Note from the Rector

Yesterday afternoon, after hours working at my desk, I decided to go out into the sunshine and stretch my legs a bit. I started off by strolling down the road to our very own little beach.  It may have a real name in the wider community, but as every time I’ve been I am the only one there, I like to think of it as ours.  Anyways, the sun shone brightly and glittered like diamonds across the water – just beautiful!  After a time or resting in that tranquil moment, I came back up to the church and wandered the grounds.  I watched as bees buzzed around the rhododendrons which are blooming along the edge of the memorial garden, and how the petals of the star magnolia played in the gentle breeze.  

I then meandered over to the Pet Memorial Garden.  At the mouth of the trail I noticed a lovely red heart hung on a tree.  I’m not sure where it came from, or even how long it has been there, but it felt like a good reminder of who we are as people of God.  I started thinking about all that has happened in the last little while here in this community.  From the wilderness of Lent, through the valley of Holy Week, into the joyous Easter celebrations, baptisms and funerals, life and death, new life and growth in the world and within each of us.  When it comes right down to it, even as life continues to unfold, we are people of perpetual hope, for we know where our treasure lies – in the God of abundant love and new life even in the midst of uncertainty.  

Highlights from the April Parish Council Meeting

  • St. Mary’s is partnering with Forward House from Parksville to provide a space for supportive counselling services as a pilot project on Wednesday afternoons in the lounge until the end of June.
  • Synod is coming up May 13th – pray for our Synod Delegates as they prepare.
  • Kirsten will be away on Sunday May 21st and Rev. Alan will be at St. Mary’s.
  • We are looking at ways we can advertise both of our memorial gardens within the wider community    

2023 FUNdraisers at St. Mary’s

June Jumble Sale – Saturday June 10, 2023; 9am-2pm

The June Jumble Sale is fast approaching!  We are looking for the following:

  • smaller pieces of furniture (NO beds or couches) -please keep until closer to the sale as storage at St. Mary’s is very limited
  • plants and/or seedlings
  • household items
  • toys/books
  • tools
  • clothing

Please bring your items to the hall during office hours and place either in the storage room or at the back of the hall. Posters are now available for distribution. There will be a volunteer sign-up sheet in the hall on Sunday.

Christmas Fair - Saturday November 18, 2023

While we prepare for the June Jumble Sale, please remember our annual St. Mary's Christmas Fair, which will be held on Saturday, November 18th. Preparations are already under way for this popular and festive occasion but we need many hands to ensure another success story. Sign-up sheets are in the hall and all you need to become part of the team is enthusiasm and a willing heart. For more information, please speak to Rita G.    

  May 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: New relationships with our land and neighbours by Bishop Anna; Lovely as a tree; Seeking sanctuary — my home, their homes, our homes; and more! For more information visit  https://faithtides.ca/

Other Oceanside Activities

As you know, Patricia Plumley’s students participate in our Carols by Candlelight service at Christmas.  Some of them are now performing in a new show, BEAUTY AND THE BEAST,  along with a few parishioners from St. Anne and St. Edmund and the Qualicum Beach School of Dance. 

The show will be held at the Village Theatre in Qualicum Beach on Friday May 19 at 7pm.  The link below will provide more details and where you can purchase tickets.

https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/qbsd-presents-beauty-and-the-beast-tickets-616805651307