We are blessed and challenged to have the responsibility for 3 churches, 4 cemeteries and a rectory. All of these properties belong to the Diocese but are ours to steward. They need to be considered in our long-term planning.

On Thursday June 20^th, Parish Council will meet to discuss All Saints, St Mary’s and the rectory. All 3 facilities need work. We need to prioritize projects, moving forward with some and leaving others. We have some money in trust, but not enough to complete all projects that need to be done! St Mark’s has been deconsecrated and its disposition is currently in the hands of the Diocese. There will be some tough decisions ahead.

To summarize (by no means everything):

All Saints

There are a number of significant projects that have been identified:

1. There is money in an account to renovate the kitchen. The kitchen project needs to move forward or as per the directions of the trust the money needs to go to First Nations water needs. This may include (as per plans) additional space built out onto the deck and renovation of the downstairs kitchenette.
2. The leaking roof needs to be addressed. This may involve removal of the cross from the top of the church.
3. The ramp which provides access to the doors into the hall needs to be replaced. We need to investigate the possibility of some grant money for this repair.
4. Chairs need to be recovered or replaced.
5. The back wall in the stairwell has significant water damage and needs to be repaired.
6. The original wood floors will need to be replaced as they can no longer be sanded and finished.

St Mary’s

Simon Wheeler is leading a group looking at a list of repairs that need to be done to keep this building functional.

1. The oil tank has been red tagged, meaning that it can no longer be filled and needs to be replaced. Quotes are being gathered for a heat pump. Installation would include insuring there is sufficient ducting and that the electrical hookup is sufficient. There are grants for heat pumps that need to be investigated
2. The bathroom wall needs to be opened to determine the amount of mold and damage to the wall. The wall then needs to be repaired and the window replaced.
3. While the UV water filter is in place and operational, the well pump is not hard-wired. There will be some cost to making sure the water is clean and safe.

The Rectory

Renegotiation of the rent to Family Place has been finalized, leading to approximately $7,000 additional revenue per year for this rental. The rent is still well below market value and honours the community outreach we have done.

If we are to have a priest, whether part-time or full-time, we need to be able to provide options for affordable housing. We need to look carefully at our use of the rectory. This could involve significant renovation costs. The lease for a year gives Family Place and us time to plan. Do we continue to rent to Family Place with the understanding that the rent needs to increase further? Do we dive into renovations? Do we partner with the hospital to provide needed housing for medical staff? We are at the very beginning of these discussions; however, we cannot stand still.  We need to move forward making the best decisions we can.

St Mark’s

We are hopeful based on communication from the Diocese that the sale of St Mark’s will be allowed to proceed soon. We will have a plan to justify this as a source of money for needed renovations to the other facilities we are responsible for.

There are a lot of balls in the air and a lot that needs to be decided. If there are items you would like to add please let the Wardens know. No decisions will be made without Parish consultation.

Ruth

The concert  celebrates 25 years of singing together by Soprano, Connie Holmes, and Alto, Anke Smeele, accompanied by Pianist and All Saints’ Organist and Choir Director, David Storm.

The singers’ collaboration first started in the late 1990’s when they were members of the Salt Spring Singers Choir.  With this milestone Anniversary Concert, TRIO aims to express heartfelt gratitude and appreciation for the continued support received from audiences throughout these wonderful years of sharing and making music together.

Tracing its roots to the ancient monasteries, A tradition very much alive today, Choral Evensong is almost completely sung by the choir. The Young Choristers of Christ Church Cathedral, Victoria, sing the service each Wednesday under the direction of Donald Hunt and Mark McDonald. They are delighted to bring this millennium old tradition to Salt Spring Island on Saturday June 15th from 3:30pm to 5pm.

Come and hear young people of today bring new life to some of the most beautiful music ever written over more than 1000 years. 

Donations welcomed. All received will go to defraying the costs of the choristers’ travel.

Venue:  All Saints by-the-Sea Anglican Church, 110 Park Drive, corner of Park Drive and Lower Ganges Road.

Click below for more information on special Star of the Sea programs in June.

Spiritual Conversations: Death and Spiritual Life - facilitated by Brian Day and Heather Martin - Tuesday, June 11th

Writing as Devotion - Summer Retreat with Lorraine Gane and Lolla Devindisch - Saturday, June 22nd

In support of our Parish Social Justice programs - click here  - we encourage participation in this Transition Salt Spring event.

The Ven Dennis Hayden presides at a weekly Thursday early evening Eucharist Service - 5pm to 6pm.

If a Priest is not available there will be a Lay Leader to host an Evening Prayer.

All are welcome.