St. Mary Magdalene Church - Newsletter

Published by the Church Wardens

October 2004

Issue #14

Rectors Rob & Ellen Willngham 629-6700

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

Warden's Report

We had an earlier than usual Council meeting this month, October 6, which may help to balance off the one we missed in September. So here goes:

First off we would like to extend to Carol Barker our deepest appreciation for her wonderful and calming harp music. It was delightful adding another musical dimension to our listening pleasure. We hope Carol is back soon, maybe Christmas?? Keeping with the musical theme, the piano has been tuned and thank-you to Shirley for coordinating our piano tuning with others on the island.

On a less happier note, is the news concerning our Colombian family. We just learned from Fr Antonio that the family has not been granted entry into Canada. She had her Embassy interview on September 24th which was not successful. We have not been told why she was denied entry, but we will initiate an appeal. We will keep you posted.

The WA had a very successful afternoon on September 9th entertaining 47 people from the Seniors Group who came here from the Langley-Cloverdale area. This was their third visit to Mayne Island. The WA wishes to thank all the volunteers who organized the trip and to all the drivers who escorted the visitors around the Island.

And this leads into our next “Visitor” to our Island and Church, hosted by Rob & Ellen: The Rt. Rev’d James Cowan coming for an Island “meet and greet” on Tuesday, October 12, at Church House. Everyone is invited to a pot-luck lunch with Bishop James. Pat Gasston will be at Church house by 10:30 Tuesday morning to receive and set up the pot-luck luncheon.

Treasurer's Report

Please watch for the 2005 Church Calendars as they are coming soon. St. Mary Magdalene Church will be featured in July 2005. See Mary Simmons as we believe she is already taking orders. All proceeds go the Altar Guild.

Next to last is Operation Christmas Child, a project of Samaritan’s Purse. Shoe box sized boxes are filled with gift items (small toys, school supplies, hygiene items, picture books, ball caps, etc.) Their Mission Statement: Samaritan’s Purse is a nondenominational evangelical Christian organization providing spiritual and physical aid to hurting people around the world. Since 1970, Samaritan’s Purse has helped meet the needs of people who are victims of war, poverty, natural disasters, disease, and famine with the purpose of sharing God’s love through His Son, Jesus Christ. We have plenty of shoes boxes available at the Church house office and at the Sussex office, along with instructions. Drop off your shoe box at the Sussex office in the mall by November 3rd deadline. They will be forwarded to the main sorting area in Calgary for furtherance around the world. For more information, please contact Dereck or call Samaritan’s Purse @ 1-800-303-1269.

Receipts for the month of September totaled $4,073.67 and disbursements totaled $4,639.94 with an excess of disbursements over receipts of $566.27. However, the year to date receipts are above budget and expenses are within budget. BC Hydro, due to changes to meter readings on the island, increased our monthly installment from $188/month to $411/month. This should be rectified by us reading the meters monthly and notifying Hydro. At the October 6th Council meeting it was requested that approximately $1,000 to $1,500 of capital funds be used to build an addition to the existing storage shed, to increase the storage space. Council approved the expenditure. It was also agreed that the capital expenditure of a new roof on Church House, budgeted at $2,650, be put on hold for the year 2004 and that this project be presented in the 2005 budget. It was also agreed that a quote be obtained from a roofing company rather than relying on volunteers to do this risky job.

Thank you to everyone for their continued support of the Church.

Anglican Appeal – October 17, 2004

Serving God’s world, strengthening the church.

The Anglican Appeal is the Anglican Church of Canada’s annual fundraising campaign to support mission work and ministry in Canada’s North and with our church partners overseas. In some dioceses, Appeal revenue is shared between the diocese and General Synod and the diocese designates local ministry projects. What kind of work does your Anglican Appeal donation support?

Your donation supports the ten Council of the North dioceses, where long distances and sparsely populated areas make ministry more difficult. Your gift helps local people train as clergy without having to leave their families, jobs or communities. Donations also support the church’s Indigenous Healing Fund. Through this fund, the staff at Tumivut, a Toronto shelter for homeless youth, help young people to make positive, lasting changes in their lives.

The church is expanding rapidly in many countries, often far beyond the resources of the people to sustain it. Overseas, your gift helps a theological student finish his education despite countless hardships. The benefits go far beyond the church walls as these community leaders organize day care centers for poor families or minister to those with HIV/AIDS. You also help support Canadian volunteers who partner with overseas dioceses, working together physically and spiritually to change lives and communities.

Your donation, regardless of size, helps to keep our church vibrant and growing. Please give to the Appeal through the special envelopes located at the back of the church or you may send your gift directly to the Anglican Appeal, 80 Hayden St., Toronto, Ontario M4Y 3G2.

Church House

Please call Janet Guy @ 539-3132 for bookings.

Sunday School

Please call Emily Boldt @ 539-2039 or Colleen Fraser @ 539-5460 for information.

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, John Larsen.