February 19, 2012

Right in the middle of Mark’s Gospel, there is a dramatic moment which we call the Transfiguration.  Transfiguration means literally to cross over or to change into another form.  We might call this the Gospel of Transformation.

As Mark tells it, Peter has just had the insight that Jesus is the Messiah, the anointed one, the special servant of God who was expected to usher in a new age.  The sign of the arrival of the messianic age was the re-appearance of Elijah, the greatest of the Jewish prophets.  And now they perceive that Moses and Elijah are there on the mountaintop, standing alongside Jesus and communicating with him.

Quite aside from what this strange event might have looked like (were they seeing ghosts?  How did they know it was Moses and Elijah?)   what could it possibly have to say to us in the 21^st Century? 

I think that, regardless of how we might understand the original “event,” the Transfiguration can speak volumes to us on the level of metaphor – as a metaphor of the spiritual life, and of our relation to God in Christ.

Several things spoke to me as I reflected on this Gospel – several  lessons to be learned about what it means to live an authentic Christian life:

The first has to do with what happens when we become part of the people (or family) of God.

Mark’s telling of this incident stresses the continuity between the First Covenant and the New Covenant, and makes us aware that Jesus stands in the historic moral and spiritual tradition of Moses and Elijah.  He does not come “out of the blue”, and the story suggests he stands with, not above, his Jewish ancestors. 

One of the first things this account is telling us is that to be a person of God is to be connected with a much broader community.  To be a person of God is to be part of a specific heritage and historic continuum; it is to identify with these ancestors as if they were part of our own family; it is to feel not only an affinity, a kindred spirit, but also a sense of accountability, of being the bearer of a torch, in our own time, of the same fire that burned for people like Moses and Elijah.

Once that bond is established, the tendency is toward expanding our relational network. At Baptism, we pray to God: “bring them to new birth in the family of your Church, that they may become inheritors of your glorious kingdom.  We instruct people that they are part of a larger entity – one not limited to time or place.

We are not alone or isolated in this journey of faith.  We are part of a parish, and a parish is part of a deanery, and a deanery is part of an archdeaconry, and an archdeaconry is part of a diocese, and a diocese of a province, and a province of a national church, and each national church a part of the worldwide Anglican Communion.  Any church will draw you into a larger sense of belonging and community (and not just with people of your own denomination) and will not leave you thinking that you are on some private spiritual safari. 

This larger sense of belonging helps us not to get trapped in the idiosyncrasies and limitations of any particular culture or any particular time and place.  That sense of being tied to one reality begins to slip away.  Many times I have been grateful for that perspective, and many times it has made me feel like a bit of an alien – you might say it’s a mixed blessing.

The second lesson of the Transfiguration has to do with cleansing the doors of perception.

I am sure most of us have had the experience of looking at one of those optical illusion pictures, which suddenly looms into 3D when you look at it long enough or with the right focus. 

The way Mark tells the story, there came a moment when admiration became adoration, when the way the disciples saw Jesus was transformed and he became something else in their eyes. In the 7th century, Saint Maximus the Confessor said that the senses of the apostles were transfigured to enable them to perceive the true glory of Christ.  In other words, this event might best be understood in subjective terms – as a shift in their perception of things.

This happens on a more ordinary level all the time.  We can all think of encounters we have had with people where suddenly we saw them in a new light, or saw them do something we didn’t think they were capable of. “I didn’t think he had it in him,” we might say, or “I never thought she would amount to anything.”   It speaks to that potential that is buried deep in all of us, which, as the Parable of the Talents suggests, it is our life task to discover and to share. 

The Transfiguration represents that kind of moment, when our vision expands and we realize life is much bigger and more complicated than we once thought it was.  We can embrace what that implies or try to deny it but we can never be the same again, whether we act on it or not, because we have had a glimpse of reality.

The third thing I would point out in this reading is its implications about the importance of direct (mystical) experience of the divine.

Some writers suggest that this passage represents Jesus teaching the disciples how to enter into mystical union with God, that this mountaintop event is symbolic of the spiritual journey toward God – toward direct encounter.

As with any kind of initiation, we can go only so long trusting in the stories and accounts that others tell us before we must experience it for ourselves.  Like Elisha, we have to take the mantle of our mentors (whoever they are) upon ourselves and engage the spiritual life directly, not just through the stories and teaching of others.

The Gospel shows these three disciples being taken to a new step in their own discipleship, a new phase in their initiation into the mysteries of God in Christ.   It is a reminder to us that we are meant to be on a journey, a journey upward, as one of our hymns says, but also a journey that is inward and outward.   This parable reminds us that being a disciple of Jesus is meant to lead us toward a vision of the kingdom of God

This Gospel is a glimpse of the new creation.  This is what religious life is about – connection with the reality of God.  This is the essence of worship and of all spiritual life — the direct connection — the experience of the holy — the sense of awareness (awe) that we are in the presence of something above and beyond ourselves, and the realization that in that presence we are both known and loved for exactly who we are – and because we are loved as we are, we can stop striving and pretending to be something else.

The final thing I would point out for today’s purposes would be that the Transfiguration raises questions about the nature of discipleship and the balance between the ethereal and the practical.

The Transfiguration is a story of “what goes up must come down.”  Life can’t be nothing but “Hallelujah Chorus” moments – contemplation must connect with action.  Key to the understanding of the Transfiguration is that the disciples were not being led away from humanity and into some sort of spiritual elitism — immediately after this they were led back into the world — but the Gospel shows there is a sense of priority placed upon the contemplative dimension (see Luke 10: 38—42). 

First we must journey toward God – learning about God and then  experiencing God through spiritual practices like worship and prayer and meditation and silence and solitude.  All of these commodities can be  hard to find in our noisy, busy, distracted culture.

And then we must journey toward the world, shaped by that great perspective that God reveals to us, reassured by the company of the Communion of Saints, believing that our action is required and means something, and armed with the power of belovedness which expresses itself in compassion and kindness and grace.

Love of God and neighbor can’t be separated – they are integral — but it’s like love of neighbour must come from somewhere – it must have a source, an inspiration, because without that most of us aren’t automatically loving toward our neighbours.  So first of all we need to seek and cultivate the love of God.  As scripture says, “Seek first the kingdom of God” – and everything else falls into place.  Or as Augustine said “Love God, and do what you will.”

As the scriptures suggest, we are invited on a journey to seek the Light, and then we have to choose to let our light shine – and Jesus, in this great Gospel of Transformation, shows us the way.

I close with a famous and often-quoted passage by Marianne Williamson, which I think speaks to us in the light of this Gospel of the Transfiguration and in the light of our challenges in the year ahead.

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It’s not just in some of us; it’s in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”

The Rev. Grant Rodgers+

RCL appointed readings:

2 Kings 2:1-12   Now when the LORD was about to take Elijah up to heaven by a whirlwind, Elijah and Elisha were on their way from Gilgal.   Elijah said to Elisha, “Stay here; for the LORD has sent me as far as Bethel.” But Elisha said, “As the LORD lives, and as you yourself live, I will not leave you.” So they went down to Bethel.  The company of prophets who were in Bethel came out to Elisha, and said to him, “Do you know that today the LORD will take your master away from you?” And he said, “Yes, I know; keep silent.”   Elijah said to him, “Elisha, stay here; for the LORD has sent me to Jericho.” But he said, “As the LORD lives, and as you yourself live, I will not leave you.” So they came to Jericho.  The company of prophets who were at Jericho drew near to Elisha, and said to him, “Do you know that today the LORD will take your master away from you?” And he answered, “Yes, I know; be silent.”  Then Elijah said to him, “Stay here; for the LORD has sent me to the Jordan.” But he said, “As the LORD lives, and as you yourself live, I will not leave you.” So the two of them went on.  Fifty men of the company of prophets also went, and stood at some distance from them, as they both were standing by the Jordan. Then Elijah took his mantle and rolled it up, and struck the water; the water was parted to the one side and to the other, until the two of them crossed on dry ground.  When they had crossed, Elijah said to Elisha, “Tell me what I may do for you, before I am taken from you.” Elisha said, “Please let me inherit a double share of your spirit.”  He responded, “You have asked a hard thing; yet, if you see me as I am being taken from you, it will be granted you; if not, it will not.”  As they continued walking and talking, a chariot of fire and horses of fire separated the two of them, and Elijah ascended in a whirlwind into heaven.  Elisha kept watching and crying out, “Father, father! The chariots of Israel and its horsemen!” But when he could no longer see him, he grasped his own clothes and tore them in two pieces.

Psalm 50:1-6 The mighty one, God the LORD, speaks and summons the earth from the rising of the sun to its setting.  Out of Zion, the perfection of beauty, God shines forth.  Our God comes and does not keep silence, before him is a devouring fire, and a mighty tempest all around him.   He calls to the heavens above and to the earth, that he may judge his people:  “Gather to me my faithful ones, who made a covenant with me by sacrifice!”   The heavens declare his righteousness, for God himself is judge. Selah

2 Corinthians 4:3-6  And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing.  In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.  For we do not proclaim ourselves; we proclaim Jesus Christ as Lord and ourselves as your slaves for Jesus’ sake.   For it is the God who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

Mark 9:2-9    Six days later, Jesus took with him Peter and James and John, and led them up a high mountain apart, by themselves. And he was transfigured before them,  and his clothes became dazzling white, such as no one on earth could bleach them.  And there appeared to them Elijah with Moses, who were talking with Jesus.  Then Peter said to Jesus, “Rabbi, it is good for us to be here; let us make three dwellings, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.”  He did not know what to say, for they were terrified.  Then a cloud overshadowed them, and from the cloud there came a voice, “This is my Son, the Beloved; listen to him!”    Suddenly when they looked around, they saw no one with them any more, but only Jesus.   As they were coming down the mountain, he ordered them to tell no one about what they had seen, until after the Son of Man had risen from the dead.

 LENT is a season of renewal and transformation.  It is a time to grow in the Spirit and to come closer to the compassionate and self-giving nature of God.  Lent is a time to re-discover that the Way of the Cross is the Way of Life.

On Ash Wednesday, February 22, we will have a simple pancake supper at 5:30 followed by the service of Imposition of Ashes at 7:00 p.m.   

WEDNESDAYS IN LENT (7:00 p.m.)- Every Wednesday evening following, until April 4, there will be an opportunity to gather for reflection, contemplation and renewal of spirit.   Led by the parish clergy, this will be based on the concept of “Be still, and know that I am God” (Psalm 46).   The series will be a mix of teaching and experiential learning, moving toward a deeper awareness of God through contemplation. 

TUESDAYS IN LENT-The Tuesday morning study through Lent will be based on the book OPENING TO GOD: A GUIDE TO PRAYER.  We will meet at 10:15 in the lower parish hall.  If you would like to be part of this study, please inform the Rector, the Rev. Grant Rodgers.

I have just come through three weeks of illness — three weeks of constant hand sanitizing – three weeks of snorting nose spray and downing Tylenol 3 and antibiotics – and one of the worst things about it is the isolation – three weeks in which I didn’t kiss my wife – three weeks of people looking at me with a certain amount of anxiety and suspicion (cue violin music).

It’s quite common now to see people wearing surgical masks and sometimes gloves in public, not because it’s Hallowe’en or cold, but as an attempt to defend themselves against the diseases of others.  Such people are a symbol of our fear of falling victim to disease; they are a symbol of the separation that characterizes our society.  Over the centuries, to protect the community, human beings have created social barriers and excluded those they deemed dangerous. 

In ancient times, leprosy was understood as any of a number of skin conditions.  Leviticus 13 says:  “the person who has the leprous disease shall wear torn clothes and let the hair of his head be dishevelled; and he shall cover his upper lip and cry out, ‘Unclean, unclean!’  He shall remain unclean as long as he has the disease; he is unclean. He shall live alone; his dwelling shall be outside the camp.” Lepers were not employable, not able to make a living, and thus reduced to begging to stay alive. 

One of the really terrible things about quarantine is that the isolation and lack of belonging are more damaging than the disease itself. Isolation and loneliness create enormous and damaging stress to human beings.  Numerous studies have pointed to the debilitating effect of separation One recent study suggests that people who are easily stressed and less outgoing are more susceptible to dementia.

A Swedish study showed that 50-year-old men who had recently endured high levels of emotional stress without family or social support were three times as likely to die within the next seven years as those who had the benefit of social support.  The article (published in The British Medical Journal by a team of scientists at the University of Goteborg in Sweden) said: “Men with adequate social support seem to be protected” from the damaging effects of life’s stresses.

An American study (National Academy of Sciences, the work of researchers at Yale University and the University of Chicago) suggests that female rats which have been isolated have a much higher potential for developing breast and others forms of cancer.

Mother Teresa:  “The most terrible poverty is loneliness, and the feeling of being unloved.”  A certain amount of solitude in a person’s life is necessary and potentially creative, but it is helpful when it is a choice, and when there are other options of belonging and connecting.  But forced rejection, and forced isolation, when avenues of socializing are closed off, is a different matter.  This is why solitary confinement is one of the most damaging forms of punishment.

Society’s hostility and rejection extends to a huge number of people: people with physical disabilities; the poor; the mentally challenged; immigrants/people of other cultures.  You could argue that all of these groups receive similar treatment. 

I think also of the plight of elderly, who in a youth-obsessed society are very often dismissed and isolated, cut off from meaningful involvement in the world, and who suffer depression, despondency and physical decline as a direct result. 

But the most direct parallel with the ancient isolation of lepers is the way our modern world has dealt with people suffering from AIDS, because leprosy carried a blame factor as well as a fear factor. People who had leprosy were usually assumed to have deserved the disease because of some sin.  AIDS, like leprosy, is a life sentence, and AIDS, like leprosy, is often blamed on the sick person.  No one would blame a person for being mentally handicapped, or old.  But people routinely attach blame and condemnation to those who contract AIDS – for being homosexual and for being sexually active.   As with the ancient lepers, not only are victims cut off from the community, the community lets them know that they are also cut off from God.  It is clear from the Gospel that the ministry of Jesus changes all of that.

John Kavanaugh, SJ, said: “The gospel is … an invitation for us to enter into the being of Christ himself. If he is indeed our way, our truth, our life, then we make his person our own. We too can heal. We need not fear the visibly wounded who only remind us of our human frailty. The excluded and marginal, the ostracized and hidden, await our own touch. The very old or very ill need not threaten us if we allow them to name the truth of our shared inability to stand invulnerable before the world.”

It’s significant that the victims in today’s readings are not only lepers but outsiders.  Elisha heals Naaman, an enemy, an Aramean who has just completed a raid on Israel in which he carted off a young Jewish woman to be a slave.  Jesus heals a leper who comes from Galilee. A well-established proverb of the day said, “Can any good come out of Galilee?”  Galilee was a place written off by many as being beyond the pale.

Maybe the focus in today’s readings is meant to be on the way the true servant of God offers love and acceptance to all people – even enemies (see Matthew 5: 43—44).   In both cases the suffering person went away from an encounter with God’s representative transformed.

That presents the Church with a challenge and a choice – to face into the issues of exclusion by adopting the model of Jesus and Elisha.  These readings confront the Church with the importance of being a healing community.

An important part of the focus of today’s readings is on the gift of community – how painful it is to be an outcast and what a blessing it is to belong.  If we choose to see the Church as a network of relationships – as a place of belonging and acceptance – as a place of healing and forgiveness – we could say that the gift of healing is already in our hands.

Research has shown that people who feel included, who have rich and diverse social networks, tend to be healthier, happier and longer-lived than people who are isolated.

Mother Teresa said: “Let no one ever come to you without leaving better and happier. Be the living expression of God’s kindness: kindness in your face, kindness in your eyes, kindness in your smile.”

I use the example of Mother Teresa today because she is the primary example of someone in the modern world who made it an acceptable and honourable thing to offer care for the sick, the friendless and the needy – she is an example of someone who, instead of turning away from the homeless and the hopeless, turned toward them in love and understanding.

She urged the world to believe that individuals have it in their power already to be healers – and that healing can happen with a smile, an act of unexpected kindness, or an act of mercy – that healing is an act of the will – a choice – an orientation toward God and toward the world that is rooted and grounded in love.

The ministry of healing is intended to be an essential aspect and focus of Christian life.  We have an order for healing in our Prayer Books; many parishes have regular services of healing.  The Eucharist has traditionally been understood as an opportunity for both reconciliation and redemption – the ongoing resource by which the life of the community is renewed around the personality of Christ.

Sue and I in moving here moved away from significant relationships and a sense of familiarity and belonging, and it has been hard at times.  However, we are both grateful for the communities and places of belonging that our churches provide.  To those on their own, the church can be a lifeline.  So what we are doing here this morning may be a lot more significant than we are aware – and more of a resource than we might expect.  I think it’s important to acknowledge that in any local faith community there is tremendous potential for healing and transformation, and I am glad St John’s is choosing to believe that and to be that kind of place.

The Rev. Grant Rodgers+

2 Kings 5:1-14  Naaman, commander of the army of the king of Aram, was a great man and in high favor with his master, because by him the LORD had given victory to Aram. The man, though a mighty warrior, suffered from leprosy.  Now the Arameans on one of their raids had taken a young girl captive from the land of Israel, and she served Naaman’s wife.   She said to her mistress, “If only my lord were with the prophet who is in Samaria! He would cure him of his leprosy.”  So Naaman went in and told his lord just what the girl from the land of Israel had said.  And the king of Aram said, “Go then, and I will send along a letter to the king of Israel.” He went, taking with him ten talents of silver, six thousand shekels of gold, and ten sets of garments.  He brought the letter to the king of Israel, which read, “When this letter reaches you, know that I have sent to you my servant Naaman, that you may cure him of his leprosy.”  When the king of Israel read the letter, he tore his clothes and said, “Am I God, to give death or life, that this man sends word to me to cure a man of his leprosy? Just look and see how he is trying to pick a quarrel with me.”  But when Elisha the man of God heard that the king of Israel had torn his clothes, he sent a message to the king, “Why have you torn your clothes? Let him come to me, that he may learn that there is a prophet in Israel.” So Naaman came with his horses and chariots, and halted at the entrance of Elisha’s house.   Elisha sent a messenger to him, saying, “Go, wash in the Jordan seven times, and your flesh shall be restored and you shall be clean.”  But Naaman became angry and went away, saying, “I thought that for me he would surely come out, and stand and call on the name of the LORD his God, and would wave his hand over the spot, and cure the leprosy! Are not Abana and Pharpar, the rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? Could I not wash in them, and be clean?” He turned and went away in a rage.  But his servants approached and said to him, “Father, if the prophet had commanded you to do something difficult, would you not have done it? How much more, when all he said to you was, ‘Wash, and be clean’?”  So he went down and immersed himself seven times in the Jordan, according to the word of the man of God; his flesh was restored like the flesh of a young boy, and he was clean.

Psalm 30   I will extol you, O LORD, for you have drawn me up, and did not let my foes rejoice over me.  O LORD my God, I cried to you for help, and you have healed me.  O LORD, you brought up my soul from Sheol, restored me to life from among those gone down to the Pit.
 Sing praises to the LORD, O you his faithful ones, and give thanks to his holy name. For his anger is but for a moment; his favor is for a lifetime. Weeping may linger for the night, but joy comes with the morning.  As for me, I said in my prosperity, “I shall never be moved.”  By your favor, O LORD, you had established me as a strong mountain; you hid your face; I was dismayed.  To you, O LORD, I cried, and to the LORD I made supplication:   ”What profit is there in my death, if I go down to the Pit? Will the dust praise you? Will it tell of your faithfulness?  Hear, O LORD, and be gracious to me! O LORD, be my helper!” You have turned my mourning into dancing; you have taken off my sackcloth and clothed me with joy,  so that my soul may praise you and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give thanks to you forever.

1 Corinthians 9:24-27   Do you not know that in a race the runners all compete, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win it.  Athletes exercise self-control in all things; they do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable one. So I do not run aimlessly, nor do I box as though beating the air; but I punish my body and enslave it, so that after proclaiming to others I myself should not be disqualified.

Mark 1:40-45   A leper came to him begging him, and kneeling he said to him, “If you choose, you can make me clean.” Moved with pity, Jesus stretched out his hand and touched him, and said to him, “I do choose. Be made clean!” Immediately the leprosy left him, and he was made clean. After sternly warning him he sent him away at once, saying to him, “See that you say nothing to anyone; but go, show yourself to the priest, and offer for your cleansing what Moses commanded, as a testimony to them.” But he went out and began to proclaim it freely, and to spread the word, so that Jesus could no longer go into a town openly, but stayed out in the country; and people came to him from every quarter.

Who:       youth aged 12-21ish from the parishes of St Timothy’s, St Stephen’s, St Margaret’s, St Laurence, St John’s, St Columba’s, Trinity United, their friends & anyone else who might want to come

Where: St Catherine’s and Trinity United church and surrounding area

              2211 Prairie Ave, Port Coquitlam

What: discussion, photography, and design/lead evening worship     

When: Sunday February 19^th, 2012

3:00   gather

3:15   discuss/tweet/text about the readings

4:00   disperse and photograph examples of transfiguration and transformation in the community around us

5:00   regroup and eat pizza

5:30   develop power point presentation of photos and plan worship, including order of service and music

7:00   evening worship service

8:15   clean up

8:30   pick up

Bring:    digital camera (if you have one)

              cell phones for taking pictures / tweeting / texting

              instruments to play during worship, music suggestions

              appropriate clothing for being outside in weather

              a ride to and from the event.  Some car-pooling will be available. 

Read:   2 Kings 2:1-12, Psalm 50:1-6, 2 Corinthians 4:3-6, Mark 9:2-9

Define: Transfigure: transform into something more beautiful or elevated: the world is made luminous and is transfigured

         Transfiguration: a complete change of form or appearance into a more beautiful or spiritual state: in this light the junk undergoes a transfiguration; it shines

Ride:      contact Arlene Sturn at sturn.pa@gmail.com or at 604-936-0562

if you need a ride or can offer a ride

I had a conversation recently that gave me some insight into some of the struggles people today have in regards to how empty life can be. Especially for those who do not have opportunities to talk with people who share similar struggles and challenges in life.  

I was asked where I had the opportunity to share with others my concerns for the world and discuss spiritual matters that were important to me. 

This person was trying to find how others did that. It seems as if he had a longing to have such a place himself. I felt like he was talking about something along the lines of the   1960’s Coffee Houses that I remember.

As we talked I shared with him about how I had a dream that one day the churchwould be a place where people felt they could come, regardless of their beliefs, and engage in such discussions. I think he was asking   a valuable question for society today. It seems that as we get busier we get more disconnected with people. I wonder if we have lost the ability to find people with whom to have these serious discussions today. 

In a book I have been reading Rabbi Rami Shapiro writes paraphrasing Albert Einstein  “..spirituality is about a never ending capacity to embrace life with justice, compassion, curiosity, awe. wonder, serenity and humility in a world beyond our control.”

I think perhaps this is what this person was looking for,  a place where spiritual contemplation & discernment would lead to embracing more deeply a life full and abundant in justice, compassion, curiosity, awe. wonder, serenity and humility

What further occurred to me after this conversation is that this may be a growing need in our society as life continues down its chaotic path.    People will need a place to get away from the chaos around them to contemplate and discern what their place is in life and in the world. 

A recent posting on Facebook by a fellow deacon, Allisdair Smith of Christ Church Cathedral posed a simple question

               “what does compassion mean to you?”

 One of the responses came from The Rev Brian Fraser of the Brentwood Presbyterian Church and I use it here with permission. Brian responded Compassion is“To invite people into a safe and stimulating space where passion and community emerge from hopeful conversations.”              

I think this Facebook dialogue pretty well sums up what this person who asked me the question was looking for. 

I wonder how people today would respond to the question   in the reading from Isaiah …. have you not heard? …

It is very possible they would reply  … heard what,     I have not heard anything. 

Amidst our busi-ness we have little chance to pause and listen let alone spend time reflecting on what we may have heard. I feel that Paul understands this. That this is part of what he is saying in the reading from Corinthians. Paul believed the gospel was best proclaimed by being as one of them with whom he was involved.

He writes ….

I have become all things to all people, that I might by all means save some.
I do it all for the sake of the gospel, so that I may share in its blessings.

 Paul continues what Jesus began in his ministry. Jesus travelled to those with a need. Jesus came to those in need and by healing and teaching he showed his message of God’s desire for all to be whole. 

Jesus knew the benefits of going to the people, of meeting them where they were at  to tell his story by teaching,  and to do his healing, to teach the people of God’s blessing. From being with the people, Jesus called his disciples from those who witnessed what he said and did.

 There is something else that stood out for me in the gospel … ‘In the morning, while it was still very dark, Jesus got up and went out to a deserted place, and there he prayed.’

 This verse gives me comfort. What I learned from this is that Jesus had the same needs as all of us. Not just a need to begin the day right in prayer but also a need to escape from all the activity going on around him, a need to be alone to enter into a deeper relationship with God.                   

 Prayer and action We are not told what Jesus prayed but we do know that Jesus valued prayer as a way to be filled by God to be able to continue his ministry Contemplation in prayer allows for discernment as to what action God needs from us. Discernment as to how to embrace life with justice, compassion, curiosity, awe. wonder, serenity and humility

 In this letter of Paul to the Corinthians I was struck by his use of the word proclaim. It is clear that Paul does not see this as an option.

“If I proclaim the gospel, this gives me no ground for boasting, for an obligation is laid on me, and woe to me if I do not proclaim the gospel!” 

To Paul it is a requirement that others hear the good news of which Jesus spoke, and the good news of what God did in Paul’s own life.

 This appears to me to be a parallel statement from the gospel.  when  Jesus speaks to Simon and says

“”Let us go on to the neighboring towns,  so that I may proclaim the message there also; for that is what I came out to do.” 

We see in the gospel that it is more than words through which God’s message is proclaimed. It is in the actions it is in his healings and teachings  that Jesus does that God’s  message is heard. The energy that Jesus requires comes from his moments in solitude in contemplation with God. 

Jesus understood what Isaiah meant when he asked the question 

 Have you not heard…

Jesus took the time to discern what God wanted of him.  In our lives we need to take time to contemplate to discern God’s desire for us. We need to find the time and place where we can pause, where we can hear it is written in Isaiah“those who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.”

 I personally know all too well that while I was working and now when I have a full day with family I need to find time to be alone with God. I need space to contemplate and discern, this empowers me in a way that is enriching, fulfilling and energizing I am reminded of the words of an Ignatian Father who said “The only way you are going to come to know your true identity is to be silent long enough so that God can tell you.”

 Well, I think I have used enough words, let us take some time to pause, to contemplate, to discern where God is calling us “ ….to embrace life with justice, compassion, curiosity, awe. wonder, serenity and humility in a world beyond our control.” 

I will ring my bowl bell to enter into this time and when we are to be called back to our liturgy I will ring it again. 

St. John the Apostle

Anglican Church

Building up the Body of Christ …

from generation to generation

ANNUAL VESTRY REPORT 2011

As presented at the Annual Vestry Meeting

February 19, 2012

2208 St. Johns Street, Port Moody, BC V3H 2A7

Phone: 604-936-7762

Website: www.stjohnanglican.ca

Email: stjohn7@shaw.ca

AGENDA FOR THE ANNUAL VESTRY MEETING

OF

ST. JOHN THE APOSTLE ANGLICAN CHURCH

2208 ST. JOHNS STREET, PORT MOODY, BC V3H2A7

FEBRUARY 19, 2012

1. Attendance count and voters registration

2. Opening prayer led by The Rev. Grant Rodgers

3. Appointment of the Vestry Clerk

4. Acceptance of the Agenda

5. Adoption of the Minutes of the 2010 Vestry Meeting

6. Acceptance of the reports as presented

7 .Acceptance of the financial statements as presented

8. Acceptance of the proposed budget for 2011

9. Announce Appointments for

                                                Rectors Warden- Terry Walton

                                                Parish Treasurer- Bonnie SooChan

                                                Envelope Secretary- May Fung

10. Nominations and Election of Members at Large to the Parish Council

                                                Peoples Warden

                                                Synod Delegates

                                                Alternate Synod Delegates

                                                Youth Delegate

11. Announce Appointments of Lay Administrators

12. Other Business

13. Acknowledgments/ Thanks

14. Adjournment and Doxology

Table of Contents

Statistics…………………………………………………………………………….                        1

Rector’s Report……………………………………………………………………              2-6

Warden’s Report………………………………………………………………….               7

Deacon Anne’s Report………………………………………………………….                  7-9

Deacon Trudi’s Report…………………………………………………………….              9-10

Envelope Secretary Report…………………………………………………….                   10-11

Altar Guild Report………………………………………………………………..               11-12

Altar Guild Finance Report…………………………………………………….                   12-13

A.C.W. Report…………………………………………………………………….               13-17

Entertainment Book Report……………………………………………………                   17

Coffee Fund Report…………………………………………………………….                   17-18

Sunshine Box Report………………………………………………………………              18-19

Food Bank Report…………………………………………………………………              19-20

Bottle Drive Report…………………………………………………………………          20

Church School Report……………………………………………………              21-22

Prayer Circle Report……………………………………………………………                  22

Bible Study Report………………………………………………………………                 22

Parish Visiting Report…………………………………………………………..                  23

Property Report…………………………………………………………………                  23-26

Appendix

Financial Report

Church Maintenance Budget 2012

2010-11 Vestry Minutes

Stewardship Report- to be distributed before the AGM

Statistics 2011

Funerals

Charlotte Kingsbury

Sandra Ho Ten Pow

 Weddings

 Tara Elizabeth Stabler & Tomas Holub

 Baptisms

 Evelyn Yee Nin Lau

Suzanne Beatrice Hall

Riley Richard Carswell

Benjamin Barry Canning

Alana Fujii

 Appointments

 Rector’s Warden- Terry Walton

People’s Warden – Sharon Cooper

 Parish Council Members

 Bonnie SooChan

Lynne Milner

John Binns

John Warren

Lizz Lawrence

Maureen Simons

Juliana Kyle

Catherine DeVaal

Trudi Shaw

Karen Evans 

 RECTOR’S REPORT

 This year I decided a different approach was in order.  I thought it wouldbe good to ask people who experience myministry directly to comment about it rather than commenting myself.  

From a family for whom I have conducted two funerals:

 Hi Grant. Thanks for checking in with us and I would be more than pleased to speak to the important role you have taken on for the Johnston clan.

With Mom’s unexpected passing last November and now Marty’s sudden death this November, we as a family were so comforted to find you were available to lead our brother’s service last weekend.  Last year when you met with Tommy and me, you made us so involved with the format for Mom’s service.  We were neophytes hoping to see the true essence of our Mom’s life – not just the final years of struggling with Alzheimer’s and you had valuable advice for us.  Your calm yet warm manner was reassuring as you guided us through the process.  As a family, none of us are in a committed religious relationship & that can sometimes produce a wariness or unease when planning a funeral – that was never the case and we appreciated your non-judgmental, open conversations.

Meeting with another brother John and Mart’s ex to set down the requests we had for this 2^nd funeral, showed us more of the skills you have when dealing with a larger group that is not wholly cohesive.  We wanted to be inclusive but it was an emotional time with an ex-partner and you were patient with us – no jumping in to sort us out – and once everyone had their input – gave us choices and good suggestions.  You were recognized and well received at this second service by our family and friends with us last year.  Want to tell you sincerely, I have attended many funerals with much different feelings about the way they had been guided.  Please accept our thanks for making both Mom’s & Marty’s send offs so heartfelt and uplifting.

From Terry Walton (warden): a response to my preaching:

I always look forward to Grant’s sermons as there’s always something in them that resonates with me.  I’m left thinking about something in the sermon after the service.  Sometimes it will relate to a current news story, a natural disaster or armed conflict, or how we as a society treat certain groups of people.  Sometimes it is how the readings for the day relate to our world, our society or to us.  The most moving ones for me tend to be when the message is based on an anecdote from his personal experience (Grant isn’t the only one who chokes up sometimes during the sermon).  Whatever the message is intended to be, something is getting through to me.

After the service, I quite often mention to Grant something about the sermon and ask him how his weekend has been. 

2.

 Over time I have come to understand that he has been working on his sermon during the week and usually is up at around 5 am on Sundays to continue the revision and preparation process.  His drafts often run to eighteen to twenty pages and get revised down to somewhere less than half that.  Whatever the process, I am always engaged by the message and thankful for his presence amongst us.

From Olivia (one of the children of the Parish):

Grant Rodgers is a really good guy.  He is a awesome priest.  Well you might even say he’s the guy who changes people’s feeling about the Lord.  He doesn’t just help plan stuff he makes it happen. And he will always believe in you.

Grant has done so many good things for me.  He came to see my school plays.  He came to see me sing at school!  He even came to see me in Grade 3 mess up my line, me stutter and even wear others’ costumes. The play was Shakespeare.

One thing I would like Grant to do is maybe put things more fun for kids.  Not in Sunday School but in REAL church so maybe get the kids to do a little skit every church and then do one every Sunday. 

But Grant doesn’t NEED to do more with the kids but he’s a good guy and he would spend hours planning stuff for us.

The Rev. Trudi Shaw on the diocesan aspect of my ministry:

The first point in the document Bishop’s Expectations for All Clergy reads: ‘Because of the diocesan nature of our church, clergy are expected to give strong leadership in the development of the relationship between the parish and the diocese.’

Diocesan clergy are required to take an active role in the life of the diocese by attending deanery and diocesan meetings, clergy conferences and education days and by serving on diocesan committees and in other roles that support the ministry of the whole people of God in this diocese.

Grant has many talents and personal resources that he brings to this specific aspect of his responsibility as a parish priest.  His understanding of and support for the diaconate made him an obvious candidate two years ago to lead the pre-ordination retreat for candidates for the holy order of deacons, and to preach at their ordination service at the Cathedral. 

3.

Last year he was invited to chair the Synod Committee on Messages which puts together a list of dignitaries, leaders and representatives of other faiths to whom greetings from our Synod are sent.  After presenting this significant list to the Synod delegates and getting their approval, he was also responsible to see that the messages were sent!

Most recently, Grant was appointed by Bishop Michael to chair the Ecumenical and Multifaith Unit of the diocese, which ‘fosters dialogue and cooperation between Anglicans and people from other Christian and non-Christian faith traditions.’

In our current society when secularism continues to be the biggest deterrent to the growth of faith communities, the work of this committee is vital.  In the fall, Grant was able to organize a joint-clergy day between Roman Catholic and Anglican clergy.  We met to discuss the paper Growing Together, a document written by the International Anglican-Roman Catholic Commission for Unity and Mission after forty years of joint dialogue.  It proved to be an interesting and encouraging day as we ended with discussions of how we can be partners in God’s mission.  Grant planned and led the day — with his friend and colleague, Roman Catholic priest Bruce McAllister –with his characteristic competent and respectful style. 

The EMU also hosted a reception at the Cathedral to introduce the work of the Unit and to invite others to consider becoming a part of what they are doing.

When we as a parish support the role Grant plays in the work of the diocese we are helping to nurture and promote the interdependent nature of our lives as Anglicans.  We are building a stronger diocese, which is able to minister more effectively as the Body of Christ in the world and we are holding the parish of St. John up as vital community of faith.

A reflection on my liturgical ministry from the Rev. Anne Anchor:

One of the strengths that Grant inherited when coming to St. John was the existing clergy team that was comprised of two deacons who had a clear understanding of their call to diaconal ministry. One of the weaknesses that Grant inherited when coming to St. John was a clergy team that was comprised of two deacons.

The reason I put this contrasting statement forth is that coming to a different parish is a daunting task for a priest as they seek to get a sense of what the community is about and where they are to fit in to it within the established status quo. What the community of faith may see as strength may be a stumbling block for someone new.

4.

It takes a person of fortitude and grace to accept others already in place in a parish and to develop a relationship within what is already there. It also takes grace for those others to allow for a time of adjustment as a redefinition of each place in the team is worked through. I believe Grant and Trudi and I have done this well and I am grateful for how gracious Grant has been in accepting us as deacons here at St. John’s.

During the past three years of Grant’s ministry at St. John’s, the clergy team has developed a collegiality and enriched the team approach that existed. Trudi and I meet with Grant on a regular basis to discuss the liturgy and worship during the year and our input is taken into consideration for decisions in this area.

Grant has made modifications to the liturgy that have not been entered into lightly, but with consultation and reflection on what purpose they would achieve. Our discussions often involve thoughts about how  Anglican Church worship can be real for a world that is seeking a spirituality not burdened with unbending dogma and doctrine. Through use of visual enhancements (such as turning the altar around to offer liturgical art in the seasons of Lent, Easter, Advent and Christmas), use of music from outside our Anglican tradition (during a recent baptism and post-VBS  Sunday to name a couple), new prayers especially the Prayer of Intention has added a dynamic of a worthiness as we stand in the presence of God in the liturgy and the world. Grant has added a depth and richness to our liturgy, respecting the Anglican traditions but not being heavily burdened by them and for this I am personally grateful.

Our meetings also often involve a discussion that could be called ‘state of the union’ or taking the pulse of the parish. What are we doing right – what could be done better – how can we – how should we – where are we going – what are the dreams and the hopes. These are some ideas that we may discuss. We are constantly  looking for ways our parish life may be enriched.

May we never stop growing and reexamining who we are as a community of faith and what we have to offer to the world around us and I trust that God will continue to hold Grant as he seeks to bring us along in this deeper understanding.

Anne Larochelle on the pastoral side of my ministry:

I was drawn to the little church in Port Moody two years ago for what I expected to be the first stop in seeking a new worship community.  As it turned out I felt no need to look further.  Grant’s homily on that first visit brought tears of relief. I heard the message of inclusiveness, unity – as though the words were for me alone.  It was the message I longed to hear and before long, my husband Marcel joined me on Sunday mornings.  This testimonial, however, is not about Grant Rodgers the Homilist; it is about Grant Rodgers the good shepherd.

 5.

It was very difficult for me to leave the Roman Catholic tradition after converting to it some 53 years ago.  It was almost impossible for Marcel who, as Grant pointed out, had Catholicism “in his bones.” However, there were conflicts we could not disregard which brought me and then us to have the courage to step away.

In June, 2011 Marcel was diagnosed with metastasized cancer and given three to six months to live.  He now had to deal with very real (as opposed to abstract and theoretical) questions.  Grant accompanied Marcel on the most difficult part of his journey and with all the emotions and challenges that accompany end of life, Grant was with him.

Especially and perhaps most importantly was the way he listened and guided Marcel in these questions of faith.  He never suggested there was a “right” way; he encouraged Marcel to follow his heart to what would bring him peace; he suggested Marcel speak to a Roman Catholic priest again, which he did.

I was part of many of their discussions around the Church, authority, reconciliation and the sacraments which helped me on my spiritual journey as well. Grant’s humility is illustrated in how willing he was to have these discussions without suggesting there was only one path to God and that there was no need for definitive answers.

Marcel died on January 5^th and his Requiem Eucharistic Service was held at St. John the Apostle Anglican Church in Port Moody with The Rev. Grant Rodgers officiating.  Grant’s homily was the greatest consolation as he came to know Marcel and could speak as an intimate friend about what mattered most in the end to Marcel; that is “the oneness, the universality, the catholicity, that we strive to express in our beliefs, in our sacraments, in the way we relate to other people and the planet itself.”    … for all of you are one in Christ Jesus.

Our family is grateful, in fact blessed to have Grant Rodgers in our lives.  Although on the periphery for our children, I am grateful they were able to observe and experience him in the planning and officiating of the funeral. He is a reasoned, accessible, open and wonderfully human and compassionate man who considers tending his flock in a pastoral way to be his calling.  It is our gift.

Rector’s final comment:

I hope this offers some new insights into what my ministry is about.  I am very grateful to these people for offering their observations, and grateful for the opportunity to continue caring for and guiding the people of St. John the Apostle, Port Moody.

Respectfully submitted- (The Rev.) Grant Rodgers, Rector

6.

Wardens’ Report 2011

 2011 was a challenging yet rewarding year.  In addition to all the   activities, programs and ministries that we initiate and deliver within the parish, we have been involved in the Ministry Assessment   Process (MAP) with five other parishes.  This involvement has required

 considerable effort and time particularly from our parish representatives as well as church council.  This process will continue in 2012 and we hope will give us better  insights into our ministry in the community and in relation to other parishes.

We have had a particularly challenging year financially. We have continued to support the Korean congregation of the Oriental Mission  Church. Last year at this time there was a possibility of their contributions disappearing altogether, however, they continue to work

 at growing their congregation and hope to increase their monthly  contribution. Even though we were able to save some money in certain areas of last years budget, and had an outstanding year in fundraising, we still ended the year with a deficit.  We realize that the economy is a factor in our financial situation and that continued prudence in spending is required. We need to consider

 how we might bolster our financial support for the ministry of this parish.

 For the last few months we have been searching and interviewing for a new music director as Tony Gioventu could  no longer devote the required time and effort to the position given  the increasing demands on his time from his career.  We miss Tony’s musical talents as well as the life he brought to parish events but we  look forward to exploring and enjoying the role of music in the life of this parish.

  LaRee Mohr filled the position on a temporary basis and has now been offered and accepted the job permanently. We thank Tony for his dedication and welcome LaRee to our parish family.

The ongoing ministries of our ordained ministers, the St. John’s Food Bank, Church School, Christian Education, Vacation Bible School, Seniors’ Teas, pastoral visiting and our new Christmas event ” A Night in Bethlehem” as well as  many other activities continue to witness to God’s presence among us and in this community.

 The wardens and parish council would like to recognize and thank all the contributions of time, talent and financial support made by  individuals and groups in order to live out the ministry of the parish St. John the Apostle . The reports that follow describe some of that work.

 The Wardens- Sharon Cooper and Terry Walton

Annual Report 2012 Deacon Anne Anchor

As I put finger to keyboard for this Annual Report I struggle with reflecting on how to say something other than ‘this has been another good year in the life of the Community of Faith at St John Port Moody’. The reality is that it has been a good year but a year not without it’s challenges.

7.

 The other half of that reality is that St John’s is seen by the Diocese as a sustainable and vital parish. The diocesan mandated Ministry Assessment Process has helped us to understand more deeply what it means to be vital and sustainable in today’s world and in the church. I believe this process has been a good thing and in the long run will make us healthier.

As some of you know my husband Glen is very involved with the Canadian Power Squadron and at this time is Past Commander. As I am no longer involved in the working world of banking, at times I feel out of touch with life outside the church but his encounters of working in a volunteer organization has enabled me to see that the challenges in the church are the same as those being faced by many other segments in society. Primarily this is in regards to life being very busy and to people giving less time to volunteering.

It is also in regards to how to reconstruct an organization that is based on a model that was vital and sustainable in the 1970’s but is no longer as vital and sustainable in the 2000’s. Changes within various Squadrons have been necessary and not without angst, less people to do more work, questions as to how to get the message of boat and human safety out without compromising the original purpose and intent.

So the church is not alone in having to reexamine what has always been and what it will look like in the future.

Keeping in mind our choice of Contemplation, Discernment and Hospitality from the writing of Diana Butler Bass in Christianity for the Rest of Us as what we thought we have some strength in and wished to develop more I reflect deeper on our past year.

Contemplation can take on many perspectives in our personal and communal faith journeys. Contemplation in its truest form of emptying oneself to God is a challenge to incorporate into both. Growth in this area will be slow and sure. I still have a dream that St John’s may one day be a centre where we are known in the city of Port Moody as a place where people can rest in reflection and contemplation in the midst of their busy lives. It occurred to me this Christmas Eve that we are known in the city, our pews were full to over flowing at both services, perhaps we need to find ways to reach people where they are at other times of the year.

Discernment also has many dynamics to it. As a community we offer opportunities to discern our place in God’s world and what God is calling us to be.  My involvement with various activities that provide opportunities for this is always a blessing but would be nothing without the people at St John’s who support these activities. This happens at Vacation Bible School, especially this year, the forty children who attended learned more about Grace, Compassion, Forgiveness, Faithfulness and Gratitude as they thought of ways (discerned) how these are part of their lives. Education for Ministry is offered for those who want to do more in depth discernment over a longer period of time.

8.

 I am involved with two groups, one here and another at St Catherine’s. I am grateful for being able to co-mentor with Lizz Lawrence  and Paul Strudwick, without them these opportunities would not be possible. We have offered one session of Journey for Baptism preparation that Grant, Trudi and I facilitated to enable others to discern what God is calling them to be.

Our hospitality is strong. We see it as new people come to visit and stay. It is very present at VBS. Our ‘A Night in Bethlehem’ event was a great example, close to 100 people attended, all were welcomed, all were well fed, and all felt a part of the evening. This is an example of people willing to do what they can if not over burdened with planning. We are known for our community at the Family Food Bank.

The Seniors Tea is another example of our hospitality. Our social functions are warm and welcoming. What has struck me this past while is the warmth and hospitality that is given our seniors. Keep an eye out for people who drive to church or the Tuesday Bible Study bringing those that are not able to drive, this is all part of the hospitality that makes St. John’ s special.

With God’s guidance I look forward to what 2012 at St. John the Apostle will look like.

Thank you to everyone who makes my ministry possible and especially to Grant and Trudi for their collegiality in our ministry together.

Respectfully submitted, Deacon Anne Anchor

 Deacon’s Report – Trudi Shaw

Finding balance in my life has been a major issue for me for a number of years as I have juggled the responsibilities of two jobs, parish and diocesan commitments, and my work with L’Arche and the Our House Westcoast Society.   Serving as chair of St. John’s Stewardship Committee has had me reflecting on my own use of time, talent and treasure, and I have had to admit that I have not been a good steward of what God has given me as I have consistently made sacrifices in my personal life in order to accommodate the demands on my time and attention in these other areas. 

But this year I reached my 60^th birthday and have had an on-going struggle with an old leg injury that has had a serious impact on my mobility – both have served as a wake-up call to me.  I have had to give some serious thought to what changes I need to make in my life now to support my own spiritual, emotional and physical health, so I can continue to serve God with all that I am in the future.

 9.

One of the aspects of my life to which I have been trying to give more attention has been my personal relationships.  I am blessed to have a family who support me in my ministry, but in responding to the needs of others I have often been an absent partner and parent.   This year I have tried to set aside Sunday afternoons as Sabbath time for family, and whether we are doing something special or simply attending to chores together, it has been a gift for all of us.  Being available to renew and nurture relationships with friends has also been a priority.  I realize that in learning how to say ‘no’ to some of the demands on my time I am supporting the ministry of others by stepping aside so their gifts and talents can be offered in service to God’s mission.

Being involved in creative activities has always been an important aspect of my spirituality as it helps me to connect with God in a very deep and meaningful way.  I continue to meet with my iconography group on a regular basis.  As we work on our painting technique, we are also engaged in prayer, and are nurturing and supporting one-another in our Christian journey.  Our group has been receiving instruction from an iconographer and teacher and it is gratifying to see the positive results in our individual icons.

I am so thankful to be attached to this parish of St. John as we continue to grow in our understanding of who we are and how we can serve God more effectively in this community of the Tri-Cities.  It was a delight to be able to be more involved with the children and youth of the parish through VBS and A Night in Bethlehem this year, and I am encouraged by the thoughtful way we have engaged MAP and continue to listen for the Spirit to reveal God’s purpose in our life as a parish.

I give thanks for Grant and Anne and the mutual respect with which we are able to work together as clergy in this parish, and to our wardens Terry and Sharon, and all the people in this community who lead by their faithful example.  We have experienced change and loss as a community,  but we have all been supported by the constant and unchanging love of God made known to us in Jesus Christ. 

Blessings… Trudi

Envelope Secretary’s Report

 Envelopes for 2012 have already been issued to all Parishioners except to those who were on Pre-Authorised Donation (PAD) in 2011.  A few more of the existing Parishioners have elected for PAD for 2012.

 Unused envelopes will continue to be suitably changed for Sunday Services for visitors as well as for Parishioners who wish to use them.  These envelopes are available at the Greeters’ table.

 10.

 Interim Contribution Statements were distributed at the end of March and August, 2011 respectively.

 Tax Receipts for 2011 will be issued at the end of February, 2012.

 Below is a comparison of pledges for 2011 and 2012.

Contingency Fund set up in 2010 has now been renamed Capital Improvement Fund.

 Once again I am grateful to Antoinette for helping out during my absence.

 Respectfully submitted- May Fung

St. John’s Altar Guild Annual Report

We are happy to report that we finally have a full contingent of Altar Guild members, which enables us to have 3 in each team, who work on a four week rotation. We still encourage anyone who would be interested in joining us, whether to work on a regular basis or to volunteer to help decorate the church at Easter, Thanksgiving or Christmas, to speak to a member of the Altar Guild, or phone Brenda Binns at 604 931 2482.

Charlotte Robertson remains as our treasurer and looks after the Altar Guild account. She collects and rolls the loose change we receive and also the money that is donated for lighting candles in the chapel. These coins help purchase the candles for the Chapel and also flowers for special occasions.  All contributions are gratefully received.

There is a new flower chart located at the back of the church, beside the entrance to the chapel. If you would like to place flowers at the altar to recognize a special occasion, in memory of someone, or for whatever reason you choose, please write your name on the chart and a member of the Altar Guild will contact you.

11.

Please make your cheque payable to “St John the Apostle Church Altar Guild”.

If you would like to make a donation towards the flowers in the church for Easter, Thanksgiving or Christmas, please let us know.

We would like to thank our Honorary Members, Lorna Shields and Ferne Malcolm, for their help decorating the church at Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas. It was greatly appreciated.

Many thanks to the members of the Altar Guild:- Ann Holinworth , Bonnie Soo Chan, Charlotte Robertson, Deborah Jones – Akiyama, Fay MacDonald, Lynne Milner, Mickey Marshall, Penny Lim , Roberta Oehlschlager, Rosa Weisensel and Sharon Cooper  for their dedication and hard work.

Respectfully submitted- Brenda Binns

St. John’s Altar Guild Financial Report – 2011

Balance forward

Bank Balance as of Dec 24/10                           $653.59

Receipts

Pennies                                         $10.81                                       

Flowers/donations                     1115.50                                       

Total receipts                            $1126.31                                             

Disbursements

Flowers                                     $1070.80

Supplies                                          28.94                                          

Bank charges                                  52.80

Total disbursements                 $1152.54

12.

Bank balance as of Dec 24/11                          $ 627.36                

Respectfully submitted – Charlotte Robertson

Report on the A.C.W. activities for the year 2011

St. John’s Anglican Church Women generally meet on the third Thursday of the month, from September through to June. We have an average attendance of approximately 22 members at each meeting, but also receive support and contributions for our outreach programs and various activities from many other women of the parish on a regular basis. The A.C.W. meets to discuss and organize various fundraising functions and outreach programs as well as other aspects of supporting our parish and the community. From time to time we organize and participate in a thorough cleaning of the church facilities.

St. John’s A.C.W. members are also available to organize and serve refreshments following funeral services. We support the St. John’s food bank by coordinating and assisting with pick up, sorting and packaging of Cob’s bread. We also support the St. John’s Sunshine Box by coordinating this outreach and providing funds for supplies.

Throughout the year we collected used stamps, prepaid envelopes, Campbell’s soup labels, aluminum pull-tabs, travel sized toiletries, clean warm clothing and new layette items. These items are distributed to A.C.W. Place and other agencies that use them for outreach and other fund raising efforts.

A small group of members participate in visiting St. John’s parishioners in their homes, care homes or hospitals.

We hosted, throughout the year, a monthly ‘Senior’s Tea’ for Dufferin and Burquitlam Lion’s care homes and for our own parishioners. The ‘Glen Pine Singers’ and various other performers have attended the tea to provide entertainment for our guests.  This event has been well attended and most successful.

In February we collected our ‘United Thank Offering’ to donate to the Diocesan A.C.W. for their outreach programs.

Some of our members were involved with organizing and participating in our local World Day of Prayer event in March at The Good Shepherd Lutheran church in Coquitlam. Other members also attended this event.

13.

In May this year a delegation of ladies spent an afternoon with Dorothy Saunier, taking all the supplies with them, for her birthday tea. We were also invited to attend her 90^th birthday celebration. Dorothy is a parishioner and A.C.W. member who currently resides at Dufferin care home.

Also in May, we hosted a Driver Appreciation Luncheon for POCOMO  Meals On Wheels Society to recognize their volunteers who deliver to seniors in the Tri-City area.

We held coffee and craft meetings throughout the year in preparation for the Spring Tea and the Fall Bazaar. In May we held a successful Spring Tea, which included the sale of crafts, plants and baked goods and we also served refreshments of beverages, pies and ice cream. This event raised $1,579.25. In November we coordinated a successful Fall Bazaar with the assistance of other members of the parish.

This event included the sale of crafts and baked goods as well as ‘new to you’ items and a white elephant area. We also served a soup and sandwich lunch as well as other refreshments, and held games for the children and a cake walk. This event raised a total of $5,698.00.

In November, at a Sunday morning service, one of our members, Lorna Shields was recognized for over 50 years of dedicated service to the W.A. and A.C.W. . She was presented with a certificate of merit and a bouquet of roses.

In December the A.C.W. ladies were on hand to coordinate the luncheon for Bishop Michael Ingham’s visit.

In November/December we sold 36 copies of the Anglican calendar and raised $98.00 for our outreach programs.

We continue to support the Mission to Seafarers, Bales to the North program, Poco Women’s Center, A.C.W. Place and St. Jude’s Anglican Home with both financial donations and practical assistance. In December we collected 24 (shoebox) Christmas gift parcels and approximately 10 dozen cookies and treats, as well as a number of warm socks to donate to the Mission to Seafarers. Throughout the year we have collected various items to send to the Poco Women’s Centre and also Shimai Transition House. We have a regular contingency that assist with sorting clothing and preparing bales for distribution to the Northern Churches at our A.C.W. diocesan headquarters.

Throughout the year we also hold some small social functions. This year we joined together for fellowship over 2 lunches and 3 dinners. These events are mostly social and for fellowship but also generate a few funds for our outreach programs.

14.

At our Christmas pizza evening we also prepared 19 baskets of Christmas goodies for St. John’s seniors and for a few parishioners needing some extra ‘cheer’.

We stay well connected with the Diocesan A.C.W. with a group representing St. John’s attending the area meeting in March at St. Catherine’s in Port Coquitlam, and the A.G.M. in April at St. Georges in Fort Langley.

I have taken on the role of A.C.W. area representative for our particular area of North West Fraser overseeing 8 parishes, for a term of up to two years. In June this year the Diocesan A.C.W. sold the premises at 334 W.14^th Ave known as W.A. Memorial House, which had been the headquarters for their outreach programs since 1946.

The headquarters have now been moved to 7012 Merritt Ave., Burnaby, which is a small warehouse property that better facilitates the outreach work that is done through the Diocesan A.C.W. . Funds from the sale of the house are currently invested, being equally divided between the diocesan Consolidated Trust Fund and Vancity.

The tenets of the A.C.W. are prayer, work, stewardship and fellowship which we continue to uphold. St. John’s is blessed to have a significantly healthy membership of A.C.W. women in a diocese where some churches are experiencing closure of some of their A.C.W. groups. We not only work hard together and support each other in our endeavours, but also gain strength and comfort from our fellowship together. We also appreciate the support that we receive from the rest of the parish. Any women of the parish are welcome to join us at any of our meetings or social functions.

Respectfully Submitted by: Ann Adair-Austin

  15.

 ST.  JOHN  THE  APOSTLE  CHURCH,  PORT  MOODY

ANGLICAN CHURCH WOMEN

Statement of Receipts & Disbursements for the year ended December 31, 2011

Receipts

            ACW Dues                                                     337.80

            Fundraising

                        Bazaar/Spring Tea                          2,079.25

                        Crafts                                                 125.00

                        Calendars                                          182.00

            Donations                                                      350.00

            United Thank Offering                                  272.44

            Dinner & Pizza Night Proceeds                  1,167.05

TOTAL                                                         $4,513.54                       $4,513.54                 

Disbursements

            Contribution to St. John’s Gen. Fund          2,000.00 

            Contribution to Contingency Fund              1,600.00

            Contribution to St. John’s Kitchen (Stove)     542.00

            Donations                                                        500.00

            Calendars                                                       180.00

  16.

            Bishop’s Luncheon                                         166.35                          

            Sunshine Fund                                                             60.00

            United Thank Offering                                   289.65

            Miscellaneous            (AGM Reg./Hot Socks,

             Altar Guild/ACW Dues & Bulletins, etc)      494.00

TOTAL                                                                  $5,832.00              $5,832.00

Net Receipts/Disbursements for the year                                                  ($1,318.46)

Funds on hand January 1, 2011                                                                    $2,021.48

Funds on hand December 31, 2011                                                             $   703.02

Respectfully Submitted- Antoinette Woodman, Treasurer

ENTERTAINMENT BOOKS

            Every year a number of Entertainment Books are sold and the profit earned from the 2011 fundraiser       will go towards the General Fund.   Fewer books were sold in this past fundraiser (32 in total), whereas 39 books were sold in 2010 and 43 books in 2009.   The total raised for 2011 is $294.40

            This ongoing fundraiser started approximately 14 years ago and on the average we would profit             approximately $350 per year.    To date, the approximate total stands at $5,129.00.

            Thanks to Fran Gordon who has once again volunteered her time with the sales of the books.

            Respectfully submitted: Antoinette Woodman

            COFFEE FUND REPORT

            Thank you to all who graciously donate their time on an ongoing basis preparing coffee and             refreshments for both services on Sunday mornings.   A sign-up sheet for coffee duty is posted on the bulletin board in the hall and new names are always welcome.

            Since July 2007 we’ve been purchasing Fairly Trade Coffee via Kathy Renehan.  With the weekly            donations the following supplies such as coffee, tea, sugar, napkins, juices, milk and creamers are   purchased and the balance is donated to the Primates World Relief and Development Fund (PWRDF).

17.

            Thanks to all who continue to donate generously to the Coffee Fund.  Below is a breakdown of             donations received and expenditures during 2011:

            Opening Balance (Jan. 2011):                                                                     $ 92.24     ($ 88.40)

            Weekly Donations:                                                                                         691.33     ($819.15)

                                                                                                                      $783.57

            Minus  Supplies                                     $229.96    ($249.91)

             Fairly Trade Coffee                     412.80    ($392.00)

             PWRDF                                         77.50    ($173.40                         720.26

            Closing Balance                                                                                            $ 63.31

            Respectfully submitted: Antoinette Woodman

SUNSHINE BOX REPORT 2011

The Sunshine Box is one of the many projects supported by our own A.C.W. members throughout the year.  A total of 73 cards were sent out to members of our Parish in 2011 for various reasons.      19 Christmas baskets and cards were also sent to some of our seniors, those in care homes and others to whom we wished to offer comfort.

                        Birthday Cards                               24

                        Get Well Cards                               28

                        Sympathy                                          8

                        Encouragement                                 8      Thinking of you

                        Baptism                                            2

18.

                        Welcome baby                                  2

                        Congratulations                                1      Rodger Cooper to West Kelowna

Respectfully submitted by: Fay MacDonald

Food Bank General Report

The Food Bank continues to function with many helpful hands and volunteers! While we work in partnership with QUEST for our delivers and a continued relationship with Cobs Bread for bread donations twice a month we are very fortunate.

We were very fortunate to have been chosen as the recipient of the Food Drive Donations from COSTCO in Burnaby this holiday season. We are very grateful for the 3 van loads of food donations from COSTCO.

We again re-registered clients for the food bank this year. Clients are required to provide proof of income, proof of residence and carecard #’s for all family members.  The Food Bank clients are very cooperative with this process and they are always glad to see Lynne Milner who always has a smile for them.

We would like to thank all the parishioners at St. John’s for their continued support of this ministry. Many families benefit from this ministry and also feel a great sense of purpose when they too volunteer their time and talent to make the food bank at St. John’s such a welcome and much needed ministry.

I encourage all members of the parish who support the food bank to come and visit or lend a hand , you will see many generous volunteers hard at work and supporting this much needed ministry!

Respectfully submitted by: Karen Evans

Christmas Dinner

On Thursday December 15th approximately 60 clients of the Food Bank and volunteers were served a turkey dinner. Taking advantage of sales and with some items donated, the cost per meal came in at $2.93. The children in the Food bank received the Christmas gifts that were generously donated by the parishioners of St John’s and there were also some door prizes to give away.  All those attending were very grateful to the people at St. John’s for providing them with these extra treats for Christmas.

19.

Lunch Program

The Food Bank is held on the first and 3rd Thursday of the month. Normally sandwiches are made using the bread from our supply of Cob’s bread and with the use of the scones, cinnamon buns and fruit breads, our costs are kept to a minimum. We try to offer a variety of foods during the year – the ham at Easter, Pasta and salad, the turkey at Thanksgiving and bowls of nutritious soup and bread rolls were much appreciated. Usually the average weekly amount spent on food for the lunch program is about $30.00 from which we serve about 35 -40 people.

Shopping

This past year funds were allocated each month to buy extra supplies to give out at the Food Bank. We took advantage of the specials at the “No Frills” store and also “buy one, get one free” items at Thrifty’s. Cloverdale farms were approached and generously made a donation of 50 lbs. of carrots each Food Bank day during the season and are now donating 50lbs. of potatoes during the winter months.

Cob’s bread

Since October 2008 we have raised $8963.69 in donations for the bread, rolls etc. we have received from Cob’s. The cost of the bags and other items donated for packaging the bread amounted to $987.84 making the total amount of donations received $9951.53. These funds are used to offset the cost of the delivery charges of the food from Quest to the church. A special thank you to all who participate on Tuesday nights in picking up and packaging the bread ready for distribution and also to those who make donations for it.

Respectfully submitted by: Brenda Binns

Bottle Drive

To date we have raised $5601.65 from recycling bottles. The funds received from this are put into the General Fund. Please continue to support this by bringing your bottles to the church for recycling, or by taking them directly to ”Biggar Bottle Depot” on Kingsway Avenue in Port Coquitlam and crediting your refund to the St John’s account. Our thanks go to Juanita and her “helper” who faithfully pick up the bottles on a Wednesday and return them to the depot.

Respectfully submitted by Brenda Binns

20.

Church   School   Report 2011

In 2011, our Church School, has had an average of 4-8 students each Sunday. Of course we always enjoy the larger numbers at Easter, Christmas, Thanksgiving and Mothers Day

We continue to support our foster child Sadek who lives in Ghana. Laura Shanahan has taken on the responsibilities of having the children correspond with him on a regular basis. With our numbers as they are, we are unable to send him as large a  monetary gift at Christmas and his Birthday, but we are still able to send our support.

Our curriculum, The Whole People of God, has stayed the same since the previous year. This is an on-line program, so it makes it convenient for all of us to access it from our homes.

This  program generally follows the readings that are used in the Sunday worship. There are times when we leave the curriculum behind and let the amazingly talented group of teachers use their imaginations.

During our Sunday Worship we generally start with a song, then say a group prayer. We then generally have a story and an activity. On occasion we plan for a special lesson or activity, this usually happens at Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas.

The success of our Church School would not happen without a group of dedicated, wonderfully talented, and patient teachers. With that I give great thanks for Ann Adair-Austin, Sheila De -Vaal, and Laura Shanahan. There time and efforts are very much appreciate, when we all lead such busy lives. We always appreciate and enjoy when the youth come to help out, it’s always great to have them pop in. Thank you especially to the parents for letting us be part of your children’s journey in faith and also to the parents that help out during the classes. It is always great to have an extra set of hands.

As in the past the children of the parish and community enjoyed V.B.S.  (our 6^th). The other highlight of the year was the Night in Bethlehem a wonderful experience for all involved. It was a great success, and I hope that it will continue. Thank you to Anne Anchor for coordinating such great experiences for the children and youth of our Parish and larger communities. The children have also enjoyed the inter-generational services, their participation in the Good Friday Service, and the 7:00 Christmas Eve service. I asked them one Sunday, if they preferred to do the Family services or be in Sunday School. They replied they liked the variety.

Our floor will hopefully stop giving us that sinking feeling. The plan is to have remedied, this winter. We have been trying to add some colour to our space and we have been putting up pictures that are provided in our curriculum.

21.

We will always welcome new teachers, so if you are inspired to share some time with an eager young keen group of children please feel free to drop in and see if a ministry in the church school is for you.

On behalf of  all the teachers I would like to thank the congregation of St. John’s. It is with your constant support and prayers that the Church School continues to flourish. And the children feel that they have a place in the life of our parish.

Respectfully submitted by – Lori Matthes

The Prayer Circle

 2011 marked the 11th year that the Prayer Circle has been serving the parish of St. John the Apostle.  The Prayer Circle is available to those in need, who seek the strength and healing power of unity in prayer.  Prayers can be phoned or e-mailed to Mickey Marshall anytime.  They are then shared, in confidence, among the 14 other members.  9 members receive prayers by e-mail and 5 by telephone.  Prayers are offered for one week, or longer, if requested.  The Prayer Circle is also the place to share prayers of thanksgiving, praising the goodness of the Lord. 

 New members are always welcome. 

 Respectfully submitted-  Mickey Marshall, Prayer Circle Coordinator

BIBLE STUDY

10 people have been meeting for Bible Study on Tuesday mornings between 10 and noon. We have had two book studies in the past year. “When Bad Things Happen to Good People” and “Conquering Fear”, both by Harold Kushner.  We also study and discuss the Scripture readings for the upcoming Sunday services.

This time provides an opportunity for prayer, spiritual growth and fellowship. Anyone interested in joining in on Tuesday mornings would be most welcome.

Submitted by Lynne Milner

22.

Parish Visiting Team

We are a small group now, but we continue to visit the parishioners that are in care homes or have been ill, on a regular basis.  We have decided this year to change the way we visit. Each team of two people is on for one month, and visit either by themselves or together.  It is also possible to commit to visiting only one parishioner on a regular basis.  This is a very rewarding ministry and we are always looking for new people to join our team.  Unless we find more people interested in visiting we can not expand!  Visiting the members of our parish are Sylvia Bradley, Fran Gordon, Fay Macdonald, Ferne Malcolm and Lorna Shields.

If you are interested in doing parish visiting or would like more information, contact Fran Gordon (604-941-6630) or any member of the team.

Respectfully submitted- Fran Gordon

St John The Apostle -Property Report as of January 2012

2011 Review.

During 2011 the major thrust was aimed at trying to stay within or under the small budget allotted due to the continued tight global and parish economy.

 I am happy to say we accomplished that target while keeping essential repairs in line, however several anticipated issues were not addressed last year, so they remain outstanding. Special thank you to those few individuals whose donations of time that made it possible to keep the church grounds mown and the flower beds weeded.

2011 Church Maintenance included the following:

• Fire safety inspection conducted and old expired extinguishers replaced or recharged and smoke detector replaced.
• Emergency lighting inspection, replacement of emergency lighting battery pack and then certification completed
• Alarm monitoring (annual). System standby battery pack failed and had to be replaced.
• Front porch light fixture failure was stripped and rebuilt to operate reliably.
• Ongoing light bulb replacement throughout the Church and PMC.
• Water damaged oak furnishings had to be disassembled and new oak laminate installed, refinished to as new, sealed to reduce possibility of further damage.
• Toilet in PMC broke, and required new parts and replacement seat / lid assembly.

23.

• Ongoing pew, bookshelf and pew kneelers repaired, rebuilt and replaced as they are broken.

• 3 church extension cords became unsafe with missing ground pins. All 3 cords were reworked and new rubberized grounded plug and 3 pin socket ends fitted as required.
• Toilets in Ladies had flush handle broken off and replaced, and also tank fill valve failed and was replaced.
• Furnace annual safety inspections and maintenance
• Furnace filters replaced 3 times a year including PMC filter cleaning.
• Gutters around side of church became blocked and were cleaned out in fall to prevent overflows. This is an ongoing job, especially the PMC which is under overhanging maple trees
• All alarm and clock batteries throughout both buildings replaced every December.
• A larger area of flooring on the stage has rotted and become a soft area. Area in question will be removed and replaced with new treated materials as funds permit, but not in 2011.
• 2 – CO2 alarms fitted in church.
•  

PMC

• Gutter cleaning under trees to prevent overflow.
• CO2 alarm fitted in PMC

Yard Maintenance

• Weekly lawn / yard maintenance from spring to fall by volunteers.
• Weekly sweeping / clean up of car park by volunteers (?)
• Snow removal service kept to a minimum this year.
• Lawn mower serviced, oil changed, filter changed
• Drain in car park unblocked, but will ultimately need flushing professionally when funds permit.
• Car park is still being used as a dumping ground by someone in the area, we have had batteries, car parts, and garbage bags of waste dumped in our car park

24.

2012 Work

Church Maintenance 2012

• Paint finish / top coat on wood window sills etc at front of church. Volunteers!
• Existing steel handrails need repainting in front of church and by PMC.
• New 25’ handrail on ramp at rear of church may need concrete support foundations for stability.  Generous donation.
• New handrail on ramp from Car Park to front sidewalk. May need concrete support foundation for stability.  Generous donation.
• Pair of new stoves will be installed funded through the Smile Cards from Thrifty. Thanks to those of you who are participating in this program, this is part of the ongoing results.
• Staircase from Hall / Kitchen to Church needs painting and better lighting. Volunteers welcome!!.
• Gutters need ongoing work to prevent damage to foundation and lower fittings.
• Paint ghost boards around outside woodwork on Church. Volunteers!!
• Recertify fire emergency equipment
• Recertify emergency lighting
• Furnace annual maintenance
• Drain to weeping tile at side entrance to Korean office is 90% blocked and needs professional attention, to prevent rain runoff from flowing into church basement.
• Rip up another large section of stage floor to replace rotted wood.

Yard Maintenance 2012

• Lawn mowing volunteers need to come forward. If 30 families each offer to do just one mowing during the spring / summer then the work will be completed
• Gutters will need cleaning every spring and fall to prevent overflow
• Main sign supports on stone plinth needs refinishing.
• Garden shed needs urgent attention or replacing.
• Top soil mix is needed to level the grass areas in several locations
• Pruning of trees and shrubs (especially away from flood lights)
• Ongoing maintenance issues, flood lights etc. One floodlight currently failed. Mercury vapour over rear entrance, bulb needs replacing.
• Ongoing service of lawn mower. Now 4 years old and mowing 3 lots so equivalent of 12 years normal domestic use.
• White fence at rear of church between adjoining property badly needs stripping and repainting.
•  Paint concrete floor in west exit staircase.

25.

PMC 2012

• Rear deck surface needs refinishing and corrugated roof needs further attention.
• Grading / drainage of garden needs correcting, to flow away from PMC.
• 32’ extension ladder needs pulleys mounted in PMC to keep it off the floor area.
• Eventually install new independent locking entry door into basement directly from outside.(rather than through the upper part of PMC).

This concludes my report,

Respectfully submitted by;John Binns

26.

March 23-25 Youth Retreat at Camp Artaban! For

 more information follow the link!!!

http://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/event?llr=9edespcab&oeidk=a07e5dhqy8b1ccf4728