Dear Friends,

Summer is a time to refresh our spirits, take time out and take it easy. We, at St. Margaret’s are taking that to heart as we recoup from a very busy season that has not only included planning the rebuild of our church, but also sorting, packing up and moving. The latter included not only physical items, but also our memories- friends and loved ones and everything that St. Margaret’s has meant in the past.

As such, these have been emotional times, filled with nostalgia but balanced with eager anticipation for the future. How appropriate that our move-back date is scheduled for Thanksgiving!

 We are now a community on the move. As we settle into our temporary digs we are learning that St. Margaret’s is more than our building and that change can be a good thing. Most importantly we are experiencing first hand God’s faithfulness.

Our services at Lamp have begun to take a shape of their own. The Chancel Guild works wonders in transforming Lamp’s meeting room into a sacred space. The intimate setting of our worship and new seating arrangements gives us opportunities to encounter old friends in new ways.  Many of us find it easier to share during the service and the coffee hour which seamlessly follows it.

We have been able to continue most of the events that have endeared St. Margaret’s to the community. The Legion has kindly lent us their facilities so that we can continue our Friday community dinners and annual events like the Strawberry and Peach Festivals will take place at our new storefront location on the Lake Shore.

Our storefront wears many hats:  administrative centre, youth group hangout, small groups and meeting venue, and, with the chancel guild’s magic touch, worship space.  Our address in Long Branch is enabling us to widen our horizons. Already we have made new friends and not a day goes by when someone does not walk in from the street.

 Please note the summer time change for our Sunday services: 10:00 a.m. as of July 4.  As we embark on our summer vacations please be prayerful for the needs of St. Margaret’s and the people we serve.

Come build a church with soul and spirit,
come build a church of flesh and bone.
We need no tower rising skyward;
no house of wood, or glass or stone.
Come build a church with human frailty.
Come build a church of flesh and blood.
Jesus shall be its sure foundation.
It shall be built by the hand of God.