October 11, 2022
Dear friends and visitors: About 10 years ago, I first visited the Peninsula and fell in love with Creator’s handiwork here: both geographic and social J. So it is the fulfillment of a dream to be working here now and I want to extend to you a warm welcome!
All of creation and also the Lutheran and Anglican ministries on the Saugeen Peninsula extend our arms of welcome to you! This beautiful Peninsula, the traditional territory of the Saugeen Ojibway and Chippewa of Nawash Unceded First Nation is commonly known as “The Bruce Peninsula” and a full history of this area, as understood from its First People is available here. One of my personal passions and goals is to continue the work of exploring how our worshipping communities along with the wider communities can support and join the invitations for friendship and engagement extended to us from the people of NEYAASHIINIGMIING.
As a first-generation settler myself, born in Sri Lanka and having grown up in Jamaica, one of the first things I noticed about this land is that people from all over the world are drawn to it: as vacation country, as spiritual medicine, as a place to call home whether during their working or retired years. I too have been drawn to the healing capacities of this area for over a decade now, but especially since the COVID-19 Pandemic has so changed our world.
The combination of creation and faith welcome you at any of the faith locations I serve here (beginning in the south and working our way up to the northern tip of the Peninsula):
- St Peter’s By the Lake at Sauble Beach (a summer worshipping community)
- St Peter’s Lutheran and Trinity Anglican in Wiarton (worshipping together at Brown Street)
- St Andrew’s Howdenvale – also the local community hall (a summer worshipping community)
- Christ Church at Lion’s Head
- St Margaret’s Chapel at Cape Chin – a site for delightful evening story telling throughout the summer months, but also a Chapel left open to serve as year-round sanctuary.
- St Edmund’s in Tobermory.
Our congregations all welcome you, and a variety of visiting clergy bless us with their gifts especially during the summer months. Whether you like to worship early in the morning or later in the day, you will find a Sunday worship that suits your needs. Join us on ZOOM or YouTube if you cannot make it in person.
We are full-week people of faith! We thrive on being life-long learners and participants in the needs of our communities. We would be delighted to have you join any of our learning ministries by ZOOM, whether Bible Study or Book Study, whether walking, hiking, snow-shoeing or by a campfire, all are welcome. Please check out our calendar to know how and where you may connect with us during the week.
The love of outdoors makes outdoor visits favourite options for me. Our church buildings also provide meeting spaces. Should you need a compassionate, listening ear, be curious about working with any of our locations collaboratively, or simply want to connect, please reach out. My email is janakibandara@diohuron.org I personally look forward to welcoming you, and walking with you in mind, spirit or with our feet – together J. With love, in Christ
Pastor Janaki