posted on January 30, 2012 in Columns, The Messy Table

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Lent begins on February 22nd this year – close enough that we might start thinking about it and far enough away that planning is still possible. Last year, I gave you a list of Lent readings and an idea, but this year the plot is a little more straight forward.

posted on January 30, 2012 in Columns, Patricia Schneider

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I wandered down to the basement bedroom and looked at what was left… a messed up bed and a playpen in one corner. But memories flitted through my head.

posted on January 23, 2012 in Columns, The Messy Table

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Society is really good at making us worry. And stressed and depressed and all-over anxious. And, of course, by society I mean all of us. Psalm 111 works against all that. The Psalmist takes you by the shoulders and shakes until you wake up sane.

posted on January 23, 2012 in Columns, Patricia Schneider

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We’ve been neighbours for 20 years. Sadly, I watch her husky sons load the truck as they haul their mother’s furniture to her new apartment.

posted on January 16, 2012 in Columns, The Messy Table

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Sometimes lectionary floors me. The juxtaposition of passages can be brilliant or bizarre – and when I saw what was slotted for this coming week, I had to laugh. From poor old post-whale Jonah to fishers of men…

posted on January 16, 2012 in Columns, Patricia Schneider

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It always amazes me that the children you bear can be so terribly different. Delightful but different.

posted on January 9, 2012 in Miscellaneous, The Messy Table

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I’ve been getting a lot of donations recently from the congregation – crafty things for the Sunday School. Each Sunday, I seem to come home with more plastic bags of squishy things to be sorted through.

posted on January 9, 2012 in Columns, Patricia Schneider

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My hip surgery was behind me, my recovery going very well and the sun which had only shone seven days out of 31 last month was finally shinning brilliantly.

posted on January 2, 2012 in Columns, The Messy Table

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Ten years ago, the Spouse surprised me with a ring. New Year’s Eve, the night of high romance and optimism, and we were already engaged.

posted on January 2, 2012 in Columns, Patricia Schneider

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I woke up gradually and saw the face of my youngest daughter gazing at me rather anxiously. My hip surgery was over and now it was time to get back to the real world.

posted on January 1, 2012 in Mission, News

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The Haitian expression, Dèyè mon gen mon (“after this mountain, another mountain”) could come straight from the pages of Ecclesiastes with its weary wisdom, borne out of too little joy and too much suffering. When one considers that the name, Haiti means land of mountains, the expression only magnifies how troubled and difficult life can be in the poorest country in the Americas.
A trip to Haiti in September to visit some of the projects that Presbyterians in Canada generously supported after the earthquake, confronted me with the harsh reality that is life in Port – au – Prince. There were still many living in temporary shelters, much rubble yet to be cleared and an historically dysfunctional government. There are clearly no quick or short – term solutions to the many pre – and post – earthquake challenges facing Haitian society. But that is why we as Presbyterians are there. Not because the solutions are easy but because the challenges are great and the need clear. With our Haitian brothers and sisters we work and dream in the land of mountains, remembering the words of Psalm 121: “I look up to the mountains—from where does my help come? It comes from the Lord.”
Rebuilding homes is one of the many projects receiving support through PWS&D and it is inspiring in places like Léogâne—where an estimated 80 per cent of the town was damaged—to see families reclaim home and space. As the frame is assembled and the foundation poured, it is not uncommon to see many hands involved, including those of young children. The home that will support the family is first built by the family. A woman was asked if she would stand with her family for a photograph in front of her new home. She responded quickly, “Oh yes, please. My old home was humble, this is a palace.” That a solid wooden home with a tin roof could be referred to as a palace is a reminder of how little it can take to build a better world. Where I live, houses cost more than 500 times as much but rarely is the term “palace” used in my neighborhood.
In Haiti today, homes are being built, livelihoods reclaimed, access to safe water secured and those injured from the earthquake are learning how to move, live and work again. One region in the mountains of Léogâne now runs a program through our partner, Christian Reformed World Relief Committee that ensures every family gets three goats. The goats are later sold in a local market and replenished through the community ‘goat bank.’ To support this project, locals have also been trained as first aid veterinarians to ensure the health and welfare of the animals. The knowledge of animal husbandry that is shared and remains in the village is as important and valuable as the goats themselves.
This work is not nearly enough in the face of so much adversity, so many mountains. But our support and the amazing work of our partners is a little salt, a little light and that is a start. Another ancient but lesser known name for Haiti and the Dominican Republic that share one island is, Kiskeya. It means the cradle of life. Such a name speaks of the beauty, hope and potential that is possible. May our prayers and support join that dream and desire for Haiti to be Kiskeya again.

posted on January 1, 2012 in People & Places

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First, Stellarton, N.S.

Connie Wardle

St. Andrews, Campbellford, Ont.

Clairlea Park, Scarborough, Ont.

St. Andrew’s, Stratford, Ont.

Langley, B.C.

Fallingbrook, Scarborough, Ont.

St. James, Forest, Ont.

Knox, Bobcaygeon, Ont.

St. George, N.B.

St. Andrews, Campbellford, Ont. – 2

Graceview, Etobicoke, Ont.

posted on January 1, 2012 in People & Places

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The 86th anniversary of First Presbyterian Church in Stellarton was celebrated by all ages. Guest preacher Rev. Sandy Sutherland (centre), who delivered the anniversary sermon, cuts the cake here with support from his wife Marly and son David. Stellarton’s own Rev. Charles McPherson (left) looks on. Happy anniversary, Stellarton!

posted on January 1, 2012 in People & Places

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The Record’s staff writer, Connie Purvis, married Ewan Wardle in August, 2011. Presiding at the wedding was Rev. Tim Purvis, father of the bride and minister at Westview, Toronto.

Group shot from left: Robert and Shirley Purvis, Ewan and Connie Wardle, Lori, Jay and Tim Purvis.

posted on January 1, 2012 in Called to Wonder

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Click here for the PDF

posted on January 1, 2012 in People & Places

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St. Andrew’s marked 175 years this summer in true Presbyterian style. Cutting the cake are senior elders Francis Long and John Jackson, who are now retired.

posted on January 1, 2012 in Features, Reflections

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What does the demolition of a church building mean, theologically and personally?
In the winter of 2011, the building that once housed Summerside Presbyterian Church was torn down and demolished, to make way for a new church building that opened this past autumn. While I haven’t been an active member of the congregation for about four years, I grew up in that church, and its former building housed many of my cherished memories. I remember meeting in the assembly hall for youth group when I was 12; I remember games of hide – and – seek, and the taste of hot dogs on steamy Sunday school picnic days in June; I remember a few youth retreats with sleeping bags and loud, raucous music in my teens; I remember holding “alternative” worship services in the assembly hall on Wednesdays in summer 2007; and I remember my grandmother’s funeral on Feb. 1st, 2011, which was (coincidentally) the last official event that took place in the church before its demolition.
In light of all that, I ask again: what does the demolition of a church building mean? In order to understand what the demolition of one church building means, we should first ask how buildings are important to God’s people.
Buildings feature prominently in scripture: they can represent the height of human ambition, and the glory and grandeur of God. One witness to both of these characteristics is the Jewish temple, which the Jews built in Solomon’s time, and rebuilt after their return from exile in Babylonia. Time and time again, the psalmist points to the hill of Zion, and its accompanying temple, to indicate God’s love, power and majesty: “The Lord reigns forever, your God, O Zion, for all generations.” (Psalm 146:10) Isaiah’s first major vision occurred in the temple before its first destruction (Isaiah 6). The Apostles Paul and Peter both used the image of buildings to represent their congregations’ faith and devotion to God’s loving mission in the world (1 Corinthians 3:10 – 15, 1 Peter 2:5). Thus, it seems that the Jews and early Christians saw buildings, particularly the Jewish temple, as dwelling – places and metaphors for God’s presence.
God has certainly been present in Summerside Presbyterian Church! The youth group has grown: I remember, back in 2001, being the only person to consistently show up to the youth group. However, the last time I checked, there were more young adults attending. Someone I knew from high school returned to the church, and to faith, a few years ago and got married in the church shortly thereafter. And during my grandmother’s funeral, the church was nearly full, and the minister preached a down – to – earth and very accurate sermon that praised both of my grandparents and gave thanks for my grandmother’s legacy. A building can house powerful and personal memories, moments, and events that make God present.
So, the building of Summerside Presbyterian Church has been demolished in order to make way for a new structure. Just as the Jewish exiles in Babylon cried, “How can we sing the songs of the Lord while in a foreign land?” (Psalm 137:4), so Presbyterians in Summerside may feel lost or uneasy as they await a new place of worship. The demolition of a building can mean the end of memories: there will be no more hot dogs, no more joyous singing (and there was much of that!), and no more heartfelt preaching at the old building of Summerside.
Instead, the congregation must go forward steadily into the future God has prepared for it. Summerside Presbyterian Church will have a new place, and so it can create a new place in people’s hearts—a space for both action and reflection that testifies to God’s loving presence. There will again be a place for Presbyterian people to be baptized, to marry, and to eat and worship together. The new building will house a community knit together by the love of God.
Theologically and personally, Summerside Presbyterian Church is much more than just a building: it proves true the first verse of the hymn, “I am the church! You are the church!” Indeed, the church is “not a building,” the church is “not a steeple,” and the church is “not a resting place.” Instead, Summerside Presbyterian Church is “a people,” a people whose actions, emotions and memories bear witness to God’s love in our midst. The demolition of a building means both the end of old memories, and the beginning of new ones … and both the old and the new memories allow us to live, love, and act as people of Jesus’ gracious Way.

posted on January 1, 2012 in Features, Mission

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When St. Timothy’s, Etobicoke, Ont., launched an international mission project in 2010, they hoped it would be a long – term affair. And when the mission team visited Hungary, Ukraine and Romania for the second time last summer, their hopes for a meaningful relationship were rewarded.
“When we went to the Roma/gypsy community in Nagybereg, Ukraine, as soon as we entered the village, the children recognized us and followed us, singing, ‘Deep, deep O deep down, down; deep down in my heart,’ with the motions we taught them last year,” said Rev. David Son, associate minister at St. Timothy’s. “With no English skill whatsoever, they remembered not only the song but also us. It meant they’ve been waiting for us to come. I cried.”
Son became emotional again when visiting a community in Kide, Romania, where people thanked them for returning. “‘Thank you very much for planting us in your hearts,’ they said. I cried twice.”
The eight – person team (led by Son) travelled to Eastern Europe for the second time for two weeks last August. Their first trip was in 2010, and the third will happen this July. They accompanied Presbyterian missionaries David Pandy – Szekeres and Brian Johnston, getting to know several congregations of the Hungarian Reformed Church in Hungary and the Hungarian minority regions in Ukraine and Transylvania.
“My wish has always been to continue my missionary work in the same country or countries if allowed,” said Kyu Hwan Han, a 26 – year – old member of the team. “It is wonderful to go on missions to various countries and see how different people worship God; however, visiting the same mission field continuously and building long lasting relationships is a great blessing.”
Following the final visit, Son hopes the congregation will find ways to continue the connections they’ve made. In addition to prayer and possible financial support, Son has already been keeping in touch with a minister he met on the trip, and David Pandy – Szekeres keeps him updated on what’s going on in the region. And while Son acknowledges much more time and study is needed before taking action, he said they’re looking into beginning some sort of relationship with local Hungarian Presbyterian congregations, or working with Roma refugees coming to Toronto.
“One of St. Timothy’s mission statements is, ‘Church that stands up with/for the weak and the poor,’” said Son. “Within the life of the church, we have this strong calling, and we do believe this can only happen in partnership. Also, as one of the Korean churches we wanted to get more actively involved in the mission works of the PCC, [and] the PCC graciously supported us last year.”
“The PCC’s mission trip program helps congregations connect with missionaries they already support through their gifts to Presbyterians Sharing,” said Karen Plater, associate secretary of stewardship. “We help congregations build closer relationships with our mission partners, and build up the mission work of the church overall.”
Several years ago, the congregation wasn’t even aware of the Pandys’ work in Eastern Europe. It was only when Rev. Sarah Kim, executive director of the Women’s Missionary Society and wife of senior minister In Kee Kim, embarked on a WMS trip to the region that St. Timothy’s was introduced to the work happening there.
“We were planning to launch another mission trip to a different part of the world, but Jesus didn’t allow us to,” said Son. After speaking with Sarah Kim, “we were able to start this wonderful ministry.”
The mission team visited several communities, including those in the Sub – Carpathian Ukraine. The Reformed Church there is an ethnically Hungarian community working in a minority situation, including work amidst the Roma peoples. In the town of Nagybereg, they helped build a multi – functional centre that will serve as a kindergarten and prayer hall for the Roma community.
Working on the prayer hall was a highlight for 20 – year – old Daniel Kim. “Although at times we were very drained of energy and fatigued from the heat, we persevered … with only one thing in mind: to build God’s kingdom,” Kim told the Record. “By the end of the week, many gypsy kids began to help us do various jobs out of the willingness of their heart. Working and smiling together was a scene I believe God was very pleased to see.”
The group also led singing, games and crafts for children, visited an orphanage operated by the Reformed Church, and worked on a farm.
They also spent time in the village of Kide, Romania, as guests of the local Reformed Church congregation. There they enjoyed a Sunday worship service, led by local minister Tibor Nagy, with a message given by Son who touched upon the fact that the village’s name of Kide means “hope” in Korean.
“The basic purpose of the trip was to bring God’s presence with us,” said Son. “There are not many things we can contribute to their tough life situations for two weeks. But what we hoped for was to plant a small mustard seed in their hearts … so that they may continuously remember [our presence], and somewhere down the road, that remembrance may give them the life of Jesus Christ to the full. And in return … they planted another mustard seed in our hearts and they blessed us tremendously.”
“For the host communities, having a group return goes a long way in reinforcing the idea that there exists a bond which is common and which is strong enough to unite two very different communities,” David Pandy – Szekeres told the Record. “And it is when both of these communities recognize this common bond to be the gospel, its teachings and its attendant blessings that we come full circle and say thank you, Lord.”

posted on January 1, 2012 in News

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Teens Bring Message to Murderers in Mexico
Angels are not a common sight in Ciudad Juárez, Mexico’s most violent border city, where the public cemetery is putrid and overflowing, and where a handful of churches worship the skeletal saint of death, Santa Muerte.
But at crime scenes and busy corners recently, more than a dozen angels have appeared—10 feet tall, with white robes and feathered wings. That these angels are mostly teenagers from a tiny evangelical church makes their presence no less striking: they carry signs to murder scenes that say, “murderers repent.”
“It’s incredible, one of the most spectacular things I’ve seen,” said Jesús Nuñez, director of a local social service agency. “It’s dangerous, but they keep doing it.”
Marches against violence are more common here … perhaps because this city has so much experience with tragedy. The killings of dozens of women who worked in factories here over a decade ago even predated the rash of drug – war violence that intensified in 2006.
The Messenger Angels got started last year, after conversations at a church on the city’s outskirts, Psalm 100. Carlos Mayorga, 33, a leader of the group, said the church’s young people had become frustrated with the violence and wanted to do something hard to miss. So they asked for donations of old curtains that became angelic robes, raised money for makeup and collected feathers for wings.
Then they made signs that speak to criminals and corrupted officials. “We wanted to prick the consciences of the people who have caused this city so much pain,” said Mayorga.
Early on, the angels focused on busy intersections. Later, they started going to crime scenes, where their messages were often greeted with odd stares, and occasionally tears. They have also set up at prosecutors’ offices and police stations.
Mayorga said he hopes that somehow, eventually, they will help bring peace. “The idea is to keep going,” he said. “We have to.” ¦ —Damien Cave, The New York Times

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Interfaith Rally Highlights Climate Change
An interfaith rally in Durban, South Africa in November urged a United Nations conference to deliver a fair, ambitious and binding treaty that addresses the issue of climate change.  
“This is the only home we have,” said Nobel Peace Prize laureate Archbishop Desmond Tutu, referring to care for the planet Earth, according to a news release from the World Council of Churches.
The 17th Conference of Parties to the U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Change, or COP 17, ran from Nov. 28 to Dec. 9.
“Africa is a continent of faith, and we have come here together from different faith traditions to voice our moral and spiritual call for a paradigm shift. We call for climate justice now,” said Bishop Geoff Davies, director of the Southern Africa Faith Communities Environmental Institute.
Tutu delivered a petition with 200,000 signatures titled, “We have faith” to the incoming president of COP 17, Maite Nkoana – Mashabane, South African minister of International Relations and Cooperation. The petition had an African emphasis taken from the “Time for Climate Justice” campaign. ¦ —ENI

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Alleged Miracle Cure
The border between faith and science is being tested in Samunge, a village near the Kenya – Tanzanian border, where thousands of people are heading for a “miracle cure” being offered by Rev. Ambilikile Mwasapile.
Mwasapile, a retired Lutheran priest, says he received instructions from God to make the medicine, and some say church workers, pastors and bishops had taken the cure and were being healed.
The herbal mixture is made from the roots of the “mugariga” tree. A single cup allegedly treats all sicknesses, including HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and cancer.
Some infected people have abandoned their daily HIV/AIDS drugs, and have seen their condition worsen, complicating the fight against the epidemic, according to AIDS experts.
Despite pressure from some politicians and faith leaders, the government says it cannot stop the priest because his actions were inspired by his faith and the mixture is not harmful. ¦ —ENI

posted on January 1, 2012 in Letters

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Not the Sins of Sunday School, by W. Duthie, Aurora, Ont.

Respect the Back Rows, by Dorothy MacLellan, Thorburn, N.S.

Thank You! , by Janet Clapp, Winchester, Ont

Snubbing Secularism , by George Manson, Grand Forks, B.C.

Dig Deeper , by Mark Ward, Dunnville, Ont.

Sola Scriptura, November, by Elaine and Gordon Lovatt, Winnipeg