From the Rectors Desk

Well, my friends – I am back after a lovely time away, ready to jump back into life in the parish.  I have heard good reports about your time with Rev. Susan and I hope that all went well during the Sunday services.  Even while I was away walking the beaches of Oregon, you all remained in my heart and prayers… but oh my, what a joy it was to return to my office this week and see all that has been going on in my absence!

To begin with, it was lovely to be welcomed back by Courtney and the children of the daycare when I arrived on Tuesday morning!  They were excited to share some of the fun things they have been working on the last two weeks and have invited me on a forest walk with them to see how they are using our grounds in new and wonderful ways. Another beautiful surprise was seeing the hall all decked out in holiday finery!  The team came in this week to begin the decorations for the Christmas fair and slowly the hall is being transformed into a very festive and inviting space with trees and garland -  all in preparation for the big event. And perhaps one of the most exciting things this week …. KAT is back in the office!  She is healing well and has returned to us just in time to begin planning for the Advent and the Christmas season!

This week really has seen Christmas kick into gear, as not only is the fair in a few short days, but Advent will soon be upon us as well!  Plans are well under way for the Advent season and while we will see some of the traditional events, like the Carols by Candlelight event on the evening of Sunday December 10th, there will be some new things as well. So stay tuned as plans begin to take shape in the coming weeks – and don’t forget to come and check out the fair on Saturday!

Many Blessings,

Kirsten +

 

 PARISH COUNCIL MEETING - Wednesday November 22 at 1pm in the hall

 

ADVENT 2023 IS FAST APPROACHING!  It begins on DECEMBER 3rd

The LIVING WELL THROUGH ADVENT 2023 booklets have arrived.
Practicing Wonder With All Your Heart, Soul, Strength, and Mind

These can be picked up in the office. We are requesting a voluntary donation.

 

 2023 FUNdraisers at St. Mary’s

CHRISTMAS FAIR – SATURDAY NOVEMBER 18th, 9:30am-2:30pm  

The Christmas Fair will be here in 3 sleeps!

Anyone contributing baked goods can bring them to the hall up to and including Friday, but 4pm is the cutoff.

 Some of you may remember Pat Maxwell-Smith. Pat and Ian (who died in 2020) were very involved with the church until they moved.  Although they left the island seven years ago, they kept receiving our notices as a way of keeping tabs on what we were doing!

Pat has passed away from cancer. She was resolute and brave on her journey to heaven. She will be missed by many.