Newsletter 7 1S
Newsletter 7 1S
Newsletter 7 1S
Paul s Circular
February, 2012 Volume 7, Issue 1 - ashes
We remember that we are formed of the earth and to earth we shall return. On Ash Wednesday we courageously face into the fact that life on earth ends, and that we who are formed of the earth will return to the earth. When one sees ones mortality and need for mercy, one then sees ones life differently. Death makes life even more valuable. When we know we are dying, we live differently. Ashes and the associated acts of repentance (taking stock and cleansing ourselves) can restore in us the awareness that life is gift and Gods mercy is great. Reminded of our mortality and our complete dependence on the God who created Ash Wednesday by Jennifer Ste Marie. us and who gives us everlasting Pulling cleaning the ashes life, our Lenten journey opens us to a deeper meaning from the fireplaces always meant doing at least of life and merciful grace. Ashes always mean more. three additional chores. Ashes were to be avoided. Being fully human takes great courage. Facing our Ashes always meant more than just cleaning the mortality takes great courage. Choosing to change fireplace. and to turn away from destructive behaviour and from Ashes as a symbol in the Christian tradition always those things that we do that separate us from God mean more than simply the smear of ash on the foretakes great courage. Ashes combined (see page 2) head on Ash Wednesday. They represent our
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Ashes (contd.): with self examination, prayer, fasting, confession and giving back to God, spending time with Gods word and wisdom is the Lenten journey of the soul. This is challenging and hard work. It is deeply rewarding work. It starts with ashes. A smudge of a cross on the forehead of burned palm crosses opens doors to a deeper relationship with oneself and with God. Ashes and the beginning of Lent in the Ash Wednesday liturgy invite us to a deeper experience of living in God and as Gods. The outcome of this holds great hope. The concluding prayer offered after the imposition of Ashes and Confession contains these words: Accomplish in us O God, the work of salvation, that we may show forth your glory in the world. (p. 285, BAS) May we be instruments of Gods grace and may this prayer be answered in us. May we not avoid the task of Lenten work that leads to salvation, mercy and glory. A blessed and holy Lent to you. Peace. Your Dean,
Ash Wednesday
Once in winter, I stood, white flakes brushing my face. With white fingers, I waited with the others. We shivered on the steps . . . stuck out our tongues to catch snowflakes - so cold they would burn. Soon the big doors would open on smoke and candles, and a cold thumb would brush my forehead with a cross of ashes. "Dust to Dust" he would mutter, while snowflakes melted in my hair.
Author unknown.
Put a comfortable chair in a garden, on a porch or under a tree. Sit for a while. Let your thoughts cascade and flow. Dont try to sort or assess. Most importantly, dont justify the time you just gracefully and lavishly wasted. Practice the Sacrament of the Present Moment wherever you are - be it lounging on a porch, scrunched into in an airplane seat, in the living room looking at the window sill, etc. Pay attention to the details, the colors, the smells, the textures, the sounds. Then, close your eyes and recreate the scene in your mind with as many details as you can remember. Let the silence join you. One day a week, take off your wristwatch and deposit it in an unused drawer. If youre lucky you may forget where you put it. Sanctify the ordinary by pondering the mundane. It may take practice. Choose an ordinary event in your day. Intentionally stop what you are doing. Notice the details. Touch. Listen. Entertain memories that are evoked. Think about the worlds of wonder from your childhood. What did those worlds look like? How did you get there? Go on a garden tour - in your own backyard. Look again at the sagging plant in a clay pot, the hedge that needs trimming, the place where the cat curls up for a nap. Look again through a childs eyes - the overgrown shrub becomes a secret fort . . . If you have a garden space, share it with a friend, a child, a senior citizen, a person with a disability, or a person with no garden. Enjoy the garden through their eyes. Get up early one morning and listen to the dawn.
The St. Paul's Circular is the parish newsletter of St. Pauls Anglican Cathedral, Kamloops, BC, published four times each year: Lent/Easter; Pentecost; Fall; Advent/Christmas. Our aim is to glorify God by sharing stories about the ministries of our parish, both within and beyond our physical boundaries. The editorial board includes The Very Rev. Louise Peters, Sue Cane, Viki Engdahl and Chuck Kalnin.
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Saturday, February 4th, parishioners gathered for a St. Pauls parish dinner. The theme for the evening was the 1950s. Many arrived in jeans, jackets, sweaters, dresses, poodle skirts and coats of the 1950s. Certificates were given to the best dressed male, female and couple. Nine people born in the 1950s attended the evening.
Best dressed couple Norm and Grace Atkinson.
The atmosphere for the evening was established with a 21st century juke box playing 1950s songs. Each table had a list of over 100 songs from that era. People could request a song from the list. Our very own DJ, Richard Cane, used his computer magic to make the songs come to life. He also played some YouTube videos of 1950s dancing, fashion, etc.
Emcee John Plowman kept the evening flowing with jokes and information. During the entertainment portion of the evening, Paige Danyluk sang two beautiful songs. Couples danced to the jive and waltz music of the 50s.
There were lots of compliments for the excellent meal which was provided by the kitchen team of Jim Waldie, Ron Sugiyama, Bud Forbes and Reid Albright. Helping to serve the meal were some of our youth, including Emily Brown, Avery Danyluk, Paige Danyluk, Melissa Green, and Adrian Zryd. A big thank you to them.
Proceeds from the evening were over $1400. The silent auction raised over half of that amount. Thank you to the donors, the purchasers and the auction chair, Barry Baskin. As the picture shows, it took a large group of men to put the evening on. Thanks to you all.
Photos: Roger Parkes.
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Reading Ministry
The St. Pauls Readers Group is a multi-generational group of parishioners who read the lessons and lead the psalm during Sunday services. In the future, the gospel readings will be included in their duties. If you wish to be part of this vibrant group, please contact Denise Anderson or the Cathedral Office.
Adapted from a report to St. Pauls Annual Vestry Meeting, February 5th, by Denise Anderson.
January
Discussion occurred relating to three options for the 2012 Budget to be presented to the Annual Vestry Meeting, February 5th. Motion: That we accept the operating fund budget for 2012 which reflects a surplus of $8,670 and that we pay out the APCI loan with funds coming from our Reserve Funds. Carried. The capital campaign Light Up St. Pauls has met its goal. Those funds will be returned to our Reserve Funds.
Cathedral Committee
2012-2013 2012We are your servants O God; grant us understanding that we may know your will.
Clergy: Appointments: Treasurer: Secretary: Rectors Warden: Envelope Secretary: Peoples Warden:
Very Rev. Louise Peters Gordon Dove Veronica Mountfort Alison McKinnon Trish Waldie Verna Albright
Members at Large (terms end February, 2013): Chuck Kalnin John Ronald Jim Waldie Members at Large (terms end February, 2014): Barry Baskin Duncan McRae Elaine Parkes APCI Delegates: Joan Lukow Mollie Both
APCI Alternate Delegates: Chris Rose Sue Cane APCI Youth Delegates (chosen by youth group): Duncan Chalmers Sabrina Hammond
Verna Albright Ray Beal Bud Forbes Alan Leake Margaret Mitchell
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Welcoming Ministry
The Greeters Group includes two dozen parishioners who offer a ministry of hospitality at the Sunday worship service by: making everyone feel welcome. assisting during the Offering and Eucharist. re-organizing the pews after the service.
Adapted from a report to St. Pauls Annual Vestry Meeting, February 5th, by Jim Freathy.
Praying Ministry
Prayer is an invitation to share one's daily life with God, as in return we are asked to share Gods. It may be the simple act of writing names on a piece of paper on your bathroom mirror or fridge. At the top of the stairs into the Cathedral are a brass bowl, slips of paper and pens. You are invited to PRINT the names and concerns of your heart so that they may be lifted up in prayer during the service. The bowl is placed on the altar by the person leading the Prayers of the People, and returned to the entrance at the end of the service. All are welcome to take a name or two home with them, to include with their own prayers. Prayers may be asked for all occasions: joys and blessings; thanksgivings; accidents; the sick and those in hospital; those awaiting, undergoing or recovering from surgery and other procedures; bereavements; etc. Privacy is respected. First names are fine, as are phrases such as our soldiers abroad. A group of eight presently take or are phoned names to pray for during the week. You do not have to join this group to take names to pray for. If you do wish to be part of this group - there are no meetings please contact Sheila Pierson at 250-828-1821.
Adapted from a ministry focus written by Sheila Pierson, used as a pew bulletin insert, Sunday, December 4, 2011.
Gardening Ministry
The Hands in the Dirt Gang continues this year at Chuck Kalnins yard in Brockelhurst. Its a St. Pauls project that grows vegetables to share with others with parishioners and with those in need. We gather in fellowship - to garden. We do have fun! This year again in February, seeds were shared with parishioners after the Sunday worship services. We thank Pacific Northwest Seeds in Vernon for their generosity. We do this by gathering to garden in fellowship, while having fun. Join us. Enjoy getting your hands into soil. Just come for the fellowship. Contacts are Jo-Lynn Forbes and Chuck Kalnin.
Sheltering Ministry
Out-of-the Cold continues in St. Pauls basement with significantly fewer overnight guests (227) compared to last year (318). There have been the same number of emergency nights, both years. There have been almost double the number who just have dinner compared to those who stay over as well. To date there have been 240 volunteer shifts totalling 835 hours.
Adapted from a report to St. Pauls Annual Vestry Meeting, February 5th, by Chris Rose.
Snowy Ministry
Seven Sun Peaks Ministry Team members take turns leading prayer services for the skiing public in the Chapel at Sun Peaks Ski Hill. Due to better promotion by the Ski Hill, attendance this season has increased.
Adapted from a report to St. Pauls Annual Vestry Meeting, February 5th, by Dwight Oatway.
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Why would five North of 60 individuals consider the challenge of ladder climbing, mud-slogging and slipsliding on Canadas premiere world-class nature trail with the distinct possibility of camping on the ground in the rain? To the question is the answer Why not? The adventure began May 26, 2011, in a very early morning misty rain on Port Renfrews harbour dock. The Michelle Diana water taxi and her well-seasoned skipper were waiting there to take us on the 4 hour run to Bamfield along the rugged west coast of Vancouver Island. Choppy seas, packs of sea lions, a gray whale and her calf, mist, rain, lighthouses, waterfalls, rocky headlands, bright sunshine, woozy stomachs - we had it all - along with an experienced marine biologist/skipper as our guide. Bamfield in the brilliant sunshine is a scene to behold; however the trailhead lay six kilometers away. A local with a pick-up and spare box capacity solved the problem if not the letter of the law and we soon were ready to boogie. After paying for the privilege and assuming all the risk for this national adventure, we (except for one with previous experience) marched off into the unknown. For 12 kilometers, we trekked on beaches and through the forest to our first stop, Michigan Creek. Arriving later than planned, we found prime camping sites at a premium so we made do. It was early to bed and early to rise for more lay ahead. Day 1 was a cakewalk now onto Day 2 and 14 kilometers of trail. We now got to experience gravel beach-walking, slippery rock beach-walking, forest glens and even got to pull ourselves over a creek on a suspended cable car. Beach and trail walking have a view - if you dare lift your eyes from the ground. We gained valuable practice and knowledge climbing ladders with our 40 pound packs, crossing through muddy sections of uncertain depth and climbing over old growth former giants. The art of stepping lightly in mud and on questionable boardwalks improved with trail time. Day 2 culminated with a four-ladder (approximately 60 ft) descent to the Tsusiat Falls camping area. We nestled into a beautiful sandy site close to a rock bluff even while recognizing that the washroom facilities were across the stream and far away (especially for night-trekking). Day 3 began with more gravel beach walking, forest trails, windfall areas, gorgeous ocean vistas,
challenging slopes and only six kilometers later (32 kilometers in total) finally Nitinat Narrows and a little bit of heaven sunshine, pack off, relaxation, chairs, refreshments and the tastiest Dungeness crab around. With a 45-minute boat ride up Nitinat Lake to the village of Nitinat and a short hike to the Provincial Campground, we settled in for a relaxing evening reminiscing on the highlights so far. Day 4 involved hiking, hitch-hiking and finally catching our arranged transportation back to Port Renfrew where it all began. This leisurely day was a fitting ending to a short travel back in time. The raw beauty of the region is special, spectacular and challenging. Each person can say that they came, experienced and accomplished their goal without incident. This group of five North of 60 Dwight, Islay, June, Trev and Ken - shared another memorable time together as friends on a journey.
Thanks, in advance, from the ladies of the Thrift Shop: Anne, Betty, Dale, Elaine, Elizabeth, Ella, Evelyn, Fay, Geri, Grace, Iris, Sheila and the 3 Shirleys.
The land shall not be sold forever: for the land is mine; for you are strangers and sojourners with me.
Leviticus 25:23; Jerusalem Bible translation.
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Blazer Night
On Friday, February 10th, St. Pauls held our annual Blazers Night as the hockey team hosted archrival Kelowna Rockets. Twenty-eight parishioners gathered at the ISC for the pre-game buffet, then the game. Fifteen youth also attended the game, bringing our contingent to 43. We helped cheer on the Blazers to victory. To the right: Our parishioners gather. Thanks are extended to Vic Bifano and the Blazers Organization for the donation of tickets.
Photo supplied by David & Kathryn Brisco.
Hymn
by John Betjeman
Ministry Statements
St. Pauls Anglican Cathedral Visioning Day, 2003
St. Pauls is a joyful community of Christians who are rooted in the best of the Anglican tradition; hospitable; welcoming seekers; and responsive as a Christian community to the needs of others.
The Churchs Restoration In eighteen-eighty-three Has left for contemplation Not what there used to be. How well the ancient woodwork Looks round the Rectry hall, Memorial of the good work Of him who plannd it all. He who took down the pew-ends And sold them anywhere But kindly spared a few ends Workd up into a chair. O worthy persecution Of dust ! O hue divine ! O cheerful substitution, Thou varnishd pitch-pine ! Church furnishing ! Church furnishing ! Sing art and crafty praise ! He gave the brass for burnishing He gave the thick red baize, He gave the new addition Pulld down the dull old aisle, --To pave the sweet transition He gave th encaustic tile. Of marble brown and veind He did the pulpit make ; He orderd windows staind Light red and crimson lake. Sing on, with hymns uproarious, Ye humble and aloof, Look up ! and oh how glorious He has restored the roof !
From John Betjemans Collected Poems; enlarged edition compiled and with an introduction by the Earl of Birkenhead; first published 1958; third impression 1973; Butler & Tanner.
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It has been a very rewarding and at the same time a frustrating year for our Facility and Ministry Committee members: Verna Albright, Jon Buckle, Roland Cobb, Gordon Dove, Bud Forbes, Jim Freathy, Alison McKinnon, Nancy Mutrie, Dean Louise Peters, Cathy Simpson, Jim Waldie, Ted Weddell and Dave Whiting. Part way through the year, Gordon left the committee due to health reasons and Cathy moved to Vancouver. The committee met ten times over the course of the year, mostly on Saturday mornings. Most of the committees time in 2010 focused on the facilities. Feeling we should look at what our ministry is before worrying about our facility, it became the main focus of this years work. To get feedback from the congregation, three short discussion sessions were held after Sunday services. The first one, on Sunday March 13th, had a topic of What are the Strengths of St. Pauls Ministries? The second session, April 10th, had the topic What are the Opportunities for Growth of the Ministries at St. Pauls? The topic of the third session, May 8th, was Wouldnt it be Great if We Could! Results of the discussions were reviewed, placing our ministries into five categories: Outreach, Education, Ministry, Worship and Community. The committee needed help to interpret this data and have some idea of the direction we should take, so decided a) to hire Paula Schmidt to help us with this task, and b) to have a Discernment Day to give the congregation an opportunity to help decide as to what direction we should go. Forty-five parishioners attended the Discernment Day, held Saturday, November 26th at the Hills of Peace Lutheran Church. Participants were asked to vote for the type of facility that would best suit our ministries. 59% of the participants voted to proceed on the path of looking at a new building. Paula has also made a number of other recommendations, which the Facility & Ministry Committee is forwarding to Cathedral Committee. If you wish to see the report in summary or complete form, please contact the Church Office. The congregation will have a chance to ask questions about the report at a special meeting, to be held after the service on March 4th. As mentioned earlier, the committee experienced some ups and downs on this years journey, but one thing for sure is that the members are to be congratulated for the tremendous amount of time and energy they have put into trying to make St. Pauls Cathedral a great place to worship.
November 26th: As we straggled into the Hills of Peace Lutheran Church, we were greeted by Verna Albright, who directed us to sign in and pick up our handouts. Bud Forbes welcomed us and outlined the day ahead. Dean Louise led us in worship and singing accompanied by Sue Cane on piano. The hymn petitioned us to be still - to look up and see - to come and teach - to reach out to speak, to sing, to act. (See page 13.) Bud introduced Paula Schmidt, our facilitator for the day. Members of the Facility & Ministry Committee gave presentations as to where we were in our facility journey and how we arrived there. We looked at ministry statements developed from previous work of the committee. These statements dealt with our ministry, worship, outreach, education and community. During the day, a sixth statement about environmental stewardship was added. Some previously determined limitations of our facility were reviewed. What effect do these limitations have on our ability to carry out our ministries in the future? During the morning, discussions focused on our ministry and on the three options in our facility journey: status quo, renovation and new building. Reid Albright and Jo-Lynn Forbes provided a wonderful lunch of soup and buns. They also ensured that there were refreshments and goodies for us throughout the day. The afternoon was used for the discernment part of our process. What facilities approach will be most effective in answering what St. Pauls is being called to do? At table groups, we delved into the pluses and minuses of each of the three options, in terms of each of the six ministry statements, as well as for our tradition and our finances. Our exercises and discussions culminated in a weighed vote as to which option we preferred. Which facility option would be best suited to our ministries? The results were: 2% for status quo, 38% for renovate and 59% for a new building. As the parish continues our facility journey, there is now a clearer direction in which to work. As the day wound down, Dean Louise again led us in worship and we shared the Peace of the Lord. Amen.
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Photos in top loop from top left: Verna Albright greets Jim Mitchell and Mollie Both; Paula Schmidt leads a session; Jennifer Ste Marie talks with Nancy Mutrie; Sue Cane at the piano; Margaret Pearson, Jon Buckle, John Ronald and Dave Whiting seeing how the voting went; Margaret Mitchell was the scribe; lunch break with wonderful soup and buns; Paula Schmidt brings groups together with bells.
Bottom photos from immediate right: Reid Albright washes dishes in the kitchen; time to stretch, have coffee and talk; Dean Louise and Phil McVie help with the clean-up; discussion at a table group; reviewing the results of the exercise dealing with the pluses and minuses for each facility option. Photos: Chuck Kalnin.
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The Very Rev. Peter Elliot, Dean of Christ Church Cathedral, Vancouver.
Photos: Chuck Kalnin.
Peters presented his lecture in three parts: 1) From Palm Sunday to Stanley Cup Riot; 2) From Billy Graham to James Alison; and 3) Towards Restorative Justice. Peter said that, after the riots, the public was focused on revenge, but that we might look at the example of Jesus who, upon rising from the violence, offered peace. We also might respond to violence by moving from revenge to resurrection. Rather than just punishing those responsible, we might focus on healing victims - on healing communities. A time of questions and answers followed the lecture, as was a reception which was held in the parish hall.
Homelessness in Kamloops
The Kamloops Working Group on Homelessness gives direction and advice to the Provincial and Federal Governments, the City of Kamloops and community stake-holders on issues related to homelessness. Chris Rose is a member of that committee; whose mandate is:
To make decisions related to homelessness, in consultation with Social Planning Council, Homelessness Action Plan, Leadership Council, and Changing the Face of Poverty. To make decisions concerning the administration of funding under the Homelessness Partnering Initiative. To educate on the importance of addressing the issue of homelessness in Kamloops.
Adapted from a report to St. Pauls Annual Vestry Meeting, February 5th, by Chris Rose.
The crowning achievement of overcoming the fear of giving is the moment we experience the joy of giving. Its not so much about percentages or dollar amounts. Its more a condition of the heart. Opposite the fearful heart is not a courageous heart, as you might expect. It's a joyful heart.
Andy Stanley in Fields of Gold; 2004; Tyndale House.
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Generosity of Spirit
St. Pauls Cathedral illustrates Generosity of Spirit. Givers do not give money TO the church, but THROUGH the church as a thanksgiving to God so as to touch the lives of other people in Christ's name. Some recent examples of this generosity are the Light up St. Pauls special appeal for funds to replace the old lighting fixtures; and All Soles Day, when parishioners were invited to donate new boots and shoes to share with our neighbours. The Cathedral also collects donations for outreach ministries, such as PWRDF, Kamloops Food Bank and the Clergy Discretionary Fund.
Adapted from A Narrative Budget for 2012, distributed at St. Pauls Annual Vestry Meeting, February 5th.
Questions to Ponder
What is your earliest memory of money as a child? Your happiest memory? Was money discussed in your family as you were growing up? Has your attitude towards money changed now that you are older? How?
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During a particularly challenging time of my life, when I often felt like giving up, I decided to try a new exercise for Lent giving up stuff. Only this time I wasnt planning to give up material things or tasty treats. Rather, I realized I needed to give up bad habits that had crept into my life over the years. I felt I needed to give them up to God, as in: Dear God, please take care of this stuff because it is really weighing me down, and I need the help of your broad shoulders. I first labelled an old tin can I give up for Lent. Then, on each of the 40 days in Lent, in thoughtful prayer, but without second-guessing myself too much, I wrote down on a small piece of paper what I planned to give up that day, and put the note in the can. My original intention had been to burn the papers inside the can at the end of Lent, and reduce them to ashes as an offering to God. However, I didnt do this, because I found my notes too useful to give up. I used them back then as daily reminders, and I still do. To the right is the prayer list I ended up with.
I give up: 1. fear about the future 2. regrets about the past 3. feeling sorry for myself 4. blaming others 5. puffed up or false pride 6. being right 7. complaining 8. pessimism 9. mean-spiritedness 10. becoming disheartened 11. whining 12. catastrophizing 13. ill health 14. doubt 15. timidity 16. procrastination in general 17. perfection 18. expectations 19. self-consciousness 20. being hard on myself 21. inattention 22. trying to do it all 23. frenzy 24. trying to act as if Im in my 20s 25. hiding my pain(s) 26. making the worst of things 27. being hard on myself 28. laziness re: exercising 29. wasting sunshine 30. fear of making decisions 31. going to bed late 32. forgetting to pray 33. doing too much each day 34. not taking the time to read a good book 35. judging others 36. fear of dying 37. guilt over needing to rely on medications 38. procrastination, especially regarding taking care of myself 39. trepidation 40. giving up Oh good here comes Lent again. I guess I can try again!
Friendship Friday
At the St. Pauls Friendship Friday gathering in November, Deanie Hanson and Viki Michaud spoke about the Interior Indian Friendship Society and about their Friendship Centre located on Parkcrest Avenue in Brockelhurst.
Photo: Rae Long.
Ashes at Lent
In biblical tradition, and later in early and medieval Christian tradition, covering the head with ashes (or indeed sitting in ashes) is considered a sign of repentance, sorrow and mourning. Thus, the distribution of ashes is understood in many Christian churches to be an appropriate way to mark the beginning of the penitential season of Lent. Traditionally, the ashes are made by burning the palm leaves that had been blessed the previous year on Palm Sunday to mark the beginning of Holy Week. Ashes were also be used as a symbol of purification, and were mixed into special blessed water called Gregorian water to be used at the consecration of churches during the Middle Ages.
Joanne M. Pierce in The New Westminster Dictionary of Liturgy & Worship; Paul Bradshaw, Editor; 2002; Westminster John Knox Press.
The Bible contains over 500 references to prayer, almost 500 references to faith, but there are more than 2,000 references to money and possessions.
David M. Ponting in From Scarcity to Abundance ; 2005; Morehouse Publishing.
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Desert Spring
by Sandra Sugden
God Says
God says, Be still so you can hear the words that I whisper in your ear. If you will listen, you will know Im with you always where you go. God says, Look up and see the prize Ive placed right here before your eye. Find beauty in the things of earth, a cause for wonder and rebirth. God says, Come here! I need your voice. Please teach my people to rejoice. In who you are, in what you do, your life will show my love for you. God says, Reach out! The worlds in need and wants a word, a song, a deed. I send you forth to speak, to sing, to act for Christ in everything.
Words: Mary Bitner; tune: O Waly, Waly. Hymn sung at St. Pauls Discernment Day, November 26th.
I looked... with longing at the monochromatic majesty of the desert hills my home. The browns, the blacks the beige and the dust grey of the desert sage. Always different moving and changing with the play of light dancing across the surfaces of nooks and crannies, crevasses and plateaus. I looked... I looked with longing I looked with intensity. There is no flamboyance in my desert spring.. a hint, a subtle, hopeful promise of green? Perhaps. I looked...again with longing with hope with certainty for truly the hills were infused with green. They called me out those desert hills. Called me out of my winter doldrums; out of my cocoon of warmth out of my shelter of safety. Not flamboyant my desert hills; but softly green. I walked, and looked and looked again; from the black, the grey, the brown, the soft green, to the sudden flash of brilliant yellow. The promise of spring has been realized in the first appearance of a Johnny- Jump- Up. Not flamboyant my desert hills, But beautiful beyond breath. Thanks be to God.
Receiving Nature
On a clear night we can see the sky through the window stars too staggeringly numerous to count, and space so vast it cannot be fathomed. As morning dawns we hear birds and insects. They are praising the new day. We smell mown grass and honeysuckle. Leaves stir in the wind, whispering about joy. All around us is majesty. There is even majesty in the crabgrass growing in the flowerbeds. All is imbued with abundant life force. Each morning we are given a world to be in, to enjoy, to be opened by and grounded in. Can we ever truly receive this gift? How much joy can the heart behold?
A meditation by Gunilla Norris inSimple Ways: Towards the Sacred; 2008; Blue Bridge.
St. Pauls
Coffee House
February 24
th
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Lent & Easter at St. Pauls Cathedral Lent/Easter Triduum & Easter Services
Maundy Thursday, April 5
7:30 p.m. Foot Washing and Eucharist
th
Cathedral
Shrove Tuesday
Tuesday, February 21st @ 5:00 pm Pancakes in the Parish Hall
Ash Wednesday
Wednesday, February 22nd @ 10:00 am Imposition of Ashes in the Chapel Wednesday, February 22nd @ 7:00 pm Imposition of Ashes in the Cathedral
Palm Sunday
Sunday, April 1st @ 8:00 am Holy Communion in the Chapel Sunday, April 1st @ 10:00 am Liturgy of the Palms in the Cathedral
Three Marys
Mother - Lover - Friend
April 2nd - 3rd - 4th
1:00 - 3:00 p.m. OR 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. in the Cathedral
watch for details
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March
April
Monday 1:00 & 7:00 p.m. Tuesday 1:00 & 7:00 p.m. Wednesday 1:00 & 7:00 p.m. Thursday 12:15 p.m. Thursday 7:30 p.m. Friday 11:00 a.m. Saturday 9:00 p.m. Sunday 5:00 a.m. Sunday 8:00 a.m. Sunday 10:00 a.m. Sunday Sunday 5:00 p.m. after service
May June
Chapel Cathedral Parish Hall Parish Hall The Renaissance The Hamlets Lower Hall Cathedral Seniors Village Cathedral Chapel Cathedral Chapel Lower Hall Berwick on the Park Cathedral Upper Hall Lower Hall Upper Hall
phone: 250-372-3912
e-mail: stpaulscathedral@shawbiz.ca
visit our blog at: stpaulscathedral.blogspot.com/ Bishop: Rector & Dean: Honourary Assistant: Honourary Assistant: Honourary Assistant: Music Directors: Rectors Warden: Peoples Warden: Sunday School Coordinator: Office Coordinator: Youth Coordinator: The Rt. Rev. Barbara Andrews The Very Rev. Louise Peters The Rev. Sandra Sugden The Rev. Tom Sugden The Rev. Viktor Gundel Heather & Norris Berg Alison McKinnon Verna Albright Bridget Jensen Viki Engdahl Melissa Green
The Cathedral parish of St. Pauls strives to be a joyful, rooted, responsive and hospitable Christian community grounded in the Anglican tradition.
The submission deadline for the next issue of the St. Pauls Circular is Wednesday, May 16th. The theme for the next issue will be fire.
Chucks Chatter . . .
Did you burn a yule log this past Christmas? (The virtual one on Shaw Cable doesnt count!) If you did, you would have been left with some ash after the fire. Ash is defined by the Oxford Dictionary as a powdery residue left after combustion of any substance. One might assume that, after the heat is harvested, whats left is of little use and is merely to be thrown away. When we used to have a lot of cozy warm fires on cold winter months, it was my duty to clean out the fire pit. Its not necessarily a nice, pleasant chore. Traditionally it was believed that Yule log ashes had magical properties and were kept for good luck. Often, they were placed into wells to sweeten the water. Ashes were - and still are - spread on fields as fertilizer. I dug the ashes from our fire pit into our garden to help replenish the potassium content in the soil. The Oregon State University pamphlet, Wood ash from your yule log can help your garden grow, says that wood ash contains most of the thirteen essential nutrients the soil must supply for plants to grow. It goes on, When wood burns, nitrogen and sulfur are lost as gas, but calcium, potassium, magnesium and other trace elements remain. The carbonates and oxides in the ash are valuable liming agents that can raise pH and help to neutralize acid soils. Where soils are acid and low in potassium, wood ash is beneficial to most garden plants. Indeed, if you look at a bag of commercial fertilizer, itll be identified with three numbers, e.g. 21-7-14. These numbers are the percentages of three specific elements: nitrogen - phosphorus - potassium. We might also think of ashes in different words such as residues or traces left behind. I thought this image might be useful as a metaphor for ones life experiences. After the fire an event wanes, as the glow fades, traces do remain - as memories. There may be some un-burnt, charred chunks, but, like wood ashes dug into the garden, there will also be a finer mixture of nutrients that will nourish new life. Memories affect future decisions. May we cherish and learn from them as we continue to journey and grow here on earth. Amen.
Ashes
by Margaret Mitchell
Life that once was and is no more . . . Trees, forests, living things . . . Consumed by fire Now remnants - cold, drear, grey, lifeless Remains of what once was . . . Ashes . . ., end times, winter times . . . Yet . . . like the Phoenix, rises from the ashes new life, new growth, new birth . . . trees reborn, vibrant green in their newness . . . wildflowers joyous in their brilliant colours new beginnings, new life . . . Resurrection!!