Ministry of Hospitality

The Ministry of Hospitality (Fun, Food and Fellowship) places its focus on fostering the spirits of community at St. Paul’s by presenting events that bring together the congregation and others in fellowship through activities involving fun, food and fellowship.  This committee welcomes new helpers.

St Paul's has had a long connection with persons involved in healing prayer and the laying on of hands. Personal private healing prayer is offered at every Sunday morning worship service. There is a Parish Prayer Network of persons who respond to urgent needs for prayer.

On a weekly or monthly basis the clergy and trained lay persons extend the regular Eucharist by taking communion to home, hospital or care facility bound persons. In some instances parishioners meet at local long term care facilities to lead in hymn sings, prayer and scripture readings. For many seniors, this is their current expression of “church worship” after many faithful years of congregational participation. Unable to attend regular services the opportunity of extending the lords table to these faithful servants in the comfort of their home environment is a third century practice revisited. Anyone knowing of persons in the local hospital, NRGH who may wish a visit is asked to call the office.

Loaves and Fishes

St. Paul’s provides a “Food Basket” at the Sunday Services for the collection of non-perishable food items, which are passed on to the Loaves & Fishes Food Bank.  In 2009 a group from the Church, the "Damascus Team" for the second time, entered the CANS Festival sponsored by the Downtown Nanaimo Partnership.  With about $1,700.00 worth of donated food items, they constructed a map of Canada with a large cross in the center.  The Festival raised over $15,000.00 for the Food Bank.  Almost 40%more than last year.

Reaching Out Ministry

Our Reaching Out Committee is devoted to raising awareness, to financially support and to reaching out to agencies in Nanaimo, the Diocese and also Nationally. In past years our fund-raising efforts have assisted:  Loaves and Fishes, Haven House, 7-10 Club, Nanaimo Correctional Center, St. Paul ʼs Fund for Those in Need, Primateʼs World Relief Fund and Camp Columbia. 

The Committee has also supported Maria, our Foster Child, for many years through a World Vision subscription.  The Committee is well experienced in organizing such diverse fund-raising events as Shrove Tuesday Pancake Suppers, Empire Days Hot Dog sales, Farmersʻ Market Bake Sales, and  especially themed Dinners and Pub Nights. 

In October 2009, we started the Community Neighbours Lunch program, a once a month lunch in the Parish hall for our community neighbours. 

In summary, our criteria for activities has been:  Raising funds for Reaching Out Projects,  Reaching Out to the community with community-wide events and having fun doing it! 

The Committee usually meets monthly. So, if working with this group interests you, please contact the Rector or the Chairperson for further information. 

The Chairperson for 2010 is: Syd Langhelt 250.756.3993 or seaotter@shaw.ca