Apple has issued an urgent security message to update your IPhone operating system to IOS 26 or 26.2

This is because there is a type of malicious software that hackers run on a target's phone just by tricking it into loading corrupted web content.

These are often called 'zero-click' attacks because they don't rely on the victims opening a suspicious email or clicking on malicious links once they're in the system.

Apple said that the remedy is to download either the iOS 26 or iOS 26.2 operating system updates and then restart the iPhone immediately to clear out any hidden malware.

Thanks, Lanny

Many of the gospel readings in Lent are from the Gospel of John. Now John doesn’t tell pithy short stories the way Matthew, Mark and Luke do. His plots are more complex and his stories are (much) longer – to the point that it’s hard for some people to stand through them! I’m wondering if there are a few people who would be willing to work with me to “repackage” them – maybe as dramatic readings, or dialogues, or something else? Perhaps you have community theatre experience, or love to read aloud… if so, please speak to me, and we’ll cook something up. - 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.

You are invited into the quiet, to deepen your Lenten experience at our Evening Prayer services beginning Wednesday February 25th.  Services will be from 4.30 - 5.00pm.

We will be using the the Liturgy Pray Without Ceasing, and everyone is warmly invited.

For more information, connect with Helen Love.

Copies of our study book, Exiles: the Church in the Shadow of Empire, are going fast, so please let us know if you’re hoping to participate (or just to read the book), so we can place a third order.

Why is this book timely? Here is one example. As we know, ICE (the American “Immigration and Customs Enforcement” agency) has recently been involved in the shooting deaths of two bystanders participating in anti-ICE protests in Minneapolis. On January 9, the Episcopal (Anglican) bishop of New Hampshire made headlines when he advised his clergy to update their wills, in case they, too, should be placed in similar peril. He said this:

I have told the clergy of the Episcopal Diocese of New Hampshire that we may be entering into that same witness. And I've asked them to get their affairs in order—to make sure they have their wills written, because it may be that now is no longer the time for statements, but for us with our bodies to stand between the powers of this world and the most vulnerable.

And it may mean that we are going to have to act in a new way that we have never seen perhaps in our lifetime, [except for these remote stories that I've just cited], to put our faith in the God of life, of resurrection, of a love that is stronger than death itself.

This is the sort of thing we say to first responders, to military, to people whose job is to place themselves in harm’s way. I can scarcely imagine receiving such a directive from our bishop.

Is Bishop overstating the case? I don’t know. But the fact that I can even ask the question suggests that Church and Empire are no longer cozy bedfellows. We need to think deeply about church and its relationship to the world.

The plan is to meet in the church 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. – MAT

NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

Dear St. Michael’s Church family,

You are invited to our Annual General Meeting!

Date: Sunday February 22, 2026

Time: Immediately following the 10:30am service

Location:  Littler Hall

We will be reviewing our ministry reports, approving the budget, and electing new leaders. Your voice matters! Come hear about the exciting vision for this coming year.

*Please bring a bag lunch. Coffee and Tea will be served.

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

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.").

As part of the University of Victoria's The City Talks lecture series, Anglican priest and author Maggie Helwig (Encampment: Resistance, Grace, and an Unhoused Community) will be in conversation with Gregor Craigie, host of CBC's On the Island and author of Our Crumbling Foundation: How We Solve Canada's Housing Crisis. 

This event is being held at United Commons (932 Balmoral Road) on Thursday, February 12, 2026 at 7 PM. The event is free and open to the public. 

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.