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The Parish of  St. Stephen’s, West Vancouver began the fall season on a sombre note: A Service of Prayer and Reflection on September 22nd remembering her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Second. The mood was set by a sensitive performance on the organ of Elgar’s “Nimrod” by Minister of Music, Dr. Annabelle Paetsch. Rector, the Reverend Kenneth Vinal introduced the service with the hymn “Guide me , O thou great Redeemer”.  And after the 23rd psalm and a reading from “John 14” he asked members of the congregation to offer reflections on their memories of the Queen. Several members shared their personal anecdotes, some sensitive, some humorous, but all respectful of the exemplary dedicated life her Majesty had led. At the conclusion of worship the congregation sang “God Save the King” for the first time in the nave of St. Stephen's.

St.Stephen’s Community Singers began the month of September under the direction of Dr. Annabelle Paetsch. This group meets on Thursdays at 3:45 in the sanctuary and is open to all amateur singers. The music covers a wide range of styles so there is something for all tastes.

 The lavender is now being stripped from the church garden and tied into tiny bouquets for sale at the annual Lavender Tea  on October 16th following the 10 am service. Funds raised go to support the Community Singers. At the same time parishioners are being asked to collect foodstuffs for the West Vancouver Harvest Project that will be donated on Thanksgiving Sunday.

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The St. Stephen's Community Choir in 2021 Photo: John Ruddick