From the Rector's Desk

My friends, it is hard to believe that we are now at the end of the year!  Now you may think I’ve lost my marbles as we still have December ahead of us, but I assure you that it is purposeful. As you likely are aware, this week is our last Sunday before we enter into the Season of Advent.  And so, for those of us who identify as liturgical churches around the world – this Sunday is the end of our church year!

It seems a bit odd to be preparing to end the year when there is still so much happening as we head into Advent, but this Sunday is our New Year’s Eve.  It is the day we honour and remember all that the church year has held for us and celebrate the Feast Day of Christ the King.  This is a special feast day with a long history dating back to Cyril of Alexandria (c.376-444) who was of great influence and power within the Roman Empire.  Cyril was influential in conversations of Christology (study relating to the person, nature, and role of Christ) and is counted among the historical Church Fathers. According to Cyril, Jesus the Christ, has dominion over all creatures, a dominion not taken by might or force, but simply by the essence and nature of who Christ is as Son of God.  

It took some time for an official feast day to be established but the words of Cyril carried through the centuries and continue to stand as a reminder that Jesus reigns yesterday, today and tomorrow. That Jesus walks with us along the way to guide us towards becoming more like Him in all our ways. Our year ends with the proclamation that Jesus truly is Lord of all, so that we are then ready to begin anew waiting for the Christ child to be born again in us during Advent.

So this week I would invite you to reflect on our last year together and look for the moments where Christ was with us this last year? Where was Christ in our community of faith, and where was Christ in your own life? This week is a time of reflection where we remember the way in which Christ is in all aspects of our lives and world.

Yours in Christ,

Kirsten +

 

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.

 

 

TUMAINI BOARD MEETING Saturday Nov. 25; noon

 

                                           

Ukulele Concert Fundraiser for the Food Bank Saturday December 2, 2-4pm in our church

Our very own Martine Sallenbach is part of this group.  Please come out and support.

 

 

Carols by Candlelight  - Sunday, December 10th at 7pm

Patricia Plumley and her students will be performing.

Elaine Cowan needs a few helpers for the refreshments after.  Please let her know if you can help.

 

2023 FUNdraisers at St. Mary’s

The Christmas Fair raised over $6,000.  A job well done!!  

Our resident Rev. Elf ended up being a wonderful way to engage with people from the outside community – some sharing joy and some opening up with sorrows as they realized I was also the priest. The day went very smoothly.  Many thanks to Rita and her core team for all their planning to make it a wonderful event. It was truly a labour of love and saw many hands come together to serve in many different ways to make this a success.

There will be a CHRISTMAS FAIR DEBRIEF and linen closet cleanup on Monday, November 27th at 10am