PARKWOOD PULSEPARKWOOD PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH MONTHLY NEWSLETTER

All in­person events arecurrently cancelled,suspended, or postponed,including Sunday services,until further notice.

Your Parkwood Pulse isonline with digital editions.

Submissions can be sent in toparkwoodpulse@yahoo.ca

"As I was with Moses,so I will be with you;I will never leave you

nor forsake you."

­ Joshua 1:5

Parkwood Presbyterian Church― 10 Chesterton Drive― Ottawa, ON― K2E 5S9613­225­6648 ― parkwoodchurch.ca

MAY 2020

PARKWOOD PULSE MAY 20202PARKWOOD PULSE MAY 20202

Never Alone

On Sunday evening, April 26th, it is said that one out of every three Canadians watched anunprecedented national music “concert” via television or other streamed media, on the theme, “We’re inthis together.”Musical artists and celebrities from many walks of life joined in a national expression ofthanks to and support for doctors, nurses, first­responders, and essential workers in maintaining anddelivering food and other necessities during the present pandemic. The theme, “We’re in this together,”was designed to affirm that though many are isolated either because of illness or the need to prevent thefurther spread of illness, we are very much connected. Those blessed were encouraged to contribute asthey could to raise funds for local food banks. The call was to affirm and strengthen human solidarity.“We will get through this together” was the common refrain.

Among many others, I tuned in, and was grateful to be able to do so, and to join in giving thanks— bothfor those hard at work on the front lines, and for those patiently enduring “physical distancing”. I amdeeply conscious of our present separation, and while thankful for the technology that has allowed manyof us to connect electronically for worship through Lent and Easter and beyond, I am very muchburdened for those in hospital, in care facilities, and in private homes, who cannot connect and who arevery much separated and isolated and cannot be in the presence of family and friends dearly loved.

I am reminded, though, that for Christians there is another dimension to this “We’re in this together.”Those in whom and among whom the Spirit of God dwells have a much more profound affirmation tomake. As much as we are in this together, it matters far more that God is in this with us.

Moses at the age of 120 years was conscious of not being the one to lead the ancient Israelites into thepromised land; God had told him that instead “The Lord your God himself will cross over ahead ofyou.” (Deuteronomy 31: 3, NIV) Moses’ response was to call Joshua, and to repeat “in the presence ofall Israel” this assurance, and to add the immortal words, “He will never leave you nor forsake you.”God would be with His people, leading them out of the wilderness and into their future together in theland of His promise, and with His enduring and abiding provision.

After Moses’ death, God “inducts” Joshua to his position of leadership, and repeats the promiseembraced by Moses, “As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsakeyou.” (Joshua 1: 5) Human leadership may change, but God’s commitment to accompany His peoplecontinues.

Centuries later, when the apostle to the Hebrews wanted to encourage first­century disciples of Jesuswho had suffered rejection and loss for the sake of Christ, he catalogues (in Hebrews 11) the great menand women of faith who put their trust in the One who is unseen, but who pressed onward and forward,and he then offers the concluding exhortation and encouragement in Hebrews 13: 5 ­ “God has said,‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you” — quoting again from God’s promise to Moses and toJoshua. The same apostle goes on to remind us that “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” (Hebrews 13: 8)

PARKWOOD PULSE MAY 20203

Never Alone

Jesus Himself, preparing the disciples for his physical leave­taking after his resurrection and prior to Hisascension to return to heaven, issues the great commission, “Go and make disciples of all nations…” andadds the assurance, “Surely I will be with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28: 20)

All of this is designed to tell us that as much as “we’re in this together”, God is in this with us, andChristian disciples bring to those around us the One who is able to do more than we can ask or imagine.Let us affirm Jesus’ presence, and all the strength, guidance, and peace that flow from Him.

Your pastor, aware of (and thankful for) the presence of God the Father,Jesus our Saviour and Lord, and the Holy Spirit our Comforter and Guide,

James T. Hurd

P. S.: Contributions designated for our Benevolent Fund enable us to support those in need with food andother necessities now and at other times throughout the year.

Reminder: Church Services Now Online

Sunday Services: 10:00 AM (livestreamed)

We have been "livestreaming" the worship servicessince March 22nd. To take part in a livestreamedservice, a link to the service will be placed on theParkwood Church website's home page, as well asour Facebook page shortly before the service.Videos of the livestreamed services can be foundon our YouTube channel "Parkwood Ottawa", thelatest appearing a day after the service.

Excerpted from parkwoodchurch.ca

Sunday Services Online

PARKWOOD PULSE MAY 20204

CANHAVE Celebrates Its 25th Anniversary This Year

VOTE VOTE VOEVOTE

Gwynneth Evans continues the CANHAVE story:

I spent two years in Uganda from 1967­1969 as a volunteer teacher of English in a theological college. Inmy work there, I joined others in agencies working in Africa in the fields of literacy, reading, andeducation. The importance of educating girls and women for the benefits of their families, communities,and nations was emphasized. After Ugandans had to flee their country, I was always eager to meet thosewho came to Canada.

Grete Hale met Caroline Nakayenga by chance, after she arrived in Ottawa as a refugee. Caroline hadalready learned some library skills so Grete, as Chair of the Friends of the National Library of Canada,asked the National Library to hire her. It was there that I met Caroline and soon afterwards became aCANHAVE donor.

In 2003, I was in Uganda on business. I also met Joseph Kabali and travelled with him to meet all thechildren in their various schools, all isolated from each other. I learned more from him about the needs ofCANHAVE in Uganda. Back in Ottawa, I reported to the Board about my experiences and, among otherrecommendations, I encouraged them to get a van for Joseph’s work with the children.

While I met each sponsored child, it was Robert Kayaga, in aschool in Mukuno, who stood out for me. Joseph took Robertand me to visit his grandfather, Israel. There I learned thatIsrael had been a houseboy for an English family in Mukunoat the same college where I had served for two years in thelate 1960s. Israel spoke impeccable English and even servedtea in the English style. Shown at left is Israel’s 2­room homewith his many orphaned grandchildren— Robert crouching infront and Eriothe in a skirt.

Ann and Dave McLean’s involvement with CANHAVE originatedin the 1960s, long before CANHAVE existed. Promising youngmen from the Church of Uganda were sent to Canada to escape thetroubles at home and to broaden their theological studies. Ann’sfather was the designated “guardian” of Erasmus, who spent twosummers in Kingston living at Ann’s home. The friendship beganbefore Ann and Dave were married and continues even today.Through Erasmus, they met Caroline Nakayenga, who inspiredthem to join the Study Group to Uganda in 2008, along with theiryoungest son Rob. As owner of the Country Quilter shop in Richmond, Ann was particularly interested inthe sewing room in the brand new trade school.

PARKWOOD PULSE MAY 20205

From the Editor:June Pulse

The next edition of the Parkwood Pulse willbe for the month of June. Send in yoursubmissions by Sunday, May 24th to

parkwoodpulse@yahoo.ca

Egg Boxes ­ Thank You!

Thank you to everyone who has brought egg boxes to church for me to deliver to the

Debra Dynes Family House Food Bank. The egg boxes were much needed, and were

always appreciated by the workers at the Food Bank. I have now retired from

delivering the egg boxes, and I have advised the administrator at Debra Dynes to make

other arrangements, as necessary. It is my hope that they will be able to either purchase

eggs already in new boxes, or else procure a supply of new, unused boxes, in which to

put the eggs that arrive in bulk from the main food bank every week.

Many of you have been faithfully supporting my gathering of egg boxes at church for

many years, and I thank you.

­ submitted by Margaret Roach

PARKWOOD PULSE MAY 20206

Poem: We Can Get Through This Together

I’m self­isolating in my neat little houseNot a creature is stirring, not even a mouse,But outside beyond me things are not greatKeep reading and for you a poem I’ll create.

Colleges and schools have suspended their classesAirports, like ghost towns, without all the masses,Businesses, industries have both been affectedParliament not sitting even though elected.

Travelling too far away has now been curtailedAfter, when you quarantine, you feel you’ve been jailedMany store shelves are emptied by shoppers, afraidI cannot get bananas or milk the cows made.

Forget about sports, they’ve all been called offNo more tennis, hockey, or even a game of golf,Stock markets have plunged and now have declinedWhere, oh where will I go, to get peace of mind.

The Lord has not given us a spirit of fearHe will not forsake us, He always is near,So let’s just relax and leave this virus with HimHe will fill you up with power and love to the brim.

1 Timothy 1:7“For God has not given us a spirit of fear,But of power, and of love and of a sound mind”

You must all stay away from your friends by six feetWear a mask when you’re out and others you greet,So during COVID­19, no matter the weatherStay safe, at home, we can get through this together.

Written by: Lois E. Rourke(printed with author's permission)

­ submitted by Jean Elder

PARKWOOD PULSE MAY 20207

PCC Renewal Fellowship

On Saturday, April 25, 2020, the Renewal Fellowship within The Presbyterian Church in Canada heldits annual Renewal Day and AGM. What was different this year was that the entire event was held viaZoom due to the COVID­19 crisis. There were upwards of 100 in attendance, more than would havenormally attended, due to cost and distance.

The Renewal Day began at 11:00AM EDT, which allowed for coast­to­coast participation. Only theprincipal speakers were shown on the screen, but through a “chat” feature, all those participants in“attendance” were allowed to speak or submit questions and/or comments in writing. Later on at theAGM, motions displayed on the screen, after being duly moved and seconded, were voted on by the“attendees” with the results posted almost immediately. It was a unique experience and appeared to findacceptance with the majority who attended online. Technically it worked fine, with no glitches that wewere aware of.

Rev. Andy Cornell, the Executive Director of the Renewal Fellowship, opened the Renewal Day with agreeting to all, then prayer for the day. He read from Revelation 4:8­11, which was followed by worshipsongs with the words on the screen. He gave a short message with a closing song and prayer.

Following worship, Andy introduced the speaker for the Renewal Day, Rev. Dr. Jonathan Hong, whohas been a Presbyterian pastor for 25 years in Toronto. He spoke for 45 minutes on his life in the PCCwith the theme of “Where we are, how we got here and where do we go from here”. The day thenmoved on to a panel discussion with a Q/A until the lunch break at 1:30PM. The panel consisted of fourministers: Christine O’Reilly, Francis Savill, Douglas Rollwage, and Jonathan Hong, moderated byAndy Cornell. The panel began with opening remarks from each minister followed by a Q/A, withquestions submitted by the online attendees. The questions submitted primarily concerned the future ofthe PCC.

After the lunch break, the AGM was convened at 2:30PM with Rev. Ian Shaw, RF Board Chair,moderating the meeting. Reports were presented and duly voted on with regards to acceptance andmotions that were brought forward beforehand, or that were moved and seconded during the meeting.

One major concern expressed by Rev. Stan Cox, who is the treasurer for the RF, is the need fordonations to support the work. The RF is running a deficit, going into 2020, and givings were downsubstantially in March compared to one year ago. Please prayerfully consider supporting the RF so thatit can continue to be a voice for renewal in the PCC. Rev. Cox recommended that donations be madeonline (see https://www.renewal­fellowship.ca/211)

A motion at the end of the meeting, to give the Board permission to carry out future meetings online, ifthey so wished, was approved. It was a good day and time well spent. To view the entire day or portionsthereof see: AGM 2020 Theme Speech. Available at: https://www.renewal­fellowship.ca/4353(Rev. Douglas Rollwage gives a thoughtful perspective starting at 1:43.)

­ submitted by John Fair

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