From the Rectors Desk, Pentecost, 2024 

Beloved people of God, 

Today we celebrate the coming of the Holy Spirit, an event first manifest 2000 years ago, but which continues today. At my ordination two years ago, I heard the words “They will pour out their Spirit on all flesh”. 

I was reminded then and now that it is the Spirit of God that empowers us to do anything at all and that this Spirit is given freely to all of us to accomplish the work of God in the world. It is not given for ourselves but for the work of God’s mission in the world. For those of us who ever feel overwhelmed by the world’s problems, who feel insecure about where the church is headed, who feel weary in carrying out our daily tasks; today is good news indeed. We do not walk alone, the Spirit of God is poured upon us in good days and bad days, in ordinary times and wondrous times as God’s own Spirit weaves all of our lives together into one glorious whole for all eternity.  It is a day to be joyous, a day to celebrate, a day to walk with open hands into the future that God has planned for us. On this day: 

 May the Spirit be the inspiration by which you travel, 

the restlessness driving you onward, 

the stillness bringing you to the heart of God. 

May the Trinity, the three, be with you as you travel, 

And may all your journeys begin, continue, and end 

In the God who has created you, 

The Son who has befriended you, 

And the Spirit who has gifted you with wings to soar and power to change the world. 

News flash:  "sneak peak available to congregation after worship on May 19th!!!" Plan to attend the opening reception!

St. Matthias is delighted to welcome Roberta Pyx Sutherland to The Chapel Gallery, with her exhibit More Blessed Than We Know.  The exhibit begins with an Opening Reception on Friday, May 24th, from 6-9 pm, featuring an Artist's Talk at 7 pm.  Please enjoy Roberta Pyx Sutherland's comment about this exhibit.  

The Cup, the Bowl,  the chalice, the font….a final urn. 

The exhibit will run from May 24-June 8, 2024, with Gallery Hours on Saturday and Sunday from 11 am to 2 pm. The Chapel Gallery is located at 600 Richmond Avenue, Victoria.  

We're delighted to tell you that not only can you enjoy Reverend Colleen's sermons by reading her drafts https://www.stmatthiasvictoria.ca/blog/wired-for-connection-easter-5 , but you can also read the drafts shared by our guest preachers!  Bishop Anna recently presided, preached, and joined us for coffee!  Read her thought-provoking sermon here https://www.stmatthiasvictoria.ca/blog/like-a-tree-planted-in-too-small-a-pot-bishop-anna-greenwood-lee  .  And, last Sunday, Reverend Juli Mallett shared her reflections on the important celebration of Ascension  https://www.stmatthiasvictoria.ca/blog/sermon-for-ascension-sunday-rev-juli-mallett  .  Of course, it's more fun to see and hear the "live" presentations -- and catch the spur of the moment inspirations, chuckles and ad libs -- but we know you can't always be with us. Or, perhaps you have a friend who might enjoy these opportunities.  

St. Matthias is so lucky to have these wonderful opportunities for reflection and inspiration.  Enjoy!!

Ennis is away this week, so the office is formally closed.  However, in case of pastoral emergency, please contact Reverend Colleen directly on her cell phone at (250) 882-5191‬ (or send a text message if you prefer).  We are monitoring the office email and the office phone, but not as efficiently as usual!  

You can also email Cory at cherrera@stmatthiasvictoria.ca  and she'll try to faciliate the "practical matters."