Monday, December 07, 2009
Parish Council October 6, 2009
PARISH COUNCIL MINUTES, OCT. 6TH., 2009, ST. JOHN’S HALLRev. Warren opened our meeting with a Bible reading, Matthew, ch. 6, verses 24-34.Each person had a turn to say what it meant to us. Minutes of May 11th.’s meeting were read & approved. Moved by Kelvin seconded by Steve.BUISS. ARRISING FR. MINUTES: Kelvin, Wayne & Sheldon spoke with Bishop Sue re repairs/upgrading made to the rectory this summer. Kelvin will contact Rev. Carl to see if work must be inspected before applying for monies. Clara will fax info to Kelvin & he will prepare a list of expense incurred & cost of work still to be completed - maybe a generator..CORRESPONDANCE: nilFINANCIAL REPORT: St. John’s: $37,149.98St. Andrews: #34,627.13Lenora didn’t get list of sharable from Bev. since March.Kelvin moved, Bernice seconded the financial report be accepted as read. M/CWARDEN’S REPORT: Neil’s harbour: We must get the basement at the rectory cleaned out & move the bureaus & area rugs Rev. Warren didn’t need down to the basement at the hall. Steve repaired the drain that was causing trouble in St. Andrew’s cemetery. We discussed our policy on Burial plots & after much discussion we decided we would revisit the pamphlets on Funeral Policies & Marriage Policies at our next meeting.Rev. Warren ordered a resource book which lists the daily readings, where to find them, the collect & the hymns to use.Helen to email Bev & ask if she has the insurance policy.Clara sent an email to the diocese to see how the moving expense is split & it will be St8%, St. Andrew’s 62%.The Annual Clergy Conference in Halifax will cost $300.00. The bishop requires Rev. Warren to attend. Kelvin moved to pay this, seconded by Dean. M/C Linda has the letter from Bishop Sue, Helen to forward it to Bev.We will have a joint service in Dec. It will be a service of New Ministry at 3pm.. The Covenant will be read at this service.Rev. Warren spoke about refugee families & how our region could be a sponsor. We would probably be a funded sponsorship & help a special needs family. The government would pay & the church sets up school enrolment, a tutor, a doctor, someone to help with language, ESL necessary & supporting their set up in the community. Regional Council asked all clergy to approach their parish Councils. Rev. Warren feels we could be a host & it would be a wonderful thing for our communities. For a 3 or 4 person family it would cost us between 1 to 3 thousand dollars per yr. & we would have to commit to helping the family /students until their language improves. At the end of 2 yrs. they would be on their own & would be free to live where they wanted. It was moved by Keith, seconded by Darlene that Rev. Warren approach the other denominations Nth. Of Smokey to see if they’re willing to make it a community event. Moving expense: $11,201.28. Clara has the moving expense policy. If Rev. warren moves before serving 3 yrs. He has to repay this expense. Helen to send a copy of the bill to Bev.. Kelvin will speak to Rev. Carl to see if out Celtic Concert monies can be used to pay this.Our new service schedule will be one 9am service, two 11am services & one 7pm service starting in Nov..Covenant: Clara explained how it was set up. She read it & it was accepted & will be signed at our Joint service. Kelvin complemented Rev. Warren, Rev. Fred & the parochial committee on the preparation of the covenant.Neil’s Harbour will have it’s All Soul’s Remembrance Service on Nov. 1st. At 7pm.. Rev. Warren will announce it in church on the Sunday’s leading up to the service. Kelvin asked St. Andrew’s if we had our Advent folders. Helen to contact Laura.It was moved by Kelvin, seconded by Keith we contact Peter Fleming or Rev. Brenda Drake re finance training/info. Rev. Warren said we are required to have a parish treasurer who is accountable to the church. Neil’s harbour must get a treasurer & Bev. Will bring the two churches finances together. Lots of discussion on this!!!We talked about the memorial Fund which goes into the General Fund unless those donating specify where they want it to go. We will discuss this with Peter Fleming or Rev. Brenda when they come. Bev will also attend this session. We will discuss what programs we would like to do, how much money we need to budget, etc.. The Warden’s & the treasurer must feel comfortable signing checks Dean said St. John’s was quite satisfied with Lenora’s work.Dean suggested the minutes should be put on a blog.Next Parish Council meeting will be on Dec. 1st. At Neil’s Harbour. Meeting closed with the Blessing. In attendance: Rev. Warren, Dean, Linda, Keith, Rhadie, Lenora, Nancy, Mary, Bernice, Jolene, Valerie, Steve, Ivy, Darlene, Helen, Kelvin
Sunday, December 06, 2009
Parish Council December 1, 2009
Parish Council, Neil’s harbour, Dec. 1st., 2009
Rev. Warren opened our meeting with a reading from Luke.
Oct. 6th.’s minutes were read & approved. Moved by Reid, seconded by Marion. M/C
BUIS. ARRIS. FR. MINUTES: Kelvin read the letter he sent to Bishop Sue on Nov. 30th. re financial help for repairs to rectory & with the cost of repairs at St. Johns. (Letter on file.) Hall basement: Cleaned & bureaus, etc. from rectory are in use or stored.
Funeral Policy: A committee was formed to meet & discuss changes. Rev. Warren, Kelvin & Valerie are on this committee with Steve & Dean to be asked to join. They will try to make the Policy easier to understand & present.
Clergy Conference, Truro: Rev. Warren said it was his first chance to meet fellow Priests, he attended workshops & brought back info.
New Ministry service will be at 2pm on Sat., Dec. 5th. At Ingonish. St. John’s will provide sandwiches & St. Andrew’s will provide sweets & buy the cake. This will be a service where Rev. Warren will be presented with the keys to the churches, etc. . Valerie will contact Clara & they will get people to do the presentations. Rev. Warren was ordained on Thurs. in Halifax.
Kelvin will speak to Rev. Carl to ask if St. Andrew’s can use their Celtic Concert money towards the moving bill.
All Souls memorial Service at St. Andrews went great!
We are still waiting to hear from Peter Flemming as to when he can come from Halifax to speak/teach church financing.
St. Andrew’s pizza night didn’t go well - nobody showed up. This was due to several basketball games at Cabot. We will try again.
The minutes were sent to Rev. Warren but didn’t make it to the blog.
Refugee program scrapped for now.
CORRESPONDANCE: We has a letter saying we must put hand sanitizer in our churches. Is shaking hands healthy? Left to one’s discretion. Bishop Sue says we cannot dip the wafer in the wine during Communion. If we do not wish to use the chalice we should cross our hands over our chest. Much discussion followed. If 1/3 of people are missing Rev. Warren can decide to cancel church, etc..
TREASURERS REPORT: St. John’s $25,424.04 as of the middle of Nov., St. Andrew’s as of the end of Oct., 29,246.86. Moved by Mary, seconded by Linda.
WARDEN’S REPORTS: Kelvin attended a Fresh Start program which was presented in Ingonish by Rev. Gloria Fraser & Rev. Peter Rafuse. They had many topics, such as adopting to new clergy, parishes in transmission, etc. which could be presented at a day course which they will travel to our Parish to present one day a month. ( List on file) Kelvin passed out the list of topics & gave us some info. The programs are open to anyone but except church leaders to attend. It’s paid for by the Diocese & we provide a place to hold it & provide lunch. We’re thinking of starting in the new year, maybe the last Thurs. in January. Bishop Sue expects the Vestry to partake in these sessions. Kelvin will speak at both churches re these sessions & it will be in our next newsletter.
NEW BUISNESS: We were given papers to fill out & return to church by Dec. 31st... It was a survey by the Diocese re allotment. What do we seek? Should we continue to cut allotment?
We are too late in St. Andrew’s to do our usual buying selected gifts for the children who have requested it from Community Service. We will contact Faye to ask her to put us on the list for next year & this year we will do the white paper giving.
Rev. Warren said he will earn 10 days vacation by Jan. 1st.. He can take his vacation at any time providing he clears it with the Wardens. He will take days off during Christmas week.
When asked about visitation Rev. Warren replied he has no set schedule yet.
We stressed visitation is very important to us. Rev. Warren said he is an introvert. Linda volunteered to accompany him on his first visits & they will start on Thursday.
It was brought to our attention that sometimes the speaker the readers use isn’t turned on or not working. We will check it before services.
Reid moved for adjournment.
Rev. Warren closed with prayers.
In attendance: Rev. Warren, Kelvin, Steve, Linda, Reid, Marion, Mary, Valerie, Ivy, Lois, Rhadie, Donna Lynn, Helen
Rev. Warren opened our meeting with a reading from Luke.
Oct. 6th.’s minutes were read & approved. Moved by Reid, seconded by Marion. M/C
BUIS. ARRIS. FR. MINUTES: Kelvin read the letter he sent to Bishop Sue on Nov. 30th. re financial help for repairs to rectory & with the cost of repairs at St. Johns. (Letter on file.) Hall basement: Cleaned & bureaus, etc. from rectory are in use or stored.
Funeral Policy: A committee was formed to meet & discuss changes. Rev. Warren, Kelvin & Valerie are on this committee with Steve & Dean to be asked to join. They will try to make the Policy easier to understand & present.
Clergy Conference, Truro: Rev. Warren said it was his first chance to meet fellow Priests, he attended workshops & brought back info.
New Ministry service will be at 2pm on Sat., Dec. 5th. At Ingonish. St. John’s will provide sandwiches & St. Andrew’s will provide sweets & buy the cake. This will be a service where Rev. Warren will be presented with the keys to the churches, etc. . Valerie will contact Clara & they will get people to do the presentations. Rev. Warren was ordained on Thurs. in Halifax.
Kelvin will speak to Rev. Carl to ask if St. Andrew’s can use their Celtic Concert money towards the moving bill.
All Souls memorial Service at St. Andrews went great!
We are still waiting to hear from Peter Flemming as to when he can come from Halifax to speak/teach church financing.
St. Andrew’s pizza night didn’t go well - nobody showed up. This was due to several basketball games at Cabot. We will try again.
The minutes were sent to Rev. Warren but didn’t make it to the blog.
Refugee program scrapped for now.
CORRESPONDANCE: We has a letter saying we must put hand sanitizer in our churches. Is shaking hands healthy? Left to one’s discretion. Bishop Sue says we cannot dip the wafer in the wine during Communion. If we do not wish to use the chalice we should cross our hands over our chest. Much discussion followed. If 1/3 of people are missing Rev. Warren can decide to cancel church, etc..
TREASURERS REPORT: St. John’s $25,424.04 as of the middle of Nov., St. Andrew’s as of the end of Oct., 29,246.86. Moved by Mary, seconded by Linda.
WARDEN’S REPORTS: Kelvin attended a Fresh Start program which was presented in Ingonish by Rev. Gloria Fraser & Rev. Peter Rafuse. They had many topics, such as adopting to new clergy, parishes in transmission, etc. which could be presented at a day course which they will travel to our Parish to present one day a month. ( List on file) Kelvin passed out the list of topics & gave us some info. The programs are open to anyone but except church leaders to attend. It’s paid for by the Diocese & we provide a place to hold it & provide lunch. We’re thinking of starting in the new year, maybe the last Thurs. in January. Bishop Sue expects the Vestry to partake in these sessions. Kelvin will speak at both churches re these sessions & it will be in our next newsletter.
NEW BUISNESS: We were given papers to fill out & return to church by Dec. 31st... It was a survey by the Diocese re allotment. What do we seek? Should we continue to cut allotment?
We are too late in St. Andrew’s to do our usual buying selected gifts for the children who have requested it from Community Service. We will contact Faye to ask her to put us on the list for next year & this year we will do the white paper giving.
Rev. Warren said he will earn 10 days vacation by Jan. 1st.. He can take his vacation at any time providing he clears it with the Wardens. He will take days off during Christmas week.
When asked about visitation Rev. Warren replied he has no set schedule yet.
We stressed visitation is very important to us. Rev. Warren said he is an introvert. Linda volunteered to accompany him on his first visits & they will start on Thursday.
It was brought to our attention that sometimes the speaker the readers use isn’t turned on or not working. We will check it before services.
Reid moved for adjournment.
Rev. Warren closed with prayers.
In attendance: Rev. Warren, Kelvin, Steve, Linda, Reid, Marion, Mary, Valerie, Ivy, Lois, Rhadie, Donna Lynn, Helen
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Saturday, September 13, 2008
Letter of Resignation
To the Wardens and Congregations of the Parish of Neil’s Harbour with Ingonish
From the Reverend M. Elliott Siteman, Rector
Regarding Canon 25
14 September 2008, Holy Cross Day
Dear brothers & sisters in Christ,
After a great deal of prayer, conversation, discernment and some prodding by our Bishop I have submitted, and the Bishop has accepted my resignation as rector of this parish.
This resignation will take effect on the 29th of November 2008 so that I may accept the Bishop’s appointment as Rector of the Parish of St. George’s, New Glasgow on the First Sunday in Advent, the 30th of November 2008.
I know this may seem too soon; indeed I had not anticipated a move for a few more years yet but what we must keep before us is that God’s plans and our plans do not always match.
I want you all to know that this was one of the hardest decisions I have ever made in my life – next to getting married and becoming a parent. God called me to this place to be amongst you for a time. Now God calls me onward. I have done faithful service here and in order to continue to be faithful I must follow God’s call in my life. I perceive God’s call in my own prayer and contemplation, in the voices of other people, and in the voice of my Bishop. That call is what drew me to this place and that call is what is drawing me to New Glasgow.
We will have a few weeks to say our good byes and I will be putting in place some things to ensure that ministry will continue in this place. The Lay Readers and I will be doing some education together around scheduling, services & home communions. Also Kelvin & Wayne will continue in their Education For Ministry Program, which will only be beneficial to this parish.
Finally, you will not be abandoned. Bishop Sue will be appointing a Priest-in-Charge and, along with the Archdeacon, you will form a Parochial Committee to seek out a new Rector to come amongst you for a time. I pray that in due time you will be sent another faithful servant, one who will walk with you as you continue your journey in faith.
As this announcement is being made on the festival of the Holy Cross it is important to note that it is the cross of Jesus that leads us into the future and as long as we keep that cross in sight we will be walking the path of discipleship.
God bless you all.
Yours truly,
The Reverend M. Elliott Siteman
Rector
From the Reverend M. Elliott Siteman, Rector
Regarding Canon 25
14 September 2008, Holy Cross Day
Dear brothers & sisters in Christ,
After a great deal of prayer, conversation, discernment and some prodding by our Bishop I have submitted, and the Bishop has accepted my resignation as rector of this parish.
This resignation will take effect on the 29th of November 2008 so that I may accept the Bishop’s appointment as Rector of the Parish of St. George’s, New Glasgow on the First Sunday in Advent, the 30th of November 2008.
I know this may seem too soon; indeed I had not anticipated a move for a few more years yet but what we must keep before us is that God’s plans and our plans do not always match.
I want you all to know that this was one of the hardest decisions I have ever made in my life – next to getting married and becoming a parent. God called me to this place to be amongst you for a time. Now God calls me onward. I have done faithful service here and in order to continue to be faithful I must follow God’s call in my life. I perceive God’s call in my own prayer and contemplation, in the voices of other people, and in the voice of my Bishop. That call is what drew me to this place and that call is what is drawing me to New Glasgow.
We will have a few weeks to say our good byes and I will be putting in place some things to ensure that ministry will continue in this place. The Lay Readers and I will be doing some education together around scheduling, services & home communions. Also Kelvin & Wayne will continue in their Education For Ministry Program, which will only be beneficial to this parish.
Finally, you will not be abandoned. Bishop Sue will be appointing a Priest-in-Charge and, along with the Archdeacon, you will form a Parochial Committee to seek out a new Rector to come amongst you for a time. I pray that in due time you will be sent another faithful servant, one who will walk with you as you continue your journey in faith.
As this announcement is being made on the festival of the Holy Cross it is important to note that it is the cross of Jesus that leads us into the future and as long as we keep that cross in sight we will be walking the path of discipleship.
God bless you all.
Yours truly,
The Reverend M. Elliott Siteman
Rector
Saturday, July 05, 2008
Welcome!
This week in the life of our Parish we welcome Shona Boardman. She is a theological student and postulant for our diocese and will be with us for the month of July. We are blessed to have a student amongst us. Come out and support her as she continues her training here in this place.
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Celtic Concert Series
This summer we will be holding a series or concerts as a fund raisers for the parish.
For more information or to reserve tickets please check out the website we have created for these events.
Concert Series Website
It should be a grand time!
For more information or to reserve tickets please check out the website we have created for these events.
Concert Series Website
It should be a grand time!
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Holy Week Schedule
Services for Holy Week leading up to the celebration of Easter are scheduled for:
Palm Sunday 16 March 2008
9am Holy Eucharist with Palms, St. John's
11am Holy Eucharist with Palms, St. Andrew's
Monday of Holy Week 17 March
10am Holy Eucharist, St. John's
Tuesday of Holy Week 18 March
10am Holy Eucharist, St. Andrew's
Wednesday of Holy Week 19 March
7pm Holy Eucharist, St. John's
Maundy Thursday 20 March
7pm Institution of the Lord's Supper with Foot Washing, St. Andrew's
Good Friday 21 March
1pm Ecumenical Service, St. Andrew's
Holy Saturday 22 March
8:30pm The Easter Vigil, St. John's
Easter Day 23 March
9am Holy Eucharist & Baptism, St. Andrew's
11am Holy Eucharist & Baptism, St. John's
All are welcome, all are welcome, all are welcome - come and worship
Palm Sunday 16 March 2008
9am Holy Eucharist with Palms, St. John's
11am Holy Eucharist with Palms, St. Andrew's
Monday of Holy Week 17 March
10am Holy Eucharist, St. John's
Tuesday of Holy Week 18 March
10am Holy Eucharist, St. Andrew's
Wednesday of Holy Week 19 March
7pm Holy Eucharist, St. John's
Maundy Thursday 20 March
7pm Institution of the Lord's Supper with Foot Washing, St. Andrew's
Good Friday 21 March
1pm Ecumenical Service, St. Andrew's
Holy Saturday 22 March
8:30pm The Easter Vigil, St. John's
Easter Day 23 March
9am Holy Eucharist & Baptism, St. Andrew's
11am Holy Eucharist & Baptism, St. John's
All are welcome, all are welcome, all are welcome - come and worship
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Lenten Study Group 2008 - Session One
With Lent comes our annual program of study. This year we are looking at the Sacraments of the church and we begin with Baptism & Confirmation.
Click HERE to look at the opening presentation for this session. Please feel free to make comments and/or to come and join us. The schedule for our sessions is as such:
Session One - 14 February 2008, 6:30pm, St. John's Church - Baptism & Confirmation
Session Two - 21 February 2008, 6:30pm, All Souls' Chapel - Eucharist
Session Three - 28 February 2008, 6:30pm, St. John's Church - Holy Orders
Session Four: 6 March 2008, 6:30pm, All Souls’ Chapel – Reconciliation & Unction
Session Five: 13 March 2008, 6:30pm,St. John’s
Click HERE to look at the opening presentation for this session. Please feel free to make comments and/or to come and join us. The schedule for our sessions is as such:
Session One - 14 February 2008, 6:30pm, St. John's Church - Baptism & Confirmation
Session Two - 21 February 2008, 6:30pm, All Souls' Chapel - Eucharist
Session Three - 28 February 2008, 6:30pm, St. John's Church - Holy Orders
Session Four: 6 March 2008, 6:30pm, All Souls’ Chapel – Reconciliation & Unction
Session Five: 13 March 2008, 6:30pm,
Saturday, January 26, 2008
An Explaination
My friends I would like to share with you the details about a decision that was made for the congregation of St. Andrew's.
Recently we have been worshipping in All Souls' Chapel instead of in St. Andrew's Church. The vestry made this decision based upon the financial realities that we must live with in this part of our parish. Last year (2007) we spent over $4000 on electricity for St. Andrew's the bulk of that money needed to heat the church. Last year (2007) the congregation of St. Andrew's lived beyond its means - we had to spend much more than was offered - and so we fell into a deficit situation.
As I stated in my sermon for Epiphany the Vestry, Wardens and I have been very worried about this situation and we have been trying to think of ways to help ourselves out of this hole. Using All Souls' Chapel is a good use of our resources. The 46 people who came on the 13th of January and the 26 people who came on the 20th of January were well housed in the chapel. Most of those who came thought that the worship had an intimate feel about it.
We are called to be good stewards of that which God has blessed us with and using our Chapel for regular Sunday worship lives up to that stewardship.
I would like to make one thing very clear:
If you have any questions about how this decision was reached please do not hesitate to contact me, I will be all too happy to answer your questions.
Blessings,
Elliott+
Recently we have been worshipping in All Souls' Chapel instead of in St. Andrew's Church. The vestry made this decision based upon the financial realities that we must live with in this part of our parish. Last year (2007) we spent over $4000 on electricity for St. Andrew's the bulk of that money needed to heat the church. Last year (2007) the congregation of St. Andrew's lived beyond its means - we had to spend much more than was offered - and so we fell into a deficit situation.
As I stated in my sermon for Epiphany the Vestry, Wardens and I have been very worried about this situation and we have been trying to think of ways to help ourselves out of this hole. Using All Souls' Chapel is a good use of our resources. The 46 people who came on the 13th of January and the 26 people who came on the 20th of January were well housed in the chapel. Most of those who came thought that the worship had an intimate feel about it.
We are called to be good stewards of that which God has blessed us with and using our Chapel for regular Sunday worship lives up to that stewardship.
I would like to make one thing very clear:
WE ARE NOT IN THE PROCESS OF CLOSING St. ANDREW'S CHURCH.
Please do not think this for one moment! For the winter months when we do not have a special service we will be using the Chapel. When the warmer weather returns or for our Joint Services or for our Family Eucharists we will be using St. Andrew's.If you have any questions about how this decision was reached please do not hesitate to contact me, I will be all too happy to answer your questions.
Blessings,
Elliott+
Friday, October 05, 2007
Thanksgiving Time
My dear Sisters and Brothers,
It is hard for me to believe that this is my fourth Thanksgiving celebration amongst the people of this parish. Time is something that we all have to be thankful for, as once it is spent it can never be retrieved again. Time is the only gift that, once given, can never be retrieved again.
I have much to be thankful for this year. As I watch Magdalene grow, develop and mature I see everyday that I have been blessed greatly by our God. The love I feel for her is unlike any love I have felt before in my life and the more I feel it the more I come to understand the love that God has for each of us as his children.
I learn many things from my daughter that teach me about thankfulness and God’s grace here in this world. I am thankful that she is healthy, happy and secure in who she is. I am grateful that Wendy Faye has the freedom to be at home to provide the primary care that Magdalene needs. I thank God that He provides for my needs in all that He gives me and in all that He does for me.
Our Parish Family has much to be thankful for this year as well. Our revitalized fundraising efforts have proven to be tremendous successes. Both St. John’s and St. Andrew’s have engaged in a great deal of planning and work to bring people out in support of our Parish. The Vestry at St. John’s and the Fundraising Committee at St. Andrew’s have shown great leadership in providing the kind of fun and delicious events to help us raise funds for the glory of God and the good of His church here on earth.
I want to personally thank everyone who supported the 130th Anniversary events at St. Andrew’s. If you made food, served food, ate food, attended the historical presentation and the celebration Eucharist and/or helped out in any way you have my sincerest gratitude. Events like this give us a sense of our history and show us where we have been so that we can point ourselves toward the future certain of our past.
All these efforts are valuable for more than just the funds that they generate for the glory of God and the good of His church. These events also bring us together as a community for fellowship. There are four major anchors that hold the church together: Worship, Work, Fellowship, and Education. When we can properly balance all of these things in our own personal lives then the church will grow and thrive in this part of the world.
At a recent meeting of our Parish Council we discussed the things that we do well here in this place as a community of faith. Overwhelmingly we agreed that the worship and preaching that we offer and hear in this place are valuable, life giving, and engaging. I urge you all to consider how it is that you organize your time and consider how much time you spend in corporate worship. Services filled with people are joyful come and see what our Parish Council is so excited about. For a faithful Christian cannot live the vows of Baptism in isolation. A truly faithful Christian needs to come to the community as much as the community needs the faithful Christian.
In today’s culture I know that the hope of the Gospel is not something that is of use to many people – or at least that is what many people think. But nothing is further from the truth. Our lives are filled with hardship, heartache, grief and trouble – all of which the church community can help you with. The message that the Gospel shows us all is that God loves us and desires a relationship with each of us and how better to further that relationship than by coming to worship each week to give thanks to God for all the blessings of our lives.
I am thankful to those of you who are extremely faithful attendees of our services. Your faith gives me hope for the future of our Parish. Your job is to spread the word about the kind of uplifting worship you feel when you come and encourage others to join us. Coming to worship should not be seen as a duty but as a joy. Coming to worship should not be seen as an ordeal but as an experience worth sharing. Coming to worship should not be seen as something to be taken for granted but as something to be anticipated and looked forward to. Those who are responsible for leadership in these services work hard to ensure that this will be the case.
The hard work that so few people do to plan, organize and present our parish events and worship is something that we all have to be thankful for. We are in need of more people to offer themselves as Vestry members, Parish Council members, ACW members, Altar Guild members, Readers, Servers, and much more besides. If God has blessed you with a skill, ability or talent please consider offering it back to God by serving Him and His church.
Wendy Faye and Magdalene join with me in wishing you all a happy and blessed Thanksgiving. May it be a time for you to consider that which God has blessed you with and how it is that you can offer a portion of that back to God in thanksgiving.
Yours faithfully,
The Reverend M. Elliott Siteman
Rector
It is hard for me to believe that this is my fourth Thanksgiving celebration amongst the people of this parish. Time is something that we all have to be thankful for, as once it is spent it can never be retrieved again. Time is the only gift that, once given, can never be retrieved again.
I have much to be thankful for this year. As I watch Magdalene grow, develop and mature I see everyday that I have been blessed greatly by our God. The love I feel for her is unlike any love I have felt before in my life and the more I feel it the more I come to understand the love that God has for each of us as his children.
I learn many things from my daughter that teach me about thankfulness and God’s grace here in this world. I am thankful that she is healthy, happy and secure in who she is. I am grateful that Wendy Faye has the freedom to be at home to provide the primary care that Magdalene needs. I thank God that He provides for my needs in all that He gives me and in all that He does for me.
Our Parish Family has much to be thankful for this year as well. Our revitalized fundraising efforts have proven to be tremendous successes. Both St. John’s and St. Andrew’s have engaged in a great deal of planning and work to bring people out in support of our Parish. The Vestry at St. John’s and the Fundraising Committee at St. Andrew’s have shown great leadership in providing the kind of fun and delicious events to help us raise funds for the glory of God and the good of His church here on earth.
I want to personally thank everyone who supported the 130th Anniversary events at St. Andrew’s. If you made food, served food, ate food, attended the historical presentation and the celebration Eucharist and/or helped out in any way you have my sincerest gratitude. Events like this give us a sense of our history and show us where we have been so that we can point ourselves toward the future certain of our past.
All these efforts are valuable for more than just the funds that they generate for the glory of God and the good of His church. These events also bring us together as a community for fellowship. There are four major anchors that hold the church together: Worship, Work, Fellowship, and Education. When we can properly balance all of these things in our own personal lives then the church will grow and thrive in this part of the world.
At a recent meeting of our Parish Council we discussed the things that we do well here in this place as a community of faith. Overwhelmingly we agreed that the worship and preaching that we offer and hear in this place are valuable, life giving, and engaging. I urge you all to consider how it is that you organize your time and consider how much time you spend in corporate worship. Services filled with people are joyful come and see what our Parish Council is so excited about. For a faithful Christian cannot live the vows of Baptism in isolation. A truly faithful Christian needs to come to the community as much as the community needs the faithful Christian.
In today’s culture I know that the hope of the Gospel is not something that is of use to many people – or at least that is what many people think. But nothing is further from the truth. Our lives are filled with hardship, heartache, grief and trouble – all of which the church community can help you with. The message that the Gospel shows us all is that God loves us and desires a relationship with each of us and how better to further that relationship than by coming to worship each week to give thanks to God for all the blessings of our lives.
I am thankful to those of you who are extremely faithful attendees of our services. Your faith gives me hope for the future of our Parish. Your job is to spread the word about the kind of uplifting worship you feel when you come and encourage others to join us. Coming to worship should not be seen as a duty but as a joy. Coming to worship should not be seen as an ordeal but as an experience worth sharing. Coming to worship should not be seen as something to be taken for granted but as something to be anticipated and looked forward to. Those who are responsible for leadership in these services work hard to ensure that this will be the case.
The hard work that so few people do to plan, organize and present our parish events and worship is something that we all have to be thankful for. We are in need of more people to offer themselves as Vestry members, Parish Council members, ACW members, Altar Guild members, Readers, Servers, and much more besides. If God has blessed you with a skill, ability or talent please consider offering it back to God by serving Him and His church.
Wendy Faye and Magdalene join with me in wishing you all a happy and blessed Thanksgiving. May it be a time for you to consider that which God has blessed you with and how it is that you can offer a portion of that back to God in thanksgiving.
Yours faithfully,
The Reverend M. Elliott Siteman
Rector
Thursday, September 27, 2007
Rectory Repair Day
A group of very hard working men came to the Parish Rectory on the 22nd of September to shingle the roof.
A pictorial record of the event can be found by clicking HERE.
Thanks to all who worked so hard to keep the rain out!
Saturday, August 18, 2007
Vacation Time
Fr. Elliott will be on vacation from 20 August to 3 September. If you have an emergency that requires the services of a priest then please call one of the Parish Wardens and they will contact the Priest-on-Call.
Saturday, May 26, 2007
Sorry it's been a while...
This blog has taken a bit of neglect of late. If you are looking for our service times please follow this link:
Parish Calendar
And if you are looking for some ongoing events keep checking back here from time to time.
Blessings
Parish Calendar
And if you are looking for some ongoing events keep checking back here from time to time.
Blessings
Saturday, March 24, 2007
Holy Week is Approaching
The worship services that we are offering for Holy Week are as follows:
Palm Sunday 1 April 2007
8:45am Liturgy of the Palms and Eucharist, St. Andrew's, Neil's Harbour
11am Liturgy of the Palms and Eucharist, St. John's, Ingonish
(Both of these services will begin at the respective Church Halls)
Monday in Holy Week 2 April 2007
10am Holy Eucharist, St. Andrew's
Tuesday in Holy Week 3 April 2007
10am Holy Eucharist, St. John's
Wednesday in Holy Week 4 April 2007
7pm Holy Eucharist, St. Andrew's
Maundy Thursday 5 April 2007
7pm Institution of the Lord's Supper with Foot Washing and Ritual Stripping of the Altar, St. John's
Good Friday 6 April 2007
11am Celebration of the Lord's Passion, St. Andrew's
1pm Celebration of the Lord's Passion, St. John's
3pm Ecumenical Service for Good Friday, St. Peter's Roman Catholic Church, Ingonish Beach
Holy Saturday 7 April 2007
8:30pm Easter Vigil, St. Andrew's
Easter Day 8 April 2007
9am Holy Eucharist, St. John's
11am Holy Eucharist, St. Andrew's
All are welcome to come and participate in this great week leading up the the joyous celebration of Easter.
Palm Sunday 1 April 2007
8:45am Liturgy of the Palms and Eucharist, St. Andrew's, Neil's Harbour
11am Liturgy of the Palms and Eucharist, St. John's, Ingonish
(Both of these services will begin at the respective Church Halls)
Monday in Holy Week 2 April 2007
10am Holy Eucharist, St. Andrew's
Tuesday in Holy Week 3 April 2007
10am Holy Eucharist, St. John's
Wednesday in Holy Week 4 April 2007
7pm Holy Eucharist, St. Andrew's
Maundy Thursday 5 April 2007
7pm Institution of the Lord's Supper with Foot Washing and Ritual Stripping of the Altar, St. John's
Good Friday 6 April 2007
11am Celebration of the Lord's Passion, St. Andrew's
1pm Celebration of the Lord's Passion, St. John's
3pm Ecumenical Service for Good Friday, St. Peter's Roman Catholic Church, Ingonish Beach
Holy Saturday 7 April 2007
8:30pm Easter Vigil, St. Andrew's
Easter Day 8 April 2007
9am Holy Eucharist, St. John's
11am Holy Eucharist, St. Andrew's
All are welcome to come and participate in this great week leading up the the joyous celebration of Easter.
Saturday, February 10, 2007
Annual General Meeting Time
Our AGMs are scheduled for:
St. Andrew's: 18 February 2007, following the 11am Eucharist
St. John's: 25 February 2007, following the 11am Eucharist
Both meetings will take place in the respective Church Halls. All are welcome to come and attend these meetings of the congregations and discuss those things that are of importance for the work of the Church in this part of the world.
Our Rector's report can be accessed by clicking
HERE
St. Andrew's: 18 February 2007, following the 11am Eucharist
St. John's: 25 February 2007, following the 11am Eucharist
Both meetings will take place in the respective Church Halls. All are welcome to come and attend these meetings of the congregations and discuss those things that are of importance for the work of the Church in this part of the world.
Our Rector's report can be accessed by clicking
HERE
Saturday, January 27, 2007
28 January 2007 - the Fourth Sunday after Epiphany
Services this week are scheduled for:
11am Holy Eucharist, St. John's, Ingonish
7pm Evening Prayer, St. Andrew's, Neil's Harbour
Come and worship, come and worship!
11am Holy Eucharist, St. John's, Ingonish
7pm Evening Prayer, St. Andrew's, Neil's Harbour
Come and worship, come and worship!
Wednesday, January 10, 2007
14 January 2007 - the Second Sunday after Epiphany
Our services this week are scheduled for:
11am Holy Eucharist, St. John's, Ingonish (using the Liturgy from our Companion Diocese of Manicaland in Zimbabwe)
7pm Evening Prayer, St. Andrew's, Neil's Harbour
All are welcome at our services of worship.
11am Holy Eucharist, St. John's, Ingonish (using the Liturgy from our Companion Diocese of Manicaland in Zimbabwe)
7pm Evening Prayer, St. Andrew's, Neil's Harbour
All are welcome at our services of worship.
Wednesday, December 27, 2006
31 December 2006 - The First Sunday after Christmas
Our services this week are scheduled for:
9am Holy Eucharist, St. Andrew's
11am Holy Eucaharist, St. John's
The new calendar year is soon upon us!
9am Holy Eucharist, St. Andrew's
11am Holy Eucaharist, St. John's
The new calendar year is soon upon us!
Sunday, December 10, 2006
Albert Harvey
This morning at 7am Mr. Albert Harvey died. All the people who knew him and loved him will miss him. There will be a visitation at the Fillmore-Whitman Funeral Home, Ingonish on 12 December from 2-4pm and 7-9pm. A Eucharistic Funeral Service will take place on 13 December, 2pm at St. John's Church, Ingonish.
Rest eternal grant unto him, O Lord.
And may light perpetual shine upon him.
Rest eternal grant unto him, O Lord.
And may light perpetual shine upon him.
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