the key october 2017

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Lutheran & Anglican Ministries of the Bruce Peninsula St. Peter’s Evangelical Lutheran, Wiarton & The Anglican Parish of the Bruce Peninsula

P.O. Box 608

Wiarton, Ontario N0H 2T0 519.534.1604 (O) -- www.laamb.ca

Acknowledging God’s Gifts in the Cherry Season

Justus Jonas, German theologian and reformer, once praised the glorious blessing which God grants in

fruit. “I have a branch with cherries on it hanging over my table”, he said, “in order that when I look at

it I may learn the article about divine creation.”

Martin Luther responded to Jonas by saying, “Why don’t you learn about it daily by looking at your

children, the fruit of your body? They’re there every day, and surely they amount to much more than

all the fruit of the trees! There you may see the providence of God, who created them from nothing. In

a half a year he gave them body, life, and limb, and he will also sustain them. Yet we overlook them,

as if those gifts of God made us blind and greedy, as it usually happens that men become worse and

more greedy when they have offspring; they don’t realize that every child is apportioned his lot

according to the saying, ‘The more children the more luck.’ Dear God, how great are the ignorance

and the wickedness of man, who doesn’t think about the best gifts of God but does just the opposite.”

As we celebrate the 500th

anniversary of the reformation, I am revisiting some of my favorite writings

of Luther. One of my favorite writings is from Luther’s Works, volume 54, entitled “Table Talk”.

Table Talk is a collection of short conversations Luther had with various people at the table.

Sometimes this table was Martin and Katie’s home, while other times it was the table of a local

establishment. Regardless, there was always good food, beer and conversation.

As I was recently leafing through Table Talk, I came across this conversation Luther had with Justus

Jonas. How like Luther to take a wonderful sentiment someone shared and throw right back at them.

Though Luther was rather blunt with his viewpoint, it is, still, a valid point nonetheless. So often we

don’t appreciate what we have, nor the people who are in our lives. All is created by God and by that

are holy. Luther was of the mind that everything and everyone are holy for this reason.

Fall is a time of year where we often give thanks. The harvest is coming in, the works of the heart,

home and land are being gathered together. The providence God has given us is focused on,

intentionally. All too often we, and especially society, gets caught up in “whatever” and loose sight of

God’s presence. For Luther, and as it should be for us, while nature is a wonderful thing, God’s

greatest creation is one that is overlooked; people! If we want to see the wonder of God’s creation…if

we want to see how grace and love can be embodied…if we want to connect with the divine in a unique

way, we need to seek it out in people.

The Key October 2017

http://www.laamb.ca/

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Luther in this excerpt stresses that thanksgiving, giving thanks and appreciation should not just take

place during the “cherry season” (at a certain time) but at all times. Once again, embodying our faith.

Not just believing but living out that which we believe.

May we encounter Christ in wonderful ways. In the people whom he has created.

I pray this thanksgiving, fall and months to come will be filled with encounters with the divine.

Because it’s always cherry season!

With all best wishes,

Chad+

Rector Contact Information

Rectory: 519-534-0916 Cell: 519-377-2162

Giving Thanks with a Grateful Heart

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WORSHIP SCHEDULE

17th Sunday after Pentecost, Blessing of the Animals Oct 1, 2017 (G)

Genesis 2:18-25/Psalm 148 Revelation 5:11-14/Matthew 6:25-29 9:30 St. Edmund’s (Christopher Pratt)

9:45 Trinity/St. Peter’s (Chad) 11:30 Christ Church (Chad)

18th Sunday after Pentecost, Oct. 8, 2017(G) Deuteronomy 8:7-18/Psalm 65

2 Corinthians 9:6-15/Luke 17:11-19 9:30 St. Edmund’s (Nancy Adams)

9:45 Trinity/St. Peter’s (Chad) 11:30 Christ Church (Chad)

7:30 St. Margaret’s Chapel (Chad/Nancy Adams) (w)

19th Sunday after Pentecost, Oct. 15, 2017 (G) Exodus 32:1-14/ Psalm 106:1-6, 19-23

Philippians 4:1-9/Matthew 22:1-14 9:45 St. Peter’s/Trinity (Chad)

11:30 Christ Church (Chad) 2:00 St. Edmund’s (Chad)

20th Sunday after Pentecost, Oct. 22, 2017 (G) Exodus 33:12-23/Psalm 99

1 Thessalonians 1:1-10/Matthew 22:15-22 9:45 St. Peter’s/Trinity (Chad)


Reformation Sunday, Oct. 29, 2017(R) Jeremiah 31:31-34/Psalm 46

Romans 3:19-28/John 8:31-36 9:45 St. Peter’s/Trinity (Chad)


Sponsorship Opportunities In memory of loved ones or in celebration of a milestone in your life consider in addition to donating flowers other methods to gift our congregations through sponsorship opportunities.

The KEY may be sponsored for $60.00

An individual congregational bulletin may be sponsored for $30.00

If you wish to make these donations, speak with one of the editors or with Mary Lou in the Parish Office.

LUTHERAN & ANGLICAN MINISTRIES OF THE

BRUCE PENINSULA

To WALK as Jesus taught. To GROW in love and compassion, seeking

justice for all. To REACH OUT to community using our gifts

to serve.

MISSION STATEMENT, adopted by PPC, April 2011

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OCTOBER EVENTS

Sunday, October 1st

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

A Gathering

To Commemorate the 500th Anniversary of the Reformation

Neustadt Arena Sunday, November 12th 2017

3:00 p.m. – Worship 4:30 p.m. – Social Hour

6:00 p.m. – Catered Banquet

7:30 p.m. - Entertainment Dinner to Follow the Service

Tickets: $20.00 Contact: Marleen Ransom at 519-534-4125

This issue of the Key is Sponsored By the Dunbar Family

In Memory of Bill and Winnie Dunbar

This is the time for reflection of all that the Lord has given us and we give Thanks.

The greatest gift that he gave us was our parents (grandparents/great grandparents)

for which we are most grateful. Love Today, Tomorrow and Forever

Nancy, Cathy, Carol, Steven and Grandchildren

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Parish Retreat September 13, 2017

Our Laamb Parish Retreat was held at the Red Bay Lodge again this year. Excellent service, snacks, lunch and special treats all enhanced our enjoyment of the day. Our facilitator was Sister Anne Keffer a diaconal minister of the ELCIC and a deaconess in the Deaconess Community, ELCA/ELCIC. Her Doctor of Ministry is in Spiritual Direction, and her desire is to help foster a deeper relationship with God, who has always been a real Presence in her life. Throughout the day we enjoyed humour, stories, and smiles in abundance. She inspired us to learn, to grow and to ‘hear’ God’s voice. She started our day by highlighting and expanding on our Mission Statement, “To walk as Jesus taught, growing in love”. Our bible study was not a bible study in the traditional sense but a real listening to the word of God and what the passage meant to us. For some the method was one they already knew and for others like myself it was a new experience. The process is called “The Collatio”. Following several readings, followed by brief silence while we absorbed what we heard, we were asked to choose a word or phrase that personally struck us. After the third reading we were invited to take the word or phrase and make it applicable to ourselves, using “I”. Then we shared what we applied to ourselves, with clear instructions that we were sharing, not discussing, not debating or

questioning; just shared. It was a wonderfully unique experience. Part of the afternoon was spent on different methods of prayer; A Centering form of prayer, sacred reading and ‘Ignatian Contemplation’ which

focused on using our imagination to enter into the experience of the past. As individuals we were in varying different mindsets; again only speaking for myself personally I was not able to ‘use my imagination to place myself in a scene with Jesus; but others who were able to do so, found it to be a moment of re-discovery. It was an enabling experience discovering prayer does not have to look the same for everyone. We also spent some time talking about Discernment. Sister Anne led us through discussion on ‘Listening for God’s direction and guidance’; especially when as a Community of Faith we are trying to make important God-guided decisions.

My Perspective Charlotte Ewbank

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Did You Know?

The Hebrew Bible or Hebrew Scriptures

The Hebrew Bible is the same as the Old Testament

(OT) in the Christian Bible, right? Well sort of.

Christianity and Judasim are two Abrahamic

religions that have similar origins. The word ‘Bible’

comes from the Greek word ‘biblia’ which means

‘books’ or ‘scrolls’ and both religions call their

religious scripture ‘Bible’.

The Hebrew Bible is a collection of 24 books

traditionally called the Mikra in Hebrew and is now

often referred to as the TaNaK or TaNaKh, taken

from the Hebrew names of its three main sections:

Torah + Nabiim +Khetuvim.

Torah – often translated “Law’, but more

accurately meaning Teaching or Instructions

in Hebrew. The Torah refers to the first five

books of the Bible , the five books of Moses;

Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers,

Deuteronomy

Nabiim – meaning Prophets is subdivided in

the Jewish Bible into the ‘Former Prophets’

(Joshua, Judges, Samuel, Kings which also

contain stories of early ‘prophets’ like Elijah,

Elisha, Samuel, Nathan etc.) and the ‘Latter

Prophets’ (Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and the

Twelve Minor Prophets). The book of

Daniel is not included among the ‘Prophets’.

Ketuvim or Khetuvim- meaning Writings

includes the books of Psalms, Job, Proverbs,

Song of Solomon and Ecclesiastes (Christian

Old Testament they are called Wisdom

Literature), the books of Ruth, Esther, Ezra,

Nehemiah, and ending with 2 Chronicles

(considered Historical Books in the Christian

Old Testament). The books of Daniel and

Lamentations (placed among the

“Prophets” in the Christian OT).

So the same books but not exactly identical which

are also placed in different order and split or

combined differently.

Another major difference is of the foundation texts

that are used in the two Bibles to address the

readers. The Jewish Bible has texts written in

Hebrew (or Armanic) while the true Christian Old

Testament is in Spetuagint – the ancient Greek

version.

Also the importance of oral traditions in Judaism is

a cause in itself for distinction between the two

Bibles (the Rabbinic literature and interpretation of

the text) since it is given as much importance as

the written traditions.

The Hebrew Bible has 24 books, Orthodox Christian

Old Testament has 32 books, Catholic Christian Old

Testament has 28 books and the Protestant

Christian Old Testament has 22 books.

In conclusion, it is important to note that these two

religions are closely related to each other but their

holy scriptures differ significantly. The main

differences as expected are in the number of books

which comprise the two Bibles, the arrangement of

the books, the primary language that the Bibles are

read or studied in, the content of the two Bibles

and in terms of the importance that is given to the

oral and the written traditions in making of the two

holy books.

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The Evangelism Tool Box

Tool #3 – How Can We Engage What Keeps Us

From Doing Evangelism?

III. Out of Practice

Contrary to what most people might think, historically, we Christians used to talk about our faith and share what we thought with others. Theological conversation and debate were common place, especially during the time of the reformation. Martin Luther and King Henry VIII, with their reforms brought faith conversation into the forefront of society and the home. Faith conversation continued steadily into the settling of North America for many years to come. The conversations changed, however, from reformation times. By the early 1800’s Christianity was considered the “norm” in Canada and the predominant faith. So, rather than debating and wrestling what we should believe, people talked about their faith as guiding principles, consulted on issues on morality, and as a way of life. Once Christianity was considered the “norm”, we shared out faith with those who were like us; other Christians. Ecumenical dialogue was part of our culture. We were comfortable talking to other Christians about what our similarities and differences were. We didn’t need to talk to non- Christians about faith matters because the church was self-sustaining. Post World War II brought to Canada many immigrants and was also a “baby boom”. The churches were growing. We knew what we believed and were somewhat comfortable sharing within our families what we believed. The comfort zone of talking to who we know was still there. Things began to change in the 1970’s. It is here

where we begin to see a decline in church attendance, lower birth rates, liturgical reform in many churches, people of varying faith backgrounds immigrating to Canada, a rise in censorship and political correctness, as well as not wanting to offend other people. All of these factors have played a role in our culture and how the church, as a community, has changed. In the 1980’s into the 1990’s, we saw a decline in membership and attendance; what some might call the “fall out years”. Many people were hurt by faith communities through conflicts and inability or unwillingness to engage in conversation about what we believe. It used to be (in many communities), “this is the way things are because the pastor/priest said so.” For us here at LAAMB, we find ourselves in communities of faith and a parish where we engage our faith, ask questions, and dig deeper. Rather than laying down theological absolutes, the pastor/priest teaches, guides, nurtures people to help discern healthy answers and further questions in faith. This bring us to evangelism; sharing our faith with others. One of the scariest things for us to do is to try doing something we haven’t done in a long time. We’re self-conscious, we don’t want to look silly, wreck things, and/or make a mistake. I share with you some bold and true words to keep in mind, you can’t wreck it. You can’t….really. The church has survived for hundreds and hundreds of years through wars, plagues, sickness, and much much more. You struggling to find words won’t wreck the church; I promise. Boldness and courage in faith are the orders of the day. As God spoke through the prophet Isaiah, “do not fear, for I am with you, do not be afraid, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you,

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I will uphold you with my victorious right hand (Isaiah 41:10). Boldness and courage, however, don’t magically happen. Boldness and courage take practice and time. We need to practice talking about our faith; relearning how to integrate faith back into our everyday conversations. When I’m trying to do something I’m uncomfortable or new at, I usually start by myself. Think about what you believe, and then try writing down your thoughts, maybe even talking to yourself in a mirror. Slowly getting comfort in our own faith “skin” again. After this, find someone you trust, a good friend you’re comfortable with, a friend you don’t mind being (for lack of better words) silly with. A good friend won’t judge you and if they’re a friend in faith, they’re probably struggling with some of the same things you are. We as a parish could even take things a step farther, if it would be helpful. Like having a small group where people can come and try talking about their faith in a safe venue. Being able to practice talking to new friends or even strangers about our faith, our church, what we do to proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ. All of this takes time and practice. We need to build relationships with people; this is a good base for evangelism. Next month, we’ll look at relationships and evangelism.

Next Month Tool #4 Relationship & Evangelism The evangelism toolbox is inspired by my training with the

Venerable Bill Harrison, president of the Lutheran

Theological Seminary in Saskatoon, and is based on his

research and work.

Answer September Crossword Puzzle

For the November Issue

of the Key

Forward your articles,

suggestions or event

information to the editor

Charlotte Ewbank at

[email protected]

By Friday, Oct. 20, 2017

mailto:[email protected]

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Jesus, Wealth and Hope of Heaven In Luke 18:18-27 we have the story of the ruler who asks Jesus what he needs to do to earn eternal life. When Jesus lists some of the commandments as necessary, the ruler states that he has kept these since his youth, whereupon Jesus replies that the ruler needs one more thing, to sell all he has and to give the proceeds to the poor because then he would have treasure in heaven, and to follow Jesus. This was not what the ruler wanted to hear, because he was “very rich”. Presumably, Jesus

sensed that the ruler did not like Jesus’ advice. 24Jesus looked at him and said, “How hard it is for those who

have wealth to enter the kingdom of God! 25Indeed, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the Kingdom of

God.” 26Those who heard it said “Then, who can be

saved?” 27He replied, “What is impossible for mortals is possible for God.” In Luke 12:16-21 we find the story of the rich man who plans to demolish his inadequate barns and build larger ones to store his bumper crop. He tells his soul “Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; relax, eat, drink, be merry”. God tells him that he will die that very night. Who will get the rich man’s goods afterwards?

Jesus concludes with 21"So it is with those who store up treasures for themselves but are not rich toward God.” In Luke 16:19-31 we have the story of Lazarus, a very poor man, and a very rich man whom tradition has given the name of Dives. Dives is completely indifferent to Lazarus’ misery and ends up among the flames of Hades where he is tormented, while Lazarus is with Abraham, presumably in a state of bliss. Dives begs for some relief but there is no redemption for him. Moreover, his kin are ordained to share his fate because they, like him, do not listen to Moses and the prophets. Why is Jesus so hard on the wealthy? Why is their situation so hopeless, with respect to getting into heaven? Various studies have been carried out at the University of California, Berkeley, to examine particular characteristics of the rich. Some of the findings are: 1. At a four-way intersection, drivers of luxury cars

were more likely to cut off other drivers instead

of taking their turn. This applied to both genders.

2. At a crosswalk, drivers of luxury cars were more

apt then other drivers not to yield to pedestrians, even after making eye-contact with the pedestrians.

3. Participants in a study were asked to compare

themselves to people either better off or worse off than themselves. Afterwards they were shown a jar with candy and told they could take with them as much as they wanted. But they were also told that leftover candy would be given to children. It was found that people who considered themselves much better off than others also took considerably more candy, thus leaving less for the children.

4. Another study found that less affluent people

are more apt to feel compassion towards others. For example, they are more likely to agree with statements such as, “I often notice people who need help,” and “It’s important to take care of people who are vulnerable.”

5. In a study which followed No. 4, above,

participants were asked to watch two videos while having their heart rate monitored. One video showed somebody explaining how to build a patio. The other showed children who were suffering from cancer. After watching the videos, participants indicated how much compassion they felt while watching either video. Social class was measured by asking participants questions about their family’s level of income and education. The results of the study showed that participants on the lower end of the spectrum, with less income and education, were more likely to report feeling compassion while watching the video of the cancer patients. In addition, their heart rates slowed down while watching the cancer video - a response associated with paying greater attention to the feelings and motivations of others.

These studies build upon the results of previous studies which show how upper class persons are worse at discerning the emotions of others, and are less likely to

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pay attention to those with whom they interact, as demonstrated by checking their phones or by doodling. The investigators had to ponder the question as to why wealth and status lead to decreased compassion? Isn’t it logical to expect that being poor will lead to selfishness and being wealthy lead to more generosity. It appears that having much makes us independent of others; it gives us a sense of freedom. If we don’t depend on others we don’t care about their feelings. Another factor is the attitude towards greed. The dictum that “greed is good” has been expounded by Kevin O’Leary, among others. It has been found that if you think that greed is good you develop a rationale to justify this. But exponents of the virtues of greed are also more likely to engage in unethical behaviour.

The investigators have concluded that greed is definitely not good, it “undermines moral behaviour”. Wealthy people cheat more. In a study using a computer which rolled virtual dice, wealthy people were more apt to claim they had a score above 12. They did not know that the computer program did not allow such a score. Other studies have shown that rich people are more apt to lie in negotiations and to deceive clients at work. In conclusion: “Wealth gives rise to a me-first mentality, and the ideology of unbridled self-interest serves as its lofty justification.” Amos around 2,800 years ago attacked those who cheated and oppressed. Amos 8:4-6 Hear this you that trample on the needy, and bring to ruin the poor of the land, saying, “When will the new moon be over so that we may sell grain, and the sabbath so that we may offer wheat for sale? We will make the ephah (a measure for wheat) small and the shekel (a coin) great, and practise deceit with false balances, buying the poor for silver and the needy for a pair of sandals, and selling the sweepings of wheat.” The above statement is then followed by a set of dire predictions. (Amos 8:7-9:10) Wealth is relative. A rich person in Albania might be middle class in Switzerland. Whether or not any of us is rich is our individual decision. Leon Baltas St. Edmund’s Church, Tobermory

Who I am in Christ

I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.

John 15:15

I am Christ’s Friend

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Sunday Morning Humour

God’s Plan For Exercise

Most seniors never get enough exercise. In His wisdom, God decreed that seniors become forgetful so they would have to search for their glasses, keys and other things thus doing more walking. And God looked down and saw that it was good. Then God saw there was another need. In His wisdom, He made seniors lose coordination so they would drop things requiring them to bend, reach & stretch. And God looked down and saw that it was good. Then God considered the function of bladders and decided seniors would have additional calls of nature requiring more trips to the bathroom, thus providing more exercise. God looked down and saw that it was good. So the moral to the story: if you find as you age that you are getting up and down more, remember it's God's will. It is all in your best interest even though you mutter under your breath!

Something To Think About

Prayer is not a "spare wheel" that you pull out when in trouble,

but it is a "steering wheel" that directs the right path throughout our lives.

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October Puzzle

Sadly it is that time again when our summer churches are starting to close for the season and folks are heading back to their

home parishes. As part of your church family we hope you will keep in touch while you are away. We invite you to visit our

web site at www.laamb.ca to pick up your copy of THE KEY. We also encourage you to send us an article about special

happenings in your lives and/or parish to share with us here on The Bruce.

God Speed to each of you – we look forward to your return in the spring!

http://www.laamb.ca/

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October 2017

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1 9:30 St. Edmund’s 9:45 Trinity/St. Peter’s

11:30 Christ Church. Blessing of the

Animals

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3 9:30 Conversations in Faith, St. Peter’s, Wiarton

3:30 Meditation, Tobermory

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5 10:00 Bible Study, Tobermory. 1:30 WLW St. Peter’s, Wiarton

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8 9:30 St. Edmund’s 9:45 Trinity/St. Peter’s 11:30 Christ Church 7: 30 St. Margaret’s

Thanksgiving

9 6:15 Hymn Sing at Golden Dawn



11 9:00 Ministries, Finance & Visioning 12:00 PPC Christ Church

12 10:00 Bible Study, Tobermory

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15 9:45 St. Peter’s/Trinity

11:30 Christ Church 2:00 St. Edmund’s

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18 7:00 St. Peter’s/ Trinity Joint Council

19 9:00 Deanery ACW at Christ Church 10:00 Bible Study, Tobermory

20 DEADLINE

ARTICLES FOR THE KEY

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23 6:15 Hymn Sing at Golden Dawn

24 9:30 Conversations in Faith, St. Peter’s Wiarton 3:30 Meditation, Tobermory

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26 10:00 Bible Study, Tobermory

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Reformation Sunday

30 31 9:30 Conversations in Faith, St. Peter’s Wiarton 3:30 Meditation, Tobermory

Lutheran & Anglican Ministries .of the Bruce Peninsula + Church Office – 519-534-1604 Rectory Office – 519-534-0916

the key october 2017

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