St. Mary Magdalene Church - Newsletter

Published by the Church Wardens

November 2004

Issue #15

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.

To date, we have had no response from the Canadian Embassy in Bogota, Colombia, with respect to our appeal. This is a copy of the letter we faxed to the Embassy:

Further to our email of October 13, 2004, regarding our applicant Maria (last name withheld) and her two sons: Maria and her family are considered, in our opinion, high-risk applicants, considering the terrible physical abuse she suffered from the paramilitaries and drug barons, and the threat to her elder son's life.

It came as a great disappointment to us, the signatories of her application, to learn that she had been refused refugee status and subsequent entry to Canada. We would like to know the reason or reasons why she was refused, as Maria's situation conforms to the criteria for a Convention 'women at risk' Refugee. The Canadian Government must be concerned for such victims of violence and offer humanitarian aid to this family.

The members of St. Mary Magdalene congregation, and others here, are greatly concerned about Maria and her sons and their present and future safety. We have been working for many months not only preparing a fully finished home but also being ready to welcome them into our community with everything they could possibly need.

We will be grateful for a review of her file and answers to our questions. Suggestions as to how we can expedite her application will be appreciated, and we look forward to your earliest reply.

Christmas Programmes

The first Christmas Gift program "Capital Mental Health Association- Victoria" begins on the First Sunday in Advent, November 28 to the Third Sunday in Advent, December 12. 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 6 WA Christmas Luncheon at the Mayne Inn, followed by a Christmas crafts workshop at Church House.

Thursday, December 9 Men's and Lady's Christmas Breakfast at the Agricultural Hall, begins at 8:30 am.

Sunday, December 12 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 Mary Simmons. The plants are $10 each - please place your order by the Second Sunday in Advent, December 5.

Church Calendars - Depicting our Church in the month of July (a real keepsake & stocking stuffer) on sale for $10 - all proceeds to the Altar Guild - please see Mary Simmons - she still has a few calendars left for sale.

Samaritan's Purse - a fantastic response - well over 30 Children’s Christmas Boxes were donated. Thank-you one and all.

Treasurer's Report

For the month of October, Receipts totalled $4,248.30 and Disbursements totaled $5,292.33, therefore, we had an Excess of Disbursements over Receipts of $1,044.03. We had a number of additional disbursements this month which included the addition to the shed and hydro bills thanks to the wonderful manner in which BC Hydro is reading our meters. Hopefully this will be ironed out for the next billing period.

Announcements

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.

If you are interested in reading the Lessons in Church and/or preparing and reading the Prayers of the People, please add your name to the sign up sheet posted in Church House. We appreciate everyone’s support.

The 2004 Annual
General Meeting
Preparation Schedule

Sunday , January 9 Annual Reports that require typing to be submitted to Bart Wittke, Secretary.

Tuesday, January 11 Budget Committee Meeting (Sue Atha, Treasurer)

Thursday, January 13 Parish Council Meeting

- to Approve the Budget

- Deadline for all Annual Reports to the Secretary

Sunday, January 23 Notice of AGM to be posted (Secretary)

Sunday, January 30 Distribute AGM Reports at Church Service (Secretary)

Sunday, February 6 AGM following Church Service (Church House)

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.