A reminder to all parents and anyone else interested in ministry with children and youth at St Michael's, that the Education Committee is hosting a conversation during the first half of the service, in the rectory board room, this Sunday, February 1, at 10.25 a.m. 

We are facing several challenges, including age range, unpredictable attendance, lack of appropriate resources, and a need for adult volunteers. The most important question, though, is “What are the best practices for engaging kids in the life, belief and practices of the Church, and what expectations do we have for their formation as young Christians?” We’ve got some wonderful young people here, and they deserve our best. – MAT

Shrove Tuesday- Come and join together for Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper on February 17 at 5:00 pm.

We will also hold a raffle of new and gently regifted items. Donations of books, chocolates, napkins, children's toys, sealed food items, candles, etc would all be appreciated. Please drop items off in a marked bag in Littler Hall. 

Contact Terry Willow at tjwillow@telus.net if you have any questions. 

Bringing Back Palm Crosses – Lent is just around the corner, beginning February 18. This means it is time to collect last year’s palm crosses, so they can be burnt for use on Ash Wednesday.

Please bring your crosses and place them in the basket at the back of the church for this purpose.

Five Wednesdays in Lent: The Church in the Shadow of Empire

Lent is a traditional time for deepening our Christian knowledge and commitment. This year, we will focus on a theme which has captivated biblical and theological thinkers in recent years – summed up in the word “Empire.” We will take Preston Sprinkle’s book, Exiles: the Church in the Shadow of Empire, as our starting point.

The following promotional description (from Amazon.ca) gives a good sense of the topic:

"Sprinkle is American, and he quite naturally addresses issues arising in his own country. Amazon.ca describes his book as a “thoughtful exploration of the intersection of faith and politics, [asking]: What if we considered ourselves “exiles in Babylon” and turned to Scripture, not political parties, to shape our most passionate values?”

Amazon goes on, “Dr. Preston M. Sprinkle reminds us that the first-century church was not an apolitical gathering, where Christians left their Roman politics at the door. It also wasn’t a place where Christians mounted a Roman flag next to—or above—a Christian one. Church was a place where God’s plan for governing the world was revealed, where one could witness what it means to follow the Creator’s design for human flourishing. He explores why:

· Israel’s exile to Babylon profoundly shaped the political identity of God’s people—and still does today.

· Christians should see themselves as foreigners in the country where they live.

· The gospel of Jesus’ kingdom was politically subversive.

· The church today should view its political identity as fundamentally separate from the empire.”

The plan is to meet for Evening Prayer at 4.30 p.m., followed by a light supper (soup & bun), and then about an hour of discussion. We’ll wrap up no later than 7.00 p.m. The sessions begin Wednesday, February 25 and run till March 25 inclusive.

Copies of the book are available at the church for purchase ($17). While it is preferable to attend all five sessions, this is not necessary. And we do understand that there may be some who cannot join us for Evening Prayer or the meal.

Call for photos!

Thank you to those who have sent along photos, and we are still looking for more for our “year-at-a-glance” slide show for our AGM February 22. If you have a few shots of the various events and activities over the past year, please share!

Email photos (soon!) to admin@stmikevictoria.ca

Thank you!

Our plans to grow tomato plants for purchase at the Spring Sale in early May have hit a snag! If you would be willing to plant and nurture some seedlings (anywhere from 10 -100!) please be in touch with Lenore English or Phyllis Fatt, who can fill you in on what, when and how.

Each week we provide a new link posted here in the newsletter, so please make sure you watch this space for the latest link to attend the service live.

Here is the link to tune in this Sunday: https://youtube.com/live/HYVpiygSitM?feature=share

And don't worry- If you missed the service last Sunday, you can still catch the recording (scroll down to the section below: "Sunday Services at St Michael's" and click on: "Watch the Service here.").

Our Sunday 8:30am service is shaped by the 1962 Book of Common Prayer. The lilt and rhythm of old English finds its way into this liturgy, and some beautiful turns of phrase illuminate this service where there is no music. While the service itself is quiet, regular attendees are lively, friendly and very welcoming.

Our Sunday 10:30am service, shaped by the Book of Alternative Services, includes music and more contemporary language and images for understanding God. This service is normally recorded and available for view on Sunday afternoon on the website.

WATCH the Service HERE

During Lent, the days that the Office is open will shift to Tuesday, Thursday & Friday. Closed on Wednesdays Feb 18, 25, Mar 4, 11, 18, & 25. Hours will remain the same. 

The regular office schedule will resume Tuesday March 31st.

Any questions please email admin@stmikevictoria.ca or call 250-479-0540

There are several email addresses setup for your convenience contacting the church.  Please refer to the list below and feel free to reach out when you need to.