Happy New Year and Happy Christmas season! 

We wanted to remind you of the note we sent a few days ago.  We are delighted that Bishop Anna and Rev. Canon Ian Powell are coming to our worship service on Sunday, January 4, to invest Dorothy into the Order of the Diocese of BC.  We hope you will be able to witness this wonderful acknowledgement of Dorothy's service and the reminder of the importance of the healing ministry in our faith tradition.  

And, with belated thanks, we want to thank Nessa Kenny, Dorothy's granddaughter for sharing this lovely photo of Dorothy.  

It's such a delight to share that two of our best-loved parishioners have birthdays to celebrate!  On Sunday, January 4th, please join us to rejoice and celebrate the gift of having these two individuals among us.  You know how special each one is; here's an opportunity to witness the power of faith, hope and charity among us.  And ... to celebrate the gift of humour and laughter that each one shares so richly.  

This picture of Don next to Bob Hall came to us courtesy of Arifin Graham.  

As the community of St. Matthias has changed over the years, some of us may not have met one or both of these two lovely people. 

Aileen McConnell (11 April 1932- 20 November 2025) joined St. Matthias shortly before the pandemic, which brought so many disruptions.  Steve Koerner introduced Aileen to us.  As her health and personal situation changed, she moved to Metchosin and her friend Glen Fast brought her to church -- always beautifully dressed and with a stylish hat.  Most recently, Aileen moved to an Amica residence.  After her death, her widespread family and friends collaborated with Rev. Colleen to develop an online Service of Thanksgiving for Aileen's life.  Please contact either Rev. Colleen or Cory Herrera if you'd like the link to the online service.  

Deb (Debora) Winchester, a member of St. Matthias for many years until 2022, died 20 December 2025.  Very long-time parishioners will remember Deb and her children Peter Gatt and Kaiti (Gatt) Warrener.  The family home is at the corner of Richardson and Richmond (diagonally across from church), and you may know that for several years, Deb was first on our security list for the "quick check" when our cranky alarm went off; Deb would roll her eyes and check -- being quite clear that she'd leave it to the police either late at night or if her spidey sense went off.  Peter and Kaiti were both part of the altar servers / crucifers team.  

Rest eternal grant unto them, O Lord, and may light perpetual shine upon them.