The Parish of the Lower Laurentians

Saint Paul's Church, Dunany

Welcome to the Spirit of the Lakes May - 2010

Dear Friends of St. Paul's

Summer is fast approaching as we have been blessed with an early spring. Unfortunately, along with the nice weather come the hungry swarms of black flies. Let's hope for a well deserved long, hot summer.

We sadly offer our sincere condolences to the families and friends of some wonderful Dunany folks. We ask for God's grace on Elinor Hay, Martha MacDougall, Art Cunningham, Patricia Leggett Rodgers, Danny Moncrieff and Bob Everson; and we entrust them to our Lord's never-failing love, received into the arms of His mercy.

St-Paul's has been a buzz throughout 2009 and into 2010 with excavation, landscaping, renovation and restoration thanks to a very successful Capital fundraising campaign. The St-Paul's community rallied together through a group of dedicated organizers, very generous contributors, a group of committed volunteer workers and, in general, the whole Dunany family. This project of renewal and rejuvenation is a culmination of the efforts of many caring and dedicated people. Thank-you, one and all.

Spiritually, St-Paul's wardens worked actively during the winter in the Greater Parish of St-Andrew preparing a profile in anticipation of acquiring a priest for the Parish. A strategic planner hired by the Diocese of Montreal to study the diocese, its churches and people recommended that St-Simeon's engage a ½-time clergy and that St-Paul's, St-Aidan's, Holy Trinity, and Christ Church form a new "Parish of the Lower Laurentians" in a two-year trial arrangement. The Rev'd Jack Hyde has been engaged for the 2-year term working with us approximately 5 ½ months out of the year. Rev'd Hyde will be officially welcomed to the Parish at a special service and reception to be held at Christ Church, Mille Isles on Sunday, May 23rd, 2010 at 2:00pm. You are invited and encouraged to attend this very special service, the first step on our exciting and challenging new path. 

This summer, St-Paul's will be holding Sunday Evening Services at 7:00pm. On the first Sunday of the months of July and August, there will be a Holy Eucharist service at 8:00am., something a little different. There will also be the traditional Beach service at the Crooks' on Sunday, July 18th at 2:00pm. We hope you will support these trial changes and give your feedback throughout the summer. Our first 7:00 p.m. service of the season is June 27, 2010.

Our Annual Meeting will take place in the church following the 7:00pm service on July 11th, 2010. Light refreshments will be available. Your presence at this meeting is important and will affect the ongoing activities of St-Paul's. Please, come with your comments and suggestions. The agenda will include a report on the capital campaign, information on the new trial Parish proposal, the schedule of services throughout the summer, at Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve, the financial report and open forum for your questions, concerns and comments on how the fellowship of St-Paul's can unite us all spiritually.

The people of the Dunany community at large are really at the heart of the ministry of St. Paul's. Your contributions both spiritual and financial are greatly appreciated. Come join us in worshipping with readings, song and prayer in a very relaxed format. We look forward to seeing everyone this summer at St-Paul's, the Little Red Church in Dunany.

Wendy Crooks xxx
Rector's Warden