The Georgian

St George’s Audio/Video next steps

2008-10-01T14:02:00.002-04:00

by Kevin Sharp

At the 11:15 service we have been using both new audio and video formats to lead a new style of worship for the past year. Many of the congregation has been a part of this either by experiencing the 11:15 service or at the 9:30 in the summer or on special guest appearances.

This format is opening us up to new directions and members. There are many churches in all denominations that are using this format for worship to help deliver the message. In fact, most new churches are designed around a more visual presentation of the gospel.

When video is used appropriately, it can have a valuable effect on those viewing the material, the visual generation of hymns and choruses on the screen, has a way of drawing every one together and closer to God. The trick is to make sure this technology reinforces the message and does not take away from the message!

I believe that it is time to take the next steps and make this format a permanent part of the church so that it can be used at any service. Rev. Rob is in full support and has been using the current video projection at all three Sunday services already.

We have put together a full plan to implement an integrated sound and video system. This would cost an estimated $29,000. While we may not be able to afford to do this at this point, the design can be implemented in phases.

Since we already own the current sound equipment we should start with the Video design (Phase 1). For this first step, we are proposing that we have two screens instead of just one as we have now above the pulpit. There would be one mounted on either side of the Chancel. With the projectors suspended from the ceiling and a control area at the back of the church to the side of the Baptismal font This Phase is estimated to cost $10,700.

This includes:

2 Screens at front of church
projectors hung from central beams
all wiring to run system from back of church
Monitors to allow Choir to see video
Control desk at back of church
new computer to drive system
final install and calibration - Outside Vendor

Also important to note is that our current projector is getting old and
tired. A new one is needed soon just to keep the current program running.

Over the fall we will be presenting to the congregation this proposal to gain your support, interest and enthusiasm.

Done right this can be a very positive and expanding opportunity to extend our ministry, as well as a great way to keep you and our youth engaged in worship.

I am also looking for other members who would be interested in helping me with this, both setting it up and helping develop the program.

Should you have any questions or comments please stop me in the hall, or contact Rev. Rob.

Thank you.

Messy Church

2008-10-01T13:51:00.000-04:00

by The Rev'd Nancy Rowe
Messy Church is an alternate way of 'doing' church. It is family oriented, making it child and baby friendly. Messy Church happens at the messy edges of life which is the perfect space for the exuberance of the Holy Spirit to have free rein.

The Messy Church community meets at 4:00 on the second Sunday of the month. We begin by connecting with the Creator within by creating a variety of items that reflect the theme of the evening. We then gather to praise God and end by enjoying a meal together. Messy Church finishes around 6:00. If you are interested in hearing God's message in a new way, or think you would enjoy a less formal worship format, or want to participate in worship as a family
complete with your inquisitive and not so quiet children, give Messy Church a try.

The next Messy Church is September 13 and the theme is 'The Sower'.

Calling All Youth - 11 to 15 years old!

2008-10-01T12:27:00.000-04:00

We want to invite you to participate in the Youth Group at St.
Georges' Church! The 2nd Saturday of each month is Messy Church, 4-6 pm followed by exclusive Youth Group activities. September 13th is our first meeting.

The last Sunday of each month, following the 11:15 AM service, starting at 12:30 PM. Lunch will be served as part of the youth group time. September 28th is our second meeting.

Put these dates on your calendar, choose one, choose both dates and be part of the action!
SEE YOU THERE!
Contact St. George's Office 905-877-8044 for further
information

2006-04-22T10:12:00.000-04:00

Easter 2006 Edition
Table of Contents

Editorial

2006-04-22T09:52:00.000-04:00

By Lucinda Landau

What is it like to hear the voice of God? Have you ever heard it?
We often puzzle over this issue. How can we be sure that we, mere humans, actually hear the voice of God? Archdeacon John McMulkin once described the 'voice' we hear upon answered prayer as the second part of hearing - while there is no person present to speak words out loud, the effect registers inwardly in our brain as thought. Our minds understand that we have been spoken to.

There are other ways to perceive the presence of the Divine in our lives. It can come from participation in a moving liturgy, sharing a life story with someone who is in distress, or simply watching a beautiful sunset.Something takes place that is out of the ordinary and we are forever changed by an inner realization. We, as faithful people, can hear the voice of God and feel loved.

In Israel, twenty-three years ago, I wandered the streets of Old Jerusalem as a pilgrim. My husband and I walked the Via Dolorosa behind a tour group who were following the Stations of the Cross. Somewhere near the 12th station, we were instinctively led off the designated path and we took a turn away from the tour group. Another pilgrim, a tall, handsome young man from Sweden split off with us as well. We weren't sure where we were going, but we followed our inner guidance until we unexpectedly arrived at hidden courtyard with a beautiful enclosed garden.

The three of us walked into the garden and stood dumbfounded. We were filled with the Spirit of Christ and could not speak. We stood on sacred ground.

This spot was not marked as one of the Stations of the Cross, but we knew we were in a holy place. All of our inner yearnings to immerse ourselves in Christ's journey of pain and suffering were me

Easter 2006 Message from the Rector

2006-04-22T09:51:00.000-04:00

My Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

I begin by stating the obvious fact that you are reading these words. Yes, it is true. The question is where are these words that you are reading? Are they in the paper version of The Georgian or the online version? This note from me, like many of the articles in this edition of our newsletter, will be found in both places, and that it is a really good thing for St. George's and our Evangelism efforts.

Our web presence is an important way for St. George's to let people know who we are and what we are about. It can, just like our traditional paper Georgian, tell stories and share our faith by witnessing to the things we do and say here in God name. Yet, one thing that makes our web site different from our traditional newsletter is that it can be accessed by anyone on the internet from anywhere on the planet. This edition of The Georgian will be the third available online and because they are stored there, you can refer to and read previous editions.

Our web site also has the ability to be updated much more frequently allowing current information to be added. On our main web site we have shorter stories and scriptural reflections about current events or our Sunday bible readings. There are links to a short history of the parish as well as links to our Parish's diocesan profile and our service times. As you can tell (or see), our web presence on the internet is helpful to new folks looking to find out more about who we are and what we do, as well as be a place for us to communicate amongst ourselves.

If you are reading this online, I invite you to look around the web pages and also visit the links to our fabulous Diocesan Web Page or the excellent and informative Anglican Church web site. If you are reading this in the paper edition of The Georgian, I invite to check out the web site at www.stgeorgesgeorgetown.com.

As we celebrate the Resurrection of our Lord, I pray that we may grow in the many ways to spread the important message of hope and salvation to others!

A joyful Easter to you all!

The Rev'd Robert W.A. Park

St. George's Evangelism

2006-04-22T09:49:00.000-04:00

By Helen Vandermey

A new initiative for our parish will be a hospitality workshop: how to be a good host in the house of God. Being a good host has become an important area of ministry for parishes that successfully attract newcomers.

We can no longer assume that people will automatically be drawn to our church. Our society has become increasingly secularized; sports practice has replaced Sunday church for many busy young families. Belonging to a faith community is now the exception rather than the rule. So, when people do make the effort to integrate into our parish we need to be trained and ready to
greet them and help them adjust to parish life. The Barna research group has uncovered some interesting statistics:

70% of all people who visit a church make up their mind about coming back BEFORE the clergy gets up to speak!

Almost 80% of our visitors and newcomers do not return to our churches after their 4th or 5th visit!

3 out of 4 parents say a church that provides religious training for their children would be of interest to them.

How can we be better hosts?
Sign up for our Hospitality Workshop where you'll learn about:

Improving first impressions: what are the first things guests hear and see

Job descriptions and training for greeters, ushers and sidespeople

The strengths and weaknesses of our biggest asset, our buildings!

Mentoring newcomers over time
St. George's workshop has been booked for Saturday, June 3rd from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Service Booklets
Negotiating your way through the Book of Alternative Services, BAS (green book) can be a little overwhelming for newcomers. We're not going to do away with the green book, but we are going to make it easier, especially for our one-time guests who attend St. George's. We have decided to prepare service booklets to make participation easier for our visitors. One booklet will contain the order of service that begins on page 185 of the BAS and the second will include the baptismal service. Newcomers or visitors will receive the appropriate booklet before the service and will return the booklets after the service for future use. We hope to have booklets available in time for Easter Sunday.

Distribute Parish Leaflet
This fall we are going to prepare a flyer describing our parish which will be delivered - either by parish volunteers or Canada Post - to all the new homes in Georgetown south. We know there are more Anglicans out there and even a few Anglicans-in-waiting! We want to put our parish on the map and welcome them to our worship services.

Community Youth Event
Also in the works for the fall is a youth event that will be open to all town youth, Grade 6 and up. The type of event will be determined by the youth of our parish who will help plan and host the event. Aside from providing a much-needed social venue for this age group, we want to bring
families into direct contact with who we are as a Church.

The Momentum is Building!
We're beginning to establish a core group of parishioners who are excited about Evangelism at St. George's. I invite you to join our group or simply give me your ideas on how you feel we might best meet your faith needs within our parish. Who knows? Your suggestions might just help along the faith journey for others as well. Talk to me during coffee hour or leave a
message on the bulletin board or call me at home.

St. George's is on the move with Evangelism - the momentum is building and we're excited about the possibilities for our Church.

Reflections on a Visit to the Solel Congregation

2006-04-22T09:46:00.000-04:00

By Helen Tazzman

Every year, the Solel Congregation in Mississauga invites the various Christian churches in the area to a special Friday evening Shabbat service. The aim is to promote good relations through understanding between Christians and Jews. The action of the Jewish congregation is a reminder of the Sermon on the Mount: Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called the children of God.

On February 3, 2006, in company with a friend from St. Thomas À Becket Anglican Church, I participated in a worship tradition that would have been familiar to Jesus. The rabbi welcomed us with the ancient greeting, Shabbat Shalom. Then we were taught a hymn in Hebrew, the language of the Old Testament. Throughout the service, the hearty congregational singing,
led by Rabbi Englander and a young assistant on guitars, may well have been the envy of many of the Christian pastors present.

Other features of the service reminded me of the continuity of worship from ancient Israel to the modern Anglican Church. The kindling of the Shabbat Lights was similar to the lighting of the candles on the altar. The rabbi pointed out that Jesus had recited the Shma, the Creed that appears in the Book of Common Prayer. The word, Shma (Hear), is the beginning of the
declaration of faith: Hear, O Israel, Adonai (the Lord) is our God, Adonai is One. The reading of Psalms was a feature of worship in the temple at Jerusalem, modern synagogues and in our own church. The Roman Catholic and High Anglican genuflect and low Anglican bow to the altar arises out of the Jewish practice of both bending the knee and bending at the waist in succession in acknowledgement of the sovereignty of God. Our remembrance of the dead in our prayers arises from the Mourners Kaddish.

In the Jewish prayer book, Paths of Prayer, Prayers for Shabbat, which I subsequently bought, I discovered this illuminating prayer, Creator of all the worlds, not in reliance upon the righteousness of our deeds do we place our longings before You; we look instead to Your abundant mercy. Doesnt that sound like the words of the Anglican prayer, not trusting in our own righteousness? That prayer should lay to rest any misconception that Jewish people think that they are justified by the works of the Law. Rather, they follow the Law out of love and respect for God. Like us, they rely on Divine grace.

Worshipping among Jesus living relatives in a way that Jesus would have worshipped was a moving and unforgettable experience.

Music & Worship

2006-04-22T09:44:00.000-04:00

By Ron Greidanus

This year, Lent was all about change, which brought about exciting changes in the choir loft. The pews were removed and chairs were put in their placethus providing an enhanced sound from the choir.

The up-and-coming season also promises another dynamic programme, involving French Horns, tympani, violin, organ and four-part harmony. Much thought and practice has been put into the music selection for this Easter Season. The pieces chosen include reflective and triumphant music written by Brucknerand Bach, who were themselves both guided by God's hand.

Both choir and myself hope that you will enjoy the musical offerings for the Easter Season as we have worked very hard to prepare them for yourenjoyment.

Wishing you all a blessed Easter,
Ron

A Visit to Trinity Church Streetsville

2006-04-22T09:41:00.000-04:00

By Ian Oldaker

If ever you have wondered at the diversity of the Anglican Church you will see one part of it at Trinity Church in Streetsville. Yvonne, my wife said they rocked when she was there with some of her dancers at the re-opening after two devastating fires, but they weren't demoralized because "the Church is its people not the building" is what I heard - there the love ofChrist is very strong.

I went with Rob and Sheri Reid and their four children and we sat in the comfortable pews. what did I say? Yes, they are cushioned nicely and the sermon given by Rev. Harold Percy, though very long by our standards, wasnot a challenge to the backside!

Several people in a bright and open assembly area beside the worship space greeted us. Two main doors lead in, one at the back where the near pews are reserved for mothers with babies, and one at the front for the less intimidated. We passed a booth at the back for lighting and video control. The large hall is pleasant, with curved pews in three groups; I think about 300 can be seated easily in the essentially rectangular space. The only windows separate the worship space from the assembly area, with the one surviving stained glass window in a gothic style opening. A deep steel girder above the front holds the lights and video projectors. On the left on the raised stage area, a combo of five was performing gospel songs. Behind them an angled panel extended to the ceiling in a gentle forward curve, and above the singers a video screen showed the song's words, which were easily read. On the other side was a matching panel and screen; at centre the small altar, spot lit under a cross cut-out in the front wall with a brickbacking, nicely illuminated.

At the start of the service an assistant stepped smartly onto the raised stage area and welcomed visitors and newcomers alike. He offered a visit from a church member next week if desired. We then sang three songs with much emotion then sat for the reading. The children had meanwhile left for Sunday school. We said a psalm, reading the words off the screens (no books in the pews - no holders for books either, just for newcomers' cards), and then Rev. Harold Percy first stepped up and gave the sermon. And what a charismatic man! Sheri, who was brought up a Roman Catholic, allowed that the reason their family goes is because of Harold. He preached to the gospel for about one hour. Several messages came out of this, and Sheri confessed that she does remember and reflects about the sermon during the ensuingweek.

It seemed that the Eucharistic prayer was rather shorter than standard, and some knelt as we said the Lord's Prayer. Four stations across the front offered the bread, and we dipped this in the wine before eating. A last song followed the blessing. I noted that no vestments were used and there was noprocession, etc.

We had some coffee/soft drinks in a room on the other side of the assembly area where there were some stations set up for newcomers and parish activities. Rev. Harold Percy was in a designated spot for people to meet him, which I did briefly. He is without doubt an enthusiastic person with avibrant cross-section of our modern society in his church each Sunday.

A Happy Easter to you all!

Ian

The Story of a Life-Long Knitter: Ethel Harvey

2006-04-22T09:38:00.000-04:00

By Helen Shannon

Ethel Harvey was born in Norfolk; that lovely area of England on the North
Sea, a land of winding rivers and shallow lakes called Broads a popular
holiday area for many years for sailors. She attended the local village
Church of England school; that is where she learned to knit, at age five! In
those days village schools all had a one-hour lesson a week for knitting and
another hour a week for sewing lessons. While the girls were busy knitting,
the boys learnt simple carpentry and gardening.

The wool at the schools was not wound in neat balls as it is today, but came
in twisted skeins. To be wound, it required two people, one to hold the
skein taut on outstretched arms and one to wind the yarn into a round ball.
Ethel says that she and her friends would go on the school porch to wind
wool and if the following lesson was not too popular, they would
deliberately tangle the wool. Then they had the excuse that it had to be
untangled before they could return to class!

The first completed article that Ethel knitted was a potholder in orange &
beige that she backed with a piece of tweed probably somebodys old
trousers cut up! She gave this to her mother, who never used it, but when
Ethel grew up and got married; her mother presented it back to her. In 1948,
Ethel, her husband Geoffrey and daughter Ena immigrated to Canada. Ethel
knitted for her baby daughter and for herself and eventually for the
grandchildren as they came along.

For over twenty years Ethel has knitted baby outfits for Etobicoke and
Georgetown Hospital Gift shops, plus some sweaters for older children.
Ethel estimates she knits approximately twenty baby sets a year jacket,
bonnet and booties. She also knits for the Seniors Christmas Bazaar as well
as for our own Bazaar at St. Georges.

Ethel loves to knit! She admits to waking up in the night sometimes and,
unable to get back to sleep, she will sit up and add a few more rows to her
current project.

Knitting is having a resurgence; even Hollywood stars are photographed
knitting away during takes. As Ethel points out, there are only two
stitches, plain and purl everything else is just a variation on these two
stitches.

Some years ago, Ethel told me that she and her husband were at a craft sale
and saw a knitting machine. He asked her if she would like one and she was
horrified! Not doing it myself would take away the soul of my hobby, she
told him.

If you have not knitted for a while, pick it up again. Make a fluffy scarf
for a daughter or granddaughter (really simple: 2 balls of eyelash wool, 25
stitches, 5 ½ mm needles and knit until you run out of yarn); try tiny, tiny
bonnets for preemie babies Youngs Drugstore has a pattern; and for
something really, really easy, knit cotton dishcloths. Knit for yourself,
your family or Christmas Bazaars. It is highly satisfying, great therapy and
at the end you have something to brag about!

Thank you Ethel, and keep knitting!

What Our Kid's Think About Lent

2006-04-22T09:34:00.000-04:00

Members of our Sunday School were asked for their meaning of Lent. Some of
their responses were as follows:

Lent is when someone raised from the dead and his name is Jesus.

Lent is the month of April and ends on Easter Sunday.

It is about God's promises.

Lent is when Jesus went into the desert for 40 days and 40 nights. Jesus also gave up everything for 40 days and 40 nights. That is when Satin tempted Jesus in the desert, so that's why people give up stuff for Lent.

Lent is when you get the cans to put the money in.

Water: A Precious Resource

2006-04-22T09:32:00.000-04:00

By Henriette Thompson

Water, Nsu, L'eau, Tubig. In any language, water is life. Without which we
die.

For Christians water is both symbolic and real. God's word is deeply bound
up with water.

At creation, God brooded over the waters of chaos. The poetry of the
Psalmist whose soul thirsts for God as the deer longs for flowing streams
resonates with our own experience (Psalm 42). In John's gospel, a tired and
thirsty Jesus encounters a Samaritan woman at Jacob's well. Their
conversation reveals a transformational encounter that at its conclusion
leaves the woman asking Jesus for the "living water" that he offers. To
Christians of every age and culture the sacrament of baptism symbolizes
God's action of washing away our sins and the receiving of the gift of new
life in Christ.

Water: A political issue?

The deep spiritual meaning of water for Christians is expanding to action in
the political arena. There is a pending crisis over the development of water
resources for public use as business arises to provide much needed delivery
systems. Increasingly water - a basic need - is being privatized.

This year Canadian churches and labour groups are raising public awareness
about the need for water and water services to remain in public hands.
People, especially in developing nations, do not have the resources to 'pay'
for the water they need.

Corporations see the present human crisis as an economic opportunity.
"Water promises to be to the 21st century what oil was to the 20th century:
the precious commodity that determines the wealth of nations," according to
Fortune magazine. For that reason churches and other groups maintain that
providing water cannot be left to market forces. Also, historically water
has been considered a "public trust" and therefore public and municipal
systems have held responsibility for water services.

In South America, private companies have taken over municipal water supplies
in many countries. Recently a US multinational signed a 40-year deal to
increase water supplies and services to Cochabamba, Bolivia, and water
prices skyrocketed. Farmers lost ancient water rights; citizens rioted and
chased the company out of the country.

The recent World Water Forum in Mexico City saw children, along with
government ministers, discussing the world water crisis and demanding that
their governments accept responsibility for children's suffering through
lack of access to water.

1.2 billion people do not have clean, safe drinking water, the most basic of
human needs. This is unacceptable.

If you would like more information or to join the Canadian voices pressing
for community control of water services, visit the Ecumenical Water campaign
via the KAIROS website at www.kairoscanada.org

Locally, we have an organization called P.O.W.E.R. group (Protect Our Water
& Environmental Resources) www.powerhalton.ca , they work actively to
monitor development in Halton Hills. In conjunction with Willow Park Ecology
Centre, Power is planning to show a series of films about water and water
resources at the upcoming Riverfest www.riverfest-norval.ca in Norval this
June.

It's time to begin thinking about our water resources in a different way! If
we want our great-grandchildren to have the same access to water that we do,
then we need to pay attention to some of the recent developments that can
affect all of us.

Easter 2006 Youth News

2006-04-22T09:27:00.000-04:00

By Raeanne Dingwall

Our church youth group has a very relaxed environment. The only rule that we have is that we do not put down others with hurtful words or gestures. We meet every third Sunday of the month and discuss what God means to us. Each session we have a different theme. For example, some past themes include, Our Feelings and Trust. We also play a variety of games and we go outdoorswhen weather permits.

Occasionally we organize what is called a youth service. This is a service in which the youth group creates and helps out with parts of the Sunday services. Our last youth service was highly enjoyable. During this service the youth group decided to envelope the congregation with our beautiful singing and acting. Certain people also aided with the crucifix, candles, serving of the sacraments and the multiple readings. During the portion of the service when Rev'd Rob does his sermon we decided to sing and act for the congregation. Everyone sang a song by Casting Crowns called Who Am I. We also acted out a short skit that we created. I believe that it is important to have youth services, since it reveals to the congregation how we, theyouth group, add to our special church.

The youth group also adds to the life of our church, but also contributes to many other people outside of our immediate spiritual community. We love to get involved in helping raise money for a program called Big Brothers. Every year Big Brothers host an Annual Bowl-a-thon where different people in Georgetown form teams which compete to raise money for the Big Brothers.
Every year our youth group raises money for this great cause and participates in the bowl-a-thon. Although this year they cancelled this exciting event due to lack of participation, we have the memory of previous years. Next year, we are hoping to have stronger participation from the community.

Every day people hear that children are the future. This is true, but I believe that we have a very important role to play in the life of our churchtoday, as we move forward together.

Advent 2005 Editorial

2005-12-05T18:21:00.000-05:00

By Lucinda Landau

For the past four months I have been immersed in the study of Christianity. I’ve been learning about the Jewish antecedents to our worship and liturgy; the effect of persecution on the early Church; the origins of the monastic tradition; the function of contemporary churches as emotional systems; the principles and practices of Anglican Liturgy; the influence of mystics on the Church and more!

I’ve taken apart the New Testament and analyzed the editorial style of the Synoptic Gospel authors. Most of us consider the Bible to be the revealed word full verses which so often inspire great hope and courage. Well, I’ve discovered that the individuals who recorded those verses wrote in the context of their social, cultural and ideological biases of their day. For many of my fellow students this came as a complete shock. We all grew up with the Bible as, well, as the Bible! We never considered the point of view of the various writers.

The Synoptic Gospels – the Gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke, were written to attract and encourage specific audiences. Luke’s Gospel is often considered the most beautifully written with the greatest compassion for the poor and disenfranchised; Matthew’s Gospel addresses a community comprised largely of Jewish Christians under oppression from within and without; Mark’s Gospel is the shortest of these three similar accounts and largely seen as a Greco-Roman biography of Jesus rooted in a Jewish world view.

As a student of divinity, I have applied the principles of ‘scientific exploration’ to our spiritual history. By examining the debates that took place in the early Church, I have gleaned a greater appreciation for how our Church has evolved. This is not to say that I have any less belief in the veracity of the Bible, I think that truth is discerned not given. Reading the Bible involves the interaction of the Holy Spirit, we are inspired to see the truth embedded in the dialogues and discourses of Christ. Science cannot undo the invisible dynamic of Faith which illuminates Scripture for a believer. In fact, I can testify that my faith has greater confidence now that I have placed our central text under scrutiny.

As Anglicans, we believe that Holy Scripture is an instrument of the Church’s shared communion with Jesus Christ and is a witness to our salvation through Christ. Our Church does not isolate texts to diverge from a coherent interpretation of the whole of Scripture; we are clear that we also need each other to discern truth. We can agree to disagree. Isn’t that the most marvellous way to approach the world? I think so.

Blessings and Peace to all of you this Christmas!

Sincerely,

Lucinda

P.S. Next semester I will be in a pre-internship parish placement at St. James the Apostle in Guelph under the direction of Reverend Kevin Bothwell. I’ll be there for 10 hours a week from January until early April. I’ll miss you all, but I plan to stay on as Editor of the Georgian – and on that note, I want to personally welcome Helen Vandermey to our team as Production Assistant. Helen brings her enthusiasm and her expertise in publishing church newsletters – we’re looking forward to her input. Welcome aboard, Helen!

A Christmas Greeting from the Rector

2005-12-05T18:18:00.000-05:00

A Blessed Greeting to All,

As we move through the season of Advent and the four Sundays leading up to the celebration of Christmas, we anticipate the commemoration of the birth of Jesus. But in our society, the greater truth is that as December 25th gets closer, we often find ourselves filled more with the anticipation of the time off work, of being with our family, or with the hope of receiving a gift or two.

In the midst of all those current and important things of our earthy life, sometimes truly celebrating the birth of a baby born two thousand years ago gets lost in the shuffle. It drops to the middle (or bottom) of our Christmas "To Do" list. It is difficult to get too excited about something you already know you have.

Perhaps this Christmas we need to be reminded just how important this two thousand-year-old gift is to us and to the world today! The Messiah was certainly a much desired and much needed person in the days before Jesus was born. The prophet Isaiah, when he was looking forward in expectation of the birth of the Messiah, called Him, among other titles, the "Prince of Peace."

Oh, how much our world needs the gift that the Prince of Peace has to offer! I invite you to move celebrating the birth of Jesus back to the top of your "To Do" list. Find the space to mark Jesus' birth in your heart and in your home. Give thanks to God when you eat your Christmas meal. Join us in worship as we celebrate God's most wonderful gift. With these subtle, yet powerful personal actions may we help fill our world with the Peace that God wants for all creation.

Peace,
Rob

The Rev'd Robert W.A. Park
Rector

Stop AIDS: Keep the Promise

2005-12-05T17:58:00.000-05:00

By Henriette Thompson

With World AIDS Day in the news (December 1st), I recalled Neusta – we met in May 2001 while I was visiting World Vision-supported programs in Rushwa district, western Tanzania, in Africa. She was a budding artist; while the adults talked, Neusta took the paper and crayons we gave her and drew a lovely picture of a lady with bright clothes and long hair.

Neusta’s future was cut tragically and unnecessarily short. She never reached her 10th birthday – she died of AIDS just five months after we met. Her parents’ had already died from AIDS and she lived with her grandmother and two older brothers. Neusta had to drop out of grade 2 at the age of 9 – open skin sores and diarrhea, the symptoms of full-blown AIDS, prevented her from attending school. This child, who with her drawing skills may well have become an illustrator or graphic artist, was no match for a disease fuelled by poverty.

In 2005, more than 500,000 girls and boys like Nuesta have died. This brings the total number of child deaths in sub-Saharan Africa to 2.4 million. How did it come to this?

One month after my 2001 visit with Neusta, world heads of State and government representatives gathered at the United Nations for the first time to recognize that AIDS is a global crisis requiring global action. A ‘Declaration of Commitment’ signaled to governments that urgency would be required to address the devastation of the HIV pandemic with leadership, honesty and action.

$US 22 billion is needed in 2006 to reverse the AIDS spread in the developing world, by comparison a small percentage of annual global military spending.

To topple the unrelenting destruction of AIDS, we need to act and act now! We need to conduct campaigns with strong prevention messages, reduce stigma, build health infrastructures, provide necessary resources, and ensure treatment, care and respect for people living with HIV and AIDS.

Although the UN Declaration calls on governments to act, everybody has to be in on the fight against HIV and AIDS – including business, labour, faith-based organizations, the media, and, importantly, people living with HIV and AIDS.

Archbishop Andrew Hutchison signals to all Anglicans this month, “our church has AIDS. Our world has AIDS.” Our Primate calls us to “solidarity, to love, to compassion, to justice.”

The Anglican Church of Canada is taking on its share of this important battle. In May 2003, the Primate’s World Relief and Development Fund approved an HIV/AIDS initiative called ‘Partnership for Life’. Its goal is to raise $1 million to support a rollback of HIV/AIDS.

“I call all Anglicans in Canada to rise to the challenge,” writes the Primate. He proposes that we raise our awareness; that we urge our government to support AIDS prevention and treatment; that we pledge our monthly support; that we pray for development partners and all people infected and affected by HIV/AIDS.

Let’s stop AIDS. Let’s keep our promise to bright, energetic children, like Neusta, who do not have to die.

Please visit PWRDF’s Partnership for Life web site to learn more: www.partnershipforlife.ca

St. George’s Georgetown Excels in Scouting

2005-12-05T17:48:00.000-05:00

By Lucinda Landau

St. George’s Anglican Church in Georgetown, sponsor of the 2nd Georgetown Scouting Group, has been lauded in the October the leader, Canada’s scouting publication:

Sue Bramley, Area Comissioner was thrilled to find out the 2nd Georgetown Group had the highest membership increase in the country. She said their sponsor, St. George’s Anglican Church, had a lot to do with it, as the minister had moved through scouting and was very supportive. The Beaver Colony was re-established [this year] and four new leaders joined. – October 2005, the leader.

Brenda Sisnett, Group Committee Chairperson for the 2nd Georgetown Group and long time member of St. George’s also said that Reverend Rob Park is a pleasure to deal with. The scouts appreciate the use of the church hall for its weekly meetings – for free.

Rev’d Rob moved through scouting as a boy and takes great pleasure in saying grace at their yearly dinner. “We have a long tradition at St. George’s of providing space for community groups and we welcome occasional group involvement in our Sunday worship services” said Rev’d Park. “It appears from our Church records that the date of the first Scouts charter was January 4, 1921.”

“Every February we commemorate the anniversary of scouting founders Lord and Lady Baden Powell’s birthdays in the Church with a parade and inclusion of scouts in the 9:30 am worship liturgy – last year we even had an artificial ‘camp fire’ going at the entrance to the nave. The kids really enjoy the service and bring their families to participate,” said Rev’d Park. Members from the congregation have actively supported the group by acting as group leaders and congregants sometimes come out to speak on special topics, such as world religions.

“Scouting can instil values that last a lifetime for children, I know it worked for my children and I’m proud that my own parish has provided consistent support,” said Brenda Sisnett. “This year, our group has grown the fastest of any other group in the country, that’s not surprising considering the wonderful partnership we have here” she concluded.

(Ed’s note: This article has also been submitted to The Niagara Anglican for publication in their January edition!)

The Basis of Stewardship

2005-12-05T17:45:00.000-05:00

By Archdeacon John McMulkin

There are a number of great biblical themes which are too large to be dealt with in a sermon. Stewardship – of the earth, of time, of talents, of treasure – is one of them.

Stewardship has to do with the way we work, act, give, worship and live. The steward is entrusted with the responsible care of the whole community. There are two fundamental realities which form the basis of stewardship: God the Creator and Loving/Forgiving God. He created with infinite and loving care so that when it was done He looked at what He had made and saw that it was good. He pronounced that it was VERY good!

“The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof” (Ps. 24:1) – in short, God owns it. The Book of Genesis tells us that God then created man and woman and gave them dominion over the earth.

‘Dominion’ is not a license to plunder and pillage. Rather it is a vocation to be God’s agents, His Stewards. We are His caretakers, those who care for what belongs to another in accordance with His known desires and purposes. God is the sovereign creator who owns and reigns over all that He has created. He is the “Master of the Universe”. Psalm 8 asks, “What is man that thou art mindful of him?” The answer that the Psalmist is given tells us that we are blessed with the responsibility and privilege of being stewards of what belongs to God. BUT we don’t own! We are tenants making use of what belongs to God.

It is difficult for us to accept what the bible declares to us, namely that we own nothing in any unconditional sense. We have, for a time, possessions to use for the necessities of life and for God’s other purposes. “You can’t take it with you” rings familiar despite the man who said “if I can’t take it with me, then I won’t go”. He was WRONG! He left it all behind!

The biblical insight is that we don’t own unconditionally. Indeed Paul declares that we don’t even belong to ourselves, but to Christ and He belongs to God (1 Cor 3:18- 4:5). In Philippians 2: 5-14, Paul says that Christ himself was a steward, that he exercised the lordship of the Father according to the Father’s purpose and will.

The bible makes clear what God’s purpose is: in the Old Testament we learn from the prophet Amos to practice justice, mercy and righteousness (Amos 5:24), “but let justice roll down like waters and righteousness like an everlasting stream”. Further, in Micah 6:8, “He has shown you, O man, what is good: and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God.” These are great texts! There are many more such texts in the New Testament that teach us we are responsible for the welfare of our brothers and sisters who share life with us on this earthly home which the Father lovingly created.

The second fundamental fact regarding Stewardship is the fact that God is a giving and forgiving God. Stewardship is a theology of receiving with thankfulness; a response to what God does for us. We can even define Stewardship as a theology of purpose and of calling – a vocation.

Our foundational text, the Old Testament, emphasises the fact of creation. The New Testament builds on that and relates creation to Redemption – the NEW Creation.

God gave and continues to give the things of the earth – life, growing things for our nurture and He gives enough for all to live in abundance. This is in contrast to the world as we know it; inequity abounds. This stems from human acquisitiveness – some want more than enough. This human attribute has plunged the world into chaos and crisis. Jesus warned against this many times; consider the dramatic parable of the rich man and his full barns (Luke 12:13-21).

God gave his Son, for God gives and forgives. Through the Son we are given second, third and more chances to cast off our sinful nature and be reborn into a new life. By His word we were created and by His word made flesh He redeems us and gives us fellowship with Himself. Our response is to accept God’s gifts and to be thankful and faithful!

Stewardship is what follows from the sure knowledge of our blessings and of the gift of worth and purpose which God’s love gives to us. Christian Stewardship has its chief motives in gratitude and faith. It involves doing the work of God and giving to the work of God that which builds the kingdom and cares for our neighbour.

Stewardship is parallel to the Gospel; it’s the good news, not the law. Ideally, we live as stewards in joyful recognition of what God is doing in our lives. In strange and sometimes disturbing ways the kingdom is being built! We are invited to be part of that.

Participation in God’s work requires, among other things, giving from our treasure. For many this is the point where it gets tough! Our money is somehow an expression of ourselves; consider the story in Mark 10:17-22 of the rich young man who genuinely sought salvation, yet he turned away in sadness as he was held captive by his possessions.

Redemption means we are set free from that; we are set free from all that binds us. Jesus spoke frequently about money as it is a subject with unavoidable spiritual connections. Many of his parables and sayings are about the effect that money can have on people. The way in which we acquire it and use it underlines our real values. It is necessary that we have money, but its importance to us makes the offering of some of what we have a worthy gift to God and dignifies the needs of others.

I have heard it said that there is too much talk about money in church. I wonder why! Is there a hidden agenda there? For myself, I disagree – there is too little mention of money in a positive way. Generally we only hear the negative perspective – ‘we haven’t enough money for this or for that’ to explain away why that which is for the good of all can’t be done.

I wish our talk about money could be more uplifting! I don’t hesitate to say, “Give, as you are able with joy and gratitude”. Perhaps parish corporations would rather I’d say, “Give it all to the church”. But I can’t do that because I don’t do that.

The Church does God’s work, but it is not alone. Others do a much better job of putting food on the tables of the poor and destitute in our towns and cities. The hungry and other social agencies deserve our financial support, along with the church. I split my almsgiving about half and half between the church and charitable agencies and the church doesn’t’ suffer. It is all God’s work.

We have been given the responsibility of caring for this parish here at St. George’s. We have an abundance of talented leadership and dedicated volunteers. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to hire back our very good caretaker; replace the many tattered service books that are in the pews; patch the holes in the parking lot, and more? Let’s put into practice what we know about Stewardship right here and right now!

Evangelism Report

2005-12-05T17:36:00.000-05:00

By Helen Vandermay

Almost all churches claim to be warm and welcoming, but what is it really like to walk into a brand new church on a Sunday morning?

Let’s consider that you are coming to church because you are troubled or upset, but you want to make the effort to belong somewhere. How would it feel if, as you take a seat, you are told ‘this seat is taken’ and a purse is shoved down where you were about to sit?

Maybe your first visit is spontaneous -- you hear some music coming from inside the church and you decide to go to the service. But, the door is locked. There is no indication on the door which direction one is to go to get into the building, so what next?

Perhaps you have just moved to town and you decide to visit your local Anglican parish. The door is open and people are milling about in the lobby, but you can’t readily find the direction for the worship space. No one talks to you, so eventually you decide to follow others and success, you find it. The music is appealing and the minister’s sermon was particularly meaningful to you. Feeling encouraged, you walk out with others after the service, shake hands with the minister who asks your name and then you follow the crowd into the church hall where coffee is being served. You get in line with others but no one seems to notice you. You wind up standing all alone looking at everyone else talking to each other. No one talks to you, or even seems to notice that you are there. You finally get up the courage to walk up to someone and say ‘Hi.’ They say ‘Hi’ back and then carry on with their conversation. You finish coffee and leave, not sure you will come back again. You have been ignored by almost everyone.

Of course, St. George’s is not like this. Or is it? Yet, the sad truth is, most of these stories have come from people in this parish! You would be surprised what I have heard from people when I ask them about the first time they came through our doors.

Part of making our evangelism efforts successful is to get the truth about our behaviour out into the open. Are we friendly and welcoming to strangers? Honestly, sometimes we’re not.

Sure, we love to connect with our old familiar friends at coffee hour, but can we try to scan the room first and see if there is a newcomer in the hall? Go over and say hello, find out who the Lord is sending to us. Romans 15:7 ‘Welcome one another, therefore, as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God’. Most people decide within 5 minutes of entering a church whether or not they will come back.

It doesn’t end there, either. People exploring a new church home bring their hopes, needs, wants and desires with them. They may appear anxious and needy to us. But let’s face it; we’ve all had to walk into a church as a stranger. And look at us now, we’ve grown and developed and been fulfilled by our church – can we share our success with others? Our community life is virtually buzzing with activity and connections. The table may feel full, but as I look around during church services, I see some empty spaces in the pews.

As Evangelism representative to our parish, I’m here to help you welcome others to our church. Here at St. George’s we do a marvellous job keeping our outside grounds attractive, our programs vital and our services meaningful. We naturally attract new people who want to share this gem of Victorian architecture.

I’m starting a welcoming group for our parish. Bring me your stories of how you’ve been welcomed at other churches. I can train you on how to greet that stranger standing alone in the lobby. Get involved, tell me your ideas or things you’ve seen work elsewhere. Speak to me at church, or call me by phone at (905) 877-7636, or by e-mail me jvandermey@cogeco.ca.

October News

2005-10-21T22:08:00.000-04:00

Long-time parishoner Helen Shannon receives Order of Niagara
Congratulations to Helen Shannon who received the Order of Niagara on Sunday September 28, 2005. The service was held at Christ's Church Cathedral in Hamil-ton and was presided over by The Right Rev'd D. Ralph Spence, Bishop of Niagara.

Read about it here!

Music, pageantry highlight Bishop’s visit
On Sunday, September 11 St. George's was privileged to be visited by our diocesan bishop, The Right Rev'd D. Ralph Spence. In honour of his visit, Ron Greidanus, music director, and our parish choir prepared special music for the 9:30 am service which included an impressive J.S. Bach composition enhanced by timpani drum and trumpet.

In his September 11 visit to our parish, Bishop Ralph Spence posed with young Matthew Glenn, with Jeff MacDougall looking on.

October Georgian Editorial

2005-10-21T10:06:00.000-04:00

By Lucinda Landau

What a marvellous thing it is to have Brothers and Sisters in Christ!
I grew up in a large family where I had four brothers and two sisters, so my understanding of brothers and sisters comes from a well lived model. To this day we remain all close and loving friends and our eleven children have special relationships with each other.

In the early 1990s, when my husband and I and our young children moved here to Georgetown from London, Ontario, I was in search of a family community to which I could fully relate. It took me a few years to find you, but here at St. George’s I was warmly welcomed first by the Thursday Morning Eucharist group and became a regular. Over the past twelve years of active participation here at St. George’s I grew in faith and knowledge in Christ to the extent that I became aware of a call to become a seminarian. I now find myself enrolled full time in the Masters of Divinity Program at Trinity College, University of Toronto.

In my first three days on campus, I attended eight worship services – and loved every minute of it! I have added to my family of brothers and sisters in Christ; fellow divinity students who are as charged-up as I am in our new spiritual journey and professors who are compassionate, humorous and loving. The spirit here at Trinity is one that seeks out adventure and experience in the name of Christ – that we may be emboldened to reach and teach others.
I’ve already sung my first solo during a noonday Eucharist and am slated for duty on a Liturgical team for two weeks in November. I’m studying the History of the Bible, The New Testament, Spiritual Formation in the Anglican Tradition, Identity, Church and Society and the Principles and Practices of Liturgy.

In case you’ve missed my enthusiasm here folks, let me spell it out – I’m having the time of my life! For the last 26 years I have been consecrated in the roles of wife, mother and co-worker, but now I’ve officially added the role of student of Christ. This journey will take me to new and exciting places, I’m sure. However, today, my reflection is one of deepest gratitude for the fundamental love and support showered down upon me by this congregation here at St. George’s.

I give thanks to God for each and every one of you!

Love,

Lucinda

The Meaning of Harvest Season

2005-10-21T10:05:00.000-04:00

Rector’s Message

“I am part of all that I have met;
Yet all experience is an arch wherethro'
Gleams that untravell'd world, whose margin fades
For ever and for ever when I move.”

– Ulysses, by Alfred Tennyson

This is one of my favorite passages from this poem by Tennyson. It points me to two great truths about life. One is about the limits of our human life. I find the more we learn or experience, the more we realize that there is even more that we do not know or have yet to experience. Second is that even when faced by this most humbling knowledge, we must continue to move, to live, and importantly, to love. This passage from Tennyson reminds me of the challenge of Christ’s call to me – to follow him in my life. It is that call that keeps me moving forward in trust, in love and with faith towards the goal of God’s kingdom.

This may all sound a bit heady, but it truly applies to me and to my contribution for our ministry here at St. George’s. Here is the way I see things: the longer I walk with you in this place as your parish priest, helping, praying, singing, talking, and caring, the more opportunities for ministry I become aware of. In other words, the closer we get to each other, the more occasions I find to share the message of God’s love in Christ. One of the greatest challenges I face is not to be overwhelmed by the sheer volume of the openings which present themselves. Not a bad position to be in, but it does make the decision of where to best focus my energies a demanding one.

"The harvest is plentiful, but the labourers are few; therefore ask the Lord of the harvest to send out labourers into his harvest."
Matthew 9:37-38

Jesus knew that the mission of the church was always going to be something that no one person could do on their own. Jesus knew that it would take the combined gifts and talents of every follower to spread the saving message of the Gospel. In the face of the lonely wisdom I gain from the words of Tennyson’s poem about the ever increasing opportunities I perceive, is the knowledge that I am not to be alone in the endeavour; I will have your help. Together, you and I have our faith and commitment to Christ to strengthen us in our words and actions.

In this newsletter, you will have the opportunity to read about a few of the ways that members of St. George’s are carrying out the ministry Christ has called us to do. I give thanks for the help of every member of this parish, as we strive to become a better reflection of God’s kingdom and as we strive to help with the Lord’s harvest.

God blessings be upon you,
The Rev’d Robert W.A. Park

The Keys to a Welcoming Parish

2005-10-21T10:04:00.000-04:00

The Magnetic Church Conference

By Helen Vandermay

The dictionary defines the word magnetic as “the ability to draw or pull; an attractive force”. A newcomer from our parish and I have just returned from the Magnetic Church Conference in Ancaster. I have not laughed or learned so much at a church event in years. I can honestly say it was probably the most fun I have had with a bunch of fellow church-going folks on a topic that most of you would find scary: Evangelism. The presenter, Andrews Weeks, is an Anglican from Montreal, now living and working in Rhode Island. He has an uncanny ability to share his faith, insights and knowledge of the Anglican Church – so that we can share with our parishes what it means to be welcomed to the church.

The goal of this conference was simple. Help this church become more AWARE!

A – Attract new comers, so you can
W – Welcome them in the name of God
A – Affirm them as children of God
R – Respond to their spiritual needs
E – Engage them to become disciples

At one time or another, each of you crossed the doorstep into St. Georges for the first time. Why are you till here? Some people cross the threshold once yet never return. Why is that?

Process & Product
Our job is not to fill empty pews, but to fill empty lives. We learned how Evangelism will succeed when we “recognize that in churches, the PROCESS of every activity is as important as the PRODUCT produced by the activity”. That is, how we undertake something is as important as what we are trying to accomplish. Are our volunteers run off their feet or do they discover helping hands? In other words, it is better to do three things really well as a parish than ten things poorly.

During the conference we learned how to create bulletins, newsletters and welcome brochures that would be inviting. In small groups, we critiqued a bulletin, news-letter and welcome brochure from another parish. Here at St. George’s, our parish publications appear to be doing very well in all three areas as we received very favourable feedback and only a few criticisms from another church.

In another workshop, we tried out welcoming a newcomer. We were put into random groups of four to practice greeting, being a visitor and also as an overall observer who critiqued the exchange between the parties. This was extremely nerve wracking and I never knew how difficult a task it was to greet someone and try to be helpful, welcoming but not too pushy.
Our last assignment was to walk around the Anglican Church hosting the event. We were to look at signage both inside and out, presentation of the building from colour, structure, to cleanliness, and even how many crosses were on the property. We looked at the parish grounds, parking and our overall impression of the parish. It was a wonderful exercise for the hosting parish as well; they were given an overall impression of their church property from over 100 people who had never set foot in the place before! They learned lots. I did also, as I now know how to go about looking at various aspects of our church from a newcomer’s perspective. (And we do have a number of ways I can see for improvement).

Evangelism at St. George’s
If you had never set foot inside St. George’s until today, would you feel welcomed? Every church claims to be a warm and welcoming place, but statistics show that more and more people are staying away from church. Why? It is my job as Evangelism Representative, with your help and encouragement, to find ways to make people who cross our doorstep feel welcome, by giving them what they need (and for each person, this is different). I hope to make newcomers feel that this is a place that they can belong to. That is no easy task and I will need your help. From the greeter at the door, to the person serving coffee, to the rector giving a sermon, all contribute to the experience of community at St. Georges.

I am looking to put together a core group of interested individuals in the parish that can help me look at St. George’s from the ground up and see if we are doing things that are inviting, welcoming and relevant to our parish. Whether you have just a few observations or you have specific ideas regarding welcoming newcomers, I want to hear from you. If you think that St. George’s is a place where more can be done to make sure all of our spiritual needs are being fed, then let your voice be heard. If you are interested in doing something like this, please speak to me at coffee hour sometime in October or call the parish office 905.877.8044 for my contact information. I look forward to hearing from you soon. The Magnetic Church Conference has shown me that the process of making our Church more welcoming will be as much fun as seeing the new faces arrive on a Sunday morning for worship with us.

The Importance of Parish Visiting

2005-10-21T10:03:00.000-04:00

“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another”, John 13:34
By Wendy Lovely

In April and May this year, Sue Graham, Jenny Tuffin and I took a Pastoral Visiting Course at St. Jude’s in Oakville. The course was run by Dr. Margaret Brockett, a teacher and parishioner of St. Jude’s.

We met over a period of five weeks with six other parishioners of St. Jude’s and each morning with Morning Prayer. The course was based upon a book by Jean Vanier, Becoming Human. Each week we would read a chapter at home and then discuss it at our meeting.

The first chapter was on Loneliness, and after some discussion we watched a video concerning how lonely people can become upon the death of a spouse or a family member. This was especially hard to share for several participants as they had recently experienced such a loss.

The following weeks were followed by discussions on Belonging, From Exclusion to Inclusion, The Path to Freedom, and finally, Forgiveness. During our discussions, we talked about the vulnerability of older people and how they may need an advocate. They need to know that somebody is looking out for them and have their best interests at heart. They need to know that someone is listening and cares just for them.

Our homework one week was to bring in and examine information that would be useful to us as visitors. Topics ranged from Programs for Seniors to End of Life Decisions.

St. Jude’s in Oakville has a very active and caring Pastoral Visiting Group called Caring and Sharing. It is run by Dr. Margaret Brockett and Jean Ross. They meet regularly with their clergy and with their visitors. St. Jude’s also has a Pantry run by the Caring and Sharing group so that they have something to take when they visit.

The aim of Parish Visiting is to break down the physical and emotional barriers which isolate people from the support and friendship of members in the parish. This program at St. Jude’s was an enlightening and rewarding experience for all of us. It made us think about others and their needs during bereavement. We take with us a deeper appreciation of prayer, new listening skills and an awareness of our community resources and spiritual needs.

Parish Visiting has been on the go at St. George's for some time in the form of a very dedicated group who visit the Bennett Centre every Friday morning for a Eucharist service. I would like to see us expand on our visiting to include those at home and in the hospitial. We've already found this ministry to be very enjoyable; let me know if you want to be included.