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from the Warden's, 17 January 2025:

In last week’s newsletter we mentioned that to more comfortably accommodate our guests at Fellowship Time after the 10:30am service each Sunday, and to make room for our new Tea Room Ministry, we will be removing a total of four pews from the two mid-sections of pew seating.

These pews can be repurposed into cottage or casual seating with just a quick coat of chalk paint. The surplus pews will be available to members of SGC on a first come, first get basis. We hope to have them removed, stacked at the back of the Nave and available early February. If you would like one, please email Jann VanVugt at jnnvan@gmail.com. We will be quickly moving on to repair/replace flooring where these pews had been, so if you are taking a pew it is essential that you remove it from the Nave no later than Thursday, February 10.

Deadline for claiming a pew is Thursday, January 30. After that date, they will be offered for sale on Facebook Marketplace.

In addition to the pews, the collection of cabinets and display cases in this area will be reorganized and a few will be removed (they are not presently being used). The electrical service attached to the back pew on the left side, which supports the sound system will be moved to the adjacent exterior wall, in a less obtrusive position.

Anyone who has concerns about these changes is invited to meet at the back of the Nave with the Fabrics Committee and a Warden on Thursday, January 30 at 1:30pm. Nothing of historical value will be disposed of or discarded.

The Under the Dome Tea Room at St George’s Cathedral is inviting all who may be interested in helping with this new ministry in our community, to join us for an information meeting, Thursday, February 6, 11am, at the back of the Nave. When the program opens, hopefully in late February, we will need people to help as hosts and serve tea, coffee, scones and other sweets to those who drop in, Tuesday and/or Thursday mornings each week, 10am to noon. Activity hosts will also be needed to welcome visitors, organize and participate in doing puzzles, setting up games and joining in conversations. There will be training provided to all volunteers.

As the ministry grows, we hope to include special seminars, musical presentations and travel features. Loneliness and isolation is a serious condition for many Seniors in our society. And Kingston downtown is home to a significant number of Senior people. With this ministry, SGC hopes to provide a social outreach for them in our community, and offer companionship and hospitality to those who are alone. Please join us in establishing this exciting new Ministry.

When the SGC Leadership surveyed the congregation about two years ago, this kind of ministry was raised as a priority. Now that we are ready to launch, we have an urgent need for volunteers. We know many of you are already serving in two or more places at SGC, and we are certainly thankful for all the willing hands who make our congregation thrive. We now need men and women who could give just two hours a week; please join us in establishing this exciting new Ministry, and contact Jann VanVugt, Thank you!

 

Eric Friesen, Dean's Warden

Jann VanVugt, People's Warden

Matthew Wright, Deputy Warden