St. George's Anglican Church, Cadboro Bay | Anglican Church in Victoria, BC

We at St. George's value all of God's creation and people of all ages, abilities, races, genders, faiths, sexualities and backgrounds, as God and Jesus taught us.

As a community, we strive to make a difference in the world through compassionate living, learning from our mistakes, and being willing to move to the edge of our comfort zones.

We welcome all, however people identify, whatever road they've traveled, and wherever they are in their journey of life and faith.

Welcome.

As a long-time member of St. Georges Parish, former warden and over the years a participant in several ministries within our church community, I find myself reflecting as we greet a new year in the fiscal life of our church.

I am particularly focussed on our logo and its symbolism. It is a boat in full sail on water that does not at once appear calm. It is sturdy and well constructed. It represents our church. Upon further examination, I can see it is being well guided by its occupants. They are good mariners and stewards of the craft.

In our lives as Christians, the metaphor of the boat appears multiple times in the scriptures. Many events in Christ’s life have reference to the sea, water and boats. Well before his time there was the story of the Ark. Noah heard the voice of God instructing him to build a vessel big and strong enough to withstand the onslaught of wind and pounding waves. It must be built to carry all creatures of the earth with the promise of survival and salvation.

The metaphor of a boat resonates differently for each of us. For me, it represents the promise not only of salvation, but forgiveness and new beginnings. It is a place of safety and community. It is where I experience connection to our fellow travellers on life’s journey. It is where friendship, faith, and trust are forged. It is where times of joy and sorrow are shared.

In many ways our church is like this boat. It needs constant care and maintenance. At St. Georges we are blessed with those people who help navigate us through the changing tides and seasons. These are our priest, our honorary assistant clergy, music director, parish administrator. We owe thanks to the many who so willingly volunteer their gifts of time and service. They are our treasurer, our wardens and parish council and the leaders of the ministries we share with those within and outside our church community.

To be effective in all these endeavours we need to be aware of changing times and needs. To keep the ship in good shape we each must prayerfully consider our annual pledge. A pledge to enhance and continue the good work of stewardship with gifts and service.

I encourage each and all to contemplate faithfully how best to fulfill the promises we make to our church, our community and outreach commitments near and far, but first and foremost to our God.