The Church of St. John the Evangelist Banner February 2019 Rector’s Report to 2019 Vestry on 2018 & the Future consecrated you; I appointed you a proph- These are emboldening words. These By The Reverend Lyndon et to the nations.’ words are for us - we who are called by Hutchison-Hounsell, Tssf Then I said, ‘Ah, Lord God! Truly I God to not only offer our time, talent and Your Parish Priest do not know how to speak, for I am only a treasure, but to also go out and tell - tell boy.’ the Good News of God’s healing love through Grace. But the Lord said to me, ‘Do not say, (Jeremiah 1:4-10; Psalm 71:1-6; This past year we saw some wonder- 1 Corinthians 13:1-3; Luke 4:21-30) “I am only a boy”; for you shall go to all to whom I send you, and you shall speak ful evangelism opportunities organized by whatever I command you. Do not be Ilona Bevan for people of all ages with God, the Lord of all the earth, calls afraid of them, for I am with you to deliv- the support of a Jubilee Grant from our Jeremiah to be a prophet. And we are er you, says the Lord.’ Diocese. We continue to be emboldened called as well. Each year we gather at and inspired to go out to share the Good Then the Lord put out his hand and News through the music and singing that Vestry to elect and appoint those who will touched my mouth; and the Lord said to lead us. Each year at Vestry we commit a we hear and do. This music and prayer me, ‘Now I have put my words in your can fill our soul and lift us to a place portion of our time, talent and treasure mouth. and we affirm, through where we feel peace, a budget, the work that where we gain hope, we will do in order to where our faith is fulfil God’s Mission strengthened and here at St. John’s. This where we know God’s is prophetic work. love; and through this Jeremiah tells of peace, hope, faith and his own call by the love we can be em- God of our ancestors: powered, like the Prophet Jeremiah - Now the word of empowered to have the Lord came to me the words to spread saying, ‘Before I Rector and Wardens at Vestry 2019 the message of formed you in the From left: Martin Baya (Rector’s Warden), Spencer Sandor (People’s Warden), Christ’s Good News. womb I knew you, and Lyndon Hutchison-Hounsell (Rector), Nora Lanning (Deputy Rector’s Warden), and (Continued on page 16) before you were born I David Hall (Deputy People’s Warden)

Wednesday March 6—Ash Wednesday 10:00 am and 7:00 pm:—Ashes and Communion Upcoming Events Wed. February 27—What It’s Like to be Poor in London Sundays February 24, March 3, 10, 17, 31, April 7 7:00—8:30 pm:—3 Panelists, Discussion, Refreshments Pilgrim Course—Part 4 on “The Beatitudes” Sponsored by the St. John’s Outreach Committee. 12:00 noon—1:15 pm —After Church in the Office Area Details on page 12. This group is for those who want the change to think about the Christian faith...Everyone Welcome! Sunday March 3—Special Vestry Meeting RSVP to office: 519-432-3743 or [email protected] 11:45 am—12:15 pm (in the Nave following the service) For getting permission to continue with Phase 1 Mar. 17, Apr 28, May 1, Jun 16—Retail Card Fundraisers of our building upgrades An easy way to help raise funds for the church. Buy retail cards at face value, and the church gets a Sunday March 3—Art Song Recital with Joseé Landry percentage back. Order dates shown above. 2:00-3:00 pm:—with pianist Stépahnie Gouin. Donations to St. John’s Music Endowment Fund Saturday April 27—Anglican Church Women accepted in lieu of tickets 2019 Annual Conference & Meeting St. Paul’s Cathedral Tuesday March 5—Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper 9:00 am—Registration 5:00-7:00 pm:—Featuring the 10:00 am—Meeting Herded Cats Dixieland Band 12:00 pm—Lunch

The Banner 2 February 2019

The Church of now reading the book again for another book St. John the Evangelist We Get Letters club I belong to (retirement in Kingston is great!) and so I was especially interested in Volume 8 No. 13 Dear Bob, I have just read the December Banner, cov- reading John Thompson’s wonderful article er to cover, and wanted to thank you, Bob, for about the St. John’s Hospitality Meal Pro- Banner once again thoughtfully sending us this hard gramme and the Ten Rules for Addressing Pan- copy. Don and I really appreciate reading it in handlers that he included at the end of the arti- 280 St. James St. this way, looking at the great photos of people cle. Having just re-read the Wagamese novel, it London, Ontario people we know, of friends we still hold dear struck me as very timely. I will be sharing it and of faces that are new to us. The articles are with my book club. Phone 519-432-3743 always interesting and thought-provoking. St. Fax 519-432-5802 So I just wanted you to know how much we John’s will always be for us the most wonderful appreciate your interesting and well put- [email protected] parish, filled with the many loving and caring www.stjohnslondon.ca together Banner, knowing that you and Michael parishioners who live out their Christian life in spend so much time and skill to produce such a StJohnsLondon meaningful and selfless ways through their min- professional looking publication that reflects St. StJohnsLondon istry. John the Evangelist’s on-going journey of faith

Don and I belong to a book club in one of and commitment. Co-Editors / Publishers the Kingston area penitentiaries where we had Love from us both to you and Anne and Bob Hayman read Ragged Company by the talented Richard your family, Michael Hayman Wagamese’s (who, sadly, died last year). I love Photo Credits his books and this one particularly resonated Margaret Ford Bob Hayman, with the men in our club. It is the story of three Michael Hayman, street people who find a winning lottery ticket, Don Ford was the Steward McIntyre, but can't cash it in as they have no personal ID, Rector at St. Simon Davies, something that most of us can't imagine living John’s from 1999 Mary Jane Symonette, without. So the premise of the novel is about -2012. Margaret Kevin Bice how the three are able to get the money and and Don have Rev. Lyndon how it subsequently affects their lives. I am retired to the Benjamin Musgrave’s sister Cecile Kingston area.

The Rev. Lyndon Hutchison-Hounsell Vestry Meeting 2019 (226-977-2025)

Priest Assistant Sunday February 3, 2019 Nora Lanning The Rev. Dr. Deputy Rector’s Warden Stephen McClatchie Meet our New Wardens My life at St. John's began in Deacon David Hall the early 1970s when my family The Rev. Dr. John Thompson Deputy People’s Warden moved from Toronto to London Honorary Assistant David and his wife Sara first Ontario. When Todd and Laura The Venerable were nearing the age to consider Nora Mickey Chovaz came to St. John’s in 1975 as stu- Lanning dents and became members after confirmation, they said “If it is im- L.Th. portant that we be confirmed at St. John the marrying in 1977 and acquiring Musical Director teaching positions in London. David Hall Evangelist then you should also.” Thus I attend- Dr. Allan Bevan Most of David's involvement at St. John’s has ed the classes and was confirmed when the late been through the music program. After singing Rev. Terry Finlay was Rector. Children and Youth bass in the Sr. Choir for 18 years, and often sub- Over the decades my family has experienced Ministry Developer stituting for our music director at the time, Hugh the various rites of passage: namely 2 weddings Ilona Bevan McLean, including his sabbatical leaves in 1981 (children) 2 funerals (immediate family) and 1 People’s Wardens and 1988, David was hired by the church to take baptism (grand daughter) : all taking place at St. Spencer Sandor over as Choir Director when Hugh retired in John the Evangelist Church. David Hall 1995. Twenty years later David resigned from I have been active in many roles in the

Rector’s Wardens this position after our beloved organist Jenny Church. They include positions as a Sunday Marin Baya Aylsworth died. David has also provided music school teacher, Eucharistic administrator, Chair Nora Lanning for numerous social events and directed the St. of the Centennial Committee 1988, pastoral care John's Marching Band for about 35 years. The visitor, Deputy Rector’s Warden (2 years), Rec- If you wish to contact a Halls’ five adult children still consider St. John's warden, you may do so tor’s Warden (2 years) ,and member of the Altar through the church office. their spiritual home. David is pleased to continue Guild ongoing. serving St. John’s in a new role. I am grateful to all the various parish mem- Church Secretary bers who have enhanced the tapestry of my life. Kate Drum (Continued on page 3)

The Banner 3 February 2019

(Continued from page 2) Selected Notes from the Vestry Minutes Sunday February 3, 2019 As prepared by Mary Lynn Berthelet  There were 59 signatories on the attendance roll. Rector and Wardens at Vestry 2019  Regarding the Capital Campaign and Construction projects, Wardens From left: Martin Baya (Rector’s Warden), Spencer Sandor (People’s Warden), Erica Brown and Cody Barteet re- Erica Brown (outgoing Warden), Lyndon Hutchison-Hounsell (Rector), ported that $968,000 has been Cody Barteet (outgoing Warden), Mary Lynn Berthelet (Vestry Clerk). pledged to date, with over $500,000 in the dedicated bank account, and offered thanks to those who have supported this initiative so gener- ously. While these are glad tidings, there is still a lot of work to do; however, we have every right to be optimistic for the success of this 5 year endeavour.  Allan Avis Architects and Hayman Construction are under contract to oversee and complete the repairs and upgrades, which will begin this spring. Initial joint consultations Lyndon thanks retiring Warden Erica Brown and planning are underway and the next steps being delineated.  It was moved by Martin Baya, and seconded by Spencer Sandor that the budget for 2019 be approved as presented, which includes the au- thorization for the Churchwardens to transfer from the Endowment Fund up to $23,200 (4% of the val- ue of the Endowment) and (50,106 (cover 2019 deficit), totalling Tasty treats enjoyed before the $73,306, when necessary, for cash meeting began flow purposes, thereby investing in our programs to grow in to the fu- ture. CARRIED unanimously. Lyndon thanks retiring Warden Cody Barteet  Gales of laughter were frequent.

Members of Parish Council are as follows:

Elected Officers and Parish Council Members Appointed by the Wardens People’s Churchwarden ...... Martin Baya Treasurer ...... David Haak Deputy People’s Churchwarden ...... David Hall Bookkeeper ...... Michael Hayman Envelope Secretary ...... Bill Fleming Lay Representatives to Diocesan Synod ...... Jennifer Roy & Bruce Tuck Appointed by the Rector Substitute Lay Representatives to Rector’s Churchwarden ...... Spencer Sandor Diocesan Synod ...... Petey Noble & David Hall Deputy Rector’s Churchwarden ...... Nora Lanning Parish Council Parish Council Members-at-Large ...... Jan Delaney, Michael Godwin, Members-at-Large ...... Richard Bain, Ilona Bevan, ...... Tina Zink-Brawn, Guy Holburn ...... Cory Davies, David Haak Youth Member-at-Large ...... Moses Francis

The Banner 4 February 2019

Capital Campaign Update As the Campaign continues over the SHARE-LOVE-SERVE next months, each gift is extremely im- “Building Tomorrow Together” portant to the future of St. John the Evan- gelist. We still have a way to go to reach St. John the Evangelist Capital Campaign our goal, so please consider making a pledge of increasing your pledge if you The SHARE-LOVE-SERVE Campaign officially launched in can. Each gift is also appreciated and val- February 2018 with the goa of raising $1.7 million over a period of 5 ued! Thank you to everyone who has con- years to fund renovations of St. John the Evangelist. The campaign tributed and will contribute. Thank you to began with a wonderful Capital Campaign Committee that started everyone who also gives of their time and planning in September 2017. talent to the success of the future of St. The first two phases of the campaign involved visiting parishion- John’s ers to talk about the campaign and to see their support through dona- Below is a graphic representation of tions and gifts. These visits were done by campaign committee mem- the total pledges received compared to the bers, the Rector, and volunteer Ambassadors. During these first two planned construction projects, in order of phase, Foundations and other charitable organizations were also ap- their priority (thank you Kevin Bice, for proached about giving the Capital Campaign through grants. the design). As a result of everyone’s dedication and commitment to this St. John’s Capital Campaign, the generous gifts of for the Campaign as of January 15, 2019 are:  Campaign in Pledges ...... $967,528  Capital Campaign Savings Account Balance at Libro ...... $529,568  Gifts to the Campaign ...... 102 Thank you, St. John’s Members! We are also grateful to Anglican Foundation, for supporting the Campaign with a $10,000 donation. The City of London and the Community Foundation also generously contributed through a Herit- age Grant. Each year, St. John can apply for this grant for continued funding. The Federal Government also has a grant called Enabling Accessibility Fund for Small Projects. Notice of award for the grant will happen later this Spring 2019.

“Here’s the state-of-the-art gymnasium, here’s the coffee bar and internet café …oh, yeah—and this little thing over here is the new sanctuary.” A consultant not hired by St. John’s!

The Banner 5 February 2019 By Petey Noble Capital Campaign Testimonials Erica called me a few days ago asking me to By David and Sara Hall speak during Sunday Service announcements, about why I have contributed to our Share, Love, Serve Over 40 years ago David and I came Campaign. I agreed to the 2 minute rule, knowing I to St. John's on a cold rainy October would need to speak as quickly as possible in order morning. We were immediately taken by to SAY as much as I FEEL about the reasons for my the beauty of the building and the smiles decision. It has to do with my gratitude to St. John’s Petey Noble on the faces of people bustling about, and my love for this spectacular building and what it busy with pre-service activities. The means to each of us and to our church community as well as it’s church reached out and hugged me. David and Sara Hall greater community. We officially joined the church after At first, my purpose for speaking was to try to convince any of our student days, joined the choir and spent 20 years as choir direc- you who have not yet pledged, to be part of this initiative and to tors, helping plan music for hundreds of services. plan to make your own contributions. The activites (such as bazaars, New Year's Eve, pub nights, Then I remembered that I was to say what it was that moved coffee houses, hospitality dinners, etc.) brought us together outside me to make my own pledge. worship time and helped us form life-long friendships. Our 5 chil- Ten years ago I was invited by my good friends, the Munns, to dren all grew up here and were baptized, confirmed, sang in the attend some activities and fund raisers at St. John’s. I realized that junior choir, acted in the pageants and played in the marching every time I walked through the doors of this building, I felt wel- band. They spent their teenage years as servers and also developed comed. Welcomed not only by the people here but also, somehow, many friendships. by the building itself. I soon decided that I would really like to have In times of trouble and challenge to our family, this community the pleasure of formally belonging to this Parish. has helped. When David had his accident, so much food was deliv- I could see what was going on at the corner of Wellington and ered to our freezer that I didn't cook for two months. St. James, and I liked it - a lot. I wanted to be part of what I saw Together, with our friends, we have welcomed new parishion- and also to give part of myself to what goes on inside this building ers and celebrated in their weddings and end of life ceremonies. To and beyond. I was attracted to the sense of community, industry me this church and its community has a magical, comforting feel- and purpose. I enjoyed the music, the ritual and the liturgy, the light ing. It still reaches out and hugs me, and is worth preserving. shining through the windows and the opportunity to welcome the sense of peace I experienced during the services. So, I did formally Every Sunday as I come up for communion I am reminded of join and I continue to belong. how urgent it is for us as a congregation to do what we can to main- tain this building; because I see the water damage on the arch and Belonging for me involves my promise to be part of guarantee- pillar up here worsen almost weekly. If it isn't corrected there ing that this building, its mission and its ministries will continue to could be eventual damage to our precious organ. That is just one thrive and to vibrantly serve its parishioners and those in the com- example of the important repairs that must be made and that I feel munity who benefit from its outreach initiatives. we all must take responsibility for. As dear as this congregation is So, I did listen to my heart and I made my pledge - still won- to our family, we also have an important facility in which to meet dering-Have I given as much as I can? Can I give more? and worship and carry out good works. The fact that we have one I am hoping that I can encourage those of you who have not yet of the most beautiful and historic places of worship in London adds made your own pledge, to ask the same questions and take time to to our sense of responsibility to maintain and preserve this heritage consider what St. John’s has meant to you and to those you love as site. you make your own commitments -as you are able. I remind you In short, we love this parish and this building and feel it is part that each and every pledge or donation is of great value. of our responsibility as members of this congregation to help main- In closing , I shall tell you about a very special donation that tain this building. That is why we donated to the capital campaign. was made toward the building of the Church that nourishes us still in so many ways. In 1888a friend of St. John’s “was able to donate only 50 cents.” What a splendid legacy!

weatherproofing repairs. These repairs are estimated to cost about Special Vestry Meeting Called $475,000. Phase 1 Building Upgrades In the summer of 2017 we began To date we have received pledges to Phase 1 of our Building Upgrades, The meeting will be held in the Nave our Capital Campaign of over which included asbestos abatement, immediately following the 10:30 am $970,000 and we have over Church Office roof repair and $574,000 in our Capital Campaign service on Sunday March 3, 2019. Church Hall floor repair. Under the Bank Account. direction of Allan Avis Architects Dear Members of our parish, and the management of Hayman We need your permission to do the We, your Wardens and Rector, are Construction we are now ready to work listed under Phase 1 (see Work calling a Special Vestry Meeting for get started on the rest of Phase 1, Plan attached on Page 2 under March 3rd, 2019 after the 10:30am which includes primarily roof repairs column G), therefore we are calling a Eucharist for the purpose of getting that are needed on the rest of our Special Vestry Meeting right after permission to continue with Phase 1 building as well as a few mechanical the 10:30am church service on rd of our building upgrades. upgrades and exterior Sunday, March 3 , 2019.

The Banner 6 February 2019 Guest Preacher Parish News By Bob Hayman Choir’s St. John’s parishioners were pleased to welcome Rev. Cameron Candlemas Party Gutjahr to our service on Sunday By Kevin Bice February 10. Cameron delivered a The St. John’s Senior great Homily as guest preacher from choir revived an old our Pulpit Christian tradition by He currently is a Transitional holding a party to cel- Candles on the hearth Deacon, ordained in the Diocese of ebrate Candle- New Westminster, and a longtime mas. Candlemas is member and leader St. Mary’s, Ker- Rev. Cameron Gutjahr a holiday which acknowledges risdale. He is currently completing two events - the presentation of his seminary training in Theology at the child Jesus in the temple and Huron College leading to priesthood the purification of the Virgin this year Mary. It is also the time when all the candles to be used during the Art Song Recital church year are blessed. At this All are invited to An Afternoon grey and cold time of the year, of Art Song with Josée Landry at St. the choir felt in need of a celebra- John the Evangelist Church on Sun- tion involving light, laughter and A few of our newer choir members day, March 3rd at 2:00 p.m. fellowship. The pot-luck dinner A donation of $10 is suggested. was held at the home of Kevin and Tax receipts will be issued for dona- Josée Landry Daphne Bice with each arriving tions of $50 or more. All proceeds to guest bringing a candle as well as the St. John’s Endowment for Music. their contribution to the meal. Bling, Books, Bake Sale Once again Spring is coming and we need your costume jewelry for the Bling Sale. A donation basket for BLING donations will be set up at the Wardens’ pew at the back of the church. We are only in need of jewelry, so no purses please. Thank you.

A time to relax and chat around the fire Intercessor Workshop By Rev. Lyndon We held our intercessor workshop on Feb 9th., where we spent some time learning about how the intercessions are an opportunity in our liturgy to reflect on what we have learned from our bible readings and how these may inspire us to address the cares and concern of our world and our congregation so that we can share the peace and gather around God's table where we are spiritually nour- ished by Christ to go out and make a difference.

Flute Solo Our fearless leader

The Choir in action Intercessor Workshop

The Banner 7 February 2019 The Celtic Way - Sabbath Time for Body, Mind & Soul

By the Rev. Lyndon life, and to share that experience with Paul’s Cathedral to celebrate the Great Hutchison-Hounsell Tssf God through Christ in prayer. Vigil of Easter. And there are opportuni- My spiritual director poses the ques- ties to go on a Holy Land Pilgrimage with Bishop Terry Dance and to gather From April 27th to July tion “WHERE DO YOU GO ON A PIL- th 27th I will be taking a Sabbath GRIMAGE?” and he cites Genesis 28:18 on Feb 24 after church to learn about leave, which will be followed “Jacob took the stone that he had used as how to plan our own pilgrimage. by my summer holiday time until Sep- a pillow and set it up as a pillar and A part of our ancient English Chris- tember 2nd.I am grateful that, with the poured oil over it. He called that place tian Pilgrimage tradition is to visit Can- permission of our bishop, the Rev. Dr. Bethel – God’s House.” Jacob’s descend- terbury Cathedral or the Holy Island of Stephen McClatchie has agreed to be ants went to the pillar that marked the Lindisfarne or we might visit a holy employed by our parish to offer liturgical place where a saint lived and engage in and pastoral leadership while I am away. rituals that can help to deepen our faith A Sabbath Leave is an opportunity for a and strengthen our awareness of the Holy priest to take time to retreat, restore and Spirit working in us. First Nation peoples revive through learning and self-care. I on many continents sense something sa- am taking the opportunity to go on a cred in a rock or a watering hole that Celtic Christian Pilgrimage - a Celtic holds memories. God may beckon us to a Camino. You may have heard our Dea- place because nature has made it a place con John Thompson talk about his jour- of sanctuary that nourishes us. The Bible neys with Ana on the famous Camino de tells of wilderness places such as Sinai Santiago in Spain. Inspired by these sto- where a person encountered God, to ries and a connection between Franciscan which others later made pilgrimage. Spirituality and Celtic Christian Spiritu- When we let our heart and mind roam we ality, both of which articulate our deep can be drawn to all kinds of places to connection with all of God’s Creation, I make pilgrimage? will be using my Sabbath time to go on Then I asked my Spiritual director, pilgrimage each day to a holy site associ- “WHAT DO YOU DO ON A PILGRIM- ated with a particular Celtic Saint. These AGE?” And he quoted John’s Gospel pilgrimages will include hiking “On the last day of the Festival (of (“Rambling” in UK English), reflection, Booths), the great day, while Jesus was reading, prayer and meditation. standing there, he cried out ‘Let anyone I will be guided by a spiritual direc- who is thirsty come to me, and let the tor grounded in Celtic Christian Spiritu- one who believes in me drink.” (John ality. While planning these pilgrimages I 7:37, 38). The pilgrims at the Festival of have learned for my spiritual director Booths poured water out from a large that pilgrimage is something we engage container as a symbol of Divine cleans- in as followers of Christ throughout our ing and refreshment. At many pilgrim whole lives. In Psalm 16 we hear the places pilgrims bathe themselves in wa- psalmist write to God “You show me the ter from a spring, stream or sea, mysti- path of life. In your presence there is cally immersing themselves in God. But fullness of joy; in your right hand are pilgrims do many other things too, of pleasures for evermore.” When we walk course. You can walk. You can pray in in the path of God as pilgrims with the rhythm of the sun rising and setting. Christ then we can find the way of life by You can rest. If you are with others you London to the Shetland route valuing all of life around us, and thereby can share. You may reflect or write down find ourselves in the presence of God your thoughts. As you go through a gate, knowing fullness of joy and pleasures place where Jacob wrestled with God you can offer praise as you reach a goal forevermore. and saw angels from heaven coming up or a destination. You can attune yourself and down between earth and heaven and Sabbath time is not only a time for to God speaking through creation. Some so followers of Jesus have found may people add a stone to a cairn or throw revival, but a time for revival with God. places to go on Pilgrimage close to home If you have ever been on a pilgrimage, stones to symbolize they are off-loading and far away; places that pull us out of something. you will know that the journey includes our everyday lives and allow us to focus rest, revival, and especially remember- on God and how God is working in our Whether we go near or far there are ing: a time to unpack and then put the lives. These are “Thin Places” that help BLESSINGS OF PILGRIMAGE. The pieces back together again, in order to us to catch a glimpse of the Divine. For psalmist proclaims, “Blessed are those see the complete picture, to find mean- example, this Holy Saturday we will be who have set their hearts on pilgrimage. ing, to integrate the experience into one’s called to go on a Pilgrimage to our St. (Continued on page 18)

The Banner 8 February 2019 gressive bowel cancer and sadly passed roles in numerous organisations and away on October 4, 2018. charities. As chair of the Outreach Com- Memorials A dear friend and a true gentleman to mittee at the church, he was very in- the end. We miss you Greg! volved with the settlement of the Viet- Jim Hartley, as a parishioner at St. John’s namese “Boat People” and the Saturday for nearly 40 years, has recently night meal program. Both Graeme and commented that it is natural for long time Graeme R. Bieman Elizabeth shared a love of art, music and members of St. John’s to attend church By Kevin Bice golf and travelled extensively. less in their later years. Consequently, and Simon Davies when such a parishioner dies, and their name appears in the Prayers of the After a long, Jane (Collyer) Coleman People or other church communication, rich life, Graeme By Bob Hayman many current or newer members of the died peacefully on congregation may have only limited January 8, 2019 in The passing knowledge, if any, of that person’s his 99th year. Grae- of good friend background. Jim suggested that their me and Elizabeth Jane Coleman is a contributions to our church family and were married for loss of our long the community could be recognized in 65 years. Daughter time family friend the Banner. Cory and Simon and faithful mem- Davies are parish- ber of St. John’s. Based on Jim’s proposal, the Banner has She had a life contacted close friends and relatives of ioners at St. John’s. His grand- filled with happi- some recently deceased St. John’s Graeme Bieman ness and trage- parishioners to reflect upon their lives sons Evan and Jane (Collyer) Coleman Kenneth were servers here. Great- dies. Gregory Jackson granddaughter Reverie has continued the Jane’s first husband Bob was a medi- traditions of her family in various activi- cal doctor. He married Jane, who was a By Warren Jones ties at the church. UWO classmate of my dear wife Anne, Greg was born Graeme served overseas in the Royal and we have been friends for all our lives December 9, 1936 Canadian Naval Voluntary Reserve and together since. Shortly after they were in Guelph Ontario the Royal Canadian Naval Air Division married, Bob was diagnosed with bone and was married to from 1942 to 1945. Graeme’s grandfather cancer in his leg, and it had to be ampu- the love of his life, was a Lutheran and pacifist in his beliefs. tated, causing him to arrange his medical Janice, for over 60 In defiance of his grandfather – a very practice to Ophthalmology. years. strong willed father of 10 children – Dad Jane and Bob have been Church- Sadly Janice enlisted in the Canadian Navy and served wardens at St. John’s— Bob as Rector’s predeceased Greg two years on convoy duty on the North Warden in 1970 with Terry Finlay, and on February 14, Greg Jackson Atlantic in the destroyer, the Niagara Jane as Rector’s Warden in 1982. In ad- 2018 and is sur- plus another two in the RCN Air Divi- dition to being in the Altar Guild, she vived by his son sion – the equivalent to the British Fleet sang in the St. John’s choir, and was a Scott and his wife April. I knew Greg Air Arm. When the Navy sought volun- cast member in the church’s centennial over the years as we both worked for teers to fly, Dad put up his hand. Convoy show Spirit of ‘88 in 1988, where she London Life and more recently through duty on the North Atlantic was perilous sang a humorous solo presenting a finan- our church relationship at St. John’s. in the extreme. We don’t think that flying cial report to Vestry. As an athlete, he enjoyed tennis, Corsair fighter aircraft was much easier. Sadly, she lost Bob to a sudden ill- baseball, hockey and golf, although he On returning to London, Graeme com- ness, but later regained a married life by was never able to get that hole in one that pleted his degree in business at Western. marrying Don Coleman, a widower from his wife Janice got and he was extremely He was involved in the meatpacking in- St. John’s. Then she sadly lost her proud of her accomplishments. Fiercely dustry for many years as a senior execu- younger son Bobby at age 39, and later competitive, but with a heart of gold tive at Coleman Packing Company and her husband Don. served as president of the Meatpackers Greg was a long time member of the Council of Canada 1965-66. But she always was cheerful and Masonic order as well as the Mocha happy, so it seemed. shrine. In his early eighties, he built a large shed at the cottage with modest help Jane was involved in many outside He enjoyed music, especially Jazz from family members. (Kenny and Si- organizations beyond our Church, includ- and enjoyed trumpet playing in 4 differ- mon installed the roof, for example.) He ing serving on various boards at Park- ent bands including St. John’s marching was in his early 90’s when he finally wood Hospital, Merrymount Children’s band. gave up playing golf every day. In addi- Home, the United Way and May Court, In addition he was a long time mem- tion to his wit and storytelling, Graeme always appearing cheerful and enthusias- ber of the committee of gentlemen here will be remembered fondly for his adven- tic. This is how she is remembered in our at the church. turous spirit, integrity, courage; and his family—smiling and full of laughter. We will miss her very much. Greg survived two major hip surger- dedication to family, social justice, and community. Graeme assumed leadership ies in 2018 but succumbed to a very ag- (Continued on page 9)

The Banner 9 February 2019

(Continued from page 8) issues facing him. Or someone to take on a task that needed attention. But all Passages Dr. Don McMillan of this out of public view. Self- By John Thompson effacing, modest, Don wanted it that R.I.P. way. Benjamin Musgrave From the time Others may talk of his love of December 9, 2018 he was seventeen and his family small animals, and of hand-crafted Phyllis “Bunny” Kline moved to London, beer, or his wry sense of humour. I December 21, 2018 want to talk of his partnership with Don was always Donald Burley McMillan Lone. only a stone's December 18, 2018 throw from St. It came about because, after the John's - just down death of his mother, Don decided that Graeme R. Bieman January 8, 2019 the street at 791 791 Wellington needed an interior up- Wellington. grade. For many Londoners, myself Jane (Collyer) Coleman So it was only included, that meant a trip to Jensen's January 17, 2019 down on King Street. And when Lone natural that he Don McMillan would worship Jensen was through with the house, she here, faithfully, right up to the last took on Don. There was a significant months of his life. Third pew from the age difference, but both were willing to front, on the right, next to the sandaled accept the challenge. What resulted feet of John the Baptist. was a marriage of thirty-four years, a marriage of equals, a partnership, with- He was a quiet presence here at St, Lyrics to the Spirit of ‘88 Opening Number: out a moment of conflict but with mu- John’s. If you were a member of Parish tual respect and love. Council during Don Ford’s years as There’s No Business Like Church Business Rector, or if you attended Vestry, you That marriage brought Lone into (tune of There’s No Business like Show Business) the St. John's family, where she joined would have seen him. He was the one The teacher, the doctor, the student, the clerk who wrote the minutes, carefully en- Don in his dedication to the life of this No matter what their age or sex or size. suring that every important comment church. The lawyer, the housewife, the senior or child was recorded. Don Ford relied on those And so today, at his church, the St. John’s is where they go—’tis no surprise. minutes, and could count on their accu- church to which he gave so much, we What draws them to this building each Sun-day? racy. He also relied on Don McMillan's Just ask them, here is what they all will say... mourn his death and we celebrate his counsel when he needed another pair of life. Chorus eyes, another mind, to look at difficult There’s no business like Church business There’s no business I know. Looking Back 31 Years Everything about it is appealing, Guaranteed to lift you when you’re blue. Spirit of ‘88 Nowhere do you get that special feeling Than when your kneeling, in your own pew! There’s no people like church people Like no others you know. They come out each Sunday and they praise the Lord With psalms and singing, they’re never bored. Then they vote for budgets that they can’t afford. At St. John’s we’re all go!

The Curate, the Rector, the organist, the choir All try to do their best here every day. The psalter, the hymnal, the red and green books Are helpful as a guide along the way. The friends we meet in church and parish hall Support us through the winter, spring and fall.

Chorus There’s no business like church business There’s no business I know Our parish is a varied congregation With every kind of sinner that’s been born. The Rector tries to lead us from temptation The St. John’s congregation put on an original musical show highlighting our With his oration, each Sunday morn! first 100 years during our centennial celebrations in 1988. There’s no people like church people Like no others you know. Back in those days, we had a stage at the end of the Parish Hall Where else can you deal with all your hopes and fears? where the performance took place. And share with others your laughs and tears. That’s why we can celebrate one hundred years. See any familiar faces? At St. John’s we’re all go!

Thank you David Hall for finding the lyrics!

The Banner 10 February 2019 Outreach at St. John’s Arrival of the Ghazi Family By Stewart McIntyre and the Outreach Committee The Ghazi family (grandmother, mother and 3 daughters) were met by members of the Outreach Committee and brought to their temporary lodgings at a B&B on Quebec Street. Mean- while, other members of the Committee worked frantically over the long weekend to prepare their new apartment in St. James Stewart Place (near Huron and Highbury) with furnishings from our Par- McIntyre ish. Final installation of the family happened on February 18th. Thanks to all of you at St. John’s who have donated furniture, utensils and clothing for the family, or who have pointed us in the direction of furniture troves. And thanks also to the Shapiro Fund and the Government of Canada George Ibrahim from St John’s translates for Rheem who have provided funding to support the Ghazi family in their first year in Ghazi seen here with two of her daughters Canada. Cory Davies, Stewart and Mary McIntyre and many others have spent 3 long days in cleaning and setting up the apartment shown in the photos at right.

Our New Refugee Family Arrives Three members of the Ghazi family (Sajida, Rania and Mram) are shown at Pearson Airport just after their arrival on February 11

Saturday Meals Update Camino Pilgrims of London, Western’s Schulich School, the Fellows Family, the Corvette Club, the Rev Runners Fitness Club, and the Salt ‘n By The Rev. Dr. John Thompson Peppers. We pay for our program through gener- Now in its 22nd year, our weekly ous donations from individuals and groups, in- hospitality meal continues to be our cluding from the London Lawyers Feed The Hun- most significant outreach effort. Not gry and the Southern Ontario Street Rods. And only do we provide nutritious hot we have our own annual fundraiser, the 5K Walk/ meals to Londoners who are food Run, which this year raised over $12,000. insecure, we provide a means where- John Thompson Costs would be much more, were it not for by others can ‘give back’. baked good donations from Angelo’s, Oxford That translates to 5569 guests served in 2018, Valumart, and Lambeth Tim Horton’s, and for over 52 weeks, for an average of 107 individuals the provision of milk for each week’s dinner by each week. That is down slightly from the 110 Cathy Chovaz’ “Milk Chicks”. average in 2017. Christmas dinner – turkey and Ongoing planning and organization for the all the trimmings – drew 195 guests. It was programme is provided by a core group, led by served by the team from St. George’s Middlesex. Frances Reimer. Frances has been doing this They also provided a gift bag for each guest. since we began serving meals here at St. John’s. And the “giving back” involves a different This coming year will be a transitional year for team each Saturday night. Most are church- her, as she hands over the duties of “Meal Plan- A Typical Dinner Menu based: St. John’s, five other Anglican parishes ning Coordinator” to Mary Haak. It has been a (the Huron Paracletes, St. George’s Middlesex, transitional year as well for the Clothing Cup- St. Jude’s, St. Aidan’s, and Parish of the board. After many years of devoted service, Mar- Thames), Siloam United, and The Community garet Nelson has retired, handing over the keys to Church. Others are community-based: the Pat Knowles and Ana Thompson.

The Banner 11 February 2019 uary 26th, at St. John’s, Rev. Lyndon between those who attend London’s hos- Benjamin Musgrave presiding. His sister Cecile spoke. Benja- pitality meals and those who serve them. April 23, 1957 – December 9, 2018 min was born with an intractable seizure Benjamin was much loved. disorder, institutionalized almost all of We all called him Benja- And after the service, many – in- his childhood here in London, severely cluding his family – adjourned to our min – no one dared call him injured when thrown violently down a ‘Ben’. And it was only after Saturday evening meal. It was a fitting staircase, and living alone for years in a farewell to Benjamin. he was struck and killed by a London apartment. We heard from Ste- pickup while trying to cross phen Sherin, a close friend, who de- Highbury at Dundas one Sat- scribed Benjamin’s appetite for urday night last December, John knowledge, his extensive book collec- that we learned his last name Thompson tion, and his love of crossword puzzles. – Musgrave. Ironically, Benjamin was killed while Benjamin was a fixture at all of Lon- crossing to an east-end Wendy’s, where don’s hospitality meals. He often arrived he would often sit (and complete) the late, slowly pushing his walker, laden New York Times crossword puzzle. We with bags of books and clothing. Those heard from Bill Payne, director of St. that served his meal knew what he want- Joseph’s Hospitality Centre, who told of ed without asking – “coffee, double Benjamin’s wit and his struggles – to cream, no sugar.” He was notorious for dress, to walk, to stay standing – and to his corny jokes, his prowess at the piano, leave. He was often the last guest out the and his beautiful singing voice. door. So the news of his death spread It was a lovely service, preceded by quickly. He was mourned, and his life a visitation hour during which a piano celebrated in several services – at The and string quartet from Western played. Sanctuary and at St. Joseph’s Hospitality Memorial cards, featuring Benjamin’s Centre. When we at St. John’s were able unique smile, were provided by Steve to contact his sister, living in Hamilton, Harris of the Harris Funeral Home. Ben- we learned she would like a funeral for jamin’s sister Cecile and brother Paul Benjamin. were there, and his sister’s husband, Pe- So it came to pass on Saturday, Jan- ter. Just short of a hundred mourners were there too, almost evenly divided What It’s Like Being Poor in London

What: A Panel Discussion 3 Panelists, Discussion, Refreshments Panelists  Elisabeth (Liesel) White Sponsored by the St. John’s Outreach Committee. former Manager, City of London Social Services “45 Years of Supporting London’s Poor” Where: St. John’s Church  Dr. Sharon Koivu When: Wednesday February 27 Specialist in Palliative Care and Substance Abuse 7:00—8:30 pm “Breaking the Silence: Poverty as a social determinant of health in London” Please come and make yourselves aware of the needs in this  Dr. Don Kerr city, and of how we can communicate these needs to others. Professor of Sociology, King's University College We hope to find ways to respond to these needs as well. “Why London's record low unemployment rate is so Admission is free. misleading”

A feature article on this Panel appeared in the London Free Press on February 11, 2019, and can be found at: www.tinyurl.com/Banner-Feb2019-LFP

It includes both printed and video interview with Rev. Lyndon.

The Banner 12 February 2019 spect, sustain and renew the life of the Earth? Bishop Linda’s Homily Our life in Christ is a process, never complete until our death, not perfect be- Our Bishop Linda visited us on Sunday sus and an icon of God’s relationship cause we will often stumble and fall but January 13, 2019. She graciously with all of us. Jesus is on the cusp of be- always undergirded by that thread of the agreed to provide the Banner with the ginning his ministry. As fully human he deep love and intimacy promised to us at text of her homily comes to John seeking a sign, a marking all times. God does not promise protec- of this important moment, an affirmation tion from problems, or disaster, or illness. Baptism of the Lord of his calling. At important transitions in He promises His presence. “’When’ you January 13, 2019 our lives we all seek a ritual or action to go through fiery trials, (Not ‘if’)… I am By Right Rev. Linda Nicholls mark the moment - graduation ceremo- with you” . Jesus needed that affirma- nies; weddings; and funerals are all sym- tion of belovedness to take up his minis- St. John the Evangelist, London bolic of such a transition. Jesus seeks try. Isaiah 43:1-7; Luke 3:15-17, 21-22 out John and this baptismal sign as a We too are challenged and need that mark of this beginning and in it hears the reassurance. Despite our fears and wor- affirmation, “You are my Son, the be- Imagine creat- ries God’s voice is with us ‘You are my loved, with you I am well pleased”. It is beloved’. St. Paul knew that and so ing a tapestry ex- a symbol of that thread of God’s deep pressing the nature could write to the Romans, “I am sure love and tenderness not only for Jesus but of God. It would that neither death nor life, nor angels nor for all God’s children and a sign of God’s be a complex weav- principalities, nor things present, nor constant desire that we, like Jesus, would ing of stories and things to come, nor powers, nor height, cooperate with God’s work in the world. images we see that nor depth, nor anything else in all crea- God could work without us but chooses describe the charac- tion will be able to separate us from the to work through and with human beings. ter of God and love of God in Christ Jesus.” (Romans God’s relationship This thread of love, tenderness and 8:38,39). with Creation. We intimacy invites us to be partners in the The test of being Christian is not only might see God as Bishop Linda Gospel following Jesus in a dynamic day in what we believe. It will be in a life- Creator of all, Judge, by day way of life. At our baptism we time of trusting God and acting on that teacher, king, one who is holy; one who proclaim what we believe by reciting the trust as a partner in God’s work. It is to is merciful - the list is long! Creed together but we follow that imme- love and forgive in the face of hate; to act diately by the questions that will frame Today I want to pull on one golden with mercy and justice; to respect the dig- how we will live what we believe. thread that for me is woven through all nity of every human being’; to care for the stories and images of God’s character.  Will you continue in the apostles’ God’s creation. That takes daily practice It provides a foundation for everything. teaching and fellowship, in the break- - set on the foundation of God’s deep, It is there in the story of Adam and Eve in ing of bread, and in the prayers? tender love and promise to be with us in every moment. God’s desire of intimate conversation  Will you persevere in resisting evil walking in the Garden in the evening. It and, whenever you fall into sin, repent is there in conversations with Abraham, and return to the

Sarah and Haggar about their futures. It Lord? is there in the Song of Solomon, that Every Sunday, until 12 May

Song of such intimate love, passion and  Will you proclaim Journey! Children's Program tenderness. It is there in Isaiah’s prophe- by word and ex- St. John the Evangelist Anglican Church - London, Ontario cy of comfort and hope _”Because you ample the good are precious in my sight, and honored, I news of God in Church School is hunting for the "Treasure in Heaven" Jesus love you….I am with you”. It is there at Christ? spoke of in Matthew 6:19-34.

Jesus’ baptism as the voice of God speaks  Will you seek and Join us for scavenger hunts, clues, and discoveries as we seek the with love and tenderness and intimacy serve Christ in all Kingdom of God. speaking to Jesus, the Beloved, with affir- persons, loving mation and promise. God desires and your neighbour as seeks an intimate, personal relationship of yourself? love with human kind. The Israelites in exile hear through  Will you strive for Isaiah the beautiful poem of promise and justice and peace hope. ‘The one who created you - I have among all people, called you by name, you are mine.” In and respect the the midst of disaster, exile and fear they dignity of every hear the promise that God loves them and human being? is with them.  Will you strive to At Jesus’ baptism we have this mo- safeguard the in- ment that is both deeply personal for Je- tegrity of God’s creation, and re-

The Banner 13 February 2019 Locations in the New Testament

For each clue, write the name of the city or region mentioned in the New Testament.

The clues are below.

See page 15 for the solution.

Across Down 2. Home town of Mary, Martha and Lazarus 1. Where Jesus performed his first miracle 5. City where Jesus made his triumphal entry 3. Paul's letter to the church in this city includes a passage about 7. Paul was imprisoned in this important city the full armor of God 8. In Revelation, the church in this city was admonished not to be 4. Believers were first called Christians in this town lukewarm 6. City where Jesus was born 9. The "Place of a Skull," where Jesus was hung on the cross 10. Barnabus and Paul first sailed from Seleucia to this island 10. City where the centurion's servant was healed from a distance 11. Country where Joseph and Mary fled with Baby Jesus to es- 13. Dorcas, the kind and generous seamstress, was healed here cape Herod 14. Paul and Silas were miraculously freed from a prison in this city 12. Paul wrote 2 letters to this church; one contains "the love chap- 19. Samaritan city where Jesus met a woman at the well ter" 21. Saul was on his way to this city when he was blinded 15. Paul healed a man had been lame from birth in this city 23. Peter healed a paralytic in this town 16. "Woe to Chorazin! Woe to ____!" 24. Jesus prayed in this garden shortly before his crucifixion 17. Jesus first met Peter and Andrew fishing in this Sea 26. Island home of the Apostle John when he wrote Revelation 18. Philip met an Ethiopian eunuch on this road 28. Jesus was baptized in this river 20. Where Jesus lived as a child 29. The pool at Jerusalem where a man lay for 38 years 22. Region between Judea and Galilee where Jesus traveled 30. City built by Herod the Great, home of Cornelius 25. Village to which two disciples were walking when the met the 31. Saul's home town, mentioned in Acts risen Christ 27. Region containing Jerusalem and Bethlehem

The Banner 14 February 2019 A Revelation is religious doc- Homily by trine viewed on its illuminated side; a Mystery is the selfsame Rev. Dr. Stephen McClatchie doctrine viewed on the side un- illuminated. Thus Religious By The Rev’d Dr. Stephen McClatchie Augustine once asked in a sermon: Truth is neither light nor dark- Homily delivered at St. John the Evange- ness, but both together; it is like the dim view of a country seen list Parish Church, 27 January 2019 What can we say about God? For Fr. Stephen McClatchie in the twilight, with forms half if you have grasped what you extricated from the darkness want to say, it is not God. If you Our readings in this (“On the Introduction of Ration- have been able to comprehend it, alistic Principles into Religion,” season of Epiphany you have comprehended some- have been reflecting the section 4 ). thing else instead of God twin themes of light and (Sermon 52). revelation. Light, both I found this hugely helpful when I literal and metaphorical, first ran across it because it led me to and revelation, by which Believing what seems unbelievable draw an analogy with the difficulty of we mean both appear- is not being credulous or naive, despite putting into words the meaning, let alone ance and manifestation of the divine. what many contemporary Christians the effect, of the music that I love and Three weeks ago on the Feast itself, we might think. It is an expression of the study. If I—even with a Ph.D. in musicol- reflected on the arrival of the Magi as the humility that Jesus demands of us—a ogy—cannot fully explain Wagner or manifestation of Christ to the Gentiles: humility can and should lead us to engage Mahler to myself, let alone someone else, non-Israelites, that is, following the light with the many saints and theologians why should I be able to explain the mys- of the star which led them to Jesus. The throughout history and today who have teries and miracles of the Triune God? If week after that, we celebrated the Bap- struggled with this very question of the we accept elsewhere in our lives the tism of Jesus in the Jordan, where knowability of God. It is the opposite of premise that “the more you know, the Christ’s divine nature was revealed in the humility to dismiss as untrue or super- more you know what you don’t know,” descent of the Holy Spirit upon Him as stitious those things that we do not un- why do so many people have difficulty the voice of God the Father proclaimed derstand and which we cannot figure applying this to their faith? out by our reason. Him His Son. Then last week, we heard Today’s luminous mystery concerns how Jesus’ divinity was revealed to all in In some ways, it surprising to me that Jesus’s extra-ordinary behaviour in the the miraculous changing of the water into I just said that—not too many years ago, I synagogue in his home town of Nazareth. wine at the Wedding at Cana, His first would have been right there amongst the As He reads the words of the Prophet miracle. And in today’s Gospel, we have rationalists. But here’s the thing: God Isaiah from the scroll, Jesus takes upon Jesus proclaiming the coming of the does call us to use our brains as we en- himself the mantle, or fulfillment of Kingdom. All of these are mysteries of gage with our faith, if only to try to fig- God’s promises to His people. The scene light in which Jesus’ divinity is made ure out the difference between faith itself seems ordinary and I would draw manifest to those with eyes to see. and knowledge or reason. You can read your attention to the parallels with read- and study your way close to faith but only In each of these mysteries, something ing of the book of the Law in our passage prayer and grace can get you over that happens that is unexpected, which goes from Nehemiah. The description in Nehe- gap between saying, on the basis of intel- beyond nature, that is literally super- miah is not very different from how we lectual reasoning, “I ought to believe” natural. Something extra-ordinary hap- proclaim and preach the Gospel during and really being able to say, “I believe.” pens that speaks to the new thing that the Eucharist: standing in their midst, Ez- And study can help you to find ways of God is doing in the world in the Incarna- ra opened the book in the sight of all the understanding and explaining that gap tion of His only begotten Son. The sym- people … and when he opened it the peo- that are far from naive or credulous. bolic gifts of the Magi proclaiming Jesus ple stood up. … So they read from the as prophet, priest, and king. The voice book, from the law of God, with interpre- from heaven and the descent of the Spirit One of my great friends in heaven is tation. They gave the sense, so that the in the form of a dove. Water transformed the Blessed John Henry Newman, who people understood the reading (Neh 8. 5, miraculously into excellent wine, abun- grappled with this dilemma for many 8). This is in fact what Jesus does here in dant and overflowing freely like God’s years. In one place, he likens a religious the synagogue. grace. truth or doctrine—such as the fact that But then a new thing happens in the Jesus is both human and divine, or that How are we to understand such midst of the ritual: a thing that is irration- water is changed into wine—to some- things today? Many people, maybe some al, unreasonable. Jesus does not simply thing rather like the moon. The sun shines of you here, faithful Christians, view such read Isaiah’s words, he literally embodies on one side of it and we can see it but the mysteries and miracles beyond the natural them, reveals in His own person the ful- other side is hidden from us in darkness. and rational with a skeptical eye—not as fillment of God’s promises to His people: He calls the side that we can see a literal truth but as metaphors or allego- Today this scripture has been fulfilled in “revelation” and the side that we cannot ries. But I would suggest to you that it is your hearing. Linguists would call this a see a “mystery.” Newman writes that: an impoverished and very human view of speech act: an utterance that, being spo- God that reduces God to Nature or those ken, brings about the act that it names— things that are deducible by reason. Saint (Continued on page 15)

The Banner 15 February 2019 Homily by Rev. Dr. Stephen McClatchie Church, the Body of sembly; being blessed through belong- Christ, described by ing to something larger than ourselves, (Continued from page 14) Saint Paul in the letter seeing ourselves as needed and valued to the Corinthians. We are not all the but also needing and valuing other peo- saying “I promise,” for example, or “I same yet each of us is as integral to the ple; being broken (of our individualistic do” at a wedding. (The verb is in the per- whole as an eye or a hand is to the body, illusions, pride, over reliance on self; and fect tense, which indicates an action that which is more than the sum of its individ- seeing and accepting the brokenness of is completed at a specific time in the past ual parts, knit together like some Frank- other people); and then given to each oth- but continues into the present.) enstein monster. No, the Body of Christ er for support, prayer, love and to others And how did the assembly react? We is a new thing: enlivened, ensouled, by in the world who are also broken and have to read further to find out. All spoke Jesus Christ as its head. Here we have searching for light. well of him and were amazed at the gra- both a revelation and mystery in New- We are called to be Eucharist: of- cious words that came from his mouth. man’s terms: a teaching revealed by fered, blessed, broken, and given to be They said, “Is this not Joseph’s son?” Scripture and Tradition and yet not fully transformed by the Holy Spirit into the They did not understand the extraordi- comprehensible by our reason. Body of Christ: manifested and embod- nary thing that had just happened. Jesus For the Body of Christ is not simply ied. Not reducible to reason nor wholly continues to follow the model of Ezra, the assembly of the Church, it is also fantastic; to return to Newman, “neither giving the sense so that the people under- made manifest in the Sacrament of the light nor darkness, but both together; … stood the reading, and suggests that Eucharist. And just as the bread and the like the dim view of a country seen in the Kingdom of Heaven embodied in His wine offered, blessed, broken, and given twilight, with forms have extricated from person, does not belong only to the Cho- in the Eucharist becomes another thing the darkness, with broken lines and iso- sen People but to the Gentiles as well. through the power of the Holy Spirit, so lated masses.” When they heard this, all in the syna- are we to be as well. gogue were filled with rage. They got up, We are called to be Eucharist for the Today, this scripture has been fulfilled in drove him out of the town, and led him to world: offering ourselves—our talents, your hearing. the brow of the hill on which their town treasures, spiritual gifts), coming out of Amen. was built, so that they might hurl him off and yet integral to the whole of the as- the cliff. But he passed through the midst of them and went on his way. No peeking! The crowd in the synagogue was Crossword Puzzle See page for 13 for the puzzle probably no different than any assembly Solution Locations in the New Testament of people—maybe even a bit like us gath- ered here today—grappling with a myste- rious happening that seems literally in- credible. Isn’t that just Joseph’s boy? It’s impossible for water to be changed into wine. There is a difference between passive listening and the active incorporation of what we hear. Jesus asked those assem- bled in the synagogue to accept, believe, and incorporate into their very beings the Truth that he had revealed to them that day: that in His person the promises of God to God’s people are made manifest. Jesus asks no less of us today. We read and interpret Scripture each week not as a historical or academic exercise but because it is the Word of God, ful- filled and embodied in Jesus Christ. And not just then, but now: today, in this place. Fulfilled in [our] hearing. Speak- ing to you not just as individuals but to us collectively as the Body of Christ assem- bled here this morning. In the synagogue in Nazareth, God reveals a new thing embodied in Christ Jesus; all of a sudden the assembly be- comes more than the sum of its parts. This is the very essence of us, the

The Banner 16 February 2019 Your support has been encouraging as we our bishop calls us to go back to the source Rector’s Vestry Report continue to meet the spiritual and physical and read the Bible in a year. There’s a (Continued from page 1) needs of the people in our community. As great website with daily assigned reading. Christians we are always called to build Thebiblechallenge.org. You can even just We can become the messengers of God in and sow where we will not reap. It is left read them on your phone. Many in our a world that is increasingly polarized. We to future faithful people to reap from the churches are not familiar with the Bible have a mission to bring humanity together generous gifts from God that you share which is the primary source for our faith. I into one family living in peace. today. encourage you to spend 15 minutes each This year we have welcomed 13 new In our Good News Story from St. Luke day and simply read the text. Go through families or individuals to our congrega- we hear of Jesus just after reading from the each day and see what you encounter. tion and we welcome their contributions to prophet Isaiah in his hometown Synagogue There are also study helps on the website the life of our parish. Some members have and then saying that He is the fulfillment of to help you put things into context and re- increased their financial generosity in order this word of God. Jesus is saying he is the flect on how the reading calls you to serve to support the important work that we do to Chosen One of God and the townspeople God in the world. feed people spiritually and physically. are shocked by this apparent blasphemy. How shall we proclaim to the world Our Deacon John Thompson continues Who is telling us the shocking truth today? around us that “Love Never Ends?” Let us to put in front of us the needs of the world, Saint Paul reminds us to rejoice in the truth follow Christ into the places that need light both locally and globally, and so we con- and to be people governed by love, but and hope. Let us call people to join us in tinue to discern how we can help with sometimes the truth is hard to bear, and so spreading hope and love. Let us work to- more effective solutions to reduce poverty we bear it together because love bears all gether to build a world of peace and whole- in our city. Each week around 500 people things. In a couple of weeks we’ll have an ness by sharing, loving and serving. Let use our building as part of groups that opportunity to hear some truth about pov- us build tomorrow together in the name support their health and development, erty in our city and hopefully discover new of Christ by the empowering Grace of like Alcoholics Anonymous, book clubs, ways that we can act to alleviate poverty in the Holy Spirit. Thanks be to God! Girl Guides and Scouts. This is a gift that a more permanent way. Let us pray again our Share-Love- we give to our community as followers of Our Parish Council has updated our Serve Prayer. It’s on the brochure or pray- Christ, a gift that we are committed to Mission and Ministry Plan to outline the er card beside you. maintaining through our capital campaign. achievable goals we have set in order to God of Abundance, we are blessed by Your gifts of time, talent and treasure make continue to fulfill the Five Marks of God’s the richness and beauty of your creation. you the Body of Christ working in the Mission. How will you live faithfully and Teach us to SHARE your gifts. world to bring the Peace of Christ to those thereby contribute to each of these Five in despair. And for that I give great thanks Marks of Mission? God of forgiveness, you made us in to God. 1) To proclaim the Good News; love. Thank you to all of you and all our 2) To Teach, Baptize and Nurture New Help us to extend that LOVE to all staff for all they do to support and carry Believers; your creatures. out our mission. 3) To respond to human need; God of Compassion, we know you stand with those in need. In the first letter of Paul to the Church 4) To transform unjust structures; and, in Corinth the saint explains to us what it Give us the courage to SERVE them, means to love one another, which is 5) To Strive to Safeguard the integrity and in so doing, serve Christ. Christ’s simple call to us all. This familiar of creation and renew the life of the earth. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, passage we often hear at weddings and now and forever. Amen. funerals sets out how it is we are to love in our world. If everyone followed this list Finally, In order to fulfil our Mission then the world would be a peaceful place. as God’s people it is helpful to know the If we live by the Love of God then we will story of our ancestors in faith. This year be patient, we will be kind, we will not boast nor be arrogant. We will rejoice in Christmas Prints Available the truth and overcome wrongdoing. To- gether we will bear all things, believe all A Share-Love-Serve Fundraiser things, hope all things, endure all things because Love never ends. Love Never Just a note to let you know that Ends! We are indeed called to share, love the “Christmas Eve” print by our and serve. What does that look like to you Richard Bain is still available for today? What shall we do together this year purchase. This beautiful, ready-to to show that love never ends? -frame print of one of the doors th of St. John’s in the winter is We’ve just passed the 130 Anniver- available from the church office. sary of our founding as a parish on No- Proceeds go to the Share-Love- vember 11th. This year, with your gener- Serve fundraising campaign. Cost osity, we will continue to grow support and $100. Please contact the church financial contributions to our Capital Cam- office for further details. paign because when we reach our goal then we can care for this building to the $2200 has been raised so far Glory of God as a place where lives are through the sale of these prints. supported and transformed by love. “Christmas Eve” by Richard Bain

The Banner 17 February 2019 when Martin Luther, conscious that he was living in “Last Times”, is said to have worked in haste to translate the Bible The Second Coming into German. th rd 4 Sunday of Advent – Dec 23 2018 It has been repeatedly true in recent centuries, as Christian groups have formed around the belief that the Second Coming By Rev. Dr. John Thompson was imminent, and then have dissolved in disappointment. One hundred years ago, the 1st World War had just ended Today is the fourth Sunday of Advent. Most- with 16 million dead. There was starvation throughout Europe. ly this month we’ve been looking back to the First John The Russian Revolution had begun. The Spanish Flu was Coming two thousand years ago. But occasional- Thompson sweeping the entire world. Somewhere between 50 and 100 ly we have been reminded that people, for just as million would die. And in Ireland the Easter Rising against long, have been looking to a Second Coming. British rule had been brutally put down. For instance – at our service on the first Sunday of Advent William Butler Yeats, the Irish patriot and poet, saw all we sang – and heard in the beautiful postlude – Charles Wes- this and wrote a poem. It is not a hopeful poem. You probably ley’s great hymn, “Lo, He Comes With Clouds Descending”. have read it, heard it, and may have even memorized it. It ends with the fervent prayer, “O come quickly, O come quickly, Alleluia! Come Lord come.” Its title is “The Second Coming” and it begins, But what do we mean when we pray for a Second Coming? John of Patmos, in the Book of Revelation – in Greek the “Turning and turning in the widening gyre word for revelation is apocalypse – lays out a very specific The falcon cannot hear the falconer; chronology. I’ll try to summarize it. Things fall apart; the centre cannot hold; Mere anarchy is loosed upon the world, In the last days an angel will come down from heaven and The blood-dimmed tide is loosed, and everywhere bind Satan and throw him into the pit. The ceremony of innocence is drowned; The Christian martyrs will be resurrected and reign with The best lack all conviction, while the worst Christ a thousand years. At the end of this millennium Satan Are full of passionate intensity.” will be released from his prison and with his forces of evil will besiege Jerusalem. Armageddon. Fire will rain down from Yeats then raises the possibility that the world might yet be heaven. The Devil will be overcome and thrown into a lake of saved. fire. “Surely the Second Coming is at hand”. The remaining dead will stand before the throne of God, the book of life will be opened, and all will be judged accord- He immediately rejects this, writing ing to their work. Those whose names are not written in the “ … but now I know book o life will also join Satan in the lake of fire. That twenty centuries of stony sleep Then the New Jerusalem will descend from heaven, and Were vexed to nightmare by a rocking cradle, God will dwell among his peoples. Death will be no more. And what rough beast, its hour come round at last, Slouches toward Bethlehem to be born.” That is the basic formula. The idea that God would intervene in human affairs to set John of Patmos’ view of the world is one irredeemably in things right was not original with John. the power of evil. It feeds on a sense of hopelessness and des- In the Gospel of Mark, John the Baptist excoriates those pair. It denies God’s presence in this world. And it denies that who had come to be baptized. “You brood of vipers! Who humanity, even if created in the image of God, can do anything warned you of the wrath to come?” He goes on to speak of the to counter evil. coming Messiah, “His winnowing fork is in his hand, to clear St. Augustine could have believed this. He lived in disas- his threshing-floor and to gather the wheat into his granary; but trous times –the Visigoths had descended upon Rome, sacked the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.” the Holy City, and laid waste to the remnants of the Roman Two centuries earlier, in the Book of Daniel, a similar empire. apocalyptic vision rallied the Maccabees against those who had Heretics had conquered the heart of the Christian world. desecrated the Temple. . st nd But Augustine read Revelation differently. He believed And the catastrophic Jewish rebellions of the 1 and 2 that he was living in the millennium of Christ’s reign. Christ centuries were fueled by faith that the Messiah would be re- had never left this world. He was and is still among us. Satan vealed and lead his people to freedom from Roman rule. was bound when Christ rose from the dead, his power re- The Book of Revelation has continued to present a window strained by the presence of Christ. through which some Christians, through the centuries, have Richard Rohr, a Franciscan priest whose daily meditations seen hope when all seemed hopeless. many of you may have read, follows in Augustine’s tradition. This was true in Christianity’s earliest centuries. Paul and For him the Second Coming has already occurred. We are liv- his followers were repeatedly disappointed in Christ’s failure to ing in the millennium of Christ. The proof is there. He writes, return. “Whenever the material and spiritual coincide, there is It was true in the tumultuous times of the Reformation, Christ… All matter reveals Spirit, and Spirit needs matter to (Continued on page 18)

The Banner 18 February 2019 John Thompson’s Homily I’ll give you an example of this First Advent Sunday, Hawarden way of seeing. “Lo, he comes with clouds descending” (Continued from page 17) into this ancient red stone church –- full and alive with regular parishioners show itself.” It is another poem, and the poet is Elizabeth Bieman, Cory Davies’ and readers from St. Deiniol’s through the gates. “All matter reveals Spirit, and mother. Spirit needs matter to show itself.” He comes in hymns and prayers and in a sermon, She taught English here at thoughtful, succinct. He comes again That statement is a bit difficult Western. From time to time she to wrap your head around, would travel to Wales, to St. Dein- in wafer and in chalice. This is how I understand it – iol’s, a retreat and study centre. He comes translucent God’s spirit is in everyone and eve- And she would worship in the near- in the joy-filled, far-flung smile rything, in all of creation. Paul said by Hawarden village church. of a halting, lurching boy, perhaps thirteen, it better, “Christ is all and in The poem could be called “ The supported arm and elbow down the aisle all.” (Col3:11) What we need is to Second Coming.” Instead it is ti- by his tender smiling father. look at the world with spirit sensi- tled, tive eyes. Amen

The Celtic Way - Sabbath Time for Body, Mind & Soul and physical ways. Going on a physical pilgrimage can When there is a com- nurture the body and including contem- (Continued from page 7) mon goal then we plation and encounter with other pilgrims may have the opportunity to practice our can nurture the mind and soul. Columba- As they pass through the valley they empathy, to become more empathic peo- nus, the Irish monk who re-evangelised make it a place of springs.... They go ple, people truly following Christ’s call parts of Europe in the 6th century, ad- from strength to strength, till each ap- to “Love One Another.” Trusting and vised Christians to think of themselves as pears before God.” (Psalm 84:5-7) Visits needing each other; accepting the basic guests of the earth, and as perpetual pil- to communities of prayer are a form of elements of God’s created world, sun and grims from their birth to their death. And pilgrimage. Visits to friaries, monaster- rain, comfort and weariness, differences so I look forward to an intentional time of ies, cathedrals and holy sites can evoke a in nature and in human beings; travelling nurturing my body, mind and soul so that deep connection with all those who have with purpose, aware of the goal; discov- I can continue to find my way as a disci- gone before and all those who will come ering people as people rather than as ple of Jesus Christ walking with all of in the future thus creating a mystical ‘roles’; seeing ourselves as only the latest you in God’s Creation. community that transcends time and members of a long line of pilgrims; risk- space. But there are also the real connec- ing the unknown, whether fellow- Savior and Friend, how wonderful are you, tions that can be discovered as Pilgrims pilgrims or countryside; trusting God, My companion upon the changeful way, support one another on the way. Our who has led us far, and will lead us all Deacon John and Ana have shared won- our days; these can grow our empathy for The comforter of its weariness, derful stories of meeting new people, of other people and for the whole of crea- My guide to the Eternal Town, the community that is built as people sup- tion. The welcome at its gate. —Traditional Celtic Prayer port one another on the path in very real Holy Land Travel Opportunity If you ever thought of planning a Faith-Based Pilgrimage of some kind to a Holy Site, then there’s a great opportunity coming up, where you could travel with Bishop Terry Dance to the Holy Land April 30 to May 15, 2019. For details, see the notice below, or at www.trinitytour.org.

Holy Land Pilgrimage. Canon Vicars Hodge and Bishop Terry Dance are leading a pilgrimage tour (April 30—May 14, 2019).

You’re invited to join the group for the spiritual adventure of a lifetime.. St. Jerome called the Holy Land The 5th Gospel because those who visit do not leave the same as they arrive. To walk where Jesus walked and meet the people of the land brings the Bible Stories to life.

For details: www.trinitytour.org