Community harvest dance
On Sept. 19, Holy Trinity, North Saanich held a community harvest dance in the parish hall to say thank you to the local farmers and give them a fun way to gather. The Chick Wagon Band performed, and line dancing instruction was provided by Sidney Line Dancing. Delicious food was provided by the Al Ibrahim family and the Greek on The Street food truck. Seventy-five people attended from the parish and surrounding community, and Holy Trinity hopes to make this an annual event.
Silver and Sage seniors program
This seniors program was launched on Sept. 25 at St. Luke, Cedar Hill. The program kicked off with a short radio play performed by the Langham Court’s Readers’ Theatre. Curiosity and a play brought many to the first meeting, but at the following meetings there was still a healthy attendance of around 30 seniors.
St. Luke’s welcomes all seniors who want to connect, learn, laugh and make new friends. A holistic approach to well-being underpins the program. The objectives are to encourage connection, bring joy, stimulate the intellect, reduce anxiety and support good health. Seniors can enjoy an entertainment, a talk or an activity, refreshments and camaraderie. It’s free, but donations are welcome. This program runs on the second and fourth Thursday of the month at St. Luke’s Anglican Church.
Sold out pasta dinner and silent auction at St. Andrew’s
A crowd of 80 diners filled the hall to capacity at St. Andrew’s Anglican Church in Sidney for the first annual pasta dinner. The silent auction, with around 80 items, raised $4,660 for the parish’s programs.
Vintage market a fun way to bring in the community and funds
St. Luke, Cedar Hill held a very successful Attic Treasures Vintage Market on Saturday, Sept. 20, from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Twelve spaces and tables were rented to vintage vendors, for between $100 – $150. There were 53 early birds who paid $10 for entry during the first hour. From 10 a.m. the entry fee was $3. A total of 348 people attended. Vendors and St. Luke’s volunteers dressed in vintage attire, which added to the fun of the day. The Vintage Market has proved to be a good way to reach out to the community and bring in funds for activities at St. Luke’s, and for outreach in the neighbourhood. The next Attic Treasures Vintage Market will be held on Feb. 28, 2026.
Pet blessings held across the diocese
St. Francis Day is celebrated annually on Oct. 4. Churches across the diocese held pet blessings on Sunday, Oct. 5. Among them was St. Michael’s and All Angels in Chemainus, where over a dozen pets joined in a special Celtic service. Norman Knowles, incumbent at St. Michael’s and All Angels, blessed all the pets and their owners. Apparently, there was no barking or fuss, but lots of curiosity, cuteness and cuddles! See some of the pets blessed at St. Michael’s below. Images courtesy of Jodie Greis.
Norman Knowles inducted as incumbent of two parishes
On Thursday, Oct. 23, 2025, Norman Knowles was inducted as the incumbent of both St. John’s in Duncan and St. Michael’s and All Angels in Chemainus. Bishop Anna, along with Jenny Replogle and other diocesan clergy, presented the service. St. Michael’s hosted the celebration. Norman was touched by the love and support from both parishes and those who attended found the service special and memorable. St. John’s bakers joined St. Michael’s chefs in serving up a pot luck dinner that stretched as far as the eye could see!
