Last Night the Rain Spoke To Me
By Mary Oliver

Last night
the rain
spoke to me
slowly, saying,

what joy
to come falling
out of the brisk cloud,
to be happy again

in a new way
on the earth!
That’s what it said
as it dropped,

smelling of iron,
and vanished
like a dream of the ocean
into the branches

and the grass below.
Then it was over.
The sky cleared.
I was standing

under a tree.
The tree was a tree
with happy leaves,
and I was myself,

and there were stars in the sky
that were also themselves
at the moment,
at which moment

my right hand
was holding my left hand
which was holding the tree
which was filled with stars

and the soft rain—
imagine! imagine!
the wild and wondrous journeys
still to be ours.

- Mary Oliver

Dear St Matthias and friends,

What a month of rain it has been and yet for all the wet, I hope that you have had moments of light and joy!

We are coming up quickly to our AGM and attached you will find our Vestry report as a taste of all the amazing work and ministry that has gone on this past year. 

My deep gratitude goes out to our staff and volunteers and to each and every one of you who have been a part of our life this past year. Whether you came to a gallery opening, served at Chat and Chew, extended hospitality at Attic treasures, helped with the recycling, sang in the choir, worshipped on a Sunday or prayed from afar, your presence has helped shaped our life together and we have been changed by it.    

May this year bring you glimpses of that 'wild and wonderous journey still to be ours'!

In Christ,

The Reverend Meagan Crosby-Shearer

Please click this link to download our AGM Report for 2019 in PDF format.

To the Parishioners of St. Matthias, Victoria BC:  

Notice is hereby given that,

St. Matthias Anglican Church, Victoria,

will convene its annual Vestry Meeting February 23, 2020 at 11:30 a.m. (after the service)

in the Church.

The Vestry will consider the following:  

1)   To review and accept committee reports for 2019 

2)   To review and approve the Parish Budget for 2020

3)   To elect officers for Church Committee for 2020

This unique show of contemporary painting and drawing celebrates walking the ancient Pilgrimage routes in Europe. In the past ten years Jan and Tanta have collectively walked over 5000 miles in Europe, often walking parallel Pilgrimage routes that ultimately led to the town of Santiago de Compostela in Spain.   The artists have captured their individual journeys using colour, line and form. This exhibition showcases the unique responses to their experiences.  

During the season of Epiphany, we will celebrate Communion using the liturgy from Iona and feasting on the Word.  Come enjoy this time of communion and community, where we share bread and wine and reflect on the scriptures for the upcoming week. 

Guest Speaker: Canon Dr. Richard LeSueur How a recent archeological discovery has changed 2000 Years of Christian teaching about Mary Magdalene.

Threshold Housing Recycling on the parking lot - is on the Fourth Saturday of each month. 9 – 11am. Please bring your bottles and cans (wine, beer, cider, pop, water and juice), as well as clean plastics (containers, bottles and bags, styrofoam products, food containers and packing material).   Electronics are accepted for a small charge.  Proceeds go to support life-skills training for youth through Threshold Housing.

Martyn Joseph Live

The Chapel Gallery has launched its newest show!  Pilgrimage, with artists Tanta DeStaffany Pennington and Jan Louise Henry, features contemporary paintings and drawings celerating long-distance walking in Europe.    

The tentative date for the election of a new bishop for the diocese of islands and inlets has been announced at June 27, 2020. In a letter to Anglicans of the diocese the chancellor, Robert Gill outlined the process and timeline for the election, including guidelines for nominations.

January Attic Treasures sale was very successful thanks the volunteers and donors.  The next sale is Saturday, February 22.  If you have any donations, please contact Marilyn Denton at (250) 361 9677 or Email marilyndenton@hotmail.com.  Should you wish to volunteer, additional assistance is welcome.  Please be aware that it does require lifting and carrying from the balcony where items are stored.

Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper Tuesday February 25th 6:00 PM  St. Matthias Church Hall Burning of the Palms -  Join us at 5:30 PM.