Issue 44, Summer 2007

    I have made several attempts, none have been quite right, so I decided to wait until General Synod voted on the contentious motions and try again. In the meantime CBC has been asking for an interview, as has Monday Magazine. I think it wise to keep my thoughts to myself. No doubt most of you know that the motion to permit local Diocese to decide on whether they will permit the blessing of same-sex unions was defeated. I know that for some that is a happy outcome, but for others a great frustration. I haven’t met anyone who is totally satisfied, and I know that there will be some on both sides of the debate who are seriously considering quitting the Anglican Church of Canada. I have my own thoughts, I know that the issue will not go away, I also know that the debate will be where it ought to be, that is, around the matter of same-sex marriage. Life is most definitely not dull.
    Where is your parish in all this? Well not much has changed. We will still care for those God is sending to us, we will champion the weak, the poor, the handicapped and those in need. We will strive to improve our spiritual lives, and strengthen our stewardship. To this end we plan to offer another Bible Study in the fall, this on Wednesday mornings following the mid week service. I have asked that you submit your questions about the church, and the practice of our faith, in order that I may offer a program I’m calling “Anglicans 101”. We will hold another prayer vigil for the parish in mid September, and at the end of September along with the other churches of our community we will participate in a 24/7 prayer vigil that will literally last 24 hours a day for 7 days. There is a ‘Ministry Fair” slated for September where we plan to feature the six ministries we said we would adopt in our stewardship plan. Nothing constructive happens without prayer, and nothing worthwhile happens without the presence of the Holy Spirit. We are so blessed in this parish.
    Please remember that the work of your Church continues over the summer, that even though we may be so busy we seem to forget God, He never forgets us. We don’t always get what we want, but knowing that God always gets what He wants should bring us some peace.       Andrew

VISION TO SEE, FAITH TO BELIEVE, COURAGE TO DO!
WEB SITE: www.stpaulsesquimalt.com

  A big thank you to all the Parisioners for Baking donations on Buccaneer Days, our final total is $1075.

Ladies Evening Group

    The Baby Shower in April was a success with approx. $600.00 worth of baby food and supplies donated to the Mustard Seed.
    Very successful shoe box packs with a few dedicated packers and many donations of food from the parishioners. Our next pack will be September 20th.
    LYC was a success. Over 100 people from all the area churches and a good response from our parish, attended the Rally on Friday. The excellent speaker was Jon Petersen from YWAM (he also spoke at our Sunday Service.)
    Two children from our Sunday School will be the recipients of the Camp Columbia bursaries. These funds were raised by the Men’s Group.
    A meeting with Neighbourhood House Director , Mary Lynn McKenna was very good with suggestions as to how St. Paul’s Church Outreach Team could be come involved and help in the Community. .  Bunny Pool

   Another 41 shoeboxes packed June 22nd. by Bunny Pool, Karen Saunders, Sue Williams & Maryan Meadows (behind camera)

 

  Our committee continues to meet on a regular basis. As our church is a most historical repository for artifacts and historical flags connected with the community and the military we are conscious of our responsibility to generations past and in the future. We are now entering into a project which will be ongoing: the repair and conservation refurbishment of our many stained glass windows. Over the next few years we will be contracting expert craftsmen to do this work on an ongoing basis. At the completion of their work a suitable brass plaque will be installed in the church commemorating the many gifts in the past to the Memorial Fund which have made this possible.
  The Committee is always grateful to accept donations made to commemorate family and friends now departed..   Doug Henderson, Chair

  In early June we had the privilege of attending the special session synod called to “consider the question of the blessing of sale-sex unions and our relationship as a member of the worldwide Anglican Communion”. Following addresses by Bishop Victoria Mathews and Dean Peter Elliot, a poll of synod delegates was taken and then small group discussion was encouraged. We were impressed by the diversity and the depth of thought that was expressed in the various opinions, and encouraged by the total commitment to our Christian faith by all, from whichever view was held.
   The results from the poll concerning the blessing of same-sex union, in summary, indicated that 65.4% appeared to be in favour of blessing, but were not agreed as to when to do it. After much respectful discussion and disagreement a motion was carried to recommend an approval of same-sex blessing at General Synod 2007. Many more discussions shall be held and many more polls shall be taken. Our prayer is that the Holy Spirit will guide us all, and no matter what decisions are made, keep us all as one, in Christ..  Bunny Pool & Kenn Munro, delegates

  Our Bridge and Scrabble games continue on Monday nights. The weather has not been that good but we still have our weekly BBQ’s. Our resident gardener, Elsie Lambton is doing a great job on the flower beds. At the present there is one unit for sale and two rentals. The residents are always eager to participate in any of St. Paul’s functions, which is a good relationship between the two.

  Donations of fruit for pie making would be most welcome, berries of all kinds, rhubarb, apples etc. We have ample room in the church freezer. Contact Georgina Tikk at 391-1192 or leave word on the office answering machine.
  We have been give some lovely knitting yarn and needles, if anyone would like to knit for the bazaar. Contact Georgina or the office.
  Thanks to you, the Craft Group was able to purchase a square of shingles for the Hall roof, $400.00...all from the sale of cards after church on Sundays.!!

 

 THE FRIENDS OF ST. PAUL'S ESQUIMALT        

  The Friends of St. Paul’s Esquimalt have been granted a charitable number. This means that all donations and membership fees are now tax deductible! Membership is open to everyone so join now and help us to preserve our lovely old church. .  Peter Saunders

    NOTES FROM THE ORGAN BENCH

    Our Choir is continuing to prepare music for services, including the Fall/Winter season, and have adjourned for a break from regular practice sessions.
    Our Parish is blessed with the devotion and dedication of our Choir. The members have worked diligently toward the Parish goals set out in response to the Diocesan Ministerial Review Team of 2006, as have all members of the Parish organization. St. Paul’s has passed through an extremely intense period in the last 18 months, with some wonderful triumphs. Our Choir has participated fully in all festive occasions and have earned a few weeks of free Thursday practice evenings. Please mark you calendars for re-convening the second Thursday of September. My sincere and heartfelt thanks to all our Choir for their work.
    In April, St. Paul’s hosted the Chief & Petty Officers’ Band in concert. It was a happy and welcome occasion and we were honoured to have them with us. It was held in the Hall and there was standing room only. An intermission of light refreshments was prepared which all enjoyed.
    The Kitangus group who perform West Coast Celtic Music at Butchart Gardens during the summer months, and local venues throughout the year presented a beautiful concert at the end of May.
    May was also a time of sadness as we learned that our former choir director, Fern McConville, died. Her funeral was June 4th at First Metropolitan United Church. Five of us represented St. Paul’s. R.I.P. Fern!
    Nicholas Fairbank has been training the Choir with our Fall session anthems and he is doing a fine job. He is trying to teach me to conduct. Sarah Kirsch has joined us and will assist with conducting.
    Our August Organ Recital Series for 2007 is as follows: Aug. 12th with Geofrey Thornburn; August 19th with Paul Tegels (Seattle) and Dana Robinson (Bangor, Maine); August 26th with David Berry. WE usually feature local organist so the Aug. 19th concert is a departure. I will be billeting the two men from the States and am planning social events for them which will include our local R.C.C.O members.
    Tickets for the concerts are $15.00 for each or $35 for the Series. Call 368-6833 for tickets or purchase at the door. We hope to see you there. Enjoy summer. Please remember, God doesn’t go on holiday. Cheers! .       Jean

   Chancel Guild Ministry Soothes the Soul

    Church flower arranging can bring a special blessing to those involved by providing a quiet, peaceful interlude while working creatively with God’s gifts of nature to enhance the beauty of our church and worship.
     Members of the Chancel Guild decorate the church with greenery and blooms for worship services each week. The enthusiastic flower arrangers mostly work in teams of two, usually on a Friday or Saturday. The present group of ten ladies encourages others to join them, either on a regular basis or on special occasions and festivals. Men are also welcome!
    You do not need to be an expert in flower arranging to take part in the Chancel Guild. Help is available for novices, and wide scope exists for the skilled and creative.
    If you would like further information about this ministry, please contact Ruth D’Hollander (383-2156 or rrdh@shaw.ca) or any of the Chancel Guild members: Margaret Anderson, Carol Crawford, Dian Hanna, Pat Leno, Eleanor Metcalfe, Anne Nute, Sherri Robinson, Betty-Ann Townsend, Sue Williams.

  I would like to Thank All of our teachers for their hard work and dedication to myself and the children of the Sunday School, We had a Fun and exciting year. Everyone enjoyed the Picnic and Games on Sunday, we had a great turnout. I am looking for teachers and helpers for next year so if you want to come and have a great time with the Sunday school children please give me a call soon and let me know. We really need your help. Call 656-9988, Thank you Jill Schwartz

  The May Men’s Breakfast featured Hon. David Anderson as guest speaker. The ladies were invited to attend and a wonderful time was had by all. Breakfasts will resume in the fall.

 REFRESHMENTS AFTER THE FRIDAY RALLY

ST. PAUL’S CARWASH ON SATURDAY “CLEANING ESQUIMALT..ONE CAR AT A TIME”

BUGGY RETURN FOR TIRED SHOPPERS

 RALLY IN MEMORIAL PARK
SATURDAY AFTERNOON

NEED A HOSTESS GIFT?, HAVING GUESTS? ..why not give a gift of
ST. PAUL’S ANNIVERSARY TEA

  Only $4.00 for 12 tea bags of our own Special Blend, a medium strong blend of tea from Northern India and Sri Lanka , (much like an English Breakfast blend). Available after church on Sunday or at the Church office.

  August 12 - Organ Recital, Geoffrey Thornburn
  August 19th — Organ Recital , Paul Tegels, (Seattle) & Dana Robinson, (Bangor, Maine)
  August 26th — Organ Recital , David Barry.
  September 13th — Choir Practice starts again
  September 17th — Corn Boil & Antique Esquimalt Road Show

  WE ARE RAISING THE ROOF!

  The church hall roof suffered greatly during the winter storms and is badly in need of replacement. For pledge sheet(s), please contact the office or one of the wardens.  In the hall is a ‘roof plan’ where the squares of shingles needed to cover the roof will be filled in as donations are received.
  Envelopes are also available at the back of the church for donations.

PEACE OF MIND

Plots are available in our little cemetery to Parishioners at a very reasonable cost. For further information brochures are at the back of the church or ask the Wardens or Rector for details.

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Ron (Bearman) Mason, Bearman's Entertainment Services.
Copyright © 2007 [St. Paul's Esquimalt]. All rights reserved.
Revised: July 06, 2007 .