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 February 2013 Editor: Lynne Damant email: fmdamant@shaw.ca
Producer: Richard Montgomery email: office@churchofourlord.org
everything that Jesus did. The whole world wouldn’t have enough room for all the books that would have to be written, he said. So John set out to write only that which 18 When Jesus had spoken these words, He went out with would directly contribute to the belief that Jesus is the His disciples over the Brook Kidron, where there was a gar- Christ, the Son of God. den, which He and His disciples entered. 2 And Judas, who betrayed Him, also knew the place; for Jesus often met So notice the detail of this account. His name was Malthere with His disciples. 3 Then Judas, having received a chus—the servant of the high priest. In the olive grove, detachment of troops, and officers from the chief priests Peter pulled out his sword and cut off his right ear. Dr. and Pharisees, came there with lanterns, torches, and Luke, giving his medical slant on the story, reports that weapons. 4 Jesus therefore, knowing all things that would Jesus picks the ear off the ground and restores it to its come upon Him, went forward and said to them, “Whom proper place. It would be the last recorded physical miraare you seeking?” cle that Jesus performed—a clear and 5 They answered Him, “Jesus of Nazainescapable witness to the power and reth.” person of the Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus said to them, “I am He.” And Judas, who betrayed Him, also stood What do you suppose happened when with them. 6 Now when He said to Malchus went back and reported to his them, “I am He,” they drew back and boss—the high priest? Caiaphas igfell to the ground. nored the witness. He pushed ahead to 7 Then He asked them again, “Whom are you seeking?” have Jesus crucified the next day. But every day after that, And they said, “Jesus of Nazareth.” Malchus would show up to work for Caiaphas wearing 8 Jesus answered, “I have told you that I am He. Therefore, both ears. if you seek Me, let these go their way,” 9 that the saying might be fulfilled which He spoke, “Of those whom You Don’t ignore the witness. Ask Jesus for forgiveness. Let gave Me I have lost none.” Him touch you and make you whole. Believe. And find 10 Then Simon Peter, having a sword, drew it and struck life.” by Dr. Gary Bennett the high priest’s servant, and cut off his right ear. The servant’s name was Malchus. (Dr. Gary Bennett is the Pastor of Victoria First Church of 11 So Jesus said to Peter, “Put your sword into the sheath. the Nazarene. This reflection, for Day 22, March 14, apShall I not drink the cup which My Father has given peared in The Way of the Cross, Devotional Prayer Guide, Me?” (John 18:1-11) 47 Days of Prayer for Lent, Feb.22nd—April 8th, 2012. It is used with kind permission of its author, who was also ediIn the league of Bible characters, Malchus doesn’t feature tor of the Guide,) very prominently. In fact, he literally had the proverbial fifteen minutes of fame. Of the four Gospels, only John Father, in this Season of Lent, may we not ignore the witmentions him by name. In telling the story, the detail to ness of that miracle. May all we at Church of Our Lord, which John goes is intriguing. A careful steward of ink and receive fresh revelation that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of parchment, John realised that one couldn’t possible record God, and have life in His Name! †††
LENT IMAGE
possible, reinforce the reality of that. Yet He resolutely pressed forward. I speak of the human that was Jesus, not the Jesus the son of God because I believe that in these BY MIKE DAMANT last hours of His earthly life, God had stood back. This was the real test – could a being who was totally human withstand the fury of Satan and overcome – hence Jesus’ cry on the cross, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” What power sustained Jesus? It could only be His faith. He absolutely believed that God would raise Him from the grave and receive Him as the Divine Son. He had It has been exercising my mind a lot, on and off, that what very little on which to base His belief. Yes, He would have we have here on this earth is not the true reality of life. known of Enoch, who, as we read in Genesis chapter 5, This being the start of the season of Lent has prompted verses 21 to 24, “Enoch walked with God and he was not me to think about the Resurrection and our belief as Chris- for God took him.” Jesus would also have known about tians that life does continue from here and is real. I’m led Elijah who, as we read in 2 Kings chapter 2, verse 11, to considering which is the true reality – is this, the life we ”suddenly a chariot of fire appeared with horses of fire live we live here on earth it, or is the life beyond the true and separated them (Elijah and Elisha); and Elijah went up reality, and this here is the unreal? by a whirlwind into heaven.”
FROM PEW 20
THE REAL AND THE UNREAL
Jesus often stressed in His preaching and teaching that He spoke of things spiritual — but His listeners, even His apostles, continually related them to their everyday world. I began to understand that, for Him, the eternal life with The Father was the real life. St. Paul realised this, which is why he so longed to be released from his mortal body and go to join Jesus. So, at this point my conclusion is that we should be paying very close attention to the eternal life with the Father which is the future for all Christians – and this brought me once again to Faith!
So Jesus would have known that humans had been lifted up body and soul into heaven, but He had only His faith that He too would be lifted up, to sustain Him through the terrible ordeal ahead. To my mind it is extremely important to recognise that this was Jesus the man who held so fast and trusted in God in terms that perfectly matched the definition of faith given in Hebrews.
So we, as we look forward beyond the grave, are required to have the same certainty as that of Jesus in the promise of God. We know we are more than just a corporeal being. I have previously written about Faith, but this time I found The “reality” of the here and now – which may not be myself considering what Faith is. I thought of that brave what we think it is – will be left behind and we, in faith, in Austrian parachutist, Felix Baumgartner, who we saw the steps of Jesus, will go forward into heaven. To believe stand on the edge of outer space and then launch himself this is the real faith we are called to, remembering Jesus’ from his space capsule and plummet downwards, breaking own words, “No-one comes to the Father but by me.” the sound barrier. I thought, “Wow! There’s faith.” But then I thought, “No, that’s not faith, that’s trust – very similar, but different.” Mr. Baumgartner was really trusting in his support group. He had been involved in all the lead “There cannot be a God of love,” up to his brave act. He knew that everything had been put men say, “because if there was, in place to ensure success, and he was confident that he and he looked upon the world, his could deal with anything unforeseen which could occur – heart would break.” The Church as we saw when he went into that potentially fatal spin. points to the Cross and says, “It did Seeking a firmer foundation for my musings I went into the break.” “It is God who made the book of Hebrews in my Bible. world,” men say. “It is he who should bear the load.” The Church In chapter 11, verse 1, I found, “Now Faith is the assurance points to the Cross and says, “He of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen...” did bear it.” This statement brought me immediately to Jesus the man, wholly human. When confronted with His coming trial and -William Temple crucifixion we know He was afraid. His fervent prayers in the Garden, and His anxious appeals to God to spare Him if
CO-RECTOR’S MESSAGE FROM RON CORCORAN Dear Brothers and Sisters, Welcome to Lent! I know, I know, it seems like Christmas was only yesterday. In fact there are some people who have yet to take down their Christmas lights! Maybe it is true when you get older, time flies.
Abstain from television (think how many hours you would gain); abstain from computer games (more hours) Abstain from reading fiction, or going to movies; married couples could abstain from sexual relations (1 Corinthians 7:5) Abstain from negative talk for the next 40 days
What things could we take on? Read more Scripture; read the account of the Passion of Christ in all four Gospels; read a Gospel and an Epistle in the next 40 days; read theological or Christian classics; spend more time in prayer Spend quality time with your mate or your children or During the season of Lent most of us either take on some grandchildren; visit a shut-in; discipline or put aside some of the pleasures of the flesh Go for a prayer walk around the area of Church of Our for a season of prayer and fasting. There is probably very Lord or your own neighborhood; come to the monthly little that I could teach this congregation about prayer as Tuesday Evening Prayer Meeting (see bulletin for time & so many of you excel in this area of discipleship. I decided date); if you fast from a meal - spend that time in prayer therefore that I would take on the challenge of fasting – Deliberately look for ways that God can use you through this was triggered by an article I read in January by Bishop acts of compassion to others John Guernsey who wrote: “Fasting is a practice of deliber- Volunteer at the Living Edge one Sunday afternoon; volunate and voluntary abstaining from usual nourishment teer at the Thursday Cridge Club luncheon (and/or other activities), which, when carried out with Introduce yourself to someone you have not yet met in prayer brings spiritual growth and adds supernatural pow- Church; invite a Home Group to meet with your Home er to our prayers.” Bishop John goes on to say there are Group eight Biblical reasons to make fasting a regular part of our Encourage one another with words, an email or a card; Christian life and discipline. Many of us are familiar with attend Maundy Thursday and Good Friday services the writing and devotions of Andrew Murray. Murray was Spend fifteen minutes on Saturday praying for Sunday a South African Pastor who in his lifetime wrote 240 morning services books. Where did he find the time? On fasting, he wrote: Take our Moderator, Bishop Don’s suggestion in his Lenten “Prayer is reaching out after the unseen; fasting is letting Letter and spend 15 minutes a day in silence go of all that is seen and temporal. Fasting helps express, deepen and confirm the resolution that we are ready to These are my suggestions. I will go through them and sacrifice anything, even ourselves to attain what we seek choose some things to give up and some things to take on for the Kingdom of God.” for these next 40 days. If I have taken time in Lent to preFasting from meals is not the only form of fasting we can practise. Here are some suggestions that might challenge and assist us during this year’s Lenten Season. Discovering other things that we could give up or take on during Lent might even prove a good subject for discussion in Home Groups. Feel free to drop me an email and let me know your suggestions and your practices (rector28@shaw.ca). What could we give up? Abstain from candy and sweets (when I was a child we gave up candy and sweets during Lent, but it really wasn’t much of a sacrifice because we never had such treats except on very special occasions.) Abstain from favourite meals for the next 40 days; or from liquor, wine and other alcoholic beverages except for medicinal purposes (1 Timothy 5:23); or from coffee or tea or fast food; abstain from smoking
pare myself for Easter, I find that I enter into the Easter Season with a spirit of tremendous joy and awesome thanksgiving for all that He has done for us. May you have a blessed and rewarding Lent! Pastor Ron †
WHAT IS ‘IDLE NO MORE’
mogenous group, there are, as one would expect, as many opinions as there are Aboriginal people.
by Bruce Hodding
It is important to understand this background when discussing the Idle No More movement. In October 2012, four Aboriginal women from Saskatchewan decided that the Federal Government’s Bill C-45, which would greatly affect the lives of Aboriginal people, was not getting enough attention. Bill C-45 was an omnibus bill that became the Jobs and Growth Act. It made changes to the Navigable Water Protection Act (now the Navigation Protection Act) and to the Indian Act. In the first instance, it weakens environmental oversight to projects affecting Canadian waterways, many of which run through reserves. In the second instance, it changes the Indian Act to make it easier to lease reserve land. Previously, obtaining a lease of reserve land required a majority vote of a majority of the members of the band (the double majority rule); after the legislative changes, however, it now requires only a majority vote of those who attend the meeting (the single majority rule). Before the changes, lease agreements could be delayed if a majority of band members did not show up to vote.
“Look at you,” he said, “sitting there Indian crosslegged, wearing an Indian Sweater. You’re lost. You need Jesus.” Hearing this from a Cowichan Native Elder really opened my eyes. I had been meeting Christians who told me to pray and ask God to reveal himself to me. I prayed and God did, and so I became a Christian. Later, remembering this Cowichan Elder, I decided to work for the Natives, naively thinking I could fix all the problems. I thought it would take two years; that was 17 years ago. Aboriginal issues in Canada are immensely complex. The term “Aboriginal” in Canada refers to Indian, Inuit, and Métis. Some people do not like the word “Indian,” and instead use the term “First Nation.” It is often used to refer to a person or a band (for a few it also includes Métis). My friends from the Cowichan Tribes, however, tell me they are proud to be Indians. Furthermore, there is no legal definition for the term “First Nation,” whereas, there is a legal definition for the term “Indian.” In Canada, the term “Indian” has several subdivisions: 1) Status or Registered Indians are those people who are registered under the Indian Act and as such are entitled to various programs and services. 2) Treaty Indians are those who in addition to having Status are members of bands who signed treaties and thus have additional rights defined by their particular treaty. 3) Non-Status Indians are those who trace their descent from people who inhabited North American before Europeans arrived but who are not registered under the Indian Act. Inuit are those people who inhabit the Arctic region of Canada and who are neither Indian nor Métis. In turn, Métis are those who trace their descent from a people of mixed Indian and European ancestry who had a distinct culture and lived separately from both Indians and Europeans since before confederation in 1867.
The four Aboriginal women, Nina Wilson, Sheelah McLean, Sylvia McAdam, and Jessica Gordon decided to do something about these changes under Bill C-45. They started the Idle No More movement as a way of bringing attention to the issues, but it was when they used social media to tweet #IdleNoMore, that the movement spread. What started as a protest against Bill C-45 became a protest of general grievances. Since it was a grassroots movement, with no clear direction or stated outcome, and because of the lack of leadership, it became all things to all people. As the Idle No More movement spread, some Aboriginal leaders tried to get ahead of it and to claim the movement for themselves. There are other Aboriginal leaders, however, such as Chief Jeff Cook of the Huu-ay-aht First Nation, who decry the rhetoric and tactics of the Idle No More movement as unhelpful. Nonetheless, an underlying feeling of discontent has arisen, and the Federal Government has fueled this by cutting funding for Aboriginals concerns over the past few years.
The strength of the Idle No More movement is also its weakness. On the one hand, because there is no clear Aboriginal issues in Canada are further complicated by the leadership or stated goals, the movement has morphed fact that the interaction between Aboriginal peoples and into many shapes. Across Canada, many non-Aboriginals Europeans spans over 400 years of history, covers who oppose the current Federal Government have used 3,855,103 square miles (9,984,670 square kilometres) of this as an opportunity to vent their displeasure. In British territory, and involves some 614 Indian bands, 60 Aborigi- Columbia, the environmental movement has latched on to nal languages, and twelve distinct cultural-linguistic clusthe Idle No More movement, especially regarding the ters. Not only are Aboriginal people in Canada not a hoEnbridge Pipeline hearings. Certainly, it has touched a
nerve. There is a general perception among many that rich corporations run the world for their own benefit. As such, the Idle No More movement has spread beyond our borders and protests are showing up in the USA, Europe, and even in South America. On the other hand, because there is no clear leadership or stated goals, no one knows if it has achieved its desired outcome. If politics is defined as the art of the possible, then having no clear objectives makes reaching a solution impossible. For Christians, we must remember that many Aboriginal people are also our brothers and sisters in Christ, and if any Aboriginal people are part of the poor and downtrodden, then they are part of our responsibility. Years ago, God used a Cowichan Native Elder to open my eyes to His truth, and out of gratitude, I will always seek to minister to this community. It is important that we as a Church learn what we can of their history and culture and seek to reach out them in any way we can.
LENTEN PASTORAL LETTER OF THE RIGHT REVEREND DONALD F. HARVEY, BISHOP AND MODERATOR 2013 My dear Friends in Christ:
some areas where our geographic locations permit such times of refreshment. When I unpacked my luggage last night I discovered that in my haste to get from one engagement to another, I had carelessly left the package containing all of my medications back at the Rector's home in Barrie. It was only when I no longer had them, that I fully realized just how much I was depending on some of these pills for my continued good health. Like many, if not most of you, my medicine needs consist of a number of things which, though probably desirable, are non- essential to my immediate well-being. If I still want them, I can get them over the counter of almost any pharmacy. However, there are others that have been prescribed by a doctor and must be taken at regular times and with proper dosages or illness is likely to occur. Many of you know just how important it is to take blood pressure medications, for example, on a consistently regular basis or we may find ourselves not feeling well and probably in store for big trouble. But is it not the same for our spiritual lives? We all have our own "prescriptions" in order to advance and come closer to Our Lord on a daily basis. Some of our aids are like the supplements we take, not essential yet very helpful. Others, though, are critical, and without them our times at prayer and meditation can become dry, listless, and even depressing.
Just as few of us have exactly the same medical needs, so I am writing this in Toronto after spending a glorious week- each of our spiritual journeys is distinctive and handend "celebrating" with our Celebration Church in Barrie as tailored to suit where we are in our relationship to Christ and to one another. As they say, one size rarely fits all. they move into their third year of celebrating their call from Christ to come out and witness to the Faith that is so sustaining to them. Earlier in the week we had a very won- Yet we all need the "basics", found in prayer, sacraments, derful couple of days of renewal and refreshment with our and spiritual exercises. Many of you have Spiritual Directors, prayer groups or clusters of people who share your clergy in the Toronto area, and on Saturday a very spiritdesires and needs and with whom you feel as one when filled morning as some 73 men from the area gathered together for a Prayer Breakfast. On Sunday evening, many you pray. Above all, we are called upon to "bear one anof us were able to congregate at Christ the King in down- other's burdens" as we constantly intercede for one another. town Toronto for the ordination of two young deacons who became Priests in Christ's One, Holy, Catholic and ApLent certainly is a time for us to re-examine our spiritual ostolic Church. medications and see what they are doing for us. Do some of our aids need to be increased or do some of them now These activities of coming together do much to restore need to be replaced with something completely different and boost our spiritual batteries both as individuals and to meet our present situation? In other words, we need within our church families as well. We are reminded that time for self examination - from which can come further while we bear one another's burdens, we also have the opportunity to share our mutual joys. Such events long will action. Jesus took such time for prayer and reflection when he went into the wilderness at the beginning of His be remembered and we are so grateful that there are ministry; and as we commemorate that period of time we
call Lent, we strive to build up the spiritual stamina for the You've been wearing those same clothes for a couple days next challenge or temptation that comes our way. now. You look tired. You've let some of yourself go a bit. Things like shaving or managing your hair. You've let these This Lent, I call upon you to do two things. things go because all your attention - all your energy - has been directed to the fighting. As individuals, allow a deliberate time each day for silence. But this isn't your conventional war of guns and soldiers. It is not an easy request in our talkative society, but it is This is you and your child fighting Cancer. only through this gift that can hear that "still, small voice" You're on the front line with him. Heavy aggressive mathat the world, the flesh and the devil is so anxious to chinery and chemical warfare are pumping into him. Aldrown out. Surely, it is as important to listen to Him as it is ready he's had major surgery to relieve pressure on the to speak to Him. brain. A giant scar remains across the top of his head. They've put an access port into his chest. The tubes for it As parishes, I am calling on every congregation in our Dio- go straight into his heart. You sleep next to him on a cot cese, to take on some special activity or study, or prayer that breaks your legs and back. You are woken every hour time, during the Lenten period. It may be something new, for vital signs. They take his temperature and his blood or simply intensifying something you already are doing. pressure. They adjust the tubes and wires going into his body. The machines hum all night long, casting their eery And, since this will be my last Lenten Pastoral to you, I blue and green lights thru your room. All the fluids he conwould be touched if someone from each congregation sumes are recorded - both coming in and going out. Hardly dropped me an email, telling me what you attempted and any food is taken by mouth. The chemo cocktail has taintwhat was accomplished. ed the tastebuds. Everything tastes of steel. Bowel moveMay this be a Blessed Season for us all as day by day we ments are collected in a white tray. There is pain. God, move towards the Joy of Easter. there is pain. Burning pain. Stabbing pain. Headaches and body aches everywhere. Your Bishop and Moderator, Pills. Always there are pills to be taken. Woken from sleep every night to take them. You are bombarded with medical terminology. MRI scans. PET scans. CAT scans. Fevers. Infections. If its possible to catch it - he gets it. C-deficile. Diarrhea. Constipation. Vomiting. Dry heaving. He's lost a lot of weight. His skin is pale and paper thin. His hair falls out. He pulls his eyelashes off. You need to pee? Drag that I.V. stand with you and mind not to pull the tubes out of your chest. 6 months and they've given him as You will remember the name Jasper on much chemotherapy as he can take. Twice they've come our Prayer List every week. He is the close to killing him. Now they harvest his bone marrow. son of Stephen and Barb Mohan who Hook him up to another machine and completely cycle all are friends of our Dorothy Jones. Doro- the blood from his body three times over. They collect thy, with Rev. Ron’s support, has asked stem cells for a transplant at a later date. For when he for this update to be included in The "really bottoms out". Blood is constantly taken from his Anchor Your warrior prayers are urgent- body. Transfusions of platelets and red blood cells seem ly sought for this courageous young fel- endless. Blood counts are too low to go out in public. low and his family. Here is an update We get a few months of leave from the battle. He grows sent to Dorothy by Stephen Mohan on February 7th: stronger. His hair grows back. But familiar pains return. Picture yourself on a battlefront. There's bright lights and The fight is not over. Radiate. Fasten your child to a carbon loud bangs going off around you. People hurriedly scurry fibre table. Make him immobile with a tight-fitting mask past you. Some look you in the eye as they go by, but are over his head and shoulders. Close the one-foot thick leadonly met with your vacant blank stare back. Some shout lined door behind you and then bathe him in radiation at a words of encouragement, telling you that "you're so push of a button. Week after week of radiation. His hair strong", but you don't feel it. You've seen a lot of action. falls out again. His skin burns You've taken a lot of bullets. And that is where we stand now. You were rushed off to this war unexpectedly. There was The battle goes on. no warning or tell tale sign of how long you'd be gone for, Yeah, we've seen a lot of action. We've seen too much. so you only packed one change of clothes. You look rough. After spending so much time here it's inevitable that you
PRAY FOR JASPER MOHAN
see death. Death of teenagers, children and babies. That scars you. But how much more can our bodies take? Our minds take? How many more bullets? We are so tired. We haven't given up - but we are tired. That's where you folks come in. You are the cavalry. Our shining bright knights coming over the hill with bugles blaring. You have the outstretched hand to us. You have the light shining the way out. You offer the crutch of support and carry us out. And friends, for all this we are thankful. Onwards we go... Stephen Mohan
dant Life which later changed its name to the Universal Apostolic Church of Life with roots going back to the ancient Apostolic Church from which the Roman Catholics evolved. I took my BSc, my Doctorate in theology and then my doctorate in Divinity at the church college. This took seven years to complete. I was consecrated a Bishop in 1963. For those interested in Apostolic successions, when I was consecrated as Bishop I received 17 Apostolic lines of succession. Meanwhile I was active in the choir and conducted the choir on numerous occasions. I was also active in Christian Counselling. And I produced and acted in musical revues for the church.
I was transferred to Victoria in 1971 and had a church on Shelburne and Kings Road in which I officiated in for three years. Then the Archbishop Wolsey and I agreed to disagree on certain principles and I left the church for a sabbatical of 10 years. My first marriage ended in a divorce not due to anything I had done. I was working at ABC Electric as a purchaser when one day I was called to meet a So that we who are new to sales representative from Monk Office supply. It happened Church of Our Lord might to be June and I fell head over heels in love at first sight. better get to know our fel- Gradually June began to see that I could be a good man for low members who work her and she agreed to marry me in 1981. This was the sectirelessly to make this the ond marriage for both of us. We were both avid tennis special church it is, The An- players and square dancers until arthritis took its toll on chor will feature one or both of us. June is an artist and poet in her own right and two introductions in each issue. This is an Introduction to has painted many pictures and composed many poems Bishop Robert and June Badham. I thank Bishop Rob for during her years at COOL. I was always interested in the the lovely account which follows. ED computer and taught myself to use it for work processes during my years in the secular world and then to use it for I was born in England in 1928 and grew up during WWII. pastoral work. Raised by my grandparents, grandfather was Plymouth Brethren and grandmother was a Methodist so it was a June and I drifted from church to church to find one that Christian household. I always thought everyone was a was suitable for us. Then one day we were invited to a Christian and it came as quite a shock to me that most wedding in the Church of Our Lord. As soon as we entered people were not Christian at all. I attended Methodist Sun- the door of the church we both felt that we had come day School on Sunday Mornings and Plymouth Brethren in home so we joined the church. Rev. Charles Dorrington the evening and could never understand how we had two was rector at that time and when he heard that I was a Gods to worship. priest he put me to work. I was president of the Men’s
BISHOP ROBERT AND JUNE BADHAM
June was born in Barbados in 1933 and married at 18 to Richard Taylor who unfortunately had a heart attack and passed away leaving June with 3 children. June came to Toronto Canada in 1971with her children and then moved to Victoria.
Group, led bible studies, was active in the choir, preached on Sunday Mornings and officiated at Wednesday morning services, while June was head of the chancel guild and later became wedding coordinator, and also active in the choir. All through my ministry I visited the sick and served them communion.
Meanwhile I served an apprenticeship as an electrical engineer during the war years and was doing essential war work so was not called in to armed forces. At the age of 22 I immigrated to Canada and was sponsored by my Uncle David in Vancouver. It was while I was in Vancouver that I became a Christian in the Church of The More Abun-
When Charles Dorrington retired to work at Victoria Prayer Counselling, Rev. Ted Follows became rector of the Church of Our Lord. Charles and I took sabbaticals so that Rev. Ted Follows could work unhindered by previous rectors and priests. Later Ted was elected as Bishop of the diocese with Charles as co-adjutant Bishop. June and I came back
to Church of Our Lord after about 3 years and helped Bishop Ted Follows’ ministry. It was during Bishop Ted Follows’ Ministry that he inaugurated Cridge Memorial Theological College and asked me to teach the curriculum courses of the Reformed Episcopal Church. Later Bishop Ted Follows retired and Charles Dorrington was elected Bishop of the diocese and at that time the REC recognised my theological credentials and I was accepted as a Bishop of the diocese.
A SNAPSHOT OF DICK FAULKS.
Meanwhile June has developed arthritis in her knees and dementia and I have become her caregiver. June goes to dementia classes twice a week at Sunrest Lodge run by the Salvation Army. This arrangement is working out very well at present and with the guidance of our Heavenly Father we shall continue to serve in whatever capacity He chooses for us. We are both getting older and cannot remember many names at present, but we welcome all the newcomers at COOL and hope to meet with them on a regular basis. May God continue to bless us all as we join together in doing His work in the Holy Spirit.
You are also involved under Maintenance and under Buildings. These are surely major areas of responsibility in any church? Although I have no claim to being a professional in any of the building trades, older brothers must have had an influence in helping me to have some understanding in those areas. The "team" was once three but gradually became reduced to one! It is encouraging to have "new blood in the house” to assist with the maintenance of this facility which, Praise the Lord, is growing wonderfully in the tradition of its founders.
Dick Faulk’s name appears in the Ministry Directory or List of Ministry Teams under various functions.
How long have you and Bev been at Church of Our Lord, and what was your route in getting here? Bev and I were married in a large downMeanwhile Rev. Rod Ellis was hired to become Rector of town Victoria Anglican church, where Bev and her parents Church of Our Lord and June and I assisted him in his ministry. We were still active in the choir and I began to work had been members for about ten years and we continued on the Archives while June was working as wedding coor- together in that parish for another thirty-five years. We attended Church of the Holy Spirit for about five years bedinator. My teaching at the Cridge Memorial Theological College took up most of my time so I had to relinquish oth- fore coming to Church of Our Lord ten years ago. er duties to concentrate on that. Then Jack and Joan Krayenhoff started the Cridge Club for seniors. June and I You are a Church Warden. What does this involve? Beattended one of the first meetings and Jack then asked me coming a Rector's Warden was not onerous as I had surto be the Master of Ceremonies for the Cridge Club, which vived previous Council and Warden experience! Being a Warden is demanding of one's time and talents and calls I accepted, while June helped out by serving the meals. for one to seek God's wisdom in decision-making and, in We have been active in this club to date. the case of the Rector's Warden’s role, to support the RecMy physical health was good until I contracted arthritis in tor. my joints. I was due for my first operation in 2004 when I And … you are a member of Parish Council. Is this linked began to get blackouts that lasted for about 2 to 5 seconds. I was rushed into hospital and had a pacemaker in- with being a Church Warden? Yes, wardens are automatistalled. Then I had my first hip replacement. The operation cally a member of Parish Council (formerly Vestry under was successful but the complications that set in afterwards the Reformed Episcopal Church). were painful. In 2008 I had a knee replacement and again Dick, your name also features under the banners of Fithe operation was a success but the complications afternance and Envelope Secretary! What is your involvement wards were painful. In August of 2012 I had my right hip in these vital areas? Shortly after arriving at Church of replaced and it was the best operation I have had so far Our Lord, I was invited to assist with the Monday morning with no complications. I now have hearing aids, false "Count". It wasn't long before my extremely limited teeth, a pacemaker, and three joint replacements and wear glasses. Rev. Bill Hedges of Courtney christened me knowledge of computers had me devising an Excel spreadsheet for the work. My role was simply with the recordthe “Bionic Bishop” and through God’s Good Grace I live keeping of Offerings - not with Payroll and its complexities. up to that name.
Dick is also part of the team which works to put on the weekly Cridge Club programme for seniors and there are numerous other areas in which he is involved in the life of
our church, but he is quietly modest about talking of himself. If Saint Paul were to come to Church of Our Lord, I think this is how he would greet Dick: “All the brethren greet you. For you have devoted yourself to the ministry of the saints in this place. Therefore, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.
THE HISTORIC PIPE ORGAN AT CHURCH OF OUR LORD by David Vuckson Our church organ is believed to be about the oldest church organ on the west coast of North America. The oldest portion of it dates to ca. 1827, constructed by Thomas Appleton of Boston. While still in the New England area, the instrument was enlarged by S.S. Hamill of Cambridge, Mass. Sometime later it found its way by ship around Cape Horn to a church in San Francisco where it was again altered ca. 1867. How it came to this church is the stuff of legend. For certain, it arrived in Victoria harbour in December 1875 and was installed and ready to play by the end of that month (the official opening service was on January 12, 1876). Also certain is the fact that it was donated by Sir James Douglas. The legend is that the organ had a baptism of salt water when it went overboard in a shipwreck, was then subsequently rescued by Sir James Douglas and donated to the church. Unfortunately, various historical accounts have placed the shipwreck in at least six different locations ranging from Burrard Inlet in Vancouver all the way to San Francisco and points in between. The difficulty with this legend is that old organs and pianos were put together with hot animal glue (ground up bone and cartilage) which is water-based. (Think of an elderly horse referred to as “old glue foot” and the sending of the same to “the glue factory”). If the instrument had gone into the ocean the glue joints would have softened in the water and then would fall apart. More likely, one of the crates may have been dropped in the harbour and fished out right away. Legend notwithstanding, the organ was definitely installed in December 1875 on the opposite side of the chancel to
where it sits today. It was moved to its current location many years later when the Cridge Memorial Hall was built, the space it had occupied being taken up by the passageway from the church to the hall and an office. When first installed the organ was hand-pumped by, we hope, an energetic young parishioner. A long wooden handle (which still exists, disconnected and stored inside the organ case) stuck out of the side of the casework out of sight of the congregation and operated a set of feeder bellows (still there but disabled) to fill the large reservoir with “wind.” Two other historic organs in Victoria can still be hand-pumped, a vigorous task I have performed many times in former years when I was known as “The Presbyterian Bellows Boy.” In 1879 a “water engine” supplied by Sir James Douglas’ son-in-law was installed to pump the organ. This device was once very common when churches did not pay for municipal water. The “engine” was essentially a piston that operated on city water pressure to work the bellows. Because city water pressure from the Beaver Lake filter beds was not always reliable, there would have been times that the hand-pumping handle would have to be used. For many decades now, the organ as obtained its “wind” from an electric blower that is located in the basement. The gold pipes across the front of the organ are but a fraction of the total number. Most of the façade pipes are “speaking” pipes (i.e. not “dummies”). The current count is 998 pipes of wood and metal. The organ has been modified and repaired numerous times since its installation at Church of Our Lord and, like any elderly machine with moving parts, it is subject to friction and wear and arthritis. Nevertheless, at 186 years of age it can still produce a grand sound—the King of Instruments in service of the King of Kings.
Luther once wrote, “Next to the Word of God, the noble art of music is the greatest treasure in the world. It controls our hearts, minds, and spirits.”
child vitamins. There are also those who are in need of medical supplies to assist them in their struggles with diabetes. We also are in need of sufficient funds to support the annual budget which includes all the church costs, such as Sunday School supplies, Holy Communion supplies, prayer books and song books, benches and other church furnishings, travel costs, legal costs to be recognised by the Government, costs of education for the pastors and leaders, assistance for people in greater need for food, and PasBy Bishop Charles Dorrington tors’ salaries. Please pray that your help in these areas, as well as the help from others, will meet the need that will To the Clergy and People of the Church of Our Lord:be there when we arrive in May. Claudia and I will be arriving there on May 3rd, and will be travelling from one end After so many years, it seems strange to approach the Church of Our Lord from the outside, rather than from the of the country to the other, visiting all of the areas where inside. Having just had a short meeting with your two Rec- we have a work happening. Bishop Trevor will be joining us for the last ten days of our time there. It is also hoped tors, I wish to express my thanks to all those members that four other members of the ANiC clergy will be able to who participated in the process that brought the two churches together to become one. Ron and Rod are excit- come with him. 100% of the funds raised are used for the Cuban church and people. 100% of the travelling costs are ed about what the Lord is doing, and it is my prayer that covered by the Diocese. Receipts are given to those who each member will also be just as excited!!! I also want to donate. We ask that your cheques be made out to The Dithank Bishop Trevor Walters, your bishop, for his friendship that began long before the process started, and I am ocese of Western Canada of the Reformed Episcopal Church. sure will continue for many years to come.
THE MISSION DISTRICT OF CUBA
One of the Mission Projects that I hope will continue, as it was when Church of Our Lord was REC, is the Mission Support for the District of Cuba, which was begun in the fall of 2003. I have just received the End of Year Report from Archdeacon William Suarez, and it shows a continued growth through the past year. 2012 began with 816 identified members and attenders, and finished the year with a total of 891. This number does not include those who attend on a regular basis as visitors. The actual weekly average attendance is closer to 1000. We now have 18 churches and church-plants in 12 major locations throughout Cuba, with 5 clergy and 12 Lay Readers leading the services. It is exciting to be among them and see what the Lord is doing in their midst. As in past years, there continues to be a great need of help for them, which we have jointly provided in the past (Church of Our Lord, Living Word, Holy Trinity and the Diocese). It is my hope that Church of Our Lord, along with its other Mission Projects, will continue to support the Diocese in this Mission work. The most important participation that you as members of COOL can do, is to pray for the leaders and people, who face great hardship, even just to get to a church service. Some people walk for two hours each direction just to attend. We also try to meet their other needs which include, but are not limited to:- boys’ and men’s clothes; men’s shoes and underwear; and adult and
Church of Our Lord has been an integral part of this work from its beginning. It is our prayer that this will continue for many years to come. May the Lord God bless you in this new work that is happening in Victoria. May He guide you in all things by the Presence of the Holy Spirit. May the love of Jesus Christ shine within all of the things that you do, whether it is your church services, your group meetings and prayer groups, the Cridge Club, or any of a number of the outreach programs that mark COOL as a living, loving and caring place. In the Name of Jesus Christ, +Charles Dorrington, Bishop.
MICHAEL GREEN’S ADVENTURE OF FAITH Book Review by Rev. Dr. Rod Ellis I first met Michael Green when he conducted a mission in Durban, South Africa in the early 1970’s. After a fairly lengthy process of application, Lynne and I headed off for Theological training at St. John’s College in Nottingham, England, where he was the Principal at the time. There we got to know his wife, Rosemary, who took Lynne under her
wing in a mentorship role. As I read this book, an autobiographical reflection on 50 years of ministry, I recognised how much he, along with other wonderful Christian leaders, influenced my life, particularly in the formation of my theology and practice during those early years. As Michael shares his own conversion experience, he clearly outlines God’s salvation plan. He describes the four elements vital to conversion. The conscience is stirred, understanding illuminated, will surrendered, and life changed. Evangelism, his passion for Jesus Christ and sharing the good news comes through in all he says and does. He shares on the student ministry and how he began his vast writing career. It is in the describing of his own parish ministry experience, I see how similar are my own views. In particular, the principle of gathering and equipping the saints for ministry, rather than trying to do the ministry ourselves. He showed a flexibility and adaptability as Rector of a congregation in Vancouver by introducing an early contemporary service to reach young families while leaving the existing more traditional service intact. Does that sound familiar? I love his defence of Evangelicalism as “nothing more than a wholehearted commitment to the unadorned Christianity of the New Testament.”
travel, offer encouragement at the way the Holy Spirit is moving all over the world. He ends the book with his faith firmly rooted in the God who will never fail or forsake us and in the resurrection as our hope for tomorrow. Reading this life adventure was great fun and there is a copy in the library for you to enjoy as well.
THE INVISIBLE WOMAN by Jack Krayenhoff There once was a movie, called The Invisible Man, in which a scientist developed a pill that made him invisible, though he could still speak audibly and act physically. It enabled him to do anything he liked with impunity. Think of the possibilities! When Christine was a child she was a bit of a tomboy, and she used to fantasize about the wonderful pranks she would be able to play on people if she could make herself invisible. And now, as an old lady, she had seen her wish fulfilled: she had become invisible, and that without any pill.
This is what had happened: she was sitting in a circle of fifteen people or so, all younger than herself, and a person He asks and answers some great questions. of some importance entered the room. That man began to What is the relationship between Scripture, reason and tradition in terms of authority? As a Christian, Evangelical greet everybody, beginning with the people on her left, one by one, mentioning them by name. After he had greetand Anglican (or whatever denomination), which takes ed the person on her left, he skipped Christine and said priority in our allegiance? What are some of the objections to Evangelicalism and the ‘hello David’ to her right-hand neighbour, and proceeded from there. Christine was sure he knew her name all right, differences with fundamentalism? What are the positive and negative aspects of the Renewal and also that he had not been deliberately rude. No, she realized he just had not noticed her. She had been invisible movement and the challenges it poses to the Church? How can we retain our distinctives while at the same time to him. cooperate with Christians who may have different views to The event did not upset her, because she was humble and ourselves? therefore not easily offended, but it was startling all the Can Roman Catholic and Protestant Churches come tosame by its unexpectedness. How was it that a perfectly gether in the work of the Gospel? What is women’s role in leadership, and particularly with decent and otherwise well-mannered man would be capable, though unconsciously, of such flagrant rudeness? reference to ordination? And on one of the most divisive issues of our time, what Then it came to her. She had just been reading in her bible should the Church’s response be to homosexuality? How can we cater for different worship styles to meet con- about Jesus paying particular attention to children, and how we should all become like them. Why was that? Betemporary needs and preserve the best of tradition? cause they were so sweet and innocent? Hardly – any In all the complex issues, Michael tackles them head on mother watching her dear children scrapping with each with Biblical and personal honesty. other and playing fast and loose with the truth about who was to blame, knows that this sweetness and innocence If you feel disheartened at the state of the world or can only exist in the minds of people who have no children church, the many testimonies gleaned from his years of
themselves. No – it must have been because children were teachable and trusting – unlike those scribes and Pharisees who knew their bible frontwards and backwards. They were the experts in religion; no wandering evangelist was going to teach them anything. But children? They were unimportant. They were OK if they were good but when it came to important issues, they might as well not be there. They were invisible. But they responded to Jesus, and he loved them for it.
When the nights are dark and long In my heart he puts a song, Telling me in words so clear, Have no fear for I AM NEAR.
Yes, that was it, she thought: I am an old lady now, and I am no longer an important factor in society. I have lost whatever power and influence I once had so it is safe to ignore me. I am becoming invisible, just like those children.
Thank you, JANET FINNIE, for your love in sharing this with us! It goes so well with Jack Krayenhoff’s story!
When my work on earth is done And my victories have been won, He will take me home above To learn the fullness of HIS love.
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Surprise Visitor
So what should she have done? Should she have challenged that man who ignored her, and taken him down a peg or two? Should she take the advice of Dr. Alex Comfort who recommended that old people should become ‘feisty’? ‘A ‘Raging Granny’?
Suddenly, I saw a tiny friend sitting, through the window as though to catch my eye hunger had brought him here where food was found before She didn’t think so. If she was becoming invisible like those at the patio bird station children anyway, she would rather become like them also made by loving hands in becoming more teachable and trusting towards her and placed atop the wall Master. Speaking of a second childhood, that would be for chickadees and more making the best of it! Well, reader, what do you think? Imagine Jesus making an inspection tour of churches today, and imagine him entering one that was full of old ladies like Christine, what would he say? Would he say, “This place is no good – nothing but old ladies here.” Or would he say, “Let the old ladies come to me, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these”? ——————————————————————————-
JESUS LOVES ME Yes Jesus loves me … Yes Jesus loves me … Yes Jesus loves me … The Bible tells me so! JESUS loves me, this I know Though my hair is white as snow Though my sight is growing dim Still he bids me trust in Him Though my steps are, oh, so slow With my hand in HIS I’ll go, On through life let come what may He’ll be there to lead the way.
On cooler days when snow might fall hungry birds would come to eat their fill before sheltering in shrubs or trees a protection for the night and always from inside I watched for one special little bird the one who caught my eye outside the window pane by Agnes Duke (Agnes says: “The name of the newsletter, The Anchor, couldn’t have been better named as far as I am concerned, because at one time I made little booklets for sale, among other things, and this is the wording I included on the back page: “The photographer, now in her 80’s, leads a full life combining her love of the Lord with family and friends by sharing her love of photography, short stories and verse. Agnes knows her inner strength lies in knowing—“We have this hope as an anchor firm and secure.” Hebrews 6:19)