"As you read through these reports, you will receive glimpses of the ways we are responding as individuals, as small groups, committees and as a congregation, to the amazing grace of God which we receive daily.

Janice Young

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A Word From Rev. Janice Young

When I first arrived at St. John’s, I studied the Church Family Picture Board in the lower hall in order to match the faces and names of the people of the congregation. Since those first weeks in the summer of 1998, some of those folks have died and their photos have been moved to the ‘Saints’ of St. John’s Photo Board. As I look at those old photos, I remember some of the stories I heard: Bill Cormack transporting salvaged lumber by row boat from the Union Steamship dock to build the first St. John’s church at the corner of Whittaker Road and Hwy. 101 in 1945 and Frances Fleming, describing her mystical experience 22 years ago, confirming the newly purchased lot on Davis Bay Road as ‘holy ground’.

A familiar children’s hymn from the 1960’s reminds us that the church is not a building. Nevertheless, the physical building is a central part of our story, especially in the past decade after discovering that we were suffering from ’leaky condo’ syndrome. As awful and stressful as that period was, there were many unexpected blessings in the months of fundraising and rebuilding that demonstrated the commitment of the congregation and the wider community, to the continued presence of St. John’s. As a result of that challenge, we now know deep in our bones that the church is the gathered people of God celebrating and responding to the good news of God’s abundant and unconditional love.

As I look at the faces on the Picture Board today, I see many different people who have experienced the transforming love of God since St. John’s first began in 1954. Each photo carries stories of how we respond to God. Each photo is a witness of our desire to be faithful to God. Just as some of the photos are beginning to fade, so too are the stories and memories that go along with those pictures.

Anita Saari has blessed us by searching out and collecting many of those stories in order to compile and write this history of St. John’s Sunshine Coast. Catharina Donkersloot had hoped to do just that but her health interfered. The title of this history is to be credited to Catharina. As we read this story of one small congregation of The United Church of Canada, may it confirm the faithfulness of God who works in and through ordinary people like us, to accomplish God’s extraordinary plan of many diverse people, living together as one loving human family for the good of all creation.

An Introduction by Catharina Donkersloot

The history of a church is like the history of a family, and when we get together it is good to remember both the good times, and the days when everyone was anxious about the future, and St. John’s people have experienced both.

It seems long ago when four or five families decided that a church was needed. At that time there were only a few people living in Davis Bay. The church they managed to build was small, but so many children came to be instructed in the Sunday School that some years later the church needed to get another building.

Studying the history of St. John’s opened an appreciation to this small group as they were deeply involved in the church. Both fathers and mothers besides having growing families saw the importance of providing a spiritual home for their neighbours and families.

A few of those earlier members are still a part of us. To understand how this growing church managed to carry out its mission will add to our ability to worship, since we’ll become more aware of all the faith and prayers that has made our fellowship possible. Both good and bad times have happened. Over the years several people have stopped attending our services, and although we miss all of them, there is a part of everyone that remains. Those who died or left for other reasons are still part of St. John’s because the combined spiritual gifts have directed us and made us who we are.

Today we are again trying to understand how to be a church in a more secular world where church-going is often seen as an anachronism. This belief causes us to search more deeply in what ‘The Spirit’ is telling us, and by doing so we also need to know how our forefathers tried to be obedient to their calling. I am grateful to Anita Saari for giving us this history.

1954

The first congregational Board Meeting of St. John’s United Church of Wilson Creek, as it was called then, began at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Chilton, Davis Bay at 3:00 pm., March 20, 1954. There were thirteen members present. It was a testament to the times that a work bee was formed to clear brush and fallen logs from around the church because they were creating a fire hazard. After this initial meeting, the women took over and agreed to hold a Woman’s Association meeting on the second Tuesday of the month, with the first meeting to be held at Mrs. Macleod’s on April 13th, 1954.

1955

The Second Annual Congregational Board Meeting was held at the Macleod’s on January 6, 1955. The Financial Report was read and passed with all fourteen members immensely pleased with the amounts and an even better report was looked forward to at the end of the year. The members hope to get a start on the addition to the church this year which, when completed, will help in any function the church wishes to hold. It will also accommodate the Sunday School as the church is too small for the number of children attending. On Sunday, September 25, 1955, Mr. Chilton asked that a Building Committee be formed to look after things as he will be away for a while. Mesdames Roberts and Macleod with Messrs. Campbell, Wright and Macleod were named to act as this Committee.

1958

The next recorded meeting was held on February 16th, 1958. There were thirteen present. The yearly receipts totalled $1,394.59 and the balance in the bank is $567.59. $400.00 was transferred to the Building Fund.

1959

The regular Annual Meeting of St. John’s United Church was held February 22nd, 1959. There were many expressions of appreciation exchanged for various jobs done well. Mr. Yewdall gave a few well chosen words about his enjoyment of the little church and it’s friendly atmosphere. There were thirteen present.

1960

A meeting was held on September 4th, 1960 where Rev. Donaldson announced that Mr. Chilton was unable to carry on as Secretary/Treasurer due to ill health. Mr. Chilton was thanked by Rev. Bevan on behalf of the church members for all the work he has done since the Church opened. Mr. Barclay will take over.

1961

Sixteen people were present at the February 3, 1962 meeting to report on the activities of 1961. Mrs. Bevan showed that the efforts of the Women’s Auxiliary have been very effective both socially and financially, despite their age and health factors bearing heavily on them. $517.91 has been raised by this group. The Treasurer of the Board pointed out there was a very small margin of receipts over expenses and even the loss of one member who gave a dollar each Sunday would destroy that margin.

1962

Rev. Mr. Cameron welcomed eighteen persons to the Annual Meeting on Tuesday, February 12th at 3:00pm. The Session reported a membership of 19. The Treasurer’s Report showed the Church has met it’s commitments. The amount raised was $1472.90 with expenses at $1185.95. It was noted that the water bill was very high and that for no extra charge, a toilet could be installed. The United Church Women reported they raised $565.42 with expenses totalling $291.29. The Sunday School reported that 30 children are attending and that they have three parent teachers and one teenager assisting.

1963

A congregational meeting was held in the Sunday School room on April 30th, 1963 and eleven persons were present. Detailed plans were presented for installing a washroom. It was noted that to comply with building regulations, a hallway would be required, with the washroom door off it. This seemed an opportunity to install another room off that hallway to be used as a kitchen. The amount quoted by Mr. DeKleer was $1385.00. Those present realized that this was a big challenge, and wondered how it could be met financially by such a small group. Mr. Chilton said it would mean all resources would need to be approached to do this, but if those present agreed to it, the resources provided by regular donors, the U.C.W., adherents and a loan, this work would be paid for within two years.

1964

The Annual Meeting of St. John’s United Wilson Creek, was held January 21st. There were 12 present. Membership was reported at 23. There were 4 weddings, 1 Baptism and 1 funeral. It was reported that $1949.53 was raised and that there was $1885.43 in expenses. The Sunday School extension has been completed and paid off over and above the general fund. Mrs. Lamb reported an increase in Sunday School attendance. A new Sunday School Curriculum will be in use in September and as it is costly, funds will be needed to be available for this purpose.

1965

A potluck meal was served in the Sunday School room of St. John’s Wilson Creek on January 28, 1965 for the 1964 Annual Meeting. 24 persons were present. The M&S givings amounted to $396.67.

1966

The Annual Meeting was held on January 28, 1966 in the Sunday School Room, with 15 persons present. Miss Campbell then expressed her thanks and appreciation for the strong and loyal support of the congregation. She stated that average attendance at regular services is 18 and 40 at Family Services. There are many more parents and young people in the local area and she expressed a desire to somehow draw them in to St. John’s. There was an enrolment of 30 children for the Sunday School with an average of 20 attending. 8 choir girls are meeting regularly, and as well as learning new hymns, they are becoming more familiar with the Bible as they read passages of Scripture from the pulpit.

The U.C.W. are active and very busy receiving visitors, which included: Mrs. Bonnie telling of her work in Bolivia. Their financial report states after expenses, $456.38 remains. The Organ Fund now totals $475.60.

A special meeting was held on June 8, 1966 to discuss the purchasing of a piano. Mrs. Evans pointed out that Sunday School children will play a piano long before they will play an organ. An ad was put in the paper asking for one and a Piano Committee was appointed. Mrs. DeKleer was given permission to sell the old organ for anything over $10.00. The Committee was allowed an amount of $250.00 and Mrs. Evans offered $25.00 to start the piano fund.

1967

Twelve people are using envelopes and the total raised for 1966 was $2268.22 and expenses were 2107.30. The Building Fund has $576.06 in it. At the close of morning services on February 25th, the congregation held a short meeting to seek approval to purchase an organ.

1968

The Annual Congregational Meeting of St. John’s United Church Wilson Creek, was held February 20, 1969 with 9 persons present. The Treasurer reported that only due to the assistance of the U.C.W. could the church meet it’s obligations. The membership is currently 26 residents and 2 non-residents. There was 1 Baptism, 2 Marriages, 1 Funeral, 3 Received by Profession of Faith and 1 removed by death.

1969

On February 8, 1970, the Annual Congregational Meeting was held with 13 persons present.

1970

On May 7, 1970, a report of Miss Campbell’s work was given to the Home Mission’s Committee and a strong request for someone to help the Minister with his workload was effective in gaining the sympathy of the Home Mission’s Committee. This resulted in a recommendation to Presbytery to put the request to Conference. Rev. Williamson reported that a change in how monies are distributed has meant that Conferences are now given a lump sum by Toronto to spread amongst all their work and so the replacement for Miss Campbell was unlikely.

In August, members were advised that the budget needed to be increased to bring the Minister’s salary up to the minimum figure of $5500.00. A budget was set at the same as 1970 with a review to held later. For the Statistical Report it was estimated that church members should be recorded at 25 and households under pastoral care as 80. Mr. Dickie then read a report he had prepared for Metropolitan Council stating the need for a full time assistant. Rev. Jim Williamson brought up the subject of wedding fees and turned over $10, a donation for his last wedding, and $10 for the janitor fees. It was agreed that this amount should be a customary donation for non church members. It was agreed to present a deficit budget to the congregation, as it would be a more effective way of showing our need for a financially solvent budget.

This year saw the beginning of a West Howe Sound Pastoral Charge Board, with representatives from Gibson’s United, St. John’s United, Roberts Creek United and Port Mellon Community Church. Its concern, is for the welfare of the charges such as: the Minister’s salary, travel allowance, Pension Plan, Presbytery Assessment, etc.. Monies for all that need to be provided by these four churches.

1971

The Annual Meeting was held on February 6, 1971 and ratified the budget as presented. There was discussion, prompted by the Treasurer, who stated givings were far below what was needed to sustain operation. The proposed budget to the West Howe Sound Pastoral Charge was then presented with a $466.00 increase. Rev. Jim Williamson felt that ‘slow but sure’ would describe the work of St. John’s for 1971. Slow in the sense that no great advances were made, but sure because they are progressing in the fellowship and the work of God’s Kingdom.

1972

At the February 4th Annual Meeting, $750.00 of surplus funds were transferred to the Building Fund. St. John’s was still referred to as St. John’s Wilson Creek and matters were set in motion to correct this to St. John’s Davis Bay. After the purchase of the organ by the U.C.W., the contents insurance for the church was increased to $3,000 which meant an increase of $9.00 per annum. The U.C.W. will likely assume this cost. The Sunday School teachers reported their concerns about not being able to accommodate the increased enrolment. Mr. Williamson asked the Board members to be thinking of the physical size of the Church and future growth. Seven young people were confirmed into the United Church. It was a great moment! The Elders met to establish a policy for Baptism. They will be studying marriage next.

1973

In September, the Board met to deal with the problem of accommodating the Sunday School classes. CAN-FOR has agreed to sell at a reasonable price, a trailer. It was ratified by the congregation that St. John’s proceed and that $1500.00 of the Building Fund be used towards purchase and setting up. A donation of $1,000.00 was also received at that time. A balance of $476.40 showed at the end of November and the Board was pleased to have exceeded their goal for 1973. The U.C.W. was thanked for their donation of $150 to general funds and $200 to the Building Fund.

1974

St. John’s recommended to the West Howe Sound Pastoral Charge that a paid part-time Secretary be hired to assist the Minister. Mr. Lamb reported that 15 envelopes were used last year and 8 supported M&S. The Elders reported that there are 24 active residents, 8 non-active, 6 non-resident and 47 adherents, some of whom are very active. The Stewardship Campaign would be presented at the pot-luck supper and after the supper, letters of follow-up with pledges enclosed, would be given to all those present. At the November Board Meeting, how to handle those who didn’t show up at the pot-luck, would be discussed.

1975

At the January meeting of the West Howe Sound Pastoral Charge, Rev. Mr. Williamson tendered his resignation with both great sadness and great joy. Sad to leave his many friends and joy that he leaves a strong congregation behind. The January Board Meeting of St. John’s United, reported that their proposed budget for 1974 had been met and exceeded. 11 responses to pledge requests, has amounted to $3,129.00. The West Howe Sound Pastoral Charge February meeting was a very lively one. Mr. Williamson spent some time calming everyone down.

St. John’s Annual Congregational Meeting was held on February 16th and 24 persons took part. The Division of Mission grant for $1500.00 was turned down by St. John’s.

In August, 1975, Mr. Jim Chisholm visited from Presbytery to assist with the ‘76 budget and spoke of how pleased Presbytery was that the West Howe Sound Pastoral Charge had become self-supporting. Miss Ward spoke of St. John’s problem of meeting their 1975 budget and there were suggestions for fund-raising.

Rev. Annette Reinhardt will be the new minister for the Pastoral Charge, and her ordination will be on September 21st.

1976

The Annual Congregational meeting was held on February 1, 1976. During the year 32 people in the West Howe Sound Pastoral Charge attended a renewal weekend and came to the conclusion they should stop worrying about the inadequacies of their charges and simply relax and reach out to one another in love.

1977

At the Annual Congregational Meeting of St. John’s on January 30th, it was noted that the favourable votes outnumbered the nays for a change in structure of the governance of the Pastoral Charge. 38 children attend Sunday School. The March 16th meeting made a motion “That the Executive Board of WHSPC be given the authority to make final decisions on behalf of the Charges, on a trial basis”. Another motion took the onus off the Minister to make the decision of what type of Communion Service was be held and that a rotation method would be adopted. The Ecumenical Study Group held in Sechelt during Lent was referred to and appreciation expressed, there were hopes for a continuance of study groups.

1978

The Annual Congregational Meeting for St. John’s United was called for February 5, 1978. 27 were present. It was noted in the Financial Report that St. John’s is now responsible for 33-1/3% of the West Howe Sound Pastoral Charge and therefore their commitment will be $6674, an increase of $1800 over the year before. A new Board Structure for the Pastoral Charge was adopted.

On July 16, 1978, a Special Congregational Meeting was held and Miss Reinhardt tended her resignation, effective September 30th, 1978. Rev. Cliff Henning from Presbytery, suggested retired Ministers fill in until a new Minister was found, and Rev. Ted Dinsley and Jessie Oliver agreed to stand in.

1979

February 11, 1979 saw the St. John’s United Annual Congregational Meeting held following the morning service. Mr. George Inglis will be the new Minister for WHSPC. A rental was found in Gibson’s, and rent will be paid from May even though the new Minister will not begin until June 1st subject to his Ordination. Finances are in good shape. The Minister’s salary will be $5,915 for 7/12ths of the year and housing will be $2,569. A surplus in the amount of $4,546.67 is in the WHSPC’s bank account and the Board will return some to the Pastoral Charges.

1980

Rev. Cliff Henning and Mr. D. Williams visited from Presbytery and expressed that they were aware of the struggles and joys over the last few months. In November the WHSPC met to state that the evaluation of Rev. Inglis was not complete due to his illness, but areas of concern were: - his health now; - his health at the time of the call; - his visitations, which are a high priority in the Charge; - his sermons. Rev. Crewe from Presbytery, in a questionnaire asked if the Pastoral Relations were in serious jeopardy. He suggested there might be alternatives: - the Minister might ask for a change; - the Congregations might ask for a change; - all in the Pastoral Charge might hope for a better relationship and work together for a positive change through a retreat.

1981

St. John’s Session on January 9, 1981 noted much satisfaction about the Christmas Carol service in December. After TV, Press and other publicity took place advertising it, the Church was filled with strangers and neighbours. Kay Inglis was thanked for her leadership with music and Ray Fleming for all his hard work. The Stewards were unanimously thanked for the installation of additional hymnbook racks, renovation of the kitchen in the Friendship Room, for the new hot water tank, the additional counter space and cupboards, as well as for the clean-up of the trailer and the laying of carpet on the steps outside the trailer.

The Official Board this year, reported its biggest task was directed toward ensuring the continuity of the Pastoral Relationship in co-operation with Presbytery. The Rev. Alex Reid was interim minister. Alex Reid’s appointment was again made by Presbytery for a period of one year starting July 1st, 1981. This is accepted practice when problems have existed in a Pastoral Charge. So on July 1st Alex Reid was welcomed to the Charge. He has been a tower of strength and has added new leadership and a new sense of purpose to the West Howe Sound Pastoral Charge. During this time plans were started to increase the size of the St. John’s church building. The Building Fund is now a priority.

1982

In January, Betty Wood reported for the U.C.W. that they had had a very successful year and had made sizeable donations to various organizations, including $1400 to the Church. Rev. Alex Reid was praised for his commendable visit to St. Mary’s Hospital on Christmas Day. Presbytery has given permission to St. John’s for expansion. There is now $20,000 in the Building Fund. The Building Fund has so far has now raised $53,644 in cash and pledges.

1983

On May 29th, 1983 St. John’s United Church in Davis Bay was dedicated. The Clerk reported an average attendance of 62 persons. Membership has increased from 80 to 90. Already services are becoming more overcrowded and the Sunday School needs more room as well.

1984

Membership is now 91. We retained the services, on a pro-tem basis, of Mr. Ken Dalgleish who had undertaken the music at our sister church, Gibson’s United. The gift of a beautiful piano by the Ross Armstrong family has widened our musical horizons.

1985

Fourteen children were Baptised in 1984. Cable Channel 10 wishes to carry the highlights of the Christmas Pageant. No one spoke against the idea and it was thought it would be a good memory for the children in their future years.

1986

Average attendance is 69. New Hymn Book Supplementals will be purchased. At the Annual Congregational Meeting January 23rd, St. John’s expressed the desire to share their premises with any Christian denomination in need. The first meeting of the Youth Group will be held May 30th, followed by a beach party. Rt. Rev. Dr. Bob Smith retired as Moderator this year and in later years became a strong member of St. John’s.

1987

• "that the congregation of St. John’s United Church at Davis Bay meeting here at the Annual Congregational Meeting, authorize a Committee to be struck for the express purpose of investigating property available for a possible relocation of St. John’s United Church within the year l988."

1988

At the January Annual Meeting, two possibilities were announced by the Exploratory Committee:

• The Haslett house - $169,000; close proximity to the church site; emotional value to the congregation of present property; ready for use with rezoning in place.
• Two lots - at Davis Bay Road and Simpkins; 2 blocks to highway; property $50,000; construction $200,000 to $250,000. Both properties were approved for offers.

At the March Session meeting of St. John’s, the Sunday School reported intolerable conditions in the classroom as the Friendship room is crowded and often chaotic and some students prefer to stay home which meant St. John’s lost the parents as well.

1989

At the March Session Meeting, Hazel Seeton reported an “Every Person Visitation” and Fund Drive will be combined. There is great enthusiasm for a new church, and to date pledges have totalled approximately $80,000. J. Clayton and R. Bennett having made projections, agree that we can handle only one mortgage, and that our financial limit is $333,500. Sod turning for the new church will take place on May 28th and will be a family affair. In November, St. John’s current buildings were purchased by the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Canada. As a condition of sale, St. John’s were granted use of the premises for one year from the date of sale. There are 69 children enrolled in the Sunday School, who very much look forward to larger premises in the new church.

1990

As of December 31st, 1989, the Building Fund held $212,987. The request for two loans from The United Church of Canada have been made, and were processed. The church will be built by Sarcon Construction. The price will be $391,510.00. September 16th was the last service in the historic old church. The little white church served St. John’s well, and had happy associations for all the church-goers. On Sunday, September 23rd, the congregation met for a last farewell to the little church.

On Sunday, September 30th, there was a service of rejoicing, with St. John’s congregation combining with Gibson’s. Two hundred and twelve persons attended. Massed choirs sang a litany of praise, composed by Ken Dalgleish, for the occasion. The service was conducted by Rev. Stan Sears. All of these services were photographed on video tape, which was presented to St. John’s by Fred Robertson from the Gibson’s congregation. It will be preserved for future viewings, a thoughtful and historic souvenir of this wonderful month.

1991

The WHSPC witnessed through Rev. Stan Sears as he found himself more and more involved in outreach. The needy, the homeless, some without heat food and housing; the Breakaway Programme; Pastoral Care Committee at the hospital; Palliative Care area; hospital visiting, marriage counselling, funerals and other areas of counselling as well.

Thanks to Diane Turner, daughter of the Rev. Don and Beatrice Lewis, who has been a tremendous driving force in the realm of Christian Education, a youth group is meeting on Wednesday evenings and often contributes to Sunday worship services.

1992

The Committee of Stewards has now taken full responsibility for the building. A very special thanks was given to Sheila Pope who headed the Building Committee and fielded the building problems with the contractor. The UCW had a good year with a successful Intergenerational Dessert and Friendship Tea; a successful yard sale; an Alice Horsman and Friends concert; Poinsettia Tea and the celebration of their 30th anniversary by conducting a Sunday worship.

1993

Rev. Audrey Lans will step in with her strong point being Pastoral Visiting. Diane Turner from St. John’s announced her intention of studying at Theological College for the Ministry.

The first Council Meeting was held using the new structure of Committees. Work was redistributed and Committees struggled to define their job descriptions. The 4th Thursday of the month was set aside for Pot Luck Night. Each Committee will take a month to host.

On December 5th, 1993, Rev. Patricia and Rev. Glen Baker were covenanted into St. John’s and Gibson’s United with Moderator Rev. Bob Smith preaching.

1994

A “Prayer Group” was formed to meet every Wednesday lunch time for 20 minutes. It took the form of a short worship: scripture, silence for personal reflection and/or prayers, sharing the Lord’s Prayer and a Benediction. Group discussion programs were set up in different homes to discuss questions of faith. One question will be brought up each evening, and the groups limited to 8-10 people. A series of videos provided much learning and excitement and all ages benefited.

A Youth Group, head-quartering at St. John’s, was set up for WHSPC with four leaders for the 12 and up youth. Once a month, there will be an EVENT program and on Sundays, twice a month, there will be a learning program.

1995

Faith and hard work built this church, and the congregation is growing. In May, the organ gave out a mighty bellow-blast-burble and then not another note. Until professionals are consulted, we’ll have to rely on the beautiful piano. Thieves broke into the Church and broke or damaged many precious things. Prayers for the thieves were asked for. “Quiet Days” in a woodland setting have been planned by Rev. Patricia Baker and will be held on the second Saturdays of the months.

1996

Water damage to some walls, floor and the structure, have cost just under $4,000 to date. Further expenditures of up to $5,000 are anticipated to prevent reoccurrence of the problems. Our budget includes $9,000 for annual repairs and renovations, but we expected these to be spread out throughout the year. Our term deposit of $10,000 is locked in until July 1st.

A letter was received from B.C. Conference congratulating St. John’s for early repayment of the building loan. UCW met in May and decided to give $1000 to St. John’s to help with the unusual building expenses. A new church library is now to be found in the Ross Armstrong Room. Adult, children and some resource books are catalogued.

“Voices United”, the new hymn books, were dedicated on September 15th. There were chuckles over some lines, such as in #720: “Sing lustily and with good courage. Beware of singing as if you were half dead, or half asleep; but lift up your voice with strength. Be no more afraid of your voice now, nor more ashamed of being heard, than when you sang the songs of Satin”. I certainly haven’t noticed this at St. John’s!!

1997

Under Presbytery leadership a Visioning Workshop was held and one of St. John’s priorities was to have their own full-time Minister. The Bakers retire in 1999 and the congregation would like to work towards being a one-point charge.On September 23rd, St. John’s and Gibson’s United were authorized to become separate charges in 1998. St. John’s is now mortgage free and off to new beginnings. Rev. Patricia and Rev. Glen Baker plan to retire in June, 1998.

1998

At the Annual Meeting, the UCW and Healing Touch were singled out for special thanks for all they have contributed to St. John’s congregation. Rev. Patricia Baker and Rev. Glen Baker were also thanked by Jim Elliot who praised the work of this special couple. Rev. Jim Elliot held services between the retirement of the Bakers in June and the arrival of Rev. Janice Young in August. On August 1st, 1998, St. John’s first full-time minister, Rev. Janice Young commenced her Call. On September 27th, the Vancouver-Burrard Presbytery conducted a Covenanting Service between Janice and the Congregation of St. John’s.

1999

For the first time, St. John’s will have a budget of approximately $100,000. But congratulations were also in order for finishing the year with a small surplus in spite of purchasing an up-to-date copier, and major expenditures in the kitchen and tower. A newly formed Children’s Choir made its debut in March. They sang, danced and cavorted to “Turn The World Around”. Ian and Cathy Poole led the Youth Group on a Walk through Holy Week, moving to various points inside and outside the Church. It was a deeply moving and spiritual experience for them. Afterwards, they ate hot cross buns baked by the Youth Group. Easter was ‘triumphant’ in the words of Ruth Beatty, as she describes Janice’s thoughtful and thorough preparations in her choice of prayers and meditations during Lent and Easter.

2000

June 11th, the 75th Anniversary of The United Church of Canada, found St. John’s and Gibson’s United celebrating at Porpoise Bay Provincial Park. A worship service was held in the amphitheatre, followed by a church picnic in the group shelter. The Stewardship Committee used the ‘ boats’ to launch their appeal this year. These neighbourhood groups offered an opportunity to discuss congregational life in a comfortable setting. Pledge cards were handed out. The 10th Anniversary of St. John’s in the new church was celebrated with the newer families treating the pioneers to dinner and an old fashioned hymn sing.

A great deal took place with the Building and Grounds Committee this year. There was roof repair, a portion of the parking lot and garden path was paved, the entire building was re-painted outside, a new deck was built off the Ross Armstrong Room (which was also repaired for leaks) including a ramp and railing, the exit driveway was paved, sumps installed for water drainage, new carpet for the Ross Armstrong Room and attached hall, and the Church Hall was fitted with “loose” carpet.

Memorable quotes from this year: ". . . there is no key for the electrical room," ". . . our garbage doesn’t need red tags - we’re special!," ". . . the River Jordan is now our driveway!"

2001

Last year this congregation raised $112,101 for local expenses and $42,198 for outreach contributions. At the Annual Meeting, a budget was passed with a 5.7% increase and an M&S goal of $28,000 without any dissent. PAR (Pre-Authorized Remittance) is being offered.

Janice notes in the Newsletter that Council has been spending time discerning God’s vision for us over the next few years. The question of what is God calling us to do and be at this particular time in history, in this particular place called the Sunshine Coast. The biggest change, of course, was becoming a one-point charge with a full-time minister. She reminds us of Isaiah 43:18-19 “Do not remember the former things nor consider the things of old. I am about to do a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?” We must allow God to work through us in new ways.

2002

The 1st Monday of the month is soup day and it is prepared at St. John’s in the early morning, then taken to the Food Bank and served to any who want it. On the third Monday of the month, volunteers from four Sechelt churches show up at St. John’s to prepare about 300 sandwiches. Once delivered to the Food Bank, they are kept cold for distribution over three days.

In September 2001, 14 members of St. John’s committed to a 34 week study of the Bible. Janice and Jacqueline led it. It was interesting getting to know the Old Testament better, especially because it is the foundation of our faith. They were then led into the New Testament with the birth, life and death of Jesus. The Bible has new meaning to them now and it is only the beginning of their learning.

September 2002 and the Church waits to hear the results of the report determining the extent of the water damage to the Church building. Janice’s comment in the View newsletter says it all “The building may be rotten to the core, but the people of St. John’s are solid”. The saga begins in earnest.

2003

Visioning is still happening at St. John’s, and gathered at the October meeting were the following insights: our value statements may need to be changed to relate to how music could be more clearly stated; David Anderson is returning to help us draft a Vision statement; through this, St. John’s can fine tune and move quickly into strategies.

A Caring Ministry is being developed at St. John’s. A group is learning what other congregations are doing towards caring ministry and how they are preparing themselves, all with the guidance and support of Janice. They have come together because they see the need to reach out to others, listening and being present with anyone who desires.

2004

The United Church of Canada set a goal of $1,000,000 to be raised for the HIV AIDS pandemic. To date, that has been surpassed by $1 million. Churches all across Canada rose to the occasion and showed the sceptics that God’s work is not done yet.

St. John’s Healing Circle are considering offering an evening session to accommodate those who work. The Lectionary Bible Study meets every Tuesday morning except the first Tuesday, from 10-11am. Those interested, gather to explore the upcoming scripture readings for Sunday morning. The Stephen Ministries instructors are now trained and ready to begin training others. Once a group is formed, they will be able to handle: bereavement, terminal illness; single parenting; long-term hospitalization; job loss; and natural disasters. Stephen Ministers commit to at least two years for training, service and regular supervision.

2005

Don Gunning and Mike Ryan were appointed by Council to head up a “Building Repair Committee”. They will actively examine all the options for necessary repair work including a proposal from Mobius Architecture. Brian Smith will chair a “Restorative Fund Raising Committee“. The initial pledges are very positive. The Reconstruction Fund has a little over $300,000 towards rebuilding. In spite of the need for restoration funds, the generous people of St. John’s have decided the proceeds from “Journey to Bethlehem” will go to the Food Bank.

Janice was named “President Elect” by B.C. Conference. This is a great honour given her by her colleagues and lay representatives to Presbyteries across British Columbia. She will spend one year as President Elect and two as B.C. Conference President.

2006

In 2005 a budget deficit of $8,767 occurred. Offerings will need to increase by 6.16%. Healing Touch celebrates its 10th Anniversary! People still gather in St. John’s basement to be blessed with a healing touch. Our church, along with West Point Grey, were the first churches to use this as a ministry. Other congregations now follow our lead.

Don Gunning reports: We were indeed fortunate to have carried out this major project when we did, since first discovering the water ingress damage at the Ross Armstrong room corner over four years ago. The extent of the devastation throughout the rest of the building, particularly around the glass tower, went beyond expectations. The magnitude of the rot in some major structural gluelam beams and at the tower interfaces was frightening. While the resultant costs of repair have exceeded our initial estimates, we have successfully reconstructed the building to modern engineering and building code standards, with a result that I think we can all be proud of, and that will stand strongly in Davis Bay for generations to come.

2007

Uncertainty as to the outcome of the litigation against the water ingress problem shadowed the first half of this year. A mediated settlement of $175,000 was accepted. After legal fees were deducted, and the loan was cleared with presbytery, St. John’s realized a gain of $83,397.85. Although the mortgage is still $355,639.66, at least the Church knows what it is dealing with now. With all this to deal with, the congregation still surpassed it’s M&S goal which is strong evidence of St. John’s values.

“Taking Back Our Community” saw a weekend coming together of Sechelt Native Band Elders and people from the Community. Our church has tried to atone for the damage done in Residential Schools, but there was another reason Sechelt Band needed support, and that was the abuse of drugs and alcohol amongst their young people. The day was organized as an old fashioned community feast, with many games for everyone. LeRoy Pattison’s brother Wayne, was a whiz kite maker and he and Doreen Hughes were surrounded by many youngsters. At the end, a blessing was given by the Band Elders.

2008

A redefining of St. John’s Mission, Vision and Values Statement was taken on by Council under the leadership of Sue Lamb and Joan Hibbard. Several drafts were worked through before it was put before the congregation in November. The revised statement will be put to the next AGM. The next step will be developing specific attainable goals for the next year or two.

Janice was on Sabbatical from July 1st to September 30th. She was greeted back with a “Welcome Back/Harvest Dinner”. Her first two months were spent resting, playing and enjoying a glorious freedom. During that time she wondered if she would be ready to return in October but the answer came during her trip to Africa: on Safari in northern Tanzania becoming acquainted with a variety of wild animals; South to Lynda’s home in Miandizi and to the Vijaliwa Vingi orphanage in Msongola and at the end of her trip travelling to the island of Zanzibar for a weekend sightseeing trip. After that, she wanted to get home to “her people”.

In November, a “sold out” engagement for a night of music with “Ken Dalgleish and Friends”, wonderfully supported by the choir - not only in song - but also in providing delicious treats, was hugely appreciated.

2009

An educational event, co-hosted by the Ministry of Congregational Care and the UCW in April, explored the resources available in the community for seniors which was directed by local Community Care Workers. It covered a wide range of topics from home care to residential care services. Book studies on “The Shack”, Marcus Borg’s “The Heart of Christianity” and Bruce Sanguin’s “Darwin, Divinity and Dance of the Cosmos” as well as the Tuesday morning Lectionary Bible Study group and the new Thursday evening lectionary Group “Soup for the Soul”, kept the congregation busy on their faith journey. For a week this September, five Tibetan Buddhist Monks prayed for peace and compassion while creating a sand Mandala in our Sanctuary.

The Mission, Visions and Values Group set some goals such as: creating vibrant worship; developing our small group ministries and being welcoming to all. St. John’s has embarked on a journey to become an “Affirming Congregation“. There has been a strong and positive turnout to learn about what this means to us as a congregation.

2010

The Easter unveiling of the banner made by Rev. Patricia Baker, Laura Mann and Nancy Climie was a highlight that will go on and on in the Church’s life as it captures the congregation and visitors alike with its beauty.

The reflections given by Joan Hibbard on her life journey as a gay woman, helped the congregation understand what being an Affirming Church means. Equally touching was Bob Ware’s account of understanding and bringing up a developmentally challenged child Bryan, whom we all know and love, and how he loves his “church family”.

On July 11th, 2010, some of the congregation took part in the sand castle contest in Davis Bay. They won the group category for their entrance “On Eagles Wings”.

Bill Matheson Remembers

We moved from Maine in 1970, to West Vancouver. I was getting adjusted to the city, because it was quite different to what I was used to. I was an engineer with the Pulp and Paper industry and I worked around B.C. when I came back. We built a sawmill in Prince Rupert and I also worked in Prince George and Castlegar

My wife Kay and I had driven through the Sunshine Coast one time when we were doing the Island circuit in around 1980. I liked Sechelt. Shortly after that I came back alone and as I knew a real estate fellow here, he showed me around two places he had for sale at the time. I wasn't interested in them but he then showed me the property I live on today. I bought it. It had belonged to a retired couple who after they moved found out the man was allergic to Cedar. As there is a big cedar right in the front yard and others close around, they were anxious to get out of there fast.

When I got back to Vancouver, I told Kay I bought a house which was quite small. I had an addition put on and covered a two car garage to make a bedroom, as there was already another carport I could park in. Kay had said she wouldn?t move in until I made it a little bigger - so I did!

We retired here in 1983, and one Sunday walked down to the little church. We liked it and attended it faithfully. Kay joined the UCW for a while and I was on the church Council as well as a few other things. There were an awful lot of children going to Sunday School at that time and there simply wasn't enough room. After a while they had to build a new church, as the little one couldn't be expanded any more. Frances Fleming was the prime mover in the building of the new church. I had seen two lots for sale up the hill further and let the Committee know about them. Of course they were all treed at that time, but the lots were purchased and logged.

I remember Alex Reid and Bert Ramsay as ministers. Bert was a terrific preacher. But didn't stay long.

I got involved in the landscaping of the new church and there were three of us who did an awful lot of work. Ernie Wood and Bob Scott and I got busy and plants would just appear. I would bring one and someone else would bring another and there was just no rhyme nor reason to it.

Stephanie Ryan drove up one day with a truckload of 40 trees. She took over, and by golly she did a wonderful job and organized work parties telling us where to plant things. Stephanie really knew what she was doing. Bob and Jim and I did some stonework as well, and put in some landscaping cloth. We also did the maintenance of the property.

There was a wonderful group of men that worked at the church then and there still is a good group. When we dedicated the new Memorial Garden in 2010, it was quite something to stand under the falling cherry blossoms and remember how spindly they were in 1994. We had a sprinkler system put in after Stephanie had directed the planting and it's a wonder what water can do.

I don't do a lot any more, but my engineering skills came to use during the leaky situation and what a commitment taking on that new mortgage. I also built the hymnbook rack that sits in the Narthex and makes it easier for the greeters.

There is a good group of people working in the Church now. They seem to work well together, but also work well alone. Janice is a good preacher, and this last Sunday was so joyful for a Communion Service compared to the staid services of days gone by. I always feel I should dress up for Communion. If I wore jeans, I would still wear a shirt and tie with them. Some days you scratch your head and don't believe what some people wear but that's OK because they are there, aren't they? I would love to see more children attending services.

Kay and I have three daughters. Janet lives in West Vancouver and comes up and spends four or five days with me. My other daughter is in real estate and lives in Horseshoe Bay. She comes up on the 9:30 ferry like a whirling dervish and starts doing things, then at 1:30 says I'm going, and she's finished. Sybil lives in Calgary and would come every day if she could as she loves it here. She has a married daughter with three children, all boys. They are good kids and their mother is a great mother. Right now they are on an eleven day camping trip with the kids and her husband. Those are the things the children will remember. Kay and I used to have a lake cottage and bring our kids and they are good memories. When school was finished I'd say 'we're moving up to the lake? and they'd all groan, two days later they don't want to go home! Cottage life was just wonderful!

My Early Days In The Little Church ~ Frances Fleming

Frances Fleming recalls some memories of joining the “church on the corner”. She and her husband Ray had been attending the United Church in Gibson’s, not realizing there was a church in Davis Bay. They were accepted into St. John’s the same day Rev. Stan Pinkerton and his wife Marion were. The church then consisted of two small rooms. One was the Sanctuary and the other was used for Sunday School stuff and also boasted a tiny hotplate, kettle, coffee urn and a small sink.

The first Sunday Marion and she were asked to make coffee, they both agreed they hated weak coffee and proceeded to dump the whole pound of coffee in the urn. It was strong enough to curl hair and the tea could stand a spoon.

Pews were used instead of chairs and body heat was complained about. As well, the rear pews that housed moms and small babies was fondly remembered as “the wailing wall”. Frances’s husband Ray, in a fit of inspiration, reversed the pews in front of the mothers and gave them someplace to rest the babies.

In those days St. John’s was still part of the Gibson’s United Mission and was required to raise a small share of the monthly budget. The minister had to rush down the aisle in his vestments and straight to his car to make the service in Gibson‘s. A small boy was heard enquiring “where does God go when he rushes to his car?”.

The church was growing and a wonderful member, Ross Armstrong, gave a large and generous sum of money. A search committee began looking for a site for a new St. John’s.

There were some miracles that took place to make this building happen. The contractor could meet the church’s budget but needed to have his out of town workers boarded at the expense of St. John’s. They could not afford that and also could not see their members boarding workers in their homes. Frances heard that Kirkland Centre had a lower floor that had been used as a home for delinquent youth. She contacted Roy Morris and they went to view this space. There were two showers, a toilet, a washing machine, a little lobby, and a big dormitory that would hold several single beds!

Betty-Mae Smith, Frances and several others cleaned it up, borrowed beds, a TV and all the necessities. They also found the kitchen was available for breakfast and she and Ray went over and made breakfasts for as long as there was a need. They also made sandwiches and cookies for lunches and made coffee to bring to the construction site every morning. As the men started at six, Frances and Ray had to drive over at five every morning. Food was kept on account at Claytons store.

The first morning when bacon was frying, the vent over the stove was plugged and set off the fire alarm. The fire truck arrived and it was a source of much merriment. Katherine Franske used to come every morning and eat with the workers and then stay and do the dishes. Dinners were a problem because the kitchen was not available. Church members opened their homes and every work day the workers were hosted in someone’s home for dinner. The foreman said he had never spent less time in a pub as he did on this job.

They became very fond of the workers and because of a good relationship, they took their time to do a good job. When it was over, St. John’s presented the foreman with a sweat shirt that read on the back “The World’s Second Best Carpenter”.

As the budget was narrow, everything was done that was possible and the deck that later rotted out, was the contractor’s gift to St. John‘s. The round stained glass window was the architect’s gift. Ernie Wood made the stained glass window of the eagle. It was designed by Molly Reid, the minister’s wife. They would have liked to design a sound-reducing ceiling but did not have the money. Also, they would have liked to drain and pave the parking lot but did not have the money at that time. The Flemings were putting in a new kitchen and donated their cabinets to the Church. The Community Centre donated the two stout tables and Betty Wood and Frances covered them with oil cloth.

When the church was opened, the Moderator said “The day will come when you will enter the church and not know all the people worshipping there”. Frances did not believe him but it came to pass.

An Interview With Rev. Patricia and Rev. Glen Baker

What year did you come to St. John’s United?

We came here in 1993 and our first service was November 1st.

Had you been to the Sunshine Coast before your call here?

Glen: Yes, when I worked at First United, Jessie Oliver had a place here and we would enjoy summers on the beach at the end of Mission Rd. I had been to the church here once, but Pat hadn’t. Because we had spent time here in a pleasurable way, it was very appealing to us. Up until that point all the clergy had lived in Gibsons. Rev. Peter Rolston, who had preached at St. John’s, suggested we live in Sechelt.

What was it like having a two-point charge? Where you ever in one before? How did you divide your time between the two charges?

Glen: I started my ministry in a 9 point charge. I did two peoples job because the Church was short of ministers all over.

Patricia: Glen came down to South Arm and then First United and then Dunbar and after that the two of us went to Kelowna in a 1-¾ time dual ministry in a single point charge. At St. John’s and Gibson’s (West Howe Sound Pastoral Charge), we were 1-½ time. Some of the folk thought we would take responsibility for each congregation, separately or alternately. When we said that we came as a team and would work as a team, some thought that might not work as well. There was soon a relaxation of their expectations and a feeling that our way of working was OK. The only drawback was that we could not stay for coffee at St. John’s. Glen took the lead in things administrative and I took the lead in things educational. We did preach separately, but we led worship together.

Did the two churches work well together?

Glen: I’d say yes.

Patricia: There was certainly an attitude of co-operation. For instance, one month Bible Study Lectionary sessions would be held at St. John’s one time and Gibson’s United another time and people did travel back and forth. There was also a sharing of events between the two churches. Certainly there would always be a representation, at least, from both churches.

Patricia, what do you feel made Healing Touch so successful here on the Coast?

Simply because I was involved and committed to it. It had started to become a very high interest to me in my final years in Kelowna. Coming down here I wondered how it would work out because I really wanted to see that established as a part of the ministry of the church. Fortunately, or coincidently, Rochelle Graham lived here in Gibson’s at that time and Rochelle was the one who started the program for Naramata. Rochelle and I talked a lot that first year and Geniene Elliot and I were grand mothered into teaching Healing Touch even before Naramata began a program. I had a high commitment to re-establishing Healing Ministry within the context of the church, as did Rochelle. I invited her to hold a planning workshop here and there were enough people that took it, two of them, Hilory Holliday and Betty-Mae Smith, are still involved fifteen years later. Really, it was because the Ministry Personnel was committed to Healing Touch.

The community was more involved than the congregation even. It has always been my belief that people hunger for this kind of thing before they hunger for sitting and listening to sermons. There are actually people in the congregation now whose first encounter with St. John’s was through Healing Touch. They get to the point of saying to those who are doing the work, “why do you do this?”. We get talking about what we believe and why the church is involved and they think maybe this is something I should find out more about. There have been times when I have heard people say “Oh, St. John’s, you’re the church with the Healing Clinic, is that ever a good thing!”. Word of mouth gets out there and I do believe that it has to have the backing of someone on the staff. It is dwindling now and very few of the people are part of the congregation. It took a long time to convince the Worship Committee to have healing stations after Communion. It could be anyone from the congregation, not only those who are a part of the healing circle. Maureen Ainslie, Cathy Poole and I think Joan Hibbard has taken part and that’s what we’re after, for the congregation to own the ministry.

I think we have had a number of workshops which helped and when I was doing a report for Council, I said “If the congregation is going to own this, we need a line in the budget”. The congregation doesn’t even begin to think of it unless there are dollars behind it, which is interesting because now we have taken ourselves off the budget because we didn’t want to be a drain when the church had problems. Somewhere in the minutes is how many people attended training sessions and how many are involved - a full account of the Healing Ministry.

It was our 10th Anniversary, three years ago. The number of people involved is astounding. It is something like six or seven hundred people who have come and the vast majority are community people. It is a legitimate outreach ministry.

Glen: Patricia certainly has drawn the people in and has a commitment to it.

Glen: I have had occasions to think why I came into the ministry. Maybe the answer is not unless you can’t help it. I was sure I didn’t want to become a minister. My father was a United Church Minister. The church and community would push him around and he would be getting demands at all times and dad had that kind of a personality that could do that type of ministry well, but as time went by, I realized there was something that was chasing me to that kind of thing. I’ve always been grateful to the church for what the church has done for me in my life and the people I’ve met through it. I wouldn’t want to have missed that part of my life and I’ve said that to a lot of people.

Patricia: Well, I think I can say that I feel that my own particular goals have been fulfilled. In that there are people in both congregations who have begun to freely question what they’ve been taught and what they believe and have taken themselves in far wider directions. I used to say, “If I’m doing my job properly, I’ll preach myself out of a job within seven years. And if I’m really doing my job, the church will probably ask me to leave”. I came into ministry with a whole load of questions. I was in my late forties when I went to VST, 46, and I was 50 when I was ordained and moved to Kelowna. I had never fully found any answers within the established church but I know the established church is not the only place where the Spirit reigns. One of the things I can feel good about is that I helped a number of people who already believed, but fielded doubt and it was an OK statement to make and an OK way to live in the church. There was a group of us at VST where it was perfectly OK to say those kind of things, and we were known as the late church mothers, in comparison to the late church fathers. We had a lot of fun and we had a lot of wonderful times pushing ideas and some of the people on the faculty were very willing to engage us with those ideas too.

Glen: Over the years the congregation questioned the doubts that people of our age could do something with youth, and so we encouraged participation in the programs at Naramata Centre. Funds were raised for sending people to Naramata and establishing a Leadership Development Fund.

Patricia: We encouraged lay education. Christian Education is not just Sunday School. It is allowing adults to expand their own concepts and ideas and sometimes that is going to take financial support. We want the congregation to know the structure of the church - what we’re part of, and not just a little congregation that grew up on the west side of the country. It is a very moving experience to stand at an Annual Meeting of Conference, singing with 600 other United Church people.

I had a wonderful experience at Naramata one year when Derek Evans was the Director. I went to morning worship and Derek couldn’t carry a note in a bucket if you gave him the bucket to carry it in, but he didn’t care. It wasn’t important, leading worship was important and he would just start singing. One song that he led in the morning worship was “This is the Sound of One Voice Singing”. Somebody else would join and it would be two voices singing. Derek would just start singing and it didn’t matter, that’s what we need to learn - it doesn’t matter whatever you are and whoever you are you walk with God. You don’t have to be perfect - that’s the good news! I think it was my daughter Lorraine who first gave me this expression, and I’ve used it many times. When we first moved to Dunbar, having been at First United Church for a number of years, the first Sunday at Dunbar Lorraine came bouncing down to church in her Osh Cosh overalls because that’s what she’d worn for the last four years, and I found myself resurrecting the horrible middle class mentality and saying, “Lorraine, do you think maybe a skirt might be better?”, and she just said “Why? God won’t care!”. I thought what I’m learning from you is wonderful! A lot of times I think “Why? God won’t care!”.

Glen: I remember one family in particular who had two little boys, and later a daughter. The boys were very active and the congregation never knew what to expect from them and often had indrawn breath from their antics. One Sunday, they were asked to light the Advent candle and there was an intake of breath as the mother gave over the microphone to one of the boys to read the Advent message for that day. He read it so beautifully, people forgot to breathe, and there was a collective sigh of pleasure when he had finished.

Patricia: I think the highlight for me would be that we left a healthy congregation that was then able to support and hire their own minister. This had been a dream the congregation had had for a long time.

During our ministry, Shirley Jackson was hired and was an important addition to the staff and to the children and youth of the congregation.

Patricia: No. Before we left we had Rev. Cheryl Black come up here to talk to Glen and I and Janice, who had made a special trip here to be part of this conversation. It was made clear that we would refer people of the congregation who might come to us to Janice. She was their minister now and we wanted a clean break. It was helpful too that we took a holiday right after. The session with Cheryl was so successful that she wrote it up as a guide to other ministers who stayed in the same congregations they had ministered to.

Betty-Mae Smith Tells Her Story

I’ve been on the Sunshine Coast for over 20 years. Before we came here to retire, we had purchased a lot on Laurel Street and were coming up here on weekends to start to build a home. My husband had always wanted to live on the Sunshine Coast and we came here as a family to camp in the summer.

In 1987, upon our retirement and move here, my husband and I started attending the little church on the highway. Shortly after we arrived, it was apparent a larger church was needed by the St. John’s congregation. After acquiring the land to build it on, my husband was busy helping the other men with the work the property needed.

We came here from Cliff Avenue United. Both my husband and I worked full-time there and it was a joy to us to be able to join the five or six other couples that had supper together ever Sunday evening. We had never had that experience before and it was a wonderful way to get to know church members as well as the community. All but one have now passed away. The Cormacks had helped build the little church and start a United Church here in Davis Bay.

The Bakers just live up the street from us and have been wonderful ministers for St. John’s.

I belonged to the UCW in the little church, and now in the present site. The group has changed, of course, but it is a great group of women and no back-biting. There are not many young people joining and of course we can’t do what we used to. I don’t drive any more and others don’t either. It is still a large group though.

My vision is very poor now, so I just sit in the corner and enjoy. I don’t know a lot of the younger people who have joined St. John’s. It is just age with me, I can still hear my father say “Betty-Mae, if you don’t turn off that light and go to sleep you’ll ruin your eyes”, well I did. My father and mother were great readers and so am I. I was a teacher by profession, but I still found time to read. Now I can’t see to do that but my brother gets me talking books and I enjoy them very much. It is a wonderful service.

I could say the “highlights” of my time at St. John’s has always been the wonderful ministers we have had. I especially miss Jessie Oliver as she was a very close friend and one of the “Saints”. I think of her often.

Newcomer Sue Adams Shares Her

My mother’s English heritage and her religious background as a High Protestant where she grew up in Bracknell, Berkshire, influenced my siblings and myself. We all attended Sunday School as youngsters, and Church services until we became teenagers, then somehow, for reasons not remembered, we slowly drifted away from the Sunday ritual. I, like my sisters and my brother, did have church weddings, but church attendance was relegated to special events only, as we had children of our own.

I thought I’d lost my faith along the way, as my busy life of juggling a full-time career and raising my three children seemed to take precedence over caring for and connecting to my spiritual body. However, just before I received my diagnosis in April 2008 of breast cancer, I had decided to return to church. I recall that at the time I had this overwhelming need to re-establish my faith and to renew my spiritual connection to the world around me. My husband encouraged me to explore other religions in our community and I did just that - attending a few of the local churches before I chose St. John’s United Church in Davis Bay. The warm welcome by the congregation and the Minister, Janice Young, touched me so very deeply and I knew I had found the church that would give me a place to gather my thoughts and prayers, and a place to establish connections with my community.

It is the people, and the homey feeling at St. John’s that makes every Sunday morning special for me. I look forward to saying hello and chatting with everyone I meet or sit beside, or share tea with after the service.

There is a strong sense of community that not only encompasses those who live on the Sunshine Coast, but this caring and loving church reaches out to help those around the world with their Mission and Service involvement. It is my other family, and I wouldn’t want to be without them in my life. They were there for me with their kind thoughts and prayers when I needed them during my recovery from surgery, and when I lost my younger brother to cancer.

I am so thankful to be part of St. John’s congregation.