Gratitude
Rev. Seth on Tripling Your Impact This December
December Matching Drive
Make your gift count three times as much this December! Join us in transforming lives through this incredible matching opportunity.
Dear St. George in the Pines Family,
As we enter this season of reflection and gratitude, I find myself especially thankful for our vibrant, caring church community. St. George’s is truly a place of hope, compassion, and service to the people of Banff, and I’m reminded daily that none of this would be possible without each of you.
This past year, I’ve been humbled to see the impact of our ministries—through Banff Food and Friends, our worship gatherings, and outreach that touches lives both here in Banff and beyond. Every act of kindness, each offering of time, talent, and treasure, contributes to our shared mission of being Christ’s hands and feet.
Looking to the coming year, I invite you to consider how you might continue to support St. George’s mission. Whether it’s through volunteering, participating in our ministries, or making a financial contribution, your involvement makes a real difference.
This December, we have an incredible opportunity to make an even greater impact. Thanks to the generosity of donors, every dollar you give will be matched with two more—tripling your gift. This matching drive is a chance for us to step boldly forward, ensuring that St. George’s remains a place where people encounter God’s love and grace in tangible ways.
Our biggest challenge remains meeting the operational needs that sustain and grow our ministries. Your support during this matching drive and throughout the year helps us keep St. George’s a beacon of light in Banff and beyond.
During this stewardship season, I encourage you to reflect on how God may be calling you to engage with our church in the coming year. Together, we can continue to build on all that’s been established and step forward in faith, ready to serve and bless our community and beyond.
Thank you for being part of this journey. I am truly grateful for your commitment to St. George’s, and I’m excited for all we’ll accomplish together in the year ahead.
With heartfelt thanks,
Rev. Seth Enriquez
Rector, St. George in the Pines
Nav's Story
Ji Won’s Story
Jane's Story
When I first arrived in Banff, I felt that familiar mix of excitement and fear. Moving somewhere new sounds thrilling, but it can be unbelievably lonely, especially during a pandemic. I didn’t know anyone in town other than my partner. As the weeks passed, I started to feel that heaviness of isolation setting in.
By chance, I found St George in the Pines. I heard about their Food and Friends program and thought maybe volunteering could give me something to focus on, maybe even a few faces I could start to recognize around town. What I didn’t expect was to find people who would become like family to me. From the first day, it wasn’t about my background or beliefs; they simply welcomed me with no questions or expectations - just an invitation to belong. I am not religious at all so this was a big deal for me.
What I love about St George’s is how they show up, quietly but powerfully, just when you need them. After I had my baby, I found myself feeling more vulnerable and overwhelmed than ever. I needed a place where I could just let my guard down, even for a moment—a place where I didn’t have to have it all together.
That’s when I discovered Playtime at the Pines. I’ll always remember walking in that first day, exhausted and a little nervous, clutching my baby and wondering if I’d fit in. But I was welcomed so warmly. It wasn’t just a playgroup, it was a space where I could breathe, meet other parents who understood, and feel less alone.
St George’s doesn’t just see what the community needs - they feel it. They respond not just by opening their doors, but by opening their hearts and wrapping their arms around each of us who walks in. They’ve created a place where people like me - new parents, newcomers, anyone feeling isolated- can find comfort and connection, no strings attached. It’s rare, it’s real, and it’s something I’ll always be grateful for.
Cathy shares her joy in being part of St. George's, where diverse programs and a warm community have enriched her life.
Join us in supporting St. George’s ministry. Your gift this December will be tripled, helping us bring hope and transformation to our community.
Voices from Our Community Partners
Cathy Geisler
"We’re grateful for the community benefit that is supported through Banff Food & Friends. We continue to hear that a sense of belonging, meal affordability, and having a place to gather socially with others are significant desires for many residents in Banff. Banff Food & Friends fulfills an important point of connection each week, for families, singles, young adults, neighbours, and others. We know that a meaningful impact is made for those who need a friendly face, a hug, connection with someone new, or a warm meal."
Catherine Tetreault
Weekly Community Meal Program
The weekly meal program at St. George in the Pines Anglican Church is more than nourishment—it’s a hub of connection and unity for Banff. Welcoming people of all ages and backgrounds, the program creates a space for shared meals and meaningful relationships, fostering a sense of belonging for everyone.
Direct Impact
We serve an average of 170 meals weekly to those facing food insecurity, including low-income families and individuals in hardship. Beyond addressing hunger, the program offers comfort, dignity, and an opportunity to connect, reducing isolation and promoting well-being. Every meal reflects the dedication of our volunteers and the community’s support.
Building Community
This program is about more than food—it’s about connection. Sharing meals encourages interaction among people who might not otherwise meet. Families, individuals, and volunteers come together, fostering mutual support and a sense of belonging. St. George’s provides a welcoming space rooted in warmth and grace.
Broader Impact
Since May 2023, the program has served 12,000 meals, benefiting not just individuals but entire households. These shared meals strengthen social ties and promote a culture of care. St. George’s stewardship of this initiative embodies the love of Christ, creating connections and strengthening our community in Banff.
Tammy Kashiwa
Arctos & Bird Management had an opportunity to sponsor and volunteer at one of the Food and Friends dinners earlier this year. It was such a positive experience being able to connect with our community and give back in a meaningful way. We were so delighted and surprised by the number of people of all ages and backgrounds who gathered together to enjoy a meal. This program fosters belonging and care, while providing a welcoming space for individuals and families to gather. Our team found the experience incredibly rewarding, and we are committed to continuing our support by planning to sponsor another dinner in the near future.
Google Reviews
What Our Community Is Saying
See what people are sharing about their experiences at St. George in the Pines, straight from our Google reviews. We’d love to hear from you too! Share your own experience using the link below.
[Leave a Google Review]
Moments That Matter
A glimpse into lives touched by our community’s generosity.
Your generosity fuels St. George’s ministry and transforms lives. Every $1 you give this month will be matched with two more—don’t miss this incredible opportunity!
Making an impact here in Banff, reaching our community, our nation, and beyond.
Making an impact here in Banff, reaching our community, our nation, and beyond.
Making an impact here in Banff, reaching our community, our nation, and beyond.
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