Published by the Church Wardens

Rectors Rob & Ellen Willngham 629-6700

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

 

Warden’s Report	The Church Fair is approaching and we have an update for you; we have a report on the Colombian family, but we begin by telling you about last weekend’s “Living the Vision” conference in Duncan. “Living the Vision Conference” May 14 - 16, 2004 The Anglican Diocese of BC held its Living the Vision conference at the Cowichan Community Centre in Duncan the weekend of May 14th. The conference provided hands-on, practical applications stemming from the vision statement. Six people from our congregation attended the conference: Don & Lorna, Janet (3-day session) and Pat, Cilla and Sue (Saturday session). The conference featured keynote addresses by The Very Reverend James Lemler, Dean & President, Seabury-Western Theological Seminary and The Rev. Kathryn Palen, Assoc. Director of Consulting and Education, Alban Institute. Some of the workshops the group attended were The Spirituality of Hospitality, Leadership for Mission in Time of Change and Healthy Congregations: Readiness for Mission. It was an enjoyable, well-organized conference with over 300 in attendance. A great opportunity to meet and talk to others in our Diocese. Visioning Prayer: Faithful God, help us hear your voice. Give us your direction and the grace to follow your vision for restored community. Enlighten our thinking. Fill our hearts with your Holy Spirit, transforming and renewing us, in Jesus’ Name. Amen Colombian Refugee Family News We met with Fr Antonio on May 11, 2004 to let him know that we are ready for the family, apart from some last minute things which we’ll do once we have an arrival date, hopefully soon. Fr Antonio cheerfully announced to us that we are “expecting” a baby too. Now we are now regrouping to accommodate a newborn! To give you a bit of an insight to the life of one Colombian refugee family, please take a few minutes to read the following article. It is reprinted from the Anglican Church refugee programme newsletter called “three-braid cord”. “Bringing healing skills to Canada” interview by David Ball, February 2004, Issue 2 In Colombia, Ricio Nino and Carlos Perez were both highly trained practicing doctors. Why did you leave Colombia? Carlos: Six years ago, paramilitaries disputed the area, and cocaine replaced marijuana as the cash crop. When the cocaine business started was when the worse situation began of forced displacement. The paramilitaries needed growers they began to displace people to seize their land. They’ve seen the force of the weapon. Both my wife and me, we are doctors in Colombia. Rocio: The paramilitary wanted me to work with them in the jungle, and I refused. They started threatening me and my family. They offered to pay me a lot of money, but I knew that it was dirty. And also my life would be in danger. When I refused they started to threaten by phone; they went to my office. Why did the paramilitary want you? R: They wanted to start a war against the guerillas. They needed a doctor with them. I don’t know why they chose me. C: She has surgical experience, and the distance to the next hospital was very long. R: I was frightened, I said, maybe you are wrong, you are not looking for me. I was more frightened because he answered me, “I am pretty sure we are looking for you, because I know you very well.” C: They tracked us from at least 14 years ago, from when we graduated. They knew everything. R: We chose to work in another place, and then asked for asylum. We knew when they threaten you it’s sure they will kill you. Do you have hope? C: People think refugees come to Canada thinking some kind of American dream. They never realize the social programmes are really a privilege. People have to leave their country because the situation is forcing them to flee. A lot of people living here don’t appreciate what you have. Refugees are the victims in their homelands, not the victimizers. Some people, when they think of refugees, they immediately think of terrorists. People are looking for a peaceful country to live and grow their families and grow up their children, and have a chance to give to your new country the best of the things you bring with you. Not to come here to live forever on welfare (some politicians have suggested that). Most of the people come here as immigrants and refugees have done studies in their homeland, and want to contribute. If you are interested in reading the entire newsletter, please contact Dereck or Pat for a copy. In Victoria and the Southern Vancouver Island region, the Anglican Diocese of BC and their communities have successfully sponsored 37 families in the past five years from eight different countries, not an easy task, but one that has many rewards for the refugee families who have the opportunity to begin life over. Church Fair News The most important fund-raising function of the church is our Church Fair which will be held on Saturday July 10th from 10:30 to 3:00. Please help support the church and our outreach programmes. There will be lots of entertainment for the children, games, face painting and the popular fishing pond. Joyce Kallweit and her animal Petting Zoo are planning a return visit – a tremendous hit with all ages. There’s nothing like a traditional Church Fair with Joyce’s friendly “kids” in attendance. At the Fair, harpist Carol Barker, will be performing inside the church after 1 pm. On the Church grounds a band of wandering minstrels made up from the Cumbia band of Victoria will entertain the fair-goers with Latin American songs to complement the Colombian theme this year. Janet Guy (539-3132) is accepting donations of full bottles for her “Bottle Booth”. Bottles may be left at the Sussex office in the Village Mall. The Cantina Pub lunch will include Empanadas, beans, salad, and for desert with your tea or Colombian coffee will be Pastel del Tres heches. The Royal Canadian Legion’s famous “Bun Wagon” will be in full attendance, serving hot dogs and hamburgers. Don’t miss out on the winning and most sought after Parish Meat Pies made under the supervision of Bev Herbert – they sell out very quickly. Women’s Auxiliary will be selling their delicious home baking, pies, tarts, cupcakes & cake, fresh fruit. Check out Betty Taylor’s “Collectibles Items from Your Attic, Garage, or Basement”. You may drop off collectibles at Church House, July 7, 8 and 9 between noon and 2 pm or call Pat @ 539-5519. The Garden Club will have a grand display of plants for sale. We will have a draw for a Bistro patio set and a garden planter filled with flowers. Our request for Silent Auction items is out again this year. Jeannine Merinuk is graciously coordinating the auction this year and may be reached @ 539-9998. Volunteers are always welcomed!
Treasurer’s Report	The April 30th financial statements recorded Receipted Donations slightly higher than budget by $1566, however, Open Donations were slightly down by $107. Contributions to the PWRDF is also ahead of budget by $180. The Centennial Memorial Garden and Cemetery received two generous donations this past month to assist with their upkeep. The School Settlement Fund, however, is not meeting the $100 a month required to meet our $100 per month contribution to the Diocese. Even though we have a small surplus carryover from last year, it would be nice to keep up with our monthly commitment. The Colombian Family Fund is at $8,660 with expenses at $1,105 of which $750 was sent to our family to assist with processing their application in Colombia. We still require additional funds and hope that the community will contribute once we know of the arrival date for our family. Expenses are keeping within our budget. Capital projects completed so far are the driveway, Church House stove, painting north side of the Church, and a new water cistern. Considering that the cistern was a Council approved project after the budget, these costs are under budget by $3,054. Projects for the Fall include a new roof for Church House and additional painting.
Building & Maintenance	The cemetery grounds have had some major tidying up – looks a lot better. John’s seeded area above the gazebo is taking hold, thanks to the wonderful rainfall this weekend. He has installed a large cedar bench up in the new area. If you see something that you feel needs attention, please let us know or call John Larsen @ 539-2988. You’ll notice a few new plants and lattice work around the gazebo thanks to Jack and his crew. If you would like to help to maintain the Garden, please note that the day has been changed from Tuesday to Wednesday, same time, around 9ish. Thank-you.
Women’s Auxiliary	The “New-to-You” fair was a success – some of the clothing that was left over was taken to Mustard Seed in Victoria. Thank-you.
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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