Jacob’s Ladder

A Newsletter from St Mark’s Anglican Church, Port Hope Advent 2017

Pentecost 2017

Photo credit- Anne Oram Advent https://liturgybrisbane.net.au/liturgyli nes/advents-double-meaning-2/ Advent has a twofold name of a pagan feast held to character: as a season to celebrate the manifestation of prepare for Christmas when the divinity who came to Christ’s first coming to us is dwell in the temple at a remembered; and as a season certain time each year. A shift when that remembrance in the meaning happened directs the mind and heart to when Christian feasts were Title Page await Christ’s Second Coming instituted to celebrate the Honourary Reflections 2 Stewardship 3 at the end of time incarnation of God. At first Friends of the Creche 4 Rt Hon 6 adventus was used to refer to The Christian word ‘Advent’ How Green are your Banaras 7 the second coming of the Son Adventure in Ecumenism 8 comes from adventus, the Music Notes 10 of God– his return in glory to Move with the times and 11 reap the rewards 1 Among Friends 13 Recent & Upcoming Events 16

A Newsletter from St Mark’s Anglican Church, Port Hope the temple. But gradually the Christ. Christian celebrations associated with the return of meaning focused more on of the nativity eventually the sun at the winter solstice. commemorating the birth of replaced pagan festivals Some Assisting Honourary Reflections Graham Cotter, Honourary Assistant

I began assisting when I first First, if we really are God's "Manhood into God "- better attended St Mark's Port Hope children, and by God's gift to language: Human Person- (about 1989), and over the us members of Christ, hood taken into the Divine years I have assisted, in inheritors of the kingdom, agency of Love. All sorts of various ways, five then let us take it seriously. things are happening which incumbents: Paul Walker, We have sins and short- mark the work of God in the Mary Ranger, Thomas Little, comings yet, through divine world "nature" and creatures, Margaret Tandy, and now power we are freed to do but we are part of an offering Randy Murray. My name God's will and Christ's work re-started in the world by appears in the list of in this life and this universe. Jesus of Nazareth. incumbents on the west wall Therefore let us come clean: Hence we may use the words of the church interior; to "Blessed are we who come in the of Jesus' Mother, as we receive signalize that Bishop Name of the Lord!" And communion: “Be it done unto Blackwell asked me to "fill in" although we ask for peace me according to Your Will". between Mary Ranger and from the - "Lamb of God” - we Thomas Little in 1995. I am dedicating the next do this not just on our own paragraph to the parishioner Now I can say that I have seen behalf but for the whole work who said, “I did not really like many good events, and loved in which we are God's agents. the All Saints' service: why do fellow parishioners, enjoying It is we who are committed to we ask them to orate for us?” my clergy or lay roles. As for work at removing sin's the present, I find Randy disease from the world: Jesus I did not stop to try to explain Murray a caring and inspiring has done the initial job, the the Communion of Saints, but preacher and liturgist, and I cosmic redemption is suggested that an active - pro- am glad to serve with him as available from him and God: active! - approach would be my pastor and a colleague, in we are Christ in the world. that at St Gregory of Nyssa faith, and in thinking about Episcopal church in San This not to say that God is faith. The ideas which I am Francisco, where instead of not working everywhere else putting forward are bleating - miserable sinner- in the world, but it is we who suggestions for us all; this is sheep syndrome - (asking for are called to be the true not a program or set of endless pardon of endless humanists, having been proposals; certain ideas for sins) the congregation dance endowed with gifts which the parishes, the diocese and the around holding hands and Athanasian Creed defines, as church at large. calling on those they love, or 2

A Newsletter from St Mark’s Anglican Church, Port Hope those they have hated, VANGUARD OF ALL PRAYER, FOR At St Gregory's the naming Christian or not, good and THE ONE and picturing of these dancing bad, in Jesus' option for the "WHO IS WORTHY: GOD, SOURCE, saints is found all around the poor and un-respectable: SAVIOUR, SANCTIFIER, TO inside walls of the sanctuary, calling out to them: Come, RECEIVE GLORY AND HONOUR visually proclaiming the Good AND POWER , WHO HAS MADE Rejoice with us! News which is for everyone: a AND MAKES ALL THINGS, BY WHOSE YEARNING LOVE FOR US, calling out inviting all to REJOICE FOR HUMANITY AND WE AND ALL, HAVE COME INTO becoming members of the THE UNIVERSE ARE RISEN WITH BEING.." (a paraphrase of CHRIST, REJOICING, THE communion of saints. Revelation 4: 11)

Stewardship Marion Thompson, Rector’s Warden

As we begin a new year in the In the spring, we signed a most notably the elimination life of the Church, it is covenant with the Diocese of the position of Parish appropriate to ponder our that St. Mark’s would embark Secretary, and we continue to belief that all we have comes on a multi-year Stewardship identify smaller economies from God. As members of the program designed to bring St. that can be made. However, Body of Christ we believe that Mark’s into a time of the fundamental solution to we are called to give back to increased commitment, the problem lies in increased God our time, talent, and deeper faith, and a sounder revenue. Finding the money treasure, in gratitude for all financial footing. to pay for lights and heat, the blessings of this life so basic services and As you are aware, we have freely given. communication of various taken some difficult steps to sorts remains our challenge. reduce our persistent deficit,

3 A Newsletter from St Mark’s Anglican Church, Port Hope Generous members have often are critical to the long-term need a transfusion! This can donated to particular causes survival of St. Mark’s. only happen if we all take a and improvements, and for However, our day-to-day look at our givings and that we thank them from the expenses need to be covered, increase them substantially, as bottom of our heart. St. too, just as you must pay we are able, of course. Mark’s Heritage Foundation regular bills to keep your own To that end, I hereby pledge set up by the late Ben Lloyd home functioning and to increase my givings by ensures the maintenance of comfortable. 20%, effective January 2018, the fabric of historic St. Your regular givings through and I challenge you, too, to do Mark’s and the Graham and envelopes and, increasingly, your part to rid us of the Evelyn Cotter Endowment PAR are our life’s blood, and pesky deficit in the year to Fund for the Incumbency, our reality is that we must get come. currently being established, rid of the deficit and move will help fund a full-time our affairs into the black. We priest. These undertakings

Friends of the Creche Convention Jill & Frank Walkingshaw

In late October we travelled to society based in the United collect, study or simply Bethlehem, Pennsylvania to States which is part of a appreciate nativity sets. And attend the convention of world-wide group of how appropriate for such a Friends of the Creche, a organizations for those who group to meet in a town called 4 A Newsletter from St Mark’s Anglican Church, Port Hope Bethlehem - and Nazareth is Moravian Church to see their Morning Star, will be sung nearby! Putz, have dinner and attend and it is a great honour for the a service. The Putz is a large young boy or girl who is Before the convention there nativity scene depicting the chosen to sing the solo. were tours available to such various parts of the Christmas Normally there is no message places as the National story. The word comes from from the Pastor because the Christmas Museum an old German meaning to clean message in this service is in amazing - if somewhat dusty - or decorate. Each year it is the hymns that are sung. collection of items associated made afresh by a team of with Christmas, though After a reading and some volunteers with wood found mainly of a secular nature. music - a mix of hymns sung in the forest and freshly- by all, instrumental music and The convention itself over two gathered moss. hymns and anthems sung by days included presentations After dinner we went into the the choir - women serving as on local Christmas traditions sanctuary for the service of Dieners, and who are dressed and also one by a couple who the Love Feast. As with many in white, enter the sanctuary make very elaborate Italian- Moravian traditions, this and distribute to each of the presepio-style crèches and service dates from the 18th participants a piece of who build every detail century. In 1727 at a revival traditional Moravian sugar themselves. with feasting, a special cake or bun. After everyone is There are a number of outpouring of the Holy Spirit served the Dieners come back congregations in the was felt during a communion into the Sanctuary, Bethlehem-Nazareth area that service. This reminded the accompanied by men in are part of the Moravian members of the church of Acts formal dress carrying trays of Church, one of the oldest 2: 46 when the early Moravian coffee which is Protestant denominations in Christians “partook of food with strong coffee with just a little the world with its heritage glad and generous hearts”. cream and just a little sugar. dating back to the Bohemian When all have been served, Today “Love Feasts” are held Reformation in the 15th the Pastor invites everyone to with varying frequency across century. We learned about the “‘enjoy the Love Feast”. While the Moravian Church. They traditions of the Moravian the choir continues to sing can be served for many Star, a many-pointed star, and suitable hymns, the reasons - on special days, or had a demonstration of how congregation listens and eats as on this occasion to to make one. (We will have to and drinks. It was explained welcome a specific group. The practice!) to us that there is no sacrificial basic structure of the Love significance to the food and Feast is singing. The much- The highlight however was drink served - partaking in loved Moravian hymn, attending the Nazareth unison of the cake and coffee 5

A Newsletter from St Mark’s Anglican Church, Port Hope simply demonstrates the communion table. It was a series on the crèche given by congregation’s family spirit beautiful, calm and serene Fr. Johann Roten of the and promotes Christian service and we will long Marian Library, University of fellowship. The cups are then remember it. Dayton. The 2019 convention collected, the lights are will be held in Santa Fe. We now look forward to next dimmed and the service year’s annual meeting which Information on Friends of the concludes with everyone will be held in Dayton, Ohio Creche can be found at holding a candle which has to be preceded by a lecture www.friendsofthecreche.org. been lit from the candle on the

The Right Honourable Vincent Massey Doug Armstrong, Parish Archivist

Dec 30th, 2017 marks the 50th had been president of Massey- during the week of Oct 5th anniversary of the death of Harris from 1921) and had 1947. the Right Honourable Vincent settled into a life of diplomatic Massey's involvement in the Massey, the first Canadian- and public service. The family restoration and maintenance born Governor-General of home at Batterwood was of the church began in 1950 and a loyal and completed in 1928, and the when he and his wife, Alice, dedicated parishioner of St. Masseys became permanent offered to pay for all the Mark's for the last 40 years of residents of the Parish of St. interior decorating to be done his life. Mark. following a complete Vincent Massey is first restoration of the interior of mentioned in our church the church. This project history, Time Was, when in included the purchase and 1929 he attended a installation of the Tryptych, performance by the Rigby by artist, Sylvia Players of “A Midsummer- Hahn. Work by the artist was The Masseys came to the Night's Dream”. Vincent largely complete by December Parish of St. Mark in 1918, Massey commented after the 1949, with installation when they purchased play that it was as good as occurring during the property north-west of any production at Hart restoration work in January Canton, located close to the House, U of T, Toronto! He 1950. The renovation work northern boundary of the was the special guest speaker was completed by April, 1950 Parish as established in 1873. at the 125th Anniversary of at which time Vincent Massey By 1927 Vincent Massey had the church building, held in addressed a reception after retired from corporate life (he the Mill Street Parish Hall the service of Thanksgiving. 6

A Newsletter from St Mark’s Anglican Church, Port Hope

Alice Massey died in the Sunday service at his parish 1962. Mrs. Lionel Massey summer of 1950 and was church, St. Mark's. The event participated in donating the buried in the Massey plot to was a huge success for St. red carpet in the centre aisle the north of the church. Mark's and the community as of the church. a whole and is still In 1952, Vincent Massey was Finally, on December 30, 1967, remembered today by many appointed Governor-General while on holiday in London, of our parishioners. Vincent of Canada. The congregation England, The Right Massey speaks warmly of this sent him a letter of Honourable Vincent Massey visit in his memoirs. congratulations, to which he died. After a state funeral in responded quickly and with Following his departure from Ottawa on Jan 4, 1968, his feeling. A copy of his , Vincent Massey remains were transported to response is found on Page 89 retired to Batterwood, Port Hope for burial beside of Time Was. continuing his philanthropic his wife Alice and his son work personally and through Lionel in the cemetery beside His appointment led directly the Massey Foundation. It St. Mark's. to the visit by Queen was The Right Honourable Elizabeth II to St. Mark's on A more complete Vincent Massey who donated July 26, 1959. She and Prince commemoration of the life the scarlet cassocks to be worn Philip were guests of Vincent and contributions of Vincent by the choir of St. Mark's, as Massey for a weekend of rest Massey will be in the display permitted by the Queen in a at Batterwood during their cases at the back of the church letter read to the congregation six-week 1959 tour of Canada. following the traditional at Thanksgiving, 1960. The It was to be a private weekend Christmas creche exhibit in Massey Foundation paid for a with no official duties. January of 2018. total redecoration of the Vincent Massey invited the interior and the painting of royal couple to attend a the exterior of the church in

How Green are your bananas? Pat Bryan

It is probable that St Markers Clements, of cookies, upstairs of a new weekly radio think of me as the devilishly at “Christmas at St Mark’s”. program for seniors, funded handsome, distinguished, by the federal government, So it would probably surprise debonair and yet extremely which broadcasts every them to know that I am also modest purveyor, along with Thursday after the noontime the devilishly handsome etc., the equally-favoured George etc. producer and on-air host 7

A Newsletter from St Mark’s Anglican Church, Port Hope news on Northumberland Jelly Roll Morton, the Flower a few laughs, news of 89.7, Truly Local Radio. Duet from Lakme to Leon community volunteer Redbone’s “I Wanna Be opportunities, a heads-up on It has been said, by those who Seduced” and everything in- the latest scams targeting know about such things, that I between, mainly as a protest seniors, an interview with a have “the perfect face for radio”. against the head-banging stuff local expert on matters of I am not quite sure what they that swamps much of radio. particular interest to those of mean by that, but indeed I us who the BCP describes as have discovered a whole new being ‘of riper years’, and career, albeit unpaid and music in which you can purely voluntary, as a radio distinguish all the words. personality on our all- volunteer station. I have May I urge St Markers to narrated my own short stories listen in on Thursdays at 12:06 of a fictional town, on the pm – both seniors and those shores of a great lake, called who hope one day to be Faith Harbour (vide 1 Cor., seniors – to How Green Are The seniors program is called Ch.13, v.13), and followed up Your Bananas. And because “How Green Are Your by narrating the whole of our station works hard to live Bananas”, arising from a Stephen Leacock. up to our claim of Truly Local comment that I made to the Radio, you might enjoy our I have a show on Sunday chair of the station that they Ron Rowe, Security other shows that are all about evenings called “I Know What should probably have a back- this place where we all live. I Like” which features artistes up for me, since I was of an from Dame Nellie Melba to age where I no longer bought green bananas. The show has

Adventures in Ecumenism Nola MacDonald, Outreach and Social Justice Committee

In December 2015 a group of John’s, and St. Paul’s joined United Church to sponsor a nine people from the Anglican with Port Hope United Syrian family. The Almadani Churches of St. Mark’s, St. Church and New Hope family arrived in August 2016.

8

A Newsletter from St Mark’s Anglican Church, Port Hope The formal sponsorship of the complementary talents and “You mean you don’t have a family ended September 30 passion for the cause. Corporation?” Lots of strange 2017. The family has settled things to learn about one Lots of face time (otherwise successfully in Cobourg. The another. Over time though, known as structured final meeting of The River of individual loyalties to meetings) helped to develop Hope: Refugee Sponsorship took respective churches were common purpose and trust. place October 25 2017. gradually superseded by We agreed on an Executive loyalty to our collective work. “You shouldn’t have much and quickly approved a Perhaps that is a defining difficulty with the sponsorship of Mandate that kept us on track feature of ecumenical success. the family, your real challenge when diversions arose. The will be keeping the churches Committee experienced some In the end, we came to an together”. This from Ian early success with press agreement. It must have been McBride, the Executive coverage for our fund raising a good document because we Director of AURA, who has and the immediate never had to look at it again. more than 30 years of achievement of the appeal The partnership between our experience working with goal enabled us to move Committee and St. John’s ran Anglican and United churches forward with confidence. smoothly ever after. sponsoring refugees. AURA required us to select a By the time the family arrived, So, from the outset we had single church with the legal we were a well-functioning two inter related goals: authority to sign a contract team with clearly defined successful refugee with them and with the roles and responsibilities. We sponsorship and successful Government of Canada. St. had worked hard to prepare, ecumenical collaboration. John’s Church stepped up to to be awarded a family, and to Everyone on the committee take on that responsibility but begin the settlement process. was committed to both. How suddenly our sense of equal And then our life as a group, did we achieve the latter? partnership and the quite out of the blue, took on management of the project by a whole new dimension. The Each church nominated their our group felt threatened. A arrival of the Almadani family own representatives. As we Memorandum of was transformative. We had introduced ourselves at the Understanding between St. been thinking that God was first meeting it was evident John’s and each of our working through us but that that members of the group Churches was developed and was only part of the story. had the diverse skills and revised. This was a tricky, experience to cover all the We worked hard with the time consuming process areas of a settlement plan. volunteers to help the family requiring some compromise From the outset we were and they were grateful. But on all parts. There was a lot of aware that no single one of they also gave back “more than shuttle diplomacy by each of our churches could have we could ask or imagine”. From our reps to their respective mustered such a group of the moment we first met churches. “What’s a Vestry?” 9 A Newsletter from St Mark’s Anglican Church, Port Hope them, spiritual rewards began Our final meeting was and a few tears. “See how these to circle around to us. God October 25 2017. We had Christians love one another”. kept seeking us out through much to celebrate. The The famous statement is the family. There was sponsorship had gone very sometimes said ironically. For nowhere to hide. well and our adventure in our group, those words held ecumenism was a successful true. one. There were some hugs Music Notes Randy Mills, Organist and Choir Master

Upcoming Music Events at St Sun. Dec. 17, 7pm at St Mark’s. loving friends to join us. The Mark’s and Beyond Nine Lessons and Carol for Singers will generously allow Fri. Dec. 1, 7pm at Wesleyville Christmas. Based on the all funds raised to stay here at Chapel. Our young singers traditional service made St Mark’s! rang choirchimes and sang famous by King’s College, Other music notes: audience carols. These events Cambridge, from Once in Our own Kate Legakis will be put St Mark’s on the map and Royal David’s City to Hark examined for the Bronze we are grateful for all the the Herald Angels. Be sure to Award of the Royal School of enthusiastic participation! invite friends to join you! Church Music Canada in late November. Watch Lion’s Roar for an update, and give Kate your support!

Sun. Dec. 3, 4pm at St Mark’s. Beckie Hazlitt, sister of Advent Lessons and Carols choristers Margaret and with our wonderful choirs. Elizabeth, has joined the Reception to follow at the choir. Beckie participated with Rectory. choirchime ringing at Wesleyville and has been to several of our rehearsals.

Be sure to ask Phil Redford If he is enjoying his first term as Looking ahead: a retired teacher! Phil taught Sun. Feb. 11, 2018, 3pm at St at Cobourg’s Merwin Greer Mark’s. The Marion Singers, School but sounds busier now including our own Marion – one email before a choir Thompson, and conducted by rehearsal came from Chris Dawes will sing for us. Tobermory! Be sure to tell your music-

10 A Newsletter from St Mark’s Anglican Church, Port Hope Third Sundays – an initiative to and Sun. Dec. 17, both at 4pm. have our younger singers Sunday’s service often has the become even more active most space available, but during Sunday morning there are often seats in the Eucharists. Some of the girls gallery at Saturday’s service will take turn reading a (if you can stand the loud lesson, or leading in other Tuba stop!). If asked at the ways. Please be sure to speak door (no tickets required), just to them about their role at the say I need you as a page- coffee hour! turner! Of course, if you want to be at the TCS Chapel on TCS Carol Services. People Sunday, Randy Mills will be often ask about these, which watching for you at St Mark’s fall this year on Sat. Dec. 16 Carols at 7 the same day!

Move with the times and reap the rewards Roddy Sergiades, Sexton

I'm sure you've heard it all has been wooed and brain- and Sunday shopping where before, that church is full of washed into worshipping the lowest price is the law? old fuddy-duddies who are consumerism. This false out of touch and only 'religion' through its rampant For reasons I will not go into, concerned with long gone promotion of materialism I am firmly convinced that a dead white men who have (don't you love all the 'isms') secular society cannot survive. nothing to teach us. is not only exhausting the Through organized religion, world's resources, but including Anglicanism, we The above description of the threatening to destroy the can ultimately help lead typical church goer and world's ecosystems that civilization to a much brighter Anglicanism in particular ensure, literally, our every future and away from the seems to be the general public breath. destructive path now perception, especially in befalling us. larger centres, and is often In the meantime, for many if repeated ad nauseam in the not most churches, attendance So what can churches do? Isn't mainstream media. continues to decline as this a hopeless cause? Well, in parishioners age out and the long term, say 25 and In a nutshell, the conventional Sunday schools attract fewer more years from now, I expect wisdom sees churches and and fewer new 'students'. church attendance to be their followers as irrelevant After all, who can compete bulging at the seams, as anachronisms. Furthermore, with scratch and save sales people look for answers much of the general public brought about by the first in a 11 A Newsletter from St Mark’s Anglican Church, Port Hope series of massive famines. only are we actually 'with it', we use the teachings of Jesus Many today are aware of an but we really can lead society to provide us with spiritual environmental crisis, even if to the promised land. And, nourishment, God furnishes most have a very poor besides, the environment is us with the sustenance understanding of global very trendy now. necessary to our physical warming and its ramifications selves, including food, water for society and individuals in Many people today are and air. Jesus showed us how particular. Yet, as this pro- retiring to Port Hope and to lead a holy life, we through blem worsens, more and more Cobourg from Toronto and God as earth's custodians people will seek the truth. they are looking for answers. must do the same to ensure Why else would full 1 and 2 eternal life for ourselves and (As an aside, I have been page religious advertisements those yet to come. doing extensive research on be run dead centre in the the world's ecological systems Globe and Mail business Those organizations that met for an upcoming book and section? The religious the challenge of their times, be have, unfortunately, come to a organizations paying for those they business, sport, or most unwelcome conclusion: very expensive ads aren't religious amongst others, not perhaps those convenient, stupid. People are searching only survived, but often disposable coffee cups*, for answers. The problem thrived. The bodies that which each produce a quarter- with the spiritually bankrupt didn't, fell by the wayside. pound of carbon dioxide consumerism/materialism is pollution are not so that every time you try to fill So let's get with it, show convenient after all.) the hole it created by buying leadership, and move with the more, the hole gets bigger. times. We could start with baby steps by adopting much St. Marks, as well as other more environmentally Anglican churches, can feed friendly practices of our own. this spiritual hunger by In other words, walk the talk. showing the public at large This could include little things that they are not the such as never using antiquated and anachronistic disposable plates, cutlery and, This is a golden opportunity institutions many believe you guessed it, cups, at for the church to use its them to be. After all, Jesus church functions. It could also silverware as a silver lining Christ himself never used encompass being vigilant for this matter and would be a disposable coffee cups. about saving hydro and great way to introduce St. making sure the lights are Mark's into people's lives. But how can we do this? always turned off when not Quite simply by marrying the needed; these earthly steps In the meantime to make sure teachings of Jesus Christ with will also conveniently benefit our churches remain viable till a greatly enhanced awareness St. Mark's purse. A church then, we should show that not of our natural world. Just as that installed solar panels on 12 A Newsletter from St Mark’s Anglican Church, Port Hope its roof would really be a Just as Jesus encouraged us to *By 2050, the world's oceans beacon for a better world that live in harmony, we need to are projected to have more would be hard to deny; at the do the same, as our very plastic in them than fish, and least, it would certainly get existence depends on it. Jesus yet every year, over four people talking. rose from the dead to lead an billion plastic-lined Starbucks eternal life. Can the church (and Tim Hortons) cups get And, of course, we need to be ascend once more and become thrown out, as they are not shouting from the rooftops of the relevant force for change, recyclable. our own conversion, or at but with new fogies at the least do it through the local helm? press and social media.

Among Friends Claire Mowat et al

We pray for Geoff Dale who Dorothy Geale travelled to five. Her funeral was in St remains in Northumberland The Gambia in September as Mark’s Church on October 12 Hills Hospital. and her ashes interned in our cemetery. Margaret Hazlitt spent 6 weeks this past summer at Cadet Summer Training Centre Connaught near Ottawa. She is in her fourth year as a Sea Cadet at RCSCC part of a World Health Skeena. She took the Air Rifle Organization mission to Marksmanship Instructor assess country emergency course, in which she helped preparedness in the wake of Tom Lawson was honoured train the younger cadets. She the Ebola crisis in 2014. at the 50th anniversary of the was awarded Top Cadet in 3 Canadian Student Debating Troop of Charlie Company. We mourn the death of Federation’s National Seminar Valerie Smith who died held at Trinity College School October 7 after a long illness. TCS October 10 to 13. Started Val had been a high school teacher of French and for many years she sang in our choir. Val was the wife of Stephen Smith and mother of

Ann, Jen and the late Adrian as well as a grandmother of

13 A Newsletter from St Mark’s Anglican Church, Port Hope by Tom in 1967 as an An exhibit of the wonderful It was a moving sight and independent school tourn- work of photographer and was assembled by Fr Randy ament it has evolved into parishioner, John DeVisser Murray. Randy Mills and national event. can be seen in the Corner then Peter Roe played Gallery in our Parish Hall. suitably eerie music on our The Blessing of The Animals These photographs were marvelous organ while a team was held in our church on originally for John’s book, of volunteers, mostly in October 1 to bless our beloved This Rock Within the Sea, a costumes, gave out treats to pests, past and present, and portrait of outpost New- visiting children, some of the joy they bring us. Several foundland fifty years ago. whom had never been in a parishioners, and some church before. others, brought their pets. Susan Abell along with Iris and Killari Geale, brought their cats. Lynn and Les

Robling brought a photo of Ginger their orange feline. For a second time, St Mark’s Sian Ruttan brought her dog. Church was open for visitors Rev. Ann Smith who on All Hallow’s Eve – known presided, brought her two as Halloween. What many do dogs. She gave us thoughts not know, this is a religious on the writings of St Francis festival; the night before All Assissi. We sang, All Saints’ Day on November 1. Jan and Terry Hill recently Creatures Great and Small and It was once believed that on returned from a trip to Kenya. also All Things Bright and this night, the graves would While visiting the library at Beautiful. The choir sang a open and the dead would re- Angama Mare, they noticed splendid anthem called Prayer appear. That’s why there is the rare sight of a book by a Of The Cat. Randy Mills an emphasis on ghosts and Canadian author. It was played the organ. skeletons. Commemorating Woman In The Mists by Farley this, we had dozens of pale Mowat. Farley Mowat died orange lights on the graves in in 2014 and was a longtime our cemetery as a reminder of member of this church. this ancient Christian festival.

14 A Newsletter from St Mark’s Anglican Church, Port Hope Charis Cotter, daughter of the did us proud. We look Rev. Graham Cotter, has forward to our 200th recently published a new anniversary five years from young adult novel titled, The now. Painting. Charis lives in Sian Ruttan is working at Newfoundland and was Palisade Gardens in Cobourg recently home in this area to where Elmer Bogjay and visit family and friends. Helen Kennedy live. On November 23 our local While leafing through a daily newspaper, sheaf of papers to be Northumberland Today featured shredded, I came across a a great article and splendid letter from St Mark’s Church photograph of St Mark’s thanking Farley Mowat for Church. It noted that we are his donation to our organ the second oldest building in fund. It was signed by our Port Hope and the oldest two church wardens of the Anglican Church in time; Mary Prower and Ernie continuous use in the Diocese Watkinson. They wished of Toronto. Peter Kedwell Les Robling has published Farley and Claire a Merry was on hand to outline details ebooks. As well as an Christmas, December, 1989. of our campaign for the 2013 accomplished artist Les is also Luckily, with many generous parish hall. He also listed the an author. His artwork is parishioners, we paid for our many community often featured at Christmas at Gabriel Kney Organ almost organizations who are housed St Mark’s at the end of right away. November. in our excellent hall. It was a well-deserved article which

Recent and Upcoming Events Gwen Duck & Peter Kedwell, Events Committee

Hollyberry Bazaar November 4 was a great (Baking), Carol and Steve success thanks to the many Poste (Seasonal Greens), volunteers under the Heather (Tea Room), Jenn leadership of Gwen Duck and Mitchell (Specialty Table), Heather Rowe. A special Sue West (Jewellery), Liz thank you to those who Prower and David Brooks coordinated the various (White Elephant). tables: Jill Walkingshaw This year’s bazaar on (Kitchen), Dorothy Potter 15 A Newsletter from St Mark’s Anglican Church, Port Hope Cheers to those who sold St. Mark’s extends a sincere our event. Our own Jenn tickets, baked pies and other thank you to Heather and Mitchell, Sharon Keates, goodies, worked in the Ron Rowe for many, many John Morand and Les kitchen, waited tables, years of dedicated service to Robling were again in decorated, preserved, cut the bazaar. They are stepping attendance this year. Karen greens, donated jewellery and away from organizational Wales, Jenn’s daughter, joined white elephant items and did aspect of the bazaar and will us again and it was good to the DISHES! The bazaar is a be missed terribly. welcome back Bill McKee and great community building his handmade creches. day and there were many The parish table featured positive comments. After additional preserves from donations and expenses there Gwen and Carol as well as will be a profit of +/- $5,000. some items left over from our The winners of the raffle very successful bazaar three draws were: weeks earlier. Christmas @ St Mark’s Quilt – Marion Thompson In spite of a not-so Capitol Theatre tickets – encouraging forecast, the day Cathy Waugh dawned overcast with rain Gift Basket – Ron Rowe and ended with and sunny patches and agreeable Afghan – Kristine Stacey temperatures. The shopping

Congratulations to all the public came, a constant flow, winners and thanks to it seemed, until well after Carol Poste and our “Cookies everyone who purchased lunchtime. There is always a for Christmas” team were busy tickets to support the hiatus because of Santa’s visit and sold out. The kitchen Hollyberry Bazaar. Special downtown. scrubbies, a gift from Donna thanks to St. Mark’s Quilters, King, sold well. Gift items This year we welcomed the Capitol Theatre, and Your from friends of Gwen and twenty artists and artisans Independent Grocer for Carol’s brother were instant from the Northumberland- allowing us to sell tickets and hits. We re-instituted the sale Quinte area to our beautiful display the quilt and to Penny of books on the 2nd floor this parish hall. Five vendors – Foster, Pat Symonds’ sister, year – a successful Cassandra Cornall (honey), for creating 3 lovely afghans undertaking. Allison Lawler (rustic signs), for the bazaar, one of which Jennifer Trefiak (artist), Karen Space does not allow me the was used in the raffle. All Joy (decorative rocks, opportunity to thank all those 1000 tickets sold this year and magnets) and Emily Hunt who helped but I do wish to the quilt raffle made $861. (illustrations) - were new to recognize the support of Jill Walkingshaw (lunch co- 16

A Newsletter from St Mark’s Anglican Church, Port Hope ordinator), Dorothy Potter management of artisans. Her salad, wine and dessert; draw and Gwen Duck. Volunteers expertise, energy and for prizes; friends and family (25 in total) throughout the suggestions were key to a invited but please sign up! day assisted in various ways: wonderful event again this set-up and take-down, year. December 25 Christmas staffing the St. Mark’s table, Thanks to everyone who has Community Dinner transporting wares, selling been a part of this success raffle tickets, wares and since 2000. cookies, helping shoppers and generally making guest Please mark your calendars artisans and the public for the following events welcome. I wish to also Anyone alone on Christmas acknowledge and thank December 2 & 3 – Creche are welcome to come to our Heather Rowe as greeter and Display Parish Hall on Christmas Day raffle ticket seller. The festive - doors open at 12:30 with music supplied by DJ Robert dinner at 1p.m. Smith was much appreciated. Turkey and ham dinner with all the fixings! Final figures are not in yet; a guesstimate is $3300 after February 13 Pancake expenses, one of our best ever Supper – for this event. Comments from both artisans and clientele spoke of the eclectic nature and quality of items for sale. Many thanks to all who helped, shopped and gave suggestions for next year,

Saturday 24th November 2018. December 17 Parish Christmas Party St Mark’s traditional The winner of the artisans’ community pancake supper gift basket was Iris Bickle of from 5:00 to 7:00. Mark this Canton, sister-in-law of date for the beginning of Lent. Marnie and Bill Bickle, former parishioners. Thank you for your ongoing As co-chair, a final thank you support. is due to Louise Moore who Sponsored by the Early Risers. co-ordinated the sign-up and No charge menu of chili,

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A Newsletter from St Mark’s Anglican Church, Port Hope

JACOB’S LADDER

St. Mark’s Anglican Church 51 King Street, Port Hope, ON L1A 2R6