Download File - St Mary Magdalene

A big thank you goes to The Rev. Dr. Jane Barter-Moulaison who conducted Confirmation classes and
prepared candidates for taking their place in the church. The Confirmation ceremony took place on Sunday 17
May with the Bishop presiding. Six young persons were confirmed and one other received into the Anglican
Church. We are grateful to Jane, for her work with the Sunday school and the leadership provided by Carey
Isaac and Barbara Bater in taking turns working with the youth.
St. Mary Magdalene was well represented at Faith Horizons in October. The Rev. Dr. Jane Barter-
Moulaison and The Rev. Mary Lysecki were part of the planning/leadership committee for the event. Barbara
Bater hosted a display table which showcased various items unique to our parish. These included Altar linens
and photographs of robes made by Gail Forrest, a prayer shawl made by Pat Darlington, seasonal banners by
Lianne Marsh and plates of cookies baked by Pam Parisian for the visitors who stopped by our table. Tannis
Webster and Mary assisted in the worship services. Jennifer Nembhard led a workshop which focused on
music in keeping with the theme of the conference which was the Arts in the life of the Church.
On Sunday 16 October we had Simon Chambers, the Communication Coordinator for PWRDF visit
with us. He gave the sermon and gave a video presentation after about the work of PWRDF. Closer to home
we continue to support the inner city ministry of St. Matthew’s-Maryland. Our liaison is provided by Margaret
Jones and Barbara Bater. The parish is assisting St. Vital Youville Clinic provide a school lunch program and
continue to host a seniors kitchen wisdom meal preparation program.
A shortened version of Consecration Sunday was held on the Feast of Christ the King, Nov 20
followed by a hot lunch prepared by men of the parish. This condensed version was held in order to return to
holding the event in the fall, since one was held earlier in March of the year.
The Parish members rejoiced in the successful outcome of the “Out of Africa” project which reunited
three Hambira children with their parents. A big “well done” and thanks to all who were involved from our
congregation especially David Newman who travelled back from South Africa to Canada. The Rotary Club of
Charleswood were and still are the lead sponsors. The family worshipped with us on 4 December and
presented an altar cloth from Zimbabwe.
Thanks to Nancy and John Chan’s continued leadership with two very successful Garage Sale events
held in the Spring and Fall of the year. These events provide fellowship and a valuable connection with our
surrounding community.
We are pleased to have the Asian Christian Fellowship worshipping in the building monthly on Sunday
evenings. The turnout is well over 50 persons. The majority of this congregation is Urdu speaking. Qaiser
Bhatti is one of the leaders and a lay reader in our congregation. With the approval of Vestry we have signed a
document which cements the relationship as one that falls under the authority of the parish priest and as a
consequence is a part of the fabric of the parish and diocese. A special thanks to the ACF for their
participation in the welcome service held for Mary back in September.
The Corporation has negotiated an arrangement with a group of French speaking Presbyterians to hold
services and other church related activities in our building. Known as L’Eglise Viens et Vois, they are small
group just getting started and draw on folks living in the St. Vital and St. Boniface areas. We will continue to
do what we can to make this a success. Please welcome The Rev. Charles Kahumbu as he leads services, bible
studies and counseling sessions.
Judy Asker, office administrator, now works in the office four afternoons a week. This arrangement
started in September as Judy accepted a similar position but in the mornings at St. Luke’s parish on Nassau.
This arrangement is working well for all concerned.
Improvements with security were necessitated by concern for the safety of persons working alone in
the building and the loss of items. A camera intercom system was installed in November. A second phase, a
buzzer door unlock mechanism will be undertaken so that Mary and Judy will be able to unlock the door from
their offices. A third part of the security is to install an overnight alarm system. It seems that these steps have
already been or are being undertaken in a number of churches. At the same time the 10 year old phone system
was upgraded and a separate line added for the rector.
We are blessed to have many parishioners exercise outreach ministries in various ways. Of note is the
pastoral care team that now includes, Mary Lysecki, Barbara Crow, Gerry Brown, Mary Valentine, June Freeth,
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