Beloved people of God:

God has blessed us with beautiful summer weather and if it continues, we look forward to celebrating our Sunday liturgy on July 21^st, in our outside courtyard, so remember to bring a hat and if possible a folding chair.

Summer is a beautiful time to slow down and enjoy God’s creation in our beautiful part of the world. A reminder that we gather in the chapel for Celtic Liturgy and sharing of the Gospel for the coming Sunday on Thursdays at 10 am, so if you are curious and appreciating praying with a smaller group, please join us. A reminder, too, that the labyrinth is a special feature in our grounds and a beautiful walk to help us to slow down to a ‘summer pace’.

Special congratulations to Bob and Mary whose marriage we will bless and celebrate this coming Wednesday, July 17^th. A wedding is a special blessing for a parish, reminding us in a very tangible way that God loves us abundantly and blesses our commitments to one another,  not only for the couple but also for the community.

A  reminder that during these summer weeks I am aways available for conversation with any of you. Just let me know and I’ll be glad to make an appointment with you.  A reminder too that if you are unable to come to Sunday worship, I am happy to bring communion to you and pray with you, but again, you need to request it.

Blessings

Rev. Colleen

https://www.stmatthiasvictoria.ca/ministries/supporting-families-in-rwanda

On June 30th, St. Matthias heard our fellow-parishioner John Jordan sharing his joy -- and the joy of our friends in Rwanda -- at the wonderful work that has been done and continues to be done in Rwanda.  

The link above will take you to the website page that speaks to this great work.  If all goes well, that page will, in turn lead you to a video clip of his presentation.  

Our parish has collectively supported this ministry of outreach and faith for some years; many individuals and households have also made additional gifts of support to the NGO John established in Rwanda to support this work.  

As Reverend Colleen says, we have rich opportunities to lift our hearts and minds in a gentler, summer way.  Perhaps you'd like to walk the labrynth ... and take a quiet time to meditate, pray, or simply savour God's beautiful creation?  

You might have read about the exciting growth in Little Free Libraries.  St. Matthias, too, received a grant to help us establish our own little library (conveniently close to the labyrinth and some pleasant benches).  Wander by, select a book to read ... and enjoy the collected efforts that allowed this gift to operate (the beautiful painting, the lovely windows and installation, the carefully stocked book shelves).  

Our courtyard beckons!  You may notice there are two picnic tables!  Bring your snack, coffee or lunch ... and enjoy!  The neighbours who share this delight frequently thank whichever parishioner happens to walk by.  This is a gift from us to our neighbours and to ourselves.  Enjoy, enjoy -- and greet the neighbour who might be there, too.