The Source-Spring 2008

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THE SOURCE
Spring Edition, 2008
Christmas Eve 2007 at St. James
The Source is the newsletter of St. James Anglican Church in Carleton Place and is news for and about the family of St. James.

We are Resurrection people with Easter in our hearts!
Easter is the Gift …. Easter is the gift of HOPE Easter is the gift of PEACE Easter is the gift of LOVE Let us rejoice in Him, Our Resurrected Saviour, Who gives them all.

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EASTERTIDE SERVICES

DATES FOR YOUR CALENDAR

Easter Trivia
Maundy Thursday - March 20th 7:30 pm - Footwashing, Institution of the Lord’s Supper & stripping of the Altar. Good Friday - March 21st 10 am - Church open for prayer—organ selections by Ralph Langtry 11 am - Meditations on the Cross Easter Sunday - March 23rd 8 & 10 am - Festive Easter Eucharist Isn’t Easter early?

Church Services Sunday - 8 & 10 am (unless otherwise noted) Holy Eucharist Thursday - 10 am—Holy Eucharist Sunday School and Nursery Meet during 10 am service (unless otherwise noted) Groups meeting each week/month ACW - 1:30 pm - second Tuesday Choir Practice - 7:30 pm - each Thursday Family Life - 7:30 - second Wednesday Parish Council - 4th Wednesday - 7:30 pm Quilters - 1 pm - every Wednesday Women’s Council - 7:30 pm - first Wednesday The following Services are held each month in Retirement / Nursing Homes. Stoneridge Manor 10 am - 1st Tues - Eucharist 10 am - 3rd Tues - Morning Prayer Tally Ho 10:30 am - 1st Wed - Eucharist C.P. Manor 10:15 am - 4th Fri - Eucharist ** For further information please contact Jane Chamney at the Church Office, mornings, Monday to Friday. 613-257-3178 ****************************** A new twist to an old prayer! “God grant me the serenity to accept the people I cannot change, the courage to change the one I can, and the wisdom to know it’s me.”
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YOUTH GROUP
Hello all! Here is what’s been going on with the Youth Group. First we would like to thank all those who were on hand to help us out for the 2nd annual Awake-Over. Your Youth Group was able to raise $481.81 for L.A.W.S. This brings their total donations for the year to $681.81. What a fantastic number! We are hoping to crack $1,000.00. If you wish to still donate to the Awake-Over please contact Chris or Sharon. The kids did a great job. We were singing, building towers, ping-pong and all around having a great time in Christian fellowship. The Youth Group is looking forward to their next adventure at New Beginnings retreat in May. This is a Christian retreat for youth. The five who went in the fall had so much fun that they now all want to go. As always, we are looking for more youth and we meet on Sunday nights from 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm. The more members the better! Thanks from the Youth Group for your support and we look forward to seeing you at our next fundraiser event. Chris and Sharon

SPECIAL COMING EVENTS March 30th - Loaf & Ladle Lunch (homemade soup, crusty bread and apple crisp with ice cream). 11:45 am (following 10 am service). Sponsored by ACW Afternoon Group. Donations basket. April 12th - Spring Fling - 6 p.m. - Potluck Come & have fun! Newly formed ‘Gospel Unity’ will lead us in joyful singing ! May 10 th - The Diocese of Ottawa is holding a Lay Readers Workshop at St. James, Carleton Place. May 13th - Bale packing, for the North, at St. James. Articles may be dropped off between 8 and 10.00 am on that date. Watch for further details. May 24th - Annual Garage Sale - 8 am to 12 noon. Got Stuff? Start saving it! Hall open for donations May 23rd from 9:30 am until 7:30 pm. Watch for further details.
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Easter Day is 23 March and is almost as early as it can be this year. The earliest possible date is 22 March as Easter is always on the first Sunday after the first full moon on or after March 21.This means that there are 35 possible dates, but Easter has not fallen on the earliest date since 1818, and will not do so again until 2285. It will not fall on 23 March again until 2160.Easter last fell on the latest possible date, April 25, in 1943 and will next fall on that date in 2038. However, it will fall on April 24, just one day before the latest possible date, in 2011. Someone has worked out that the cycle of Easter dates repeats after exactly 5,700,000 years, with April 19 being the most common date, happening 220,400 times.

Death if Strong, but Life is stronger
Tomb, thou shalt not hold Him longer; Death is strong, but Life is stronger; Stronger than the dark, the light; Stronger than the wrong, the right; Faith and Hope triumphant say, Christ will rise on Easter Day.
Phillips Brooks (1835-1893)

The Source is produced by a team comprising: Marjorie Jennings, Ed Larmour, Jane Chamney, Karen Lomas, . Contact us at: St. James Church, 225 Edmund St., Carleton Place, ON, K7C 3E7 or phone 613-257-3178 or e-mail: [email protected] Printing compliments of Richard Deschamp Bradda Printing, Ottawa

Just

Me

A Message From Father David
Dear Friends, Eastertide 2008

This is the story of a nine-year-old boy who lived in the poor area of a small, rural town. His parents had taken off for the week-end (as was their custom) leaving him to take care of his little brother. On Saturday afternoon a knock came at the door. The little boy invited the stranger (who turned out to be the Pastor of a local church) to come in, took him into the living room and invited him to sit down on an old couch with the foam and springs exposed. The pastor asked the boy, “Where do you go to church?” The young boy replied. “I’ve never been to church in my whole life.” Then the pastor said, “Well, son, more important than going to church, have you ever heard the greatest love story ever told?” and then proceeded to share the Gospel with this little nine-year-old boy. At the end of the story the pastor asked if the boy wanted to receive this free gift from God. The youngster exclaimed, “You bet!” There and then the youngster invited Jesus into his little heart. The pastor asked if he could pick the boy up for church the next morning. “Sure,” the nine-year-old replied. Keep in mind that this little boy had never been to church before. The church was a real big one. The little kid just sat there, clueless of what was going on. Mid service, some tall unhappy looking guys walked down to the front and picked up some wooden plates. One of the men prayed and the kid watched them walk up and down the aisles. He still didn’t know what was going on. All of a sudden, like a bolt of lightening, it hit the kid what was taking place. These people must be giving money to Jesus. He then reflected on the free gift of life he had received from Jesus just hours earlier. He immediately searched his pockets, front and back, and couldn’t find a thing to give Jesus. By this time the offering plate was being passed down his aisle and with a broken heart he just grabbed the plate and held on to it. He finally let go and watched it pass on down the aisle. He turned around to see it passed down the aisle behind him. And then his eyes remained glued on the plate as it was passed back and forth, back and forth all the way to the rear of the sanctuary. Then he had an idea. This little boy, in front of God and everybody, got up out of his seat. He walked about eight rows back, grabbed the usher by the coat and asked to hold the plate one more time. Then he did the most astounding thing. He took the plate, sat it on the carpeted church floor and stepped into the centre of it. As he stood there, he lifted his little head up and said, “Jesus, I don’t have anything to give to you today, but just me. I give you me!”
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As you read this we will be celebrating Easter soon, a feast celebrated by us and by Christians throughout the world. A Great Feast that symbolizes our unity as followers of Jesus. If you think Easter is early this year you’re right. (See article elsewhere in this issue). It seemed like I was just finishing Christmas when Ash Wednesday was upon us! We’ve survived Lent, a time of reflection and repentance so now it’s time to celebrate. We move now into a season of new life, a time of resurrection and hope. We have a wonderful group of people here at St. James who are stepping into new leadership positions after having been elected at Vestry and we give great thanks for the hard work of those who are stepping down. Peggy Bell, Joe Million and Wendy Leblanc as wardens; Madonna Bell as Chair of the Women’s Council; Hank Schappert as Chair of the Cemetery Board; Margaret Appleby as a long time Synod Delegate. As a Parish we collectively give thanks to them all, for their dedication to this Parish and for their love of God. I’ve said many times that we are on the cusp of something big in Carleton Place. I believe that God’s Spirit is hovering over this place and is about to do something new. Our Vision Statement says, “St. James is vibrant, loving, and welcoming. We value tradition and seek new ways to do God’s will.” We have to put that into practice in all areas of our lives, corporate as well as private. Our new logo, courtesy of Jane Chamney, should become very visible in the very near future. Our new sign should be up shortly after Easter. As we continue to increase our visible presence in the community, it is my hope that we share the joy of loving Christ with those who may not know him yet. This, after all, is our reason for being; to love God; to worship God with thanksgiving, and to share that with the world He loves so very much. I hope that we will soon begin our “Holy Conversation” in this place, a conversation that will be absolutely soaked in prayer. We need to begin by asking for God’s guidance and then to say, “Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening”. (1 Sam 3:9) We are all called to be God’s servants. St. Teresa of Avila said it well: God has no hands in this world except our hands; God has no feet in this world except our feet; God has no heart in this world except our hearts; God has no lips in this world except our lips, no eyes…, no ears…, except ours, because Christians, through their baptism, are very members of the Body of Christ, the Church, here on earth. I pray that we will be open to His guidance, who lives and reigns, one God now and forever. Fr. D+
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Financial Report 2007 - The parish ended the year with a surplus of $35,863.15. This
will put us in a strong financial position and will enable the parish to consider a number of projects outlined in the Rector’s Vestry Report.

SUNDAY SCHOOL NEWS
Thank you! Thank You! Thank you: to all the wonderful supporters, parents, friends and teachers who have been helping us at the Sunday School. Your help has been much appreciated!!! The children have been busy with their fundraisers using the theme of Sunday School this year, “Kids Helping Kids”. The Wake-a-Thon with the Youth Group was a success with 6 of our Sunday School children taking part and raising $294.00! Thank you to Chris Bell and the Youth Group for including us in the event. Anyone who would like to donate to the fundraiser can drop off his or her donation to Jane at the Church office or myself, before or after Sunday School. The Sunday School will be looking for teachers next year starting in September. If you can spend one Sunday a month and like working with children, we would be happy to have you join our Sunday School team. Please contact me if you are interested. I can be reached at 613-257-2858 or [email protected] . Training is provided. Important Sunday school dates: March 23rd - Easter Sunday - no Sunday School classes May 18th - the long weekend - no Sunday School classes June 22nd - closing of Sunday School - there will be fun, games and awards for children. Sharon Dillon Superintendent

2008 - The budget which was approved at Vestry, on February 10, 2008, ($238,400.00)
represents a modest increase in anticipated revenue from the previous year. The finalization of the sale of the Rectory is in the hands of the lawyers. The Financial Report for 2007 and copies of the 2008 Budget are available at the Church Office. Ross Trimble, Finance Manager

THE COMPUTER SWALLOWED GRANDMA The computer swallowed Grandma, Yes, honestly it’s true! She pressed ‘control’ and ‘enter’ and disappeared from view. It devoured her completely, the thought just makes me squirm, She must have caught a ‘virus’ or been eaten by a worm. I’ve searched through the ‘recycle bin’ and files of every kind; I’ve even used the ‘Internet‘ but nothing did I find. In desperation, I asked ‘Jeeves’, my searches to refine. The reply from him was negative, not a thing was found ‘online’. So, if inside your ‘inbox’ my grandma you should see, Please ‘copy’, ‘scan’, and ‘paste’ her and send her back to me.

• • •

The safest way to double your money is to fold it in half and put it back in your pocket. Laughing is good exercise. It’s like jogging on the inside. Experience is something you don’t get until after you need it. 4 13

Do You Remember??
Parishioners in our past: the faithful, if not the famous Edna Scott: A warm and friendly presence in the postwar parish: Sunday School teacher, champion tea-maker in the ladies’ groups, contributing influence-by-example. Bertha Weir: A choir-member for over 75 years, her long service earning her recognition in Ripley’s “Believe It or Not” column. Firm in her convictions but always prepared to learn, curious, open to new friendships and experiences. Mabel Brown: The parish gave meaning and purpose to her life and to the church. She offered her services as organist, choir-member, Sunday School teacher, and faithful worker in the ladies’ groups. Annie Neil: Despite a physical disability, for many years she walked through Carleton Place delivering and collecting the mitre-boxes of parish children whose religious education was her special interest. Stewart Lancaster: Possibly the first lay-reader in this parish, and licensed by Bishop Reid as the first lay person in the diocese to assist in the administration of the sacrament. Warden, chorister, skilled craftsman, one of a family of twelve, of whom several were faithful parishioners. Myrtle Morell: (later McGregor): A lady of many talents, who contributed her administrative talents as volunteer parish secretary, treasurer and summertime organist in the 1960’s and 1970’s. Alvin Baird: A leader in parish and community, warden (1943), municipal Fire Chief, husband of Alma Johnston, father of Canon Leonard Baird, of Bernice, wife of Canon Gooch and of Denzil, longtime parish financial adviser. Albert Moore: Came to this parish in his retirement years, and generously6 gave of his time and enthusiasm to St. James and to the community. A man of good works, lay reader, chorister, ever-ready volunteer for sundry parish events, a friend of all.
Thanks to Ralph Langtry for these thumbnail sketches. More to follow in the next issue.
12 Ross Beck Eleanor Code

The Wardens Report
As we begin as new wardens, let us first thank Joe Million, Peggy Bell and Wendy Leblanc, our predecessors, who served so valiantly over the past term. They supported our dear David Mullin through his sick leave and departure. They assumed the onerous responsibility of selecting David Andrew as his successor. We owe them so much for carrying out these and so many other duties on behalf of all of us and for the good of St. James Church. The Christmas season was a time of great joy as we celebrated, once again, the birth of Jesus. Father David performed 12 liturgies in 7 days! The Sunday School presented a pageant to the joy of all. The church was decorated by an enthusiastic crew headed up by Sandy Schappert. Good will flowed through our church. The Hug Campaign helped us into a surplus position of $35,863.00. Praise The Lord! So into a new year with hope and enthusiasm. The Sunday School is flourishing with approximately 40 students. We will soon have the proceeds of the Rectory sale from which we will receive the interest. This will help defray the cost of housing benefits for our Rector. It will be with a great sense of loss and sadness we will bid farewell to David and Peggy Bell. They will be moving to the United States as David pursues his career. Their faith and commitment to our church has been unfailing and we wish them Godspeed. We began the Lenten season with a pancake supper and Ash Wednesday Services. Fr. David is conducting a study of the Psalms on Wednesday evenings. We look forward to the Easter celebrations. The schedule of services and events will soon be published. The wardens would be pleased to hear from our parishioners - both positive and less than positive comments, for without the voice of the people we cannot change. Please contact as follows:
Debbie Newton Eleanor Code Ross Beck Ed Larmour Ed Larmour Debbie Newton 5 People’s Warden Rector’s Warden Deputy Warden Deputy Warden 613-253-3653 613-257-3558 613-492-0130 613-257-4101

THE SEVEN LAST WORDS OF CHRIST
"Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do." (Luke 23:34)
Soldiers have just driven nails through his hands and feet and hoisted him up by those nails. He does not fear those who kill his body; he pities them and prays for them. If they knew how much this hurts, they could not do it to anyone. They are unwitting instruments of the higher purpose that brings him here.

A PHILOSOPHICAL OUTLOOK
She is 92 years old, petite, well poised and proud. She is fully dressed each morning by eight o’clock, with her hair fashionably coifed and her makeup perfectly applied, in spite of the fact that she is legally blind. She is moving into a nursing home. Her husband of 70 years had recently passed away, making this move necessary. After many hours of waiting patiently in the lobby of the nursing home she was told that her room was ready. She smiled sweetly at the nurse and manoeuvred her way toward the elevator. The nurse provided a visual description of her tiny room, including the eyelet curtains that had been hung at the window. “I love it,” she stated with the enthusiasm of an eight-year-old having just been presented with a new puppy. “Mrs. Jones, you haven’t seen the room …. just wait” the nurse said. “That does not have anything to do with it,” she gently replied. “Happiness is something you decide ahead of time. Whether I like my room or not does not depend upon how the furniture is arranged. It is how I arranged my mind. I have already decided to love it.” “It is a decision I make every morning when I wake up. I have a choice. I can spend the day in bed recounting the difficulty I have with the parts of my body that no longer work, or I can get out of bed and be thankful for the parts that do work. Each day is a gift and, as my eyes open, I will focus on the new day and all the happy memories I have stored away …. for just this time in my life.”

"My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" (Matthew 27:46)
But physical torment takes its toll. He suddenly discovers that he cannot hear the still, small voice; he has lost his two-way communication with God. His lifeline is not working, so he must face the narrow gate of death alone.

PASTORAL VISITORS Could you spare a few hours a week ? Our Pastoral Care Team could use your help! We have a number of parishioners who are housebound, some temporarily shut-in, some who are lonely and some unwell. An occasional visit or even just a phone call from someone who cares can be a great blessing. We would be happy to provide some training and support if you feel you could help out in this way. Please contact David Swift through the church office - 257-3178

He said to his mother, "Woman, behold your son!" Then he said to the disciple, "Behold your mother!" (John 19:26-27)
Not quite alone. He looks down. Which hurts worse: the pain of being crucified, or the pain of a mother watching her son be crucified, or the pain of a boy whose beloved teacher hangs bleeding before his eyes? He understands their pain in the midst of his own, and tells them to care for each other.

"I thirst!" (John 19:28)
Time passes slowly. His spring of living water runs dry. He reaches the end of his strength. This is the moment the Tempter has been waiting for: through the voices of cynical men, Satan tries again, as he did in the wilderness: "If you are the Christ, prove it! Save yourself and impress the people."

"Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise." (Luke 23:43)
But a dying thief says, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom." What the cynical voices suggest is not the way to prove he is the Christ. His kingdom is not of this world. He ignores them and reassures the thief.

Let me be a light, O God, That shines for all to see; If someone needs to find the way, An example may I be Of love and kindness and brotherhood, Of all that’s gentle, of all that’s good.
Theresa Mary Grass

“It is finished!" (John 19:30)
He has defeated the Tempter again. Despite the agony, he has rejected temptation and cared for those around him. His temporary duty on earth is complete. He has shown the way God wants us to live. He has demonstrated the fact that faith and hope and love cannot be destroyed by anything men can say or do.

"Father, into thy hands I commit my spirit." (Luke 23:46)
Like a trusting child, he turns to the Father and takes the next step. He has bound himself by love, to both God and the human race. Soon he will begin his long-term ministry by demonstrating the fact that human beings survive physical death. Then he will continue to draw to himself, and thus to heaven, everyone he can ... for as long as it takes ... until whosoever will has come.
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ST. JAMES PRAYER CHAIN

To help another on life’s way, To smile and chase a frown away, To hide a fault, reveal the good, To love my neighbour as I should; To bring good cheer to one who’s sad, To make some lonely person glad, To share my joys and blessings too, This I will try each day to do.

EASTER SUNDAY Just As He Said
He is not here; He has risen, just as He said. Matthew 28:6

The St. James Prayer Chain is comprised of fourteen parishioners who pray daily, in their own homes, for those asking for special prayers. If you believe in the awesome power of prayer and would like to be a part of our group or if you would us to pray for you, or yours, please call: Peggy Mackey, 613-253-0124

SLEEPLESS? THINK ABOUT THIS:


One thing that Easter teaches us is that Jesus keeps his promises. The women who went to the tomb on Easter morning learned that lesson in a very dramatic fashion. They were greeted at the tomb by angels who said that Jesus had risen “just as He said”. Jesus’ words are true. And Jesus’ words can be trusted. We see that profoundly on this Easter morning, when Jesus did what he said He would do. He rose on the third day and granted eternal life to all who believe. These were the promises that Jesus had made throughout His ministry, and these are the promises that have now come to pass. This resurrection day assures us that all of Christ’s words will come to pass. When the risen Christ says, “Peace be with you,” we know that we will receive peace from Him. When the risen Jesus says, “Do not be afraid,” we know that we have no reason to fear. And when the risen Jesus says, “I will be with you always,” we know that He will be by our side forever. Easter proves to us that we can constantly count on Christ’s words. ALLELUIA!

Just think of the homeless family who have no bed to lie in. • Should you have a bad day at work, think of the man/woman who has been out of work for the last three months. • Should your car break down, leaving you miles away from assistance … think of the paraplegic who would love the opportunity to take that walk. • Should you notice a new gray hair in the mirror, think of the cancer patient in chemo who wishes she had hair to examine. • Should you find yourself stuck in traffic; don’t despair. There are people for whom driving is an unheard of privilege. • Should you grieve the passing of another weekend, think of the woman in dire straights, working twelve hours a day, seven days a week, for just enough to feed her family. • Should you find yourself at a loss and pondering what life is all about, asking “What is my purpose” ...be thankful, there are those who didn’t live long enough to get the opportunity. To worry is to say to God, “You’re not big enough to solve this problem, so I’ll deal with it myself.” Peace disappears when you try to do something about something you can’t do anything about.
Richard Daly 10

EDITORIAL ON SERMONS A Church-goer wrote a letter to the editor of the newspaper and complained that it made no sense to go to church every Sunday. He wrote, “I’ve gone for 30 years now, and in that time I have heard something like 3,000 sermons. But for the life of me I can’t remember a single one of them. So I think I’m wasting my time and the pastors are wasting theirs by giving sermons at all.” This started a real controversy in the “Letters to the Editor” column, much to the delight of the editor. It went on for weeks until someone wrote this clincher: “I’ve been married for 30 years now. In that time my wife has cooked some 32,000 meals. But for the life of me, I cannot recall what the menu was for a single one of those meals. But I do know this: they all nourished me and gave me the strength I needed to do my work. If my wife had not given me those meals, I would be dead today.”
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Our New Logo
Early in the new year, the congregants at St James were invited to submit their ideas for a church logo. Later we were invited to indicate our preference from the many submitted. The one most often chosen, and thus selected, was designed by Jane Chamney. The following is an explanation of the symbols used in the Logo.. Celtic Cross • to honour the heritage of the families who founded St. James Church almost 175 years ago. • To mimic the shape of the crosses seen on the steeple, the rooftops and over the altar. Rocks • Because Carleton Place was “founded upon a rock”. • Because Jesus is our Rock and our Salvation • Because the wise man builds his house (or his church) upon a rock. River • Because St. James Church is situated on the banks of the Mississippi River.

Madagascar News
Dear Friends at St. James, From this photo, taken in January 2008, you can see how our happy Malagasy children love each other AND express their love for US. Please pray for each of them: Front, left to right: Raeny, Patricia, Hanitra Standing, left to right: Liva, Elihode and Fara Akany Famonjena is known in Madagascar as a “MUSICAL ORPHANAGE”. They love to sing and several have become quite proficient at playing their two electric keyboards and two guitars. It’s fun to see ALL of the children perform together! ….and directed by one of the older children! Three older boys take turns as organist at our little rural church and, I think, do an amazing job. Others are at various stages of learning. In this photo, Charlene is practising on the verandah of the orphanage home.
THE MALAGASY CHILDREN AND ADULTS CONTINUE TO THANK YOU, ST. JAMES, FOR YOUR LOVE. WITH YOUR ONGOING SPONSORSHIP AND PRAYERS, THE MADAGASCAR OUTREACH WILL REMAIN ALIVE AND STRONG!!

Welcome His Fire (Pentecost)
The fire of God does not destroy; It purifies. The fire of God does not damage; It redeems. The fire of God Brings us closer to Him.

A ‘Welcoming Committee’ has been formed to look at ways in which each and every person coming to St. James can feel ‘at home’, cared for and appreciated. Various ideas are being considered, and we hope that the congregation will support us by submitting ideas and perhaps coming to our once a month meeting at the church. For more info contact Barb Angel at 613-257-5616

Dear Parishioners: For almost five years I have had the pleasurable task of enlisting ‘greeters’ for the 10 a.m. services and other special occasions. Your co-operation and smiles have been most gratefully received. Thanks everyone for making this contribution to our church family. Gratefully yours, Doris Blackburn

Thank You

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