2009 OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD REPORT

Hayley, Maya and I were happy to bring the Samaritan’s Purse Operation Christmas Child shoe boxes to Holy Trinity in November. With the help of a wonderful information program we were able to make up some of the time we lost in our late start this year. Unfortunately we missed a few weeks as we were not called to pick up the boxes. However I am assured that this will be rectified for next year. Approximately 45 shoe boxes were caringly filled for children in need in Central America. What an amazing way to bring the story of God’s love for all of us to children in developing countries! Thank you to all of you who donated
school supplies, small toys, clothing, games and hard candy for these needy children. Thank you to everyone who supported and prayed for this program. I know my daughters loved helping me with this worthwhile effort.

Respectfully submitted,
Jacqueline Sephton

2009 PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY REPORT

The Prayer Shawl ministry has had another great year, providing and reaching out to anyone in need of comfort and prayers. It continues to expand and evolve as applications to new areas are identified such as having children receive one at their Rite 13 celebration and possibly having one given at baptisms. It is a wide reaching ministry providing comfort for people not only in our church but throughout the community. Shawls were not only distributed to the Alma House in Surrey and to Talith Koum House in Burnaby, this past holiday season 14 shawls were also handed out to seniors at the Weatherby Pavilion. All shawls and lap robes come with a detailed card and church photo that Pauline Buckley generates on her computer. Shawls continue to be knitted the first Thursday of every month at my home. This is a very dedicated group that would welcome and encourage anyone interested to join in to help create these beautiful shawls. Some of the knitters bring their own supplies but materials are also available from me.

Wool is purchased with the monies donated by some of the recipients or their friends and family. This year approximately 113 shawls were created and 90 have been distributed
as well as 4 lap robes. Donations received this year were $721.99. Remember if you know of anyone in need of a shawl or lap robe please contact me.

Respectfully submitted,
Aline Aubin

2009 THE PRIMATE’S WORLD RELIEF AND DEVELOPMENT FUND REPORT

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all parishioners who purchased PWRDF Christmas cards this year. Funds obtained from your purchases as well as the donations in your offertory envelopes helped to support many PWRDF programs. During 2009 we forwarded $7,490 to the Fund. Because of your commitment to support this worthy organization many people around the world will benefit in different ways. For example, a girl brought up in a brothel in Bangladesh will be able to choose a life different from her mother; a man in South Africa will spend Christmas with his family because of his improved health through HIV and AIDS education offered in his community.

I will continue to keep you informed about the work of PWRDF in the bulletin with monthly updates. For more information about PWRDF go to www.pwrdf.org.

Respectfully submitted,
Rita Buchy

2009 FRIENDS OF THE VANCOUVER SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY REPORT

The last meeting of the Auxiliary to the Vancouver School of theology was held at VST on March 26th, 2009. Members remembered the work of this organization which had a history of over one hundred years. Marilyn Harrison gave an excellent talk, tracing the history of the various auxiliaries from 1908-2009 who came together in 1971 to form the Auxiliary to the Vancouver School of Theology. However, due to declining membership and funding leadership, it was time to move on. Approval was given to the constitution of a new body and thus the Friends of VST was launched and the Chancellor, Louise Ralston was appointed the first president.

The Aims and Objectives - through a network of friends:-
1. to support the ongoing work of Vancouver School of Theology
2. to provide programmes of interest to the members of The Friends of VST
3. to promote relationship and understanding among ecumenical and inter-religious partners.

Two events were held in the fall. The Friends of VST hosted an inaugural meeting in the form of a dessert party on September 25th at West Point Grey United Church. Rabbi Dr. Robert Daum, the newly appointed Director of Iona Pacific Inter-Religious Centre at VST spoke on the work of this new centre.

On November 19th, members joined the community worship in the Epiphany Chapel followed by a complimentary lunch dedicated to the Friends of V.S.T. A DVD on the life and work of VST and conversation with the principal, Wendy Fletcher and several students followed.

Our parish was a staunch supporter of the Auxiliary to VST and I hope we can continue the enthusiasm for the Friends of VST Memberships ($5.00 per year) are available through the church office or from me (604-531-4622). All monies from memberships and donations go to student bursaries and aid of various kinds. Notices of events are posted on the bulletin board and in church bulletins.

Respectfully submitted,
Mary McDougall