St Philip Oak Bay parish newsletter - week of 22 June 2025
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National Indigenous Day of Prayer, Parish Picnic, Prayer Shawls

St Philip Anglican Church
St Philip Oak Bay parish newsletter - week of 22 June 2025

Contents

  • Parish notices
    • A message for the National Indigenous Day of Prayer, June 21
    • This Sunday - Parish Picnic!
    • This Sunday - Name badges
    • 25-27 June Waxing hall floors
    • Mustard Seed clothing donation request 
    • Prayer Shawls Ministry
    • Summer Thursdays: study/discussion group
    • 27 June St Philip Oak Bay - Teens & Twenties Games Night
    • July Examen Prayer check-in & discussion
    • Contemplative Prayer
    • Hearing Loop System
  • Looking Wider
    • Alongside Hope: Resilience Fund Update
    • Emmanuel Baptist: summer day camps
  • This week in prayer
Services this week

Services this week

22 June 2025 - 2nd Sunday after Pentecost

8am Holy Communion

9am Community prayers downstairs in the youth room

9.30am Eucharist in-person and live streamed via Facebook Live [LINK]

  • Celebrant & Preacher: Fr. Allen Doerksen
  • Altar Guild: Bethan Samaroo,  Felicity Bradley     
  • Usher: Bruce Fyfe
  • Music leaders:  John and Andrea Andrachuk
  • Readers: Lisa Alexander, Florie Varga
  • Prayers of the People: Joan Sedgwick
  • Powerpoint & slides:  Clayton Savage, Mark Evans-Ehricht
  • Facebook Live: Karishma Iyer
  • Children's ministry: Gerianne Knowles-Robson
  • Youth ministry: Ruth McGhee
  • Coffee:  Evelyn Savage, Barb Britton
  • Offerings counters: Betty Davidson, Felicity Bradley

24 June, Tuesday 10.30am Contemplative Prayer

26 June, Thursday 10am Eucharist followed by discussion

A message for the National Indigenous Day of Prayer, June 21

A message for the National Indigenous Day of Prayer, June 21

By Archbishop Christopher Harper on June 17, 2025

Prayer transcends time, language and tradition.

In a video greeting for June 21, the National Indigenous Day of Prayer, National Indigenous Anglican Archbishop Chris Harper reflects on this sacred truth, showing how the ancient words of the Sarum Primer continue to live today in the Smudging Ceremony practised in many Indigenous communities across this land. His message invites all to reflect on the deep spiritual threads that connect us—to one another, to creation and to the Creator.

For more infomation visit:

http://stphilipvictoria.ca/news/a-message-for-the-national-indigenous-day-of-prayer-june-21

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This Sunday - Parish Picnic!

This Sunday - Parish Picnic!

and year-end Blessing for Graduands - Sunday, June 22, 2025

We have scheduled our annual parish picnic for June 22nd after our 9:30 AM worship service.  This is a relaxed and fun opportunity to bring family, friends and neighbours to celebrate the wonderful community we share at St. Philip. We look forward to giving a warm St Philip welcome to some of the community from St Matthias Fairfield at our service and picnic as well.

GAMES: If you would like to organize activities and games, please contact Allen (incumbent@stphilipvictoria.ca),  Larry (lanthony@stphilipvictoria.ca) or Judith (jarmstrong@stphilipvictoria.ca).  

BLESSING: please send Fr. Allen any names for the list of graduands and educators (any program or level) for a special blessing during the service on the 22nd: incumbent@stphilipvictoria.ca

PHOTOS: we will be taking photographs throughout the picnic time that may be posted on our church website or social media.

PARKING: there will be fewer available spaces in the parking lot than usual; if you can, please park on the street and leave the remaining spaces for those who really need them.

This Sunday - Name badges

This Sunday - Name badges

As we welcome friends and neighbours to our parish picnic, including visitors from St Matthias, a reminder to please wear name badges this Sunday. They are in an alphabetized box in the narthex. If you don't have one yet, there are lots of blank badges and holders for you to write one. If you would like yours printed for future use, please leave it on the desk in the office and a printed one will appear in the box for next Sunday.

Photo by Jon Tyson on Unsplash

For more infomation visit:

http://stphilipvictoria.ca/news/name-badges

Read More
Waxing hall floors

Waxing hall floors

The floors downstairs will be waxed Tuesday-Thursday 24-26 June, and will not be ready to be walked on until Friday. This includes the washrooms and kitchen. An access path from the main stairs to the washrooms will be maintained during the day throughout, and from the back stairs to the kitchen on Thursday.

Image: Praveen Thirumurugan on Unsplash

For more infomation visit:

http://stphilipvictoria.ca/events/waxing-hall-floors/2025-06-24

Read More
Mustard Seed clothing donation request

Mustard Seed clothing donation request

From the Mustard Seed: Our stock of adult clothing is extremely low, and the greatest need right now is for men’s clothing—specifically pants, shirts, and shoes.

While donations of women’s clothing are always appreciated, we are especially in need of gently used and freshly laundered men’s items to support the growing number of requests we’re receiving.

If you have any men’s clothing you’re able to donate, or know someone who might, we’d be so grateful. Donations can be dropped off at 625 Queens Ave or brought to St Philip.

 

Photo by Zoe on Unsplash

For more infomation visit:

http://stphilipvictoria.ca/news/mustard-seed-clothing-donation-request

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Prayer Shawls Ministry

Prayer Shawls Ministry

What's a prayer shawl? Modern Prayer Shawls can be knit, crocheted, or quilted.  When knit, a pattern of knit 3, purl 3 is used, which becomes the prayer of "Father, Son and Holy Spirit".  They are made to support people through illness, loss, trauma, and life transitions, or can be given at times of celebration.

Prayer Shawls are a gift, representing our love of God through The Christ.  Recipients comment that they feel wrapped in love, they can feel Christ holding them, or they can feel the compassion knit into the shawls.

People work on prayer shawls for many reasons.  I started knitting to honour my sister after she died.  Janet was an artist using many different media, including working with fabrics.  She would design and make vests representing the breastplate of the armour of God (Ephesians 6:14).  A prayer would be written for the recipient and stitched into the lining of the vest.  The last one she made was for a mother who sat in court listening to the testimony about the murder of her son.  For Janet herself, there was no one to make a vest.

If you know of someone who would benefit from one of these shawls, or if you like would like to join in, either by knitting or helping to cover the cost of a shawl, please speak to me.  I knit with the Prayer Shawl group at St. George’s, Cadboro Bay.

- Merle Campbell

Image: St George's Cadboro Bay

For more infomation visit:

http://stphilipvictoria.ca/news/prayer-shawls-ministry

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Thursday discussion group

Thursday discussion group

Thursday study/discussion - starting Thursday, June 26, 2025

Summer is a great time to explore! In that spirit here's a Thursday Eucharist/study schedule that opens up opportunities for theological, biblical, and spiritual exploration:

  • June 26 - Ask The Priest Anything (ATPA). Really! This is not a time for Allen to "have the answer," but a time for the group to dialogue and discern wisdom. This will be fun .
  • July 3 - Examen Check-in and Refresher. If you didn't participate in the Examen study, no worries. We learn together on the fly!
  • July 10 - ATPA
  • July 17- ATPA
  • July 24 - ATPA
  • July 31 - ATPA
  • August 7 - Examen Check-in and Refresher
  • August 14 - ATPA

This discussion group meets in the church, sometimes outside in the summer, usually over coffee, immediately following the 10am service. All are welcome!

For more infomation visit:

http://stphilipvictoria.ca/events/thursday-discussion-group/2025-06-26

Read More
St Philip Oak Bay - Teens & Twenties Games Night

St Philip Oak Bay - Teens & Twenties Games Night

Friday, June 27, 2025

Last Fridays of the month: BOARD GAME NIGHT!

We have snacks and board games, and all we need is you! Feel free to invite your friends and bring your own snacks and games if you want to - this evening is for *everyone* between the ages of 16 and 29. We won't nitpick about the age limits :)

Date: Fridays 6-9pm, June 27, July 25, August 29

Where: St. Philip Anglican Church, 2928 Eastdowne - entrance to the lower level through the pathway by the garden at the side of the building - follow the signage!

Feel free to drop in or leave at any time. There are bus stops for buses 4, 9, 7, 11, and 15 within walking distance from the church.

Questions?: Contact Karishma at ms.shrutikarishma[at] gmail.com

 

Header photo by Dave Photoz on Unsplash

For more infomation visit:

http://stphilipvictoria.ca/events/st-philip-oak-bay-teens-twenties-games-night/2025-06-27

Read More
Examen Prayer check-in & discussion

Examen Prayer check-in & discussion

Thursday, July 3, 2025

Starting in July, and continuing in tandem with future book study/discussion series, on the first Thursdays of the month at 10.30, following the morning service, there will be a regular Examen check-in and discussion (3 July, 4 Aug, 7 Sept etc). This will provide support and continuity for those who have already started with Examen prayer, and anyone is welcome to drop in/begin at any point as well, no prior experience needed.

Curious about Examen Prayer? Start here

Fr. Allen has put together a short introductory booklet, 'Beginning to Pray the Examen', print copies available in the narthex.

Item photo by Ben White on Unsplash, header photo by Sylvain Brison on Unsplash

For more infomation visit:

http://stphilipvictoria.ca/events/examen-prayer-check-in-discussion/2025-07-03

Read More
Contemplative Prayer

Contemplative Prayer

Please join us on Tuesday mornings, 10:30 - 11:30, meeting in the choir area of the nave (at the front of the church), for a 20 minute contemplative sit with a time of prayer following. 

 

Photo by Dawid Zawiła on Unsplash

Hearing Loop System

Hearing Loop System

The Church has a loop system that may assist people with hearing loss by diminishing background noise. This system has been disconnected for an extended period of time. For people wearing older hearing aids, they would have to turn on the T function. For people with newer hearing aids, they should discuss with an audiologist if their hearing aid can be adjusted internally to benefit from a loop system. If people learn that could in fact benefit, please let me know and arrangements will be made to get the system operational. 

Island Deaf and Hard of Hearing, a non-profit society, employs two audiologists. For people in financial need, donated hearing aids can be made functional for their hearing needs at no cost. For people that purchase hearing aids through IDHH for the same price as commercial retailers, all funds are used to support the numerous programs offered by the Society. 

- Karen Van Rheenen

Alongside Hope: Resilience Fund Update

Alongside Hope: Resilience Fund Update

Two weeks left to double your impact

Less Than Two Weeks Left to Double Your Impact with Support Alongside Hope (formerly PWRDF)

Alongside Hope is over 80% of the way to unlocking a $250,000 matching gift for the Resilience Fund, with another $42,000 needed by June 30 to meet the goal. Your support will be doubled to help refugees in Tanzania, malnourished children in Burundi, and survivors of gender-based violence in Uganda.

Help Alongside Hope reach the finish line—click below to donate. Thank you for making a difference in the lives of our neighbours around the world.  

For more infomation visit:

https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/weblink.aspx?name=E344492QE&id=91

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Emmanuel Baptist: summer day camps

Emmanuel Baptist: summer day camps

Emmanuel Baptist offers SUMMER DAY CAMPS - 5 weeks of Day Camp for Grades 1-5 (in Sept 2025). Monday-Friday 8:30 am – 4:30 pm. Maximum 20 children per camp. Spaces available.

2121 Cedar Hill Cross Rd (x Henderson), Victoria, BC V8P 2R6

General Camp Information
Each camp includes: gym time, outside play, bible stories, afternoon adventures PLUS the theme of the week!

  • Grades 1 – 5 (in Sept. 2025)
  • Monday to Friday 8:30 am to 4:30 pm
  • Must have no-heat lunch and snacks – bring utensils
  • Must have proper running shoes with covered toes and back
  • Appropriate play wear (shorts under dresses/skirts)
  • Sunscreen
  • Hat
  • Swimsuit and towel
  • Water bottle

Day Camp Leaders: Emmanuel After School Staff, Rae & Maine
Maximum 20 children per camp
Registration Fee $200 per 4 day camp / $225 per 5 day camp

CLICK HERE for more information and registration forms

For more infomation visit:

http://stphilipvictoria.ca/news/emmanuel-baptist-summer-day-camps

Read More
This week in prayer

This week in prayer

For more infomation visit:

https://www.stphilipvictoria.ca/news/this-week-in-prayer--787

Prayers and readings for Sunday 22 June and the following week
This week's recipe

This week's recipe

from the parish cookbook 1976

Useful links

  • Live Streams:  via Facebook Live [LINK]
  • Service outline: for those viewing the live stream, the coming Sunday's 9.30 service outline is online here
  • Listen to a past sermon only: click here, choose a sermon, scroll down & click "jump to sermon". Now featuring audio-only as well!
  • Service recording & sermon audio: choose any past Sunday here (listed most recent first)
  • More news & events from our church neighbours and wider community: click here
  • Previous parish newsletters: click here and click "Recent issues" near top left for a drop-down menu
  • Parish Council minutes: click here , see under Downloads
  • Staff contacts: via the parish website
  • Liturgy for the Islands and Inlets: click here for full text
  • Salal + Cedar (Diocese of New Westminster): click here
  • Book of Alternative Services: click here
  • Anglican Church of Canada lectionary: click here
  • Revised Common Lectionary: click here
  • Diocesan Comings & Goings: read latest
  • Inclusive Christians at UVic: read latest
  • Faith Tides: click here for latest issue
  • Contemplative Society: latest news
  • L'Abri Canada: read latest
  • Sorrento Centre news: click here
  • PWRDF updates: read latest
  • KAIROS Canada: read latest
  • Anglican Church of Canada news: click here
  • Anglican Journal: click here for latest articles

The Welcome pew leaflet, weekly parish news, current Anglican Journal, & Faith Tides, recent Parish Council minutes and more are all available in print in the narthex. Please let Anna know if more print copies are needed, on Sundays or for sharing with those who don't use email.

News items for the bulletin are always welcome - deadline Thursday noon. More parish, diocesan and community notices on the News and Events sections of the parish website.
*****************
Rector: Rev. Allen Doerksen
email incumbent@stphilipvictoria.ca, cell 236-508-2928
Rector's day off: Friday
 
Wardens: Larry Anthony lanthony@stphilipvictoria.ca and Judith Armstrong jarmstrong@stphilipvictoria.ca
 
Office Hours: Mon 1-4.30, Wed & Thurs 9-4.30
250-592-6823
admin@stphilipvictoria.ca
 
Thank you for avoiding scented products at church.

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Image credits

Candles: S. Hermann & F. Richter, NoName_13 on Pixabay
Footer painting: Caitlin Ambery, 2007

Header image:  Foxgloves at St Philip, Anna Sander

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2928 Eastdowne Rd. (at Neil)
Victoria, BC
Canada V8R 5R8

1-250-592-6823

admin@stphilipvictoria.ca