Note from the Rector  

Did anyone else notice the glorious sun yesterday afternoon? I’m not sure what it was like where you were, but at my house the day started with teeming rain and dark clouds! I admit I was feeling a big down as I logged into Zoom for my grad project class. But by the time class was over, the rain had stopped and the sun was just beginning to shine.   

As the afternoon wore on, it was absolutely beautiful! Over 10 degrees, bright shining sun, with a breeze cool enough to remind us it is still February... but as I met a friend and her toddler for a brief walk in the late afternoon, this little 2yr old looked up at me and said... "Oh Pirsten, (he struggles with Ks), I love Mr. Sun and I missed him. I never thought he was coming back!" And I chuckled and reassured him that Mr. Sun is always there even when the clouds are covering him up or the rain is keeping his warmth away from us... I reassured him that Mr. Sun is always there. This little face looked up at me with a giggle and a wide smile and then sped off to play on the slide.   

It's remarkable how easy it is to forget that the sunshine is always there. Even when days are long and hard, when times are full. We all go through times when life gets cloudy and the rain falls, sometimes for days on end... times when we miss the Son and can't feel Him near us... And yet there is always hope because we know that God is always there just behind the clouds waiting to break forth and shine once again.   

It sure is important to spend time with children from time to time, as it is amazing how much perspective one can gain by spending some time with a child.   

May you always be able to see the light, even on the darkest of days.

Kirsten +  

 

  IN-PERSON ANNUAL VESTRY MEETING

The AVM will be this Sunday, February 12 at 11:30 am                   

The 2022 Annual Report has already been emailed out.  Please review it prior to the meeting; there will only a few printed copies available on Sunday. A bunwich, dessert and beverage will be served before the meeting starts. 

 

Your 2022 INCOME TAX RECEIPTS are ready
Regular attendees can pick these up until this Sunday and then they will be mailed.  The rest have already been mailed.  

 

 SHROVE TUESDAY PANCAKES!

FEBRUARY 21st from 12-1:30pm.  Home-cooked pancakes (gluten-free available), sausages and beverage…need we say more. By donation.  Tell all your friends and neighbours – All are welcome.

         

Harry Costerton is ON THE MEND and doing famously from his heart procedure last week. The arteries used are both healing nicely, and he does feel a "lift" from the increased blood flow.   He hopes for even more improvement.  

Our avid librarian Trefor has begun sorting out books for the season of Lent. There will be books available in the hall which have been carefully chosen for Lent and into Holy week to help us reflect, ponder and dive deeper into the season.  Be sure to take a look during coffee hour over the coming weeks.  

 

 TUMAINI NEWS

It has taken a long time for the donation of equipment from Nanoose Fire Department to reach its destination, but truly wonderful that it is now in use in Karagwe, Tanzania.            

Faith Tides February 2023 Issue

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: Recommitting ourselves for Lent by Bishop Anna; Companions on El Camino by Herbert O'Driscoll; Halfway back to the light by Adela Torchia; A conversation with Holly Ratcliffe - an interview with a priest and a ceramicist from Quebec who is here in Victoria doing an artist residency at the Centre for Studies in Religion and Society at UVic; and more!

Of particular interest is a news story about the diocese’s latest development at Dawson Heights, which provides below- market rental housing for people 55+.  For more information visit:   https://faithtides.ca