Newsletter #17
It’s time for another Stewardship newsletter at St. John’s. Much has happened since the last update, so welcome to #17!
The building renovations are going well again. There was a hiatus due to supply chain delays and a few days of movie activity when our lounge was transformed into a schoolroom. It is amazing to see how quickly the area is given a whole new look, then put back to normal! The builders have now started on the front of the building. Take a look at the new siding on the north side – it looks great! The siding is “hardie board”, though it looks like wood, and it should last a long time.
As you may have heard, we received a grant of $25,000 from the Diocese and a matching grant of $25,000 from a generous couple in the parish! This is wonderful and has put us well on the way to covering costs.
Thanks also to everyone who has contributed to the “Covering up the Cracks” campaign! Every dollar you give means a dollar less to be transferred from our trust fund, which is very good news. So far, we have raised $8,215! Other things have been happening too.
In October, we put on a “Thank You” lunch for our intrepid gardeners from “PLEA”. They turn out in all weathers each week and we are very grateful for their work. Thanks to Beth Scott and Joan Ogrodnick, who whipped up a delicious lunch for about a dozen people!
Also in October, three of us (Joan Ogrodnick, George Coghlan and Janet Coghlan) participated in “Ride for Refuge”, walking along the river path in Pitt Meadows or cycling for PWRDF. The picture was taken by George and shows us with friends from St. Laurence Coquitlam, who also participated. We raised $755 with your generous support. Thank you! Overall, PWRDF raised more than their $40,000 goal for solar suitcases in Mozambique! PWRDF also have gifts and Christmas cards available now.
Here are the links: Shop PWRDF’s World of Gifts. If you prefer, leave a message for me (Janet) at the office: 604 463 5733 as soon as possible. To sign up for their Advent Resource (daily reflections). Once again, this year PWRDF have made it into the top 100 charities in Canada. Congratulations to them for consistent excellence!
More good news – the Holly Tea is back! All being well, it will happen on Saturday November 20th from 11-3. The format for the craft sale is a little different this year as we have decided to rent tables to local craftspeople/ small businesses. The tea will be the same great value as always, and we plan the usual popular bake sale. There will be a smaller craft table and jewellery table for St. John’s and a PWRDF table. If you would like to volunteer, there is a sign-up sheet in the Lounge. Or just come and enjoy some delicious goodies. Bring your family and friends! As of now: MASKS WILL BE MANDATORY AND VACCINE PASSPORTS REQUIRED.
Watch out for our 2022 “St. John’s Calendar” which will be on sale at the Tea. It’s at the printers now and I can’t wait to see how it turns out! “Photo Expressions” have kindly given us a very special deal on the printing.
Thanks to everyone who put in “Hymn Suggestions” in the box in the Lounge. We’ll be looking at them soon.
Thank you for your Neufeld orders. We sold over $3732 worth of food and made a profit of $677. Well done everyone!
It is good to have Reverend Laurel back after a well-deserved rest!
For those of you who like the recipes, here is an appetizer that sounds as if it could be expanded to a full-size quiche. It’s from “Divine Delicacies” again, contributed by Denise Ansell:
Mexican Mini Quiche Tart shells (pastry equivalent to a 2-crust pie)
4oz green peppers
2 eggs
½ cup cheese, grated
½ cup white cheese, grated
1/3 cup milk
¼ cup chopped onion
½ cup mayo
¼ tsp salt
Method Mix all ingredients (except pastry) together and blend until smooth. Fill shells ¾ full and bake @400F about 12-15 mins
I haven’t tried this one, so let me know how it turns out if you do– and send me some of your own favourite recipes!
If you are a new parishioner and would like to be on the parish list, please contact the office 604 463 5733 or see Joan Ogrodnick, People’s Warden.
Finally, thinking of the current climate summit (which ends November 12th) and recognizing this beautiful season, two closing prayers for creation:
Lord God, our desire is that we might hand over a healthy, productive world to our children and future generations. Enable us to play our part in the way we live our lives and encourage others to engage in the long-term stewardship of a world that has been sadly neglected. For the sake of all creation, we pray. Through Jesus Christ, our Saviour, Amen
So many shades of gold Autumn Another miracle we take for granted Another expression of the artist's vision The blending of the autumn hues with the setting sun Warm Comforting Perfect Thank you for autumn, Lord
John Birch (Faith and Worship website)