Following the great response to the call for stories for the Signs of new life in the diocese piece that appeared in the May 2025 issue of Faith Tides, we have decided to make this a regular feature. The column will now be called Ripples and we will be sending out an email to all churches at the start of the month to gather stories. The intention is to provide a space where churches and their communities can share short stories that might not merit a full article – they can even be as short as a single photograph. In this way we can share how our churches are sending small ripples of change out into their communities and beyond.
The River Playgroup at St Barnabas, Victoria
New life begins in small, tender ways — a child’s laughter, the warmth of shared tea, hands busy with craft and song. At The River, our community gatherings nurture growth, creativity and connection.
The River Playgroup meets every Wednesday morning from September until June. We offer all-natural toys, imaginative play, circle-time and gentle spiritual care for parents and tots. Entrance by donation.
The River at Home is a cozy seasonal program for ages 5–12. Through stories, crafts, nature walks and cooking, children explore the rhythms of the year. Four-week sessions, $80.
The River Harp is our newest offering — a Waldorf-inspired music program for ages 0–5, where little ones discover joy through harp, song and rhythm. $48 per four-week session or $15 drop-in.
Come be part of something simple and beautiful. All are welcome. For more information, visit The River Playgroup pages on the St Barnabas website.
Exploring sacred frontiers
In March, St Luke’s, Cedar Hill launched a new ministry called Sacred Frontiers. Sacred Frontiers was a spiritual exploration and faith formation group that ran for eight weeks and met on Sunday afternoons from the beginning of Lent to the week before Pentecost.
The group was aimed at teens and their parents; adults considering baptism or confirmation, or both; anyone wanting to be welcomed into St Luke’s from another denomination; anyone wanting to formally renew their baptismal commitment; anyone with faith questions; and anyone wanting to deepen their faith outside of Sunday morning.
In total, four teens and 20 adults attended. From this group, three teens were confirmed on May 4, one was baptized on Easter Sunday at St Luke’s, an adult was baptized on June 29, and a number of adults reaffirmed their baptismal vows on Pentecost Sunday.
Quilts for care homes
Thanks to the kind-hearted quilters at St Peter’s, Campbell River, residents in local care homes will receive a beautifully crafted handmade quilt. Our dedicated volunteers generously offer their time and skills to create quilts infused with love and warmth in every stitch. When a family loses a loved one, they can take the quilt home as a cherished keepsake. Each quilt serves as a heartfelt gift, providing invaluable comfort to the residents.
Get out of the church…
….and worship in the garden instead!
St Peter’s, Comox has made the most of their outdoor worship space this spring, with parts of the Easter Vigil, the Easter Sonrise service and the Low Sunday Earth Day service all taking place in God’s creation, with birds and beasts adding to the sounds of praise echoing through the grounds.
Pies raise funds for the community
At St Mark’s, Qualicum Beach, a sale featuring our famous “Holy Roller” pies as well as used clothing, jewellery and shoes took placein late July. Funds of over $2000 were raised to support parish outreach programs—the Oceanside Hospice Society and Trillium Lodge. In addition, summer clothing was donated to the Manna Homeless Society and Salvation Army with warmer clothing put away until the fall. The efforts of all the volunteers ensure that St Mark’s continues to support our community.
St Michael’s, Chemainus celebrates retiring incumbent
Our beloved Michael Wimmer served the parish successfully and wholeheartedly, for a dedicated 18 years. He retired on June 29, 2025. On June 27, the parish gathered to give Michael and his wife, Pat, an unforgettable retirement party in the hall.
The People’s Warden, Sophie Ward, Michael Wimmer, Michael’s wife, Patricia Wimmer, and Rector’s Warden, Patricia Sunderland sat at the head table. They were showered with gifts and a poem written by Julia Barton.
There was a very entertaining musical performance, by music director, Christine Dandy (piano), Peter Weinkam (violin) and Trish Weinkam (piano). Presented with their classical talent and comedy!
