At a time when most parishes around the D of NW are still getting fall offerings organized the parish of St. Oswald’s had already completed their 2011 Mission to Seafarers Christmas initiative. The St. Oswald’s participants prepared 66 gift bags surpassing their goal of 50.
The cloth shoe bags containing the gifts were sewn by parishioners.
In September, the parish held an event titled, Quilts in the Graveyard. It was fortunate that the weather cooperated, enabling the quilts to be spread outside as well as in the hall and church. The quilts were loaned by members of the Abbotsford Quilt Guild. Many of the quilts were hung from the cross ties in the church. Of particular interest was a quilt covered with bible quotes. This quilt, on loan to the event was rescued from a thrift shop by a guild member who was pleased with the idea that it would be displayed in a Christian context. The quilt has been labelled and will travel to other churches. The churches who display the quilt are asked to add the name of their church to the label. Light lunches and cream teas were served and together with the sale of some smaller quilts that had been donated, the event raised over $400.
The cloth shoe bags containing the gifts were sewn by parishioners.
In September, the parish held an event titled, Quilts in the Graveyard. It was fortunate that the weather cooperated, enabling the quilts to be spread outside as well as in the hall and church. The quilts were loaned by members of the Abbotsford Quilt Guild. Many of the quilts were hung from the cross ties in the church. Of particular interest was a quilt covered with bible quotes. This quilt, on loan to the event was rescued from a thrift shop by a guild member who was pleased with the idea that it would be displayed in a Christian context. The quilt has been labelled and will travel to other churches. The churches who display the quilt are asked to add the name of their church to the label. Light lunches and cream teas were served and together with the sale of some smaller quilts that had been donated, the event raised over $400.
Art in the Churchyard was held October 15th and featured several local artists--many of whom were trained by Barbara Boldt. Offerings included oils, pastels and photographs. Sandra Cattermole, one of St. Oswald’s wardens, exhibited her work--and surprising many fellow parishioners who had no idea she was such a very talented artist. Many who attended were interested in a tour as the historic church and graveyard were recenlty featured prominently in an article in the local Langley paper. As always, a favourite activity was ringing the church bell.
The Thanksgiving dinner on October 22nd was a get-together with prayer partners from St. Cuthbert’s, Delta and St. Michael’s, Surrey. It was called "St. Oswald's Got Talent.” Long time radio producer Ian McDonald was the EMCEE. Among the performers were, Jennifer Driscoll Holmes, a professional soprano and kindergartener Andrew McDonald who wowed us with There were ten in the bed..." His dad said we should have started with five in the bed as he can't really count backwards from ten yet! We had a huge selection of food from Indian curries to perogies, cabbage rolls and turkey. About 60 parish friends and family attended. A principal focus of St. Oswald’s is a desire to be hospitable and increase relationships with parishes in the region. This is in keeping with the goals of the Ministry Assessment Process (MAP).
The Thanksgiving dinner on October 22nd was a get-together with prayer partners from St. Cuthbert’s, Delta and St. Michael’s, Surrey. It was called "St. Oswald's Got Talent.” Long time radio producer Ian McDonald was the EMCEE. Among the performers were, Jennifer Driscoll Holmes, a professional soprano and kindergartener Andrew McDonald who wowed us with There were ten in the bed..." His dad said we should have started with five in the bed as he can't really count backwards from ten yet! We had a huge selection of food from Indian curries to perogies, cabbage rolls and turkey. About 60 parish friends and family attended. A principal focus of St. Oswald’s is a desire to be hospitable and increase relationships with parishes in the region. This is in keeping with the goals of the Ministry Assessment Process (MAP).
Images: Top, Parishioners display the handmade shoe bags full of gifts. Middle right, Quitls in the nave. Middle left, Art in the Church. Bottom right, Father Paul Illical and Joan Best prepare to serve the Turkey dinner