Belovèd,

In these weeks since Thanksgiving, and as we reflect on stewardship as a congregation, I have been reflecting on how grateful I am for this congregation, at this place, and at this time. Too often, “stewardship” evokes images of scarcity, of focusing on how to get more of that which we fear we lack: more people, more money, more ability, and on and on. Instead, I would say that we are exactly what God needs at this time and in this place, and I know that, truly, because this is where we are.

Our work is not to shore up the institution of Anglicanism, nor to preserve our wonderful buildings for all eternity, and not even to solve all of the problems of our community. Our task, our calling, is to live and to love.

This work is carried out by many hands and in many ways, and the most important work may even happen unseen, or even anonymously. I think of the stories I’ve heard of the transformative power of the soups made to be shared at Family Place, by unseen hands which work with love. I think of the tending of our grounds on rainy Tuesdays, as a labour of collective love to create a beauty which can be shared with any who need it. I think of prayer offered continuously for those who are suffering, anxious, or afraid.

The weight and substance of our actions are not defined by materialism, but by the fact that we are able to be affected by one another, to let our hearts be broken open, and to be moved to love. I would ask no more of you than that. Love is where I find my hope.

The end of the year is as convenient a time as any for us to reflect on how we feel called to act. There may be a ministry that it is time for you to let go of, as you give yourself space to rest; and so, too, there may be something new that calls you, that inspires you.

The whole of the parish is here to be one vessel among many for you to explore that which calls to you, and one place among many for you to enact and share in the love that fills Creation, and that emanates through everyone and everything from God. If there is work that calls to you, whether to lead, to labour, or to provide resources, then I hope that you will do so. I would invite you to be ambitious, and to let yourself dream new dreams of what this dear parish might already be becoming.

For my part, I must explicitly give thanks for being called to serve and to journey with you all. This is a place, and a people, with whom I can imagine so many brilliant and life-giving futures, and I greatly look forward to finding out, together, what paths we will take. There are always so many paths we do not get to explore, but the ones we choose to follow by faith are always good, and worthy, and enough. That has always been my experience of this parish, and I truly believe that it will continue to be so for a long time to come. I pray that it is your experience, too. Know that I give thanks for you.

Please reflect prayerfully on where you feel that the parish might be called, and what you might do to support this calling. Time, talent, and treasure are all a part of what we have to give, and how we work as a community. As we plan and dream together for the coming year, a sense of how we can serve together will help us to choose a path for now.

Yours in Christ,

Juli

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For those unable to pick up their “Stewardship Package Envelope” after the November 9^th or 16^th services – the following can be downloaded here:

• “Wardens’ Stewardship Message” – click here, and
• “Time, Talents, Money – Pledges for 2026 form” – click here.

Full information regarding Financial Stewardship in the Parish can be found on our website - click here.

Anglican Parish Christmas Bazaar
Saturday November 29th, 10am-2pm

Our Christmas bazaar is always a merry, bright and festive event and a lovely time to gather with our parish family and friends. Come and join us.  If any question, please talk to Judy or Dovene.

Please join us for the Music Makers Dream Team - Meredith Bates (violin), Mary Kastle (piano, voice), Simon Millerd (trumpet, keys), David Storm (keyboards) will share some inspired holiday music magic!

Please join Lolla this Advent season to enjoy movement guided by the spirit within us, to find ways to be in touch with the holy and with each other.  We will use meditation, visualization, and creative play to access the spiritual and holy nature of our bodies.  Let’s move in the celebration of the season!

Our exploration will be gentle and respectful of each person’s ability.  Please bring water and wear comfortable clothes, and either indoor shoes or socks.

Please let Lolla know if you are interest in attending one or all of the sessions!  250-537-2918.

The Living Compass theme for the 2025 Advent season is Practicing Generosity with All Your Heart, Soul, Strength, and Mind.

As a Parish, we have been using these discussion guides for several years to guide weekly group meetings or simply as a personal daily devotional guide helping us to prepare for the coming of Christmas.

Claire Pickering has ordered a number of printed copies of the guide – if you are interested in receiving one, please let her know or sign-up on the sheet after Sunday services.  We hope to have these available before the first Sunday of Advent - November 30th.

And Debbi Toole will be facilitating in-person discussions during Advent weekly on Mondays from 10 to 11am in the church library starting Monday December 1st.

The guide is also available as a free pdf download – please click the button below.  Alternatively, if you have an e-reader, you can download the kindle edition for a cost of $1.37 (US$0.99) by clicking here.

This picture gives an idea of the mountain of blankets and men's clothing that was donated to Salt Spring Island Community Services.  Annika from Community Services was "over the moon" with the fabulous response.

See you next year for the 9th Annual Blanket & Clothing Drive.

Lynda Turner