During last week’s service, some concerns about the selection process and about the state of our parish were voiced. We would like to respond to those concerns with openness and care.

First, we would like to express our deep gratitude for the volunteers who have served on our Parish Selection Committee. They have given their time, prayer, wisdom, and careful attention to this work. Their commitment reflects both their love for our parish and their sincere desire to discern who might best lead us in the next chapter of our life together. We also echo Helen’s comments that the Diocese, and especially Bishop Anna and Archdeacon Jenny, are supporting our parish faithfully as we continue the search for a new incumbent.

The interview process unfolds in several stages. First, candidates are interviewed by the Diocese, which is the employer. From there, the selection committee meets with candidates by Zoom, whether they are local or from elsewhere, so that each person is considered fairly. Those who move forward are then invited to visit our parish for a two-day in-person interview, which also includes a second conversation with Bishop Anna. If that stage goes well, we submit our recommendation to Bishop Anna for review. With her approval, the Diocese then makes the formal offer and manages the discussions about salary, working conditions, and a start date.

There was concern expressed about the cost of bringing candidates to Victoria. That concern is understandable, and we all are grateful that people are mindful of how we use our resources. At the same time, to clarify, the amount spent has not been in the tens of thousands that some may have feared. The interview costs for the three candidates we have brought to Victoria have totaled less than $3,700.

Why, then, do we bring candidates to Victoria? Quite simply, because being together in person helps us discern more faithfully and more fully. A visit allows the committee to come to know a candidate beyond what is possible on a screen. It gives space for deeper conversation, thoughtful questions, and a clearer sense of whether this is the right fit for both the candidate and our parish. For a decision of this importance, that in-person time is invaluable.

The next steps before us are to update our parish profile, gather a new selection committee, and review the interview questions with that team. The search is continuing, and we move forward with patience, hope, and trust in God’s guidance.

We have come through the past 15 months with grace, faith, and resilience. Although we have not yet found the right incumbent, we have continued to grow. We remain committed to worship and fellowship; our numbers have increased; we just held a very successful spring sale; we replaced a failing ancient piece of equipment in the organ that has made an audible enhancement; new members have joined the choir; the beautiful quilted panels made by the ladies’ stitching group were installed, and we are moving ahead with our major capital project. These are not signs of a parish in trouble, but of a community that is alive, faithful, and moving forward together.

We offer heartfelt thanks to the parish leadership teams of both last year and this year for the extraordinary time, care, and dedication they have given to sustaining a vibrant and compassionate parish life. We are equally grateful to Bishop Logan and Dean Ansley for their support, leadership, and faithful contributions to our spiritual and parish life.

With respect,

Stan Willow and Nancy Paxton

Church Wardens

The early stages of the work on our church restoration project continues, and this week we have seen that much of the chipping paint that was bubbling and cracking due to the moisture caused by rot, has been removed.

There's still lots to do, but the work crew is hard at it, making sure St. Michael's church is brought back to its former glory!

A new form for recording prayer concerns

One reason the church gathers on Sunday is to share with others the situations we have encountered that could benefit by prayer. Here at St Michael’s, there is a sheet at the back of the church for recording prayer concerns. These are then incorporated into the Intercessions or “Prayers of the People.”

We have recently added several headings to this form, in order to enlarge the scope of our prayer. We naturally think of friends and family who are in need, or who have died. The new form encourages us to think as well of the whole wide world that “God so loved” – the Church here and everywhere; the world (meaning, the created order and all peoples), and our local community and our local needs. We could pray, for example, for our Canadian House of Bishops, or for church leaders who bravely speak truth to power; we could pray for the people of Sudan, or for those negotiating a new trade agreement for our country; we could pray for those in our own community struggling to deal with the cost of groceries. And so on.

Being deliberate about our prayer concerns is one way we “grow” our hearts and outward awareness. The new prayer sheet is at the back of the church, near the Sunday leaflets: please do add to it. – MAT

Diocesan Summer Retreat - Tuesday, August 4 to Thursday, August 6, 2026 - Salt Spring Island

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.").

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 most recent service HERE

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.