St. Mary Magdalene Church - Newsletter

Published by the Church Wardens

January 2005

Issue #16

Rectors Rob & Ellen Willngham 629-6700

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

Warden's Report

All the Christmas decorations have been put away till next year, New Year’s Day was rung in, and now we are ready to tackle another fine year on Mayne Island, but first some disappointing news concerning the Colombian family that we had hoped would be coming to Mayne Island. We have just received written notice that all immigration decisions are final and not subject to reconsideration, therefore, our appeal of the Colombian family’s case has been denied, leaving the only recourse for the family is to reapply to the Canadian Embassy. And we have also lost a generous and gracious friend, Fred Hansen, who offered his home to the anticipated arrival of the Colombian family. Our deepest sympathy is extended to his brother’s family, Marvin and Hazel.

There will be a memorial service for Fred on March 23, 2005.

We will be moving the items collected for the Colombian family into temporary free storage. The situation, as it stands now, is that should another Colombian family successfully be admitted to the Victoria area, we will be called in advance to ask if we are able to arrange a suitable home to rent on Mayne Island. Our ‘doors’ will remain open, however, it is subject to accommodation and as everyone is aware, rental housing is extremely difficult to secure. Our Anglican Diocese contact in Victoria, Fr Antonio, feels that there may be another Colombian family within the next few months. He will call us, and if we have suitable housing on Mayne we will proceed as previously planned, however, without housing the family will stay in the Victoria area. At that point, we will have some decisions to make such as taking the collected articles to Victoria for the new family along with the monies we have already collected. Letters will be sent to all the donors at that time. In the meantime, should anyone know of someone who would like to rent their home for approximately one year, please contact Dereck or Pat. We will keep you posted on events as they unfold. Thank-you to everyone for their patience and support, and our hearts and prayers extend to the Colombian family, Marie and her two children.

Christmas Programmes
"Thank You"

The first Christmas Gift program “Capital Mental Health Association- Victoria” which began on the First Sunday in Advent, November 28 to the Third Sunday in Advent, December 12 received many wonderful hand-knitted items and generous donations. Mrs Gail Simpson, Executive Director for the Capital Mental Health Association sent a letter addressed to the members of the Congregation expressing their sincere appreciation for the support of our Church. As she stated in her letter to the Church, “Our volunteers have been shopping and wrapping diligently for the delivery of more than 1500 gifts to people with serious mental illnesses in our community who would otherwise be forgotten at this time of year. Donations such as yours allow us to provide gifts and special events in our Agency programs.” She sends her best wishes for a healthy and happy new year.

The Church provided Christmas hampers for eleven families on Mayne Island this Christmas. Thank-you to everyone who contributed to “White Gifts”. The hampers were greatly appreciated by all who received this bit of Christmas cheer.

Outreach Programme

At the Council meeting held in December, the Council approved a $500 donation to a Canadian government approved charity called the Sage Centre – Soroti Medical Care Project which Caroline Bender & Ron Willick brought to our attention. It is a small group of nurses that Caroline knows from the Victoria Hospice Palliative Care Unit of The Royal Jubilee Hospital who take time off to attend and set up medical clinics in Soroti, Uganda. One of the nurses, Gail Boulger, sent us a letter of appreciation and will keep us posted as to their progress. Check the church bulletin board for updates.

Treasurer's Report

The 2004 year-end financial statements ended with an increase in assets of $77,736 compared to 2003 of $61,169. The General Operating Fund showed a surplus totaling $5,300 with receipts and disbursements remaining constant with the previous year.

Capital Fund expenditures for the year amounted to $4,185 with donations totaling $3,200, thanks to generous donations. The Cemetery Fund (which includes the Memorial Garden), showed a surplus of $2,120, also due in part to generous donations.

Overall, the Church had a good financial year. In 2005 we will see increases in disbursements in a number of areas and, therefore, we look forward to another sound financial year. Thanks to the congregation and Mayne Island residents for their continued support of the Church.

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.

Rob & Ellen are finally taking a long overdue holiday, and will be away for the month of February. Their plan is to visit Ometepe, Nicarauga. Rob & Ellen are making arrangements for Sunday services during their absence.

Sunday, January 30 AGM following Church Service (Church House). Everyone is welcome to attend. Lunch will be provided by members of the Council.

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.