worshipping god ….. serving people st. paul’s united … · preach hope; in sorrow, we sing of...
TRANSCRIPT
Easter 2018 Newsletter
Worshipping God ….. Serving People
St. Paul’s United Church
29 Park Street West
Dundas, Ontario L9H 1X3
www.stpaulsdundas.com 905-628-6396
Mission Statement
Our mission as a
community of Christ’s
disciples is to grow in
faith, in love of God, all
human beings and the
world God created.
Rev. Helen Prior 2
Rev. Miriam Spies 3
Fredric DeVries 4-5
Sunbeams 6-7
Spiritual Accomp. 8
Outreach 9
Stewardship 10
Interim Ministry 11
Pastoral Care 12
UCW 13
Photos 14
Pastoral News 15
Men’s Breakfast 15
Inside this issue
Holy Week Worship
Palm Sunday (March 25) at 10 am
Procession of Palms Inaugurating Holy Week
Holy Tuesday (March 27)
7:30 am Communion and Breakfast
Maundy Thursday (March 29)
11:30 am Communion and Lunch
7:00 pm Service in the Chancel
Good Friday (March 30)
10 am Worship service
Hot cross buns following worship
Easter Sunday (April 1)
7 am Sunrise Service at Grove Cemetery
Followed by breakfast at the church
10 am Easter Communion Service
“Hallelujah Choir”
Easter Egg Exchange
Page 2 Worshipping God ….. Serving People
Rev. Helen Prior: Minister’s Musings
“Just One More Surprise”
Being people of the resurrection, we Christians are an odd bunch!
Some might say even oppositional. In the midst of despair we
preach hope; in sorrow, we sing of joy; in the face of persecution,
we lobby for justice; in death, we pray for resurrection; and in end-
ings, we dream of new beginnings. That’s who we are and who
God has created us to be.
As we move through Lent towards Easter we have been on a
pilgrimage from bondage towards freedom. The Outreach Committee offered a Lenten focus of
“Routes to Freedom” where participants were invited to reflect on that which separates us from,
and frees us for, ourselves, our neighbours, and God. Due to a number of changes, deaths and
life circumstances for people at St. Paul’s, one of the emotions seeming to hold us in bondage is
grief. Grief is a lot like Lent, you can’t skip around it, or hop past it. If you want a profound
experience of Easter, one needs to travel through Lent, and so it is with a new beginning we
need to grieve the ending that brought it about.
Faith for me is often best captured in the hymn lyrics that dominate my thoughts. The hymn I
would hold up for St. Paul’s folks is “I Was There to Hear Your Borning Cry.” This hymn appears
in the “pilgrimage” section of the hymnbook, suggesting it’s a song to bless the journey. It
promises that God is there at our beginning. It names a number of life stages along the way,
always affirming God’s presence. There is the acknowledgement of death, but then there is “just
one more surprise.” In this particular hymn the surprise is that the cycle of blessing and new life
starts all over again.
We understand that cycling of new life as we approach the warming delight of spring. With each
new day it becomes easier to smile, to have a song in our hearts and a spring in our step. In the
northern hemisphere we are so fortunate that this season coincides with Easter. With our bodies
and minds aware of the new life around us, it is so much easier for our souls to catch on to what
is happening all around us. As the days lengthen and warm up, my heart is increasingly moved
to acknowledge God’s grace and goodness in the world around me. This celebration of new life is
portrayed so well in the words of hymn 187 in Voices United which reads:
“The spring has come, let all the church be part of it!
The world has changed, and God is at the heart of it!
New light, new day, new colour after winter grey.
New light, new day, the spring has come, let all the church be part of it!”
My wish for all in the St. Paul’s family is that in this Easter season, we might feel the warmth of
God’s embrace. May each of us open our eyes to the new light, the new day, the new energy
God is blessing us with. May we live as Easter people - looking forward in hope, that God’s
resurrection power might once again be experienced by all God’s people.
God Bless,
Page 3 St. Paul’s United Church Easter 2018 Newsletter
From Rev. Miriam
The pilgrimage through Holy Week and Easter is my favourite season in
the year, more than the joy and miracle of Christmas (though you can’t
have one without the other!). During Holy Week, from Palm Sunday to
Holy Saturday and Easter Sunday, Jesus shares God’s love with those
nearest to him, with those opposing him, and with the world. Through
Jesus’ death and burial, we experience him as fully human,
experiencing the brokenness of our world. And as Easter morning
dawns, we experience Jesus as fully divine, beckoning us to hope in a
new life, in a vision of God’s kingdom on earth.
In this reflection, though, I am waiting on Holy Saturday. This is the
day in the gospels where Joseph takes Jesus’ body, wraps it in linen,
and buries it in the tomb. This is the day where his body was prepared with spices, as was the
custom. This was the day where his friends, family and followers entered into this space without
their Lord, a space so foreign to them. They, unlike us, didn’t know the promise of resurrection was
coming (despite Jesus telling them three times). It was an in-between time – between a world that
was known and a world that felt like people grasped a “new normal”.
I am drawn to this time of waiting, letting go and grieving, preparing to move on but not yet there.
Perhaps this is why I love being in the centre of a labyrinth – it feels like I am safely held by God
there, and it takes work to get me to leave that place. And, still on my heart these days is my
sadness for Daniel’s death – still grieving, still reluctant to comprehend the different reality. And,
in some ways, I feel I am in this space as I prepare to end my ministry with you at St. Paul’s, not
certain of what lies ahead for me, yet hopeful. Some of you may be finding yourselves there as
well, as you face death and loss in your lives and in the life of the congregation. I pray there is
comfort amidst the challenge for you. The time in the centre of the labyrinth, the time in waiting
on Holy Saturday, is difficult as well as sacred, challenging and comforting. I am so thankful to God
for allowing these spaces in the life and death of Jesus and in our lives.
The good news, the wonderful news, is that the story, our story does not end on Holy Saturday with
Jesus’ burial in the tomb. Our story of God’s love continues to delight us. We will rise on Sunday to
a new world again, one that the disciples, and perhaps us, could not have possibly imagined. We
will rise to see Jesus greeting Mary in the garden. We will rise to see Jesus meeting friends on the
road. We will rise to see Jesus break bread once again with his disciples. We will rise to see Jesus
invite his disciples to a freshly cooked breakfast on the beach. We will rise because God shows us
that the kingdom is on its way and wants for us to join in. Jesus is risen. Alleluia.
And so, dear St. Paul’s, let us journey together through Holy Week,
being gentle with ourselves and others. And let us celebrate
together the gift of new life in the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
In the coming months, we will have time to wonder and
delight in what’s coming next – both for me and you, who
will be doing that exciting work with Rev. Helen! Thankful
for the opportunities before, reflecting on new possibilities
and challenges, and rising to join into God’s kingdom on
earth.
Thanks be to God!
Worshipping God ….. Serving People Page 4
From Fredric Devries
When I Cannot Pray, I Sing
Those words come from Martin Luther, the great Protestant Reformer of
the 16th Century. Luther, whose life was challenged by those who viewed
him as a danger to the status quo and who wanted to put his very life in
peril, acknowledged that sometimes it is hard to pray. He also struggled
with feelings of guilt and shame. Yet Luther’s solution to those times when
it seemed even God had abandoned him, was to sing hymns of faith. He
understood that music has the power to convert despair to trust. Or you
can also look in the Bible to see Paul and Silas in prison who sang hymns
in the night (Acts 16:23-34). And while they sang, an earthquake opened
doors and loosed chains. And their song not only bolstered their own
trust but also effected a conversion of the Philippian jailor and many
prisoners.
These next two short hymn-stories tell how singing blessed not only the singer, but touched lives of
others.
St. Theodolph was born in Italy around 770. As a young man taking holy orders, he demonstrated
wisdom and diplomacy in those turbulent times. He caught the eye of Charlemagne who brought him
back to France, where he became the bishop of Orleans. But his appointment and his gifts also
created enemies, who convinced the local King Louis that he was a traitor. He was cast into prison,
but even there he practiced his faith in hymns. It was there he wrote the hymn we sing often for Palm
Sunday, “All Glory, Laud and Honour.” On Palm Sunday in the year 821, King Louis was making his
way to church and heard a wonderful voice singing from the prison. It was Theodolph singing his
hymn. King Louis said, “This man is no traitor”, and ordered him to be released.
One well known thanksgiving hymn that comes from Germany was written by Martin Rinkhart, a 17th
century Lutheran pastor in Eilenberg. These were years of famine, plague, and the Thirty Years War.
In that time he conducted over 4,500 funerals, including that of his wife. Eilenberg gave shelter to
many refugees fleeing from the invading Swedish army. As a result, the invading Swedish general
demanded a vast tribute of money from the people of Eilenberg. Martin gave up all his own money,
and pleaded with the general on behalf of the citizens, but in vain. When the general refused, Martin
exhorted his congregation, ”Come my children, we can find no mercy with man — let us take refuge
with God.” The Swedish general was so moved at the sight of all the townspeople on their knees
singing and praying, he reduced the tribute to less than a twentieth of the original demand. The
hymn that Martin Rinkhart wrote was “Now Thank we all our God.” Thanksgiving in the midst of
terrible hardships.
There are times when our capacity to pray is weak in the face of suffering. Words fail us. But the
ministry of music, singing, can often be the key that puts our hearts back in the light of God. We may
not summon an earthquake as Paul and Silas did, and we may not change the mind of powerful
leaders. But we can touch our hearts and the ones of those we sing for.
Fredric
Page 5 St. Paul’s United Church Easter 2018 Newsletter Page 5
Music News
Scores of singers and musicians, as well as throngs from the congregation and community gathered at
St. Paul’s for our Ninth Annual Musical Showcase on March 2. All the music groups of the church and
other guests took part in a diverse programme from Rock and Roll to Disney, from Broadway to
Spirituals, from Barbershop to Disco. This is wonderful fund raising event that opens our doors to the
community. [see photos from the event on page 14]
Our hearts were saddened by the passing of two who have participated over and over in our music life.
Daniel Durksen and Margaret Black have left our midst too soon, and we miss them dearly.
As we come to Easter, once again we will be celebrating Jesus’ Resurrection with the singing of Handel’s
Hallelujah Chorus at the close of our Easter Communion Service on April 1. If you would like to be part
of the Hallelujah Choir, speak to Fredric. Rehearsals will take place on March 15, 22, and 29 at 7:30 pm.
And also coming this spring is the musical production of A Technicolour Promise, by the children’s choirs
on Sunday, May 6. This is a delightful retelling of the story of Noah, and you won’t want to miss the
parade of the animals.
As we once again enter the Easter season, the pinnacle of the Christian faith, may the music of these
services bring you closer to God in your walk of faith.
Fredric
A Technicolour Promise
A musical by Allen Pote and Carole McCann
Presented by
The Celestial Singers and Sunbeams
Sunday, May 6 at 10:00 am
Please Join Us!
Page 6 Worshipping God ….. Serving People
Small things count, so Jesus said,
Cups of water, crumbs of bread,
Small things done because we’re kind
Count as big things in God’s mind.
Small things make the big things grow
Grains of yeast inside the dough,
Puffs that fill a big balloon,
Notes that make a happy tune.
Every hair that’s on our head
Every sparrow, Jesus said,
God takes care of, counts and knows’
God loves us from top to toes!
Voices United # 361
When I was approached about teaching music to
the youngest children of St. Paul’s congregation
and the community, I felt that I was up for the
challenge. But after some thought I began to worry
if I had what it takes to lead a choir of children,
ages 4 to 7 years.
Would anyone come? Do I know enough about
music myself? Is there not an oath taken by
doctors about, “First, do no harm”? Is there an oath
for music teachers too? So I set about deciding on
where we could meet that was available. While
walking through the Moss Davidson Room I was
drawn to the stained glass window of Jesus sitting
with children. “But Jesus called the children to Him
and said, “Let the little children come to me, and do
not hinder them, for the Kingdom of God belongs to
such as these.” Matthew 19:14
I felt then that I was in the right place, and that
this might work out after all. I set to work creating
a cozy, welcoming space — a carpet was a must.
Relying on childhood memories I would be needing
some traditional instruments, the type used in what
was called a Rhythm Band. I am certain some of
you will remember marching around your school
room to the beat of a drum, accompanied by a
piano. I was fortunate to have school teachers who
felt that music was important in the early years of
child development. However, seldom did I get to
play the intriguing instruments like the tambourine,
cymbals, triangle or bells. I would be handed the
blue sticks, but I decided it would be the best stick
playing ever heard.
Being raised in the country in a church based com-
munity, I was blessed to be influenced by music.
It was playing on the radio in my home throughout
the day. My parents were wonderful singers and
sang in the church choir along with my grandfather,
aunts, uncles and cousins. I loved hearing hymns
every Sunday morning in our church and then more
again afterwards in Sunday school. “God Sees the
Little Sparrow Fall, When He Cometh, Jesus Bids Us
Shine, Can a Little Child Like Me?” were just a few
of my favorites.
I was enrolled in piano lessons around the age of 6,
taught by the church organist. She looked really
old to me, and she never smiled. She taught with
either a pencil or a ruler in her one hand which
allowed her to smack your knuckles when your
hands grew tired and hung below the keyboard.
Lessons cost 25 cents so I was expected to be
serious about learning. Our piano in the parlor was
the old standard cabinet-style Heintzman that was
heavy as lead and required 4 to 6 strong men to
move it, so we didn’t. It was bought by my grand-
father for $7, and was rarely played except for my
mom who would play by ear on occasion. She was
determined I would learn to read music. But a
cranky old piano teacher was not going to scare me
and I learned to play despite her. Eventually I was
able to move on to another teacher once I was in
High School who was much more friendly and who
allowed me to play anything I liked. I would bring
in old sheet music left to me by my uncle. Bing
Crosby, Frank Sinatra, the Andrew Sisters, Johnnie
Ray and Irving Berlin to name a few. Unfortunately
my dear teacher became suddenly ill and died, but
I kept on playing, wherever there was a piano .
Throughout the years I assisted at church, never
wanting to say no to an opportunity and taught
myself how to play the organ along the way.
Sunbeams
continued next page
Page 7 St. Paul’s United Church Easter 2018 Newsletter
Sunbeams continued
Unbeknownst to me I had been preparing for the role of teaching children all along. They would fall in
love with music just as I had. Teaching does mean some homework, and research uncovered lots of
music collected over the years. Some had been given to me by school teachers who had marched their
children around the room too, some with their blue sticks. To keep things interesting we include play-
ful activities along with learning music or just listening. We look forward to special occasions and
celebrations. For Christmas we made a “Hand Wreath” and hanging ornaments to take home and we
enjoyed all this activity during a sing-along and twirling ballerinas. Most songs are taught with actions
and motions which help to learn the words. Songs are much more fun too if you can clap your hands,
snap your fingers or stamp your feet. Music is a vital component of all our lives and learning to appre-
ciate it at this tender age will help provide a comfort as they grow.
With the completion of the YCC room we
eventually moved from the Moss Davidson room
for privacy and quiet, but sadly the stained glass
window could not go with us. The YCC room offers
us the convenience of children’s tables and chairs
and comfortable furniture for parents to sit and
watch and visit with other families.
Children are a joy to have and a joy to be around.
In this 3rd year with 12 children, it is reassuring
that we still have something to offer.
“In every community there is work to be done in
every heart there is the power to do it.” A.U.
Blessings,
Mary Margaret and Bruce Fink
Photo: Bruce Fink
Board Chair: John Parcher
This Easter, I write my last report as chair of the board.
This experience has been amazing. St. Paul’s has such a life, such
a heartbeat.
We are strong. We are vibrant. We believe.
The Next 50 years did not end with completion of the Restoration
Project! It is a part of all we do.
Today will be managed, but tomorrow will need our nurturing – this
is our future.
Thank you for the opportunity to serve our congregation.
With love, and Blessings to all!
John
Page 8 Worshipping God ….. Serving People
Spiritual Accompaniment
Spiritual Direction is a ministry originating in ancient times and developing in early faith communities.
In contemporary days, the term Spiritual Accompaniment is often used for one called to be a soul
friend, to accompany another on their spiritual journey.
For Christians, this involves supporting the one accompanied in ongoing growth as a follower of the
truth and the way of Jesus the Christ as revealed through scripture, and encouraging an ever-
deepening openness to, and awareness of God’s Presence and Love in all of life. To this end, guidance
is offered in the development of helpful spiritual practices, including ways of prayer and meditation,
movement and journaling as means of attentive listening and responding to the Divine Spirit active
in one’s life.
Flora Irwin is a graduate of the 1990 Toronto-Shalom Program in Spiritual Direction, and has been
practicing since that time. An initial appointment outlines the purpose and process in Spiritual
Accompaniment, and the role of each person in the relationship which is one of trust, respect, and
confidentiality.
For further information, or to make an initial appointment, call Flora at 905-628-0209 or email at
[email protected] Information brochures are also available in the office or Narthex of St. Paul’s U.C.
Dundas. Flora Irwin
Times Apart: Spring Saturday Morning Retreats
March 24, April 21 and May 26
9:15 am till noon
Gathering in St. Paul’s Sanctuary, the morning will include singing praise and prayer with Rev. Seiichi
Ariga leading with his flute, followed by praying with scripture, and other spiritual practices in solitude
and silence. (sheet available to guide the process of each).
There is no registration or cost. Bring a bible, journal, and walking shoes if desired.
Mark your calendar and attend one, or all three Times Apart.
“God is the friend of silence. See how nature - trees, flowers, grasses grow in silence, see the stars,
moon and sun, how they move in silence. The more we receive in silent prayer, the more we can give
in our active life. The essential thing is what God says to us and through us.”
Mother Teresa
“Like other spiritual practices, prayer is primarily about paying attention to God . . . The essence of
prayer is not words or feelings, but the movement of our wills in response to grace.”
Marcus Borg
Page 9 St. Paul’s United Church Easter 2018 Newsletter
Routes Youth Centre
This Easter season, our Lenten offering (collected
through the “Lenten Routes to Freedom” challenge)
will be directed to Routes Youth Centre in Dundas.
This program began originally as an outreach
ministry of the Association of Dundas Churches,
and is now its own organization. The Routes
Centre provides a safe place (10 Market St. South,
Dundas Community Centre) for youth to gather
for activities, fellowship and support with the goal
of being a presence particularly for at-risk youth
between the ages of 8-19. Your financial (and
volunteer) support of this organization is greatly
needed and appreciated.
For more information, please see their website
at www.routesyouthcentre.ca.
A number of our Outreach activities focus on
programs contributing to the enhancement of food
security in the lives of people both locally and
globally. We wanted to again highlight several local
initiatives that are supported by St Paul’s members
through donations of time and/or money. If you
already participate in these activities, we THANK
YOU and as always, we encourage others to get
involved in whatever way works for you!!
St. Paul’s Benevolent Fund
This is a discretionary fund (about $1,500 a year)
available to the minister to provide various “helps"
as needed to people requiring assistance.
Frequently this help takes the form of Metro gift
cards ($25), however other forms of assistance can
be provided in a time of crisis or need. Donations
to this fund (via the office or Sunday offerings) are
greatly appreciated at anytime throughout the year
as the need is ongoing.
St. Paul’s Community Dinner
On the second Monday of every month, St. Paul's
"extends the Communion Table” to provide a
dinner for those needing a good meal, served in a
safe and welcoming environment, for low or no
cost. Numbers vary from month to month with an
average of about 55 people (both adults and chil-
dren) attending. This ministry is part of a larger
initiative taken on by several local Dundas churches
(currently St. James Anglican, Knox Presbyterian,
St Mark’s UC and Grace Valley Church) each offer-
ing a “community” meal on their designated
Monday evening.
St. Paul’s members can support this ministry of
hospitality in several ways: financially, through
envelope offerings received on communion Sun-
days; and practically, by joining the wonderful pool
of committed volunteers involved in making dinner
each month. Thanks to everyone for their
continued support of this important work.
Dundas Good Food Box
Good Food Boxes in Dundas were started by the
non-profit community organization, Dundas in
Transition (dundasintransition.ca), in 2011. The
goal of this venture has been to make healthy,
fresh food accessible and affordable to everyone.
15- 20 volunteers pack an average of 95 boxes
each month. Depending on the season, there are
10-12 different fresh food items inside, including 2-
3 fruits. The goal is to use local produce when
available, however seasons determine what may be
grown here, so food is sourced outside of Ontario in
winter months. The cost is $15/box.
St. Paul’s community can support this effort in a
number of ways: by volunteering their time pack-
ing boxes on pick-up day (contact Dundas In Tran-
sition for details); by donating money to purchase
Good Food Boxes (via PAR donations, Sunday offer-
ing or the church office) which are distributed each
month by the Dundas Community Food Bank to
people in need; or finally, by ordering a box for
yourself (arranged through the church office)!!
Outreach Activities
Wesley’s 27th Annual Case for Kids
Walk, Run, Ride
Sunday June 3 at 1pm
Bayfront Park in Hamilton
Watch for upcoming announcements
and/or visit Wesley.ca for more information
on how to get involved!
Worshipping God ….. Serving People Page 10
Stewardship Committee Spring Report
After a very successful autumn agenda, your stewardship committee took a short break at the first of
the New Year before setting out on 2018 adventures.
In January, we threw out a Coffee Challenge to the congregation. Not every time, but once in a while,
deny yourself that favourite cup of coffee or drink as you pass by the coffee shop when you are out
and about. Keep that toonie tucked away in your pocket and deposit it in the BIG coffee cup marked
"Coffee Challenge” during the refreshment time in the dining room following church each Sunday.
This is not to defray the costs of refreshments, but rather will go directly to the church coffers to
support the many worthwhile ministries of our church. I am pleased to report that we have collected
almost $200 to date. The challenge we threw out to the congregation was $400 before Easter.
Well done!! But keep those toonies coming.
We now have a committee of six, and would welcome more, as we brainstorm every four to six
weeks. Earlier this year we discussed just what our mandate at St. Paul’s really is. To help us, we
met with The Rev. David Jagger, the Stewardship Co-ordinator for Hamilton Presbytery. We will be
looking at ways to become an I - I- T congregation. We would endeavour to — Inspire – Invite -
Thank - any newcomers and those already in our congregation. We are looking forward to meeting
again with Rev. David and are in the process of setting up a lunch and learn with him in the Spring-
time after a Sunday service. David is an enthusiastic speaker all will enjoy. Stay tuned for details of
this exciting event.
In May are planning an Art Sale. When you are doing your spring cleaning, you will probably uncover
framed prints or paintings that no longer find a place on your wall, but are just begging to bring life
to someone else’s bare wall. More details will follow, but now would be a great time to start collect-
ing. Once again we will have a project to "Count your Blessings”, when springtime offers an
appropriate time for us as we sort and clean up after the winter, to take count of just how many
coats we have, how many pairs of shoes we own, how many suits hang in our closet.
We are indeed blessed in so many ways.
Bob Boose, Chair
Rev. Miriam with the Children at YCC time on March 4, 2018
Page 11 St. Paul’s United Church Easter 2018 Newsletter
About Interim Ministry
St. Paul’s is an exceptionally gifted and active congregation. While the community functions well and
there is a high level of harmony and satisfaction, I have asked the congregation and Board at St.
Paul’s to consider entering into an intentional interim ministry. The three main areas of focus which
I believe would be helpful for this congregation to address are:
Celebrating and grieving the end of both Rev. Rick’s and Rev. Miriam’s ministries with St.
Paul’s, and further help the congregation re-align their future relationships.
Clearly discern and define St. Paul’s sense of mission, ministry and dreams for the future. In
turn this would help identify skills and characteristics most needed in a future minister to help
meet those goals.
Leadership elevation. Re-visit the Board and Committee structures along with staffing job
descriptions to define roles and responsibilities as St. Paul’s lives out it’s mission and ministry.
i.e. - clearly defining “who” does “what” for the future.
So what is Interim Ministry? An intentional ministry in a pastoral charge for a specified period to address specific needs.
What situations may best benefit from having an Interim Minister (IM)? If there is major change in the pastoral charge that creates loss and grief, or a long-term pastorate
of 10 to 15 years or more, or when searching for a new ministry direction, or following an incident
causing serious trauma, or issues of church structure, or chronic conflict, or a major decision to be
made such as to amalgamate or disband.
How long is an Interim Ministry? Usually 2 years, and can be extended to 3 years with consultation among the covenanting parties.
(Because I have been with St. Paul’s since September 2017, we are aiming at 12-18 months, which
will coincide with the time a Search Committee is actively looking for the next minister).
How does an IM work in a church? The Church selects a Transition Team, who will be the working group for the interim process. They
meet regularly with the Interim Minister to monitor progress towards the goals for the interim period.
As a liaison between the congregation and the minister, the Transition Team reports to the congre-
gation and Board. They interpret Interim ministry to the congregation. At the end of the interim
ministry period, both the Transition Team and the Interim Minister do a final evaluation which is
shared with the wider church.
Myths and Misconceptions about Interim Ministry An interim minister is the same as a supply minister
Interim ministers only come to congregations in trouble
If we like the Interim Minister, we can keep him or her
The Interim Minister is going to fix all our problems
The success of the Interim ministry rests solely with the Interim Minister
What about the JNAC? Usually a JNAC is initiated in the latter half of an interim ministry. St. Paul’s has already done this
work. Once the Transition Team and the Board regard sufficient progress has been made on the
goals, a JNAC review will be initiated. In this instance they, or a team appointed by the Board, will
re-visit the established JNAC report, and will make recommendations to the congregation if there are
any parts of the report that, as a result of the interim, require revision or clarity.
1.
2.
3.
continued next page
Page 12 Worshipping God ….. Serving People
About Interim Ministry continued
I anticipate any changes will be focused around the position descriptions for the future Lead Minister.
Once the re-visit of the JNAC is completed, but while the work of the Transition Team continues, a
Search Committee does their work searching for a future minister. The goal would be that the call
would be in place for the future Lead minister when the interim minister leaves.
In the next few months the congregation will decide on more clearly defined goals for the time ahead
and will nominate a Transition team to steer us into the future. This will be a collaborative process
and the congregation will be asked for input along the way. It is a time to ponder and reflect, but also
a time to dream, experiment, stretch and grow. I believe that an intentional interim ministry will help
St. Paul’s United Church be in the best possible position to move into the next chapter of life as it
continues to faithfully worship God and serve people in Dundas and beyond.
Blessings for the journey!
Respectfully submitted,
Rev. Helen
Pastoral Care
It was mentioned at the JNAC meeting that “everyone”
is really involved in Pastoral Care. That is so true.
Whether it is just a friendly call to someone, asking
somebody to join their table, or introducing yourself to
a new person in the church. No matter how big or
small the conversation, you may have made someone’s
day.
When you hear that a person is sick or going through
a crisis, it is good to let the office know so that infor-
mation can be passed along. We have tried many
things over the years to get the members of St. Paul’s
to meet each other, and we are always looking for new
ideas. It is always amazing to me how many New
Members have taken active roles on committees,
joining in to help when a function is going on. We are
truly a Blessed Church with all the wonderful music,
great leadership, different groups and the beautiful
building itself.
Pastoral Care is not just visiting a person, although
that is wonderful. We are all busy, but just trying to
stay connected to those around us goes a long way.
A visit does not have to be long; it could be Biblical
with prayer or just “I was thinking about you”. For the
families that have needed extra care this past year, it
has been great to see the people who have taken lead-
ership in helping them get their lives in order.
Ruth Johnson, Chair
Happy Gang
Happy Gang has really become a
“Happy Gang” with up to 25 people
joiniing this delightful afternoon of
playing dominos. Some members
have heard about this activity by
“word of mouth” or found it on St.
Paul’s website. Whichever the way,
all are welcome!
Just a reminder that we meet twice a
month in the parlour. Games begin at
1:30pm and go to about 4pm, with a
short break for refreshments. If you
would like to come and see what this
activity is all about, and have a cup of
tea, you are more than welcome.
If you think that you would like to
participate, but don’t know how to
play, we will teach you.
Future Happy Gang dates are:
March 6 and 20
April 3 and 17
May 1, 15 and 29
June 5 and 19
Cathy Pengelly
UCW 5
Page 13 St. Paul’s United Church Easter 2018 Newsletter
Routes Scrap Metal Drive
Saturday April 14
9 am to 1 pm
Behind Olympic Arena, Dundas
Please drop off your scrap metal on this day at
this site. Routes volunteers will be available to
help unload and sort your material.
Funds raised from the sale of this scrap support
programs for Routes Youth Centre.
Upcoming UCW events
Annual Gathering of Hamilton Presbyterial UCW
Wednesday April 11th from 8.45am to 3.00pm
Hosted by St. Paul's UCW
Guest Speaker: Rev. Tim Raeburn, United Church of Canada global pilgrimage to Kenya.
All women welcome
Cost $20.00, includes lunch
For more information or to register contact Win Czum through the church office.
UCW Garage Sale
Saturday April 28th 8am to 11.00am
Donations welcome...books, jewelry, antiques, household, kitchen items, working small appliances,
toys, crafts, sport, garden etc (No clothes please).
Items for the sale may be brought in to the church the week of the sale.
Happy Gang
Tuesdays at 1.30pm
Dominoes, board games and a social time, meets approx every two weeks
(dates posted around the church and in the Sunday bulletin)
We meet in the parlour. Everyone welcome, come join in the fun!
Women's Celebration
will be held in May, date to be confirmed, more information to follow.
Win Czum
Page 14 Worshipping God ….. Serving People
St. Paul’s Musical Showcase
Friday, March 2, 2018
Photos by John Tuk
St. Paul’s United Church Easter 2018 Newsletter Page 15
Men’s Breakfast Club
A few (more) good men — that’s what we need. And you know that you could be one of those men.
There is a comradery that has developed with those of us who show up each week to prepare and
serve breakfast. Even those who arrive grumpy! There is a sense of communion we have created
and that has grown amongst our guests, many of whom also come each week, not just for the food,
but also for the conversation.
I think we do this, in part, as a way of giving back to not only our St. Paul’s community, but also to
the wider Dundas community. As I have mentioned before, more of our guests come from outside
the congregation than from within.
Each week we serve between 50 and 70 meals (and sometimes more), about 10% of which are for
those who are unable to pay.
Our “Club” could use a few more volunteers to help make this happen. You don’t have to come
every week (unless you want to); just when you are able. You can arrive at about 8:00 am and be
out the door by no later than 10:30 am.
If you would like to know more about what we do and how we do it, please speak to
me or one of the other volunteers. I believe that what we do is a worthy task. It is
another way that St. Paul’s “extends the Lord’s table”. Please consider becoming
one of us.
The volunteers of the Club wish you and your families a reflective and joyous Easter
season. Hallelujah.
David Ivey
Pastoral News
Baptisms
Eliana Joy Gabriel on December 10, 2017
Daughter of Matthew Gabriel and Lyndsay Riddell
Shannon Grace Pletch on December 10, 2017
Daughter of Dan Pletch and Jessica Fry
Funerals
Mary Lee on January 5, 2018
Daniel Durksen on February 7, 2018
Margaret Black on February 15, 2018
Alex Hunter on February 21, 2018
Freda Ferguson on February 25, 2018
Church Contacts
Minister
Rev. Helen Prior
519-362-0469
Minister for Children, Young
Adults and Young Families
Rev. Miriam Spies
289-439-1241
Ministry of Music
Fredric DeVries
Church Office Administrator
Joy Thomson
905-628-6396
Website
www.stpaulsdundas.com
Facebook: @St.PaulsDundas
Church Custodian
Tomas Chavez
905-628-6396
Board Chair
Joan Williams
289-921-8549
Newsletter produced by:
Communications Committee
St. Paul’s United Church
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Submissions to the Newsletter
This newsletter is published three times per year.
Submissions may be emailed to
[email protected], sent to Maryon
Egerton-Jones at [email protected] or
289-238-8637, or left with the Church office.
St. Paul’s United Church Easter 2018 Newsletter Page 16