Saturday, April 26th saw the third annual "Rites Of Spring Gala" for St. Thomas' Parish.  There were many in attendance and the HRC facilities were wonderfully suited to our needs.  I love events like this where you get to see everyone let their hair down (and it was down, believe me!).  There are many great pictures taken by Louie Stewart in our online gallery.

There was good food and wine (I really wish I'd had more of the former than the latter). There was an excellent drag performance by "Jezebel"-- you can see her fantastic silver gown, my favorite of the three costume changes, in the pictures online! I believe the Live Auction, with Benny Young as our accomplished Auctioneer, was a great success (I know I was outbid on everything), but my favorite part of the evening, without a doubt, was the dancing... I loved the idea of singing lessons and I did bid on them, but I think we can all agree that I'd benefit most of all from some DANCING lessons -- can we plan to offer those at our next event? I guess it could be said I made up for my ability with my enthusiasm, at least that was my intent.

"I think Benny missed his calling! He's a natural." said Nate West, of the skillful way in which Benny called the auction.

There was a rumour going around as to the shocking parentage of our fabulous entertainer, but you'll have to see me or Phillip Kronstein after services to hear that one!

The rain was coming down in buckets by the end of the evening, but it was not enough to dampen our spirits. What I observed was a joyful time being had by all in the company of friends and spiritual family.

I believe Nancy Lee summed it up best when she said the following about our evening, "It's as important to the fullness of our lives together, as a religious community, that we not only pray together--we play together as well...in the community of faith, we deepen our relationship with one another and God, in sharing the full texture of life!"