PARISH MATTERS SPECIAL EDITION

April 30th, 2023

Whatever we do, it is a fact of life that people come and people go. Some of us stay in the same place for a long time and some of us fly in and out like a comet across the night sky. We are God’s Church and we welcome all people wherever they may be on their life journey. At this time we are saying goodbye and also hello to two very important people. Rev. Nita is retiring and Rev. Julia is coming to be our Priest in Charge.

The Parish would like to say a big thank you to Rev. Nita for what she has done while she was with us. For a start she is a “local girl” and many of us have known her for years and watched the way she has embraced her calling to the Ministry. Her achievements have been many including:

• The establishment of a mission statement

• The development of the Welcome Table

• Experimenting with worship styles

• Changes to the seating in the church to

• accommodate wheelchairs

• A hearing loop for hearing aids,

• 200th Anniversary Celebration.

• New blue hangings for Advent

• Bringing us into the era of digital communication.

I remember her saying more than once, “If you don’t try something, you will never know if it is the right thing for our church or not.” This is a wonderful way of looking at things and I hope it may continue.

Finally, Rev. Nita may have retired but she has not left us. Her home is still here and after a suitable period away she will return to our congregation and is already thinking of ways she can help. We wish her and Tim a very happy retirement.

---

HELLO REV. JULIA AND WELCOME

“Hello, my name is Julia Ford. I was ordained an Anglican Priest in May of 1991 in the Diocese of Toronto. (Yes, I am “from away”) After my two year curacy, I became what was called at that time a “Worker Priest”. I had both a secular career in information technology and was a Honourary Assistant at a number of parishes. Over time I also became an Associate Priest and in some parishes, Priest in Charge.

I was married ten years ago.

Fast forward to 2020 and we decided it was time to think about retiring from our secular jobs. We decided that we would like to get out of the Greater Toronto area and looked to Nova Scotia. We purchased a home and moved in full-time in 2021. We have been delighted with the reception we have received from the Parish and people of Annapolis Royal and area.

I feel blessed that the Bishop has entrusted me to work as Priest in Charge in the Parish during this amazing time when we are looking, to use Bishop Sandra’s words, “to re-imagine what ministry might look like in the Parish of Annapolis.” I look forward to working together with you on this mission. Everyone’s ideas and views are critical

My “church” email is Revjuliaf@gmail.com. My Nova Scotia phone number is (902) 312-4028.

Blessings to all.

Rev. Julia

---

April Showers Bring May Flowers and Damp Pews

As we rejoice in the coming of all the joys and beauty of spring, we look out and admire the blooming of the 200 Daffodil bulbs that were planted around the grounds of St. Luke’ Church Annapolis Royal to mark our 200th anniversary. They are putting on a brave show and hopefully will get better year by year. We also await with trepidation the Spring showers and the signs of our leaky roof ; wet pews and large cooking pots pinging with the sounds of rain coming through the roof of our beloved church. Luckily we have been able to put a temporary cover on the roof for the present but this is just a band aid.

The Raise The Roof committee has been busy with plans for this massive repair project. They have been in contact with different contractors, both local and national. We are happy to report that Interlock Roofing Systems, a Nova Scotian company, has been contracted to repair the roof. They will be installing a metal roof with proper ventilation and with a life time warranty so that a dry future for our church can be secured. This will cost approximately $100,000 which is a staggering amount of money. Because this will be a huge burden for our small congregation we will be seeking grants and other means of financial assistance as we proceed to restore St. Luke’s roof to its safe and secure place watching over our town as it has done for the last 200 years.

There will be lots of activity around our beloved place of worship. Scaffolding will sprout up as damage is accessed and work begun.

Please support our fund raising projects and there are also other ways to support this cause by donating to the Raise The Roof Fund. For details, please see the insert in this Parish Matters. With God’s help and our faith we will see St. Luke’s standing with a watertight roof for many years to come.

Sarah Neish

---

RAISE THE ROOF FUNDRAISERS

RAFFLE

Thanks to the generosity of our parishioners we have some wonderful prizes to offer in our raffle. Tickets are available now in the Rosette Room. Cost is $2 for one and 3 for $5. Just sign to say you have taken a book and bring the sold tickets and stubs back to Jeanne Fox when you are done. The draw will take place on Sept 3. There will be individual draws for each prize.

• A night’s lodging at The Seafaring Maiden and a gourmet breakfast

• $50 worth of seafood of your choice from Clearwater Ltd.

• A beautiful hand made queen size quilt valued at $1000

• A picture of St. Luke’s Church in the moonlight by Louise Oliver

• An Instapot and recipes.

CORONATION TEA AND BAKE SALE

The tea and sale will be held on the day of the Coronation of King Charles III, Saturday, May 6, from 2.00 – 4.00 in the church hall. Cost of the tea is $5.00. We will be serving traditional English cream tea with scones, jam and whipped cream. Gluten free option available.

There will also be a bake table with delicious home made goodies for sale. If you can bake for us we would be delighted. Bring baked goods to the hall on Friday 10.00 – 5.00 or Saturday morning May 5 and 6. Our raffle items will be displayed and tickets can be bought.

DINNER THEATRE

The Annapolis District Drama Group has kindly agreed to put on a dinner theatre for us.The play is called The Love Cruise and we will provide a delicious dinner.This will take place on Friday and Saturday, July 14 and 15.Final details are being worked out.Stay tuned.

OTHER EVENTS

Other fund raising events are being planned including The Great Pickle Project.

---

WE NEED YOUR HELP

We do not usually ask directly for money in our Parish. Our Parishioners are very generous and we hope that when there is a need they will respond. At this time, however, we have to raise a large sum to fix the roof and we need all the help we can get. It was very evident that we needed this repair when water came through the ceiling in the main church and time is of the essence. Below are some of the ways that you can help.

GIVING OF YOUR TIME AND TALENT

This is one of the most important ways to give. Whether you support our bake sale, cook for us, buy or sell raffle tickets or donate prizes, work in the kitchen, come to the dinner theatre, make pickles, spread the word amongst your friends and above all be upbeat and encouraging, all these things are vital if we are to be a vibrant, living church. Some of them cost nothing but are valuable none the less.

MONEY DONATIONS

We know that we need money. We also know what we can individually afford. It is not financially possible to use our capital because this is rapidly running out just to cover our everyday expenses, which, of course, continue roof or no roof. Perhaps if you can dig a little deeper into your pocket for your regular contributions. The church still needs money whether you are there or not.

IDEAS

P.A.R

P.A.R. or Pre-Authorized Remittance is an easy way to manage your church giving. You agree to give a set amount which is automatically deducted from your Bank Account or Credit Card either on the 1st or 15th of each month. This way you do not have to think about it, the Parish knows what it’s income will be and so can budget more realistically and the cost of envelopes is eliminated.

If you are interested Jeanne Fox will be pleased to guide you through the process.You can cancel or change the amount at any time.

$1000 CHALLENGE

$1000 is a lot of money and not everyone can even consider it. Do not worry. However, if you are in a position to do this, as our Treasurer said, “If 100 people gave $1000 we would be home and dry.” We have had a few donations of this amount already. Please note that a tax receipt will be given for any money donation.

BUY A SHINGLE

The new roof will be metal but it is still in the shape of shingles. Each shingle is 18 inches by 10 inches and costs $10.00. Therefore, for $100 you could buy 10 shingles or whatever you like. We will keep a record of this and in the future you can look up, way up, and say to your grandchildren, “That is my shingle.”

A DONATION IN MEMORY OF A LOVED ONE

You or members of your family might like to give to the roof fund in memory of a loved one. We will also keep a record of these donations and they will be acknowledged at our worship services from time to time.

HOW DO I GIVE?

1. Place the donation in an envelope and mark it clearly with your name number if you have one, and what it is for. If it is for shingles or a memorial mark this as well. Put it in the collection plate.

2. Again do as above and give it to Jeanne Fox or leave it at the office

3. Again do as above and drop it in the lock box at the Rosette Room entry.

4. You may give cash or a cheque made out to Parish of Annapolis/Roof fund.

5. If you need an e-transfer please contact Jeanne Fox at 902 532 2625 or email at foxtrotjef@eastlink.ca

6. Add a donation when you come to any of our fundraisers.

7. Send the donation by mail to Parish of Annapolis, Attn. Jeanne Fox, P.O. Box 427, Annapolis Royal, NS. B0S1A0

Issue 75 - March 2023

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

It has been said that a change is as good as a rest. Right now I am not sure that that is true. We have just heard that Rev. Nita has pushed her retirement forward to April and so we will have to speed up the business of looking for someone new. Needless to say we wish her a long and happy retirement and, as she says, she has only left the job, not the Parish or the Priesthood, and she will still be a part of our community. Also, recently, we noticed tell tale drops coming through the ceiling of the main church. Obviously a leak, although where exactly it is, is difficult to say. No one can remember when the roof was last fixed but it was a long time ago and the long and the short of it is that we need a new roof. It all comes down to money and time. We will need a lot of money and we need to find a roofing contractor who has time. We will get the leak patched as soon as someone can safely get onto the roof while we raise the money and look for a good contractor. In the meantime we carry on.

Looking on the bright side, Rev. Ruby has done an excellent job of filling in for Rev. Nita when she broke her leg (another unforeseen bump in the road – literally) and Rev. Julia, who is now helping in Bridgetown, is with us for the Compline services and is running a Bible study group with both Parishes.

It will soon be spring, and it will soon be Easter. Please join us for Easter services. With fresh flowers and maybe warmer and sunnier weather we have much to be thankful for.

---

A MESSAGE FROM REV. NITA

Dear Friends,

It has been an honour and a privilege and one of the high-lights of my ministry since my ordination in 2010 to be invited by you to be your rector. As I look back there are so many good memories of what we have achieved together, such as :

The establishment of a mission statement

The development of the Welcome Table

Experimenting with different worship styles

Changes to the seating in the church to better accommodate wheelchair

space.

Installation of a hearing loop for those with hearing aids,

200th Anniversary Celebration of worship at St. Luke’s,

and so much more.

The years have not been without their challenges, but by far the monumental obstacle of how to confront Covid and how to adapt to the required changes was likely the biggest one we faced together. The experience of working through the difficulties of Covid did cause the suspension of in person worship, which in turn meant the cancellation of Christmas Eve and Easter Day worship services. These were difficult to accept, but on the positive side we did learn new technology which has made us stronger in the area of communication and will continue in the years ahead to be useful to the life of the parish. Another difficulty we faced is that during the heightened period of Covid our congregation shrunk significantly due to families moving away and to deaths. The circumstances of reduced membership is now being balanced out by the inclusion of new members, and it has directed the parish toward an initiative to seriously examine numerous ways of streamlining how the parish operates.

My decision to retire has been a long process of discernment and my unfortunate accident that resulted in a broken leg only heightened the reasons and it sped up the retirement date to April 30. I will miss terribly the ministry of acting as your rector, but will comfort myself by reflecting upon all that has been achieved by us which has strengthened us as disciples of Christ who share in the gospel of Christ. I will need to be absent from the parish for a period of time, but this will act as a catalyst to shine light on what I can do next as a member of the congregation and as a priest in supporting the parish. The future ahead will be exciting and rewarding as we all explore and discover the way forward. Jesus said, “Come and follow me,” so let us be the followers and disciples of Christ.

Blessings,

Rev. Nita

---

When you have been sitting in The beautiful town of Annapolis Royal for over 200 years, in all kinds of weather ,through winters and summers ;seen a few Hurricanes and many wind storms, your roof gets very worn out.

That is exactly what has happened to one of the town’s beautiful icons, St Luke’s Anglican Church. For 200 years the bell tower of this place of worship has stood out on St George Street,just across from Fort Anne. It has been a place of worship ever since King George gifted the town with the land to build a church. The Royal Charter and the Coat of Arms is seen just above the red front doors .

Worship has continued here for 200 years .The old building has seen hundreds of Baptisms, Marriages and Funerals .The walls almost echo with the lingering sounds of Hymns and the beautiful Stained Glass windows share with worshipers different stories from the life of Jesus.

Time and wear have taken their tole and the roof that has given shelter and refuge to so many over the years has sprung many leaks. It is time for us to step up and replace the roof.

This will be a monumental task ,but one that must be done . As inheritaters”. of this precious gift it is our responsibility to see the job done. Over the coming weeks and months you will see different projects being promoted by the congregation and friends of St.Luke’s in an effort to finance such an important task. We will be asking for your prayers and support as we work to restore the building we have been given by those who have gone on before.

When you see “Raise The Roof”, lend a hand. With God’s help and your support St Luke’s can enter the next 200 years of shared worship with a sound, water-tight roof.

Sarah Neish

---

CHURCH FINANCES

Your Parish Council has asked the Treasurer to report to the congregation more regularly on the Parish finances, particularly St Luke’s. Salaries, fuel oil ($1500 a month on the budget plan) and our monthly ‘fee’ to the Diocese (also known as allotment) comprise the majority of our monthly expenses. Although costs continue to rise, our monthly income (offerings) stays about the same and this requires us to drawdown our investments to pay the bills. We are at the point if something is not done, we could be out of money in less than 10 years.

On top of these monthly recurring bills, are the capital expenses to maintain the Church building itself and this year we have a big expense coming - a new roof is needed. A committee has formed to recommend the best way forward - what type of roof will it be? What grants might we get? Could we switch to solar and eliminate our dependency on oil? How will we fund raise ? What does all of this cost?

While fund raising will help us over some bumps, it will not sustain us long term. We must be open to change and become part of the change. While we don’t know the way forward yet, we know with God’s help, all is possible, we will find a way, and we will be stronger.

Wendy

Treasurer

P.A.R.

P.A.R. or Pre-Authorized Remittance is an easy way to manage your church giving. You agree to give a set amount which is automatically deducted from your Bank Account or Credit Card either on the 1st or 15th of each month. This way you do not have to think about it, the Parish knows what it’s income will be and so can budget more realistically and the cost of envelopes is eliminated.

If you are interested Jeanne Fox will be pleased to guide you through the process. You can cancel or change the amount at any time.

PLEASE CONSIDER THIS OPTION

---

HAPPY RETIREMENT

Rev. Nita is retiring on April 30th. We wish her a happy and fulfilling retirement. She has said that she will still be part of our church community when the time is right. In the meantime we must look for both a new Minister and people to lead us in worship while we look. We will remember Rev. Nita for her bubbly sense of humour, her down to earth ministry and the fact that she is the first full time woman Minister that we have had in our Parish. We will remember what she started with services like Jesus in Jeans, with outreach to the community especially the Foodbank, with a lovely New Years Levee and we will remember especially her patience and caring when we were struggling through the Covid years. Happy retirement and see you soon.

We are delighted to learn that Rev. Julia Ford will be our interim Priest until we find a new Rector.

---

THE ROOF

The Roof of the main church has a leak. There is a committee formed to oversee repairs. At the moment we are waiting for the weather to make it possible to look for the leak and put in a temporary patch.

After that a contractor will be hired after several tenders have been considered. We must make the decision as to whether we chose a shingled or steel roof. We do not know at this time if there is damage to the wood. We are also considering solar panels, etc. and it would to wise to include the possibility of these in whatever roofing we install.

Next we will seek grants for as much of the cost as possible. We will emphasize that this is an active church both for our congregation and for the wider community, a heritage building and a visible landmark in Annapolis Royal.

We will then fund raise, fund raise, fund raise, without burning out our workers. This has already started as you will see below. I cannot emphasize too much that we can no longer rely on our capital investments. All ideas welcome.

---

SERVICES

We have been holding our regular Sunday worship in the hall because we were spending too much money on oil by heating the whole church. We hope to return to the church by Easter. The Hall has been a good location but we will be happy to use the church again.

For a few months there was an early service at 8.30 each Sunday but this has now been discontinued. However, if you would prefer to receive communion by drinking from the chalice this will be available at the 10,00 am. service after those who prefer the wafer and the drop of wine, so that there is no cross over. Also, please note that gluten free wafers are available by request.

---

EASTER FLOWERS

If you would like to give flowers at Easter in memory of a loved one please contact Judy Dickinson. Deadline is April 2nd.

---

PARISH AGM

Our Parish A.G.M. was held recently. Thank to Warden, Krista Wright for chairing the meeting and to the Church Guild for providing soup and goodies. . There was general concern about the state of our finances. Please stay in touch. We need everyone to help.

Thank you to those who put their names forward to stand on Parish Council.

Wardens: Krista Wright, Eric Hiscock and Brent Fewster.

Treasurer: Wendy Rickards

Secretary: Pauline Lowern

Members at Large: Brenda Nimmo, Jeanne Fox, Judy Dickinson, Deanna Oliver, Ann Denny, Jessica and Michael Dyment.

St. Anne’s Camp: Ann Denny and Heidi Fewster

We have a new communications committee of Jenn Smith and Heidi Fewster. There is also a finance committee and a roof committee.

---

STAY IN TOUCH!

*****************

All things come of thee. Oh, Lord, and of thine own have we given thee!

Almighty God, whose loving hand has given us all that we possess: grant us grace that we may honour thee with our substance, and, remembering the account which we must one day give, may be faithful stewards of thy bounty.

Because we believe that all things come from God, we fully and thoughtfully make decisions which give back to God, a generous portion of our accumulated wealth, resources, and blessings to support God’s work now and in the future.

---

FUND RAISING

It is obvious, from this newsletter, that we need more money. Some difficult decisions will have to be made in the near future. However, maybe it is time that we took stock of what we are really doing as a church. I believe that we can be stronger for it.

In the meantime, there are a number of fundraising events planned. These will not solve the whole problem but they will help and also they will be chance for parishioners and friends of our Parish to show that they care. Also we hope they will be fun. We have to remember that we all have limited time and money and strength to give, so the fundraisers will try to reflect this. These are a few things that are planned. There will be more!

BAKE SALE by the Church Guild. This will around Easter. Date to be confirmed shortly. We will be asking members of the Parish to bake for us, to do what you can do and not feel pressured but feel involved.

SING-A-LONG MESSIAH. Heidi will be leading the singing of different parts of Handel’s Messiah from 4.00 – 5.30, on April 30th in St. Luke’s Church. . You can sing, with or without practice, although practice is better, and will be held every Friday at 4.00 pm in the Hall for an hour. Music can be provided. Also you can just listen and enjoy. Admission by donation.

DINNER THEATRE. The Drama Group has offered to put on a murder mystery in our Hall on Friday, July 14 and Saturday, July 15. It is written by Colleen Rowland and all I know is that it is set on a Cruise Ship. There will also be a delicious dinner. Times, prices, etc to be confirmed.

---

LUKIE RETURNS!

I’m back! I know I have been away for a few months but now I am back in my favourite spot.

It has been a busy, sad and strange time in my wee mousie life. So many changes have happened since I last sent my tiny friends a message. My dear friend Rosie has gone away She was finding her life here a bit too difficult and so she found a safe spot to build a new nest and snuggle in somewhere that made her feel safe and secure.

This meant I was alone in my church but I was happy remembering the many adventures I had shared with Rosie . I had my very own safe spot and enjoyed the decorations that filled the church over Christmas.

THEN..... it started to rain inside the church and I was almost deafened by the noise the water made as it came down from high above me. I could hear it raining outside ;that has happened often before but never did it come inside! The “Boss Lady” and her helpers came with huge shiny pots and the noise got even louder as the drops fell into the containers. My little mouse ears ached from the sound and I began to think I needed to find somewhere drier to nest .

The next thing I knew , the church got colder and colder and the humans stopped coming in to keep me company. No more beautiful music either! Now I knew it was time to relocate!

I ventured down the ramp into the big room the humans call the Hall. And I could tell they had moved too!!! It was cosy and warm in the hall .The beautiful Altar was there with the candles and pretty pots of red flowers .The chairs were in rows and I could tell there had been some snacks too because I was able to find a few delicious crumbs to enjoy.

I have heard the humans saying a new roof or at least a new covering of shingles will be needed . I am sure , with God’s help’ this can be done. I will look forward to returning to my favourite hiding spot in the church. In the mean time I will snuggle down in the hall, listen to the beautiful music and hope lots of crumbs drop at snack time.

---

BAD JOKES TO CHEER YOU UP

We all need to laugh sometimes.

A preacher went to see a member of the community and invited him to come to Church on Sunday morning. The man was a producer of fine peach brandy and told the preacher he would love to attend his Church IF the Pastor would drink some of his brandy and admit doing so in front of the congregation. The preacher agreed and drank up. Sunday morning came and the man came to Church. The preacher recognized him from the pulpit and said: "I see Mr. Johnson is here with us this morning. I want to thank him publicly for his hospitality this week and especially for the peaches he gave me and the spirit in which they were given."

After starting a new diet I altered my drive to work to avoid passing my favorite bakery. I accidentally drove by the bakery this morning and as I approached, there in the window were a host of chocolates, donuts, and cheesecakes.

I felt this was no accident, so I prayed … “Lord, it’s up to You. If You want me to have any of those delicious goodies, create a parking place for me directly in front of the bakery.” And sure enough, on the eighth time around the block, there it was! God is so good!

---

DATES FOR YOUR CALENDAR

Check inside Parish Matters for details and in the announcements for changes.

• Tuesdsay, March 14, 21, 28 at 11:00 AM. Lenten Bible Study with Rev. Julia. Questions you would like to ask God, if you could. Lively discussion.

• Sunday, April 30 at 3:00 PM. Sing-Along Messiah

• Maundy Thursday April 6 at 7:15 PM - A commemoration of Christ's last supper with his disciples where he washed their feet.

• Good Friday April 7 at 10:00 AM - A holy remembrance of Christ's crucifixion

• Easter Sunday, April 9 at 10:00 AM - Traditional Service to celebrate Christ's Resurrection

• Friday July 14 and Saturday July 15 - Dinner Theatre. Come and enjoy good food and a fun performance by the Drama Group. Money for the roof!

Issue 74 - November 2022

FROM THE EDITOR

Busy, busy, busy. It’s that time of year and the Parish of Annapolis just keeps on celebrating. If you are tempted to say, “Not another batch of cookies to bake,” think what it would be like if we had nothing to celebrate.

We have just finished honouring our church on the 200th anniversary. There was an open house, an anniversary service, a photo, planting daffodils and now finally a pot luck supper. I hope you were able to come to at least some of these things.

Now it is almost the seasons of Advent and Christmas. Advent means “to come towards” and it means Christ’s second coming as well as Christmas itself. The run up to Christmas can be fun, exhilarating, loving and just plain overwhelming. It also should be solemn, beautiful and majestic. We can thank Heidi, our organist for drawing all these elements together in her music programs, which you can read about in this Newsletter.

Imagine Christmas through the eyes of a child – the silence of the snow, the brightness of the stars, the frosty walks to see the Christmas lights and lying in bed trying to sleep when you are too excited and then, suddenly it’s Christmas Day and is it too early to wake up the family at five o’clock in the morning? The best Christmas my grandchildren had was when the power went out mid-turkey cooking and we had to cook it on the wood stove in a frying pan. That we won’t forget!

Whatever your Christmas is, solemn or chaotic, may it be merry and very, very bright.

MERRY

CHRISTMAS

---

FROM THE RECTOR

Dear Members of the Parish,

I have two questions for you. What does Advent mean, and how do you live out the Advent season? It appears to me the Advent season is all about waiting, anticipation, and expectation. If I were to ask this question substituting the word Advent with Christmas it would be no surprise to many of us to hear the same response. Our society has shifted the one joyous day of Christmas celebration on Dec. 25, with its subsequent twelve days of Christmas that follow, to that of the entire four weeks leading up to Christmas. This reduces Advent to become an unfamiliar word with the questions on many a persons lips, “What is Advent?” For some households Christmas is as early as the day after Halloween! This I find rather amazing although it should not come as a surprise. The majority of today’s population has forgotten that Christmas is about the celebration of Christ’s birth and Advent is the four weeks leading up to Christmas Day.

What does Advent mean and how do we live out the Advent season? Let me confirm that I am not opposed to the giving and receiving of presents, or Christmas parties with families and friends, nor Old St. Nick. I embrace them all, but more importantly I embrace the celebration of Christ’s coming, for without his arrival as a small and innocent babe and his return to us in another time yet to come. The gift of my life that I received at my birth would hold no meaning for me. Baby Jesus is our gift from the heavenly Father given to us, for us to receive redemption, to receive a full and complete pardon. For myself the Season of Advent means that I can fully immerse myself in the days of Advent that will begin this year on Sunday, Nov. 27. I will wait each day in the anticipation and expectation of celebrating Christ’s birth on Christmas Eve. I shall fully try to take it all in as I offer Advent prayers, as I light the Advent candles on the wreath at my home, or when I turn on the Christmas lights, or when I sing carols. These are the ways that I will celebrate Advent season and the coming exception of Emmanuel who is our Saviour. These are the traditions that help me to discover Advent and I how I live it out. I hope that you embrace this Advent season of waiting in anticipation immersing yourself in your family traditions, remembering that Jesus is the reason for the season, and in the expectation of his return.

Wishing you all a blessed Advent season. Rev. Nita

---

R.I.P

Father Donald Neish

It is with great sadness that we report the death of Rev. Canon Donald Neish. He died peacefully in Middleton Hospital surrounded by his family

Never have I had the honour to meet a more sincere man of faith than Fr. Donald. I only knew him well since he was in our Parish. He was always ready to help even to a great age, even if not in good health, whether it was by assisting in the services, working with the young people, writing the prayers of the people and generally encouraging us all to follow the way of Christ. If asked his stock answer was nearly always, “Yes, that is something I can do.”

He and Sarah were a fixture in our services and there will be a blank place where he used to sit. The whole Parish sends their sympathy and love to Sarah and to Barbara and the rest of his family.

His legacy will be of faith, of friendship and of laughter, washed down with a wee dram.

Rest eternal grant unto him, O Lord

And may light perpetual shine upon him

---

CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICES

Family Service - 4:00 PM

Contemporary Service - 6:00 PM

Traditional Service - 8:00 PM

For unto a child is born

Unto us a Son is given

And His name shall be called

Wonderful, Counseller,

The might God, the everlasting Father

The Prince of Peace

---

WHERE IS LUKIE?

We have been missing the little stories about our very special church mice, Lukie and Rosie. Truth to tell they have been visiting a very special friend in Granville Ferry. It was a long trip for little short legs but they made it. They knew that the friend would not be with them much more and they wanted to be near. They miss their beloved church but may be back one day. In the meantime here is a poem they like about the mice at Christmas. They hope you do too.

MICE IN THE HAY

Out of the lamplight,

Whispering, worshiping

The mice in the hay.

Timid eyes pearl bright,

Whispering, worshiping

Whisking, quick and away.

They were there that night,

Whispering, worshiping

Smaller than snowflakes are

But he smiled to see them

Whispering, worshiping

There in the lamplight.

Leslie Norris

---

MUSIC MINISTRY

Exciting things are happening in our church. Heidi, our organist is busy preparing several musical and worship events for Advent and Christmas.

We are happy to report that we have some new members joining the choir. If you would like to sing with us talk to Heidi. We would love to have you.

COMPLINE

Compline is a short, simple evening service. It is held in the evening. The church is filled with candlelight and beautiful and solemn music and prayers are offered in a quiet and meditative manner. It is well worth coming out and attending..

Compline services will be held on the 1st Sunday of the month – Dec 5 and Jan 2 at 8.00 p.m.

MESSIAH SING ALONG

Handel’s Messiah is one of the best loved festive choral music pieces. We will be holding a sing along celebration of this great work on Sunday, Nov 26 at 2.00 p.m. There will be instruments and everyone is welcome. You can sing along or just listen. It will be fun and a great way to welcome Advent and Christmas.

CHRISTMAS CAROL SING ALONG

Everyone loves to sing Christmas carols. This will be a fun time for young and old to sing the old favorites. It will be held in the Hall on Sunday, December 10th at 4.00 p.m.

SERVICE OF LESSONS AND CAROLS

It is important to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas, that Jesus was born in a stable. In this service we trace the coming of the Christ child through the prophets until He is born in Bethlehem. It will be held in the church on Friday, Dec 16 at 6.30 p.m.

---

MEMORIAL FLOWERS

If you would like to give flowers for Christmas in memory of a loved one please contact Judy Dickinson. The deadline is December 18th.

---

COMING UP

BAKE TABLE

The Guild will be having a Christmas Bake Table at the Fire Hall on December 3 as part of the Christmas market. The sale runs from 10.00 – 4.00. We are hoping that members of the congregation can help us by baking, making preserves, making candy or giving us a donation. The Guild has several projects to do in our church and everything counts. Items should be brought into the Hall on Friday from 10.00 – 3.00 or Saturday at the sale by 9.30 am. We prefer Friday morning as this gives us time to sort and price.

SUPER RAFFLE

We are holding a super raffle. Kate and Laslo at the Queen Anne Inn are donating a night away for two and Deanne and Barry are donating 10 pounds of lobster. The draw will be on Dec 23. Quite a Christmas treat. Tickets are available at the office or from members of the congregation and are $2.00 for one, $5 for three and $7 for 10. Tickets are going fast so don’t miss out.

DECORATING THE CHURCH FOR CHRISTMAS

Everyone is welcome to stay after the Service on Sun, Dec 18 to help decorate the church for Christmas - tree, windows, outside lights etc.

NEW YEAR’S LEVEE

Rev. Nita and Tim are very kindly hosting a New Year’s Levee in the Rosette Room on January 1st from 11.00 – 1.00. This happy event has had to be cancelled in recent years and it is lovely to have it return.

FELLOWSHIP

Our fellowship has returned. This is happening usually on the first Sunday of each month after the service. Everyone is asked to bring a small plate to share and volunteers make coffee, etc. The Guild is also serving soup at Fellowship during the winter months. A small donation of about $5.00 is appreciated.

---

WHAT HAS BEEN HAPPENING

OUR ANNIVERSARY

We have proudly and with faith in the future celebrated our 200th anniversary of the building of St. Luke’s. A parish photo was taken, an Open House was held and we celebrated with a special Anniversary Service. We planted 200 daffodils and on the day this is published there is a pot luck supper to draw our celebrations to a close. Now we journey on.

Rev. Nita has announced that she will be retiring April 30, 2023 and things are in progress to select a new minister. We wish her every happiness in her retirement. She will not be going away and plans to still worship with us and to help as a volunteer.

The Church Guild has begun soup lunches again after the services. The next one will be in January.

The contemporary service Jesus in Jeans has begun again in St. Mark’s Church. This is a different service and worth a try. Details in the bulletin.

We honoured Queen Elizabeth II in a special memorial service and now are proud to sing God Save the King when appropriate.

The Welcome Table group is discussing plans to help those less fortunate during the winter months.

---

DATES FOR YOUR CALENDAR

Nov 27 at 2:00 p.m. Messiah Sing Along

Fri . Dec 2 from 10:00 – 3:00. Drop off for baked goods for sale

Sat. Dec 3 from 10:00 - 4:00. Guild Bake Sale at the Fire Hall

Dec 5 at 8:00 p.m. Service of Compline

Dec 10 at 4:00 p.m. Christmas Carol Sing Along

Dec 16 at 6:30 p.m. Service of Lessons and Carols

Dec 18 after service. Decorating the church for Christmas

Fri. Dec 23 at 3:00 pm. Draw for Super Raffle

Christmas Eve

4:00 p.m. Family Service

6:00 p.m. Contemporary Service

8:00 p.m. Traditional Service

Christmas Day

8:00 a.m. Said BCP Holy Communion

Jan 1 from 11:00 a.m – 1:00 p.m. New Year’s Levee in The Rosette Room

Jan. 2 at 8:00 p.m. Service of Compline