Published by the Church Wardens

Rectors Rob & Ellen Willngham 629-6700

Wardens: Pat Gasston 539-5519 Dereck Atha 539-5530

 

Warden’s Report	Christmas is fast approaching and we have lots to report in this issue from the Christmas Gift programmes, to Christmas breakfasts & luncheons to ordering your Christmas poinsettias, but we begin first with an update on the Colombian refugee sponsorship process. On October 23, we met in Victoria with Father Antonio to deliver to him our completed and duly signed Refugee Sponsorship Application. It has gone to our Diocese for approval and then is forwarded to Immigration Canada in Vancouver for their approval. Once Immigration Canada approves the application, it then is forwarded to the NGO group in Colombia who then contacts the family. The family must then pass three levels of screening before they are accepted as refugees under Immigration Canada guidelines. The good news is that we were told that our proposed Settlement plan was very detailed, which may shorten the time that we may have to wait for the family to arrive, from earlier projections of 9 to 12 months to maybe less than that. For the sake of the family, that is very good news. We have our community to thank for their commitment. We will gladly accept financial donations as soon as we receive official notice that Immigration Canada has accepted our application. Final note: To remind us of the Colombian family, and as a focus for our prayers on their behalf, a small Colombian flag has been placed near the front side wall niches, near the end of the pews.
Christmas Programmes	The first Christmas Gift program "Capital Mental Health Association- Victoria" begins on the First Sunday in Advent, November 30 to the Second Sunday in Advent December 7. Many people who have experienced mental illness may no longer have family connections or the support of friends. Each year at this time, Capital Mental Health Association begins collecting gifts and donations for persons with mental illness who are in hospital, care facilities, and the community. The gift you offer may be the only one received at Christmas and it has a very special meaning: that someone is expressing the message of caring in a tangible way. If you wish to donate a new gift it may be left unwrapped during the two Sundays mentioned above at the Church. There will be a decorated collection box inside the Church to receive your gift. If you wish to make a cash donation, it can be receipted for income tax purposes. Cheques should be made payable to the "Christmas Gift Fund", Capital Mental Health Association, 125 Skinner Street, Victoria, BC V9A 6X4. If you have any questions, please call their office at 250-389-1211. Some suggestions for gifts that have been popular in the past are: Gloves - Mittens – Flashlights – Umbrellas – Wallets – Puzzles – Sock’s – "Fanny Packs"- Music Tapes & CD’s - Outdoor Scarves – Stationery & Pens – Toiletries – Slippers – Books – Toques or Balaclavas. Monday, December 8 WA Christmas Luncheon at the Springwater Lodge. Followed by a Christmas wreath workshop at Church House. Thursday, December 11 Men’s and Lady’s Christmas Breakfast at the Agricultural Hall, begins at 8:30 am. Sunday, December 14 Third Sunday in Advent – White Gift Sunday. These gifts are used to help make up Mayne Island hampers. If you wish to donate a new gift, it may be left unwrapped at the Church. There will be a decorated collection box inside the Church to receive your gift. If you wish to make a cash donation, it can be receipted for income tax purposes. Cheques should be made payable to St Mary Magdalene Church – marked for White Gift Sunday. Some suggestions for gifts that have been popular in the past are: Gloves - Mittens – Children’s toys - Outdoor Scarves – Toiletries – Slippers – Books – Toques or Balaclavas and non-perishable food. Christmas Poinsettias. Get your order in now by contacting Jack Lewis. Jack is looking after this on behalf of Mary Simmons who is away basking under the warm Caribbean sun. The plants are $10 each – please place your order by Sunday, December 14.
Treasurer’s Report	For the month of October, Receipts totaled $3,537.80 and Disbursements totaled $4,312.71, therefore, we had an Excess of Disbursements over Receipts of $774.91. We had a number of additional disbursements this month which included electrical installation of the overhead fans, purchase of a fire extinguisher (to replace an non-repairable unit) and purchase of paint for the Sunday School room (which is going to look great). Please remember the Primate World Relief Development Fund (PWRDF) and the School Settlement Fund in your weekly offerings by putting a small note in your envelope as to how you would like your offering to be designated.
Buildings & Maintenance	Two trees were removed as they posed a hazard – there may be another one or two facing the same fate. Dennis, John & Denis are steadily improving the lower entrance to the Church. Well done!
Memorial Garden	On October 23rd, the daffodil bulbs were planted. Thank-you to all who helped with the planting. There will be some additional In Memoriam plaques & plants & trees added to the Garden this winter & spring.
Church House	Call Janet Guy at 539-3132 for bookings.
Women’s Auxiliary	The WA purchased 12 new chairs for the Church House. Thank-you to Janet Guy & Hazel Hansen who scouted out and selected the new chairs. There was a good turnout for the muffin & coffee party held on November 3, approximately 50 ladies attended. Emily Bolt made two lovely bouquets for the event. Thank-you Emily.
Sunday School	The Sunday School children are planning a Christmas concert/production for an up-coming Church service. The date will be announced. The Sunday School room has a new look – what a difference! Very warm and cozy. Thank-you Emily, Jake, Alegra and Colleen.
Announcements	Our new Bishop Elect is Reverend James Cowan, replacing Bishop Barry who retired earlier this year. Consecration of Rev. Cowan as our Bishop will take place at the Cathedral January 25, 2004. The Remembrance Day Church Service was very well attended with $118.50 in donations for the Legion’s Poppy Fund. Some of the old red hymnbooks & Common Prayer books may be donated to the Jubilee Hospital Chapel. Rob will be contacting the hospital Chaplain to inquire as to how many they would like. Worship Committee meeting is planned for Friday, November 21 at Don & Lorna Kirby’s home, 1:30pm. The next "Fun & Friendship Hymn Sing" will be held at Shirley Heslip’s home (734 Seaview) Thursday, December 4, 7:30pm.
2004 Annual General Meeting Preparation Schedule	Sunday , January 4 Annual Reports that require typing to be submitted to Bart Wittke, Secretary. Friday, January 9 Budget Committee Meeting (Treasurer) Thursday, January 15 Parish Council Meeting to approve the Budget Deadline for all Annual Reports to the Secretary Sunday, January 25 Notice of AGM to be posted (Secretary) Sunday, February 1 Distribute AGM Reports at Church Service (Secretary) Sunday, February 8 AGM following Church Service (Church House)
Parish Council Members	Rob & Ellen Willingham, Pat Gasston, Dereck Atha, Sue Atha, Bart Wittke, Jack Lewis, Naidae Betker, Denis Simmons, Hank Betker, Lorna Kirby, Mary Simmons, Janet Guy, June Yates, Don Kirby, Marion Worrall.

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