Crying Children: Some Pre-Christmas Service Advise

My wife and I have differing opinions on what to do with our own children while in worship.  While sitting in the pews one Sunday in Maui on vacation, there were plenty of people to cast glances and whisper in hushed tones about my own children, my lack of parenting skills, or my inability to go with the model of "Children are to be seen and not heard."  The most welcoming response to this situation came when the priest tossed his sermon and directed the congregations attention to what we can do to model Jesus and his behavior toward children.  All of a sudden my children were attentive, since someone was talking to them, and most of all, including them in the family of God.  Oh it is sad when we experience adults who have forgotten that they too were once children.  As I write this, there are 16 small children in the church as part of our community drop-in playgroup, and if I ask them if Jesus was a baby they all respond - YES!  A baby will be in our midst in church most cases...will we welcome the child?  Here is an excellent link to a Whole People of God page on what to do with Children in the Church that is full of fun, practical ideas. "In order for Sunday worship to be a positive experience for everyone, children also need to have some clear expectations. They need to discover how they can take part." Being with Children in Worship Hints for Parents, Grandparents, and ‘Adult Friends’

Getting even closer to Christmas

December 23
7pm Posada at St Peter's in Spanish and English - Nativity Story Procession and Dinner

Christmas Eve - 24 December
St David's 
4 pm Children's service - Fun for everyone, especially busy families who have dinner waiting.  This 45 minute service will help capture the holy in what can be a busy season.

St Peter's
7pm Family service
9pm Traditional service

St Michael and All Angels
4pm Family service
9pm Traditional service

Just gets better

Thanks Laura B for telling us about this little clip uniquely told.

Liked this last year..I like it still.

There are of course some freedoms given to the actual scriptural accounts, but it is a really creative message nonetheless.

Three Saints Cook Christmas Dinner for Threshold Housing

Folks from the three parishes work hard to prepare the Christmas dinner for Threshold Housing Society that is happening tonight.  Check out this fantastic ministry here!

In Our Community

Dear Mr. Ng and Food Forum staff,

It is with sadness that we see that the grocery store in Cordova Bay will be closing down. You and members of staff have helped support a growing childrens' church at St David-by-the-Sea, Cordova Bay by your kind donations and sale prices towards many of our various events. In the life of the Anglican parish Church we have also seen how important it is for groups and individuals to support our local services whether they be religious, or secular community events.

This Advent and Christmas season we will be praying for all of you in this time of transition. In what is a busy season for many, on behalf of the Anglican parish of St. David-by-the-Sea, we ask God's blessings upon you and the staff.

Merry Christmas,

The Rev. Canon Christopher Parsons & the People of St David-by-the-Sea

Times Colonist story on Food Forum

Feeling Stuck this Season?

A Christmas Story

As the seasons change so do a lot of our moods and feelings.  The 3 Saint's is offering another Blue Christmas service held at St David by the Sea On 21 December at 7 PM.  We have advertised in the past with those who have lost a loved one, but I recently thought that with the growing playgroup held at St Peter's there are many new parents who have gained a child, and struggle with postpartum depression.  Christmas decorations are already going up in stores, so don't forget to plan a time to make this season special no matter what your mood.  We offer quiet contemplative somber worship with Blue Christmas, as well as the excitement of fun and activity with Family Christmas Eve services, and Spanish Christmas Mass.  What ever mood your in - God is with you.

Kids in Victoria - Blue Christmas