Beloved people of God: 

Our journey as a faith community continues as we pay attention to the promptings of the Holy Spirit regarding our present and future as the community of Saint Matthias.  Our conversation with St. Phillip’s parish continues slowly and with careful consideration for the needs of both parishes. We may or may not have a future together: in that regard we pay attention to the clues and promptings of the Spirit of God which are often revealed in the ordinary events of our life as a parish. 

In the meantime, we continue as a parish, ever attentive to the needs within our parish community and beyond. Several parishioners stepped up to serve lunch at Our Place on September 4^th, an experience that continues to deepen our understanding of the needs and issues around homelessness and addiction in Victoria. On October 26^th, John Jordan will speak about his ministry in Rhwanda which we continue to support as a parish. The Food Bank at St. John the Divine appreciates our ongoing donations of non-perishable items so please continue to keep filling up that basket at the back of the church. 

Thank you to all who have come forward to serve in the various parish ministries, especially those who have become part of the coffee team for Sundays after the service. We are also in need of more sides people/greeters to welcome people as they arrive on Sundays. All that is required is a friendly welcoming manner which every one of you has, so don’t be shy about coming forward. 

Finally, weather permitting, we will hold an outdoor service  Sunday October 5 to complete the season of creation. We will also be having our annual blessing of the animals, so please bring your furry (or feathered?) friends as well as folding chair if you have one and sun hats if needed! 

Every blessing in this spectacular fall season. 

Rev. Colleen+ 

The good folks of St. Matthias know that reconciliation is not part of a checklist of tasks. Wearing your orange T-shirt on Sunday (and again on Tuesday, September 30th)  is not, of course, meant to suggest a simple approach.  However, we believe that these visual reminders, observed together in community, can help us make a conscious effort to remember how many lives have been affected, damaged, taken by the cruelties of our collected past.  And, we know that damage continues in both new actions that express disrespect and cruelty and in the ongoing injuries to self-esteem, physical and mental wellbeing.  Reconciliation is a journey and we are together somewhere on our journey.  

St. Matthias folk  joined with Our Place on Thursday, September 4 to serve lunch.  We were so blessed with this opportunity.  The pictures say it all ... and we'll be posting them on our website soon.  In the meantime, just look at the happy faces!!

There will be a celebration of life for Colin Plows at St. Matthias on Saturday, October 4th at 11 am.  You will know that Colin and his wife Jill Marrock have been part of our community since spring; their presence has enriched us. Members of the parish are welcome and encouraged to celebrate Colin's life and to express their prayerful support for Jill and family.  

Just a reminder!  We will close this year's Season of Creation by recalling St. Francis of Assisi and modelling his generous love of all God's creatures.  As Rev. Colleen has noted, we are all invited to bring our pets (or photos or memories) for the blessing of the pets.  And, for any pets who might be concerned:  they needn't be Anglican!  All are welcome.  

The 2025 Investiture service will take place on Saturday, October 25, 2025, from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm at Christ Church Cathedral, Victoria. 

The purpose of the Order is to honour and give special recognition to members of the diocese (and in the case of honourary awards, those not part of the diocese) who have given outstanding service over a significant period of time in their baptismal ministry. 

We are thrilled to let you know that our beloved Dorothy will be invested in the Order.  She is receiving this award in recognition of her deep commitment and witness to the importance of healing prayer for many years.  If you're not able to attend in person, follow this link to connect to the livestream:  https://bc.anglican.ca/events/the-order-of-the-diocese-of-bc/2025-10-25