Thursday September 21,  which will have 10-12 people in attendance from 9am-4pm.

We looking for volunteers to help with making muffins and serving them with coffee at about 8:30am, and to help with serving and clean-up of the catered lunch.

Please talk to Elaine asap if you can help.  Thank you!

 

    

Safe Church Training at St. Mary’s – this Sunday after service

Join us for a snack and the 35-minute video.  Short and sweet!  We have 29 signed up for this Sunday.

If you have questions, please direct them to Val and let her know if you plan to attend.  

A BIG thank-you to Val for all her diligence and hard work!

 

      Recording the Sunday Service

Each Sunday morning, our service is video-recorded (usually by Elaine) from the corner of the church. While it doesn’t look like much during the service, this is a wonderful ministry that allows St. Mary’s to minster far and wide, well beyond the confines of our church walls. We have folks who access the service from other provinces, people tune in while they are away or on vacation, and it is a vital way for our people who are home-bound to feel connected to us in a real way. However, it is a big job for one person to carry all year round so we are looking for a few people who would be interested in helping in this unique way. I know technology can be a bit scary, but I promise – if you can use a cell phone or a tablet at home, you can record the service!

So please give this ministry some prayer and consideration and if you would like to know more or are ready to help out please speak to Elaine or myself!

 

2023 FUN & FUNdraisers at St. Mary’s

The RAISE THE ROOF PUZZLE CAMPAIGN has now raised over $4,500.

The main part of the roof is shingled, just the two flat upper sections to go!

 

There are still more puzzle pieces to place.  THANK YOU to all who have contributed to date!

To make a donation:

  1. In the hall, pick up an envelope with a donation amount on it or use a blank one
       and write on it what you are donating
  2. Fill in your name and envelope number for income tax purposes
  3. Put your cheque or cash donation in the envelope and take out the photo puzzle piece
  4. Find your puzzle piece number on the grid and add your piece to help complete the photo.

Every $10 donation purchases approximately 1 square foot of new roofing. Your donation is greatly appreciated.   

   

CHRISTMAS FAIR – The Art & Soul Gallery

Plans are now going full steam ahead for our Christmas Fair, so we ask that you consider joining one of the team tables. 

This year for the first time we will have The Art & Soul Gallery, which will feature hand-made creations from many media. We are asking people to consider donating their work, be it sculpting, woodwork, painting, weaving, pottery, quilting, metalwork, etc. 

Another way to help is to donate to the various tables: Attic Treasures,  Christmas Pleasures and of course the Bake Table.

Donations may be left at the hall in the cupboard next to the counting room.

Please speak to either Mary H, Marrianna W or Rita G if you have questions regarding this new venture. Sign-up sheets will  be in the hall every Sunday during coffee hour.

 

TUMAINI EDUCATION FUNDRAISER

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

A little bird told me they are FANTABULISTIC!

 

Festival of Floral Designs

                                            

Check out St. Mark’s in Qualicum Beach this weekend!

The Festival of Floral Designs will be at St. Mark's church on Saturday, September 9th and Sunday, September 10 from 1pm to 4pm. Celebrate the beauty of creation shown in the floral designs created by several Oceanside churches and members of the Mid-Island Floral Arts Club. Admission by donation only.

The aroma in the church that weekend will be amazing, and we are contributing an entry to promote our St. Francis Pet Memorial Garden

 

DIOCESAN NEWS

SEPTEMBER FAITH TIDES IS OUT .  .  .

Faith Tides is the official publication of the Anglican diocese of Islands and Inlets. It is a space where people of faith and doubt can share their stories, challenge their perceptions, and grow together.

In this issue: God's call to newness by Bishop Anna; In all places and at all times; Will it be God or Mammon? Contesting the religion of market capitalism; and more!  Check out this link https://faithtides.ca/

 

   FALL WOMEN’S RETREAT

The Fall Women's Retreat will run October 13-15, 2023 at Camp Imadene.  The facilitators will be the Right Rev. Logan McMenamie and Kirsten Horncastle-McMenamie.

To register, please download the attached form and mail it along with your registration fee to Brenda Dhaene. Further information is provided on the registration form with regards to payment and registration.

For accommodation, please note that all single rooms are booked, but a waitlist is being taken. There are still shared rooms available.

If you have any questions, please contact Brenda directly at birish@shaw.ca.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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