From the Rector's Desk

Last week I read an article entitled, " The church isn't dying. It's being remade" and I couldn't help but think that this speaks well into our life at St. Mary's. We all know that the church we see today is not the same as the church of years gone by. We know that Sunday attendance isn't what it used to be, that families now have soccer games and other activities competing for time on Sunday mornings. We know that gone are the days of the 2-parent, 2.5-children nuclear family where only one parent works out of the home. And we know that all of these external factors have impacted us inside the church in ways we never could have anticipated. 

But what the article talks about is how, despite knowing that these outside changes have happened, the church itself has been reluctant to change along with it. And so now we are in this era of being remade, of looking at how we can bring the church we know and love from years past into a new age that meets folks where they are today. And this is a time of joy as well as pain. We look forward with hope for the future but also lament the way things were because the re-imagining of the landscape of the church is an intricate dance of pain and promise - and both need to be acknowledged. 

There is much that I could share from this article but the piece I really want to share is an acronym used to outline the steps that communities can take as they move through this process of being remade. The acronym used to teach these five steps is BLESS: Don’t Look Back, Lament, Experiment, Serve, Surprise. Because really, it is all about being open to the Spirit moving us forward in the work of ministry together. We can mourn the past to make way for the future. We can experiment and try new things knowing that not everything will work out, until we find what works best to serve those in need around us. And always be open to the Surprise of the Spirit working and moving among us. 

These are exciting times, so let’s get creative and be ready to try new things and embrace the Spirit among us, as we look to the future with Hope of what God will do in and through this community of faith. 

 Peace and blessings,

Kirsten +

 

 JUNE JUMBLE SALE – THURSDAY APRIL 11; 9:30 IN THE CHURCH

The more the merrier! Please bring your own beverage.  Cookies will be provided by Ed Yewchin.

 

 

HELP needed in THE CHURCH OFFICE

Later this year we will be needing some help in the office as KAT will be away from mid-August through until mid-October. For this 8 weeks we will need someone with some computer skills to assist Rev. Kirsten in the church office. Duties will include tasks such as:  finalizing bulletins, answering phone calls and emails, working in consultation with Kirsten and the wardens, and generally assisting with office duties. If this is something you feel you might be called to do for 8-10hrs a week or know of someone who might be a good fit, please speak to Kirsten or the wardens.

BIBLE STUDY IS CANCELLED on WEDNESDAY APRIL 17th

 

Tumaini Fund Canada would like to invite any interested parishioners to join them on Wednesday, April 17 at 11:30 am in the hall to meet our founder and CEO, Dr. Susan Wilson. She will be here only for a few hours. She will give a presentation and have many stories to tell of her time in Tanzania working with the orphans and widows there.

Please join us for a light lunch afterwards. We will be finished at 1:15pm. Please RSVP to Val at val_air@telus.net

 

                                               

VANCOUVER ISLAND CHOIR CONCERT/FUNDRAISER

At ST. MARY’S on SUNDAY, APRIL 21 at 4pm.
This choir travels approximately every two years, bringing its music to countries around the world. Previously, VIC travelled to China, Croatia, Scotland and Spain. Currently, the choir is preparing for travels in May 2024 to Malta and Italy.

For more information, please contact Patricia Plumley at plumleymusic@shaw.ca  or ntwynam@gmail.com.  The proceeds from the concert will be shared with St. Mary’s.  There will also be social time afterwards in our hall.  Everyone is welcome!

                                       

WOMEN’S WORLD DAY OF PRAYER 2024

FRIDAY APRIL 26 at 2pm at ST. COLUMBA PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

Inter-denominational day of prayer in Canada  is “to promote the spreading of Christ’s kingdom through united prayer and action.” This year’s theme is Palestine.

St. Anne and St. Edmund are hosting
a special SERVICE OF LAMENT FOR THE PEOPLE OF GAZA  SUNDAY APRIL 28, 2024; 1PM