Catching Up with the "Kirk"
St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church 485-5014(O) 485-1176(H)
105 Coleraine St www.standrewspictou.org
Pictou NS B0K 1H0
Volume 2 Issue 1 Thanksgiving 2009
A Word from Our Minister
Dear Friends
Giving thanks. In a few days we will be celebrating Thanksgiving and when you stop to think about the concept of thanksgiving what comes to mind? Such things as big paper turkeys with colourful tails fanned out, thanksgiving dinner, thanks for a job well done, thanks for being there, are on the list. Paul in his letter to the Thessalonians offers what he thinks makes a true thanksgiving. He says "Rejoice always, pray constantly, give thanks in all circumstances for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." I Thes 5:16-18
In this particular part of his letter, Paul is shifting from an ethical way of living to a more complete way of living and that is a religious way of living. For Paul, to live with thanksgiving is the only way to fully live the life God intends a Christian or follower of Christ to live. He uses the word rejoice more than two dozen times in his letter indicating the need to express joy in living with God, always. In every circumstance we are to rejoice and give thanks.
Not always easy though is it? We think about those times when things do not seem to go the way that we would want, or the outcome of something or some event is not what we would desire and seek for ourselves. How can and why should we give thanks at those times?
Two things. First the outcome is not what WE want. Secondly even Paul confessed that in his suffering he was still able to rejoice in God for the suffering of this world is just that, the suffering of this world. God through Christ has given us the way to overcome the suffering of the world. Christ has given us the way to know God's richest blessing, the truly richest blessing, not just a good home, good job or a great family. Christ has given us the way to know the Father.
Coming with this knowledge is a peace and understanding that enables us to look upon the things of the world as just that, the things of the world. However, Paul would not have us overlook those things that God offers to us within this world, especially those things which we can use to share the ministry of Jesus Christ. The blessings of the land, the blessing of our hands, the blessing of community, all of the things that we graciously receive and share with others. This is the will of God in Jesus Christ for you.
As you celebrate thanksgiving, pause to consider every good gift that you have received, rejoice in each one and think of how God through Jesus, the Christ would have you to share it with another so that they too might come to know the grace of our God.
From Karen and myself, we give thanks continually for all your prayers and may God continue to richly bless you and others through you.
Steve.
Ladies Association
The Ladies Association has begun a new year under the leadership of President Judy Corman. Several funeral receptions have been catered. We are most grateful to First Church for the use of their Hall while renovations are underway at the Kirk.
Plans are being made for the Annual Christmas Soup and Dessert to be held November 13th. They will also assist with the annual auction to be held October 24th.
Before all this though the kitchen will need a good cleaning due to the building repairs this summer, and help will be requested for this.
New members are most welcome. We meet once a month on the 3rd Wednesday at 7:30 p.m.
Betty Ann Battist ( Secretary)
Auction and Dessert Buffet
Don Mac Kenzie has again agreed to serve as our auctioneer and those who have previously attended know this guarantees a fun filled evening. It will be held on Saturday evening October 24th beginning at 6:30. Cost is $5:00 for adults; children free, with all monies raised going to the building fund, accessibility campaign. During the last 4 years we have raised over $11,000. This year since we have actually begun the work we need your support more than ever.
The auction features new items or occasionally very gently used ones and certificates for services. Often you may have received a gift or bought something you did not use-we will gladly auction it off. You may have a skill or talent others may be eager to purchase. For instance we have had certificates offering cans of fudge, or baked goods. Wouldn't you like to be able to cash in a certificate for 3 dozen home baked squares, 2 pies, a pot of chili with rolls, home made pizza, or a decorated cake when you need them?
A certificate offering to paint a room, give 2 hours of carpentry, a drive to Halifax, host a dinner party, sewing or knitting an article to order would be appreciated by someone. Others may wish to use their talents to bake a cake, make a table, knit some mitts, make jams or jellies etc. etc. No item is too small; smaller items are put with something else or combined into an attractive basket.
For those who donate services it is up to you to state what you want to donate and when. For instance you might say you would make 3 dozen squares for Christmas to be picked up by December 20th, or you might say you would host a dinner party after Christmas or do whatever work, certificate to be used by April 1st or whatever.
Please use your imagination.
We are counting on you to donate, attend and bring your friends! It's a good way to begin your Christmas shopping. We always have a great time, pick up a bargain and have a wonderful dessert during intermission.
Betty Ann Battist
Baptism At The Back- Choir Capers
Many years ago I gave up the notion that participation in any church service meant that I had to display a serious demeanor. When I was a member of the choir my opinion did not change.
One Sunday morning, Ed MacEachern had given each one of us our glass(es) of cool refreshing water. The water cooled my throat and I always welcomed the opportunity to sip the refreshing drink.
There is a wooden ledge in front of the first row of choir chairs. Over the ledge is a brass rail which holds a curtain and it gives the choir some privacy while they are seated. The ledge serves as a holder for the glasses of water.
I usually tried to be very careful when I sipped the water and replaced the glass on the ledge. One morning I had just taken a sip from my glass when I became distracted by someone or something. I did not look at the ledge as I leaned forward to put down my glass. I looked a few seconds later and to my chagrin the glass was on its side - empty! Where was the water?
Very cautiously I peeked over the brass rail which held the curtain. Directly below me were Phil & Heather Brown and a couple of other ladies.
To me it seemed that the small amount of water that had trickled down from my glass had expanded into a huge waterfall. Phil's hair looked like it had been slicked down by Brylcream. The other ladies were looking around in amazement. They looked like they were trying to discover where there was a fountain which had overflowed. Phil jumped up and went up to the front of the church, to the washroom, I presume. He came back looking less confused and somewhat drier.
Of course it was difficult for me to control myself. My chuckles were evident by the movement of my body as I tried to suppress my laughing. I was not able to make eye contact with anyone else in the choir for the whole service.
Phil and Heather later graciously accepted my apology but I am still not totally convinced they found the whole episode as funny as I did.
A few weeks later, I felt somewhat more confident while accepting a glass of water from Ed. I had moved to the back row and even if I spilled my water it could not reach the ledge at the front.
I had moved over to sit beside Greg who always sits beside the organ. I think the song required some harmony and for whatever reason, I was standing right under the mike. When we stood up to sing, my head hit the mike and it made a noise. I had to do something. I slipped out of my shoes and pushed them out of the way. All the time we were singing the hymn I thought, "There that was better". I no longer touched the mike.
We sat down and I reached down for my glass for a sip of the cool water. I picked up the glass and to my surprise there was no water in it! My shoes must have tipped over the glass as I kicked them out of the way. Oh well, at least the water could not trickle over the ledge.
We stood to sing again and because I was not wearing shoes, I realized that I was standing on a wet rug. The opportunity to put on my shoes was out of the question because my shoes had to be put on with the help of a shoehorn. The shoehorn was always in my purse. - Unfortunately my purse was way over on a side pew with everyone's coats and purses. So once again someone was soaked, only this time it was me.
Many weeks later at a luncheon after service, Greg came up to me and said "Judy I want you to know that the tradition continues." I had taken a break from the choir but the members still shared laughs with me. Apparently Ardath, a new choir member shares my talent with the glass of water. (I have asked Ardath for permission to write about her capers.) She sits in the back row and there is not as much chance of water dribbling over the ledge. However when she did spill her glass of water it started to run towards a pile of hymnbooks behind her.
The minister and congregation had just bowed their heads to pray. What to do! Ardath frantically shuffled the pile of books and papers out of the way of the creeping water. Everything was out of the way just when the minister said "AMEN"
Because Ardath was a new member she tried to do what the other members did. Ardath noticed that the choir members in the front row always folded up their seats when they stood up to sing. She tried to follow their lead. She reached behind and flipped up her seat. Lo and behold, her chair was not bolted to the floor like the front row of seats. The whole chair flipped backwards and a huge bang resonated throughout the entire sanctuary. In addition to flipping her chair, she toppled Amanda's glass of water, which Amanda had placed behind Ardath's chair.
It was Rev. Webb's first Sunday with us. He gazed up to see what the commotion was. Ardath maintains that she gazed back at the minister as innocently as she could. What self control!
Perhaps it is a good thing that the congregation is not always looking at the choir. Who knows what might happen next?
Although Mary Poppins is not real, imagine if she were able to join the choir. She might descend down into the congregation by way of her umbrella. Hopefully she would not be holding a glass of water in her other hand. One never really knows what might happen!
Submitted by Judy Corman
Baptism, Owen Style
My daughter, Teri and family were spending vacation time in Newfoundland, visiting my son-in-law's relatives. He has a very large extended family living in St John's and Bell Island and those not still on the "Rock" come home every chance they get. The occasion for homecoming this time was an 80th birthday celebration and the baptism of the newest family member.
Usually when Teri and family had visited before they had stayed at various homes but this time they took their new camper trailer. When they arrived it was decided to set up camp for the duration in Nan and Pop's large yard on Bell Island.
The boys aged 9,7 and 3 were excited to see everyone and to live in their new camper. As they explored their surroundings the focal point soon became the old pump in Nan's yard, a real novelty for the boys. Although not needed to supply water for the house it still worked. Freshly painted black it gleamed in the sunlight, as it stood at attention with an old dipper at its side ready to be used. And used it was as they all soon learned how it worked. It seemed to draw them like a magnet. Daily they would pump water to quench their thirst and to fill buckets to pour over each other's heads. . Their water guns were never empty and many water fights were enjoyed. They pumped to fill the small wading pool and to make mud pies and when making roads for their dinky toys. Nan's flowers near the base of the pump were well watered, in fact almost drowned.
On Sunday as Teri was getting the boys ready for church she attempted to explain why and what would happen during the baptism of their newest cousin, baby Sydney. When all three were washed and dressed she sent them out to wait in the van with strict warnings not to get dirty and above all to stay away from the pump. As the door slammed behind them she glanced out the window and saw Owen, the three year old clutching a bucket and making a bee line for the pump.
Running quickly outside she called, "What are you doing? Get in that van. Didn't I tell you not to get dirty and to stay away from the pump?" She had to stop and hide a smile though when Owen with one hand on his hip, turned and in an exasperated voice said "But Mom, I was just getting the water for the 'guy' to pour on Sydney's head."
The baptism went well and everyone was pleased but I think Owen thought that the lady minister was very stingy with the water and he could have supplied more, if only Mom had let him go to the pump that morning.
Submitted by Betty Ann Battist
Glorify the Father!
"I am the true vine, and my Father is the vine grower. 2 He removes every branch in me that bears no fruit. Every branch that bears fruit he prunes to make it bear more fruit. 3 You have already been cleansed by the word that I have spoken to you. 4 Abide in me as I abide in you. Just as the branch cannot bear fruit by itself unless it abides in the vine, neither can you unless you abide in me. 5 I am the vine, you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing. 6 Whoever does not abide in me is thrown away like a branch and withers; such branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. 7 If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask for whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8 My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit and become my disciples. John 15:1-8
Dear Friends
Four months now, we have only just begun and yet it seems like it has been much longer. The days stroked of the calendar are only a few but the way that we have been welcomed into your congregation makes it seem like many more. In a short while we have been warmly welcomed and made to feel as if we are at home and among friends. Laughter and joy, sorrow and pain and have already been shared in the course of a few short months and truly ministry has begun.
Back in February when Karen and I had met with this congregation we knew then that God had created a good match and we were excited to come and begin a new ministry. After arriving and settling in we are more convinced that indeed God has done a good thing. I love the people, I love the Kirk and I love Pictou.
The congregation has received me with only a few reservations, which is normal, some are waiting to see what the new guy will be like. We have been embraced by you and I thank God for your openness and welcome. We would like to invite you to stop by the manse and ring the doorbell, not just drive by, and allow us to get to know you a little better.
The Kirk is a beautiful warm and inviting place that just shouts the joy of her people coming to worship God. The grandeur of the architecture, the well kept condition of the building and the new extension all show a desire to uphold a tradition of honouring our place of worship for God. It displays the respect of tradition and respect for all people's needs and the time and effort to harmonize them. I am sure that the Kirk will continue to stand as a place of worship and ministry for many years because of the people that care for it and its purpose.
Pictou itself has also been inviting and friendly. People are beginning to recognize us as we move about town and always offer a friendly greeting. One person in particular had me a little confused when he would greet me with a hail hardy "Gud eh bye". I wasn't sure if I was coming or going, but since he kept talking I was pretty sure I was coming, now I realize I am a "bye". "Pairrrfect". It is a fun learning curve.
As I said earlier we are beginning to feel as if we belong, as if we are a part of the vine, the one that God called us to bear fruit on with you. And it feels good to know that we serve the same Lord together, that we draw our strength from Christ as we share in the ministry Jesus gave us. We are nourished by you just as I hope and pray that I can nourish you through the sharing of God's word and Christ's living example of grace and mercy.
Jesus said we are all part of the vine, joined together in him and through him we bear much fruit, cut off from him we bear no fruit and are cast into the fire. Let us pray that we will abide in Christ, be nourished by his example and teaching and bear much fruit to the glory of our God and Father. Amen
May God continue to richly bless you all.
Rev. Steven Webb
Sunday School
June seen the closing of Sunday School for the summer and goodbyes to two of our teachers, Jillian English and Myrna LeBlanc.
Due to renovation started this summer, we were unable to begin Sunday School in September but have set the date of October 4th for Sunday School to commence. Unfortunately we are unable to offer the Nursery service until the renovation is complete.
This year Linda Murray and Ethel McIsaac will lead the Sunday School while Pat Cowan and Samara Hartling have volunteered to look after the nursery.
If there is anyone else out there who would like to volunteer some of their time for either the nursery or Sunday School we would appreciate the help. Many hands do make lighter work and the benefits you receive from the children, whether a smile or a thank you for helping them with their craft, it is truly worth it.
Ethel McIsaac
A Note of Thanks
Dear Friends in Christ
I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for our reception into your congregation, your lives and your community. I believe that Steve has accepted a gospel call here at the Kirk, which started for us back in late 2008, when he first looked at your profile. It all fell into place with such certainty that there is no doubt that God was leading him here.
I thank God for this direction. I give thanks for all of you, for your reception and your kindness and your welcoming of us as a family in your church community. I first felt this back in February when Steve came to preach the call and I was invited to come along. I was welcomed at the meetings, met many of you there and felt you were all people I would like to get to know.
A special thanks to all who gave of their time, the ladies who waited around and even made us tea as well as Heather and Cathy who provided a delicious lunch of lobster chowder and chili. Very much enjoyed. We went home from this experience only waiting to come back.
Since my arrival I have grown to enjoy it here in Pictou. During my parents visit with us they saw that we have become very comfortable here in such a short time. They too remarked on how they enjoyed your friendliness on Sunday morning. Kyllie has settled in as well. Adam has come back since the summer to spend more time here in Pictou.
Thank you to Ethel for her efficiency and caring in making our move go smoothly.
I would like to extend an invitation to all of you to come by the manse for coffee or tea so we can get to know one another in our new home.
You know the hymn: "We are one in the Spirit" with the chorus... and they'll know we are Christians by our love."
Well I feel as though this hymn has been played out by you folk because ......
We know you are Christians by the love you have shown to us."
Yours in Christ
Karen Webb
Accessibility Fund Update
The fund to date has raised $24,527.00.
Fifty-one responses received to letter.
$12,000.00 of this was given by the St. Andrew's Memorial Fund.
The following is the breakdown of the receipts:
Foundation - 16 donations - 2 from business
($10-$99) 11 from St. Andrew's current family
3 from St. Andrew's extended family
First Floor - 24 donations - 15 from St. Andrew's current family
($100-$299) 9 from St. Andrew's extended family
Second Floor - 6 donations - 5 from St. Andrew's current family
($300-$999) 1 from St. Andrew's extended family
Lift - 5 donations - 5 from St. Andrew's current family
($1000-$4999)
To date a total of $90,000 has been spent of the money raised. Cash in bank $25,527.
Anticipated bills yet to receive for work which is already completed or will be completed when lift is received(balance of lift, brickwork, completion of plumbing, carpentry) - $41,500. Shortfall of what we currently have $15,973.
As per letter of Sept 19/09 to congregation, it is anticipated that to complete the outstanding work of gyproc, crack filling, trim, painting, plumbing fixtures, flooring and other finish work an additional $20,000 will need to be raised.
The Board is still in hopes of receiving a $10,000 grant from the province as an accessibility grant. Application is still pending.
Submitted by Ethel McIsaac
NOTICE:
A Christian Bookstore of both old and new books is located on Provost Street, New Glasgow. Rita's Inspirational Books and Gifts is located near High Crest Place Limited at 695-3225. They also carry lovely cards for all occasions.
Upcoming Events:
October 24th Auction & Dessert Buffet beginning at 6:30pm
November 13th Soup & Dessert Luncheon
November 20th Celebration Dinner for the Renovation Project -(Potluck)
Elder Training Workshops- Sponsored by the Presbytery of Pictou - Presbyterian Church in Canada at First Presbyterian Church 242 South Foord St., Stellarton, N. S.
October 22, 7 P.M.
Confidentiality and Visitation
Leaders: Rev. Joanne Vines & Rev. Charles McPherson
October 29, 7 P.M.
Stewardship
Leader: Rev. Lara Scholey
November 05, 7 P.M.
Sacraments
Leader: Rev. Richard Sand
Church Directory
Minister
Rev. Steven Webb 485-1176
Clerk of Session
Murray Hill 485-8992
Chairman of Board
Phil Brown 485-5381
Ladies Association
Judy Corman 485-8698
Organist/Choir
Bernice MacDonald 396-3716
Bulletin/Treasurer
Ethel McIsaac 485-1173
Church Envelopes
John Heighton 485-6865
Sunday School
Linda Murray 485-4000
Ethel McIsaac 485-1173
We would like to thank everyone who helped and contributed to this issue.
