linked together! Like Chocolate Cake. I love choco- late. I love cake. I love chocolate cake even more! The whole is greater than the sum of the parts! Abundant Blessings are great indeed! To me, abun- dant means lavish, plenteousness, spilling over - more than I can ever ask or imagine. (Ephesians 3:20). Blessings, for me, are the generous gifts of God given, revealing the Holy Ones presence. Blessings are not earned or deserved. They are given. Given not be- cause I have been good, or moral or obedient. NO. Blessings are just given. God gives lavishly of grace. Our job is to open our hearts eyes to see the bless- ing, and be GRATEFUL. Grateful for all of it. Abun- dant blessings invite us into the practice of gratitude.
Now this is easier when the abundant blessings are lovely, good, nice and enjoyable. Sometimes blessing - the Holy Ones presence revealed in gift - does not feel like a gift at all or anything like a blessing. Some- times blessing feels like a curse - a challenge, a change, a painful circumstance. Sometimes blessings are anything but nice. Blessings can sometimes be hidden from our perception. But, when these difficul- ties are received, and entered into fully, embraced, endured, lived out and survived with hopeful courage, this seeming curse reveals itself as Godly indeed - as an abundant blessing. This is the wisdom of God revealed in Jesus message on the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5. 1ff.) and the Sermon on the Plain (Luke 6:17ff.). In this teaching, Jesus takes what ap- pears to be hard living and names, proclaims and affirms it as blessed. Mourning, poverty, meekness, suffering for righteousness, are not exactly bless- ings in human perception or opinion, but in Godly eyes and with holy presence they are indeed bless- ings. Abundant Blessings. Any of us who have come through these experiences/curses know that they do indeed become sources of great and abun- dant blessing. God was in them, and with us all along.
So, our work, our important spiritual work - Be Grateful. Notice, pay attention, look, uncover, seek, go deeper than the initial surface of the gift - the curse - the challenge - the joy, and let the grace of God reveal itself to you. AND SAY THANKS.
Praise God from whom all blessings flow! as the Doxology prays, even when the blessings often come disguised as curses. So, if life is seemingly full of hardship, join the wisdom of St. Francis of Assisi and praise God anyway, For sister Poverty, we give thanks. For brother Want, we give thanks. Eventually the blessing of the abundant challenge will be revealed in profound transformative and life- giving ways. This is the core of our faith in a God, the God who turned torture into laughter, sorrow into joy, mourning into dancing and death into life. Abundant Life. Abundant Blessing. Everything is gift. All of it.
Your Dean and Rector, Volume 9, Issue 3 - abundant blessings September, 2014 From the Desk of the Dean . . . Worship at St. Pauls Cathedral
Chapel, Wednesday, 10:00 a.m. - Holy Communion Two Favourite words - Abundant and Blessings Volume 9, Issue 3 - abundant blessings Page 2 For Equilibrium, a Blessing John ODonohue
Like the joy of the sea coming home to shore, May the relief of laughter rinse through your soul.
As the wind loves to call things to dance, May your gravity be lightened by grace
Like the dignity of moonlight restoring the earth, May your thoughts incline with reverence and respect.
As water takes whatever shape it is in, So free may you be about who you become.
As silence smiles on the other side of whats said, May your sense of irony bring perspective.
As time remains free from all that it frames, May your mind stay clear of all it names.
May your prayer of listening deepen enough to hear in the depths the laughter of God.
From To Bless the Space Between Us: A Book of Blessings; 2008; Harmony Publishers. The St. Paul's Circular is the parish newsletter of St. Pauls Anglican Cathedral, Kamloops, BC, published in four issues annually: Lent/Easter; Pentecost; Fall; Advent/Christmas. We aim to glorify God by sharing stories about our ministries within and beyond our physical boundaries. The editorial board currently includes The Very Rev. Louise Peters, Miriam Baskin, Ray Beal, Sue Cane, Mary Dove, Claire Tosoff and Chuck Kalnin. Vulnerability by Ray Beal I am a tiny seed Lying deep within the dark, rich earth. Buried cocoon-like, fetal, Snug, safe, secure. The voice of awakening gently whispers Awake, awake, awake.
I quietly start to stir And push my way up, up, up Toward the light and the warming rays of the sun.
I ease my way through the soft crust of the soil Slowly, slowly, slowly I am born.
The sun warms me And the spring rains water me. I am loved. As I am nourished so I gain Strength, strength, strength.
I grow tall and strong. Leaves develop and buds form. The sun continues to warm me And the spring rains to fall, fall, fall.
My leaves grow larger And my buds swell and burst forth Into clusters of small yellow flowers. Behold! Another birth.
The light breezes rock me. I feel vital, strong and free, free, free.
There is a sage marmalade cat that comes to visit. He sniffs, he rubs, he purrs. He squints in the sunlight. He is gentle. He admires, appreciates, accepts My vulnerability.
Rays note: This poem was written while driv- ing between Kelowna and Kamloops. I had fin- ished my radiation treatments in Kelowna that morning and this was written for all those including myself who have been on this very different jour- ney. These verses kept rushing into my head and I had to keep pulling over to the side of the road to jot down verses on the back of an envelope. St. Pauls Young Adults by Melissa Green The Young Adults group met for the first time this fall on Sunday, September 14 th , with thirteen people gathered together - sharing the cooking, conversation and Night Prayers. The group has decided to meet weekly and so will meet Sunday nights until Thanksgiving, when we will evaluate how things are going. Adapted from a report by Melissa Green to Cathedral Committee on September 23, 2014. Essence of Love by Allison Ryder
I am split open at the seams
And my soul is cracked in two,
For You reached across eternity
Untied all that bound me
Shook me loose
And set me free
All Rights Reserved, Allison D. Ryder. Volume 9, Issue 3 - abundant blessings Page 3 Plant seeds of happiness, hope, success, and love; it will come back to you in abundance. This is the law of nature. Steve Maraboli, American author. Tonys Watermelon During the spring and sum- mer, it was Tony Lozowchuks task to check on and care for the only watermelon that had formed on the three vines that were planted. Each week, Tony reported to us on how the melon was doing. Clockwise from top left, here is a partial pictorial story of Tonys watermelon. Through the summer, it grew in its little patch. September 11 th was harvest day. Tony eagerly snipped it from its vine and helped cut it up. It was great - really tasty and sweet - nice and juicy! Photos: Miriam Baskin and Chuck Kalnin. Getting Ready to Start Up the St. Pauls Out of the Cold Program by Bud Forbes The Out of the Cold program is getting ready to open its doors for another season. The big differ- ence this year is that it is now the responsibility of St. Pauls to run the program in the basement of the Cathedral. Up until now the program had been run by the St. Vincent de Paul Society at the Cathedral. The program will operate with the guidance of the board of directors, this year made up of chair, Bud Forbes and directors Reid Albright, Cindy Darwin, Mark Hyslop, David Lidster and Rae Long. Our pro- gram coordinator is Sasha Smode and our volunteer coordinator is Christine Jeffrey.
We are planning to kick off the season by having an Out of the Cold Sunday on October 26 th . There will be a talk on the history of the program, a tour of the basement facility showing the way it is set up for our Wednesday nights and a sample of the breakfast that is served for the clients each morning. This will give parishioners a chance to see how the program runs. We are planning an open house for the public for Wednesday, October 29 th , from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. This will also give the people in our community a chance to see how the program runs. The shelter will be open every Wednesday night from November 5 th to March 25 th . It will also be open any night when it is -7C or colder. These extreme weather nights are funded by BC Housing.
It is now OUR responsibility to find the funding for the Wednesday night program. The cost of running the shelter for a night is $672. We are planning to visit some of the service clubs in Kamloops to see if they would be willing to sponsor one or two nights at the shelter, and to volunteer to work those nights.
If you would like to donate clothing for the shelter, it can be dropped off at the Cathedral Office, Wednes- day to Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. After No- vember 5 th , clothing can be dropped off at the shelter on Wednesday nights from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. If you would like to make a cash donation, please make cheques payable to St. Pauls Cathedral Out of the Cold Program. For more information, please contact Bud Forbes at 250-573-3430 or Sasha Smode at 250-320-2005.
So you can see that we have a busy year ahead. If you would like to help out it would be very much appreciated. To volunteer, please contact Christine Jeffrey at 250-318-0236. Volume 9, Issue 3 - abundant blessings Page 4 Home team delegates at the CLAY gathering. Kneeling at the right is our Bishop, Barbara Andrews. Kneeling at the left is Pastor Jane Gingrich from the Hills of Peace Lutheran Church in Kamloops. Standing at the far right is Melissa Green. Photo: Dwight Oatway. CLAY - A Wonderful Experience by Local Co-Chair, Bud Forbes It is hard to believe that the Canadian Lutheran and Anglican Youth (CLAY) Conference has come and gone. Reflecting back, I have to say it was a won- derful experience. After many months of planning and emailing back and forth with the National Plan- ning Committee (NPC), it was very exciting to see it all come together. We had such an incredible team of coordinators and volunteers who helped to make it all happen. In the end, there were 70 volunteers doing the various jobs. It was exciting to meet and plan with our Local Action Committee, made up with my fellow co-chair Dwight Oatway, Pastor Jane Gingrich, from the Hills of Peace Lutheran Church, Melissa Green, our NPC contact person, and, of course, Bishop Barbara who was there to give us spiritual guidance. As the week started it was great to meet the mem- bers of the NPC. Until then, these people had been just names on an email. They turned out to be an incredible group of young people who worked dili- gently to make the events of the weekend happen. When problems occurred, which happens when you are planning activities that involve 700 young peo- ple, they quickly found ways to solve them.
It was great to see 700 youth, Lutherans and Anglicans from all parts of Canada, having fun together. The large group gatherings held in the gymnasium were incredible. One minute they were all singing and dancing around the stage, to the A Summer Gathering by Melissa Green A big piece during the summer was the Canadian Lutheran and Anglican Youth (CLAY) gathering in Kamloops. Not only did we have many fabulous pa- rishioners step up as volunteers at the gathering, we also had several young people attend. Our youth leaders, Bailey Adams and Mathias Imeson, were the home team leaders for a group of nine youth from the Cathedral, Hills of Peace Church, Savona, Williams Lake and Victoria. Evelyn Brisco & Stephanie Stegemann from St. Pauls were part of this group that had an AMAZING time! Jenny Ellis also attended CLAY as a specialist home team member, arriving before the opening to be part of a community of young people from across Canada who took mentored leadership roles during the event. All of the young people who attended the gathering are now talking about CLAY 2016, to take place in Charlottetown. Adapted from a report by Melissa Green to Cathedral Committee on September 23, 2014. music supplied by a great band and group of singers; and the next minute they were all sitting quietly listen- ing to biblical stories told by Scott Evans, who had them spellbound.
Another thing that made the weekend so great was the venue. Thompson Rivers University (TRU) was the perfect site. Participants stayed in the dorms. Meals were served in the Campus Activity Centre. All of the coordinators had offices there as well. It really is a beautiful campus. We are so lucky to have such a place in our own back yard.
Two offsite activities provided breaks from the activi- ties held on campus. On Friday, we traveled to Tran- quille Farm where some participated in the Clean up the Shoreline program at Cooney Bay, some partici- pated in picking vegetables and weeding the market garden, while others moved irrigation pipe. The other offsite activity was a visit to the Wildlife Park.
After months of planning, meeting and sending emails, the only unfortunate thing about CLAY was that the weekend came and went. It was a sad time, but, it gives you a great feeling knowing that you played a part in making it all happen. Volume 9, Issue 3 - abundant blessings Page 5 Principles of Community - an Episcopal Church in Arizona by Margaret Mitchell When Jim and I were on our winter travels in the US, we encountered many different traditions at the various churches. This list of Principles is from an Episcopal Church in Arizona, where the congregation stands and says this together at the end of the service. Here are their Principles of Community. I am an expression of Gods love as I participate with courage and honesty in the process of examining my own spiritual health and that of our spiritual community. I am an expression of Gods love as I practice direct, honest, and gentle communication, especially with those with whom I disagree or who have injured me. Gossip, triangulation, and the forming of coalitions are never options I choose. I am an expression of Gods love as I accept others as they are and defend their right to be and think different- ly than me. I am an expression of Gods love as I respond to disa- greements and misunderstandings by doing all I can to listen, understand, and respect the one with whom I disagree. When I have injured another, I will seek forgiveness and reconciliation. I am an expression of Gods love as I use my speech to encourage and affirm others. I am an expression of Gods love as I seek to under- stand and respect the decisions of those in authority in my spiritual community and to cooperate with them in the building up of the Body of Christ. I am an expression of Gods love as I demonstrate openness, flexibility, and a willingness to adapt to the challenges and changes I face. I am an expression of Gods love as I practice grati- tude, faith, hope and love in all circumstances at all times. A Little Sign, Many Trips to the Airport and an Adventure into Christian Solidarity - Oh My! by Miriam Baskin In August lots of young people, and some not so young, descended on Kamloops and especially on Thompson Rivers University (TRU) for the Canadian Lutheran & Anglican Youth (CLAY) Conference. I was privileged to be a small part of their enthusiastic visit.
At the airport, CLAY folk read my sign: CLAY Instant recognition. Instant hugs. Instant this is great. Confused? Folk at the airport - What the heck? Take diversity, energy and pour it out on the campus of TRU, with 700 people in love and on high with their Creator and creation and not bashful about showing it, add an array of bright colours and a lot of bright socks pinned on shirts. What is that all about? Oh, okay, SOC - Stewards of Creation! Get it? Cute!
I experienced only a small part of this Jesus extrava- ganza but it left me feeling, If this is the church as young folks see it now and into the future, then the Church of Canada is in good hands.
The Sunday morning service, although not traditional in any way and for sure not familiar to most of us oldies, did contain all the touch stones of a fine Sunday morn- ing service; and the elements for the Eucharist were treated with the reverence they deserve. A live band with enthusiastic musicians and sing- ers full of commitment and joy was a sight to be- hold. One song with the words, Yes Lord, Yes Lord, Yes, Yes, Yes was sung while hopping back and forth on alternating feet; and no, I did not man- age it very gracefully. Anyone for a strobe light on a Sunday morning at St. Pauls?? Beginning with my little handcrafted CLAY sign, a world opened up that I was pleased to visit. I wouldn't want to live there, but, I would like to visit once in a while. On the trips back to the airport, there were such rave revues for the days spent in Kamloops. One of the best. I heard over and over. Well planned, well organized, well thought out. These remarks were from seasoned CLAY people. Many from St Pauls had way more responsibil- ity than did I, which made my little tasks of usher- ing a lot easier.
I do hope Prince Edward Island will be able to accomplish what is required of them for the 2016 CLAY Conference. There is an expectation now of how well the whole affair can be done!!!! Volume 9, Issue 3 - abundant blessings Page 6 St. Pauls Cathedral Committee meets on the fourth Tuesday of the month, except in July and August. The meetings in December and June are potluck meals held at various members homes. Committee members, Cathedral staff & clergy, Lay Ministers of Word and Sacrament and their families are all invited to these gatherings. After the meal, committee members assemble for a short business meeting. Prayers go up and blessings come down. Yiddish proverb.. The Parish Life and Fellowship Committee was formed in the spring of 2004 to bring parishioners together in community through organized gatherings. Each event is usually focused around a meal followed by entertain- ment, often showcasing the talents of the youth in the congregation. Enough variety is planned to engage all members of the church community. Our youth are often involved by serving at the sit-down dinners. Starting in the fall, events include the Remembrance Day Memories Dinner, the Christmas Tea and a Christ- mas Luncheon held after the morning service. In Janu- ary or February, the men in the parish host a themed dinner, with entertainment of some kind. Previous themes include: Hawaiian, the 50s, the 60s and West- ern. Shrove Tuesday features the traditional Pancake Supper. Events in June include an annual Parish Picnic held at one of the City parks and the Strawberry Tea in the parish hall. The Christmas Tea and Bake Sale and the Strawberry Tea are opportunities for fel- lowship, a chance to visit with old and new friends. A Welcome Back Pot Luck luncheon is held after a morn- ing service in September. Committee members take turns being responsible for the events, letting the others know what is needed. Other parishioners often assist at the functions. The group does have a lot of fun, and would welcome new members and those who would like to help with one or two events. For more information, please talk to Roger Parkes. Adapted from the pew bulletin insert for Sunday, June 1, 2014. This June, the meeting was held at Chuck Kalnins home on a day that began with rain early in the morning and ended late in the evening with thunder and lightning. In between the skies cleared and 36 adults, youth and children enjoyed a glorious evening at the site of the Cathedrals garden-share project. As Margaret Mitchell said about the gathering, Sitting in the sunshine in the beautiful garden, with good food, drink and lovely people, life doesnt get any better! Cathedral Committee Potluck Meeting During the business part of the evening, the commit- tee reviewed the Cathedrals year-to-date finances. We discussed the formation of two new committees: 1) the committee proposed at our last Vestry to explore the future of the Cathedral properties, and 2) a committee to address upgrading and renovation concerns in the Chapel. We also heard from Bud Forbes about the pro- gress being made in setting up for the operation of the Out of the Cold Program and the Extreme Weather Shelter at the Cathedral next winter. Photo at top: We formed a circle on the lawn in the sunshine. Center: Some of us gathered on the rear patio, amongst the plants. Bottom: As usual, a feast was enjoyed. Photos: Chuck Kalnin. Parish Life and Fellowship Volume 9, Issue 3 - abundant blessings Page 7 The Hands in the Dirt Gang Jo-Lynns Zucchini Relish
2 cups sweet peppers, ground and refrigerated 2 cups onion, ground 6 cups zucchini, unpeeled, seeded and ground 3 tbsps. coarse pickling salt
Place zucchini, onion, and salt in a large bowl. Cover and let stand for 12 hours at room temperature. Drain and rinse with cold water; then drain well.
Combine the vegetables and brine. Heat on medium-high until the mixture boils gently. Boil uncovered for about 30 minutes until the relish has thickened. Fill hot, sterilized jars and seal. Process for 5 minutes in a hot water bath, if desired. Yield: 3 pints. St. Pauls yard-share project ran for our sixth year at Chuck Kalnins home. Vegetables are grown to be shared with others. Produce is distributed amongst parishioners, the food bank and other agencies, friends and neighbours, and anyone who has a need for or wants some fresh veggies.
This year, more than a dozen parishion- ers gathered as they could to dig, plant, cultivate, weed and harvest. A bonus for those who gather is the fellowship. Having ones hands in the earth while working with friends is incredibly rewarding
On September 4 th , Verna and Reid Albright organized a barbecue luncheon for our gang. It was indeed delicious! Thanks so much, Reid & Verna. Above: Some of the gardening gang for 2014; rear: Barry & Miriam Baskin and Bud Forbes; middle: Gordon Dove, Tony Lozowchuk, Mary Dove, and Jo-Lynn Forbes; front: Sue Cane. Upper right: Mary in the herb garden. Left: June Emery and Barry do some weeding. Right: Verna & Reid Albright in the kitchen. Below: Bud and Gordon in the tomato patch. Bottom: Jo-Lynn, Gordon, Tony, Mary and Miriam enjoy a break. Photos: Chuck Kalnin Volume 9, Issue 3 - abundant blessings Page 8 On Monday, we planted seeds with the children among us. On Tuesday, we visited the Sorrento Farm and learned about farming and food security in Cuba. On Wednesday, we heard about im- portant local efforts taking place in Calgary to green cities and to grow food in urban and rural spaces across Canada in sustainable ways. On Thursday, we wrestled hard with big picture issues like global food systems, genetically modified or- ganisms (GMOs) and our own and our govern- ments role in those issues. And on Friday morn- ing, we learned about how people can and are re- sponding to food security concerns through advo- cacy here in Canada and elsewhere in the world. And so our week of Sharing Bread at Sorrento Centre has come to an end. Twenty-two partici- pants, two facilitators and a dozen children came together with the other members of this weeks community at the Centre on Friday afternoon for a concluding Eucharist. At the end of the service, we collected our pots of seeds planted on Monday, discovering that some of those seeds were just beginning to sprout. Maylanne Maybee, PWRDF Diocesan Repre- sentative for the Diocese of Ruperts Land, led us in a commissioning of our seeds and ourselves. She asked us, This week you have tasted Gods goodness fresh from the fields. You have walked with Fred our Primate, with Griselda and Ernesto and our partners in Cuba, with Farmer Dave and Farmer Devon, and with one another in learning about food security. Will you commit to sow the seeds of what you have learned among those with whom you live and work and worship? To which we replied, We will with Gods help. Maylanne then sent us out with these words: And now, go forth into the world, renewed by the Spirit; Go forth firmly planted with strength to seek justice, Go forth gently tended with wisdom to care for our earth, Go forth showered with love to bring forth new life. Go in peace and be witnesses to hope. And so on Saturday morning, we began our jour- neys home to Cuba and many places across Cana- da committed to sowing seeds that one day will grow and firm in the knowledge that, while we may be only workers, not master builders, we are part of efforts large and small that are not only about feeding ourselves and others but about tending the earth and caring for Gods creation. The seeds planted here in Sorrento will bear fruit of many kinds in the weeks, months and years to come. One of them will be a PWRDF resource, shaped out of this week of learning and sharing bread. Look for it among PWRDFs fall resource offering. The PWRDF Fred Says Food Security Campaign continues for two years. Further resources and learning opportuni- ties will be developed. And so to all of this we say, Amen. Adapted from a posting July 7, 2014, on the PWRDF website. Suzanne Ramsey is a PWRDF staff member, and a leader of the program Sharing Bread which was offered at Sorrento Centre in July. We Have Planted Seeds by Suzanne Ramsey Fred Says Some Like it Hot
For many students in Haiti, the hot lunch provided by PWRDF at school is the only food they will have that day. Often, its the reason they attend school. If lunch wasnt provided, the children would be at home, help- ing their families to try to have enough food to eat. Instead, they are able to go to school and learn, an action that helps them improve their lives. In his latest statement for the FredSays food security campaign, +Fred says, Lets remember the children in Haiti, for whom a hot lunch is not just something theyd like, but something they absolutely need. Students receive a lunch of rice and beans, supple- mented with vegetables either grown at the school or purchased locally. On market days, some fish might also be added to the meal. Students say they are able to focus on their studies when they arent con- centrating on the ache in their empty bellies. As a result of the program, enrollment is up, as are the success rates for the students. The program provides more - schools are provided with water purification tablets, soap and hand towels, as well as hygiene education for staff to help keep the staff and students healthy and prevent cholera and other water-borne diseases.
The meals are cooked by volunteers who walk hours to get there, spend hours cooking, serving and clean- ing up, and then walk home again. When asked why they do it, they replied, Because of the children, who now come to school. A gift of $50 provides a hot lunch, daily, for a student, for the whole school year. Adapted from a posting, by Simon Chambers, on the PWRDF website, on May 1, 2014. Volume 9, Issue 3 - abundant blessings Page 9 Find something you like to do. Learn to do it well, and do it in service of people. Karlene Faith, Canadian writer & activist. An Irish Grace May the blessing of the five loaves and the two fish- es which God shared out among the five thousand be ours. May the King who did the sharing bless our sharing and our co-sharing. Amen. Source: http://dailyprayer.us/before_meals_prayer.php Make us worthy, Lord, to serve others throughout the world who live and die in poverty and hunger. Give them, through our hands, this day their daily bread, and by our understanding love, give peace and joy. Mother Teresa, 1910-1997. Left: Angels Sing Above: Anticipation As we come to the season of Harvest, let us learn how the Primates World Relief and Development Fund (PWRDF) is working with its partners to increase food security and food sovereignty for our global neighbours. Source: the PWRDF website. PWRDF 2014 Christmas Cards PWRDF offers two cards this year for you to choose from: Angels Sing and Anticipation.
A pack of 12 cards and 12 envelopes are yours for a donation to PWRDF. Donations of $20 or more will qualify for a tax creditable receipt.
You can order cards directly from PWRDF: Ricky de Castro at: 1- 866-308-7973 OR (416) 924-9199, ext 318. A Week at Sorrento Centre by Joy Gothard During the first week of July, five St. Pauls mem- bers (Mary & Gordon Dove, Jennifer & Ron Ste Marie and Joy Gothard) attended the Sorrento Centre program Sharing Bread. We will be re- ceiving resources based on that week of learning and sharing, and developed by the Primates World Relief and Development Fund (PWRDF) staff. The Centres weekly Wednesday public lecture was by Suzanne Ramsey and Phil McIntyre-Paul, who reflected on and showed slides of an event, Reverse World Mission, which they attended thirty years ago. The lecture also included a dis- cussion with Primate Fred Hiltz. It was another AWEsome week at Sorrento Centre. PWRDF Ebola Awareness Grant PWRDF has sent $15,000 to the ACT Alliance in response to the Ebola outbreak in western Africa. Since January, the outbreak has claimed over 1900 lives in Guinea, Sierra Leone and Liberia. More than 3500 people have been infected with the virus. The ACT response is providing education to people in Liberia to help them recognize the symptoms of Ebola and to prevent its spread. 70 trainers, sensitized to the disease and trained in Ebola virus awareness and prevention, will then educate 6400 people in 16 communities in Bong and Lofa counties near the border of Sierra Leone through workshops and awareness meetings. An isolation centre is being built at the Phebe Hospital to provide a place for treating infected patients while minimizing the risk to others using the hospital.
To Donate to the PWRDF Ebola Response
For credit card donations by phone, please contact:
Jennifer Brown at: 416-924-9192 ext. 355; OR 1-866-308-7973
(Do not send credit card number by email or fax.)
By mail, please make cheques payable to PWRDF and mark them for Ebola. Send to:
Primates World Relief and Development Fund The Anglican Church of Canada 80 Hayden Street Toronto, Ontario M4Y 3G2 Volume 9, Issue 3 - abundant blessings Page 10 Spiritual Gifts by David Lidster and Jennifer Betuzzi Awakening and utilizing your spiritual gifts can be very exciting and transforming. The bible says that spiritual gifts are abilities God bestows on all believ- ers for the common good of the Body of the Christ to which we are all members. (1 Corinthians 12:4-11) So, what should I do with the life God gave me? Nancy Ortberg says, Its clear that every spiritual gift is a reflection of Gods nature that you carry within you. And, because your spiritual gift is a reflection of Gods design and direction for your life, youll find great passion, joy, and satisfaction in expressing it.
We can assess where our passions lie by reflecting on the following four questions: 1. What areas particularly interest to you: arts, com- puters, cooking, current affairs, education, fishing, fitness, games, gardening, hand-crafts, music, reading, renovations, social issues, sports, tech- nology, walking, woodworking? 2. What faith and church related area particularly interest you: administration, assisting worship, childrens ministry, event planning, hospitality, learning/study, maintenance, meditation, mens ministry, music, organizing, prayer, seniors min- istry, teaching, visiting hospitals & shut-ins, visual arts, womens ministry, youth & young adults? 3. What are the areas, topics, and parts of your 4. faith & church life that give you the greatest 5. satisfaction and happiness? 6. What would your friends and family say most in- terests you, gets you excited, or consumes much of your leisure time?
We can assess and identify the gifts that we pos- sess, which may include: Artistry: the ability to arrange various media in an aesthetically pleasing way. People with this gift are creative, expressive, innovative and resourceful.
Compassion: the ability to help those who are suffering or in need of special care. People with this gift focus on alleviating pain and discomfort, address the needs of the forgotten or neglected, or serve in difficult situations due to a deep concern for others.
Encouragement: the ability to empathize with those who are discouraged and to comfort and renew hope. People with this gift can uplift those who are in emotional or physical pain.
Generosity: the ability to be especially benevo- lent and generous. People with this gift enjoy con- tributing their resources to benefit others.
Handiness: the ability to design and construct. People with this gift work well with their hands and tend to be creative and resourceful.
Hospitality: the ability to care for people in small but meaningful ways. People with this gift make oth- ers feel valued.
Leadership: the ability to take others from where they are to where they need to be. People with this gift cast visions, motivate and direct others to work towards a common purpose.
Musicianship: the ability to entertain or perform with instrument or voice. People with this gift have an ear for music and enjoy perfecting their craft.
Organization: the ability to effectivel y and effi- ciently organize people and resources. People with this gift create order out of chaos and help groups become more effective and efficient.
Service: the ability to see things that need to get done and a willingness to do them. People with this gift love doing necessary tasks to help others.
Teaching: the ability to communicate, educate and motivate. People with this gift are able to help others see clearly and to simplify concepts.
Spiritual gifts are not just about what we can do, but are also about who we are - our personalities, our experiences, our values, our personhood. What we bring to others through the gift of ourselves, our presence, is extremely influential. Gift of presence is about being, more so than doing; although it may translate into doing something, into action. Reflect on a time when you were a gift to someone through your presence. Think of somebody who was a gift of presence to you.
Adapted from a resource used during the workshop Chant Chart Con- verse: Know Yourself - Know Your Gifts, held at St. Pauls on October 27, 2012, and led by David Lidster, Jennifer Betuzzi and David Darwin. Questions to Ponder
Christians have been gifted and called to ministry. Everyone has something to offer - to be Christs hands, voice and feet in the world.
How might we respond to a call to be in mission or of service to others?
When were you Christs voice, feet or hands? Volume 9, Issue 3 - abundant blessings Page 11 From Scarcity to Abundance The Stewardship Page From the Treasurers Desk Summary of Revenue and Expense For the eight months ending August 31, 2014
Actual Budget Revenue Offering $153,570 $154,600 Rental Income 27,557 16,567 Other Income 21,249 23,088 Total Revenue $202,376 $194,255
Expense Salaries & Benefits $ 96,882 $ 96,958 Premises & Office 22,661 24,054 Programs & Other 24,591 32,312 Christian Sharing 43,330 44,488 Total Expenses $187,464 $197,812
Operating Surplus $ 14,911 $ -3,557 You give because the love of God has been poured into your heart, not to satisfy the law. Sherry K. White, management consultant & author. Three Ts of Stewardship Thanksgiving, Trust and Transformation by Glenn Taibl
We were talking about stewardship and it was sug- gested it was time to replace the classic three "T's" of Time, Talent and Treasure with categories that would be more helpful in growing stewards. [The] suggestion was that we would be better served by three new "Stewardship T's" of Thanksgiving, Trust and Transformation. I believe [that] we are well served by interpreting Time, Talent and Treasure through the lens of Thanksgiving, Trust and Trans- formation.
THANKSGIVING for Time, Talent and Treasure begins with the acknowledgement that all three are God's gift and are not ours to possess.
Thanksgiving begins with the notion that God is the subject of the active verbs and we are not. Thanks- giving invites us to take a good look at the time that has been given to us as we search for ways to use time wisely because it is such a precious, God- given gift. Thanksgiving changes the way we do the offering on Sunday as we offer up the time we've spent with our children and grandchildren or the talents we have used in pursuing the gifts of vocation. Thanksgiving can't wait to tell God what we've done with the treasure we have received and thanksgiving invites us to offer it all back to God as gift with a clear understanding of where it came from and what, in Gods name, it is intended to do.
TRUST is another rich faith-word that defines biblical stewardship.
God has given time, talent and treasure as a Trust which we manage with Jesus Christ at the center. The Trust is something that God gives to us again and again and again. It involves all the material we will need to create community; to heal what is bro- ken and to bring hope where there is despair. We affirm, in faith, that God's promises are true and we can trust them. Trust may even change the way we receive the offering on Sunday. We can say, Thank you for trusting us with these gifts of time, talent and treasure and we offer ourselves to you, O Lord, because your trust has given us eternal confidence to live in this world you so love."
TRANSFORMATION is something that doesn't hap- pen accidentally but because in Thanksgiving we have trusted God with our lives and it has changed everything.
God has transformed the way we look at time, every precious day, and the way we look at the gifts we have received as talents with the affirmation that no one has been short-changed. Our relationship to our treasure is transformed because we now see it through God's eyes. Transformation will change the way we do the offering on Sunday. We may honestly believe and trust as true the words of Paul in Romans 12: "Do not be conformed to the world but rather transformed by the renewing of your minds that you may know what it is good and acceptable and perfect." Thanksgiving, Trust and Transformation are three good words for Steward- ship. Glenn Taibl is Co-Director of the Center for Stewardship Leaders for the Luther Seminary in the USA. This article was posted March 13, 2014 on The Episcopal Network for Stewardship at: http://www.tens.org/. Be generous. Give to those you love; give to those who love you; give to the fortunate; give to the unfortu- nate - yes, give especially to those you dont want to give to. You will receive abundance for your giving. The more you give, the more you will have. W. Clement Stone, American philanthropist, 1902-2002. Volume 9, Issue 3 - abundant blessings Page 12 Encountering God - Comments from the Photo Contest Miriam Baskin: 1) When you are between a rock and a hard place, do your best! God is there! 2) What a surprise! There was this flower right in the midst of a dry, dusty side hill! A reminder for us. 3) Enjoy the company of each other at sunset. Where two or three are gathered!
Mark Betuzzi: 1) Gods creations, a family of geese and the water and vegetation along the river. 2) Model airplane with the presence of an approaching storm that only God could make. 3) Clematis flower - the colour and beauty of another of Gods creations
Arthur Stegemann: 1) Much like how a fire needs wood or gas to burn we need Jesus in our lives to live. 2) During this year I have found that we always look for God in the big things. However, I think that we can see God better through the small and sometimes unnoticed things. 3) In the same way that the sun- flower moves throughout the day to follow the sun we move throughout our lives to follow Gods will.
Claire Tosoff: 1) Encounters with Henry - Henry had told the congregation that another name for God is Henry. 2) Sometimes when you have had a hard day or are frustrated, God reminds you of the peace and beauty of a sleeping child. Every time I check on the kids at night, I encounter God.
Trish Waldie: The wonders of mother nature - the clouds are about to speak to us! A thunder and lightning storm lasts two hours. Spectacular! A Rather Full Day by Chuck Kalnin Welcome Back: As we returned to regular wor- ship and programs, it was also time for our Sunday School classes to resume. During the service, a blessing was said for our children and their teachers and Allison Ryder announced the winners of our photo contest. (See page 13 for details.)
Fellowship continued afterwards in a packed hall as we enjoyed another wonderful potluck. Dessert included the makings for Sunday sundaes, which our youth were eager to help create. Workshop: Eighteen adults and youth gathered with artist Kathie MacDuff during the afternoon. With the parable of the ten bridesmaids as a basis, we en- gaged in some Advent visioning, exploring the imag- es and words associated with Advent. We discussed waiting and the need to tarry. This led into exploring our own personal habits of the soul - ways of tarrying and slowing down - as we prepare for the coming of Jesus. Dinner: The artists joined some young adults who normally meet Sundays for dinner and conversation. Dean Louise, Melissa Green and others looked after the kitchen duties. What a wonderful way to end this full day - in the company of vibrant young folk! On September 21 st , I spend almost the entire day at the Cathedral. Here is some of what I experienced. Kathie demonstrated how to make artist trading cards. These collectible cards, 2" X 3", can be produced on heavy support paper using various media. They are signed on the back and trad- ed, never sold. We were set free with watercolour paper, acrylic paints and ink stamps. What a fantastic experience! Here is an ex- ample of the cards that were made. Some of us even traded cards. Each of us also donated one card towards a collaborative project. Photos: Chuck Kalnin. Volume 9, Issue 3 - abundant blessings Page 13 Encounters with God by Allison Ryder Thank you so much for all who participated in our 8th annual photo contest. All the beautiful photos show that we can and do have many varied and delightful encounters with our gen- erous God. Keep looking . . . you will find Him everywhere!! A panel of three members of our youth chose this years winners. Jenny Ellis, Peter Chalmers and Tristan Giles. Great Job guys! First Place - Fires Fuel by Arthur Stegemann Dean Louise: A very delighted and grinning Dean (and grateful parent) is reading all of this with joy. ALL of you are blessings and blessed: Allison, Melissa, Chuck, Peter, Jenny and Tristan. Thank you. Thank God for you, and for all our amazing young people. Awesome! Second Place - Rivers Inlet Sunset by Ken Munro Third Place - Gods Promise To Us by Alison McKinnon Honourable Mentions
Miriam Baskin Where the Path Leads
Mark Betuzzi The Peace and Serenity
Claire Tosoff Encounters with Henry! Allison Ryder: Thank you, Jenny, Tristan and Peter for your time and commitment in working with me on the 2014 photo contest! You are great young people and the parish and I appreciate your work and the genuine interest you showed in each photo. This experience confirmed for me what we know - that the youth are vital to our Cathedral community. You make thoughtful, reasoned decisions and have valid suggestions and input and really want to be en- gaged. We just have to ask! Melissa Green: This just makes me smile and feel all warm and fuzzy inside! Thank you for providing this oppor- tunity to our young people - for equipping them, supporting them and giving them the opportunity to be leaders in our community! You let them show interest, struggle with making decisions and make the decisions. You provided them with this important space tonight and were an important adult role model in the task at hand. You supported and believed in them! I am thrilled that you got to have this experience with them too. It's pretty awesome to engage in ministry along- side them. I never tire of it! Editor: Bud Forbes was among those who viewed the entries to the photo contest. Thank you all who par- ticipated and congratu- lations to the winners. Thank you Allison for overseeing it all. Thank you Jenny, Tristan and Peter for judging. Please drop by Claires office to see all of the amazing photos on display. Volume 9, Issue 3 - abundant blessings Page 14 Opportunities for Ministry
Out of the Cold: St. Pauls will be operating the ex- treme weather shelter ourselves this fall and winter. Many helping hands are needed. See page 3 for information about the setting up of the program for the upcoming sea- son. To volunteer, please contact Christine Jeffery at 250-318-0236. For more information about the program, please talk to Bud Forbes.
Parish Life & Fellowship: The committee would wel- come new members and those who would like to help with one or two events. Assistance is always need to sell tick- ets, set-up and clean-up. Please talk to Roger Parkes.
Peace & Justice: Add your voice to the discussion and action regarding peace & justice issues and outreach concerns.. Monthly meetings are in the Chapel at 10:15 a.m., on a Tuesday to be designated. Please talk to Joy Gothard.
Praying for Others: Would you like to pray for others during the week? If so, please join this group who take home names from the prayer bowl and thoughtfully pray over them for the week. Please contact Sheila Pierson, Verna Albright or the Office. Gods Abundance - Love by Barry Baskin Is nothing enough? Is enough abundance? What am I talking about? Let me flush out the idea. Perhaps enough is not abundance.
What is enough? What is abundance?
My interpretation of enough is often abundance, be- cause in nothing I find something and in that something, like beauty and love, lies abundance. Nothing can be monitory. Nothing can be the absence of the awareness of something.
I choose to revel in the abundance of something, what- ever that something might be - beauty, love or my blessed being.
Respectfully submitted - in all Gods awesome love. St. Pauls Art Show Waiting - Expecting - Preparing
during Advent and Christmas in the Cathedral
Wine & Cheese Opening 7:00 p.m., November 22 nd
open to the parish until January 5 th
parishioners are invited to submit art submissions by November 15 th
artwork must be hang ready
watch for more information 100 th Anniversary Celebration Founding of the Diocese of Cariboo
October 19, 2014 at 4:00 p.m. St. Albans Church, Ashcroft
All are invited to attend an evening service of celebration followed by a potluck supper. Archbishop John Privett will be preaching. Church Sign Seen The above sign was seen in Salmon Arm by Margaret Mitchell on September 12, 2014. If you see an interesting church sign, take a pic- ture of it or write down the words and we will print it. Photo: Margaret Mitchell. Interesting Internet . . .
BC & Yukon Anglican Youth Movement: news and information. http://bcyaym.wordpress.com/
Episcopal Network for Stewardship: on-line in- formation and postings about stewardship, by the US Episcopal Church. http://www.tens.org/
Fred Says: archives of tagged posts from the PWRDF campaign about food security concerns, featuring Primate, Fred Hiltz. http://cep.anglican.ca/tag/fred-says/
Primates World Relief & Development Fund (PWRDF): information and news about PWRDF. www.pwrdf.org/
Sorrento Centre: information about courses, events and more at Sorrento Centre. http://www.sorrento-centre.bc.ca/ Volume 9, Issue 3 - abundant blessings Page 15 St. Pauls ongoing Schedule Sunday 8:00 a.m. Holy Communion: Book of Common Prayer Chapel Sunday 10:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist: Book of Alternative Services Cathedral Sunday 10:00 a.m. Sunday School Parish Hall Sunday after church Birthday Sunday: last Sunday of the month Parish Hall Sunday 12:00 noon Prayer Service: during ski season at Sun Peaks Mid-Mountain Chapel Sunday 2:00 p.m. Holy Eucharist: first Sunday, every second month The Renaissance Sunday 2:00 p.m. Holy Eucharist: first Sunday of month The Hamlets Sunday 6:00 p.m. Out of the Cold Program: November to March Lower Parish Hall Monday 7:30 p.m. Contemplative Prayer: first & fourth Mondays Cathedral Tuesday 8:30 a.m. Centering Prayer Cathedral Tuesday 10:15 a.m. Peace & Justice Group: Tuesday to be announced Chapel Tuesday 1:00 p.m. Prayer Shawl Ministry: third Tuesday of the month Chapel Tuesday 2:00 p.m. Holy Eucharist: every second Tuesday Seniors Village Tuesday 7:00 p.m. Cathedral Committee: fourth Tuesday of month Cathedral Wednesday 10:00 a.m. Holy Communion: Book of Common Prayer Chapel Wednesday 12:00 noon Lectionary Bible Study Cathedral Wednesday 6:00 p.m. Out of the Cold Program: November to March Lower Parish Hall Thursday 2:00 p.m. Holy Eucharist: fourth Thursday of the month Berwick on the Park Thursday 7:30 p.m. Choir Practice Cathedral Friday 10:00 a.m. Friendship Fridays: third Friday of the month Parish Hall Friday 9:30 a.m. Thrift Shop Lower Parish Hall Saturday 8:00 a.m. Mens Breakfast: last Saturday of the month Parish Hall
Dates and times may change. Special Upcoming Dates
October 10-13 Fr-Sa-Su-Mon BC-Yukon Youth Movement Fall Conf. Cranbrook 19 Sunday 4:00 p.m. Diocese of Cariboo Centenary St. Albans, Ashcroft (service followed by a potluck dinner) 26 Sunday after service Out of the Cold Sunday Lower Hall 29 Wednesday 7:00 p.m. Out of the Cold Open House Lower Hall
November 8 Saturday 5:30 p.m. Remembrance Day Memories Dinner Parish Hall 15 Friday Deadline for Entries to the Art Show 22 Saturday 7:00 p.m. St. Pauls Art Show Opening Cathedral
Dates and times may change. I try to be grateful for the abundance of the bless- ings that I have, for the journey that Im on and to relish each day as a gift. James McGreevey, American politician. St. Pauls Thrift Shop Fridays: 9:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Visit - Fill a Need - Find a Treasure
Your donations are appreciated and may be left in the foyer to the parish hall during office hours.
Please take the time to toss the clothing in your washer and dryer and wash up dishes and pots and pans. Thank you.
Remembrance Day Memories Annual Dinner of Remembrance
Saturday, November 8 th @ 5:30 p.m.
Join us for dinner. Share memories. Honour our veterans. Sing some songs.
Watch for details. 2014 Anglican Church Calendars available from Pat King after the service also available from the Cathedral Office cost: $5.00 Chucks Chatter . . . St. Pauls Anglican Cathedral Parish Founded 1884 360 Nicola Street, Kamloops, B.C. V2C 2P5 phone: 250-372-3912
Bishop: The Rt. Rev. Barbara Andrews Rector & Dean: The Very Rev. Louise Peters Honourary Assistant: The Rev. Sandra Sugden Honourary Assistant: The Rev. Tom Sugden Honourary Assistant: The Rev. Viktor Gundel Rectors Warden: Alison McKinnon Peoples Warden: Verna Albright Youth Coordinator: Melissa Green Music Directors: Heather & Norris Berg Office Coordinator: Claire Tosoff visit our blog stpaulscathedral.blogspot.com/
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submission deadline for next issue: November 19, 2014
theme of next issue: creativity As I reflect on this theme of abundant blessings, there are many divergent thoughts and images float- ing though my mind. So, may my words be focused.
Its been a very rough summer for me. My broth- er, Phil, died after struggling with cancer for over three years. Phil and I shared almost 68 years learning about a lot of stuff - about getting along with ones brothers and with others - about the wonder and beauty of nature and co-existing with all of the created world. We did have some adven- tures, and along the way, my brothers and I were both teachers and students for each other.
A few weeks later, my daughter, Kelly, died sud- denly of a heart attack. During the 43 years I shared with her, we too were both teacher and student to each other. Kelly was a wise and caring mentor to many, including me. She taught me a whole lot as she grew through childhood into adolescence, but, she especially she taught so much in recent years.
Phils and Kellys deaths have left very large holes in my life. I miss them dearly. It has indeed been a tragic summer! So, how do I write about blessings, abundant or otherwise, at such a time? Ive thought about this quite a bit. Well, first off, the time that I have shared with both Kelly and Phil has truly been a blessing to me.
I have treasured memories of quality time with them. However, I have also been thinking a lot about my life now without them; and Ive been re- flecting on life in general and on lifes purpose. While doing so, memories of life with Kelly and Phil continue to be nourishing and nurturing; and Ive had a few interesting experiences. A friend is a very good photographer. She has always had a camera and has taken lovely pictures, but presently she has an iPad and is learning even more about photography - about composition, light, etc. She is capturing some awesome images. Like other photographers she notices wonderful details that occur in creation. She recently showed me an exquisite image of a small, delicate viola in a little pot. Theres more to tell. She had seen the flower growing in a crack in her patio and had carefully res- cued it, planting it into the pot. A day or two later, she noticed an identical flower growing in the exact spot where the first flower had been. Then, there were even more of these tiny miracle flowers. I have taken to sitting in the sunshine on my front steps, beside a mini forest of volunteer sunflowers. The fact that these sunflowers re-seed themselves seems a bit miraculous to me. Theres more here too. Finches flutter amongst the branches daily, feeding on the ripening seeds. As I sit there, small honey bees also meander over the yellow blos- soms. Yes, bees and birds are only a small part of a big world, but, are nonetheless blessings to me. Two small common things do not make an abun- dance. Yet, they are signs of hope to me. Like oth- er such occurrences, they did lift my spirits, and are an indication that more blessings exist. Even in times of grief, there too may be abundant blessings. Keep your face in the sunshine and the shadows will fall behind you. Irish proverb.