See the beauty of Metchosin through the eyes of the children

By David McArthur

2020 has been an unusual year for us all. As a community we have all been faced with many difficult challenges and we have had to learn to change and adapt.

When the pandemic forced us all into isolation, the congregation at St Marys’ had to change and modernize too. Rather than meeting in person our Sunday worship services moved online. Even the Sunday School had to adapt, instead of climbing trees, finger painting and eating cookies the kids met weekly online to listen to bible stories, to share their own isolation experiences, concerns and to reassure each other.

While the Sunday school met via Zoom the worship service was produced in an online video format. To produce an online service required lots of video footage and photographs. The congregation came to the aid of the leadership team by supplying photos of the local area.

In the summer months, as the church expanded their bubbles and the kids connected in person once more, they reflected on their experiences of the past months and the idea of the St Marys’ 2021 calendar was born. Combining the photos taken during isolation, and the many things the kids were thankful for, the calendar showcases the beauty of Metchosin through the eyes of the children.

Each month in the calendar is dedicated to a different child. It includes a photo they took and a quote about what they love in life and what they are thankful for. From family to birds, books to fruit pies this calendar reminds us of the many things around us we can appreciate and be grateful for. The calendars were produced in time for sales to get underway at the 2020 Metchosin Blackberry Festival. The children put on their masks and with endless energy and enthusiasm sold copies of their calendar to those who bought pies.

There are still copies of the calendar available to buy. For just $15 each they will keep you smiling throughout the year. They will make the perfect Christmas gift for friends and family. If you’d like to purchase a copy of the calendar you can drop by the Church office (4125 Metchosin Road) Wednesday or Thursday between 9am-1pm at or email admin@stmarysmetchosin.ca to reserve a copy. You may also call 250-474-4119 and leave a message which will be returned when staff is in the office