I am always amazed at the spirit to contribute within the congregation. Walter’s charge to us last week reminded all of us that Stewardship and giving are integral to relationship health. I have been thoughtfully considering what I can do to make our community a healthy, giving and thriving place. Remember to return your forms by Nov 24^th.  Expressing intent helps us to plan. Thank you to both Walter and John and to everyone for prayerfully considering what we are called to.

Ron and I attended Synod at the cathedral, and I am grateful that Ron has written a thorough and thoughtful report included below.

The Kitchen Committee is deep into renovation plans. We have a plan, a contractor and orders have been placed. We are excited to be finally moving forward with this and are grateful to John, Bill and all of the members of this group who have come up with a fantastic design. Upgrading to a commercial kitchen opens possibilities for us and the community. We will require help in clearing the old kitchen before renovations. If you have anything that you have left in the kitchen now is the time to take it home. We will only be keeping the things that will be used in the new kitchen. Tentative clean out date is Jan 2nd. Let John know if you want to get in on what will prove to be a fun and useful day. Thank you to all who have helped with this.

As the kitchen renovation means that the kitchen will not be available in early 2025, Gabriel’s Kitchen’s final meal for now will be Dec 26th. We pray that they find space to continue this important work.

At St Mary’s the electricity has been upgraded and the heat pump will be installed soon. I am grateful to Simon who has stick-handled this work with patience and persistence. Safe and consistent heat is our first step to having St Mary’s be a functional space.

Please keep in mind the Christmas Bazaar on Nov 23rd - more below - with gratitude to Judy and Doveen and their team!

Finally I express my deep gratitude to Paul who has led us with kindness and sensitivity during this period of time. We know now that his time here will end soon (we do not yet know when) and are grateful for all he has brought and where he has led us.

A final note

Thank you to all who write or ask questions. If there are things you want to know please let me know.

Until next week,

Ruth

On November 1–2, 2024, the Diocese of Islands and Inlets met for its 102nd Synod.  Ruth Seltner and Ron Dyck attended as delegates of the Parish. The Rev. Paul Schumacher attended as interim priest of this Parish and clerical secretary of Synod.

On Friday, November 1, clergy, delegates and parishioners from across these islands and inlets attended an All Saints opening worship at Christ Church Cathedral in Victoria. At the worship service, Bishop Anna Greenwood-Lee gave her Bishop’s charge and set the theme for this synod: together on the path. 

On Saturday, Synod attendees met at the Baumann Centre next door to St John the Divine, Victoria, for the business portion of the synod. We heard the keynote speaker, Scott Sharman, speak about “synodality”, that is being together on the path; not just for a two day event, but a way of gathering, worshipping and living together throughout the year.

At the May 2023 Synod, the canons committee was given the task of completely re-writing the constitution, canons and regulations. The new version of canons and regulations was presented and approved by a unanimous vote. The changes to the constitution were approved but need a second approval at the next Synod.

Delegates to Synod were asked to submit names of those saints who had died in the past year that we wished to be remembered at the All Saints service. The names were written on paper flags which were suspended from cables crisscrossing the Cathedral nave. A veritable cloud of witnesses!

For more detail about Synod 2024, including election results, CLICK HERE. 

To read the text of the Bishop's Charge, CLICK HERE.

Our weekly Evening Prayer service is a great way to transition from the busy rhythms of the day into a more restful, reflective evening.

This Wednesday November 20th we are meeting at 4pm - otherwise weekly at 5pm.

All are welcome.

The Rev. Chris Levan is hosting a worship study series at All Saints entitled "Having Jesus for Dinner".  2 sessions were held in September and the final 2 will take place on Wednesday November 20th and at a date TBD in December.

Come and join us on Saturday, Nov 23 for this fun and festive event.