A-Spire

St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church, Kitchener, Ontario

Vol. 15 No. 3
Friday, February 23, 2007

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Contributions of time, money, goods spell success for New Year's Dinner

On January 1, 2007, St. Andrew's hosted another successful New Year's Dinner. This year we were blessed with the help of more than 100 volunteers including people who contributed their time, money, food and/or clothing items.

When the day was over there had been 230 people served at tables richly decorated and laden with food. The festivities began at 11:25 a.m. when our guests were invited into Iona Hall for hot apple cider, coffee cheese & crackers. Sharp at noon, following Grace led by the Rev. Mark Lewis, our volunteer servers brought out plates filled with scalloped potatoes, ham and green beans accompanied by celery and carrot sticks, pickles, dinner rolls and butter. Sweet Clementine oranges, home baked squares and cookies were offered along with tea and coffee for dessert. Guests were all served by 12:30 and clean up completed by about 2:00 p.m.. The mood was serene and peaceful both in Iona Hall and behind the scenes.

We wish to acknowledge Selby's of Elmira for providing hams at cost, Tim Horton's and Weston's Bakery for substantial discounts, Kennedy's Catering of St. Agatha for donating the entire 200 servings of scalloped potatoes and Wellesley Apple Cider for donating gallons of apple cider. Warm thanks go out to Ab Martin for running all over the countryside contacting local businesses, Janis and David Neeb for creating the fabulous centerpieces and making Iona Hall sparkle with decorations. Ken Schade organized and oversaw the clothing donations while Bob Courtney provided background music. Our office and custodial staff were extremely supportive in the set up and coordination of the event.

Whether you served food, set tables, greeted guests, stirred pots, said a prayer, washed dishes, donated money, clothing or food for the many women, men and children in our community who are lonely, hungry or homeless at this time of year, YOU gave them all a beautiful start to 2007.

We wish to especially thank Heather Ingram-Smith for organizing and coordinating this event. I was blessed to assist Heather with the behind the scenes coordinating that is required. She handled everything yes, even the worry part with a smile on her face. My wish is that I can be as composed and organized when my turn rolls around next year.

Barbara Bryant-Courtney

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Bazaar "dance" reliably produces lots of funds

By DONNA HODGKINSON

Often we read that the Women's Association has come forward to contribute funds for crucial projects such as stained-glass window repairs, a weather lock at the parking lot doors, or loans to the St. Andrew's Board of Managers. So, where on earth do the women get that money?

One very successful fundraiser over many years, has been the annual Christmas Bazaar and Tea, held at the end of November. The truly amazing way that Church members and others work together to contribute, seems like a well-orchestrated 'two-step'. For instance, did you know that Mac Saunders' crab-apple jelly is a hot-seller at the Jam Cupboard? A carton filled with jars of the delightful nectar, just appears like magic. We all know that Mac has put a lot of hard work into collecting the necessary fruit and processing it during the summer months. Hot, hot, hot ....

And then there is the Bake Table. Sometimes on Friday night when the room is all set up for Saturday's 'dance', a sense of panic sweeps over the organizers for it looks as if they'll only be able to swing for a bar or two. Of course, Mary Riddell's whipped shortbread is packaged beautifully at the ready. For years, Mary has created it with the usual mouth-watering ingredients and lately hasn't let her lack of sight slow her down in her own kitchen. Saturday morning is a different story. Just before show-time, a whole line-up of contributors waltz right in with their baked goods! Included is Eva Hamilton with her tote filled with Swedish tea rings that she has lovingly baked, chockful of candied fruit dripping with icing glaze. Before long, the whole table is heaped with goodies and the rumba begins in earnest as shoppers jostle for the best pies, muffins and squares. Ole!

Knit 1, Pearl 2, Knit 1, Pearl 2, as we shuffle off to the Knitting, Crochet, and Sewing Table. That is where you will find a whole line of dancers making sure that all the donated items are displayed to their best vantage - no wall-flowers here! It is fascinating to see the likes of Gertie Craig and Helen Dahms dance all day long among their wares, knowing that fingers like those of Jean Posthumus, Dorothy Bailey and Dorothy Sheppard are flying all year long to keep the tables well-stocked. If this were a competition, these ladies would all be world-class dance champions for sure.

We can't forget the Trinkets and Treasures toe-tappers. These women have been clearing out attics for such a very long time that even the flappers think they have been re-cycled more than once.

The Bazaar is so well-practiced after all these years that each step seems to flow easily from the last. Sincere thanks for all the support. From the volunteers who work tirelessly all year long preparing items for sale, to the women who know exactly how to display and price the merchandise, to the generous donors who come to buy goods and sip tea on the day of the bazaar, may the dance go on....

Editor's note: With perhaps a couple of exceptions, to be honourably mentioned in this article, you must be 85+ years or even 95+. Our readers can 'tango' with that information!

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Archival progress

Persistent and thorough - those are the words to describe Lois MacQueen and Catherine Hertel as they continue to meet on a regular basis to catalogue the archival materials of St. Andrew's.

When they began the project a couple of years ago, all of the historic materials found in the church were examined, identified and filed appropriately.

Those items are stored now in acid free folders and boxes which help to protect them from deterioration. Our earliest surviving Kirk Session minutes have been placed on microfilm. The Presbyterian national church archives provide this service at a reasonable cost and that part of the project is ongoing as funds become available.

At present Catherine and Lois are in the process of creating a database of the entire collection.

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Scholars benefit from music fund help

The Mac Donald-Murphy Fund, which supports some of the musical endeavours at St. Andrew's, continues to provide for several Choral Scholars annually. At present there are four scholars. They include Amy Mairs and Pam Patel, both now students at Wilfrid Laurier University, and Daniel Gammage who studies with Cherry Fraser of our Sanctuary Choir who teaches with the Becket School of Music.

A new scholar, Chad Quigley has just begun lessons. He, too, studies with Cherry.

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BOOK CORNER NEWS

Your church library has recently added to its collection with a wide selection of books for your reading pleasure. There are new items for all ages due to your generous support of our Chapters fund raising evening last November and our book table at the St Andrew's Bazaar. Here is just a partial list, please visit our displays and the Book Corner any Sunday at coffee hour to check out all the new choices.

Issues To Challenge You and To Help You Find Your "Call To Serve In 2007"

Seeking The Sacred: Leading A Spiritual Life In A Secular World -Romeo Dallaire, Stephen Lewis and others share their stories of struggle and empowerment.

Overcoming Life's Disappointments - Harold S. Kushner finds deep meaning and satisfaction in Moses's heroism and duty and sees him as an example for us all.

Second Calling: Passion and Purpose For The Rest Of Your Life - Dale Bourke uses the biblical story of Naomi to encourage women to blaze new trails in their middle years.

One Step Closer: Why U2 Matters to Those Seeking God - Christian Seharen engages the reader in the spiritual truths to be found in the music and life of the popular rock group U2.

No-Nonsense Guide To Fair Trade -David Ransom. Coffee, cocoa, bananas and blue jeans - the human story behind the products we consume.

Walking In A Relaxed Manner -

Joyce Rupp walks the 37 day pilgrimage along the Camino de Santiago in Spain and passes on lessons learned to help all of us travel our own life journey with fresh enthusiasm.

Stories For Your Enjoyment

Last Jihad - Joel C. Rosenberg. Close friends of the president of the U.S. develop a secret project to bring riches and peace to every Israeli and Palestinian.

King's Ransom - Jan Beazely. Tsar Boris of Bulgaria refuses to abandon 50,000 Bulgarian Jews and faces Hitler with courage and Christian conviction.

Tiger In The Shadows - Debbie Wilson. An American woman abandons her comfortable life for a desperate quest to rescue her grandfather, a pastor in the underground church of China.

For Young Readers

Akeelah and the Bee - James W. Ellison. An eleven-year-old girl changes her world ... one word at a time. Also check for the DVD in our Jody Jamieson Family DVD Collection.

Rescue Pup - Jean Little. A puppy brings love to a troubled foster child even before he's trained as a Seeing Eye companion.

Parvana's Journey - Deborah Ellis. Discover the courage and hope that keeps Afghan children afloat in a war torn country.

Owen and Mzee - Isabella and Craig Hatkoff. A true story of a remarkable friendship between a baby hippo orphaned by the 2004 tsunami and a 130 year-old giant tortoise.

Books To Share With Your Little Ones

Duck and Goose - Tad Hills. A duck and a goose both lay claim to an "egg". They both agree it's a beauty. That's a start ... on the road to cooperation.

I Will Hold You 'Til You Sleep -Linda Zuckerman. Here is a blessing of love and protection to give to every child in your life.

Mr. Hiroshi's Garden - Maxine Trottier. A story that hopes to plant the seed of peace in the hearts of those who read it.

I Love You Through and Through -Bernadette Rossetti-Shustak. A board book for little ones whether happy or sad, silly or mad!

Come and see us, we love to share our treasures.

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Camp K hires new director for '07 season

In the midst of our cold Ontario winter, Amanda Harrington, like many of the rest of us, is looking forward to summer. She has a special reason for doing so. Amanda is the new Director of Camp Kummoniwannago and she's already hard at work preparing for another season of fun, activity and learning at Laurel Creek.

Amanda has had a lot of experience working with children, and her resume lists several supervisory positions as well.

At present she is a third year student at the University of Waterloo, enrolled in the Recreation and Leisure Studies course. She will graduate next year.

Her enthusiasm for swimming led to her first job as a lifeguard at 16. "It was fantastic," she says, "a real growth experience for me." She was living in Kingston at that time and was on the swim team at her school.

Amanda is a graduate of Durham College, where she majored in graphic design, but after completing her course there she decided that the field involved too much time spent at a computer keyboard. She was looking for something more active. She accepted a position as Manager of Aquatics for the YMCA in Kingston and was there for almost a year, in charge of hiring and supervision of the aquatics program. "I found it very stressful," she admits. "The level of responsibility and the potential for mishap was something that weighed pretty heavily on me."

Subsequently she became a pool supervisor and a day camp assistant supervisor in Oshawa for two and a half years, before deciding to enrol at U of W.

Amanda lives with her parents and a younger sister in Elmira at present. Although they were from the Cambridge area originally, her father was in the military so the family moved around a lot.

When he retired they decided to return to this area. In the summers and on a part time basis the rest of the year Amanda has been working at a youth drop-in centre in Elmira, as well as doing a couple of shifts a week at a Kindergarten through Grade 6 after school program. And of course, there has to be time for homework as well.

While perusing the U of W student newspaper, Amanda saw an ad placed by the Camp K committee looking for a new director to replace David Linnerth who has found full time employment with the local school board.

Her interest was piqued, so she visited the camp website, liked what she saw and decided to apply.

She has been hired to lead the camp this summer, and two returning counsellors, Courtney Gooding and Mark Brien, have been taken on as Assistant Directors. Amanda is on the job already, spending about eight hours a week at the church and working on some aspects of the camp program at home as well.

Counsellor interviews were held last Saturday. The camp will provide employment for about 18 young people in total.

In previous years eight to 10% of the campers have been special needs children, many of whom are sponsored through donated funds. The camp hopes to continue that tradition and if funding is available may be able to hire a counsellor to facilitate that part of the program.

Amanda's friendliness, energy and enthusiasm as well as her wealth of experience working with children are sure to stand her in good stead as she takes on the director's responsibilities at Camp K. Welcome, Amanda!

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Stellar speaker for Agnes Stock Enrichment Weekend

Dr. Thomas G. Long will be our guest speaker for the Agnes Stock Enrichment Weekend this year. The event will take place the weekend of April 21st and 22nd.

Dr. Long will lead a seminar on Saturday beginning at 9:00 a.m. exploring "Something Old, Something New: Building Vital and Faithful Christian Worship".

Dr. Long is the Bandy Professor of Preaching at the Candler School of Theology at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia. This is Dr. Long's third visit to St. Andrew's. His remarkable gifts as a communicator make challenging topics understandable and relevant.

When Agnes Stock, a retired teacher and long time member of St. Andrew's left a sum of money to be used to promote learning in the church, the Kirk Session approved the founding of the Theologian in Residence weekends, to be held annually. Funds helped to provide for a fee for the speaker and his accommodation for the weekend. The series began in 1985 with Dr. Fred Craddock as our first speaker. This down-to-earth man with the droll sense of humour launched the series with panache and encouraged us to await the next year's offering with anticipation and interest. Tom Long, our second year's speaker, was equally riveting, although his approach was a different one. He came again to St. Andrew's in 1991.

Year after year we were offered the opportunity to hear a succession of outstanding Christian leaders speak on topics both timely and enlightening. We stretched our minds and expanded our outlook. Guests included Douglas Hall, Verna Dozier, Herbert O'Driscoll, William Carl, Stanley Walters, and Diogenes Allen to name just a few.

Then somehow, for several years, we missed having a spring enrichment weekend. Events were held sporadically. Somewhere along the way the name of the event was changed to honour the benefactor and to make the whole thing sound somehow more listener-friendly. "Theologian" seemed to be an intimidating word.

An invitation will be sent to other churches within the presbytery of Waterloo-Wellington inviting people from other churches to join us for this weekend of growth and learning.

You won't want to miss this opportunity to hear once again Dr. Tom Long, an exemplary speaker and very approachable man. Dr. Long's latest book "Beyond the Worship Wars" is available in the church library, if you are interested in reading it before hearing what he has to say.

On Sunday morning Dr. Long will be preaching and a single service will take place at 10:30 a.m. that day. The Inter Mennonite Children's Choir will lead in the service of praise on that occasion as well.

Sign up for lunch and plan to attend on Saturday, April 21 st. You won't be disappointed.

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Fingers poised to help

When the Rev. Mark Lewis announced the five year fund raising campaign, "I am Called", Women's Association President Tiina Brox was willing to help. Using her considerable artistic and sewing skills, she, along with Anne McConnell, fashioned the banners that hang in Iona Hall and in the showcase at the parking lot entrance. The two women were well pleased with the results.

The campaign has set a goal of $2,000,000 to be raised over five years. Interest from the monies would be used to help with pastoral care and church school funding and for building maintenance.

Each family is asked to give $300 extra each Easter until 2011.

Comments or suggestions are most welcome.