We are in the time of ADVENT. This Sunday is the first Sunday in Advent. What is your deepest yearning? What do you need to create room for inside you to be born this Christmas?                                   Come, Lord Jesus, come! 

Advent Quiet Morning:  The Rev. Canon Elizabeth Northcott has graciously invited parishioners from St. Mary’s to attend an Advent Quiet Morning she is leading this Saturday, Nov. 30th from 8:30 am – noon at the Anglican Parish of St. Mark, 138 Hoylake Road, Qualicum Beach. The theme will be 'EXODUS: THE CHRISTMAS STORY.' Come for coffee at 8:30am. A light lunch will be served at noon. A $20 donation is requested.  

A heart-felt thank you to Mary Holte and the Care Team for hosting the Parish Social on Tuesday. Nineteen people showed up and enjoyed delicious food and conversation. In Parish Council it was suggested that we open the twice-yearly Parish Socials in order to bring along friends who might like to meet our parishioners outside of the church setting. Stay tuned! 

Our deacon, Cindy, left us in a hurry and some parishioners weren’t aware that she’s gone. Cindy was offered a position at St. Philip, Cedar. If you didn’t get to say good-bye, she would probably love to get an email from you! If you loved the carrot cake served at Cindy’s send-off a couple of Sundays ago, the recipe, as requested, is attached. 

Starting next week – new and improved OFFICE HOURS!  KAT will be in the office Monday to Thursday each week from 10am to 3pm.  

Congratulations to our very own Elaine Cowan! Months ago Selinde nominated Elaine for the #simplegenerosity award from the First West Foundation for her leadership in and dedication to our monthly Community Dinner. This week Elaine learned that she was selected to be the recipient of the award! Part of the award is choosing a charity to which $1000 will be donated. At the Parish Council meeting this past Wednesday, Elaine announced that she has chosen St. Mary’s to be the recipient. Wow! We are so blessed. Thank you, Elaine, for all you do for this community.

The Flowers calendar is woefully EMPTY!  Please think about a dedication or a “just because” flower donation.

There are still some tags left on the ELF TREE!  BE AN ELF…PICK A TAG…BUY A GIFT! for a local child, teen or adult. 

2020 Island Living Books are still FOR SALE in the office; $27.  Using just 2-3 of the coupons and you’ve got your ROI…easy peasy!    

Next week

Selinde will be in the office Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. 

Monday,  Dec 2nd at  1pm:    Care Team meeting

Wednesday Dec 4 at  10:30am: HUB Wednesday   

Coming in December

Dec 14; 10am - Decorating the church

Dec 15; 7pm - Carols by Candlelight

Dec 16; 4-6pm - Community Dinner Christmas Meal   

Coming in 2020

MARK YOUR NEW CALENDARS:  We will be holding an Alzheimer’s Society FREE workshop on Monday January 13, 1-3pm.  Tell your family, friends and neighbours. Learn to care for a family member living with dementia in long term care.  Get tips for enhancing your visits, working with a care team and acting as an advocate. Donations would be appreciated. 

We will be celebrating our 30 years as St. Mary’s parish in Nanoose Bay in 2020, starting with a pastoral visit from Bishop Logan McMenamie on Sunday, January 19th. A committee is planning other events to continue the celebrations throughout the year. Stay tuned! If you are interested in participating, please speak to Val. 

Good theology for God’s world :  January 31/February 2nd – come and hear Rev. Dr. Pat Dutcher-Walls, one of Selinde’s favourite profs from VST (Vancouver School of Theology) speak and lead a workshop on “New Eyes for Reading the Old Testament” at St. Paul’s, Nanaimo.  You don’t have to know anything about the Old Testament to be able to enjoy and learn. Poster in the Hall. Check it out and plan to attend! 

St. Mary’s Annual Vestry Meeting will be on Sunday February 9th after the 10am service. Light lunch will be provided.