A Newsletter for the People of Parkwoods United Church 85 Parkwoods Village Dr. Don Mills ON M3A 2X9 (416)447-5519 e-mail: [email protected] October 2009 Minister’s Message Greetings in the name of Christ, Parkwoods United Church My cup overflowed with love from my earliest memories. I am indeed blessed I believe mostly because of the challenges that strengthened me to be who I am today. I was born in Montreal and grew up in the Presbyterian Church. Years later, and while raising a young family, I began attending a South Shore suburban United Church where I became a member. My deep involvement in the church led me to consider ministry as a vocation, but the best I could manage, given my busy family, was attending a Lay School of Theology at McGill. I married Gary in 1977 and we moved with our blended family to Saskatoon, where I continued my church involvements and worked part-time for Dominion Stores. In 1986 we moved to Toronto. I soon took up the studies I had delayed for so many years. I completed my honours B.A. at the University of Toronto in Canadian History and Women’s Studies. Theological studies followed at Emmanuel College while serving as Student Minister at Lemonville United Church. As a ministry intern I also served as a student chaplain at the Vanier Correctional Centre, a women’s prison in Brampton. This was one of the highlights of my life. I entered the prison with fear and trepidation. I left with a deepened understanding of the human soul and a true love for those who serve their time there. After graduating with a Master’s of Divinity degree, I was appointed as a Supply Minister at Eastminster in 1994 and then accepted a permanent call and was ordained at Eastminster in 1995 where I served until July, 2008 The summer of 1998 brought new challenges to the Redcliffe household. Late spring the family learned Mr. Redcliffe Senior had cancer and he began treatment immediately. Late summer I was diagnosed with cancer and surgery followed. For the next year the family walked a difficult road together as father, Lorne, continued to lose ground and I began chemotherapy. It was a long road indeed! So much to do … would there be enough time? As many of you know, Lorne Redcliffe died early in the winter of 1999. I wasn’t sure what my future held. Do you focus on end of life issues (the cup is half-empty) or look forward in hope (the cup is half-full). I, being optimistic saw my cup as half-full, so, embracing life once again I bought a new VW yellow Beetle, enrolled in the Doctoral program with a focus on Pastoral Care and Gary and I bought our first home. Life was exciting and full once again. In October of 1999 the Doctor of Ministry program at McCormick Seminary of the University of Chicago began. I specialized in pastoral care ministry, and graduated in 2003. My focus in ministry is pastoral care and is consistent with the person I believe I have become. I have a deep passion for the church and faith in God. I love the diverse ways in which people express and live their faith, and I celebrate the fact that I share my ministry within the United Church community. Yours in Christ’s Service, Rev. Dr. Ellen Redcliffe 1 Co-Chairs Corner Welcome back to all of our Parkwoods Family. Hopefully you all had a chance to relax during the summer months and are ready for the start of the new season. Thanks to all who kept us “up and running” during the summer months as many folks are needed for the ongoing activities of church life. Special thanks to our supply minister Rev. Bob Wright and his wife Pat for having shared their ministry with us during the past six months. We are grateful for Rev. Bob’s energy and caring spirit and wish both Rev. Bob and Pat well as they leave. A warm welcome is extended to Rev. Dr. Ellen Redcliffe as she begins her supply ministry with us. We look forward to her time with us. Take a moment to say “hi” to her as she begins to know who we are. Our Joint Search Committee continues their work on our behalf as they help us find our new permanent minister. This committee has a huge mandate and we look forward to their recommendations. This fall as we continue our programs, we look to you, our Parkwoods family for a helping hand. Let us all work together to carry out the work of our church. Bev Miller Council Co-chair Rev. Bob and Pat Wright A note from Rev. Bob Wright Bev Miller and Ron Wigle, Co-chairs of the Board, the Church Board and the congregation: Please accept our thanks for your kind words, gifts and luncheon on Sunday. Your words and thoughtfulness not only left me speechless but took my breath away. Many thanks for the opportunity to serve with you at Parkwoods in the service of the Living God with such a warm, caring congregation. Many thanks. May God continue to bless your words and deeds. Blessings, Bob and Pat 2 Baptisms September 20, 2009 Selena Elizabeth Lyner-Meca Daughter of Milagros Meca-Baello & Todd Stephen Lyner Lucille Gail Jones Daughter of Heather Kearns & Paul Jones Ministry & Personnel In closure to a successful summer of worship services, Parkwoods bid farewell to Reverend Bob Wright and his wife Pat, on August 30th at a service and luncheon celebrating their six months of ministry with us. Then on Sunday, September 6th, we welcomed the Reverend Doctor Ellen Redcliffe as the 17th minister at Parkwoods. Her husband, Rev. Dr. Gary Redcliffe, was also in attendance. Ellen's ministry to Parkwoods began on September 1st and will continue until a permanent fulltime minister is secured by the Joint Search Committee. Ellen is enthusiastic to begin this new faith journey with us and I am sure you have already discovered that she has lots of energy and ideas to offer, as she ministers with us over the next year. We certainly welcome Ellen, as she begins her ministry to the Parkwoods community! The summer has gone well from an M&P perspective. Both the staff and M&P Committee are looking forward to a challenging and productive year. Lynda McCowan M & P Chair Presbytery Being Part of Toronto Southeast Presbytery The Toronto Don Valley Presbytery was dissolved on June 30, 2009, with a barbeque and meeting of closure. Effective July 1, 2009, Parkwoods United Church became part of the new Toronto Southeast Presbytery. Rev. John Lee is the new chair for Toronto Southeast Presbytery. A Governance Model for the new Presbytery has been designated as the guide for the presbytery to manage mandated responsibilities. A Dedication Service for the new Presbytery Office took place at the first meeting of presbytery on September 15th, which included two representatives from Toronto Conference; Rev. Carol Gierak and Rev. David Allen. It is the hope of our new presbytery that effective relationships with members and adherents can be established, and that opportunities for sharing knowledge across Pastoral Charges of experiences, areas of passion, and best practices can be realized. Lynda McCowan Presbytery Rep. 3 Christian Education Church School started Sunday, September 20th the week after a very pleasant Welcome Back BBQ and registration to the year. Everyone seemed happy and seemed to have fun. We will be starting two study groups beginning in October: Monday evenings 7:30 to 9:00 pm October 5 to November 23 will be “The Really Bad Girls of the Bible.” Wednesday afternoons 1:00 to 2:00 pm starting October 7 until November 25 we will be looking at “The Ten Commandments.” Please consider this your invitation if you are interested. Mabel French Christian Development Chair Sunday School Families The Church School year at Parkwoods began with a 'kick-off” barbeque on September 13th. From the registration sheets, we start the year with a total of 37 children. Our plan is to group the children into three classes – the Nursery for ages up to 3 years old; Primary for ages 4 to 8 year olds, and Junior for ages 9 and above. The number of classes we are able to sustain will depend on the number of faithful volunteers agreeable to assist with the Sunday School program. The Christian Development committee, chaired by Mabel French, is still actively seeking additional teachers and helpers. Please carefully consider an opportunity to work with our young people. As our curriculum begins, the children will be travelling with Jesus through the land of Palestine as Jesus teaches and heals. They will hear of the disciples wanting to be first and the greatest, and through these stories of Jesus, will study how being a follower of Jesus can display God's way of love. Parents will be following the same lectionary readings in worship service, and we encourage you to look for these stories in a children's Bible that you can read with your child(ren). During this Season of Pentecost, the children will meet four strong and faithful women; Esther, Ruth, Naomi, and Hannah. Their stories will be background for the teachings about Jesus in these weeks. As we prepare to enjoy and be a faithful presence with the children, we ask for your prayers. Sunday School teachers and members of the Christian Development team, will be praying for the Parkwoods' children throughout these weeks.