IN TOUCH St. Mark’s Presbyterian Church Newsletter – 1 Greenland Rd., North York, ON M3C 1N1 416.444-3471 Thanksgiving Issue II – October, 2019 For bread and friends, for joy and sorrow, for the love of God ever with us: let us always remember to give thanks. Amen. \ Fall Newsletter September is here again marking the unofficial start of things—school has begun for children, college and university classes have resumed for our young adults, vacations and summer activities have (sadly) come to an end, and regular work quickly begins to pick up. It’s the same with church too: regular programs and activities gain steam as planning goes into full mode. We look forward to fulsome fellowship as we enjoy community life and relationships—and meetings(!)— together. After the lull of summer break it starts to feel active again. This reminds me of the action-packed ministry of Jesus as told particularly in the Gospel of Mark after whom this church is so aptly named. As you read through the story you quickly notice a sense of urgency to Jesus’ movements; it’s almost palpable how he kept moving from one place to another, from one person to another, from one significant event to another all the while speaking and teaching others in what surely seems to be rapid and lively tempo. He almost seems to be constantly hurrying off somewhere. Given that the word, “immediately,” is found no less than 40 times in Mark alone (and 70 times in the entire New Testament) it’s no wonder that Mark’s account of Jesus’ ministry is known as the “Gospel of Immediacy.” If it was out of a desire to reflect the robust activity of Jesus’ life that this church is named St. Mark’s, then that’s a very admirable vision (by the way, I’ve informally asked around how and why the name, St. Mark’s, was chosen. Curiously no one seems to know or remember. If you happen to know, I’d be glad to hear from you!). But even in the midst of all this action with Jesus, he still took time to be still, stop and rest. He chose this intentionally and deliberately. In Mark 4:35-40 he and the disciples leave the crowd, and after quelling the storm and waves from the boat they were in … he just lays back down and goes to sleep. It’s so interesting: Jesus knows that there is work to be done; he sees the crowds; he knows people need his healing touch; they need to hear his teachings. And yet, he falls asleep. Yes, the needs of the people are certainly urgent, and their requests (or cries) for healing must have been compelling. But Jesus knows that he needs to stop and rest. This contrast of action and rest is that much more compelling and meaningful in Mark’s gospel. We have a lot to look forward to as the fall season begins and Advent looms over the horizon: corn roasts, bazaars, bible studies, planning meetings, elder elections, musical events, and even martial arts classes! Things will get “busy” for many of us. But in the midst of busy-ness let us not lose our sense of purpose in all this activity. Let us be attentive to our own “soul care” just as Jesus himself was. Let us stop, rest, and be still and know the Great I Am. Besides, it’s not primarily what we do in our lives that honours God, but more importantly it’s what we become. And to become something as God’s beloved means to embrace a whole series of “we are” moments each and every day. And we’re here for each other to share these moments, these experiences in the life St. Mark’s Presbyterian Church. To God be the glory, Rev. Daniel Cho /1 When she’s not selling Real Estate, Sue Beard is a passionate advocate for Veterans. For this work, Sue was the only international guest, invited to attend the 75th Anniversary of the Dickin Medal Awards, in London England (awarded to outstanding animal soldiers). Sue represented CANADA, and specifically the hero dog named GANDER, the regimental mascot for the Royal Rifles of Canada. Sue’s book teaches children and adults about World War II history, and specifically, Canada’s role in the defence of the British colony Hong Kong, in December 1941. The Imperial War Museum, London England GANDER was awarded the Dickin medal "For saving the lives of Canadian infantrymen during the Battle of Lye Mun on Hong Kong Island in December 1941. On 3 documented occasions Gander, the Newfoundland mascot of the Royal Rifles of Canada, engaged the enemy as his regiment joined the Winnipeg Grenadiers, members of Battalion Headquarters 'C' Force and other Commonwealth troops in their courageous defence of the Island. Twice Gander's attacks halted the enemy's advance and protected groups of wounded soldiers. In a final act of bravery the war dog was killed in action gathering a grenade. Without Gander's intervention many more lives would have been lost in the assault." Sue with the British Special Forces Canine Unit, Imperial War Museum /2 Letters of Thanks June 14, 2019 July 8, 2019 Dear, Life & Mission Committee, Dear Friends, I write to you on behalf of the 2019 General Assembly Street Health is thankful for your years of support and of the Presbyterian Church in Canada and convey to you for your recent donation of $500. Your gift will be used sincere greetings. It is my please to inform you that to meet the healthcare needs of those who are during the course of our meetings in Waterloo, Ontario experiencing homelessness or who lack secure housing this June, the following recommendation was presented in our community. to the Assembly and adopted. The past few months have been incredibly challenging Committee to Advise with the Moderator, with the Ontario government cutting funding for our Recommendation No.2 OPS. With drug overdose deaths now the leading cause That the gratitude of the Assembly be expressed to the of death across Canada, this service is vital to save lives. congregation of St. Mark’s Church, Toronto, Ontario, as Thanks to the support of individuals, family foundations they supported and prayed for their minister, the Rev. and the Federal Government we have been able to keep Daniel Cho, during his Moderatorial year. the doors of the OPS open and have funding in place until 2020. Please visit Street Health’s website Your congregation exhibited a commitment to be (www.streethealth.ca) for the latest updates and supportive of Daniel as he carried out his duties as information about our services. Moderator during the past year. Daniel has, himself, spoken fondly of the people and his ministry at St. Once again, many thanks for your generous and Mark’s and how supportive the congregation has been of meaningful support. him during the Moderatorial year. I am aware that you Sincerely, provided a particular gift to our church by releasing Kapri Rabin, Executive Director Daniel to these duties so early in his ministry with you. Cath Callaghan – Fundraising Manager Thank you for that extraordinary contribution. This Street Health comes wishing you God’s blessing in your ministry. (Session Capital Fund) Yours sincerely, Stephen Kendall, Principal Clerk The Presbyterian Church in Canada June 26, 2019 To our friends at St. Mark’s, Summer, 2019 We, at CSFB appreciate your continues support. Thank You, Please know that we are very grateful for the donation of $500. From the staff and family here at the Canadian Centre for Refugee and Immigrant Health Care. Donations such as yours enable us to help those in need We appreciate your support and hope to work with you within our community. in collaboration in the future. Thank you for keeping us in the scope of your Regards, generosity. Susan Jordan, With gratitude, Director of Centre Operations The Community Share Food Bank The Canadian Centre for Refugee & Immigrant Heal Care (Session Capital Fund) (Session Capital Fund) /3 Run4Rett, 2019 Thanks to all of you who supported the annual Run4Rett. We appreciate your continuing interest and support. Following is a report on the run that Karen sent out with a couple of pictures. Thank you again, Sylvia and John Congram Thank you to everyone who supported Team Abby at the Run4Rett this year! th September 15 was the first event in 15 years when we got drenched from the rain. More time was spent indoors, visiting with the other families and bidding in the silent auction. Ben and Caroline gave it their all and ran the entire 5K route. Ben Congram Unfortunately, Abby was unable to join us Carolyn Congram this year due to her health problems. She has recently been diagnosed with a labral tear in her hip. It's been a difficult couple of months, but we are starting to find the medications that work to help with her pain and other symptoms that come with a stressed nervous system. As always, we appreciate the support given to the Ontario Rett Syndrome Association which exists to help families like ours to find the resources and support they need to help their kids. Thank you! Rob and Karen Congram /4 Summer Highlights Wedding at St. Mark’s September 2019 Congratulations to: Claire Hoover Michael Zuliani Saturday, July 27, 2019 Dear St. Mark’s: Thank you, for allowing Claire and Michael to be wed at St. Mark’s. I know it meant a lot to my mom and dad especially.