Note from the Rector

Well what a week it has been! On Saturday we had over 120 people from all over the diocese gathered here at St. Mary’s for my ordination to the priesthood.  It was a very full day for many of us but was a truly blessed day.  While at times it was a bit overwhelming from my perspective, I couldn’t be more thrilled to have shared this important day with the all of you here in this community of faith.  

So for my note this week, I simply want to extend my most heartfelt thanks to all those who stepped in to make this day such a memorable event for all who attended.  From those who helped with the service itself – Don helping us get organized beforehand, Mary leading prayers, and Margaret offering her lovely music – to Elaine and Marg and ALL those many folks who worked so hard to make the reception warm and welcoming to all who came to celebrate the day with us.  I cannot thank you enough for making this day a momentous occasion!!  Harry also took some lovely photos of the day and we will be sharing some of those along with a recording of the event in a separate email for those who weren’t able to be with us on the day.  

While ordination is an important day for the one being ordained, it is also a day of celebration for the whole church community.  It is the first day of the rest of our lives in ministry together and within the life of the diocese.  As we move forward together, I look forward with joy and gratitude to you all, as we continue to discern where God is calling us next here in Nanoose Bay and beyond.  Thank you for your support and encouragement as we continue the road together.  

Many Blessings,
Kirsten +  

  DECEMBER 2022 FINANCIALS

Total Income                $13,365.53
Total Expenses             $20,212.60  
Net Loss:                      ($   6,846.37) This loss partly reflects the payout from Christmas Fair income in November    

 

  IN-PERSON ANNUAL VESTRY MEETING Sunday February 12, 2022.                   
Stay tuned for more information.  Annual Reports from ministry leaders are due Tuesday, January 17.  

 

ELECTRONIC PLATE UPDATE

As those of you who have been giving through the Electronic Plate Collection (ECP) already know, we are moving to the PAR system starting February 28, 2023.  

Hopefully by now you have received the letter and form from Malcom in person or through the mail (if not, be sure to connect with him on Sunday).  Once you have the form completed and a voided check ready, we are asking that you return these to the office in an envelope addressed to Malcom, as this will ensure confidentiality during this process. Thank you all for your prompt response in returning the forms.  

STILL SOME 2023 'MY OFFERING' ENVELOPES

If you still give this way, please pick up your envelopes from the box at the back of the church as soon as you can.

 

We are looking for CEDAR WOOD for ST. MARY CREMATION URNS (12”W X 12”H X 3/4”D)

Fred H very graciously makes these for St. Mary’s at no cost, as long as the wood is free.  Thank you Fred! Know of anyone clearing up their wood pile?  Please contact the office if you need more information.

 

 The new 2023 Altar flowers donation sign-up sheet is in the hall.

It's a lovely way to celebrate special occasions or remembrances. The sign-up sheet is located on the wall near the Sunday coffee station.                

                                                        

The Diocese of Islands and Inlets is presenting a second 7-week course, from February to March 2023, designed to equip lay leaders. The course will provide the skills and resources for laity to lead worship services, Morning and Evening Prayer and the Liturgy of the Word (a church service without the Eucharist). At the end of the course, successful participants will be licensed by the bishop as Lay Ministers. Please click HERE for more information.  

 

.....AN OPPORTUNITY TO SERVE

Have you ever wondered what it is like to be on Parish Council?  Or perhaps you are wondering how decisions are made, or want to help decide the future events and every day operations at St. Marys?  Well this is your opportunity to step up and serve. We are looking for anyone who may be interested in serving on council for the coming year.  

If you are interested or want more information please talk to either Elaine C, Shirley B or Rev. Kirsten for more details.   

2023 CANADIAN CHURCH CALENDARS STILL AVAILABLE (Anglican Edition)
We only have a couple left.  An offering of $10 would be greatly appreciated!          

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE from NCS!  
Thank you to each and everyone for supporting the Christmas Elf Program by sponsoring a family or an dividual(s), for taking a tree tag, giving a gift, by giving a monetary donation and to our gracious tree hosts.  Christmas is a time to reflect on the blessings in our lives and to find ways to make a difference in the lives of others who are struggling, once again your generosity has warmed the hearts of our less fortunate Nanoose Bay neighbours.  We are always amazed not only by the generosity from everyone but also the thoughtfulness with every gift that is chosen and wrapped (as sponsors) or just the right tag selected from an Elf Tree.  We see the happiness in your faces knowing that you have reached out and touched someone and we all benefit from acts of kindness, both the giving and receiving.  

It is always a wonderful day when we distribute the gifts, the room is filled with smiles and laughter, humble tears of joy and amazement as the families and individuals are surprised by the kindness of our community.  A single Mom cried tears of joy and appreciation when she came to pick up her packages “You have no idea what this means for me and my two daughters, they are going to go crazy when they see the gifts under the tree this year, it will be like no other Christmas!”.  A senior gentleman – “Thank you for all the wonderful gifts, the sweater hoodie is the best, fits perfectly and it is nice and warm.  I thank you from the bottom of my heart, you have given me the best gift of all and that gift is the gift of caring and love on a very lonely time of year”.  

Thank you again to all the hard-working elves in our wonderful community for your kindness, generosity, time and effort that you put into making someone’s Christmas very special.  We hope that your Christmas was filled with much joy and love and that 2023 brings you peace, happiness and good health.  

Cheers from all the Elves
Geraldine Taron, Chief Elf      


                               

Archbishop Lynne and the Provincial Council would like to invite you and any interested members of your parish to a specially-designed webinar entitled "Emergency Preparedness: Working Together- Community in Action."

On Saturday, February 4, 2023, from 1:00pm-3:00pm Pacific, our keynote speaker Lieutenant Commander The Reverend John Hounsell-Drover will cover the foundations of Disaster and Emergency Management 101 and discuss how parishes and congregations can partner with local agencies and emergency planning groups to support their community when emergency situations arise.

The registration deadline is January 28, 2023. Click on this link to get more information.