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 tea raised more than $1,700 in total, including proceeds from the raffle and the popular $5 dessert box, which let guests 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.
On Sunday April 19, 2026, Bishop Susan Bell of the Diocese of Niagara visited St. Saviour Church for worship. During the service and the reception afterwards, we got to meet and hear from Bishop Susan. Both Rev. Janet Cashin and Bishop Susan led the worship with Bishop Susan delivering the Homily.
Bishop Susan first thanks Rev. Janet for her leadership followed by a round of applause from all. She then thanked Michael for his music leadership, our Wardens Donna and Susan, and lastly thanked all here for continuing the 209 years or worship at St. Saviour.
Later, Bishop Susan started the Homily reviewing the gospel reading where two disciples, walking from Jerusalem to Emmaus, are joined by Jesus, whom they do not immediately recognize. They were feeling sad and confused with the crucifixion and wondering about their purpose. She suggested that sometimes here at St. Saviour we might wonder about, “what is our purpose”. It could infer that an ending may be a beginning for us too.
Bishop Susan then told us a little bit about herself, growing up in Stoney Creek and having roots in Niagara with family in Grimsby. She also remembered family visits to Queenston Heights and walking past St. Saviour Church. However, she had never been inside the church until this day.
She feels she know us; know we have a story, a history that matters. Also, that our best days at not behind us. She believes our story is written with Jesus walking beside us, in God’s mission, and we continue to join him mission and becomes part of our mission.
It should not be “terminal nostalgia”, i.e. looking back. We are working with Emily Hill from the Diocese on a Mission Action Plan (i.e. looking forward). We can decern how we can take on this mission, where Christ is already at work around us. Bishop Susan’s guidance to us…
This road ahead may seem uncertain but it can be exciting. With Christ walking with us, we will find our way.
We Exchanged the Peace, with Bishop Susan greeting everyone. We celebrated the Holy Eucharist and then closed the service with music and song. Afterward, we all gathered in the Parish Hall for fellowship with Bishop Susan accompanied by a light lunch.
~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.
