The anchor august 2013

We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, where Jesus, who went before us, has entered on our behalf. Hebrews 6:19 - 20 NIV

Church of Our Lord Newsletter August 2013 Editor: Lynne Damant email: fmdamant@shaw.ca

Producer: Richard Montgomery

email: office@churchofourlord.org

Frances Jane Crosby (Fanny) wrote the famous hymn “To this time. Fanny's phenomenal memory helped her retain God Be The Glory.” She was born on March 24, 1820, in the information she heard, and she did well. In 1843, Fanny the village of Brewster, about 80 km north of New York joined the Institute faculty, teaching history and rhetoric for City, the only child of John Crosby and his second wife, the next fifteen years. During this time, she gained recogniMercy Crosby. She was proud of her Puritan heritage, and tion as a poet. Alexander van Alstine a former student at said in 1903: "My ancestors were the Institute, returned as a music Puritans; my family tree rooted teacher, and he and Fanny soon TO GOD BE THE GLORY around Plymouth Rock.” At six connected over their mutual love of To God be the glory, great things He hath done; weeks old, Fanny caught a cold and music and poetry. Despite their So loved He the world that He gave us His Son, developed inflammation of the eyes. eleven year age difference, on Who yielded His life an atonement for sin, Mustard poultices, applied to treat March 5, 1858, they were married.

And opened the life gate that all may go in. the discharges, were believed to Refrain have damaged her optic nerves and Fanny was in her forties when she Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, blinded her. Physicians today, howbegan writing hymns and in the Let the earth hear His voice! ever, "suggest it is much more likenext forty years she would write Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, ly that her blindness was congeniover 8,000! Hearing of her talent, Let the people rejoice! tal," and that "at such an early age publisher and hymn writer William O come to the Father, through Jesus the Son, And give Him the glory, great things He hath her sightless condition may well B. Bradbury offered her a contract done. have escaped her parents." Fanny with his company, telling her, was raised by her mother and ma"While I have a publishing house, Verse 2 ternal grandmother, who grounded you will always have work!"

O perfect redemption, the purchase of blood, To every believer the promise of God; her in Protestant Christian princiThe vilest offender who truly believes, ples, helping her memorise long "It may seem a little old-fashioned, That moment from Jesus a pardon receives. passages from the Bible. In her own always to begin one's work with (Refrain) words, "The Holy Book has nurprayer,” Fanny wrote, “but I never tured my entire life." She became undertake a hymn without first askVerse 3 Great things He hath taught us, great things He an active member of the John Street ing the good Lord to be my inspirahas done, Methodist Episcopal Church in tion." When her friend Howard DoAnd great our rejoicing through Jesus the Son; New York City. an played a melody for her and But purer, and higher, and greater will be said, "See if it says anything to Our wonder, our transport, when Jesus we see.

(Refrain) Although Fanny was blind, she you," her joyful reply was, "Why, would affirm, "It seemed intended that says, 'Safe in the arms of Jeby the blessed providence of God sus!'" Within half an hour, she that I should be blind all my life, and I thank him for the completed the poem which became her most famous hymn, dispensation. If perfect earthly sight were offered me to- "Blessed Assurance.” While best remembered for her morrow I would not accept it. I might not have sung hymns hymns, her generosity and care for the dregs of society in to the praise of God if I had been distracted by the beautiful one of Manhattan’s worst slums still challenge us today. and interesting things about me.”

She died a month before her 95th birthday. She had said, “If I had a choice, I would still choose to remain Shortly before she turned fifteen, Fanny began studies at blind...for when I die, the first face I will ever The New York Institute for the Blind. Lessons were taught see will be the face of my blessed Saviour." by lecture, since the Braille system was not widely used at

WAKING WITH A SONG IN MY HEART

by Bishop Rob Badham My musical history began when I was small being reared by my grandparents. As my Grandfather was Plymouth Brethren we were not allowed to have the music of the world in our home, we were restricted to hymns. I grew up with all the old hymns and we had a wind-up gramophone on which we played records of hymn music. I knew most of them by heart.

As I grew into my tenth year I was visiting my cousin who lived about three streets from our residence. They had a radio, something that I had not seen or heard before as my Grandfather would not have such works of the “devil” in our home. As I was listening to the programmes all of a sudden there came wafting through the air music that thrilled me to the bone. I had discovered classical music and I wanted more of it.

When one of my teachers began a programme of teaching violin, my Grandmother thought that this was a great opportunity for me, so I was enrolled in his class. I was thrilled that I could now make music. I was taught how to read music and interpret it, and I was the happiest person alive.

We had an old pump organ at home and I taught myself how to play the left hand and the right hand and make more music.

Then as I was sorting through the music in the music bench I discovered Opera!! That was another great thrill. I wanted more of opera and I began to read all the librettos and get the stories of these operas.

There was Tosca, La Boheme, Madam Butterfly. La Traviata and many more exciting pieces of music. Then I discovered Bach, Mozart, Chopin, Handel, Wagner and all the other classical authors. My enthusiasm knew no bounds as I devoured all this wonderful music of the spheres.

World War II started and my music teacher was called to join the forces. I entered Halesowen Technical College to train as an Electrical Engineer. My music was put on hold for a while.

After the war I immigrated to Canada in 1951 and came to Vancouver to live with my Uncle David and his wife, Aunt Teresa. It was during my stay there that I discovered Jesus and enrolled in Theology studies to become a priest. I was a heavy smoker and drinker at the time, but upon giving my life to Jesus, the urge

to smoke and drink left me. I believe that this is a good method of quitting smoking and drinking for those addicted to this way of life; accept Jesus and the changes for a new life pattern become apparent ...

The church that I was attending in Vancouver was called “The More Abundant Life” and later changed its name to the “Universal Apostolic Church of Life.” It was affiliated with the Old Roman Rites and the church later moved to Burnaby. I enrolled in the choir as a bass singer. Here was another wonderful music experience because now I could produce music with my voice and harmonize with the rest of the choir.

Now I could sing to the Glory of God and that gave me more happiness in my life.

Then my Archbishop discovered my love for music and he arranged for me to conduct the choir. At the beginning we had a 20 voice choir which gradually increased to 50 voices. Again I was thrilled to be able to conduct a choir of this magnitude. We sang all the classical pieces from hymns, carols and operas.

When it was discovered that I could play the violin, I was put in charge of a small dance orchestra and we had dances twice a month which I conducted as well. Then we merged with a larger dance orchestra where I still played the violin and taught music in my spare time.

Later as I grew into the priesthood, I was consecrated a Bishop, on Sunday July 9th 1963. My duties increased as I was instructed in Christian Counselling and hospital visitations. In the 70’s I was transferred to Victoria in charge of a church on the corner of Shelbourne and Kings Road. I served there for three years and then the Archbishop and I agreed to disagree on certain principles and so I left for a sabbatical until June and I found Church of Our Lord. The Rector at that time was Rev. Charles Dorrington, later Bishop Charles Dorrington. My wife and I joined the choir and June became head of the Chancel Guild. I taught Bible Study and was president of the Men’s Christian Club, as well as visiting the sick and lonely in the parish.

Now we are merged with another Christian Body in Christ, the former Christ the King. We have elected to keep the name Church of Our Lord and we still worship God in the Glory of Holiness. I am still singing in the choir, but with arthritis creeping into my joints, sadly my fingers will not manipulate the violin of bygone days.

However God has seen fit to provide me with music each day. As I awake every morning there is a tune running through my head. It may be a hymn, or a phrase from Messiah, or a piece of classical music, but I am blessed to have that with me to begin a new day. I thank God for such wonderful experiences and for His

provision in helping me meet the day with heavenly music. I now look forward to singing and playing in the Heavenly Choir. †

SING TO THE LORD “Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation. Let us come before Him with thanksgiving and extol Him with music and song” (Psalm 95:102).

It has been said that “he who sings, prays twice.” Anointed music has a great power to open our spirits. Close your eyes, be still and allow music to rise up in your spirit. Hum, sing in tongues if you are released in that gift, or sing Christ-centred songs such as, “I Love you, Lord,” “Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus,” the eight-fold “Alleluia,” etc., as the Holy Spirit leads you.

ENJOY THIS PLAY ON WORDS! Church Organist’s a busy one, Back row, I sit and muse, Alert she is (and here’s the pun): She watches keys and pews.

Edna Elsaser

THE COOL THRIFT SHOP The Thrift Shop is a special ministry of Church of Our Lord. Bev Cave and Pat Moncrieff share some of the history, the workings and aims of The Thrift Shop, and have some vital requests. Here’s what they say: From Bev Cave: The Thrift Shop was born when my sister, Jeanne Forest, and I were given the unfinished upstairs area of the Church Hall to begin a new venture for Church of Our Lord – a store which would provide bargain goods for sale, and help fund the running costs of the buildings. We remained upstairs for many months – no walls, no doors, everything open – with clothes and household articles on every available hook and shelf.

A much nicer venue was offered when the downstairs of the Hall was finished, with half the space for The Sanctuary Centre and half for the Thrift Shop. A small office was built which is still there. Many volunteers helped sort, price and transform the empty room into our version of a store. Leeanna, who has since moved

to Alberta, was our chief price person and many helped with the sorting.

The Thrift Shop was then closed down for a season and a day care moved into this space. In October 2007 Diane Liang was asked to revive the Thrift Shop, this time upstairs in the Ministry Centre, with Pat Moncrieff.

They set it up and ran it with the help of Maria Gruter, Wendy Cramer, Jan-Lee Saunders, Betty Portlock, Davina Ellis, Bev Cave and Ruth Ann Johanson. Later Janice Wesolowski and others came on board. When Pat Moncrieff stepped down to become involved in the Healing Rooms, Janice became Ministry partner with Diane. Other volunteers during the past two years include Evelyn Hallam, Karen Kurtz, Cathy Hallam, Rita King, Susan King, Laine Warden and Rolande Daly. The installation of the elevator enabled the shop to further flourish.

With the amalgamation of Christ the King and Church of our Lord the Thrift Shop area upstairs was needed for offices for Pastor Ron and staff, and so the Thrift Shop was relocated once again downstairs, where we are to this day. Diane wishes to step down from being in charge of the Thrift Shop’s operations, so someone is needed to partner Janice in running the shop. Are you interested and willing to serve our Lord in this invaluable ministry?

From Pat Moncrieff: This is a worthwhile ministry for our neighbourhood as we offer gently used items to those who are in need, or those who just believe in recycling and re-using to alleviate waste in our landfill. For those who cannot pay, we gladly give to them. One day a young girl came in to the shop with no shoes on her feet. She told us she “woke up this morning and they were gone.” We didn’t ask her where she had been sleeping, but just gave her a lovely pair of shoes her size. She was so thankful. We meet all types of people in our shop and it is a privilege and a joy to serve them. They leave with their treasures tucked under their arms and a request from us to tell all their friends about us.

We need more help on a once a month basis, for 4 hours, Friday 9.30 – 1.30. Also, it would be of great benefit if another vehicle was at hand for transporting our ‘no sales’ to Mustard Seed or Salvation Army. We hope and pray that one or two “people persons” would step up to this ministry and serve our community. Just 4 hours per month. Thank you on behalf of COOL Thrift Shop. If you feel a leading to serve, please talk to Janice Wesolowski (380-9295) or Pat Moncrieff (595-3606).

CUBA REPORT – 2013 THE DIOCESE OF WESTERN CANADA, ALASKA AND CUBA THE REFORMED EPISCOPAL CHURCH Report of June 2013 ACNA Conference at Nashota House, Wisconsin I write this Report after being in Cuba, visiting the Reformed Episcopal Churches there, from May 3rd to June 1st. When I flew out of the Country at the end of our visit, the Cuban Mission District was left in the good hands of Archdeacon William Suarez, assisted by three other Presbyters, eight Deacons, eleven Lay Readers and two Deaconesses. We now have a combination of 19 churches and church plants, together with another ten house churches, all at various degrees of progress. The normal weekly attendance at services is approximately 1000 members.

These churches and church-plants range in size from 15 to 175, with three of them over 100. The Cuban Mission District extends from Pinar del Rio in the West to Moa in the East, a distance of some 1200 kilometres.

We are also now located in 13 of the 15 Provinces of Cuba. For further details, please refer to the 2013 issue of Cuban Chronicles, which Claudia plans to have completed before the end of July.

Some people have asked us to post the Cuban Chronicles on the Internet for further distribution. This will not be able to be done as some of the comments contained might not be deemed to be politically correct and therefore create problems both for our churches in Cuba, and for us when we next travel there. Pictures of our trip will soon be posted on both the REC website and our Diocesan website.

In the first week of the visit, while still in Havana, Archdeacon William Suarez and I met with the Executive Secretary and other Executive members of the Cuban Council of Churches. They all encouraged us in the progress of our church towards legal recognition in Cuba.

This might take place before the end of this year. They also mentioned that as we have been accepted as a Fraternal Member of the Council, our Religious Visas in the future can be obtained through their offices. We had difficulty during our visit once again this year, as our application for Religious Visas were rejected. We therefore had to enter Cuba on Tourist Visas only,

which severely limited what I could do. A clergyman travelling in Cuba, without a Religious Visa, is not even allowed to attend a church service under the Country's present regulations. This is a change from our past experiences. Not knowing this new regulation, we were once again detained by the Immigration Authorities, and charged with contravening their laws. They had our complete history of visits to Cuba, including all other transgressions in past years.

While passing through Camaguey, I once again visited the Roman Catholic Archbishop, who was meeting in his office with eight members of his clergy. We were invited to join with them and embarked on an interesting 45 minutes of questions and answers about their churches, and about our churches. We discussed how we can work together and support one another. I found Archbishop Juan to be a very likeable and sincere Christian man. Before leaving, we prayed for one another and the work that God had placed into our hands, and the hands of our churches.

On May 22nd, we were joined by Bishop Trevor Walters in the City of Holguin. He was accompanied by four other Canadians, three from ANiC Churches and one a member of Hungry for Life. They were in Cuba, assessing the progress of the District, with the intent of creating a sister church relationship with some churches in the Western Diocese of the Anglican Network in Canada. These churches would commit to supporting their sister church in Cuba in the amount of $100 per month. This would mostly be used to match the monthly allowance of the clergyman of the Cuban Church involved. One Church in Vancouver has expressed interest in supporting the Theological Seminary in Moa in which we have all of our clergy enrolled, along with 36 lay students.

Bishop Trevor and the others joined me when we visited a piece of land we are purchasing, to transform into a farm, located just outside Moa. On the land that we examined in the rain, we found healthy plants which were producing the following:- corn, tomatoes, peppers, almonds, mangoes, cocoanuts, pineapples and coffee. This land was the dream of a local Pastor who decided to sell it to us. He gave us a completely worked up land-use project with costs and projections laid out, indicating an estimated profit of $30,000 in three years, depending of course, upon the efforts put into it.

This farm, together with the sister-church partnering, is an integral part of our Five Year Plan of selfsustainment for the entire District. This plan includes the establishment of three farms, and sanctuary for the elderly, and the election and consecration of a Cuban Bishop for the District.

At the request of some of our seminary students, I am beginning to search out a Spanish theology program that will grant a Master's Degree. We currently have 48 students studying theology through our college under the guidance of Archdeacdon William.

In summary, the Cuban Branch of the Reformed Episcopal Church and the Anglican Church in North America is alive and well and growing, with a membership up over 10% from the first of the year. I submit it to you for your ongoing prayers and support.

In the Name of Jesus Christ, Bp. Charles Dorrington The Diocese of Western Canada, Alaska and Cuba _____________________________________________

FROM THE EDITOR Saying a final Farewell to someone you’ve known for a long time can be quite tough. Mary Jo Read was someone Mike and I had known a long time. When we and our two young children arrived in Victoria from South Africa, found a house in Fairfield and joined St. Matthias Church, Mary Jo and her husband Leslie were very welcoming. With true Canadian hospitality, they invited this homesick little family to have supper with them.

What a sweet and encouraging evening we enjoyed in their home. After 36 years of friendship, we couldn’t quite believe that Mary Jo was now gone.

At her funeral service on August 8 in Church of Our Lord, Archdeacon Ron spoke from his heart when he shared with her friends his tribute to Mary Jo. Ron explained that, “God promises that a Christian never dies too late. God never makes mistakes. His timing is always perfect, but on this side of the veil, we will never

understand His timing.” And he quoted a theologian by the name of Octavius Winslow who wrote this: “Christian, Your time of death, with all its attendant circumstances, is in the Lord’s hand. All is appointed and arranged by him who loves you and redeemed you – infinite goodness, wisdom, and faithfulness consulting your highest happiness in each circumstance of your departure.

The final sickness cannot come; the "last enemy" cannot strike, until God bids it. All is in his hand; then calmly, confidingly leave life’s closing scene with him.

You cannot die away from Jesus. Whether your spirit wings its flight at home or abroad, amid strangers or friends, by a lingering process or by a sudden stroke, in brightness or gloom, Jesus will be with you; and upheld by his grace and cheered by his presence, you shall triumphantly exclaim, "Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff they comfort me," bearing your dying testimony to the faithfulness of God and the preciousness of his promises. Our time to die is in God’s hand and there I calmly leave it.” Octavius Winslow (1808–1878) “There all of us must leave it,” said Archdeacon Ron. In conclusion, he said, “I hope and pray that as those words have sustained and encouraged Christians for thousands of years, they will sustain and encourage you this day. “ The Wikipedia site tells me that Octavius Winslow, also known as "The Pilgrim's Companion", stood out as one of the foremost evangelical preachers of the 19th Century in England and America. A Baptist minister for most of his life and contemporary of Charles Spurgeon and J.C. Ryle, he seceded to the Anglican church in his last decade. His Christ centered works show devotion, practicality, and an experimental calvinism of the highest order. His writings are richly devotional and warm the soul and inflame the heart with sincere love, reverence, and praise to Christ.“ This book by him, “The Precious Things of God” (a reprint of the original work) receives many affirming comments from all sorts of persons on the Web – such as, “It is a great gift for any Christian who loves God's word and is anxious to walk in holiness.” “One of his finest,” “This is an amazing work,” “Read this with great joy,” “Although written in older language, the words will come alive to every modern heart.” Written 154 years ago and still receiving such admiration and endorsement! †

AWAY AND YET AT HOME

by Mike Damant We got away this Summer! Our first away trip in four years! And we had a very good time – in fact it was AMAZING! We went to Hawaii for two weeks – our first time ever. Our children and grandchildren took us, to celebrate our two milestone birthdays! We enjoyed it so much we almost didn’t come back!

One of the big blessings of this trip that was filled with big blessings was our visit to church on the two Sundays we were in Maui. It happened this way. On a previous holiday in Maui, our family had seen this little church at a small place named Makena, very close to their condo in Kihei. They told us about it now and we decided to go and see it. So off we drove through Wailea (where the beautiful people go), past rolling verdant gold courses and huge hedges of brilliantly flaming bouganvillea hedges, about a fifteen-minute drive, and there almost at the end of the road was Keawala’i Congregational Church.

It is a rather small building – I hope the Editor will include a photograph for you – built of coral blocks and concrete. The walls are about 27 inches thick, and white paint is used throughout. Inside is plain but dignified. Outside is a gigantic very old umbrella tree giving lovely shade Since it was a Thursday we were lucky to meet one of the administrators – there is not always anyone on site apparently. Like all the Hawaiians we met he was courteous and kind and spent some time talking to us about the church, its historic graveyard with the graves of Hawaiian patriarchs. We were so

charmed that we decided to attend on the coming Sunday.

Appropriately dressed in sandals, shorts and bright Hawaiian shirts we arrived expecting to be among a small number of attendees. Quelle surprise! There were about 80 folk already there, some visitors but mostly native Hawaiians of various ethnic backgrounds. The service began when the bell was tolled followed by blasts on two conch shells delivered by two very accomplished conch blowers – (we found out later by practising on a conch shell back at our condo that conch blowing is not as easy as it looks. Mostly all you get is a loud damp splutter!) The service was conducted in Hawaiian with English interludes. The hymns were sung in Hawaiian but the service sheets gave the English words. The tunes were ones we know and love so we could try to sing along in Hawaiian or English. We were especially delighted that the Lord’s Prayer was sung to the traditional Anglican setting by Merbecke!

Danny Brown, the Okana (Organist), generated an amazingly rich and powerful sound at the keys of the Allen Renaissance organ, supplemented by a pianist and a choir. The scripture readings were all in Hawaiian, but again the service sheet gave the Bible reference and the English words, so it was easy to follow.

The Rev. Kealahou Alika is the Kahu or Pastor. He is a wonderful Christian and a lovely man. In his discourse with the children – he spoke about the full moon which that night, June 23rd, would be a “Super Moon”, the largest moon of the year because it would be at its closest point in its orbit to Earth. It would be 14 percent bigger and 30 percent brighter than other full moons of 2013. He spoke of how its majesty, beauty and glory related to God’s blessings to us in a way which was so simple and lovely that the smallest intellect could grasp the meaning. In fact he so inspired us that our family all made a point of being outside at about 10 that night to watch the moon rise over the mountains – I was able to get a lovely photograph of it beaming down through the palm trees. His sermon to the adults too was short – 15 minutes – but so full of Christian message that we all felt quite exalted and inspired. After the service we joined in the social time held on a shaded “lanai” or thatched rooftop over a patio in the garden. It was a truly blessed Sunday, and

we there and then resolved to attend the following Sunday – which we did. On that second Sunday, a couple who had worshipped at Keawala’i Church every year when they came to Maui on holiday, were formally inducted into full membership in the church, having now retired to live in Kihei!

For those of us who have South African roots we were surprised to find how interested in that country the locals were – and how knowledgeable too. All were concerned about President Mandela’s health and what will happen to SA when he dies.

Following our visits I did a little research in to the church’s history which is interesting, and I think inspiring. The church, first known as “The Church of Honua’ula, was founded in 1832 – not long after Christianity had been introduced to the Islands. It was first built of pili grass, but eventually was rebuilt as a stone and wood building. In 1856 the Sunday School raised $70 and sent this to the US to purchase a bell. This arrived in 1860 and was installed in 1862. From these stark facts one can deduce that the congregation was not wealthy but were devout. In 1864 the land on which the church stands was finally purchased Late in the 19th century a dramatic climate change swept over Hawaii, or at least Maui. The once well watered lands around the church, which supported the small holders who made up the congregation, became suddenly drought stricken – which is still the case today – and the people’s livelihood disappeared. In desperation many had to move away and others had to turn to fishing to feed themselves. The church suffered badly through those years which were followed by an even worse period when the Great Depression struck the world. Instead of cash most church offerings became gifts in kind – eggs, chickens or a few poor vegetables.

Desperate parishioners left the area in droves and when the Second World War hit Hawaii the church began to suffer pillage, theft and neglect. But the faithful few struggled on.

Beginning in September 1951 the parishioners began the task of refinishing and refurbishing the old building.

With the help of many willing friends the work was

completed by May 1952 and the church was rededicated. Membership now rose to about 40 adults. Sundays started with a sunrise service (what a lovely idea, in that wonderful climate). Interestingly, the ‘Kapu’ was a woman, Daisy Milika’a.

In 1968 the church belfry dramatically collapsed. This triggered a long period of renovations and repair which finally ended with a rededication in May 1976. In 1992 the original church floor of Douglas fir which had lasted for almost 100 years was replaced with native ‘ohi’a wood thus emphasizing the Hawaiian nature of the church and its congregation.

In November 2006 the church began the celebration of its 175th anniversary which culminated in March 2007 with the annual lu’ua. It is inspiring that this small church has struggled through all adversity, with membership fluctuating as hard times, war and famine struck, all the time maintaining a strong and loving faith, to today where the congregation continues vibrantly alive in the Christian faith, ministering to all with the same love and fellowship, faithfully following Christ. If we should be blessed to return to Maui, we will certainly worship in this small Hawaiian church. It will always hold a special place in our hearts.

The printed story of their history ends with these words: “We give thanks to God for all who continue to provide support for the ministry of the church. May generations to come say of us that we were faithful witnesses.” †

THE JOURNEY THAT ENDED AT THE CHURCH OF OUR LORD by Agnes Duke Journeys are influenced by personal choices, that is, unless you are a child and church attendance has become the choice of parents. Having an English father, the son of an Anglican minister, and a Scottish mother with a strong Presbyterian background gave this child a double choice. For the first 12 years of my life church attendance was divided between both Anglican and Presbyterian and in all fairness I had the ultimate choice of either one. I chose Presbyterian because I wasn’t requested to kneel and I had knees that didn’t take kindly to kneeling!

Thus my church life was set, or so I thought until I married an Anglican, a non-attending Anglican. My thought was that if I switched to my husband’s persuasion he might start attending, but he said not so because his life-long hearing problem made it impossible to get anything from the service. So I remained a Presbyterian until a seemingly insurmountable internal upheaval happened in my chosen congregation. A move to another Presbyterian church was eventually not successful either because of its liberal tendency and I knew I was longing for a truly biblical church. A search began in July, 2009.

On August 23, 2009 I walked into Christ the King Anglican Church which having split from St. Matthias Church was now holding services in a very small hall in the Fairfield Community Centre. Seating was crammed into a too small space with little or no spare room; the minister spoke with strong biblical emphases; the singing was hearty and the feeling of welcome was tremendous. My heart was filled with an overwhelming feeling of joy and love of the Lord and I felt as though I had come home! Yes, I knew my search was over. My church journey was ended.

It wasn’t long before we moved to much larger accommodation in the Quadra area in an auditorium and began reaching out to the nearby community, especially to the children there and thus attracting some of the adults as well. Soon, however, there was talk of perhaps joining the congregation of Church of Our Lord which we ultimately did. Although I was sorry to leave the Quadra area, the move and coming together of the two churches has proved satisfactory in every way and the two congregations have melded as one. All the ministers have shown that Christian love and strong biblical principals have brought us together in a beautiful way.

The Unseen Hand Footsteps are sure when the path is known but there are times we are not so sure the time then is to reach for that unseen hand the One always there …. Just whisper His name He is always there the One you trust and know will guide and protect … make your footsteps sure Shadows may fall to hide the trail storm clouds roll overhead that darken the evening sky bringing fearful thoughts but your heart finds peace just by putting your hope your trust … your all in our Heavenly Father above who watches our steps every breath we will draw and safely lead us home Agnes Duke

Agnes Duke will soon have for purchase an original 2014 Desk Calendar, each month decorated with a favourite Biblical verse and one of her artistic photographs. These will make a charming and useful small gift for the special persons in your life and will be an uplifting and sweet reminder to them of the giver.

More information to come

SPARROW at STARBUCKS The Song that Silenced the Cappuccino Machine It was chilly in Manhattan but warm inside the Starbucks shop on 51st Street and Broadway, just a skip up from Times Square. Early November weather in New York City holds only the slightest hint of the bitter chill of late December and January, but it's enough to send the masses crowding indoors to vie for available space and warmth.

For a musician, it's the most lucrative Starbucks location in the world, I'm told, and consequently, the tips can be substantial if you play your tunes right. Apparently, we were striking all the right chords that night, because our basket was almost overflowing. It was a fun, low-pressure gig. I was playing keyboard and singing backup for my friend who also added rhythm with an arsenal of percussion instruments. We mostly did pop songs from the '40s to the '90s with a few original tunes thrown in. During our emotional rendition of the classic, "If You Don't Know Me by Now," I noticed a lady sitting in one of the lounge chairs across from me. She was swaying to the beat and singing along. After the tune was over, she approached me. "I apologize for singing along on that song. Did it bother you?" she asked. "No," I replied. "We love it when the audience joins in. Would you like to sing up front on the next selection?" To my delight, she accepted my invitation. "You choose," I said. "What are you in the mood to sing?"

"Well. ... do you know any hymns?" Hymns?

This woman didn't know who she was dealing with. I cut my teeth on hymns. Before I was even born, I was going to church. I gave our guest singer a knowing look.

"Name one."

"Oh, I don't know. There are so many good ones. You pick one. "Okay," I replied. "How about 'His Eye is on the Sparrow'?"

My new friend was silent, her eyes averted.

Then she fixed her eyes on mine again and said, "Yeah.

Let's do that one." She slowly nodded her head, put down her purse, straightened her jacket and faced the center of the shop. With my two-bar setup, she began to sing.

Why should I be discouraged? Why should the shadows come?

The audience of coffee drinkers was transfixed.

Even the gurgling noises of the cappuccino machine

ceased as the employees stopped what they were doing to listen. The song rose to its conclusion.

I sing because I'm happy; I sing because I'm free. For His eye is on the sparrow. And I know He watches over me.

When the last note was sung, the applause crescendoed to a deafening roar that would have rivaled a sold-out crowd at Carnegie Hall. Embarrassed, the woman tried to shout over the din, "Oh, y'all go back to your coffee! I didn't come in here to do a concert! I just came in here to get somethin' to drink, just like you!"

But the ovation continued.

I embraced my new friend. "You, my dear, have made my whole year!

That was beautiful!" "Well, it's funny that you picked that particular hymn," she said. "Why is that? "Well, ..." she hesitated again, "that was my daughter's favourite song."

"Really!" I exclaimed. "Yes," she said, and then grabbed my hands. By this time, the applause had subsided and it was business as usual. "She was 16. She died of a brain tumor last week."

I said the first thing that found its way through my stunned silence. "Are you going to be okay?"

She smiled through tear-filled eyes and squeezed my hands. "I'm gonna be okay. I've just got to keep trusting the Lord and singing his songs, and everything's gonna be just fine." She picked up her bag, gave me her card, and then she was gone.

Was it just a coincidence that we happened to be singing in that particular coffee shop on that particular November night? Coincidence that this wonderful lady just happened to walk into that particular shop?

Coincidence that of all the hymns to choose from, I just happened to pick the very hymn that was the favourite of her daughter, who had died just the week before? I refuse to believe it.

God has been arranging encounters in human history since the beginning of time, and it's no stretch for me to imagine that God could reach into a coffee shop in midtown Manhattan and turn an ordinary gig into a revival. It was a great reminder that if we keep trusting God and singing the songs, everything's going to be okay. †Light Up the Small Duties of This Day's Life O Father, light up the small duties of this day's life: may they shine with the beauty of Thy countenance. May we believe that glory may dwell in the commonest task of every day. Amen St. Augustine

DO YOU MEAN….?

(God forbid) they lived common-law or were divorced.

by Jack Krayenhoff

But now, a young man may tell his parents, “By the way, I have moved in with my girlfriend.” That means that ‘girlfriend’ has now become ‘wife’, except that no vows of faithfulness for life have been made. Our young man might also introduce the girl as ‘my fiancee’, but that now means (I think!) that they don’t intend to break up for the foreseeable future. The terminology to describe man/woman relationships is disappearing into the fog. What does ‘fiancee’ mean now?

What is the difference between ‘married’ and ‘single’?

A language mist is overtaking us, and in that mist there are no moral guidelines and there is no stability. The hippie morality has won: ‘If it feels good, do it.’ Probably the highest price for this uncertainty is paid by the children born into it. Will daddy come back? Who knows?

Vagueness. When you leaf through a book and read a few sentences here and there to decide if you are going to read it – what is the one thing above all that makes you say, ‘This is not for me’? I’ll tell you what does it in my case: vagueness. The language is not crisp, the meaning is blurred by words that don’t quite hit the mark, focus is lacking. I prefer reading something that is brightly and incisively written even if I heartily disagree with the contents.

I know whom I have to thank for this tendency: my father. He was somewhat bossy anyway, but in the matter of precise use of language he was tyrannical.

When as a boy I was enthusiastic about something I wanted to tell him, he would interrupt me and say, “Stop! What exactly are you trying to tell me? You have to be precise.” At the time, I did not appreciate that discipline very much, but once I see my father in heaven I will yet thank him for it.

Now I used to think this preoccupation with clarity and precision in language was just a hobby, until I hit on something fascinating in the creation account that hitherto I had overlooked. Consider: God making things out of nothing – that is creation, right? But now look at Genesis 1, and you see that a good part of the process is separating things that were formerly indistinguishable. Light is separated from darkness, so that now you have day and night. Water is separated into water on the earth and water in the heavens (rain). The surface of the earth is divided into sea and dry land. As it says in Genesis 1:2, the heavens and the earth were already created at the start, but it was ‘without form and void’: it was an unpatterned substance without any forms or colour. You could not discern any pattern in it. The interest and beauty came through a process of separation, definition, contrasting, setting borders.

This ought to characterize our use of language as well, but in fact we seem to be drifting into a linguistic fuzziness where words begin to lose their precise meaning.

And this fog is not just happening; rather (I suspect) it is deliberately created by a group of opinion-makers who want to overthrow traditional morality and replace it with their own. Take for instance man/woman relationships. Formerly they were clearly defined: they could be boyfriend/girlfriend, engaged, or married, in which latter case they were entitled to have sex and were expected to build a family. And if they did not

This fog is floating not only over sexual mores but over many other areas where morality is a factor – even in theology. Take the word ‘sin’. It is an absolutely basic concept in understanding the Gospel but I doubt it is heard from the pulpit of many liberal churches, unless it is to explain that sin should be understood as ‘human weakness’. And many people are glad to accept that view, for along with sin, ‘guilt’ and ‘punishment’ are then also out of the way. That way a suffering Jesus is also no longer relevant to us personally. We were never comfortable with that anyway, nor with that talk of ‘the blood’. This way we have a Jesus who was a great teacher and a healing presence, who showed us what love was. He was executed as a martyr, because he had the courage of his convictions. All this we have achieved by using a gentler phrase for that brutal word ‘sin’.

Am I saying that imprecise use of language leads to moral decay? No, but those who want to throw off the prevailing set of morals (usually of Christian origin), will always corrupt, or obscure the meaning of the words used to define the original morality, or simply edge them out of our vocabulary.

Clear and precise language braces our morals, and it is good for the soul. Let’s keep working at it! † _____________________________________________

HIS CHURCH

by Pastor Doug Batchelor Here’s an amazing fact: In 1874, Methodists in Swan Quarter, North Carolina, decided it was time to construct a permanent church building. They soon found what they believed was the ideal site for their church— a perfect lot on high ground in the heart of town.

But when they approached the owner of the lot, Sam Sadler, he didn’t want to “waste” his prime real estate on a church. Yet even after they increased the offer, Sadler refused to sell. Soon after, the Methodists accepted a gift of land half a mile away on some low-lying property. The members cheerfully began building a modest but sturdy structure resting on brick piers. Then something miraculous occurred …

On September 17, 1876, right after they dedicated the small church, a powerful hurricane began to brew. Rain fell and wind blew until the rising water lifted the little Methodist church from its foundation— carrying it like Noah’s ark up the street. People awoke the next morning to witness an amazing sight: The entire church was floating down Oyster Creek Road.

A few good Samaritans tried to contain the church by tying it off with ropes, but it broke its moorings and continued its journey as though it had a mind of its own.

It went straight down the road to a corner and bumped into a general store, then took a sharp right turn and headed down the road for about two city blocks until it reached the corner of what is now Church Street. Then it took another turn to the left, crossed the Caravan Canal, and finally stopped.

Ironically, the little church settled in the very centre of the property that the congregation had originally requested for their house of worship, the parcel Sam Sadler had refused to sell for a church. After seeing the mighty work of Providence, Mr. Sadler, with trembling hands, gave the title deed for the land to the Methodist pastor. When the church was dedicated years later, it was called “Providence.”

Today a sign stands in front of Providence Church, reminding visitors that this was the church “Moved by the Hand of God.” This story represents an incredible example of how the power and providence of God can still lead His church. If our lives are surren-

dered to Jesus and we are committed to building up the body of Christ, His church, the Lord will still work mighty miracles today to lead His people. That’s why we have dedicated this first edition of our magazine in 2008 to the object of Jesus’ supreme regard, the apple of His eye, the purchase of His blood — His church.

The Pastor’s Perspective, from Inside Report, Jan/Feb 2008 _____________________________________________

THE ANGLICAN CALENDAR St. Luke the Evangelist, October 18 St. Luke the Evangelist was born in Antioch, Syria; he is generally thought to have been a Gentile; he was a physician by profession and a painter or iconographer (the tradition is strong that Luke painted icons of Mary). Luke was with Paul at Philippi; he made the fateful journey with him to Jerusalem; stuck by him during the two years at Caesarea, and shared the voyage and shipwreck on the way to Rome.

Luke was also a gifted writer, organising his materials creatively and telling his story with clarity and artistry.

In his Gospel Luke is the most attentive to reporting the merciful kindness of Jesus toward the poor, the sick, sinners, and the afflicted. Dante called Luke, “the scribe of Christ’s gentleness” because of his emphasis on Jesus’ mercy to sinners and outcasts. Luke’s continuing work after his Gospel, The Acts of the Apostles, is the only book in the New Testament which continues the story of Jesus into the early church. If it were not for Acts, we would have only isolated pieces of information about the beginning of the church.

After the martyrdom of Paul, Saint Epiphanus says that Saint Luke preached in Italy, Gaul, Dalmatia and Macedonia. Others say he went to Egypt and preached in the region of the Fathers of the Desert. The reports concerning Luke's death are conflicting. Some early writers claim he was martyred, others say he lived a long life.

The earliest tradition we have says that he died at 84 in Boeotia after settling in Greece to write his Gospel. St. Luke is the only non-Jewish writer in all the New Testament. He spent his life in absolute dedication to Jesus Christ and left an inestimable legacy for posterity. † _____________________________________________

FORREST GUMP GOES TO HEAVEN The day finally arrived. Forrest Gump dies and goes to Heaven. He is at the Pearly Gates, met by St. Peter himself. However, the gates are closed, and Forrest approaches the gatekeeper.

St. Peter said, 'Well, Forrest, it is certainly good to see you. We have heard a lot about you. I must tell you, though, that the place is filling up fast, and we have been administering an entrance examination for everyone. The test is short, but you have to pass it before you can get into Heaven.'

Forrest responds, 'It sure is good to be here, St. Peter, sir. But nobody ever told me about any entrance exam.

I sure hope that the test ain't too hard. Life was a big enough test as it was.'

St. Peter continued, 'Yes, I know, Forrest, but the test is only three questions.

First: What two days of the week begin with the letter T? Second: How many seconds are there in a year?

Third: What is God's first name?'

'Hold it,' interrupts St. Peter. I see where you are going with this, and I see your point, though that was not quite what I had in mind....but I will have to give you credit for that one, too.

Let us go on with the third and final question.

Can you tell me God's first name'?

'Sure,' Forrest replied, 'it's Andy.'

'Andy?' exclaimed an exasperated and frustrated St. Peter. 'Ok, I can understand how you came up with your answers to my first two questions, but just how in the world did you come up with the name Andy as the first name of God?' 'Shucks, that was the easiest one of all,' Forrest replied.

'I learnt it from the song, ANDY WALKS WITH ME, ANDY TALKS WITH ME, ANDY TELLS ME I AM HIS OWN.' St. Peter opened the Pearly Gates, and said: 'Run, Forrest, Run.' _____________________________________________

WORD SEARCH

Forrest leaves to think the questions over. He returns the next day and sees St. Peter, who waves him up, and says, 'Now that you have had a chance to think the questions over, tell me your answers.'

Forrest replied, 'Well, the first one -- which two days in the week begins with the letter 'T'? Shucks, that one is easy....That would be Today and Tomorrow.'

The Saint's eyes opened wide and he exclaimed, 'Forrest, that is not what I was thinking, but you do have a point, and I guess I did not specify, so I will give you credit for that answer.

How about the next one?' asked St. Peter.

'How many seconds in a year?

Now that one is harder,' replied Forrest, 'but I thunk and thunk about that, and I guess the only answer can be twelve.'

Astounded, St. Peter said, 'Twelve? Twelve? Forrest, how in Heaven's name could you come up with twelve seconds in a year?'

Forrest replied, 'Shucks, there's got to be twelve: January 2nd, February 2nd, March 2nd... '

Hidden in the WORD SEARCH above in various directions are 30 words. Each word completes the sentence: THE LORD IS MY …….

For example, The Lord is My DELIVERER. Answers in the next issue. Have Fun! (“From Flip for Puzzles, Volume 2, published by Barbour Publishing Inc. Used by permission”)