From the Rector's Desk

Last Sunday during Coffee hour we all put our thinking caps on and talked about ideas for raising funds and fun in the parish this coming year. Some great ideas came forward and while we didn’t have enough time to do every last one of them, there were a few that we felt would be doable between now and December. So here is a re-cap of what was decided.

March – our focus will be Holy Week services and sharing both the Maundy Thursday and Easter Vigil with our neighbouring churches.

April – Vancouver Island Choir – Concert on April 21st

May – Spring Tea – chaired by Pat Nicol with Elaine exploring a possible fashion show for entertainment

June – June Jumble – with Ed Yewchin at the helm

July – Harp Concert – Kirsten to coordinate

August – Free month

September – Pasta Supper – Elaine Cowan to Coordinate

October – Animal Blessing - Kirsten to plan

November – Christmas Fair – ????

December – Carols by Candlelight – Jean Russell to organize with Patricia Plumley

You will notice that while most of these events have a name attached for someone to get the ball rolling, the Christmas Fair currently does not have a chairperson. This is a big event in planning, in the work required and in the result of funds and Fun that comes along with the day itself. While no-one at the meeting felt called to take this on, the consensus was that the event should still happen. So I would invite you to give this some prayerful consideration – is this something you can see yourself taking on, knowing that there are folks in the wings waiting to help? Or if no-one steps forward, perhaps it is time to set the fair aside and seek out another event  to offer for the Christmas Season.

The year ahead will be filled with activity, community togetherness and hopefully a whole lot of JOY!  So let’s look forward in hope and if you have any other events you’d like to try this year – a games night, a hymn sing, potlucks etc., do let me or a member of Council know!!

Peace my friends as we continue to journey together,

Kirsten +

 

This Sunday…a “sea of green!”

The colour green is associated with Ireland and with St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland.

The holiday itself commemorates the arrival of Christianity in Ireland, and celebrates Irish culture and heritage.

 OR

While Ireland has plenty of folklore and mythology, green makes you invisible to leprechauns. According to the tradition, if you are not wearing green and therefore are visible to the leprechauns, a leprechaun may wind up pinching you.

                                                                      

Holy Week Origami (Palm Crosses ) – Saturday March 23; 10am in the Hall

Marrianna is the contact person if you can lend a hand!

 

                                                     Services 2024

Maundy Thursday Supper & Service – Thursday, March 28 @ 5:30pm (starting in the hall)

Good Friday Stations of the Cross – Friday, March 29th @ 11am  (in the church)  

Oceanside Easter Vigil – Saturday, March 30th @ 7pm (service at St. Mark’s Qualicum Beach involving folks from St. Mary’s, St. Edmunds, Trinity Port Alberni and St. Mark's)

Easter Sunday – Sunday, March 31st @10am

Holy Week Services 2024

AND DON’T FORGET THE LITTLE LENTEN GIVING BOXES

Are you giving up something for Lent?

Are you doing something extra?

Lighten your change purses by donating your spare loonies and toonies or more. 

Please consider helping the finances of St. Mary’s by generously filling this little box and bring them back on Easter Sunday.

 

A Note to the Groups, Committees and Meeting Participants

If you use cups, dishes, cutlery, etc., please rinse your dishes and place them on the dish rack.  Then when the rack is full we will deal with them -  thanks!

 

Parish Directory Changes – deadline March 15, 2024

An email was sent February 29 with all the details and included a form which should be completed if you (a) want to be added, (2)  you no longer wish to be in the directory, or (3)  you want your photo or details changed.

If we do not hear from you then we will use the information in the 2023 directory as is.

Tumaini crafters will be working on Personal Care Kits on Wednesday, March 20


At  2 pm Dr. Susan (CEO and founder of Tumaini) will speak via FaceTime about her recent trip to Kagera to visit the workers and orphans.

If you are interested in hearing Dr. Susan speak, you are most welcome to drop in.

                                

Oceanside Choir presents From Venice to Cambridge – March 24th

On Sunday March 24; at 2:30pm at Knox United Church, there will be a concert of Vivaldi and Rutter featuring our very own Margaret N and Sue F. Tickets only $25.