Note from the Rector

Friends,   It has been another busy week in the parish as we continue to re-imagine our spaces in our endeavour to be good stewards of all that God provides for us!  This week we have had a few big shifts occur. First off, after a lot of hours of lifting and staying organized, the library has been moved from the small room into the main hall.  The bookshelves are organized by subject and are much more accessible now as all can easily take a gander through the shelves at any time.  A HUGE THANK YOU to Elaine, Marg, Daniella and Ray who did a lot of the grunt work and ensured that the shelving is all safely attached to the walls.  

Second, we met with folks from NCS to discuss how to share the back room, meeting the needs of both NCS and of the church. On Tuesday, along with NCS we moved things around and re-vamped the setup of the room.  We have moved all NCS items to one end of the room, and now have space to make a cozy and inviting sitting area that can be used both by NCS and the church.  Thanks to Marg, Don and Steve who helped to move the desk and get NCS sorted.  While we plan to use the furniture we have onsite to make this happen, a few able bodies and folks with a keen eye for setting up inviting spaces would be a huge help in setting up the room.  If you would like to help out with setting up the back-room lounge area, please let Elaine know as this will be happening very soon!      

Many hands make light work, so thank you to all who have lent a hand, helped with planning, come in and painted or moved a few books as we have done this important work.  And thank you to KAT who has been selling all those extra items that are ready for new homes!  Speaking of things looking for new homes, we have three more items that will be in the hall on Sunday looking for a home. A small wooden table and four-drawer upright legal file cabinet, which were previously housed in the NCS room, will be available by donation.  And after checking with the family, we are now ready to find a new home for the piano which was in the NCS room. This is a beautiful Emerson piano that is just begging to be played – so if you know of anyone who can give this instrument some new life, do lets us know!  

My thanks to you all as we move through this time of change and transition,
Kirsten +  

Rev. Kirsten on holidays from August 16 - 30

Rev. Susan Hermanson will be the clergy relief on Sunday August 20 and 27.  For pastoral emergencies, please contact the office and/or Elaine and we will put you in contact with Susan.  

Prayer Chain Update

It has been a number of years since the prayer chain has been updated and so Rev. Kirsten and Sherilene Quezada are working together to reinvigorate the prayer life at St. Mary’s.  Starting in September, we will be working out a brand-new list of prayerful folks and initiating a NEW PRAYER CHAIN.  This group will be asked to support the parish in prayer weekly… praying for those who are in need of prayer as events or situations arise, as well as praying through a few members from the parish list and the weekly Anglican cycle of prayer.  All members of the previous prayer chain, as well as those who may be interested in joining for the first time, are encouraged to email the office to sign up for the new list . So if you are someone who can support this community through regular prayer, please let us know!  

2023 FUN & FUNdraisers at St. Mary’s 

                                                 

JOIN US this Sunday for St. Mary’s Matronal Day  

WOOHOO -  potluck lunch!  Please bring whatever your heart desires. We will introduce and launch the new fundraiser for hall roof also.                              

       November 18th Christmas Fair

Our teams are coming together, plans are being discussed and formalized and once again, we need your input to ensure another successful Christmas Event.   Please keep the Fair in mind when sorting cupboards and closets and going through your Christmas decorations.  Anything BUT clothes please.   

Attic Treasures and Christmas Pleasures look forward to receiving your donations which may be left in the church hall cupboard near the office.  Feel free to call if you need help.  

Once again we are also asking for willing hands to join our teams.  A list of tables and a sign-up sheet will be in the hall every Sunday during coffee hour, or you can call the office and leave your name.   For more information, call Rita G.    

 

     Safe Church Training at St. Mary’s 

Sunday September 10th after service

The Diocese insurance, which covers the people and buildings on this property, now requires assurance that everyone who volunteers has been Safe Church trained by September 30th.  To simplify this certification, the Diocese has put together a one-hour video which we plan to show after church on Sunday, September 10th.    Please save this date and join us for a snack and the video to ensure that we all stay safe and insured. 

Please direct your questions to Val and let her know if you plan to attend.  Thank you.  

Some recipes from our past

- from St. Mary’s cookbook June 1990, courtesy of Shirley Greenwood.  We will be treating you to some delectable recipe offerings in the summer months' NOTICES.   This week: a new spin on Souffle!