A Week of Wonders

From Joe Culp

I must say my week of working at Bridge Street United Church's Hometown Nazareth Vacation Bible School was one of the most full experiences of our lifetime. I look back at the week the Kids were really having themselves a blast through song, Music, stories and Craft Creations.   One of the best thing I saw was  everybody making up Bagged Lunches to help feed hungry people at Gleaners Food Bank and as a Volunteer at our St. Matthews Food Distribution Centre I wanna compliment them on a job well done!

 I know for a fact that our Food Bank Customers down at Gleaners Warehouse would appreciate a great meal as so many just can't afford to get out to get food in the house...as they say "There's nothing Worse than Having Food in the House" which is true indeed!!!

Now my side...one of the best thing I ever experienced at VBS is having not one...not two but 3 Jobs to do and that really made me feel like I had plenty to do there that week.  .my 3 jobs involved 1)Science Assistant in the morning in which both to our surprise that Mike Roberts and I made the Wednesday Belleville Paper!   The Children just adored the kinds of experiments we were doing that any kid could do without using Dangerous Chemicals and Bunsen Burners. Instead we used Milk, Dish Soap and Food Colouring on Monday's and Citrus Fruit on Tuesday that included Lime, Lemon and Orange We put them both in water to see which one's would Sink and which one's would Float although I won't spill the Beans on that one until someone comes up and asks me.
 
2) Helping with Great Activities at both The St. Thomas Anglican Church Parking Lot and the Nicholson Field where the former BCI(Belleville Collegiate Institute) once sat and From Monday's to Wednesday’s and Friday's I was Randy Reid's assistant. The kids sure had a Blast on the kind of Activities we did including Hockey on Monday at St. Thomas and Water Balloon and Sponge Toss on Wednesday's.  Later that same day the youngsters were treated to a waterslide and they enjoyed that a lot!!! And on Tuesday's and Friday's at the Northeast and Southeast Nicholson Field I had to run back and forth from one field to another to keep track of the activities. 

Thursday we didn't do activities as kids visited both the Bridge Street Retirement Residences and Quinte Living Centre so I got to stay at the Church and Chat with those I haven't yet met and give my reflections on how much I was really enjoying my helping out at Hometown Nazareth.  Of course Randy Reid and I go a long ways back...Randy was my former School Teacher at Bayside Public and who knew that one day I would wind up going from his Student to assistant eh?!!! And I ask myself how good does that get eh?!!!

Another great task I had was having to be the Front Door Man Warming up Hearts and welcoming not only the Youngsters In to Hometown Nazareth but the Parents as well and I had the Huge responsibility to remind them to make sure the kids were taking to their Groups and signed in and to make sure no Kid walked out.  That task was courtesy of the Reverend Dr. Bill Smith Minister at Bridge Street  

Unfortunately like all great things our Program like all the other VBS and otherwise has come to an end but as I always say their is plenty of Opportunities to look forward too down the road and as I say in our Minutes of Missions ending "MANY HANDS MAKE MANY MISSIONS" and I do strongly encourage anyone out there to Please do get involved cause we can't do it without your Help and it's more than just 2 Hands to complete a mission!!!

 And in the end I want to say "You know what this combined Vacation Bible School along with College Hill, Bridge street and us at St. Matthews was one of the greatest experience of my lifetime but the only problem is I'D LIKE TO DO IT ALL OVER AGAIN"!!! Thanks be to God Amen!!!

A Steaming Cup of Justice

Towards the end of Sept., my Dad and Stepmom came out for a visit.  We went up to Tweed and had a look around, taking in the Lakeside Park and the United and Catholic churches."  (I know, I know but Dad's a preacher, I'm a preacher's kid and my Stepmom's the daughter of missionaries so what do you expect? ) Then it was time for a coffee.  The local coffee shop on the main street is a pretty hip place- the store window is tastefully filled with ecclectic objects from Afirca and other coffee growing parts of the world, there are plants and magazines, and computers for internet access.  

The shop offers organic and fair trade coffees and teas- and they are robust and delicious.  Fair Trade means the owners make a committment to giving farmers a decent gauranteed price for the coffee they grow, rather than leaving them at the mercy of commodity prices. This married couple relocated from Toronto eight years ago, and love living and working in this new and very different part of the world. 

My Stepmom is a friendly and curious person and has the gift of being able to talk to anyone.  She asks about some slips of paper with names on them which are taped to the wall behind the counter.  The owner smiles and says "Oh, those are our wall coffees".  "What's a wall coffee?" we ask.

"Well, a lot of people who come in here are on social assistance or disability and sometimes they don't have the money to pay for coffee.  So when that happens we just write it down on a piece of paper and we stick it up on the wall to keep track, and then when their checks come in at the end of the month they pay up.  People will come in and say 'I'll have a wall coffee', and we just right it down and up it goes."

"Isn't that great!"  Says my Stepmom.  "And do people pay what they owe?"  The owner nods and looked very serious "Everbody always pays- we've never had any problems at all.  Come the end of the month, everyone's caught up."

We thank her, not only for the wonderful coffee, but for the story of the wall coffees as well.  And I realise that this coffee shop is serving up justice, for far away farmers and local customers alike, one warm mug at a time. 

Praying Standing Up

From Cathy Russell


Friday Oct 7 12:15-12:45pm


John, Ruby the dog and I arrive at Kingston City Hall at about 12:10.  We are met by four others.  The provincial election was just yesterday which may explain the small turn out today. We are told that last week, on the eve of the vote, there were well over 100 on the hall steps, many of them holding or wearing signs calling on politicians of all stripes and at all levels to take growing poverty seriously. I know that the Anglican Bishop and former rector of Christ Church Belleville, Michael Oulton has stood here himself.

The fact that these loyal few have still turned up today demonstrates that this vigil is no passing fad.  In fact, this silent half hour vigil has been taking place on the steps of Kingston's City Hall every Friday since 1995- that's 16 years!  The vigil was begun and continues to be supported by the Sisters of Providence of St. Vincent de Paul.

All of us choose a sign from the large number printed with slogans and covered with plastic to protect them from the elements. 

We gather in a small circle and offer the words of a prayer printed on small paper flyers. The flyers also ask questions like "Should Canadians working full time for a full year be living in poverty?  Millions do."

After the prayer, we stand and face the street.  Two of the group hand out the flyers to anyone who will take one.  Lots of people stare- it's a beautiful day and the end of the late summer tourist season.  Some people walk by and avoid eye contact.  Some people stop to chat and to share their own disastisfaction with the growing gap between rich and poor.  One of these is a man in a wheelchair who collects disability.  He is also a local published author. 

 As I stand with this small group I feel a warm sense of peace in my heart.  It is good to be here with these faithful souls, to be witnesses for social justice in this moment.  John and I are here somewhat by chance, but their level of commitment in this one simple peaceful act of solidarity makes these folks heroes in my eyes.


I look out at the sparkling water, and I am reassured that God does work all manner of things for good, and that even if I am not around to see it, God's purposes of right relationship cannot be undermined forever.

Below are the words of the prayer offered at the beginning of every Firday vigil for 16 years.

We long for a world
that respects all humanity
and all the earth,
And so we stand in silent,
non-violent solidarity
with those affected
by government and corporations
that put profits before huan kind
and indeed before all Creation.

Together in this vigil,
we bring before us
injustices affecting our world
In gentle awareness
we present these concerns
to the Divine Light
which permeates the universe.

Thus, we stand in hope.

Unto Us A Son is Born!

From Margaret Rice

September 16^th 1955. 

It was a nice sunny afternoon, I was cycling home from visiting my Mother. My thoughts were on my friend who was expecting her baby that day. Suddenly the thought flew into my head., ‘My baby has been born’.  We were in the process of applying to adopt a baby, but we had not been accepted at that time.

I got home to find a message in my door to say the friend’s baby daughter had arrived, her name was to be Lynne and I was asked if I would be Godmother.

With all the red tape involved in adoption, it seemed to be such a long waiting time.  It was not until February of 1956 that we heard there was a baby boy for us- about five months old.  We had to go to the east coast of England to see him. It was icy cold, ice formed on the edge of the beach were the tide came up.. We were allowed to take the  baby for a walk along the sea front. As he was sickly, and being treated with antibiotics, we were not able to take him home just yet.  

Two weeks later…Mothering Sunday (UK version of Mothers Day) in the Church calendar…we were able to bring him home.  The day was nice and sunny, so different from our first visit.

Now that I have had surgery, my son is taking care of me until I am fit enough to look after myself.

And the wonderful message I received 56 years ago about the birth of my baby turned out to be right.  My son’s birthday is 15^th September 1955.

A Godsome Sign

From Sandy Darlow

In 1999, after a job loss due to lay-off, my husband, Lance, decided to obtain his AZ license to drive transport truck internationally throughout Canada and the U.S.  Except for an occasional short trip during his 17 year career with the Canadian Armed Forces, he had never been away from home for extended periods of time and the thought of him being gone for two to four weeks at a time filled me with anxiety. 

One afternoon, while he was gone from home, I was feeling particularly anxious about his absence and decided I should sit down and talk to God about it.  I asked God, in my prayers, to please give me a sign that my husband was okay and that He was watching over him. 

Later, that evening, I was collecting clothing items for the Diabetes Association and after getting them ready I started towards the door to take them out to the front step for pick up the next morning.  As I began to open the door I saw a sparrow sitting on the front step.  I expected it to be startled and fly away, but it didn’t.  I opened the door all the way and stepped down.  The bird didn’t move.  I thought maybe it was injured or resting. 

When it still didn’t move as I walked right up to it I decided to bend down and extend my hand, palm facing up.  To my surprise the bird jumped into my hand and looked directly at me.  At that instant I recalled the prayer I had offered up to God earlier in the day and the words, “I am your sign” echoed in my head.  I brought the bird up to eye level and said, “Thank you God”, and the bird flew away.  I felt the burdensome worry lifted from me and replaced with a feeling of peace.  The proof was in the pudding, or in this case, my hand.  God had sent me a wonderful little messenger to tell me He had heard me.  For years afterwards whenever I was feeling anxious or unsettled I would think about that moment when God extended His awesome grace to me.  Thank You God!

That Godsome Voice

From Margaret Rice

When I got married in1950, my husband asked me if I would consider coming to Canada. He wanted to ever since he was left an orphan at the age of 12. I, on the other hand had a very close loving family, the thought of leaving them I could not contemplate. Being the patient kind man Frank was he understood, my parents had almost adopted him as a son, he became my sister’s big brother.  Frank also has a very good job with a lot of future ahead for him. [We thought].  We adopted two children had a lovely home and all was going so well for us.

In 1965 the company that Frank was working for was being taken over by another company, his job, Company Secretary, was on the chopping block there was no need for two people to hold that position, the other company had a Company Secretary who had a lot more superiority, and years in his background.

What to do was our dilemma. We began to talk about moving to Canada again. In some ways I would be leaving a lot more behind me than Frank was. He left the final decision to me. We packed the children up and went to spend a week by the sea.  Hastings Sussex to be exact. The weather was lovely we played in the water and built sandcastles. We also did a little exploring, so many old historical places to visit. For those who are historians you will recall Norman the Conqueror  landed in Hastings in 1066. We went to one of the first churches to be built on a Bay close by.  I asked Frank and the children to go for a walk or find somewhere to play. I wanted to go into that church alone. It was tiny and smelt of old wood, salty from the sea, it was dark inside as the windows were not big. I knelt and prayed for guidance.  A lovely deep mellow voice answered me, “Go to Canada”. From then on my mind was  firmly made up, that voice and those words kept me focused.

My life in England was easy, I had people I loved all around me for support if I needed it. Life in Canada has not been so easy for me, but because of that voice I have not regretted the move. My children have done well and have lovely families. Maybe I should have said ‘Yes’ in 1950... if I had I would not have had the family I have now, and the support I get from them. I really believe it was God’s will.

Unforgettably Godsome!

From Cathy Russell

Recently, I was priviliged to attend the birthday celebration of one of our most senior members.  Carl's 90th Rocking Birthday was one party I will never forget. Along with the standard birthday accessories, there was a karaoke singer crooning Elvis and Sinatra tunes in black tie, a granddaughter in a 1970s Elvis outfit complete with sequence jumpsuit and black wig, Carl's wife in a feather boa. 

Carl is a veteran of the Canadian army's gruelling Italian campaign during WWII.  I know Carl must have seen some things and done some things at that time that none of us, including him would ever choose.  The amazing thing about Carl's eyes is- that no matter what ugliness they may have witnessed, they are the warmest, the sweetest and most expressive pair of beautiful browns I have ever seen.  I can read so much in Carl's eyes, a warm greeting, serious attention, laughter, affection, even mischief! 

At one point during Carl's birthday party, the karaoke man began a rendition of that beautiful standard "Unforgettable" made famous by Nat King Cole.   Without giving it a lot of thought, I stood up and said to Carl- "Shall we dance?"  Those wonderful brown eyes lit up as I took his hands in mine.  And so we danced through the song, me standing, and Carl in his chair, gazing into each other's eyes, sharing something more than a song and a dance, something difficult to put into words, something deeply human and deeply holy.  I sensed that we were connected at a deep level, and not just at the end of our finger tips. 

The song ended, the moment passed, and after a brief visit with Carl's wife Audrey I took my leave.  On the way home, I passed Bridge Street United Church, just as the bridal party of an afternoon wedding came out onto the front steps.  As the bride and groom kissed each other, and their friends cheered and applauded, I reflected on the fact that Carl and Audrey have been married 64 years.  May those newly weds be so richly blessed, and may they always see love in each other's eyes.

Where Faith meets Food

From Cathy Russell

Being involved with kids' programs always renews my respect for teachers.  Being with a group of kids all day, teaching them, helping them, settling their disputes, focusing their attention and shaping their behaviour for six hours a day is stimulating, rewarding and EXHASUTING! 

Last week, I was helping at Bridge Street United Church's Kids' Camp- a Christian day camp program.  The theme this year was Hometown Nazareth: Where Jesus Was A Kid.  It was a fabulous program, well organised and run by terrific volunteers.  The front of the sanctuary was transfromed into the front of a typical home in Nazareth Israel, the gym into a Market Place complete with wool shop, bake shop, olive oil shop wood shop and stable.  Every day the kids heard a different story about the young Jesus- a boy who was at once just like them, and also the Son of God.  There were wonderful crafts, catchy songs, fun games and interesting science experiments, all of which reinforced the theme.

Bridge Street Kids' Camp also includes an element new to my experience of these programs- community service. Part of each afternoon was dedicated to "doing something while getting nothing in return" as my young friend Isaac said.  One day it was visiting seniors at a retirement home.  One day it was picking up garbage outside in the neighbourhood.  And one day it was making bag lunches for the local food bank.  Each group of kids contributed something to these lunches- the four year olds decorated the brown paper bags, others made rice treats, others filled small bags with raisins, others spread egg salad and tuna salad on bread to make sandwiches.  My group's job was to assemble the completed lunches, ensuring that each bag had a sandiwch, a rice treat, a bag of raisins and an apple.  It was chaotic at first, but they really got into it after a couple of minutes.

In fact they did so well, that I wanted to congratulate them later on in the afternoon.  So I told them "You guys I was so proud of you this afternoon with the way you worked together to get those lunches ready.  You did a great job and the people who get those lunches are really going to be happy to have them."  One child asked "Who did we give the lunches to again?"  "The Gleaners" I said, naming the regional foodbank for our area.  At this another child piped up innocently "We go there all the time with my mom."  I looked at this child seriously and said "So you know how important it is."  "Yeah"  the child said.  "We don't have a lot of food in our house.  We have like, less than ten food at home."  

Less than ten food.  Do you know how many 'food' you have at home?  I have no idea, how many we have, but I know for sure, that even when I haven't done groceries for two weeks, even when I think to msyelf "There is no food in this house!"  if I were to open the cupboard I know that I would find far more than ten food.  In that moment, it occured to me that this child must have COUNTED all the food items in the house- the cans of soup, the packages of pasta, the tinned tuna.  This child has counted them and has not got past ten! 


When we give to the foodbank or to any program that works with "the poor" we often think they are like an alien people- we don't know them, we have no contact with them- they are not like us, they don't look like us or act like us.  This child in my group at kids' camp looked no different from any of the others- you would never have known that this child and the child's family  had to go to the food bank "all the time".

This Godsome Moment reminded me once again, that the neighbours who need us are closer than we know, closer than perhaps we would like to think, and that Jesus calls us to reach out to them in compassion and friendship- to honour their stories, and stand with them in their struggles. I am greatful for this Godsome reminder. 

Words For When There Are No Words

From Cathy Russell

I haven't been in what we call "paid and accountable" ministry for all that long, but I seem to have done a lot of funerals- especially during my settlement years in northern Ontario.  Every one is different of course, and some are harder to get through than others.  

Those who are left behind are buffeted by waves of highly charged emotion grief, confusion, regret, shock, sometimes even anger.  The emotions are so strong and so active that they are almost impossible to articulate in any coherent way. 

People have often remarked to me "I don't know how you can do a funeral for someone you don't know."  What I tell them is that doing a funeral for someone you don't know is actually far easier than doing a funeral for someone you do know because you were not connected to this person in life.  Although, hopefully, emotions such as respect, and sympathy, possibly even admiration for the deceased are almost always present, there is no loss of a relationship to endure, no memories of words exchanged or experiences shared to bring a tear to your eye and a lump to your throat.  

Last week I buried someone I knew.  Someone who died suddenly, far too young.  Someone whose death made a widow of a woman who became an orphan less than a month before.  So the emotions for her and her family were like a tsunami followed by a hurricane.

Although the family's tradition is Roman Catholic, because of my connection to the deceased, I was asked to take the funeral.  It was a honour, but it was also one of the hardest funerals I've had to do, in terms of keeping my own emotions in check.

Something happened right before we went in to start the service. I always pray with the family immediately beforehand, and this time was no exception.  However, on this occasion, one of the family members asked if we could do what they always do when they are together on important occassions, which is to say the Our Father (Lord's Prayer) the Hail Mary the Glory Be, and what she called "a little family prayer we always use". "Of course."  I said "I may be a little shaky on the Hail Mary..."  "No problem, you just start us off with the Our Father, and we'll take it from there."  So I did as she suggested, and sure enough, close to thrity people offered these ancient prayers with one voice. And to my surprise, carried along by the power of their devotion, I was in fact able to say all the words to the Hail Mary without pausing or stumbling. 

There was tremendous energy in that room and tremendous emotion- but not the tsunami or hurricane kind- more like gentle rolling waves of love and longing and tenderness carrying us along and holding us up. 

I am not a Roman Catholic, but I have a deep respect for the ritual use of these Christian prayers, these words for when there are no words, these words which give you something to cling to when the waves go over you head and threaten to pull you under. Those words and the praying of them  in a circle of love gave me the peace and the blessing I needed to bury this good man I knew.

Our Father
who art in heaven
hallowed be thy name
thy kingdom come
thy will be done
on earth as it is in heaven
Give us this day our daily bread
and forgive us our trespasses
as we forgive thouse who trespass against us
And lead us not into temptaion
but deliver us from evil.
Amen.

Hail Mary, full of grace
the Lord is with thee
Blessed art thou among women
and blessed is the fruit of thy womb Jesus
Holy Mary, Mother of God,
pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death
Amen.

Glory be to the Father
and to the Son
and to the Holy Spirit
As it was in the beginning
is now, and ever shall be,
world without end.

TWR RIP

DANCE AND SONG - A 24 CARROT MEDLEY

From John Duggan
(also posted at dugganvoice.blogspot.com)

We're on the GO project, an initiative of the United Church to give youth a sense of what mission might mean in the context of the United Church. It's early in our time, only the third day, but already we are experiencing blessings from this well-prepared program.

The first day, we visit Toronto's Daily Bread Food Bank. Our group of 6 participants and 2 leaders separate into groups of 4 and are given different tasks.

 

One group sorts donations into boxes. The other group, the one I am with, are shown a large bin of carrots and asked to stuff the edible ones into 5 pound bags and to discard the ones that are no longer edible. We discover carrots that have grown 2 and 3 legs. They remind us of dancers. The young people take up the task with energy and with humour. We decide that we will be selecting an elite group of carrots to be allowed into a carrot dance school. By the time we have worked our way to the bottom of the bin we have discovered a full bag of prospective carrot ballerinas.

I feel the touch of the divine dancer in the good humour with which we carry forward our volunteer work. These United Church youth are intelligent and playfully serious people.
The memory of carrots carries on into our second day. Our group visits a L'arche community project. During the lunch break we revise some of our best loved songs replacing key words in the songs with the word 'carrot.' We are inspired by the L'arche community members who welcome all creative efforts with smiles and laughter. We learn from the good humour of the people in these social projects.

Godsome Helpers

From Cathy Russell

It was sooooo hot in the gymn, even with the back doors open and all the lights off.  I was sewating in my clerical collar, but it was going to be well worth it.  Prince Charles School was gathered together for a last assembly before the summer break.  Every month schools across Ontario celebrate an element of good character like helpfulness, patience, a sense of humour, etc  Students and teachers who display the chosen trait are nominated to receive an award at the monthly gathering.  When a name is announced, the individual comes forward to receive a handshake, and a small token of appreciation amid loud applause and cheers. 

Because it was June, Prince Charles included end of the year staff changes in this celebration- the principal, a few teachers and the custodian are all moving on.  And then they got to the part I was waiting for- recognising the volunteers from the community.

The four individuals pictured here are all active members of St. Matthews.  They also help with school fundraisers, with the breakfast club, as classroom assistants and as reading buddies.  Many of the other volunteers named had a church connection as well.  I am convicned that this is not a coincidence, not because church people are "better" than other people, but because the message of Jesus was and is to be about loving God and loving neighbour in deeds as well as words- our whole lives. If we are doing our job, our folks should have absorbed this message and be attempting to live it out.

I was so proud to see the caring and dedication of these four honoured by the children and staff of Prince Charles, so touched to hear the assembly's heartfelt applause and cheers, to see the warm hugs offered to these generous and gracious folks, so impressed at see how a school takes the time to reinforce good character and service to others as well as reading writing and 'rithmatic. 

When the apostle Paul wrote about good character in his letter to the Galatians,  he used the language of the Fruit of the Spirit. The fruits of the Spirit are love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.  May these fruits, through the grace of God ripen in all of us, making life sweeter for us and for others.

Family Reunions Rock- in Parry Sound

From Joe Culp

I had a very fabulous time in my Hometown of Parry Sound and the Weather co-operated well for all of us at our Family Reunion although Sunday the threat of a thunderstorm was on the minds of all of us including yours truly.   Fortuneately that all Blew away from the community and I say Amen! It was especially great to meet our newest member of the Family- Brayden who was recently adopted by my Cousins.  Believe it or not it wasn't too long till she really took a shine to me and really stuck by me most of the time- especially at the breakfast table!

Our Saturday Night Talent show was also a very great one and believe it or not I was Emcee of it all over again!  The kids were especially awesome with their performances and some even sang out Katy Perry's Firework and after they got done that act I jokingly said to them...I've just decided something "I'm getting you all into our Church Choir"  

Otherwise besides our reunion I had a very marvellous time taking, a Breathtaking Cruise on the Island Queen on Sunday. I went on 2 Cruises that day...the Cottage Cruise in the Morning and the Island Cruise in the afternoon...

I also visisted the Bobby Orr Hall of Fame at the Charles W. Stockey Centre and I tell you it was magnificent looking al all the Bobby Orr Memorabilia there... I also took a tour of the downtown core while I was waiting for the cruise, and checked out the outside of St. James Centenniel United Church and took photos of it.

I even had a lot of Friendly 'Good Mornings!' from those out for their morning walks along the Trails of the Georgian Bay as well...very nice!!! That is something I don't get here in Belleville!!! And in the end after the Cruise ended I got a very lovely surprise given to me from one of the employers on the Cruise.  I felt like Royalty after I was given a Bobby Orr Ballcap from believe it or not Bobby Orr's brother Doug and he even thanked me for my support for the people of Parry Sound and his Brother Bobby!!! It almost brings a tear to my eye thinking about it...now I got something to add as my prized possession in my place in Belleville I dub The Official Parry Sound Embassy!!! Even the snack Bar employers were giving me Free Drinks as well!!!

Got home yesterday at 7pm and already I'm missing it up home but I did miss you all a lot as well!!!  Anyways I will be back in Church this Sunday and I will see you back then!!! God Bless!!!

Surviving and Thriving

From Linda Lowrie

Both of my children were born with major health defects.  My daughter required multiptle heart surgeries- beginning at 2 weeks when a shunt was installed, followed by two more open heart procedures, one at about 2 and another at 5 and a half which gave her a 3 chambered heart with 1 pump. 

My son was diagnosed with kidney problems in utero  but they didn't find the problem till Dec 24, when he had to have immediate surgery at three months of age, to burn out an improperly functioning valve which left him with one half of one functioning kidney. 

Throughout all of this I prayed, the congregation of Eastminster prayed, and so did many, many others.  Both kids have ongoing problems that will never really be solved for them, even if they get transplants.  However, they are fantastic special people, that I thank God for every day. 

They are doing well, and I believe God watches over them and guides them in their daily lives.  So to me they are both examples of GODSOMENESS.

Love is Faithful, Love is Kind

From Bob Campbell

Many years ago, I renewed acquaintances with my aunt and cousin who were living in Detroit. It had been many many years since I had seen or talked to either one. My aunt’s biggest worry, I later found out, was that my cousins and I would still consider her my aunt. She and my uncle, my mother’s brother,  had divorced after 35 years. The thought had never occurred to me-she was my aunt no matter what. She passed away in the late 1970’s. As for my uncle, he just seemed to have vanished. No one knew of his whereabouts and my cousin certainly wasn’t going to say anything positive about him. I had no idea where they were buried.

Over the years, my cousin Harry and I exchanged letters, birthday and Christmas cards, and phone calls. I also visited him several times over the years. This meant a great deal to me. I had formed a relationship with a branch of the family, and especially my cousin, who had, in many ways, been ridiculed for his mannerisms and lifestyle by my relatives in Thunder Bay. I became the only connection between Harry in Detroit and the family in Thunder Bay. There must be second cousins of his in the Detroit area but Harry never talked about them and always avoided any questions about his immediate family.

One day I made a call to Harry and learned that his partner of over 40 years had passed away. Both he and Sy had been in hospital for some reason and no one had told him of Sy’s death until after his release from hospital. Harry was obviously very distraught.

I continued to write and send letters even though I never received a reply, which was unusual. Any phone calls went unanswered. I assumed that Harry had read my letters and cards but was just too upset to reply. This went on for many years

About three years ago,I  sent a letter addressed to ‘whomever’ at Harry’s address explaining who I was. A brief time later, I was camping along the St. Lawrence River, near Prescott, in the pouring rain,  when  my cell phone rang.

Fortunately, I had forwarded home calls to my cell, something I had never done before. It was a friend of Harry’s who had opened the letter I had sent to ‘ whomever’. He informed me that Sy’s passing had had a detrimental effect on Harry,  that he had become quite ill and was showing signs of dementia. I now understood why my letters, cards and calls had gone unanswered.

I made a trip to Detroit to visit with the gentleman who had called me and he took me to see Harry. Harry was his jovial self but had no idea who I was. He thought maybe I was the actor Richard Chamberlain.  His dementia had worsened and he had become incontinent. Although we went through some old family photos, the only ones he recognized were of his mother and  former partner. He could not recall any of his relatives even by name.I visited him twice during that stay and promised to return. . I now know where his parent, my aunt and uncles are located.

On July 8, I learned that Harry had passed away in his sleep on July 3. He is 82. He will be buried alongside his mother and father in Prescott, Ontario, his mother’s birthplace. Why had I addressed a letter to ‘whomever’? Why had I bothered to forward calls during that particular camping trip? Why did I end up camping in Prescott? I promised to see you again Harry. I’ll be there.

Senior Godsome Moments

From Cathy Russell

Some days it's harder than others- visiting with the very elderly in long term care.  If I've had lots to do, and lots to think about that week,  I have to dig a little deeper to be truly present to elders who have to ask my name over and over again during 15 minutes together, who struggle to put their thoughts into words, or to follow the thread of even the most basic conversation.  (Come to think of it, they probably have to work a lot harder during our visits than I do!)

My most recent day of visiting was one of the harder ones.  I had a number of things going around and around in my mind, both professional and personal when I walked through the sliding doors and applied the always necessary hand sanitiser.

The first person I went to see was soundly asleep- no gentle name calling could wake her.  "Great!"  I thought, wih a touch of grumpiness I'm off to a great start here!  The next person on the list was in the lounge- one of the folks who has been living with dimentia for some time.  I called her name, and she looked up "Well, HI there!"  in that way you do when you run into a friend unexpectedly in the pasta aisle at the grocery store.  I smiled and asked if I could sit beside her for a few minutes.  "Sure" she replied, and as I joined her on the couch, she reached out and took my hand.  I made a couple of comments about the weather and her health, to which she responded with a couple of words.

Then, as she often does,  she began talking to herself- nothing I could follow, but seemingly reliving events from her past.  And all the while she never let go of my hand.  So I just let her talk, and let her hold my hand while she was talking.  I focused on trying to just "be" with her, rather than try and force some kind of social interaction.  And even as I sat there, quiet, holding her hand, I felt calmer in my own spirit, and all the things simmering in my mind, drifted to the farthest back burner.

After a few more minutes I said I had to see someone else, but would she like me to say a prayer with her before I left?  She looked me full in the face and said  with great seriousness "Ab-so-lute-ly!".  Still holding hands, I prayed aloud, and she was silent as we entered into that mysterious place where our hearts meet God.

The next visit also held a surprise.  This woman and I were able to chat a bit more meaningfully, although she struggled often and slowly to find the words she wanted.  At one point, I made a comment about how many of our churches were facing challenging times- less money, less people, etc. etc. and she piped up- with no hesitation and clear as a bell with "Well, you know if we all stopped trying so hard to be perfect all the time, things might go a whole lot better!"

Both of these are Godsome Moments, and although they are very precious they are not uncommon.  I don't get a Godsome Moment everytime I visit in LTC, but I get enough of them that I should just stop being surpirsed... and remember to be thankful.

...All things bright and beautiful all creatures great and small..."

From Lenore Dixon

From nature to my backyard--

hopping from the depths of my flower bed

 came a not so small baby bunny

exploring fresh greens in bounty.

From my patio window two curious senior cats

FRANKLIN and MAGNIFICAT

projected the primitive stance of the great cats of the jungle.

Crouching low against the floor

and faces pressed flat against the patio windows,

whiskers twitching with hunter madness,

the primal instincts of pounce and capture shivered through their now

 ELECTRIC BODIES.

When offered the opportunity to respond to this instinct

they nonchalantly sauntered through the now open patio doors

towards the now disappearing bunny

Their primal urging quickly faded

into thoughts of kibble in their food bowls back in the house!

Thanks be to the God of creatures great and small

 for the delight from these  four-legged brothers and sisters

 both domesticated and wild. "

Godsome Moment #9: Kindness is No Accident

From Joe Culp

The story goes on August 1st 2008, 4 weeks following the Sudden Passing of my Mom Laura on July 5, 2008, my Family and I were on our way up to Parry Sound Ontario, to the Family reunion in hopes that we can put this whole Life Altering Expirience behind us.  However that wasn't what was meant to be.  On this August Afternoon of 2008.  We were nearing Home to Parry Sound Ontario along a Secondary Muskoka District Road #3 aka The Aspdin Road between Huntsville and Rosseau Ontario near the Community of Hekkla. 

What seemed like a very quiet Drive in the Country turned into an experience that forever changed my Life.  I was in the Vehicle with My Dad, My 2 Nephews Chris and Alex and my niece Kyra when my Dad lost control of the Minivan and we went right into a Soft Shoulder.  The Van took 3 big Bounces before hitting something Hard in the Ditch, and each Bounce started sending Pains in my Ribs. When the Van came to a complete stop, The Impact sent a big pound into my chest, which knocked the wind was knocked right out of me and for a moment I was Unconscious.   When I woke, My One Nephew was screaming and I realized my dad wasn't in the Vehicle.  After losing my Mom...I was really afraid that he was gone as well!  .Then I realized I had gotten hurt by the Seatbelt and the Impact of the Crash and I couldn't Move.  My sister in Law and a Stranger had to pull me out of the vehicule not just any Stranger...He was a Vacationing Paramedic From Kitchener Ontario who happened to witnessed the Crash and came to our Aid.  This individual along with another Good Samaritan watched over me until Help arrived 13 Minutes later since Nearby Huntsville Ontario was only about 18km's from where the Crash was.  As I was being loaded up in an Ambulance all Dad could say to me was "You go with these Guys". 

At first I didn't realise that my family wasn't with me, and I feared that I was never gonna see my Family again.  I thought that maybe my Mom who died 4 weeks previously was calling me up to join her but while in that Ambulance I could hear the words in my Mind...SORRY SON...I'M JUST NOT READY TO WELCOME YOU YET...YOUR CHURCH MEMBERS STILL NEED YOU!!!

While at the Hospital My Cousin and my sister in Law had came to be with me, since Dad had to stay with the Accident.  I was going through Treatments of Minor Injuries suffered in the Crash ranging from Busted Ribs and Chest Trauma...the one thing that was running through my mind was "My weekend was gonna be ruined and I wasn't going to be able to be with my Family at all at the Campsite Reunion, as the Minutes turned into Hours at the hospital. 

Finally  after the Doctor's and Nurses delivered the News that everything was alright, I was released from the Hospital and thereafter got to be on my way to be with my Family at The Family reunion.   Once I got there the First thing I wanted to do most was "BLOW BUBBLES TO THE KIDS" and they were Glad I did!

Although my weekend full of doing the things I love most such as Swim, Play Boccee Ball, etc was shot because of the accident- The Point was I WAS ABLE TO BE WITH MY FAMILY TO HOST THE SATURDAY NIGHT TALENT SHOW AND BLOW BUBBLES TO THE KIDS AMD FEEL RIGHT AT HOME IN BEAUTIFUL PARRY SOUND COUNTRY ON DUCK LAKE!!!

---

Godsome Moment #8 :Opening the Door to a New Face

By Joe Culp

On this Evening of August 3rd 2010...

I happened to be setting up for our Summer VBS program we held on Wednesday Nights that Summer of 2010 inside our Church and then the Church Door Bell Rang.  When I went up to answer the Door there was a certain Person I had never met before.   When I said "Hi...May I Help You?!!!" she replied..."Hi, Yes" and then that was when she told me who she was- and who was it?!!! It was our new Minister The Reverend Cathy Russell, and to my surprise I was not only answering the door to someone I've never seen before I was answering the Door to our Newest member of the Church!  Not just any New Member, the Reverend Cathy Russell.  After returning home from Parry Sound a day and a half later I said to myself “Good thing I was back to meet her and let her in.”  What a great co-incidence, eh?!  And two weeks after that, Reverend Cathy was official to us.  Welcome to St. Matthew’s Rev. Cathy Russell!

 

Godsome Moment #7: The Future is Now

By John F. Dugggan

The Bay of Quinte Conference Annual Meeting CAM 2011 is taking place at Cambridge Street United Church in Lindsay.  The theme is the Tree of Life.  The theme presenter is the present moderator of the United Church of Canada, Marti Tindal.  

Running parallel to the general conference is the Youth Conference.  Marly Bown and David Kai Numbers of those attending the youth portion are up from last year.  50 or so in 2010 and 60 plus in 2011.  The youth and the adults associated with the youth forum follow a separate program that intersects at points with the general conference.  The youth bring energy to the event and put on view their capacity for leadership.  Some members of the youth section are also voting members in the court of the Conference. 

I am one of the leaders of the small groups of youth -- identified under the sycamore tree.  The first evening the group members shared something about background and current interests.  They talk about "social justice" and "care for the environment" as personal priorities.

 

There is so much happening here.  Michiko is flamboyant in striped pajama trousers.  She is leading Yoga before breakfast.  Later she is Spanish style long black skirt topped by a turquoise shirt.  She is a student of politics at Western and has just returned from a group trip to El Salvador and Guatemala.  We played with a Spanish language conversation over over pita supper last evening.

Jonathan (Jon) rapidly develops on all fronts.  He has plans to replace his riding's M.P., if not four years, then eight years from now.  At 17 he has time to make long range plans.  His guitar skills advance and he leads us in a jam session of Beatle songs.

The volume of conversation rises in the rooms.  We learn various techniques for gaining silence -- hand raised up, mouth closed shut.  Shy youth learn to speak.    The group show insight and compassion.  Being with them lifts me up.

 

Godsome Moment #6: A Banner Day

We wear ribbons for all kinds of worthy causes these days- pink for breast cancer, yellow for soldiers serving overseas, red for HIV/AIDS, purples for epilepsy.  Today, John and I were part of a huge ribbon that stretched over 700 feet and several blocks.  This huge ribbon made up of over 170 banners from across the country was an initiative of Kairos Canada a Christian Justice organisation.  The banners displayed images and messages of solidarity with our First Nations people, and called on the Canadian government to implement the articles of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People (which turns into the rather  unfortunate acronym of UNDRIP) 

We marched carrying the banners from Victoria Island to Parliament Hill and then to the Human Rights Monument.  There were singers, drummers and speech makers.  But for me, the most impressive statement and the most moving was the banners themselves- small lengths of fabric from all across the country-Halifax NS , Victoria BC, Calgary AB, Nunavut, Belleville, ON, Montreal QC and many points in between.  

Before the march began I wandered  through the many rows of banners joined together on the ground, and I was awestruck by the variety of creativity, colours, images and words, all on the same theme of solidarity with First Nations.   Each banner tells a story- or rather two stories- a story about the group who made it and a story of their prayers for their First Nations brothers and sisters. The groups are Christians- United Churches, Anglicans, Lutherans, Roman Catholics, Christian Reformed and Presbyterian.  They are Unitarians and Quakers, Karios Chapters, Unions and NGOs.  The prayers are for basic equality in areas like education, clean water and health care, and for recognition of land claims and treaty rights.   Though you would never have known it from our most recent election these things matter to many Canadians.   One banner stops me in my tracks- its message so profound and so simple “God's love is more powerful than racism.”  It’s a perfect summary of Paul’s words to the Romans- For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, ³⁹nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Rom 8:38

Today, surrounded by people and messages of faith and solidarity and good will, I am proud to be a Christian, a member of Kairos Quinte, a United Church minister, and a Canadian, even though I know we are still a long way from God’s kingdom come.  Speaker Cindy Blackstock, from the First Nations Child and Family Caring Society of Canada summed it up for me- “Canada is a great country, but we can be better.”  May God make it truly so!