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Welcome to St. Catherine's!Dear family in Christ, Our parish values are printed in the Sunday service bulletin every week: Welcoming, Inclusive, Curious, Creative, I saw so many of these qualities lived out to the full here this week, especially that last one: humble. A dedicated work party of coffee hour volunteers and altar guild assembled yesterday afternoon for the dirty and very humble work of cleaning, organizing, and thinning out the accumulations of stuff in our sacristy, vestry, and kitchenette. On the hottest day of the year, this was humble and humbling work indeed! On behalf of all the parish, let me extend heartfelt thanks to all who “mucked in”, cleaned up, and beautified. Our holy spaces are looking wonderful! We’ll think about being humble in other ways this Sunday as we press into the gospel reading from Luke 14:1, 7-14. What does it mean to have humility in the world today – as individuals, as Christians, and as the Church? What would it look like in practical terms for us to stand down from our positions of privilege as individuals and, realistically, to set aside the privilege that the Church held unquestioningly in society for centuries? As we enter a new era of life in a largely post-Christian society, how is Luke’s gospel calling us to centre those at the margins and to step away from our favoured places at the table? In Christ and in community, Rev. Sarah ______ This Sunday August 31, 2025 we will share a Service of Holy Communion Here is the link to the downloadable bulletin: To access the livestream, click on the button below. |
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Backpack & Bicycle BlessingJoin us this Sunday for a joyful and hope-filled gathering as we bless backpacks, bicycles, and all those heading into a new school year. Whether you're a student, teacher, parent, or just love cheering them on — this is a beautiful way to start the season with intention and blessing.
It’s also the first Sunday back for Sunday School, so bring the kids or grandkids and help us kick off the new year together!
Blessings and God's love will be abundantly shared as we ride, roll, and walk into September with courage and community.
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Sunday School Returns This FallWe’re excited to share that Sunday School will be returning this fall at St. Catherine’s on select Sundays during our 10am worship. Children will begin the service with their families in the church, and then head out together for age-appropriate time of learning and encouragement. They will return in time to join the congregation for the Eucharist. This season’s Sunday School dates are:
We look forward to welcoming children and families into this rhythm of worship and formation, and to walking together in faith as the seasons change. _____ Volunteer Note:We are also looking for one additional adult volunteer on Sunday School dates to help us remain Safe Church compliant. No teaching required — just your presence and support alongside the children and leaders makes all the difference! Interested? Please contact office@saint-catherines.org |
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Spiritual Formation: Take This BreadRegister online to receive the Zoom link We'll take up a contemporary spiritual memoir in September, reading Sara Miles' fabulous Take This Bread. Paperbacks are now available at the office (by donation). It's also available as an audiobook on Audible ($.99 with your membership, for a limited time). Sara Miles is a galvanizing speaker and preacher and will give a public lecture at the Vancouver School of Theology on the evening of Thursday, October 2nd, plus a workshop the following day. We'll organize a carpool to attend (or watch via livestream) to cap off our discussions. |
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Amica MinistryWe’re delighted to share that Services of Holy Communion from the reserved Host will resume at Amica this Fall. All are warmly invited to join Rev. Sarah in the Amica Theatre at 11:30am on the following Thursday mornings:
We will be done in plenty of time for lunch at 12:30pm! As always, Rev. Sarah is also available for pastoral support at any time. She can be reached at (604) 985-0666 or rev.sarah@saint-catherines.org. |
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Goodbye to Christopher our Summer Student and Welcome Back Marion from the PreschoolWell the summer went by in a Flash! Christopher and Ashkon worked so hard all summer. They moved mountains, literally, organized for the Fall, made the gardens more lush, and just did an amazing job within the St. Catherine's community. Ashkon has taken initative, responsbility, and risen into a strong young man. He is ready for the Fall season with Christmas fast approaching. We thank Christopher for working so hard, in the heat, and in the cool and wish him every adventure as he starts school again in Ontario And a big thank you to Chris Wensley for working so hard this summer with Christopher, Ashkon, and Nairn. Whether it was fixing broken plumbing issues, updating the computer system, dealing with the buiding, making decisions about furniture... he was there helping with it all. He is now on vacation, just as Billy Garton comes back into the fold in person and to re-rent the Rectory house. |
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Season of Creation - at ChurchWe’ll celebrate the Season of Creation in worship starting on Sunday, Sept. 7 and stretching just a little past its official end to Sunday, Oct. 5. Look for a return of the beloved Salal & Cedar eucharistic prayer, creation-focused hymns, and Sunday School themes.
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Season of Creation - at Maplewood FlatsSt. Catherine’s will connect, commit, and conserve at Maplewood Flats throughout September. Maplewood Flats is managed by the Wild Bird Trust of BC on the unceded lands and waters of the Tsleil-Waututh and Coast Salish Peoples and is home to 251 bird species, 55 nesting species, 80+ native plant species, and 40+ other species of fauna.
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