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St. Thomas’ Anglican Church, 130 Lakeview Ave, Kingston, ON K7M
3T5
Phone: 613-389-0683 Website: stthomaskingston.ca
Email:[email protected]
K7M 3T5K7M 3T5K7M 3T5
Our Mission is: to welcome everyone into Christ's community, to
open hearts to the power of the Spirit and to be God's loving
presence in our community and beyond.
May 2013
Volume 40, Number 5 The Catalyst
Warden’s Winging It!
You’ve probably guessed from the title that this is not the
monthly words of wisdom from Bill! No, our major domo is in Israel
for a short time more, and then back to Kingston for a
well-deserved rest. Now you’ve heard the saying “When the cat’s
away, the mice will play.” Well, where do cats go when they go
away? What do the mice play at? What have the mice been doing while
the cat was around – working, nose to the grindstone, eking out a
living, staying alive? The saying implies that the cat is going to
come back some day so the mice always have to be on guard, awake
and alert, to watch for the cat.
At the risk of sounding flippant, our “cat” has been gone for 2
millennia, but he did say that he was coming back. In the gospel of
John, Jesus says “I won’t leave you like orphans. I will come back
to you.” He went one step further, in the same conversation with
his disciples, saying that “the Holy Spirit will come and help you,
because the Spirit will come to take my place.” Not only would the
Spirit be present, “the Spirit will teach you everything and will
remind you of what I said when I was with you.”
During this Pentecost season, we (the mice, figuratively
speaking) continue to “play” at St Thomas’. We continue to visit
the elderly and shut-ins, knowing that we might be the angel that
person needed to see. We continue to meet and discern who we are as
a congregation and what direction the Spirit would lead us in, as
the Sustainability group is doing. We continue to meet in our small
groups, reaching out to connect in peace with other faiths, as one
particular group is doing with the local Muslim imam this weekend.
We continue to gather weekly at St Thomas’ to share our faith,
support each other and await the return of the “cat”. As the days
grow longer and warmer, let us luxuriate in the presence of the
Spirit in all that we do!
Mark Labrecque Warden
A Rector’s Ramblings
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A Big Thank-You
To our Hosts Dave & Margo Nolan
And to everyone who were able to join us
And to those who sent their best wishes.
Your Thoughtfulness is greatly appreciated!
Bill
Parish Council Update The Church wardens will be writing a
letter tot he Mayor and city council expressing our concerns over
the proposed Kingston Casino. Sustainability Report: Dave Nolan,
Chair of the Parish Sustainability Committee established at
February’s annual meeting, gave the committee’s first report to
Parish council. (See Dave’s article in this or the next edition of
the Catalyst). Three adult educational events are being planned.
Sermon time during two September Sundays will be used to learn how
to invite people to Church prior to Back-to-Church Sunday,
September 29
th.
On Saturday, October 5th, Canon David Smith will be at St.
Thomas’ to host a workshop on reaching out to 30 - 40 year
olds. Then October 26
th is set aside for a morning workshop on Intercessory
Prayer.
A new Parish Photo Directory is being planned for early
November. The Worship Committee made its first report to Parish
council: Setting out its parameters as follows:
Purpose: To support creative and invigorating worship while
honouring Anglican traditions.
Membership: 1. The Rector and Organist and Choir Directors. 2.
Additional volunteers with representatives of Altar Guild.
Meetings: 3-4 times yearly and as needed. Reporting: 1. To the
Vestry meeting, annually (Jan/Feb) 2. To Parish Council after each
committee meeting. 3. Informs the Parish of various worship
activities through the
weekly bulletin, church newsletter – the Catalyst, and the
parish web site.
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Responsibilities:
(a) To plan and review worships services in support of the
Rector and other
worship leaders.
(b) To provide opportunities for Christian Education
particularly on matters of liturgy and to support other parish
groups in their endeavors in Christian Education.
(c) To communicate its work to the parish leadership and
congregation.
The committee then went to report its plans for Pentecost
Sunday. The Lord’s Prayer will be the focus of two Sundays in
October. An Intercessory Workshop is also being planned for the
fall. A leader for the PIM Food Bank Drive is being sought to
coordinate this event on Wednesday May 16
th.
YOU ARE INVITED!
Guess who’s having a birthday? The CHURCH Is!!!!! WE are!! When:
PENTECOST SUNDAY - Sunday, May 19, 2013 Where: St. Thomas Church
When: 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. – Warm Up Party
10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. – Full Swing Party Dress Code: Please
wear RED!!!
There will be birthday cake, decorations and much more! We look
forward to seeing everyone there!
Our Summer Ministry We have a cottage neighbor named Karl who
has a wealth of knowledge about everything to do with cottage
life.
He also has an uncanny ability to sense when someone might need
his help. As Rick and I are relatively new cottage owners, we are
extremely grateful to Karl for helping us avoid many construction
disasters. Karl’s wife, Marion, is not able to be as physically
active as her husband, but she too has a unique gift which she
shares with all the cottage neighbours. She has a very complete
list of immediate neighbour’s birthdays and anniversaries, and
sends out cards with little scripture verses for each person. As we
approach summer time, many of us will be away from St. Thomas at
cottages, summer camps, summer jobs, in campgrounds or parks, on
planes or trains, at the beach or community pools, at soccer
fields, or on mission trips like Joy and Jessica, in retirement
homes, and apartments.
Wherever summer takes us, let us remember our new Mission
Statement, and attempt to be examples of Christ’s love to all we
meet. Marg
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The Catalyst Page 4 of 12
Kingston Senior Choristers The Kingston Senior Choristers, under
the direction of Lynda Stoness, present their spring concert, "The
Best of Times". The one-hundred voice choir presents a lively
selection from the 1950s, 60s and 70s. Friday, May 31, at 7:30p.m.
Kingston Gospel Temple. Adults $15, children 12 and under, $5.
Tickets are available from Marina Hughson, Cynthia Furrr, and Lynda
Stoness and at the door.
Joy and Jessica’s News All became clearly revealed to us at the
end of March, that we are now being led back to Vancouver: Jessica
got accepted into an excellent Christian school across the street
from my mother; a semi-retired rehabilitation physician retired in
Vancouver allowing me to take over without compromising our ability
to continue mission trips abroad; AND our house sold at Easter!
Surely God is taking care of every detail. We’ve both thoroughly
enjoyed being in choirs in Kingston, and look forward to the next
children’s choir event – the annual Mothers’ Day tea at St.
George’s on May 12, which is a delightful afternoon to which all
are welcome. Even as Jessica and I prepare for our next trip to
Kenya’s Joytown Primary School for children with disabilities this
coming July (Wheels Project JW, www.bethanykids.org), we know this
will be the last from our base in Kingston for a long time. We
thank you for your support of BethanyKids and would welcome
opportunities to keep you informed of this effort. We have been
able to participate in various activities within Ontario’s
collaborative diocesan community, and shall remember our
wonderfully gifted and nurturing church family of St. Thomas with
fondness, for this is where Jessica has been since her infancy. It
has been a blessed 11 years. We shall miss you all and hope for
future visits once in awhile. Though we are sad to leave St.
Thomas, our Interserve prayer group and the faithful fellowship of
the Sisters of Providence of St. Vincent de Paul, we know that we
shall be where we can serve most effectively in the next chapter of
life’s unfolding tale. Blessings to everyone, Joy and Jessica
Farewell Tea for the Wees Please join us at the home of Marg and
Rick Milner, 237 Smuggler’s Cove Drive, Sunday, June 9
th from 2-4 pm to say good
bye to Joy and Jessica. We would love to see some of our Sunday
school members. Maybe we can have a scavenger hunt if the weather
cooperates! Let’s send the Wees off to Kenya and Vancouver with our
love and best wishes from St.Thomas!’
http://www.bethanykids.org/
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St. George’s Children’s Choir Concert The St. George’s Cathedral
Children’s Choir will perform a concert on Sunday May 12 at 5pm in
the Cathedral Great Hall. High tea will be served starting at 4pm.
Admission is free, with a voluntary offering collected in support
of the Children’s Choir program. The Great Hall is at 129
Wellington St. in Kingston. Call 613-548-4617 or visit
www.stgeorgescathedral.ca. Come and celebrate Mother’s Day with the
beautiful voices of children singing!
Theatre Seats for Seniors An old man lay sprawled across three
entire seats in the movie theater. When the usher came by and
noticed this, he whispered to the old man, "Sorry sir, but you're
only allowed one seat." The old man just groaned but didn't budge.
The usher became more impatient. "Sir, if you don't get up from
there I'm going to have to call the manager." Once again, the old
man just groaned. The usher marched briskly back up the aisle, and
in a moment he returned with the manager. Together the two of them
tried repeatedly to move the old disheveled man, but with no
success. Finally they summoned the police. The officer surveyed the
situation briefly then asked, "All right buddy what's your name?"
"Fred," the old man moaned. "Where ya from, Fred?" asked the police
officer. With terrible pain in his voice, and without moving a
muscle, Fred replied, "The balcony."
COFFEEHOUSE 2013 The Coffeehouse on Saturday April 13 certainly
fulfilled our new Mission Statement! 'We welcomed' some 80 people
to our community during an evening that contained such a wonderful
variety of genres Ed Sullivan would have envied! 'We opened our
hearts' to the talented performers of St Thomas': Lee Hanes,
Stephen Uberschaer, Marg Milner, Jessica and Joy Wee, Judi &
John Perreault, Debbie & Jim Moulton, Sharon & Bill
McAllister, Laura McAllister Morrison, Heather Schreiner, Jackie
Corcoran, Jason Hawke, Tom Vincent, Dave & Sue Orgill, Denise
Cummings, Bruce Corneil, Ed and Carol Tennant, and Gary MCabe.
There was piano playing, violin, sweet vocal harmonies, a Fractured
Fairy Tale (quite pun-ishing) show tunes, country, sea shanties,
jazz, opera and the whimsical yet eddifying performance of
Professor Vincent.
It was a full evening with many performers. We had tasty treats
to nibble with our coffee, tea or hot apple cider. The audience
sang along, laughed a lot and cried a little.
http://www.stgeorgescathedral.ca/
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One observer noted "that with so many people participating, it
shows how comfortable and safe they feel in the church community to
share their gifts of talent and time. Everyone was working together
and the results were self-evident. It is obviously a very caring,
supportive church community." Thanks to all who baked, helped in
the kitchen (especially, Debbie Warren, Heather McCormick, Ellen
Corneil and Dorothy Mann) those who set-up, performed, and tidied
up afterwards, shining examples of 'God's loving presence'.
Heartfelt thanks to David Perreault for the sound system and tech
support. Both David and Laura have been coming to Coffeehouses
since they started in 1994! For more photos go to our website
www.stthomaskingston.ca Submitted by Sue Orgill
Parish Pot Luck April 18, 2013
Our mission is:
to welcome everyone into Christ's community,
to open hearts to the power of the Spirit and
to be God's loving presence in our community and beyond.
Some time ago the people of St. Thomas' took a survey as part of
the study of Natural Church Development. The
idea for a new Mission Statement came out of a study group that
had been reading and discussing Richard
Ascough and Sandy Cotton's book about St. Paul called
“Passionate Visionary: Leadership Lessons from the
Apostle Paul”.
A committee was established to draft a Mission Statement which
was approved by the parishioners at the Annual
Meeting on February 3, 2013. The new Mission Statement was
discussed in a series of interactive sermons.
Written submissions were invited.
A Pot luck dinner and discussion took place April 18, 2013.
About 30-40 people attended. In those meetings each
element in the Mission Statement was discussed. We discussed
many ideas and suggestions were shared about
what our vision of St. Thomas' can be and what we can do to
bring greater life to St. Thomas'.
http://www.stthomaskingston.ca/
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Bob Hales attended. He shared this observation about the
discussions, “Tons of energy and spiritually in the room
last night. I was impressed at the willingness to act and ideas
expressed.”
I will be writing a summary of the comments at the interactive
sermons, the submissions made, and the
discussions at the Pot Luck.
Submitted by Karl Fur Editor’s note- Due to space constraints in
this issue, Karl’s summary will be included in June’s Catalyst.
Thanks so much Karl for your work on this special project!
An Evening Prayer O Lord, support us all the day long, until the
shadows lengthen, and the evening comes, and the busy world is
hushed, and the fever of life is over, and our work is done. Then
in thy mercy, grant us a safe lodging, and a holy rest, and peace
at the last. Amen
SENIORS 19 APRIL 2013 First we celebrated Betty Berry’s 90
th birthday. I asked her (as so many older people get
asked),”How did you manage it?”
Betty looks pretty agile to me, and she said, ”Just keep busy!”
A card was signed by all for Sue Orgill”s parents, Marion and Lloyd
Larocque for their 67
th wedding anniversary.
We got two lovely cards, one from the Rector, thanking us for
thinking of him (and for our monetary gift towards his trip to the
Holy Land), and another sweet card from Charlie and Olive Jeffs.
Our speaker was Dave Nolan. We treasure Margo and Dave in our
parish, as they are both givers, and always cheerful in the
process. Dave is also very involved with Habitat for Humanity
locally. He reviewed the history and accomplishments of this
movement internationally, nationally, and the successes of the
local chapter. Their latest completed project was assisting a
single mother acquire her own home in Bath, something she could
never hope to do without their help. Dave was looking for
supporters who would contemplate serving on the Board, or on the
committee that reviews potential recipients, or the committees that
seek material donations, publicize their efforts, seek and appraise
building lots with potential. You could also pick up a hammer and
pound nails! We enjoyed Dave’s talk, and will be watching their
future efforts.
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The Catalyst Page 8 of 12
In attendance was Bishop (ret) George Bruce, who is the Chaplain
of the Habitat for Humanity chapter. George added his admiration
for the charity, for Dave’s powerful presence, and provided advance
notice of the subject for our 17 May meeting. At it, we will be
briefed on the efforts to erect and run a hospice residence for
terminally-ill people. Submitted by Phil Neatby
Humour
As long as there are exams, there will be prayer in school. No
man stands as tall as a Christian on his knees. Submitted by Carrie
Cirtwill
For Sale It was a great spring for maple syrup production. We
have an extra 1 - 2 litre container for sale produced by Ken's
brother-in-law in Portland. $25 is the cost. Speak to Ken Gates if
you would like to purchase the last container (or call 613 389
7324).
Today's Short Reading . . . "And God promised men that good and
obedient wives would be found in all corners of the earth." Then he
made the earth round... and he laughed and laughed and laughed!
Submitted by Keitha Thomas
Library Report I have received twenty books or more for the
church library. Thank you to the supporters of our growing library.
I list below some of the books that have been received. and they
will appear on the book table at the back of the Church. CL This is
our Faith - Ian Stuchberry CL A Guide to life and belief for
Anglicans
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B Jason has been Shot - Rev. Dale Lang, Anglican Minister (The
true Story of Family, Faith and the Power of Forgiveness) F The
Atonement of Jack Fowler - G, Peddle (An Anglican Priest in a
murder-mystery with a supernatural twist). CL Faces of God - Gordon
and Gladys Depree CL Miracles Can Happen - Phil Shirley CL When God
Whispers your Name - M. Lucado T The Merciful God of Prophecy - Tim
Lahaye (His Loving Plan for you in the End Time). CL Dreams - John
Sanford (God's Forgotten Language) Identification Codes which may
help in finding the books. Christian Living CL Theology and Society
T Prayer P Missions M Fiction F Biography B Children’s C Submitted
by Marina Hughson
Book review by Marina Hughson (Library Coordinator) Seeking the
Seekers: Serving the Hidden Spiritual Quest: by Paul MacLean and
Michael Thompson. The authors are both Anglican Priests and the
book is available at the Anglican Book Centre in Toronto. This book
is about some churches that engage with people in a new and
exciting way, other people engage with churches, and others who
don't. Both these groups have an enormous interest in things
spiritual; but one group has found a home for their interest in a
church, and the other group hasn't. The authors worked to
understand congregations that in one way or another, 'seek the
seekers'. This book got started after two research projects were
completed by the authors. At the back of the book is an outline of
a discovery project with questions and facilitator's notes. This
book is for people in ordinary churches who are wondering what
future the church has. There are no easy answers. The experimental
forms of liturgy proposed, will be explored within the established
congregations. This is an interesting book for anyone interested in
learning about the changes that will come. One statement that
didn't reflect my views was that the music used in churches today
is thirty years outdated!! The authors said that anyone over sixty
prefers a traditional service! That’s not necessarily the case at
St. Thomas!
PWRDF PWRDF and the Canadian International Development Agency
(CIDA) worked with the Diocese of Masasi to bring clean, drinkable
water to over 33,000 people living in 10 villages in Tanzania. In a
country where the dry climate makes growing food very difficult ¾
of the year, access to clean water is incredibly important! Neema
Ndedya, a resident of Mkwapa village, said: I used to walk 8km to
carry a bucket of 20 litres of water every day. Overall, I spent
four hours a day fetching water. Of course, 20 litres was not
enough for my family, who needed 120 litres—an average of 40 litres
per person per day. Those days are behind us. Now, it takes me less
than 30 minutes back and forth from the water well. Because of the
short distance, my family helps and we can each carry a bucket. It
makes my burden lighter and we can have more water for domestic use
and keep ourselves clean. Access to clean, safe water has helped to
improve not just the lives of women like Neema in the communities,
but has also improved their health. Water borne diseases including
cholera, diarrhea, and typhoid are less common in the villages
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The Catalyst Page 10 of 12
now.30 men and 30 women in the region learned to manage the
water resources. The villages now have water management committees
which have planted trees around the water points, fenced the wells
off to protect them from vandalism and know how to repair and
maintain the water points. A water attendant is always present to
oversee and manage the use of the water points, and to collect user
fees. The fees help to fund the maintenance of the wells.
Vulnerable people including orphans, people living with AIDS, the
elderly, and people with disabilities are exempt from water
fees.
Submitted by Diane Maybee
Wise Words Everybody can be great because anybody can serve. You
don’t have to have a college degree to serve. You don’t have to
make your subject and your verb agree to serve… You don’t have to
know the second theory of thermodynamics in physics to serve. You
only need a heart full of grace, a soul generated by love Martin
Luther King Jr.
57 Cent Church A little girl stood near a small church from
which she had been turned away because it was 'too crowded.' 'I
can't go to Sunday School,' she sobbed to the pastor as he walked
by. Seeing her shabby, unkempt appearance, the pastor guessed the
reason and, taking her by the hand, took her inside and found a
place for her in the Sunday school class. The child was so happy
that they found room for her, and she went to bed that night
thinking of the children who have no place to worship Jesus. Some
two years later, this child lay dead in one of the poor tenement
buildings. Her parents called for the kindhearted pastor who had
befriended their daughter to handle the final arrangements. As her
poor little body was being moved, a worn and crumpled red purse was
found which seemed to have been rummaged from some trash dump.
Inside was found 57 cents and a note, scribbled in childish
handwriting, which read: 'This is to help build the little church
bigger so more children can go to Sunday School.' For two years she
had saved for this offering of love. When the pastor tearfully read
that note, he knew instantly what he would do. Carrying this note
and the cracked, red pocketbook to the pulpit, he told the story of
her unselfish love and devotion. He challenged his deacons to get
busy and raise enough money for the larger building. But the story
does not end there.... A newspaper learned of the story and
published It. It was read by a wealthy realtor who offered them a
parcel of land worth many thousands. When told that the church
could not pay so much, he offered to sell it to the little church
for 57 cents. Church members made large donations. Checks came from
far and wide.. Within five years the little girl's gift had
increased to $250,000.00--a huge sum for that time (near the turn
of the century). Her unselfish love had paid large dividends. When
you are in the city of Philadelphia , look up Temple Baptist Church
, with a seating capacity of 3,300. And be sure to visit
TempleUniversity, where thousands of students are educated. Have a
look, too, at the Good Samaritan Hospital and at a Sunday School
building which houses hundreds of beautiful children, built so that
no child in the area will ever need to be left outside during
Sunday school time. In one of the rooms of this building may be
seen the picture of the sweet face of the little girl whose 57
cents, so sacrificially saved, made such remarkable history.
Alongside of it is a portrait of her kind pastor, Dr. R Conwell,
authorof the book, 'Acres of Diamonds'. This is a true story, which
goes to show WHAT GOD CAN DO WITH 57 CENTS.
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May- events subject to change-consult office or bulletin
May 2013
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
1 2 3 4
5 8:30&10am Holy Eucharist Briargate HC
6 7 Cons. Pond HC Choir practice (7-8pm) Folk Choir (8-9pm)
8 11:15am Eucharist & Bible study Crystal Springs 7pm AA
9
10
11
12 8:30&10am Holy Eucharist Arbor Hts.HC
13 14 Choir Practice (7-8pm) Folk Choir (8-9pm)
15 11:15 HC & Bible Study Crystal Springs 7pm AA
16
17
18
19 Pentecost 8:30 & 10am Holy Eucharist
20 Parish Council
21 Choir practice (7-8pm)
22 11:15am Eucharist and Bible study Crystal Springs 7pm AA
23
24 .
25
26 8:30 & 10am Holy Eucharist Prayer Service Trillium Centre
2:30pm
27
28 Choir Practice (7-8pm) Folk Choir (8-9pm)
29 30 Davis Drive HC
31
For enquiries about Davis Drive Eucharist, contact Doug or Diane
Maybee, 613 389 3066 Youth Group meets on Sunday nights. Speak to
the Rector for details. For enquiries about Seniors Events, contact
Phil Neatby, 613 389 1519
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The Catalyst Page 12 of 12
Musings on our Lenten Study Over Lent, a group of about 10
people regularly braved enthusiastic greetings from our dog, and
delved into a study of Islam. With a number of resources, we looked
into the modest beginnings of this major religion, the main
beliefs, similarities with Christianity and Judaism, women in
Islam, Muslims in America, and some of the issues with extremist
sects. Muslims believe that their holy book, the Qu'ran, was given
to Muhammad in a series of prophetic encounters with the angel
Gabriel, over a number of years. The revelations showed God to be
the one and only God, and Muhammad was struck by the knowledge that
if God is one and supreme, then we are all brothers. Much of the
Qu'ran offers guidelines on how to look after the poor and widows,
and how to conduct business fairly. (Just as Jesus had ranted
against the money sellers in the temple, Muhammad had to fight
against corruption and vast gaps between the rich and poor in
Mecca.) While Muslims do not believe that Jesus was God's son and
rose from the dead, they do believe he was a major prophet for the
Jews. And the Qu'ran holds many other Jewish prophets, as well as
Mary, the mother of Jesus, in high esteem. So it was very
interesting for us to see the many similarities between our 2
religions, as well as to look at Christianity from another
viewpoint. One of the books I am reading looks at the time of the
Spanish Inquisition (late 1400's), and details the horrible torture
and expulsion of Muslims and Jews from Spain. This
political-religious exclusionism stands in sharp contrast to the
earlier era when, under Islamic control, Muslims, Jews and
Christians co-existed with mutual respect. Contrast that horrible
time of "brotherly hate" with Bob's sermon today ("Love one
another"), and the 2nd lesson today where Peter is told that
nothing God has made is unclean. And I also think of the other
times Jesus told his disciples to love others, including our
enemies and those that hate us. I believe we really ought to be
more open-minded towards other faiths, other denominations. I
believe we have much to learn from each other, and can support our
common goals of praising God and living in harmony with compassion
for all. After participating in this study, I am much more open to
starting conversations with Muslim neighbours and acquaintances
than I ever have been in the past. While our study group did not
discuss things through the lens of St Thomas' new mission
statement, we did agree that it is in making small gestures of
openness in our community that gaps can be bridged, and
understanding between groups can start. This works not only for the
Christian-Muslim differences, but also other divisions in our
community: blue-collar/white collar; gay/straight/trans;
churched/unchurched; hip-hop/classical music advocates.... We are
all created in God's image and are precious to him. Submitted by
Heather Schreiner
Be Kind
"Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting
some kind of battle."
- Unknown
St. Thomas’ Anglican Church The Venerable Bill Clarke,
Rector
Services: Sunday, 8:30 a.m. and 10:00 a.m.
130 Lakeview Ave, Kingston, Ontario, K7M 3T5
Phone: 613-389-0683
Website: stthomaskingston.ca
Email: [email protected]
