Every Saturday during the month of October, Warden Heather and our Intrepid Kitchen Staff™ will be hosting a baking fest for those who would like to help the bazaar be profitable by baking up a storm. All supplies will be provided other than your stamina. In years past, this has been a great deal of fun with a dedicated team of parishioners contributing to the cause.

Those who attended the first of these bake-a-thons Sunday past stated that they had a wonderful time. So much food was prepared that our Intrepid Kitchen Staff™ had to finish baking the loaves during our Sunday morning service. Yes, that was what that wonderful odour was that wafted in during Communion! If you would like to join the fun, just come on out Saturday morning! We look forward to having fun with you as you get batter in your hair!

During the period from 7 September to 5 October, a suggestion box was made available so that parishioners could offer their recommendations for a new name for our newly-amalgamated parish. On Sunday 5 October, representatives of both of our predecessor churches opened the box. They were thrilled to find forty submissions with well-reasoned and heartwarming rationales. These have been sent to Bishop Todd. We have asked Bishop Todd to develop a shortlist of up to six names that he considers most fitting. From the Bishop’s shortlist, we will choose a name at a Special Vestry Meeting, to be held on Sunday 23 November, right after the main service. Our thanks go to Archdeacon Amanda and Bishop Todd for the roles that they have played in facilitating the process of naming our new parish.

Click here to read the document that outlines the entire process from start to finish. Thanks are offered to our wardens for the countless hours that were spent in working through this process with our priests and Archdeacon Amanda.

This workshop, which is part of the “My Smartphone Hates Me” series, was enthusiastically enjoyed by a sizeable crowd of forward-thinking parishioners who are keen to learn more and more about smartphone technology and how it can be used to support their independent lifestyle. Participants learned about how AI has already become an important part of their lives, from banking to medicine and to pretty much all domains in between. This was an “entry-level” workshop and was easily appreciated by one and all. On the way out the door, participants identified two topics that they would like to explore next time: safe Internet banking and a good, solid review of old topics. Stand by for details about both of these topics. The presenter thanks his participants for their enthusiasm and looks forward to our next meeting. Until we meet again!

In addition to the food bank, please do not forget our long-standing commitment to the Inn of the Good Shepherd. We continue to actively support the Inn by preparing hot meals on a rotating schedule. Our most recent such day was Monday 2 June when a team of volunteers — and this could have included you! — met at 10:30 in the kitchen at the Inn to prepare a tasty lasagna dinner. Carol Arnesen will happily provide details to those who wish to join the team next time. Perhaps the next time the meal will be eagerly devoured grilled cheese sandwiches!

The first Sunday of each month will be ‘food bank Sunday’. All items collected will be donated to the St Andrew’s Food Bank in Corunna. Much needed items are canned fruit, snack crackers, Manwich, canned chilli, canned pasta with meat, juice boxes, and men’s and women’s deodorant, shampoo and conditioner. At this time, they do not need canned beans or soup. They do not take clothing or empty containers.

We are already thinking ahead and asking for our congregation to start thinking ahead as well. As you clean out for Christmas or are doing a general winter cleaning, please think of the Bazaar!
– Looking for your Christmas items (decorations/ ornament etc) that you no longer “love”
– Any gift bags – not necessarily Christmas decor – any design/any size or grocery bags too
-Any knitting or sewing projects that you would like to donate
– Small stuffed animals
– Your small “Gift Shop” items that you would like to “re-gift”
– Think about baking early but watch for the “Baking Bees”
-Jewellery that you no longer wear, but is not broken!
– Attic Treasures—Interesting baskets new or old, throws or vintage quilts, white or cream tablecloths or napkins, small area rugs, medium or small paintings, pyrex from the 50’s, mixing bowls or casseroles, pottery, pitchers, crocks etc., anything copper or brass, interest- ing pitchers (large or small, white or patterned) plates or platters for serving (white or patterned) small vintage or newer tables, scarves and good quality jewellery, candle- sticks (china, brass, glass) and old wooden snow skis.
– We are adding a new item this year, so if you are can- ning or doing some jams or pickles, please think of us with a few jars.
– Please bring your “contributions” to the lower door of the church or to church on Sunday and leave a message for Barb Pajuk, your 2025 Bazaar Convenor!