The Presbyterian Church in Canada 82 Kent St., Ottawa, ON K1P 5N9 Office: 232-9042 Fax: 232-1379

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Summer – June 2013

GHOTI and the Christian Journey - Andrew Johnston In this issue: As a member of a household that includes a nearly-graduated From the Minister ...... - 1 - speech pathologist, I was News from the Kirk Session ...... - 2 - offered the following Election of Elders ...... - 3 - fascinating suggestion … PROVISIONARIES ...... - 6 - If the ‘gh’ sound in ‘enough’ is A Bird’s-Eye View of the Presbytery of Ottawa ...... - 7 - pronounced ‘f’, and the ‘o’ in ‘women’ makes What is Invitations? ...... - 8 - the short ‘i’ sound, and the ‘ti’ in ‘nation’ is About St. Andrew’s in Action ...... - 8 - pronounced ‘sh’, then the word ‘ghoti’ is pronounced just like ‘fish’. Let’s celebrate our Choir! ...... - 9 - Update from the Children’s Choir ...... - 10 - Welcome to the English language! Passages ...... - 10 - The fish has been for long a symbol for the Anniversary Celebrations ...... - 11 - Christian faith, and it made me think that the Christian journey is as surprising as any Wednesday Prayer ...... - 11 - language. Congregational Retreat ...... - 12 - Gratitude for Ann Gillies Bequest ...... - 15 - It is fairly typical of the life of faith that for long periods at a time things continue on their Gracefield Summer Camp ...... - 15 - course, and then suddenly, surprisingly, we Kingdom Rock – Be involved!...... -15- are confronted with a decision. This has India Reflections ...... - 16 - indeed been my case these past weeks. Concert of Hope for Haiti ...... - 21 - To make a short story very short, last Sunday The Christians in Syria today ...... - 21 - the congregation of St. Andrew’s Church Thank you Letter of Rev. Mofid Karajaili ...... - 24 - Kingston agreed to extend a Call for me to The Ladies Aid Society, 1874-1913 ...... - 26 - minister with them, one which will be considered by the Presbyteries of Kingston McKay and Booth: Historic St. Andrew’s Markers ... - 32 - and Ottawa later this month. Bold to Bless ...... - 34 - Devotional for May Men's Fellowship ...... - 35 - I will have much to share with you in the weeks to come as this transition is declared in KAIROS – ‘faithful action for justice’ ...... - 38 - order, but be assured that this has everything World Council of Churches ...... - 40 - and only to do with a personal struggle and Daybreak Update ...... - 40 - finally decision to accept a call from the One I Photo Gallery ...... - 42 - serve. For now, I shall share a prayer that has recently come very much alive for me: St. Andrew’s In Action Church Updates ‘Eternal Father, life seems to be designed to be a mixture of continuity We also need to make plans about how we continue to and change; and the Bible presents just be a thriving congregation with a new minister. For this, such a story – of periodic crises, we are also just beginning to make plans but we will crossroads, moments for action. We have help from the Presbytery. Very soon, perhaps by thank you for the life and teaching of early next month, Presbytery will appoint an interim Jesus. We thank you especially for the moderator. That person will help us to both maintain the way he brought things to a head in ongoing activities of our congregation and to begin the process of searching for a new minister. people’s lives, enabling them to discover that they could put their whole trust in you alone. Two thousand years later, It is important for us to remember that we are a strong the possibility of believing still comes as congregation full of people with many gifts. Andrew has a crisis to us. Help us to face it, helped us be the kind of welcoming open congregation knowing that the decision whether or that continues to attract people at a time when many not to trust Jesus, and through him churches are losing people. But, much of what is you, is the greatest one of our lives.’ welcoming and open is who we are as a church community. (More Contemporary Prayers.

Edited by Caryl Micklem) I believe that we are a strong congregation and that we will be fine. I won’t for a minute suggest that searching for a new minister and making the transition will be easy and fun. It won’t. For most of us, change is hard and we News from the Kirk Session don’t really like it all that much. In the end, though, change is frequently an opportunity to grow and become even stronger. I often struggle with what to say in the “News from the Kirk Session” but I think this one is the most difficult. - Judy D., Clerk of Session The focus of the elder’s attention right now is on the fact that Andrew is leaving us. I know some of us thought it would never happen and all of us knew we would never be ready for it. Andrew has been such an important part of our lives for such a long time it’s very difficult imagining what it will be like without him.

We all have particular remembrances of a time when Andrew was a help to us. For some of us it was when we were inspired by a sermon or during a class or study when he helped us to understand something in a new way. For others of us, it was when someone close to us or we ourselves were suffering and Andrew was there to help us heal. The wonderful thing is that those times will always be a part of us, even when he is no longer our minister.

When we think about Andrew’s departure, two opportunities immediately come to mind. First and foremost, we want to say farewell to Andrew in a way Recent photo of some of the Kirk Session, distracted that makes it clear how much we value the many years during a pose for the formal photograph he has been our minister and how much we appreciate all of the things he has done for us. As a group, we plan (the distraction thanks to Harold J., the photo to do that on Sunday, July 21 immediately following the thanks to Doug S.) worship service. We are just beginning to make plans so we will share more details with you in the coming weeks. Individually, we can thank him anytime with a kind word of appreciation.

- 2 - St. Andrew’s In Action Church Updates On these travels, they became members of Election of Elders Wesley Knox United Church in London, Ontario The election for the calling of new elders is now and then Knox Presbyterian Church in Cincinnati, drawing to a close. If you have not already done so, Ohio. In Cincinnati, Rebecca was involved as a lay please prayerfully consider who you feel is suitable leader with their church's prison ministry program, for the office of elder and complete your ballot visiting prisoners in both women's and men's accordingly. Please note that the deadline for facilities. submission of ballots is Sunday, June 9th at 1:00 Rebecca and family settled in Ottawa and pm. joined St. Andrews in 2009. Rebecca is actively Thank you for your attention to this matter. involved with St. Andrew’s as a regular attendee at Kids' Church and the Family Fun Nights and is Regards, Stuart M. representative of the Presbyterian Church in Canada Diana B. on the Church Council on Justice and Corrections. Diana is a wife and mother On Sundays, you will usually see her chasing her of three grown children. She is a children between the children's choir rehearsal, Registered nurse at the Ottawa Sunday school rooms and nursery. Heart Institute. Previous work experience includes nursing at the Jill C. Health Services Dept. of Carleton University, Ottawa Heart Health Jill C. is a retired teacher, Smoking Cessation program, and born and raised in the Baptist faith in the Cardiac Unit and The in Toronto. She met her husband, Emergency Dept. at The Hospital for Sick Children Terry, when they were both in Toronto for 5yrs. students at the University of Toronto. Married in 1973, Terry's She has been a member of St Andrew's since career took them on postings to 1986, with varied experiences in the Nursery, a Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Sunday school teacher (part time), and children's Washington, D.C., Tokyo and Geneva interspersed choir assistant while her children younger. She has with time in Ottawa. Luckily, teaching was a very helped out in various capacities: birthday card portable career for Jill which included working in writing for 2 yrs. (under Zora Todd), Responsive International Schools, private tutoring, and teaching Psalms youth recruiter, Daybreak Housing Board for the OCDSB. member and Communications Chair, and Growth Committee liaison for the SLAM poetry event. Jill and Terry worshipped in various churches abroad, but first became members of the She continues to look for ways to grow and Presbyterian Church in Washington. Jill was expand in faith and life experience. ordained as an elder in 1998 at St. Timothy's in Ottawa. Upon returning to Ottawa from Geneva in Rebecca B. 2005, they joined St. Andrew's along with their son, Craig, and his family. Rebecca B. grew up in Calgary, Alberta, where she attended They also have a daughter, Christie, who Hillhurst United Church with her lives in Toronto. Jill is currently president of St. family. Andrew's Women's Guild, plays in St. Andrew's Ringers, the handbell choir, and is often seen with She moved with husband her grandchildren, John and Cecily. Matthew to a series of locations where he furthered his medical training and she pursued her law degree as well as doing graduate studies. Along this journey, the two had four children. - 3 - St. Andrew’s In Action Church Updates Jenefer C. Since becoming a congregant of St. Andrew's a few years ago, I have had the pleasure to meet many My decision to accept the nomination to be an elder at St. wonderful people and to contribute to our Andrew’s is purely a faith-based community of faith as an usher and by participating one. While I have been a Christian on the Temporal and Stewardship committees. If all my life, joining St. Andrew’s in selected to serve as an elder, I will invest my 2010 was a decision to declare my energies in this role to the best of my ability. faith, learn about it, savour it, and When I am not at church, you can find me above all, practise it. practicing law within the federal Department of As a member, I have been involved in Justice, auditioning for roles with local theatre Wednesday evening study groups, the Upper Room, companies, and, together with my wife Jeannine, and numerous special events. I also sit on the trying to harness the herding instincts of our dog Stewardship Committee, helping to ensure we are Fergus. good stewards of our financial resources. But the most rewarding for me have been the friendships I Frances Isaac have formed, and the conversations – short and long – I have had, with the members of this diverse I was born in the Shetland congregation. Photo: Islands in Scotland, where my Frances I. father was a Church of Scotland I have often headed home with the minister. The family moved to a challenges and joys of others on my mind. I am few other places in Scotland and ready to give of my time to assist these members then emigrated to St. John's Nfld. and the church writ large, with growing, serving and when I was 14 years old. I flourishing under God. finished my schooling there and Me? Born and raised in Toronto, I was subsequently trained as a Registered Nurse. I am educated at three Ontario universities (obtaining now retired from my profession. two Masters degrees) and am a volunteer elected I came to St. Andrew's Church in 1976, member of Queen’s University’s University joined the choir, and have been a fixture there ever Council. I have worked as a lobbyist, a magazine since then! My two sons were raised in the writer and I now do communications in the federal fellowship of this church, and my grandchildren Public Service. I am passionate about good fiction, were baptized here. biking, writing, my role as Auntie Jen to many children and spiritual growth. I have served on the Worship and Music committee in the past, and was a member of the search committee for our esteemed and very Craig H. talented Director of Music, Tom Annand. I Upon learning that I currently serve on the Refugee Support Team here. had been nominated to be an My extracurricular activities include also elder, I felt surprise, humility, singing in the Canadian Centennial Choir, and and a willingness to serve this volunteering for Arts Ottawa East, a non-profit arts church, a community that is advocacy group currently based at the new important to me. Shenkman Theatre in the east end. Being someone who was a Sunday School teacher and young group leader in St. John and St. Stephen, the Presbyterian church located in Saint John, New Brunswick where I was baptized and grew up, I wanted to become actively engaged in the life of St. Andrew’s too.

- 4 - St. Andrew’s In Action Church Updates Jonathan K. Ucha Maduekwe

Photo: Although it was the My home country is Jonathan K. architectural beauty of the church Nigeria. I am married and am the building that drew our first steps mother of four grown children. into St. Andrew's, back in 2005, I was first ordained as an my wife, Alice, and I soon found elder of The All Saints that it was the people of St. Presbyterian Church, Asaga Andrew's who made us stay and Ohafia, in Nigeria, in December let us call it our home church. 2003. I was received into St. Andrew's, in the Fall Since then, I have served in the Worship and of 2012. Since, then, I have tried to integrate myself Music committee, and then, the Temporal with the workings of The Church activities. I have Committee for the last three years. My wife and I attended the Wednesday evening study groups; I have also been members of the church choir for a participate with the Women’s Guild and have number of years. assisted with preparations for communion. I grew up in a Christian family and have If elected, God willing, I will be a been worshipping God all my life. As such, I am hard-working ruling Elder. honoured to be nominated to stand for election for eldership. It is my desire to serve God in the best of my abilities, as I pray that my actions and words Andrew M. would be pleasing to Him. Andrew first came to St. Andrew's in 2006 with his then fiancé Stephanie. I have been married to Alice for almost 26 Photo:Andrew years now, with no children. M. Having been a bible reader from an early age but not having had a church home, Andrew has enjoyed Jan Lauzon his time at St. Andrew's and the Jan Lauzon (née Jarvis) has focus on scripture. Photo:Jan L. been a member of St. Andrew's Andrew and Stephanie were Church in Ottawa since 1959. She is wed at St. Andrew's in 2007 and now have a three married to Richard Lauzon and year old named Alex and a 10 month old named resides in Kanata. Jan is the mother Elsie. of three grown children, Andrew, You can typically find Andrew and family at Elizabeth and Charles and a the 9:30 service, or just before the 11am service as grandmother to five grand-children. he tries to limit the number of cookies his son takes Jan graduated with a BNSc from Queen's from the cookie bowl on their way out. University in 1968. Following graduation she Andrew has participated in several pursued her career as a nurse with VON in the Wednesday evening series through the past few Ottawa area until 2007, after which she ran a private years and has met many interesting people during Foot Care business for five years. Jan fully retired the dinner and later discussion portions of these in June 2012. evenings. Over the years Jan has been active in St. Andrew's in various capacities while juggling family and career. Jan has served on the Temporal Committee and at one time chaired the Personnel Committee. Currently she is convenor for the St. Andrew's Tea held during the Fall Bazaar and enjoys attending the Women's Guild meetings.

- 5 - St. Andrew’s In Action Church Updates Beulah Parriag Born in Trinidad 67 years PROVISION ago; attended a Presbyterian Secondary school, then Teachers’ VISIONARIES College and later, University in PROVISIONARIES Texas. She has been a teacher Planting seeds of hope for generations to come since 1963, officially retiring in 1996. She has taught both at both primary and secondary levels, The Planned Giving Office of the Presbyterian both in Trinidad and Hamilton, Ontario. Church in Canada, and its leader, Dr. Herb Gale, provide congregations with resources to develop new Beulah has been an elder at Mafeking approaches to spiritual growth. Growth for individuals Presbyterian Church in Trinidad for almost twenty and for congregations. years and was recently elevated to Honorary Elder status. She has also been an active member of St Provisionaries is a wonderful new word – Andrew’s Presbyterian Church for the past six provisions made by visionaries. years. She has been very active as a member of the As provisionaries we can nurture the church we Welcoming Committee, Usher, stall holder at the love beyond just paying our fair share of the operating Scottish Tea and Bazaar, Rummage Sale helper, the budget with our weekly envelop offering or our monthly Open Table and Open Door Committee member. PAR payment. Beulah is married to Elder Roderick P. and We can provide for the church when we depart is the mother of four grown daughters and this earth and join the Church Eternal. Or we can create grandmother of two. a gift for the church while we are still able to witness the fruit of our gifts.

On Sunday April 21st, Dr. Gale led our worship Arch Ritter services with stories of provisionaries he has known, Archibald R. M. R. is who have planted seeds and witnessed their married to Joan G. and has germination and blossoming. After the services, he led a five children and three workshop with an inspiring presentation on grandchildren. provisionaries in past generations who made a lasting contribution to the church. He is a retired professor in the Department They did not call themselves provisionaries. The of Economics and the words was not yet invented. God spoke to them and Norman Paterson School of they imagined ways they could build God’s kingdom on International Affairs at Carleton University but earth. continues to teach and undertake research activities. We are fortunate to have the resources of Herb He also has worked in the United Nations Economic Gale's Planned Givings Office to help us plant our own Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean seeds. and the Department of Energy Mines and Resources Your Stewardship Committee is busy planning and has lived and worked in Cuba, Kenya and measures to help nurture new provisionaries in St. Tanzania. Andrew’s. One step that we are taking is to develop a In 1956 he joined the United Church and in new page on the church web site--Giving to the Church. 2011 St. Andrew’s where he sings in the choir. It will provide information for those who are planning give now and those making plans for the future. We hope to have this new page up by the summer. Stay tuned. Mark B. on the behalf of the Stewardship Committee

- 6 - St. Andrew’s In Action Church Updates someone can be on site full-time to further promote growth. Now it in its fifth year, the mission A Bird’s-Eye View of the continues to be located in an attractive space above Presbytery of Ottawa a shopping centre in Rockland. Website is at http://www.rocklandupperroom.ca

Knox Church, Manotick - Southern Outreach The Make-up of the Presbytery Knox is making an effort to establish a relevant St. Andrew’s Church, Ottawa is among the nineteen presence in both Riverside South and the new Minto churches constituting the Presbytery of Ottawa. Project in south Manotick through "brainstorming These churches are located in Ottawa and in the sessions”, scheduling prayer walks, and delivering surrounding National Capital area, specifically invitations door-to-door and to community centers Kars, Orleans, Richmond, Stittsville, and Vars. St. for Knox-sponsored events and services. Andrew’s Ottawa and St. Paul’s are the two largest congregations each with over 500 members and Presbytery of Ottawa - Barrhaven adherents; St. Andrew’s, Aylmer then Calvin Starting last fall, meetings continue on Sunday Hungarian then St. Andrew’s, Vars are the smallest evenings at the Seventh Day Adventist Church on in the Presbytery with rolls listing from 50 to 77 Strandherd Drive. They begin at 5:00 p.m. with a people. Average attendance at Sunday services for potluck supper and are followed by worship at 6:00 the 19 churches was 91. All together at the end of p.m. Normal attendance is about 20. Christopher 2012 the Presbytery of Ottawa recorded a total of Clarke, a student at Presbyterian College was 4,822 members plus adherents, down nearly 2% appointed to serve at this Barrhaven Mission for 3 from the previous year, 12% from 5 years ago and 1/2 months starting mid- April. He will be 18% from 12 years previous. More dramatically, the preaching here at St. Andrew’s on Sunday, July number of children registered in Sunday School at 28th. 480 was down 4%, 14% and 42% respectively from 2, 5 and 12 years ago. (Data taken from the 2. Building Construction and Renovation Presbytery of Ottawa’s 2012 Statistical Summary) Parkwood Church, Ottawa An addition is proposed to replace the wing of the Current Activity within the Presbytery church that had originally been the manse. Presbytery provided the required approval for The Presbytery of Ottawa is humming with activity forwarding the plans for the proposed renovation these days! There are several building projects and expansion to the PCC’s Committee on Church getting underway, ours and other ministries are in Architecture for review. transition, and mission is being actively pursued at three locations. More specifically: St. Andrew’s Church, Stittsville The church building is being extensively renovated and expanded to bring it up to date and make it 1. Mission handicap accessible. Presbytery has granted The Upper Room - Rockland $100,000 of the required $550,000 from the Presbytery extension fund and is involved with An extension of the ministry of Grace Presbyterian discussion about sources for loans for the remaining Church in Orléans, the Upper Room offers regular amount. Accepting funds from the Ontario Trillium Sunday worship to a congregation varying from 10 Foundation has been discouraged in view of the. to 25, a growing Youth Drop–In attracting over a National Church’s policy with respect to gambling. dozen youth on Friday evenings and variously themed small groups such as Ladies’ Bible Study Trinity Church, Kanata and Prayer and Praise during the week. The mission The congregation has accepted an offer of continues to engage in vigorous outreach to the $1,750,000 from the Ottawa Hospice Services for local community and is now seeking funding so that the sale of its building on McCurdy Drive and has

- 7 - St. Andrew’s In Action Church Updates received a non-refundable $100,000 deposit. A final service will be held in the building on June 23, 2013. Actions are now underway to re-obtain a What is Invitations? mortgage approved in 2007 by the Presbyterian Church Building Corporation for building a new church. (Construction could not proceed at that time You may not have because the sale of the existing church fell through.) heard much about this group of St.

Andreans, but I bet 3. Ministries you’ve seen the work Knox Church, Ottawa they do. The ministry of Invitations is The Rev. Cedric Pettigrew took over as Interim responsible for all Moderator at Knox in May in the wake of the resignation and impending return to Scotland of the sorts of initiatives to Rev. David Thom who was brought to Canada by welcome new friends and to encourage the congregation nearly two years ago. There will communication within the congregation. The be a period of transition before decisions about website, the quarterly St. Andrew’s in Action calling a new minister are taken. newsletter, Sunday morning Welcomers, the spring Doors Open Ottawa and the summertime Open St. Giles Church, Ottawa Doors programme – all this and more are After 18 months, the doors of St. Giles were coordinated by this team. reopened in a joyous service of worship led by Presbytery. One hundred and thirty-eight people, And we need your help! The Invitations Committee many from surrounding churches, were in is looking for a few new members to assist with attendance and about forty people were at the first current projects, and to help with new ones. regular service of worship in the reopened sanctuary Specifically, we’re looking for computer-savvy on the May long weekend. Christine Ball and people to help with graphic design, social Dorothy Herbert, both Diaconal Ministers, are networking and website work, as well as people to sharing leadership for Sunday services and a new help lead the Welcomers and Open Doors Interim Moderator, replacing the Rev. David Thom, programmes. Committee meetings are rare with is to be appointed in June. this group; we’re very action oriented. If you think St. Paul’s Church, Ottawa you might be able to lend a hand, speak with Paul M. via the church office. The Rev. Jack Archibald is retiring from St. Paul’s this spring after 14 years of service and at age 65. The Rev. Shaun Seaman has been appointed as Interim Moderator. Sheila M. S.

About St. Andrew’s in Action The quarterly congregational newsletter is published for the first Sundays in October, December, March and Members of the Ottawa L’Arche Community, June. The next edition will be available October 6th with Grant P., at the Being First workshop and the deadline for submissions is September 25th. offered at St. Andrew’s on Saturday March 23. You may email your articles and photos at any time to [email protected]

- 8 - St. Andrew’s In Action Sharing

Let’s celebrate our Choir! To perform great music to glorify God is to worship Him! Sunday after Sunday, we are fortunate at St.

Andrew’s to hear beautiful organ and choral music Michel T. as the Choir sings stunning and often difficult, Convener, Worship & Music Committee compositions. Through the Musical Approach, the Anthem, and leading us in hymns singing, the Choir participate significantly in the Worship. The congregation is truly grateful and, once a year, formally expresses its appreciation to the Choir: last May 5th was Choir Appreciation Sunday at St. Andrew’s.

As Convenor of the Worship & Music Committee, I was privileged to express, on behalf of the congregation, our deep appreciation to the Director of Music and to the Members of the Choir during the 11 o’clock Service. Afterwards, the Administrative Clerk of Session, Judy Dodds, presented a beautiful framed photo of the Choir of St. Andrew’s Church to the Members of the Choir and its leader.

I would like to reiterate a heartfelt Thank you! to Thomas Annand FRCCO, and to the Members of the Choir of St. Andrew’s Church: Sopranos: Betty Nicholas and Christophe, twin B., Elizabeth G., Kathy G., Frances I., Allison J., Saijai sons of Elinor and Guillaume H. P., Sue K., Alice K., Darlene M. Altos: Alexandra G., (and brothers to Marguerite), Lara J., Patricia M., Svetlana K., Whitney O., Mary enjoy the bibles given to them at S., Laura S. .Tenors: Jonathan K., Ian M., James O., their baptism on Sunday, March 17th. Rick R. Basses: Joel A., David B., George H., Bruno L., Wes M., Arch R.

St. Andrew’s In Action Life at St. Andrew’ beautiful stoles that the children wear every Update from the Children’s Choir performance. It has been a fantastic term for the St. I have very much enjoyed meeting and Andrew's Children's Choir! We have had a busy working with all of you and hope that everyone has Spring, and the children have been doing a a safe and relaxing summer. God Bless. wonderful job making music that has touched the lives of people both in this congregation and our Tracey A. Stabback greater Christian community. At the end of March, the choir premiered a brand new piece on Palm Sunday, and helped lead the Church School in their Photo: Katie with friends. joyful musical presentation on Easter Sunday. During the month of April the Children's Choir participated in a Sunday worship service at First Baptist Church. This was their first invitation to sing outside of St. Andrew's and it went really well. The children sang beautifully and carried themselves in a very professional manner. They were great ambassadors for Christ, and for the work we are doing here at St. Andrew's. They were received so well that an invitation has been extended for them to return next year. The choir continues to participate in worship at St. Andrew's on the fourth Sunday of each month, Katie M. with Isla and Leo upon their finishing the 2012-13 season with a special brief return to St. Andrew’s from presentation on June 23. I would like to take this Edinburgh and the Canongate Kirk for opportunity to thank the children, parents, staff, and Palm Sunday worship, with friends Ian congregation here at St. Andrew's for such a warm and Heather W. (Mike was en route, as is an additional member for the family) welcome and continued support through out the year. A BIG thank-you to Alexandra G.for her willingness to accompany us all season, and also to the guest musicians who have made music with us through out the year: Thomas Annand, Rosaline K., Passages Jonathan M., John P., Shawn P.(FBC), and Billie S. Baptisms: Thank-you also to Huda and Tom for their guidance, to Barbara S. for her help with the choir, March 17:Christophe Guillaume D. Nicholas André D both on and off site, and to Morag L. for making the May 26: Emily Ruth G.

Marriages: May 18: Amanda L. and Alain S.

Deaths: March 5: Frances Morrison R. May 7: Marion Blue S. June 1: Hunter D.

Children’s Choir Singing during worship on Palm Sunday

- 10 - St. Andrew’s In Action Life at St. Andrew’ Congratulations to Taylor B., winner of the OCDSB 2013 Student Recognition Award. Anniversary Celebrations Finishing Grade 12 at Nepean High School, Taylor has used his Old but new: leadership skills in athletics, we are looking pretty good for (nearly) 185! music, improve and Student This fall, St. Andrew's will be celebrating 185 years Council to bring people together on this corner at the centre of Bytown/Ottawa. in a shared sense of community. Way to go, Taylor! There will be many ways for you to take part in activities marking this anniversary year.

Save The Dates! The Anniversary Dinner will be Wednesday Prayer held Saturday, September 28th with special Come to encounter and develop greater presentations celebrating the wonderful people communion with God , through our Saviour from our past who led our congregation through Jesus. Join us for prayer on Wednesdays at different eras. We will also celebrate with a special 5:00 pm in the Pottinger Room. worship service at 4:00 on Sunday, October 27th when we will hear sung for the first time a special WHY DO WE PRAY? anthem commissioned in memory of our friend and 1. To acknowledge His lordship over our elder, David Farris. lives.

Have you taken a favourite picture that features the 2. Prayer leads to greater communion architecture of our church? Memorials Committee is and fellowship with God. looking for photos that we could make into a few 3. Prayer leads to a greater postcard images which would be offered for sale understanding of His will. starting later this summer. We will consider images received by July 10. Please send them along to: 4. To give God glory, give thanks and [email protected]. obey God's command to pray. 5. To encourage one another in the We are also developing other ideas to share St. faith and in our spiritual life. Andrew's with family and friends - including a fun idea for tea towels - so watch the Sunday bulletin 6. To receive healing and intercede for for details over the coming weeks. one another. 7. To overcome temptation. 8. To be delivered from stress and worry. 9. Miracles happen...

10 am Sunday Services start Sunday, June 23rd

Also that day, join us after the service in the courtyard for our annual Congregational Picnic. BBQ lunch will be provided, bring a salad or dessert to share.

Games for the kids – all are welcome!

- 11 - St. Andrew’s In Action Life at St. Andrew’

Congregational Retreat A Poem For Earth Day (and every On the weekend of day!) September 7th to 9th, St. Andrew’s will hold I think that I shall never see our congregational a poem lovely as a tree retreat at Gracefield Camp and Retreat A tree whose thirsty mouth is pressed Centre. An annual tradition, the retreat offers against the earth's sweet flowering breast; members of the congregation a unique A tree that looks at God all day opportunity for fellowship, reflection and and lifts her leafy arms to pray; worship. Located on Lac Castor Blanc, nestled A tree that may in summer wear in the Québec wilderness, Gracefield is the a nest of robins in her hair; perfect venue to remove yourself from the stresses of modern life and focus on faith and Upon her bosom snow has lain; community. who intimately lives with rain. Poems are made by fools like me, Once again, we have timed our retreat before the kick-off of the new church year. As but only God can make a tree. the summer ends and the realities of autumn ---Joyce Kilmer set in, the retreat gives us a chance re-charge, Contributed by Maureen M. re-focus and re-dedicate ourselves to the life of the church and the work of Christ. The fellowship begins Friday evening, Ruth H. with the as games and snacks are shared as we settle tulips she arranged in and prepare for the rejuvenating weekend. in May. Saturday brings us shared meals, as well as Thank you for all the opportunities for study and play. Our Director beautiful work you of Christian Development will also be planning do, Ruth! a special program for kids, to ensure that all members of our church family will have a rewarding time. Saturday evening brings a campfire, songs and marshmallows, as we unwind from the day’s activities and look forward to Sunday morning worship, outside at the chapel overlooking the lake. And, weather permitting, Sunday will also see the traditional Turtle Rock swim. Registration will begin in the coming months. More information will be provided via the website and the regular Sunday morning Check out our new blog for families: bulletins. We hope to see a number of familiar Songs, videos, activities for kids and faces – smiling, each one of them – at their families. Gracefield. - Contributed by Jonathan M. StAndrewsOttawa.ca/blog/family-blog

- 12 - St. Andrew’s In Action Life at St. Andrew’

Easter Celebrations On Saturday, March 30th, on “Holy Saturday” between Good Friday and Easter Sunday, a group of families with teenaged and young children gathered at St. Andrew’s for crafts, activities and a pizza dinner. An experiential service was held in the sanctuary that involved songs and exploration of aspects of the Easter story through items hidden inside Easter Eggs. An egg hunt was thoroughly enjoyed by all kids, who showcased their Canadian heartiness by zealous searching through drifts of snow to find all of the eggs. With leadership from the youth and volunteers, eggs were painted and decorated and “resurrection cookies” were baked. Pizza for dinner was thoroughly enjoyed by all. It was a delightful time of fellowship for children, youth and parents alike. St. Andreans had the opportunity to enjoy the kids' egg creations at the Congregational Easter breakfast the next morning. Thanks on behalf of all of the families who attended to those who organized this event! For our kids, it was a great chance to explore the idea of Easter being about rebirth and surprises. As adults, we find that each season that the church year cycles through can start to feel routine, but the idea of love triumphing over death becomes exciting and new again when viewed through the eyes of our children.

by Matthew & Rebecca B.

Check out even more photos of Easter and other activities at the back of the newsletter!

- 13 - St. Andrew’s In Action Reflections

Artifacts Donated As an architect, Mac M. was involved in the Sandwich Photo: Church construction of the original Island Lodge Long School Children Term Care Facility of the City of Ottawa. Sunday, a selling sandwiches. During the excavations for the foundations, fundraiser for three bottles were found buried on the site. Canadian Food Eva and Mac recently donated them to the Grains Bank, was new Garry J. Armstrong Centre that has organized by the replaced the former Island Lodge, where they Church School have been received with gratitude and framed. youth on May 5th. Note the bottle on the right – the label reads ... Thank you for your ‘Napoleon Buffalo Ginger Beer – Brewed from generosity! pure Jamaica Herbs – N. Sarault, Ottawa Ont.’

Bruce House thanks you! On May 9, a dedicated team from St. Andrew’s volunteered their time and participated in the 5th annual spring clean up at Bruce House, a community-based initiative providing housing, compassionate care and support for people living Meg, our Bookkeeper, was going over paperwork HIV and AIDS in Ottawa. This year we used our from the late 1990’s and found this envelope and time to create a memorial garden to note for a 1¢ donation. commemorate the 25th anniversary of Bruce House in Ottawa. The Mission and Outreach Committee would like to send out their sincerest gratitude to everyone who participated in this event. All your hard work will give hours of enjoyment to those at Bruce House! St. Andrew’s In Action In the World Gracefield Summer Camp

Gratitude for Ann Gillies Bequest Did you know that St. Andrew’s is able to support families with half the cost of sending their children to Gracefield camp this summer? Register online, and let Shared by Aisling B. on Planned Giving Sunday, April the camp office know that you are from StAO, so they 21. can provide an invoice to the church. (There are various camps for age groups from 7 to 18 through the month of July – check it out, www.gracefieldcamp.ca) Today I have been asked to give a Might you be able to support the camp? The current Stewardship minute about a particular bequest that director, the Rev. Scott Sinclair of St. Stephen’s Church has been important to my growth as a Christian. on Parkdale, has published a June wish-list: A few years ago, Ann Gillies included in her  We need 25 vinyl covered bunk bed mattresses. will a gift of $10,000 to St. Andrew’s. St.  We need 10 sets of double bed size linens, Andrew’s had been a church home to her for much pillow cases and vinyl liners. of her life, and she had raised her family here.  We need a short-order cook (paid position|) for The gift was specifically donated to support 1.5 days/week in July. members of the congregation to spend time with,  We need a lifeguard (paid position) for and learn from, Christians and churches in other June/July. parts of the world.  We need a microwave oven. A number of members of St. Andrew’s have  We need a gas-powered lawn-mower. benefited from this bequest: Jeannette, Lorna, Your help in our summer ministry is really appreciated. Maggie, Diana, Gail, Crawford, Mary, Judy, Laura, Contact us at [email protected] or 888-493-2267. Jeanie, Elizabeth, Gabrielle, Farid, Brianne, Dieudonné and myself have all been supported on our mission trips to such places as Nicaragua, India, and Palestine. Kingdom Rock – Be involved!

As a congregation we have benefited through presentations upon return of these individuals and a raised awareness of the possibilities for Christian faith and witness here in Ottawa.

The last gift from this fund was dispersed in

February. I am thankful to God for this wonderful gift which has touched so many lives. Ann Gillies’ generosity has been a lasting gift, strengthening Even if you can’t volunteer your time the week of God’s mission to grow individuals in faith, and also th rd extending the mission of our church into the world. August 19 -23 , there are other ways to help! See the bulletin board in St. Andrew’s Hall for donation suggestions, or speak with Maureen or Huda for volunteer ideas. Our volunteers rock! Frontier College Update You might remember an article in a recent issue of StAinA about the Presbyterian connection to the beginning of Frontier College, Canada’s original literacy organization. Well we now have a St. Andrew’s Church Ottawa update ... Brianne B. has offered to serve for the month of July and been placed in the beautiful community amongst the Crees of Waskaganish First Nation, the oldest Cree community of the James Bay. http://www.waskaganish.ca

- 15 - St. Andrew’s In Action In the World ministers from India Reflections - Aisling all over the While figuring out Vindhya- the words I wish Satpura to use to tell you gathered in about the most Amkhut, recent St. effectively Andrew’s trip to shutting down India, I have been their own sitting at my churches for desk, spooning the day, so that leftover chicken they could curry into my mouth – I am reminded of how only a celebrate together. few months ago I was eating similar food with my bare hands, no utensils, around a table full of stilted conversation and much laughter. First Church Amkhut is growing and thriving under the leadership of Rev. Emmanuel Ariel and lay leaders. Some plans for the future include reviving In mid-February five St. Andreans departed for a Men’s Fellowship; reinstituting the orphanage, Amkhut, India to be a witness to the lives of our which is now under the care of the Church; and brothers and sisters there, as well as to uphold this building an addition, partnership that St. Andrew’s has formed with since the congregation Christians in a remote part of the world. has been expanding beyond the doors on Sundays. This summer The sense of friendship upon our arrival in Amkhut they hope to host the was palpable. During our 10 days in the first ever Vacation countryside I reconnected with old friends; Bible School – it will be Jeannette, Vladimir, Lorna, and Maggie made new a week-long sleepover ones; and we shared news from St. Andrew’s. At a camp, so they will Family Evening in February a number of St. provide food and Andrean’s made Valentine’s Day greetings, which accommodation for the group then handed out to schoolchildren. These children. were a big hit, as they were a personal gift and partially written in Hindi (thanks to Katherine B.!) The sight of the children clutching their cards to Members of the church in Amkhut know each other their chests as they walked home from school was as family (literally) and friends. What strikes me is incredibly heartwarming. the way they live in community with each other – with the church and Jesus Christ at the centre of it all. In a land that can be harsh, they have each Just as St. Andrew’s other on whom to rely. is one of the oldest congregations in Ottawa, First Church Throughout our stay in Amkhut I was keenly aware Amkhut is the oldest of the Holy Spirit’s presence within these people: congregation in the In the way Deepika surprised me on our first Vindhya-Satpura day, welcoming me, being present with me, and region. They are holding my hand amongst a crowd of joyful known as the strangers. “mother church.” On Sunday when In Rev. Emmanuel’s calm and gentle communion was assurance that, “Everything is fine,” even when we taken, church were assuredly behind schedule. members and

- 16 - St. Andrew’s In Action In the World

In Pauline Brown’s wise guidance through India Reflections - Lorna cultural differences and expectations. A few of the people who helped make our time in India In Mr. Henry’s reminder that although we memorable… may not meet again in this lifetime, we will surely meet again in heaven. Photos and text from the April 23rd, 2013 India Presentation at St. Andrew’s Church In the way children and youth held our hands as we hiked down a mountain, keeping us steady. First I would like to In the care Mr. Wilson, (who is in his 70's) thank all of the took every morning to make sure we had enough people who attended hot water, climbing a rickety ladder to the roof. our presentation. I would also like to In the way we were always invited to join in, thank the including the time Ms. Lily, a women’s guild congregation and my member and grandmother, insisted that we join in family and friends tribal dances. for keeping us in your prayers as we travelled and spent time in India. I am extremely grateful that members of St. It is important for me to acknowledge the support of Andrew’s have trusted me to take two groups to many members of this church. Thank you Andrew and Amkhut. In India, especially in big cities, I am members of Session. Thank you also to Dr. Gillies for keenly aware of being “other,” which can make for help from the Anne Gillies Fund. As well, to The some uncomfortable moments. In Amkhut, on the Mission and Outreach Committee, and The Women’s other hand, yes, I am treated differently because I Guild, for financial and spiritual support. Your am a guest, but I am also cared for with so much generosity is truly appreciated. love, as a friend and sister. My part of the presentation involved speaking about specific people we met from Amkhut. It is impossible for me to only talk about the people in Amkhut, so I It is not easy to get used to, this love – giving up my have added a few other people that we encountered from independence, and simply being present during our time in India. those moments when I’d rather be sitting amongst the congregation instead of being given an It was very difficult for me to select only a few people honoured spot at the front of the church; or I’d and a few photos. Please feel free to find me at church to rather be tidying my own dishes instead of being ask me more questions and for further details about our waited upon at meal-times; or I’d rather be eating Mission Tour. with my hosts instead of my hosts only beginning to We were met in Indore by eat once I’ve had my fill. Rev. Emmanuel. He is the minister of the Church in Amkhut. He gave so This sense of much of his time to make helplessness in the face us feel welcome and to of overwhelming care minister to the people of and love is not the region. Mr. Pinta was something I ask for our driver from Indore to Jobat and later to Amkhut. when I travel to Amkhut, but I’ve realized that this is what God’s grace is Mr. Wilson a security like – I don’t expect it, it worker and an employee of is undeserved, and the Jobat Hospital also drove only thing I can do is with us to Jobat and Indore. accept it with gratitude. Robbie was also there to - Aisling B. greet us. He was one of the 4 participants who traveled to - 17 - St. Andrew’s In Action In the World Ottawa for a visit and also attended the Presbyterian Principal of the Jobat Youth Conference CY 2009 in St. Catherine’s, ON. He School Miss Flora Kalib is very involved with the youth in Amkhut. was happy to take us on a tour to meet some

students and teachers. The Jobat

Christian Hospital staff and nursing

students all came out to welcome us The cashier and upon arrival in pharmacy worker Jobat. Dr. Stephen Gidion. He was Hemant Wilson, Dr. Sonlata Wilson, and Dr. Deborah very proud to show us the Tezlo also greeted us. computer and updates around the hospital. He also asked us to be his friend on

FaceBook. The Jobat Rev. Emmanuel’s Hospital Pharmacy was family includes his started by a donation from wife Neelam, St. Andrew’s Church daughter Liza and his Ottawa. son Roger.

The Bishop and his wife were welcomed along with our group from St. Andrew’s

Church in the village of Amkhut. Rev. Arthur Sampson lives in Jobat and is the minister at Sardi

Church. He was retired but came out of retirement to minister at the church in his home village.

Deepika Tomar The Jobat School is located near by the Jobat Hospital. was another one of (Sanskrit is the the 4 participants ancient written who traveled to language on Ottawa for a visit chalkboard with a and also attended lesson about light.) the Presbyterian Youth Conference

CY 2009. She is very involved with leading the youth in Amkhut.

- 18 - St. Andrew’s In Action In the World A grand celebration Dr. Pauline Brown and a was held on the first young child keep warm. day of the Mela (A Pauline is a retired large gathering or missionary worker with the Christian Conference Presbyterian Church in with Church Canada currently living Services) in Amkhut. near by the Jobat Hospital. We enjoyed spending time with her and learning from her wisdom. Community Health Workers, Mercy and her friend.

Pneumonia vests are helpful to prevent illness in children. They asked us to tell people in Canada to restart this program because The Women’s Group there is still a need for the helped prepare meals vests. and cleaned up. They also meet monthly for fellowship.

Mr. Wison (He is another Wilson, not the Priya Singh Thakur and same person I mother Veena helped with mentioned earlier). He daily activities at the Mela. used to work for Dr. Priya wants to be a doctor! Brown when she lived (When Crawford and Mary in Amkhut. He took met her, she wanted to be a care of all of our meals flight attendant- She is 16 and made sure we were now). always comfortable. He also worked as security and made sure there was water available for us. He was very generous and Grandma of Priya, thoughtful. He liked to ring the bell to call us to the Lily is dancing with table. Aisling. Lily is named after a minister.

- 19 - St. Andrew’s In Action In the World The procession Amkhut Community to the front of Health Centre- Mrs the church with Bishram (Her nickname the ministers is Mrs. Bissy) works including one with community female volunteers to promote minister. health awareness in the villages and schools.

The Community Health program is under a transition and they ask for support during this time through prayers.

Rev. Nownit, Deepika, youth and My closing thoughts… children join us for I would like to a hike up to the top thank Aisling, our of the large hill in group leader for Amkhut taking us on this India Mission tour. It was not always

easy and I appreciated having her around and The school in knowing that we Amkhut could draw on her expertise at anytime.

I am grateful for the opportunity I had to build personal relationships and to worship together with members of our Partner Church in Amkhut, India. I feel a closer

connection and bond to Rev. Emmanuel and this community after sharing and hearing stories from them and learning more about their lives. I have a greater The Boys Hostel in appreciation for all that they do and I am inspired by Amkhut is for about 35 their strong faith. As we prayed along side with our students and it has a brothers and sisters it has helped me grow in my room for Mr. Henry Christian Faith. Please continue to pray for Amkhut and Abey. He also teaches all of India. at the school. I called him Uncle because he was just like family. - Lorna E. He is an excellent Christian role model for the boys at the Hostel and he always looks for ways that he can improve the situation for the children at Amkhut School.

- 20 - St. Andrew’s In Action In the World Dear Supporters, On behalf of the Marco Depestre Foundation of Ottawa, I would like to express our heartfelt thanks and appreciation for your wonderful support for our “Hope- filled Concert for Haiti” held on Saturday April 27th. We raised over $4000, Thursday April 11, Huda speaking at an through ticket sales and donations, which will be used evening presentation and prayer for to help us finance our ongoing projects. The concert the Christians of Syria. Hosted by the Christian Council of the Capital Area at was certainly a success, and the audience expressed the Roman Catholic Diocesan Offices. their appreciation by joining in singing, praising, clapping and swaying to the energizing music and songs of the Reverend Ernie Cox and the London Trio Plus. The Christians in Syria today: Last year was an As I write Christians around the world celebrate exciting one for our Easter, but many in Lebanon and Syria are very foundation, and we worried and anxious about the escalating violence were able to initiate in Syria. The humanitarian situation is devastating: two new projects. The tens of thousands killed and wounded, including first was an Animal many women and children. Hundreds of thousands of displaced Syrians within their own country. Husbandry - Goat Pilot Hundreds of thousands of refugees in neighbouring Project, and the other Turkey, Jordan, Iraq and Lebanon. In addition to was the building of a cistern to provide potable water, extreme shortage of food, fuel, electricity and in Maro Verger, a mountainous rural area in southern medical care in many cities and towns, the cost of Haiti. Things move slowly in Haiti, but we believe that the basic needs is triple what it used to be before with time we will eventually be able to contribute to a the revolution. It is indeed very difficult to celebrate safer and healthier environment, where the children of Easter in such a situation. Yet paradoxically, this our targeted community in Maro Verger and other rural situation in Syria and the whole Near East area communities will be able to grow, and families will today is very similar to that of the time of Jesus. strive to become more responsible citizens. Jesus was born in a country that was occupied by a foreign power, the economic situation was hard; Our projects in Haiti religious freedom was heavily restricted ; the provide an opportunity political regime was repressive; those who spoke for you to be part of the truth to power were beheaded; religious zealots foundation's efforts to were everywhere, the birth of Jesus itself was bring hope and improve ‘observed’ by a massacre of babes and infants, and the lives of our needy he and his family were displaced to another sisters and brothers in country! This is how Christians in the middle east Haïti. Please accept our felt this year during Christmas. Jesus was crucified gratitude for your because he confronted the powers of his day. The support of the foundation and expression of love for the president of the Near East School of Theology in Haitian people. God bless the congregation of St Beirut, Lebanon Dr. George Sabra wrote: “We are Andrew's! not just geographically in the region where Christ was born and died, we are also living under the Yvette D. same uncertain turbulent, insecure, unpredictable, and precarious situation”.

- 21 - St. Andrew’s In Action In the World Syria’s “Arab Spring” events started in Kidnapping for a ransom is becoming March 2011 in the city of Daraa and spread rapidly common. Many Christians including clergy were throughout the country. People took to the streets kidnapped. Some were killed, some returned after spontaneously, and were quickly joined by their families were able to provide the high price, protesters – at first mostly secular, intellectual but many are still missing. Many churches have liberals – who had been planning a revolt for a few been destroyed including the Presbyterian years. Peaceful demonstrations were calling for churches in Homs which was bombed on Easter reformation. Sunday 2012, and the Presbyterian Church in Aleppo which was bombed last fall, and also a first The atmosphere of protests and brutal century Syriac Orthodox church in Homs (built year government response provided an opportunity for 54 AD). several opposition groups to not only join in the protests, but to hijack what started as peaceful calls The Christians who have a way out of the for reforms. These opposition groups who are country are leaving, but unlike the time after the fall heavily armed include Islamists as well as secular of Saddam Hussein in Iraq, when hundreds of groups and Army defectors. Different opposition thousands Christians fled Iraq, the surrounding groups are supported by different Middle Eastern countries and other European and north American countries (such as Saudi Arabia and Qatar) and countries have closed their doors to Syrians. other forces such as Al Qaeda. Some reports have For the Syrian Christians who want to flee documented the smuggling of arms via Lebanon to the country, there are not many possibilities left. insurgents and militia in Syria. Two opposition They are trying to flee to countries which have a groups – the Syrian National Council and the degree of freedom of religion, but they are not Syrian Free Army – have been given refuge in granted visas. Whoever has the money and the Turkey. The Assad regime is supported by many in ability to leave is leaving. The number of Christians Syria. Christians are divided; some are pro – has decreased significantly with thousands fleeing. government and others are not.

The clashes in Syria continue to intensify to dangerous levels, particularly in the cities of Homs and Aleppo. It is a Civil war in Syria. Innocent civilians, including Christians, are in fear and suffering. The United Nations reported that as many as 60000 Syrians have been killed, including security forces and Army personnel. The international community’s efforts to secure a peaceful resolution to the crisis have failed thus far. The situation of Christians in Syria today: The population of Syria is an estimated 22.5 million. Christians make about 8% of the population.

The National Evangelical Presbyterian Church of Homs

Today Syria is passing through one of the darkest times of its history if not the darkest. The Christians in general are affected and Presbyterian, being a minority of the minority are affected immensely. Today, the Presbyterian church in Homs ( middle city of Syria), my home church where I grew up and served, is completely destroyed and the congregation is scattered. A first Century Syriac Orthodox People fled either to neighbouring Christian villages Church in Homs. or those who were able to get a visa fled abroad to be with family members.

- 22 - St. Andrew’s In Action In the World call. We prayed with them over the phone, we sang hymns and worshipped together. It was deeply The Roman touching to ask them: what can we do for you and Catholic hear their reply: pray for us as we too will keep you Church in in our prayers! Homs, Syria

After being uprooted, people have no jobs and no income, yet still have to pay high rents for a one room residence for their families in the villages where they resettled. There is no electricity and no fuel for heating, and hardly any internet connection. Basic necessities are very expensive and extremely hard to find. It is a humanitarian disaster.

The elderly Centre of Homs, Syria.

The National Presbyterian School in Homs Orthodox Christians in Syria have agreed this year not to hold any Easter celebrations after two bishops were kidnapped: the Syrian Orthodox Bishop, and the Antiochean Orthodox Bishop. This past Christmas 2012, the Middle East was covered with a white blanket of snow; a rare event in a middle eastern climate. The cold weather More than two-thirds of the students of this is adding to the plight of people but Christians are Presbyterian Secondary (high) School in Homs, wondering if this is a reminder from God that even Syria, fled the city because of threats from armed in dark days such as these there is a room for joy. groups. We at St. Andrew's are reminded to keep The Presbyterian Elderly centre, also in the our Brothers and sisters in the Middle East in our city of Homs, which used to be a home for more prayers as they are persecuted, and also to learn to than 66 elderly residents, has now 27 ones. All 27 appreciate and treasure the freedom we have! have no families to take them in. Sister Valentine , the nun who runs the centre, along with the minister Rev. M. Karajaili , and few other employees care Huda Kandalaft for them with incredible Christian love, although the St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church- Ottawa centre is in the middle of a heated neighbourhood. St. Andrew's has responded to the crisis of brothers and sisters in Homs, Syria by a special summer appeal and raised about CA $ 8000. The money was sent to the Presbyterian Church in Homs and we asked that 70% of the money goes to help uprooted families and 30% helps the elderly centre. Members of St. Andrew's gathered couple of times last year and talked over the phone to representatives from the elderly centre including the minister, the director of the centre Sister Valentine, and Dr. Sami Nasri , the physician on - 23 - St. Andrew’s In Action In the World The older child is in the army (the army in Syria is not optional, and is not salaried), in a very critical area (rural area of Damascus), the Thank you Letter of Rev. Mofid younger is in Latkia (city on the Syrian Coast), Karajaili, minister of the the youngest is stocked with his parents in Presbyterian Church in Homs: Homs. The older son couldn't have the opportunity to go to his home as a break for The National Evangelical Church in more than six month, the younger couldn't go back as well because of this bad situation in Homs Homs, it is not possible to reach the area of Date: 6 May 2013 their home. We may note here that if the situation is not like this in Syria, those two brothers would go back to their home almost To St. Andrew's Church every two weeks . Peace in the name of our Lord The big problem of this family is divided to two major things: First, the father of this We wrote this message because we family, Mr. Frewa, is the only one who is able want to say thank you from our heart for the to work in this family, (as we have mentioned help you have given us during this difficult above, the older son is in the military service, time. We have been touched to know that you the two younger brothers are teenagers, and think of, pray for and help us during this women generally don't work in Syria), and in crisis we have been passing through in our the case of Homs, Mr. Frewa was unable to get lovely home Syria. May our Lord bless you and his salary for more than three months give you his light to shine is the darkness of because of the economic situation of the this world. country (the salary in Syria is hardly enough Concerning the way we spent the to survive anyway). So they are without any money you have sent couple of months ago, economical substitution. Second, Mr. Frewa allow me first to tell you that this money was had surgery in his leg, and now he needs to very helpful for more than ninety families. And revisit the doctors, but he couldn't go to the if you want to know about the stories and the hospital for more than three months too, conditions of these families, we may tell that because it is too dangerous for him to leave the majority of them are displaced, they left his house and go to the hospital, and now we their houses and their shops. The majority of are afraid from the severe side effects . these displaced people were from the wealthy The second family is the family of Mr. or from the middle class of Syrian society. But Marwan Jarjour. In his seventh decade, Mr. now, all of them are very poor as they lost Jarjour has a wife and three children, one son their houses and shops. The area they used to and two daughters, his son is in Africa for dwell in before the crisis is called Alhamidia work, but he can't come to Syria because of and Bistan Al-diwan, the old city of Homs, is these problems. Mr. Marwan Jarajur lost his area of a war zoon now. Homes and churches work. His older daughter as well as his wife (our church is one of them) are destroyed and his younger daughter don't work. Mr. almost entirely. The other group of people we Jarjour tells his story saying: "from the have helped with your money are not beginning of 2011 we are suffering this crisis displaced, but they became very poor because and the violence, we were always waiting that of these conditions in Syria, more specifically this violence comes to its end, but things in Homs. came worse. Our house got bombed in 18/ I would like to share with you two 12/ 2011, and big damage happened to our stories about two families that are suffering house, our car got many bullets and got and have been helped by your money. damaged as well in 20/ 12/ 2011. Because our house is in very critical area in Homs The first family is the family of Mr. (street is called Brazil), where clashes between William Frewa. Mr. William Frewa is a man in the army and the militias happens very often, his sixth decade, he has wife, three children. - 24 - St. Andrew’s In Action In the World we had to leave our house into some safer Again, we thank you so much, and I area, we took only some clothes with us , wish you best regards and blessings. We pray leaving almost everything, everything we got that this crisis ends very soon that we may by our hard working for more than 32 years, receive you one day in Syria. and that because we need to be very hurry to The Pastor of the Church get out of this critical area. After a while, I and my wife turned back to our house and we were Rev. Mofid Samir Karajili shocked that almost nothing in the house is left, everything is stolen, even our clothes. The situation in our new place got worse, as in all of the city of Homs, and because of the militias we left our new place to Damascus to the house of my sister in 23/ 2/ 2012. We are in the house of my sister until now. And because of this crisis, I lost my job from Nov. 2011 until now. One more note, I want to add, when I mention the militias, I mean that they are gangs who murdered and still the people. We have been refugees twice and don't know what lies ahead.

Finally, we thank our Lord Jesus Christ that he saved us until now". Furthermore, and as you wished, 30% of this money that you sent was spent to Olive Tree Keep Hope Alive renovate The Evangelical Presbyterian Elderly St. Andrew's is keeping hope alive! With House. Many things are done in this house. I your help, we raised $1700 for the will send some pictures that tell how the YMCA/YWCA Keep Hope Alive campaign - situation in this elderly house is going on now. enough to plant a whole grove of olive trees One more note, the situation is not in Palestine. These trees will help entirely bad in our church, we have our own Palestinians to maintain ownership over the Sunday service in Homs (namely in the elderly land, and will eventually serve as a source of house since the church is destroyed), income. Most of all, they will provide signs of hope and encourage people in the region to sometimes the number of the people who keep working for peace. Thank you for your attend the Sunday service reaches 45, and generosity. For more information about the this is significant number comparing with the project, check out http://www.jai-pal.org. number of the displaced that are out of Homs now. Even the displaced people are involved in ministry we establish couple of months ago, we make weekly service for them, all of the displaced people are involved in this wonderful ministry. The situation is very difficult, God is with us nevertheless, and thus, the hope is the master of the situation, at least, according One of our members, Jennifer D., has taken a to our church in Homs. seven month leave of absence from her work Of course many renovations are done to with the federal government to serve with the the elderly house, in the middle of the crisis l’Arche community and its care of intellectually the number of the elderly was 26, now we handicapped adults in ... Bethlehem, Palestine! have more than 40. We put Solar system for heating, we put new windows, many things, She will be arriving there soon, you can follow and the 30% of the money you sent to us were her blog at www.laexpedicionsoleada.com very helpful for Elderly house .

- 25 - St. Andrew’s In Action Reflections sheets, pillow cases, towels, even curtains for local The Ladies Aid Society, 1874-1913 hospitals and charity homes. Each December, the Society gave St. In 1874, their first year as an amalgamated Andrew's minister money to distribute to the poor Society, the Ladies' Aid took full advantage of the for Christmas cheer. In the early 1870's, the amount new church's basement to hold two successful was $25, but as hardship increased this rose literary evenings. The Sewing and Knitting gradually to $100 in the early 1900's. The ministers Committees raised funds by making and selling of smaller Presbyterian congregations also had poor aprons (including velvet ones), linen cuffs for men's folks under their care but few resources, so they shirts, night dresses, pairs of drawers, mitts, turned to St. Andrew's Ladies' Aid for help. For neckties, afghans, chemises, quilts, plus knitted and years, the Society gave "money for their poor" to crocheted items. In January 1875, the Society the minister of the French Presbyterian organised a concert by Mr. Butler and the Music congregation (which became St. Marc's on Elgin Department of the Ladies' College which raised St.), and later to Rev. Robert Eadie in Hintonburg $106.75 for St. Andrew's Building Fund. They held and Rev. John Lennox in Aylmer. an evening of readings in March, socials in April In 1879, the Poor Relief Committee and August, and a Social and Literary consisted of Mrs. Perley, Mrs. Smillie, Mrs. J. M. Entertainment to benefit the Protestant General Taylor, Mrs. Elliot, Mrs. James Gordon and Miss Hospital and the Women's Temperance Home on McLean. The Committee met separately, so that Dec. 10th. Some ladies still hoped to put a bell in cases were discussed by the few. In her 1924 history the tower, but there were greater needs in this time of the Ladies' Aid Society, Mary Brough noted that of unemployment and depression. committee members visited each home, and there The Society spoke of the year's work as a was a personal touch between helper and those 'Season', and in the 1876-77 Season, they held 4 helped. She described "one case where Mr. and entertainments, charging 20 cents admission, and Mrs. James Gordon were sent late one evening. asking the ladies of the congregation to donate 'tea, Mrs. Gordon stayed with the sick until Mr. Gordon coffee or oysters' towards refreshments. About 400 brought in a doctor. The case was one of small-pox. people attended the first very successful event, a 'Were you not afraid?' I asked Mrs. Gordon. 'Why musical evening in November 1876 which raised certainly not,' she replied, 'The poor woman needed $127.26. In February 1877, the West End Glee Club help'. entertained, and in March the Ladies rented the

Orange Hall on Albert St. to present Music and Tableaux, beautifully lit by photographer William The Society minded its pennies, and from Topley. They chose to use the hall "as a feeling the 1870's to the mid-1890's, they raised most of existed among many that Tableaux should not be their funds through entertainments. To attract the held in the basement". In April, they sold "coffee, public, they strove to make each one unique, and ice-cream and fancy work" at the Spring Ottawa newspapers carried full accounts. In his rave congregational At Home. review of the Jan. 27th, 1881 church anniversary entertainment, the Ottawa Free Press reporter The Quilt Committee met for most of the admired the program, the decorations, the flower year each Thursday morning and worked until late booth, and the fancy goods. He noted that "Miss afternoon. The Society's committees included Poor Stewart had control of an oatcake department", and Relief, Sewing, Socials, Readings & Music, and that "Several young ladies tried to outrival the Purchasing. In the fall of 1877, Mrs. Gordon flowers in beauty by becoming flower-girls, arranged for the Singer agent to lend a sewing assisting Mrs. Stewart and Miss Annie Stewart in machine for the sewing committee meetings. For the sale thereof. ... The cloak-room was in charge of some 30 years Singer lent the Society sewing Miss Patterson, Miss Sutherland and Miss King. machines at no charge. Over the years, on those And a gentleman remarked, 'The pretty smiling machines, the Sewing Committee made hundreds of faces and bright eyes, appearing and disappearing at St. Andrew’s In Action Historic St. Andrew’s the wicket-window, were like living general regret at the severances of pictures'. Miss Elwood managed the that pastoral tie". At a farewell Hebrew department, composed of meeting, Mrs. Gordon was spoken 'sells'." A month later, the Protestant of as being his right hand. "Not my Hospital's treasurer listed in the right hand but my arms", Dr. newspapers the money received Gordon replied". The Society from groups and individuals, corresponded with Mrs. Gordon for ranging from $1.00 to $5.00, but the years, and she returned whenever largest donation by far was $200 she could. from the Ladies' Aid Society of St. The new president, Mrs. W. Andrew's Church. G. (Georgina) Perley, served A year later, on Thurs. Jan. wonderfully in that capacity for the 26, 1882, a Citizen reporter attended next 32 years. In November 1882, the Anniversary Social: Portrait of Mrs. W. G. Perley, the Society voted $200 to Session to "To visit the basement of St. currently hanging in the Currie pay for the furnaces and other Andrew's Church last night Room. basement improvements. In April, reminded one of the fairy tales of our childhood, so the Society paid the $400 owing to much so that the reporter thought for the nonce he Mr. Slater on the purchase of the lot to extend the was in wonderland. The decorations surpassed church property, and in November donated $100 to anything of the sort hitherto attempted by even the the building of Stewarton Sabbath School. ladies of St. Andrew's Church, and those acquainted In the first 2 months of 1885, the Society with their taste and artistic skill can imagine, as it is gave $25 to the WCTU to help "furnish their beyond portrayal, the beautiful effect their nimble rooms" and $100 to the French Protestant and willing fingers had produced. We do not for a Congregation who were building a church, and they moment imagine the Kirk sessions have been held a Pink Tea which 700 people attended on the affected with the aesthetic scare, although the vestry evening of Feb. 19th. The Citizen praised the last night did appear as if Oscar Wilde had musical and literary programme, "the attractive descended on Ottawa, and of all places therein tables laden with all sorts of things for young and chosen as a resting place, the said vestry, as it had old", the novel pink theme, and the fact that the been transformed into the prettiest little parlour that entertainment was "calculated to do good - to raise ever one did spy, the lily and sun-bower having funds for those in need." On Oct. 22, 1885, a special their representatives. Hung with delicately tinted meeting was held to find another meeting room, as lamps, pictures and other ornaments, neat but not the basement was so cold that the ladies frequently gaudy, with a cheerful fire burning in the grate, and took chills. They gratefully accepted an offer to drooping flags for an entrance, the tout ensemble meet at no cost in the WCTU rooms in Victoria was about perfect. What attracted the writer's Chambers on Elgin St. attention was a capital cabinet portrait of the In April 1886, the Society gave a wonderful minister, and made one long to have a copy". entertainment, 'An Evening With Longfellow', a lecture given by the new minister Rev. W. T. In 1882, the Society said good-bye to their Herridge. This was the first of a series, and the president and dear friend, Eliza Gordon, when her lectures always drew crowds. In December 1887, husband Dr. D. M. Gordon accepted a call in the Ladies were forced to postpone the Christmas August to Knox Church, Winnipeg. Dr. Gordon had entertainment "owing to the prevalence of typhoid accompanied George Mercer Dawson's 1879 fever in the congregation". Water-borne typhoid expedition to the west as secretary, and been struck fever was common from August, when the water by the great need for Presbyterian clergy in levels were low in the Ottawa River, until freeze-up. Winnipeg and the north-west. Of this time Mary Each year, many became ill, and some died. The Brough wrote: "Words cannot express the deep and - 27 - St. Andrew’s In Action Historic St. Andrew’s annual outbreaks occurred until 1927 when the cushions, and soon after Mr. David, the church Lemieux Water Treatment Plant opened. caretaker, asked them to provide curtains for the west windows in the church, as turning the cushions in the pews failed to stop the sun fading their sides. In October 1888, the minister suggested that Curtains proved impossible, so the Society held a the Society "cushion the choir gallery and provide sewing bee to make cotton covers for the pew psalm and hymn books", and they did. He also cushions, which Mr. David removed every Saturday wished for a new baptismal font, as he found the and replaced every Monday. current one inconvenient, and "not in accordance or harmony with the pulpit". It would be another 10 In 1891 they years before the Baptismal Font arrived. signed "a petition to the Protestant General Some ladies still hoped to buy a church bell, Hospital, praying that as $400 had been invested earlier for that purpose, a maternity ward be but this wish was again set aside as the Society felt opened in connection the pressing need for a Sunday School Hall with with the hospital, and committee rooms, to be built on Sparks St. where giving reasons why it the Manse then stood, and on the westward- was needed". When extending lot which the Society had helped the ward didn't purchase. In February 1889, the Ladies wrote to the materialise, Mrs. Temporal Committee offering $1,000 in 3 annual Erskine (Ella) Bronson payments towards costs, providing building began Edith Pierce Bronson founded the Ottawa the following June. Maternity Hospital in 1814-1905 No action resulted, but the Ladies forged 1895. That year, ahead with an ambitious fund-raiser, 'The Feast of Editha Bronson made Days', in October 1889 which ran for 5 days in an excellent suggestion, "That a few gentlemen's Harmony Hall on Albert St. and was extremely names be added to the Entertainment Committee, popular. Booths were named for the working days constituting them Honorary Members". They of the week, but the greatest attractions were the elected in absentia some 15 young men, later added Cobweb Social and the music. Long strings were all a few more, and none seemed to mind. tangled up like cobwebs, and for 10 cents customers, including adults, could crawl about to follow a string and find the prize attached to it; this In 1893 a new manse was purchased on was not only fun to do but hilarious to watch. The Clemow Ave., which meant a move for the most delightful bit of music was 'The Gardener and Herridges. That year the old Manse went down so His Flowers', a mini-operetta. A great curtain was that the new Sunday School Hall could rise. The painted with flowers, but the centres of the flowers Ladies' Aid Society contributed so much to the were cut out, and singers poked their heads through raising and furnishing of the Hall, they viewed to sing solos about the flowers they represented. building plans, consulted with the architect, and chose the plain glass (not diamond-patterned) 'The Feast of Days' raised $650, and a bit of windows for the Ladies' Parlours, which they that was spent immediately on material for the furnished. They also donated 12 spring mattresses sewing committee to make up sheets and night and pillows for the Ladies' College, 18 white quilts shirts for the Home for the Aged. Newspaper for the Home for Friendless Women and 6 quilts for coverage had been so favourable that requests the Home for Aged Men. began arriving from churches in Pembroke and Kingston to borrow the curtain used for 'The On Jan. 26, 1894, the Society met for the Gardener and His Flowers'; they asked for a first time in their own Ladies Parlours, "so reduced rate but the Ladies held firm at $10 and beautifully decorated by Mrs. Herridge and Mrs. express charges for delivery by train. In the fall of Edward King". For the grand opening of the Sunday 1890, they engaged Mrs. Tupper to recover the pew School Hall, the Society arranged for the Lotus - 28 - St. Andrew’s In Action Historic St. Andrew’s Glee Club to come from Boston. The first 2 rows of decided to furnish a room containing 3 beds at a the Hall balcony were cushioned and the railing cost of $90 or $100. The room was Mrs. Perley's looped with garland, to suitably accommodate Lord former sitting room and it would be known as the and Lady Aberdeen. The concert was hugely St. Andrew's Church Ladies' Aid Room". The attended and wildly successful, but the Ladies had a Society knew this room well, for they had often met concern, which Mary Brough described. "Mrs. there. Marshall in her number gave a few dainty dancing "Time and money in the winter of 1897-98 steps. Some of us had cold shivers. What would the were principally devoted to The Presbyterian Ladies Session do or say?, we thought. Would they think it College, formerly Coligny College", wrote Mary a work we could not appropriately engage in?" Brough. "Dr. Herridge, President of the Board of In November 1894, the Society marked its Management, laid before the Society the necessity 21st year with a special Ladies' Aid At Home of making the interior of the College more attended by over 100 members. Music was by the comfortable and attractive. A committee visited the Wimperis Orchestra, and in appreciation of their College and the result of their investigations was long-serving treasurer Mrs. Allison Scott, they that a dinner service, table linen, blankets, quilts, presented her with a purse of gold. Mrs. Scott was pieces of sheeting, towels, pillow cases, pillows and not just a dab hand with figures, she and Mrs. a carpet were at once donated." Perkins "reigned supreme when any banquets were At their October 1898 meeting, a letter was in order", and "their strong helpful energy in all the read from Mrs. Perley saying "that when 5 years Society's undertakings will never be forgotten". In ago His Excellency Lord Aberdeen took her pew in December 1894, the Society installed, for the first the church, the sum of $33 has been expended by time, a telephone in the church, at a cost of $25 on a the Society for upholstering and improvements 3-year contract. They paid the cost of this much- upon it, and that in handing to the Society the needed telephone for years. above-mentioned sum, she wished the Society to accept it as a token of gratitude for having been spared to take the old accustomed seat which had Mrs. Perley tried to resign in 1895, carefully stating her reasons, including the pressure of weekly become so dear to her in other and happier days." meetings and the decline in funds from recent [Georgina's husband, William G. Perley had died in entertainments. This last was partly explained by 1890; Lord Aberdeen was Governor-General from the fact for years the Society was almost the only 1893 to 1898.] one in the city to give entertainments and attracted Mr Herridge suggested again that the members of all denominations. By 1895, other Society place a baptismal font in the church "as the churches were also presenting entertainments. present bowl was somewhat inconvenient, Concerns were resolved when members voted to especially where there were a number of infants meet just once a month, and to encourage donations presented for that sacrament." At a special meeting from the congregation by distributing special at the close of the Wednesday evening prayer Ladies' Aid envelopes. Then Mrs. Perley agreed to service, Mrs. Herridge reported that she and Mrs. continue as president. Bronson had interviewed Messrs. Harris & After her husband William died in 1890, Campbell in regard to the Baptismal Font, and Georgina Perley offered her beautiful home on what handed the Secretary a letter from the firm, along is now the Library and Archives site on Wellington with an enclosed rough sketch of the Font which St., to the city for a library. The offer was refused would cost $35, and that one with less carving could on the grounds that a library would be an be had for $5 less, or a better one for more. The unnecessary luxury, so she gave her home to Society chose to order the one in the sketch, subject become the Perley Home for Incurables, that is, to Session approval. Mrs. Perley donated the cost to people with mental difficulties or disabilities. In the Ladies' Aid Society, which then gave the Font to February 1898, Mrs. C. C. Ray reported that "the the church. committee on the Perley Home for Incurables had - 29 - St. Andrew’s In Action Historic St. Andrew’s In her history of the Society, Mary Brough Funds were used for more loads of coal, basic told this Font story. "The Sunday it was first used, I needs, and the City Missionary's salary. walked home with a friend who like myself was a In 1902, the Society began canvassing the spinster. She was rather doubtful that the font was congregation each fall for home-made jams and not leaning toward the ritual of the Anglican jellies for the various Protestant Hospitals and Church. 'But my dear friend', I said, 'neither you or I Homes. This city-wide project for churches will ever need it, so why worry?' Laughter on her continued for years, and at St. Andrew's, Madge part took the place of doubt and I never heard her McRae was such a whiz at gathering jars that the express any doubts again". number collected rose each year. The Society In August 1900, the Society mourned the minutes for Feb. 3, 1905 record the great loss the loss of Mrs. William (Catherine) Stewart, a founder Ladies felt on the death of Mrs. H. F. (Editha) of the Protestant Orphans' Home, a woman of great Bronson, "who has been so long connected with St. charity and faith, and so widely loved. In October a Andrew's, and who, while not able for many years letter was read from Mrs. Perley asking the ladies to to take an active part in the work of the Society, accept her resignation, but they didn't and asked her always remained a member". to reconsider. In November she resumed her In the early months of position. 1906, the Society sewed 6 dozen pillow cases for the The February 1901 minutes note that Protestant Hospital, and 5 "The black cashmere used for draping the church dozen for the Orphans' Home; during the past week was given by the Temporal sent turkey and cake to the Committee to dispose of - about 100 yards." The Perley Home; meat and bread cashmere had been used to drape the facade of to the Orphans' Home, and 3 the church following the death of Queen Victoria. dozen plus 7 pillow cases, 26 They gave one piece to the Orphans' Home and sheets and 2 dozen table napkins to St. Luke's, founded kept the remainder for consideration. General Portrait of His Late Assembly came to Ottawa in June 1901, and the in 1898 on Frank St. as a non- Majesty Edward VII, now sectarian hospital. Ladies had to organise billets for a good number hanging in the church of the 1254 delegates, and supply all manner of office. At their October 1910 things for the Garden Party at the Ladies College, meeting, "A very pleasing interruption occurred including 9 gallons of ice cream and a man to serve when Mr. Blair, President of the Men's Association, it. came in and presented to the Society a very fine The Poor Relief Committee met just before engraving of His Late Majesty King Edward VII, a the Ladies' Aid, so the minutes carry details of their gift from the Men's Association, which was very work, such as these from Oct. to Dec. 1901: $5 to highly appreciated by all present". Mrs. Herridge for a poor family living at The Ladies' Aid Bazaar, in December 1910, Kingsmere; $20 to the Rev. Scott of East took the form of "A Carnival of Flowers", where the Templeton, who had been burned out; $5 to Mrs. decorations were tissue paper flowers and garlands Gibson each month for a family; $20 to Mrs. which festooned the front of each booth. Every Crannell for the B. family; $2 to the VON for a booth had its specific flower, which the attendants special case in Hintonburg; $5 to Mrs. Gibson for wore: Flower Booth - Roses, Aprons - Scarlet Mrs. N., half a ton of coal to Mrs. Mc.; $50 each to Poppies, Candy - Buttercups, White Wear - violets, Dr. Herridge for Christmas cheer for the poor, and Peanuts & Popcorn - white and pink carnations. The to Rev. Leylaz for the poor of St. Marc's French ladies serving in the Tea Room were essentially congregation. They asked Dr. Herridge to appeal Walking Daisies; they wore "white skirts, yellow from the pulpit for clothing, which they collected bodices, pointed collars, caps of white posies with and distributed. Through the winter, Poor Relief yellow tops. In place of the grab bag, there is a modern flower garden consisting of tulips, lilies and - 30 - St. Andrew’s In Action Historic St. Andrew’s chrysanthemums. The paper flowers are planted in sand, the beds outlined with shells". The bazaar had ten booths and cleared $1069.56, designated for a new carpet for the church. In these years, the Poor Relief Committee dealt more and more with tuberculosis patients. In March 1911, "Mrs. Herridge reported a sad and needy case, a lady suffering from TB at her home on Slater St. The Society sent half a ton of coal to this home, and asked Dr. Mary Bryson to go to the house and report on the case, and see if she needed to be taken to the Lady Grey Hospital." On Dec. 16th, 1912 Madge McRae reported the greatest success yet in the annual jam collection for nd hospitals: 332 jars from St. Andrew's. On May 22 , the Women’s Guild held a very successful 140th Anniversary supper in St. Andrew’s Hall. Served by the men, service parfait! This is the second of 4 articles on the history of the Women's Guild, formerly the Ladies' Aid Society. - David B., Sheila U.

Photo: Youth baking in the kitchen.

Youth baked “Resurrection Cookies” over Easter. These meringues are prepared and An afternoon of Curling in March. placed in a warm oven over night. On Easter morning, the “tomb” was opened and the cookies had baked. When cracked open, they were empty inside!

- 31 - St. Andrew’s In Action Reflections from the homeland, the canal building McKay and Booth: Historic St. contracts were suspended. Noted McKay, in a letter to his business partner, John Redpath: Andrew’s Markers “I thought it proper to put some of (the unemployed quarrymen) to work at quarrying St. Andrew’s Church, Ottawa, is stone for the Kirk.” marking its 185th anniversary this year. This is the first of a series of articles written by retired McKay was ordained as one of the first journalist Lloyd Mackey, about people involved three elders at St. Andrew’s in 1831. His other in St. Andrew’s and the life of its surrounding faith-based activities included the presidency community at various stages of the church’s of the first Bytown British and Foreign Bible development and service. Society and the opening of a Sunday School in New Edinburgh. Eventually, that Sunday The series will draw from historical School led to the establishment of what is, records to trace how these early people strived today, MacKay United Church, across the to integrate church, faith, community, business street from Rideau Hall, the residence of the and family into their lives and leadership. This governor-general. (The spelling of the church’s first article focuses on Thomas McKay, one of name – “Mac” rather than “Mc” occurred the church’s founding elders and John despite historic records that show that the Rudolphus Booth who was a larger-than life New Edinburgh Sunday School initiator was presence in the community for many decades indeed the same Thomas McKay – the before and after the turn of the 20th century. grandfather of the church’s 1875 property donor, William MacKinnon.) * * * But McKay was active, as well, in Thomas McKay the developing life of the then-barely- (1792-1855) emerging nation of Canada. As a member of the House of Assembly from 1834-41, Thomas McKay, a he supported the union of Upper and stone mason who was Lower Canada. And he was seen as an born in Perth, Scotland, early ecumenist, too: He supported the arrived in Bytown (the inclusion of Roman Catholics in clergy early name for Ottawa) reserve apportionments. with a contract to build the first eight locks of the For Christians associated with St. Rideau Canal, and the Andrew’s, Thomas McKay’s practices, in buildings connected with those early years, provide useful them. His work, honoured guidelines for our actions in the 21st by Colonel John By, led to century. more contracts. He settled in New Edinburgh, just east of the Rideau River, purchasing The idea that one’s skills can be 1,100 acres which eventually became redirected toward things of the spirit, when Rockcliffe Park. other opportunities are not available, speaks to McKay’s understanding of the relationship Because of his involvement in the between business and the church. founding of St. Andrew’s, he was sometimes dubbed the “father of Presbyterianism” in Reaching beyond our borders to help Ottawa. His promotion of the idea of a share faith and serve others is a useful “Scottish Kirk” dated from his first arrival in emulation of McKay’s development of a Bytown. Sunday School in then-isolated New Edinburgh. So was his willingness to A distinctive identifier of his ability to recognize the need for Roman Catholic clergy serve both business and the faith came in to benefit from the clergy reserve system that 1838, when, due to lack of communication St. Andrew’s In Action Historic St. Andrew’s was already in place for Protestants. As His management style was both firm Presbyterians, we are not alone: We have and compassionate. It was often said that he many potential partners in the gospel and would never assign a task that he himself community service. would not be willing to undertake. He worked, for example, until just a few months before his The nation-building that McKay death, at age 99. And he never “retired” his encouraged has its application, as well, in the woods employees, of whom there were opportunities we have as Christian people in thousands. Instead he offered them “office that nation’s capital. We can look well beyond jobs.” the old boundaries of Bytown and New Edinburgh to see that Canada has become a Booth played a leadership and diverse and dynamic country, peopled by First philanthropic role in the development of St. Nations on one hand and immigrants from Luke’s Hospital. And, while he declined every continent, on the other. In our own invitations to be an elder at St. Andrew’s, he pews, we see that diversity and it strengthens quietly supported the church. It is reported our potential to understand our world, its that, upon arriving at the church in 1924 to tensions and opportunities. vote on whether the congregation would enter union with the newly-forming United Church, And the role of family, too, is significant declared “If the Methodists want to take this in the life of people of faith. McKay’s grandson over, I’ll build you a better one.” As history contributed property that enabled the attests, he was never called on to honour that founding of a new church in New Edinburgh. promise. What we might do in enabling and strengthening our own families could make a The church archives contain pages of difference in a generation or two, in the life newspaper clippings describing his 1925 our community or our outreach. funeral procession, where thousands lined the streets to watch. His apparently John Rudolphus Booth compassionate application of the work ethic (1827-1925) was appreciated, even in his death: Many of those in the procession were John Rudolphus (J. employees and their families. R.) Booth was born of Irish immigrants in Waterloo His last home, built many County, Quebec. While years after the death of Rosalinda, working as a carpenter on was a stately four-storey mansion the Central Vermont at 252 Metcalfe Street. After his Railway, he met and married death, the family turned it over for Rosalinda Cook. They the development of the Laurentian settled in Bytown, where he Club. Then, a decade ago, it exhibited his became the Ottawa presence for entrepreneurial skills over Trinity Western University, a the next few decades, developing, in British Columbia-based Christian institution. succession, a machine shop and a shingle There, international business and political mill. Soon he had a contract to provide the science students take a semester of lumber for the new Parliament Buildings. He instruction and line up Parliament Hill acquired 254 square miles of pine forest, internships. which he harvested over the next 50 years, developed the Canada Atlantic Railway to The Trinity Western Booth archives transport said timber to market and, by the note: early 20th century, had moved into the A result of his strong faith, Booth freely production of pulp and paper. gave of his energy and talent to other worthwhile endeavours. His

- 33 - St. Andrew’s In Action Reflections granddaughter-in-law, Mrs. Marjorie Bold to Bless Booth-Blyberg, states that Booth’s faith caused him to care for his workers when there were fires and to look after widows and children when workers were killed on the job. Booth maintained a great interest in hospitals and particularly in St. Luke's Hospital at the corner of Frank and Cartier Streets, which he helped establish in 1897. He contributed substantially to it for many years, built a whole wing on the hospital in 1903, and was the chairman of its Board of Trustees for Being Seen many years. I’m not sure my father has ever really seen me. Not really. At the age of eighteen For us, in the 21st century, especially when I announced that I was going to study those with entrepreneurial or management liberal arts and earn a Humanities degree at responsibilities, J. R. Booth’s attention to the Carleton University, he looked at me personal or crisis needs of his employees and quizzically and asked, “But what will you do their families is worth noting. While employee- with it?” He couldn’t understand why someone employer relations are more complex that they would choose to study something so – in his were in his time, the sensitivity to needs and eyes – purposeless. points of crisis in families is even more significant than it was in his time. It stung. It still does. That my comptroller father couldn’t understand the And, it does not hurt to be reminded appeal of philosophy and theology and that a faith-based understanding of classics was in no way surprising or servanthood helps us to find needs and meet particularly hurtful. No, what hurt was that them, and, as appropriate, find niches to be the deepest, most fundamental elements of my filled, with the resources that God gives us. spirit, of my soul, of my identity, the things that really make me me and not someone else Material for this article was drawn from were seen by him to be not only confounding Unto the Hills Around: A History of St. but purposeless, even valueless. To this day, I Andrew’s Church, Ottawa, by John S. Moir, and think he has learned only to accept my choice, from the church archives. Many thanks to Sheila U. to accept this proclivity of mine he sees as for her assistance in accessing those records. confusing and even frivolous, but not to embrace it or see its value. He cannot see its worth, and thus he cannot see the worth of some of the best parts of me. We all feel this way, at some time or another. We walk in the world with so many of our best parts of ourselves hidden, internal. Those of us who are very lucky or very perseverant find ways to externalize those aspects of our identities, find ways to show them to the world not out of self-centred pride but out of a desire to put what is good about us out there, to share it with our fellows. Some days I think I am one of them. Some Playing circle games at a Family Fun Night days I fear I will never be. As always, though, we have our hope in Jesus. We have our consolation in the stories St. Andrew’s In Action Reflections of Christ’s ministry which demonstrate that he is not only omniscient and omnipresent, but Devotional for May Men's the real and personal ways he showed the Fellowship people he encountered that he saw not only the worst in them, but the best in them, even by Richard L. those things they could not see in themselves. What did he see in James and John, as they Introduction. My father retired in 1973 after 50 stowed their nets by the shore? Did their years with Parke-Davis, a pharmaceutical company. families see their potential for leadership, for As a very keen reader and strong Catholic, with his holy understanding? Did they themselves? new spare time, he decided to read the Bible daily What did he see in the woman caught in from cover to cover until done. It took him about 1 adultery? Did she believe in her inherent year. When I retired in 2006, I too thought that I worth, in her capacity to be more than hired might do the same thing – only it took me 3 years to flesh, before he saved her, pardoned her, and complete my goal. sent her on her way? He looked at these people and saw what One of my lasting impressions about the Old and more they could contribute. He saw who they New Testaments was the degree of violence present really were, the very best in them. To say that in the Bible. The Chapters often reminded me of we too-seldom experience that clarity of vision some of the material in recent best selling books from another is an understatement. I have authored by James Clavell (Shogun, Tai-Pan, Noble benefitted from this from only a handful of House), and Tom Clancy (The Hunt for Red October, people, but each time it has felt like a light The Sum of All Fears, Patriot Games, Clear and Present has been shone on a dark, hidden corner of Danger), as the Bible chronicled the Jewish Exodus my soul, like a window opening to a free and and their eventual arrival, domination and refreshing breeze. In the days between, subsequent partitioning of the Promised Land to the though, the times when my soul feels unseen and unknown, I can reassure myself – we can twelve tribes, as described in Numbers 35:16-29. all reassure ourselves – that we are, indeed, seen, we are known. By our Comforter. By our For example, read Judges 1:1-8. This got me Counsellor. By our Brother, our Friend. Our thinking after reading the Bible, in reflection, God. whether or not there were any humorous stories in the Old or New Testament, and whether Jesus used

humour in His ministry. Darlene M. My research did reveal that there were a few published books on the topic: The Humor of Christ (1964) by Elton Trueblood The Humor of Jesus (1977) by Henri Cormier The Humor of Jesus (2001) by Earl F Palmer And God Created Laughter (1987) by Conrad HyersHumor in Preaching (1986) by John W Drakeford

Of course a Google search supplied several web sites that dealt with the topic of humour in the Bible. To be more precise, I wasn't interested in Bible-related jokes such as:

Q. Who was the greatest financier in the Bible? A. Noah-he was floating his stock while everyone Crafting at Kids’ Church else was in liquidation.

- 35 - St. Andrew’s In Action Reflections Or, from time to time the involvement of children or The story about Moses and the Ten other listeners as props. This method of Commandments communication was very near to street theatre! Moses, returning from the mountain, spoke to his people: Here are more thoughts from different Christian I have Good News and I have Bad News: writers: “The good news is I got him down to ten.” “Full recognition of Christ’s humour has been “The bad news is that adultery is still one of them.” surprisingly rare. In many of the standard efforts to write the Life of Christ there is no mention of Rather, what I was looking for was humour humour at all and, when there is any, it is usually displayed by God, or employed by Jesus in pursuit confined to a hint or two." (Elton Trueblood, The of his Godly mission. As you know, humour is Humour of Christ) oftentimes a situation or a comment that comes to us in some surprising, shocking or unexpected way. “Jesus was always had snappy one-liners ready for One humour author (Bob Bassindale – How the occasion, such as, ‘Let the dead bury their Speakers Make People Laugh) said that a joke is “a dead,’ and ‘The poor you always have with you.’ magic trick, with punch.” It involves setting up or It’s how you tell them! Try these prefaced with a misleading an audience in preparing them for a heavy shrug and ‘Oy Vay’.” (Adrian Williams) surprise payoff. Remember this point later. “Jesus has a particular eye for the ironical and In an excellent internet article, “What does the paradoxical. He gave His disciples nicknames: Bible say about humour,” Robert Luginbill of the Peter the Rock who was big on words, but a coward University of Louisville KY notes that the only when it mattered; James and John, hotheads, were reference he was aware of in the Bible that spoke ‘Sons of Thunder’. He told stories about judges directly about humour was Ephesians 5:4 where who gave justice only after being pestered Paul tells us to avoid “obscenity or silly or repeatedly, businessmen who amassed riches only suggestive talk ...” to die the next day, and about priests too precious to help a man who had been beaten up. He talked In another excellent internet article, from about people who gave stones in the place of bread, InternetEvangilism.com, entitled, "Humour and the and saw the speck in the eye of another but ignored Gospel," there were many cogent observations the log in their own eye. He talked about the blind about humour in the Bible. I'll draw from this leading the blind. He called the holy men of his day source for the rest of this devotional commentary on whitewashed walls.” (Rev Peter Weatherby) the topic. “Many of His comments would have had the Quote verbatim: audience laughing uncontrollably, while at the same Someone asked recently in a newspaper, “Are there time making a deep point. The pictures of ‘blind any jokes in the Bible?” It is filled with humour – Pharisees straining at a gnat but swallowing a usually wry Jewish witticisms, hyperbole and camel’ (Matt 23:24) is hilarious. Similarly it is idiom! “You can tame every animal on earth, but reckoned that shepherds were the butt of Galilean not the tongue,” says James. society’s jokes, and so the one about the shepherd leaving the 99 to search for just one, would have Many of the Proverbs communicate timeless also raised a laugh.” (George Newton) wisdom with a smile and a wink. God invented humour! So surely we would expect Jesus to use it. How often there was a twinkle in the eye of Jesus! And He does, frequently. Many of the parables are His humor shines through his words. For instance, intrinsically amusing cameos. They were surely not Jesus once pictured the religious legalists of his delivered as deadpan monologues, but in the style day. He said they were like a man who polished the of the story-teller with voices and gestures to match outside of his drinking cup, but forgot to clean the (and much two-way banter) – and with very likely inside. “You are like a person,” said Jesus, “who - 36 - St. Andrew’s In Action Reflections picks a fly out of his drink and then swallows a “Jesus never compared the Kingdom of God to a camel” (Matthew 23:24). Jesus made his point by a religious experience in a temple, but with a party or humourous exaggeration. He used the same kind of celebration!” says church growth consultant humour when he said, “It is much harder for a rich Andrew Jones. man to enter the Kingdom of God than for a camel to go through the eye of a needle” (Mark 10:25). Looking for humour in the Bible There is much whimsical word-play and punning, There must have been a twinkle in his eye when he particularly in the Old Testament in the naming of talked about the fault-finder: “Why do you notice people and places. Bible footnotes often explain the little piece of sawdust that is in your brother’s these meanings. eye, but you don’t notice the big piece of wood that is in your own eye?” (Matthew 7:3). Humour is embedded into so much of the Bible, yet often we don’t notice it because we don’t expect it The humour of Jesus shows us the quickness of his to be there. Modern biblical paraphrases (e.g. mind and the playfulness of his outlook. Long The Message or The Living Bible) often bring out this before Mary Poppins, Jesus knew that a “spoonful humour more clearly. Mark or highlight humorous of sugar makes the medicine go down.” How much verses in your Bible as you read it, and you will be we need the humour of Jesus today! We get deadly surprised just how many marks you make. serious about his words and miss the humour in them. Jesus talked about the necessity of References 1. Cormier H (1977). The Humor of Jesus communicating his message. He made this point by 2. Drakeford JW (1986). Humor in Preaching an absurd picture: “Does anyone bring a lamp home 3. Bible Humor. Spiritual Resource [email protected]. Internet Accessed 2013-05-01. and put it under a washtub or beneath the bed? 4. Funny Bible Jokes. www.guy- Don’t you put it up on a table or on the mantel?” sports.com/humor/jokes/jokes_bible.htm 5. Bible Jokes. www.jmm.org.au/articles/5907. By Rowland (Mark 4:21). Croucher and others January 5, 2003. 6. Humor and the Gospel. Using jokes and fun in Christian communication. Accessed at www.internetevangelismday.com. Jesus did not fit the pattern of what people expected 7. Luginbill R (9/10/05). What does the Bible say about humour? a holy man to be like. Luke reported: “By this time Accessed at http://ichthys.com 8. Bassindale B (1976). How Speakers Make People Laugh. West a lot of men and women of doubtful reputation were Nyack NY: Parker Publishing Company. 216 pp. hanging around Jesus, listening intently” (Luke 15:1). The religion scholars were not pleased and growled, “He takes in sinners and eats meals with them, treating them like old friends” (Luke 15:2).

Jesus’ cousin, John, had followers who fasted all Join us at 6 p.m. every Wednesday the time. Jesus and his followers had a reputation evening in July for a BBQ and music! for eating and drinking. Again, Jesus reached for a Peter Rombeek will lead us as we study humourous image to portray his contemporaries. He said about them: “They’re like spoiled children the musical instruments of the Bible. We complaining to their parents, ‘We wanted to skip will meet in the St. Andrew’s courtyard, rope and you were always too tired; we wanted to beside the church, St. Andrew’s Hall if talk but you were always too busy.’ John the Baptist raining. came fasting and you called him crazy. The Son of Man (Jesus’ favorite term for himself) came feasting and you called him a lush” (Luke 7:31-34).

- 37 - St. Andrew’s In Action Updates from Partners St. Andrew’s Elder to Participate …. it’s vital that women not stay inactive, not submit day after day, nor cross our arms. On the contrary, we must in KAIROS Delegation to Congo stand up, act, and denounce. Let’s break the silence, claiming back from those who hold power the use of diverse legal instruments that protect the rights of From June 16-29, Canadian Church leaders women. In so doing, we can change the situation of and delegates will participate in a KAIROS-led women throughout the world. Let all women of all the delegation to the eastern Democratic Republic world take their courage in hand to continue the of the Congo (DRC). The Presbyterian Church struggle, this struggle that includes all of us. To keep in Canada will be represented by Peter ourselves silent is to kill ourselves little by little. May we Lamont, an elder of St. Andrew’s Church be courageous. Ottawa, Chief Military Judge in the Canadian Armed Forces. The DRC represents one of the - CHANTAL MAYANGA BILULU. Women and world’s worst human rights and humanitarian children’s program coordinator, Héritier de la Justice crises, with shocking levels of gender-based sexual violence. KAIROS' member churches Please visit the Women of Courage DR Congo web page have been moved to respond and be witness to where there are details of the tour, the delegates, and excellent this crisis. On the KAIROS Women of Courage research and resources to enable you to gain a deeper Program DRC tour delegates will accompany understanding of the situation there, and the work we do with partners and demonstrate solidarity with our our partners. www.kairoscanada.org partners in the sub-region. The delegation seeks to deepen the understanding of the human rights and environmental impact of resource extraction on communities in the KAIROS – ‘faithful eastern DRC. It will raise awareness among Canadian church constituencies, the action for justice’ Canadian public and the Canadian government about the human rights situation, in particular violence against women and the The Presbyterian Church in impact of resource extraction, as well as make Canada and PWS&D are both concrete recommendation to Canadians and to founding members of the the Government of Canada on how to address Canadian ecumenical justice this egregious situation. initiative known as KAIROS. Each month there is a new ‘spirited reflection’ on its website KAIROS will be hosted by long-time partner, www.kairoscanada.org, and Héritier de la Justice, a human rights reprinted below is a contribution organization in the eastern Democratic by the Rev. Dr. Glen Davis. Republic of Congo (DRC) that operates a KAIROS supported legal clinic to combat A Journey to Justice – By Glen Davis gender-based violence against girls and women. Delegates will meet with impacted A Presbyterian minister, Glen Davis recently communities, human rights defenders, civil retired from the faculty of the Vancouver School of society organizations, churches, the UN, Theology where he served as Director of Presbyterian government representatives including the Formation. He previously spent 15 years working with Ministers of Justice and Gender, and the the Korean Christian Church in Japan; 18 years as a Canadian Embassy. mission executive in the PCC; and seven years as co- minister with his wife, Joyce, in Knox Church, Agincourt, Toronto. He also served as Moderator of the General Assembly of the PCC in 2000-2001. He is now doing part time work with the BC Conference of the UCC in the area of Ethnic – Intercultural Ministries.

This reflection must be a very personal one because when I was asked to write about a justice theme I could not help but think of how strange it was St. Andrew’s In Action Updates from Partners that such a request should come to me. This story might What I did not realize until later was that I help explain why I thought it strange. became a better Presbyterian (or Reformed Christian) that day! I began to undertake my journey to justice In the 1970’s, while working in Japan, I received more intentionally, and was delighted to discover that I a call from the Rev. Dr. In Ha Lee who had been the had some wonderful companions along the road. main author of a new mission statement adopted by the Korean Christian Church in Japan (KCCJ). He asked if I John Calvin, for example. “For him the Bible is would translate it from Korean into English so it could be a book about justice, the gracious justice of God. …For shared with ecumenical partners. I accepted the task, Calvin justice is a condition of society; a society is just to with some trepidation. As I worked on this thought- the degree that people enjoy what God has for them, provoking, visionary statement my theology suffered a what is due them as the objects of God’s affection jolt. demonstrated in Jesus Christ.” What a challenge that was to my narrow view of the Bible. You see, I had been brought up in the somewhat theologically narrow, conservative atmosphere of Karl Barth, another companion on the journey Presbyterian churches on Cape Breton Island, N.S. My to justice and the main author of the Barmen professors at Presbyterian College, Montreal, were not Declaration, wrote: “Scripture tells us that, in the as yet entirely successful in prying me loose from some of my unredeemed world in which the church also exists, the tightly held conservative convictions, although they did state has by divine appointment the task of providing for help me to take a more faithful and critical approach to justice and peace.” The clear implication is that the state biblical interpretation. When I became a missionary in is to be resisted when it fails to provide justice, or when it Japan, I was still firmly committed to the evangelistic enacts laws that go against the values of the kingdom task of the church and did not have much time for that (reign) of God. secondary task called social justice. H. Richard Niebuhr reminded me of the But that mindset could not survive very long in prophetic role of the church – a role to remind the the midst of the discrimination and denial of human government of its responsibility “to ensure justice, fair rights which Koreans in Japan were subjected to in dealing, and the inclusion of all citizens, particularly every facet of their lives. One night I went to a house those who get put to the margins. …It is the church’s job gathering of our youth group and found everyone in grief to help the state be the state…and to direct the attention and sorrow. One of our church youth who had defied all of the government to its failure to perform its God-given odds by gaining entrance to, and graduating from, a duties.” prestigious Japanese university, had taken his life. As a Korean, although born in Japan, he had no right of Perhaps these courageous declarations by citizenship and was denied employment in any job for giants of the Reformed faith will help Christians in which his university degree qualified him. He ended up Canada to shed our timidity and to resist policies and driving a dump truck 14 hours a day. But he could not legislation that place refugees in danger; that place profit endure the endless, daily discrimination, so he hung before pollution; that elevate energy production above himself. The young people looked at me and said, environment protection. Perhaps we will be more willing “Moksanim (pastor), what good is the gospel if all it to witness “to what is only around the corner by refusing offers is life after death and does nothing to help us with to settle for injustice here and now.” this life, here and now?” I had no answer for them. My friend, Richard Topping at Vancouver School Shortly after, I found myself in my study of Theology, alerted me to this delightful reminder of translating the KCCJ’s mission statement. It proclaimed Barth’s about the proper activity of the church: “To clasp a thoroughly biblical declaration of the need both for one’s hands in prayer is the beginning of an uprising evangelism and for social justice as equal sides of one against the disorder of the world.” coin. It challenged me to take seriously those countless The journey to justice leads over rocks and cries for justice that permeate both the old and new potholes; through checkpoints and red lights and detours testaments, cries that I had either ignored or simply demanded by those who want to keep the church “in its interpreted spiritually rather than physically and place” of pious introspection. But what the Lord requires practically. That was a liberating experience for me of us – to do justice – must remain the ultimate lifestyle because it opened my eyes to the breadth and fullness for the followers of Jesus. We have a long way to go but of the gospel. It also told me that I could no longer claim the Spirit is with us. to be a follower of Jesus Christ without doing all I could to end the poverty, oppression, violence, racism and discrimination that are such a gaping wound in this world that God loves so much.

- 39 - St. Andrew’s In Action Updates from Partners understand each other through “an exchange of life and experience” that leads to mutuality and common witness and service. Clements’s book illustrates its central thesis by rereading ecumenical history in that light, Theologian sees ecumenism as including events leading to Edinburgh 1910, the Life and Work movement, the Barmen Declaration the dynamism of a renewed and European churches at the end of the Soviet Christianity era. Asserting that “We are in danger of losing what Discussion of Clements’s presentation and the ecumenical spirit is all about,” historical the book raised questions about the relation of theologian and longtime ecumenical activist Keith peace and justice to unity, whether the ecumenical Clements argued on 28 May at a presentation in movement is simply “a Eurocentric venture” and the Ecumenical Centre in Geneva that people and unable to reshape its agenda for a new religious churches need to rediscover the essential landscape, the relative demands of interchurch and “ecumenical dynamic” at the heart of the interfaith encounter, and the role of ecumenism in movement. unmasking unauthentic religious elements in “There is a need…to restore the word contemporary culture. ecumenical to proper and positive use…. The story, In the end, he asserted, ecumenism past and to the present, needs to be told,” he has attempts to help us identify “with the worldwide written. church, a sign and embodiment of the body of At once critical and encouraging, Clements Christ” in today’s world. complained that often “an obsession with identity today,” evident in resurgent confessionalism, ethnocentrism and nationalism, leaves people less willing “to step outside their home, their tradition and inhabit another’s tradition,” meet each other’s needs and serve the larger good. A former general secretary of the Conference of European Churches, Clements is a historical theologian and Bonhoeffer scholar. St. Andrew’s is an active partner in Daybreak Ecumenical Housing, which this year celebrates At the session, led by WCC senior editor its thirtieth year of service. Five homes offering Theodore A. Gill, Jr., Clements discussed his new supportive housing and new beginnings for both book, Ecumenical Dynamic: Living in More than men and women in our city. One Place at Once, published by World Council of Churches Publications. Thirty Years Later Clements argued that one’s Christian by Betty Neelin, former president of the Board identity is not a fixed thing, encapsulated by one’s (and member of Knox Presbyterian) tradition. “Instead, identity is a quest,” he said, and “you discover your identity as you relate to Daybreak continues to provide safe, affordable others.” housing for individuals living under disadvantaged circumstances such as leaving an abusive Fundamental to the ecumenical movement, relationship, recovering from addiction or living he said, has been the human impulse, central also with mental health issues. The difficult social to biblical spirituality, to cross boundaries and - 40 - St. Andrew’s In Action Updates from Partners problems that motivated the founders of Daybreak Kathryn’s Story thirty years ago are sadly still very serious issues today, making the need for such housing greater by Christie Halpenny, volunteer and member of than ever. St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Throughout Daybreak’s history the stories of our In 2011, 4310 people stayed in shelters for an residents have remained constant. Kathryn’s story is average of 57 days. Over the years, the centralized unique to her, but parts of that story are shared by waiting list for people applying for rent geared to all who have walked through our doors. Residents income has increased to 11,000, and it may take arrive with emotional baggage that is far heavier five to nine years for them to get housing. than the weight of the personal belongings they Conversely, according to Alliance to End carry with them. Kathryn’s story is fraught with loss Homelessness, only 203 new affordable units were and addiction, but also brightened by perseverance, built in 2011 using funding from three levels of hope and success. government, with the city providing some Kathryn’s formative years included abuse assistance with rent. and instability, which continue to haunt her as an adult. Although she had a loving home, her adult When housing with affordable units is torn down or life started prematurely, with her pregnancy as a destroyed by fire, the city planning department does teen, and the death of both her parents by the time not insist that the new building contain affordable she was 22. units. As well, many rental units have been lost In the ensuing years Kathryn showed through gentrification, with the conversion of strength, creating a life that included a husband, two inexpensive apartment buildings to condominiums. children, a home, and a 24-year career with the government. Things started to unravel for A recent Globe and Mail article noted that, her when she began to suffer from depression, according to a study by the Mental Health anxiety and alcohol dependency. She tried to Commission, a “housing first” approach—that is, get help, but faced too many hurdles, and her life the availability of a safe and comfortable place to fell apart. Kathryn lost her home, her marriage and live—is an essential first step in coping with mental her support network. illness. We too have found that once our residents After four months at the Royal Ottawa have a safe, affordable home, they are able to Mental Health Centre, Kathryn was introduced to manage their situation and over time make the Daybreak. She quickly recognized the benefits of transition from minimum support to independent living in a Daybreak home, where she received the living. support she needed from both the staff and her housemates. Living with others allowed Kathryn to To be able to offer rent geared to income, Daybreak reduce her anxiety and remain sober. In time, as needs to raise $2,500 per room annually (or a total Kathryn healed, she started to enjoy all that of $115,000 a year) for the operation and Daybreak has to offer. Now she writes poetry about maintenance of its five homes. her past and present, continues to seek out positive experiences, and offers support to other residents. We rely on foundations, community groups, Kathryn is not free from the memories of her churches, and individual donors for support. So past, but she has a dream that someday she will be we thank our donors and volunteers for helping us able to get a place of her own to share with her to continue our important work. children and grandchildren. With the support of Daybreak, she knows this dream can become a reality.

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