St. Saviour’s Blossom Tea, held on Saturday, May 2, brought together 57 guests for an afternoon of classic treats, warm conversation, and community spirit. The menu featured fresh scones with butter, clotted cream, and strawberry jam, along with an abundant selection of tea sandwiches, cookies, cakes, squares, and a bottomless pot of tea—excellent value for a $25 ticket.
Three‑quarters of attendees were returning guests, a testament to the event’s popularity. Most visitors came from Queenston and Niagara‑on‑the‑Lake, with a few joining from Niagara Falls. Many first‑timers return the following year, and as Marion Bottomley noted, “One person who attended today, joined Friends of St. Saviour’s, just to make sure they get the two‑day advance notice of future church events.” Teas and dinners often sell out within a week.
Chaired by Marion, who has been involved in church teas for more than 40 years, the event was supported by 8–10 dedicated volunteers. Some prepared desserts, sandwiches, and tea; others handled setup, serving, and cleanup. Their teamwork helped create a welcoming and memorable afternoon.
Guests enjoyed a generous selection of door and raffle prizes, including gift certificates, a gift basket, wine, flowers, plants, dinner‑for‑two vouchers, and elegant tea‑themed placemats. The ever‑popular $5 dessert box was a hit once again, giving guests the chance to fill a take‑home container with their favourite treats.
Marion reflected on how the Spring Tea began decades ago as a simple bake sale with a couple of tables for tea. As the congregation grew, expanding the tea service transformed it into the beloved community tradition it is today. St. Saviour’s is grateful to everyone who attended, volunteered, donated, and supported this cherished fundraising event.
During the service and the reception that followed, we had the joy of meeting Bishop Susan and hearing her message of encouragement. She and Rev. Janet Cashin led the worship together, with Bishop Susan preaching the Homily.
At the beginning of the service, Bishop Susan offered heartfelt thanks to Rev. Janet for her leadership, which was met with warm applause. She also expressed gratitude to Michael for his music ministry, to our Wardens Donna and Susan, and to the entire congregation for continuing 209 years of worship at St. Saviour's.
In her Homily, Bishop Susan reflected on the gospel story of the two disciples walking from Jerusalem to Emmaus—sad, confused, and unsure of their purpose—until they were joined by the risen Christ, whom they did not at first recognize. She suggested that we, too, may sometimes wonder about our purpose at St. Saviour's, and that what feels like an ending may in fact be the beginning of something new.
Bishop Susan shared a bit of her own story as well. She grew up in Stoney Creek and has deep roots in Niagara, with family in Grimsby. She recalled childhood visits to Queenston Heights and walking past St. Saviour's Church, though this Sunday was her first time inside our historic building.
She told us that she feels she knows us—that we have a story and a history that matter—and that our best days are not behind us. Our story continues to unfold with Jesus walking beside us. God’s mission is ongoing, and we are invited to join that mission in new ways.
She encouraged us not to fall into “terminal nostalgia,” looking only backward. Instead, she reminded us that we are already working with Emily Hill from the Diocese on a Mission Action Plan, discerning how Christ is at work around us and how we can respond faithfully. Her guidance to us was simple and profound:
• Stay with each other
• Stay in prayer
• Stay at this table
• Stay curious
The road ahead may feel uncertain, she said, but it is also full of possibility. With Christ walking with us, we will find our way.
We then exchanged the Peace, with Bishop Susan greeting everyone warmly. We celebrated the Holy Eucharist and concluded the service with music and song. Afterward, the congregation gathered in the Parish Hall for fellowship and a light lunch, enjoying time together with Bishop Susan.
~T. Birchall
To see the photos taken during the Bishop's visit, click on the video below
St. Saviour’s line dancing sessions have quickly become one of the parish’s most popular community programs, with the most recent session selling out in just one week. Instructor Anita Menezes credits the program’s success to the behind‑the‑scenes teamwork that keeps everything running seamlessly. “This wouldn’t have been possible without Vicki and Elaine,” she shared. “They do all the administration work… they’re the ones who open the hall, take down participant names, and get the word out. It wouldn’t have happened without them.”
The program has grown steadily since its first season last fall, when classes ran twice a week with about 17 dancers per session and wrapped up with a festive Christmas party. This year’s spring session runs Thursdays from April 2 to May 28, offering nine upbeat classes for just $5 each.
Participants come for the fun, the fitness, and the welcoming atmosphere. Anita teaches an energetic mix of dances—including Cha Cha, Zumba, Charleston, Pop, Country, and even the Tango. No partner is required, just enthusiasm, which has encouraged a wide range of dancers, from newcomers to couples. One participant, Alan from Queenston, shared that he joined because “it’s a great way to meet people, to be silly, and get a bit of exercise. And the teacher’s fantastic. How could I not attend?”
The program has also become a meaningful fundraiser for St. Saviour’s. As Vicki noted, last fall’s session raised $2,000 thanks to Anita’s generosity in donating her time and expertise. With hopes to start even earlier this coming September, the team is already looking forward to another lively season of music, movement, and community connection.
