The Burning Bush

St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church Spring 2014 Issue resurrection. Here we arrive at the very core, the heart, the soul, of our Christian faith.

MAILING  LABEL  

From the Minister’s desk: For what is time? The shadow on the dial – the striking of the clock – the running of the soul – day and night – summer and winter – months, years, centuries – these are the arbitrary and outward signs, the measure of time, not time itself. Time is the life of the Soul. These words of Henry Longfellow hang in our Johnston living room, worked wonderfully into a painting by the Merrickville artist Holly Dean. Over the years they prompted much reflection as our family grew, and do so again as I consider what lies before our church family. Can you tell our annual congregational meeting is on my mind?! As I write this we are still in the season of Epiphany, the revelation of God amongst us in Jesus. By the time the next newsletter is distributed, we will be in the season of Pentecost, celebrating the gift and work of the Holy Spirit. But between now and then there are the seasons of Lent and Easter, the passion of our Lord for us, his taking on our death so we might take on his

It comes as a bit of a shock to realise that generations before us in this congregation, and in the Reformed tradition generally, did not measure out the year with seasons like Pentecost, Lent, Epiphany or even Christmas (!) – for them, every Sunday was Easter again. Every Sunday was the Lord’s Day, a celebration of the Living Lord, a new beginning for life. Their time was marked and shaped by the presence and promises of the Risen Lord, by the life of their soul. As I reflect again upon these words, I wonder how as a congregation we will grow in the life of the soul? In worship at the beginning of each week we will be renewed in the the Living Lord. But our souls will only know life as we take up the way of our Lord in this world – the way described so movingly by John Baillie in one of his prayers, ‘His eagerness, not to be ministered unto but to minister; His sympathy with suffering of every kind; His meekness of bearing, so that when reviled He reviled not again; His steadiness of purpose in keeping to His appointed task; his simplicity; His self-discipline; His sincerity of spirit; His complete reliance upon Thee, His Father in Heaven’. Time is the life of the soul. The soul alive, the soul in lives of trust and compassion, is for us ‘time’ … in Christ, with Christ, for Christ, the Living Lord.

Andrew

Advance Notice …

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Annual Congregational Meeting – Sunday March 2, 11:45 in St. Andrew’s Hall. In the Dust of the Rabbi – St. Andrew’s study evenings begin Tuesday March 11, 7 p.m. Sights and Reflections on a Visit with Palestinian Christians – Sunday March 30, 11:45 in St. Andrew’s Hall, presented by our Minister Palm Sunday – Sunday April 14, 10:30 a.m. Joint Good Friday Service – Friday April 18, 11 a.m. followed by soup. Chalmers United, Princess Street United, St. Mark’s Lutheran and Sydenham Street United will be gathering with us at St. Andrew’s for this hour to remember the passion of our Lord for us and our salvation, and our passion to serve him in our city and time.

Burning Bush: Spring 2014 Easter – Sunday April 20, 10:30 a.m. The Lord is risen, he is risen indeed! Alleluia.

 

March Birthday Greetings Georgina Mein, Andy Mills, David Minaker, Deborah Minaker, Grace Ramsay.

April Birthday Greetings Thelma George, Grace Van Polen, Neil Stoness, Lois Ross.

May Birthday Greetings Norma Baldwin, Dorothy Fresque, Lily Johnson, Mary MacInnis, Mitch Scott, Betty Treleaven, Connie Wilson, Please send us the names of people celebrating anniversaries (birthday or wedding) so that we may include them in our celebrations box. Only the month of the anniversary is required

Sunday School Report Partnerships are something that humans throughout history have been doing since the beginning of time. It is part of our social being. It is also something that God has done with mankind through creation, salvation, and life everlasting in the hereafter. St. Andrew’s congregation can attest to partnerships in the past and present, and I am sure they will continue to do so in the future. I can say with knowledge that the Sunday school has always been well supported by the congregation of St. Andrew’s in all our fundraising endeavors, whether proceeds have been for here, at home in Kingston, or across the globe. You, the congregation, have partnered with us, the Sunday school, to help us achieve our goals. In 2011, the students of St. Andrew’s Sunday school indicated they wanted to welcome and support the Kingston Street Mission who took up residence in Gill Hall. A partnership was formed and the students worked by making a banner welcoming the street mission and fundraising to provide supplies such as coffee, tea, soup, crackers, etc. The church did a Shrove Tuesday pancake supper which was well attended by the congregation, students and those less fortunate in the community. Since then the Sunday school has tried to provide financial aid to the Kingston Street Mission generally at Christmas, but not limited to that time.

page 2 In the past, the fundraising initiative has been with the students providing creations that they have made or provided through their own work such as cookie bakes, apple picking, handmade beeswax candles, and Christmas ornaments, just to name a few. However, St. Andrew’s is evolving, and while the grownups of the congregation have been partnering with outside groups to meet mutual objectives and goals, the Sunday school has been doing the same just on a smaller scale. Jen, a textile artist, is my friend and also a former coworker from St. Mary’s of the Lake dental department where we both worked with the late Dr. G.L. Lapeer. St. Mary’s dental clinic served not only the residents of the hospital and the general public, but also the poor souls who fell between the cracks of social economic prosperity and abject poverty. Jen has always listened with great attention and care as I’ve told her about our interests and work in Sunday school and trying to help others. It was this past fall, just before the church had the silent auction to help with repairs to the church, that I approached Jen about providing a piece of her work. She was delighted to help and donated not just one piece, but several pieces which were purchased by one of our church attendees as a gift for his daughter. I was able to report to Jen about our success, not just of her work, but of the whole event and she was pleased that she had been able to help in a small way. Jen and I talked in early November regarding the Sunday school’s annual Christmas fundraising initiative. She sent an email in response to the conversation we had over tea about new things the children could sell. The Sunday school had some handmade Christmas cards left over from the year before which could be sold, but I had hoped for something more. Jen had some extra tea cozies left over from a previous art and craft sale and didn’t know what to do with them. Jen asked, “Would you accept the tea cozies as a donation”? I asked “Could tea cozies and cards be combined for a sale”? It was worth a try and the result was the Sunday school providing Kingston Street Mission with $329.00. You, the congregation were a part of that partnership because you bought tea cozies and cards. It was a very good partnership with trusted people both outside and inside St. Andrew’s. The jewellery sale which was held in St. Andrew’s hall after church on February 9th is just another venture in partnerships between Jen, the Sunday school, and the congregation for the benefit of the outside community. Three separate entities with a common goal of reaching out to a specific group, in the hopes of providing a show of caring and concern which also benefits the givers as well as the receivers. I call this the circle of good: good

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Burning Bush: Spring 2014 things come by giving and receiving, and that passing things on can help those in need as well as benefiting those who provide. It is not just a lesson for the students, but for all of us. I would encourage everyone young and old to think about your time, talents, abilities, skills, and gifts, and ask yourself, “Who might I partner with to bring about a circle of good?” It can be a small circle or a large circle. Sometimes these circles can interconnect and create a chain which can link us all together in a greater circle and a greater good. Next I would encourage you to put your thought into action by voicing what you have thought. You never know who might connect with you and a circle has been formed! God bless us all to create circles.

St. Andrew’s Music

Laura Tyner-Clement A

As members of the congregation have seen, the choir continues to lead the singing of the congregation each Sunday, and also to add times of reflection or celebration to our worship through their introits and anthems. It’s a real pleasure—an exciting pleasure—to welcome a number of new singing members: David Saunders, who joined us last fall, and now Paul and Janet Payne, Lizy and Kurien Kodiattu, and Tzuby Shyu. With their voices and skills added to the group, we approach Lent and the Easter season with renewed energy. For the Good Friday community service, we will be the host choir for singers from various churches, and then come the celebrations of Easter morning. Naturally all of this takes work on Thursday evenings as well as Sundays, and I’m grateful to the choir for their energy, skill and loyalty to St. Andrew’s. But I’m sure they would want me to share something else about choral singing: it’s fun, and we love to do it. We’d love to welcome more new members, especially altos and basses: could one of them be you? We are also working steadily, as funds allow, at the overdue maintenance of the organ. Since September Fred Knapton, our organ technician, has repaired the pedal keyboard, and returned to service nine stops—or about 20% of the organ—which had been silenced over the years. More remains to be done, but this progress is very satisfying, and it has made the organ ready to play a part in the Kingston Community Strings concert on Friday, March 7. Proceeds that evening will be returned for further work on the organ. So once again a community group which uses St. Andrew’s facilities brings people into the church, and helps to embellish our Easter worship.

David Cameron

Interim Music Director

A letter from the MacNaughtons

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To the Members of the Kirk Session: Warm greetings from two long-transplanted former elders! It is hard to believe that it soon will be fourteen years since we left Kingston to move to Calgary. In that time, Colleen and I began a family (Georgina, now 9, and Hugh, now 5) and put down roots in our neighbourhood. We are fortunate that Colleen’s parents moved closer around the time our son was born and now live only a hour away. These days, we attend another St. Andrew’s church here in Calgary, although it is of the Anglican persuasion. (Those who remember us may remember that Colleen was attending St. James’ Anglican when we were married.) Colleen works at City Hall as a records management specialist and I continue my work with the Geological Survey of Canada. We received a letter from Session some time ago with the news that the rolls had been updated and our names removed from membership. This is good and proper. Since we moved to Calgary, we have been grateful for the news that comes in the Burning Bush. Recently, we discovered that the church website includes the newsletter, and so we think it would be appropriate for Dennis to save on postage and stop sending the Burning Bush to us. It is wonderful that the latest issue contains the news of the call to Dr. Andrew Johnston to serve among you. We pray that his ministry will be a time of hope, joy, and renewal. Enclosed is a donation which we hope will be used for the work of the congregation in whatever way seems best. Warmest wishes for a joyous Christmas and a New year filled with “blessings temp’ral and divine”. Christian greetings,

Rob MacNaughton.

Summer Tours Program 2013 The summer tours program at St Andrew's had its highest number of visitors to date last year: 2032! We have never made it past the 2000 mark before. We also raised $483 in donations. This money will be going towards the roof repairs for the church. This summer the tours program ran from Saturday, June 22nd until Saturday, August 24th. We were open from TuesdaysSaturdays from 10am-4pm. Our busiest days were ‘Doors Open Kingston’ on June 22nd with 119 visitors and the Princess Street Promenade on August 3rd with

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Burning Bush: Spring 2014 348 visitors. We feel that it was a very successful summer. Visitors hailed from all over Canada and the United States, as well as several from parts of Australia, the United Kingdom, and The Netherlands, among other countries. We received many positive comments both verbally and in our guestbook. Highlights for visitors include the fascinating history St. Andrew’s has in Kingston, the beautiful architecture and stained glass, and for the families, our children’s scavenger hunt that included questions about both the physical building and its history. Many visitors commented on the peaceful and calm atmosphere within the sanctuary, even with Princess St. right outside the doors.

doors during the summer shows visitors and the community that we are a friendly, involved, and welcoming church for all.

We had visitors come in for many purposes: some wanted to know everything they could about the church, while others just wanted to wander around the sanctuary. Some wanted quiet reflection and prayer, while others just wanted to chat. We welcomed everyone into the church and tried to answer all of their questions to the best of our ability, whether they were about the history or more broad questions about Christianity. There are a few visitor experiences that stand out in our minds. One gentleman came in because it was his fiftieth wedding anniversary. He and his wife, who unfortunately had just passed on recently, had been married at St. Andrew’s and he was happy to see that the church still looked the way he remembered. We also had one gentleman come in who used to attend St. Andrew’s as a boy. We managed to find him in a few of the boys hockey team pictures in the ante room which are from the fifties when Rev. Max Putnum was one of the coaches for our church’s team. He even showed us where he used to sit: his grandmother used to make him sit next to the wall in the back row near where the sound booth is now so he couldn’t get into trouble. It was a quiet day when he came in as it was raining so we enjoyed talking to him about his memories for almost an hour. We also had one couple who really tested our knowledge of the stories depicted in the stained glass windows. They were impressed that we knew so much and gave the church a $40 donation. Another sizeable donation happened on the same day when descendants of Hew Ramsay Duff came in for a tour and gave the church a $20 donation. They were happy that we could show them his plaque located on the far wall near the regimental flags. We would like to thank everyone who kept us in their thoughts and prayers last summer. We extend special thanks to Rev. Tony Boonstra, Allison Scott, Ann Maclean, Frank Nisco, Larry Moore, Audrey Robinson, Gregory Matthews, Laura Tyner-Clement, Scott Hallman, and Bob Hessell for all of their help and support. We fully believe that opening St. Andrew’s

Architecture

Blessings, Kalista Clement Juliana Colwell A

St. Andrew’s Heritage Minutes

To celebrate Heritage month, here are some interesting historical points of St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church. I encourage everyone to take a walk around the sanctuary sometime to get a closer look at the stained glass windows and to read all of the interesting plaques. A land grant for a Presbyterian church was given in 1804, but it took until 1817 for enough of a congregation to form to start planning. Construction on St. Andrew’s began in 1820 with the first service being held in 1822. The manse was built in 1841. A failing heating system in 1887 led to a fire in 1888 that destroyed most of the sanctuary, but the church was rebuilt by 1890. The new building included the bell tower with the clock and the gold bird, one of the only items saved from the fire, being put on top of the tallest organ pipe. The stained glass windows were made by Castle & Son, a company based in Montreal and New York who were considered the premiere stained glass makers of the time known for their rich reds and blues. During the late 1950s, an extension was added to the church to include Gill Hall in the basement, Sunday school rooms upstairs, and St. Andrew’s Hall on the main floor that could be used as an overflow gallery when the wooden panels were opened. The chapel was added in 1967 in remembrance of the Rev. John Barclay, the first minister of St. Andrew’s.

History Military Connections: St. Andrew’s has two plaques at the back of the sanctuary that list members and families of St. Andrew’s who were involved in World Wars I and II. There are also two flags, the regimental colours of the 146th Canadian Infantry Battalion Canadian Expeditionary Forces, a group that fought in WWI, hanging in display cases on the side wall of the sanctuary. Those flags hung from the front of St. Andrew’s where the Canadian and Scottish flags are now from 1916 until 1983 when our War Veteran’s Association had them restored and put in the display cases. Below the flags is a plaque for our members of the St. Andrew’s War Veteran’s Association. There is also a stained glass window at the back of the sanctuary with a cannon dedicated to all those who fought in WWI. St. Andrew’s has their own cannon out on the lawn known

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Burning Bush: Spring 2014 as Shannon’s cannon that was donated by member William Shannon and had been used in the Siege of Londonderry in Ireland in 1689. There is also stained glass window at the back of the sanctuary donated by RMC, the Royal Military College here in Kingston. Queen’s Connections: The founding meeting of Queen’s was held in St. Andrew’s sanctuary in 1840 with many members of St. Andrew’s being on the Board of Trustees. Queen’s Presbyterian College opened in 1841 with the Rev. John Machar, second and longest serving minister at St. Andrew’s for thirty-seven years, being the Principal of Queen’s, a voluntary position at that time, for seven years. In 1991, Queen’s gave us a banner for their sesquicentennial anniversary with our War Veterans Association donating the plaque and display case.

Important Members Hugh Macdonald and his family emigrated from Scotland to Kingston in 1820 and Hugh Macdonald became one of the first elders of St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church. His name is featured on a plaque in the front left corner of the sanctuary. John Mowat was also one of the first elders of St. Andrew’s and has the front left stained glass window dedicated to himself, his wife Helen, and his family. Sir Oliver Mowat was the son of John Mowat and attended St. Andrew’s during his childhood and young adulthood. He was friends with Sir John A. Macdonald. They actually worked together in Sir John A. Macdonald’s law office until Sir Oliver Mowat decided to become a Liberal. Sir Oliver Mowat moved to Toronto to help build the Liberal Party of Canada and the Ontario Liberal Party. Sir John A. Macdonald attended St. Andrew’s as a boy and youth with his family. He and his friend Sir Oliver Mowat were both present at the founding meeting of Queen’s University and Sir John A. Macdonald was the one who seconded the motion for Queen’s to be built. Sir John A. Macdonald moved to Ottawa to become Canada’s First Prime Minister, but travelled back and forth between Ottawa and Kingston throughout his life. Billy Bishop our World War I flying ace attended RMC, the Royal Military College here in Kingston from 19111915. At that time, it was mandatory for all cadets to go to church and many came to St. Andrew’s. The cadets would sit in the back few rows of pews; there is actually a row of pews from the back missing that were taken out during the 1950s extension to give more room at the back of sanctuary. What seems to have been a rite of passage was for the cadets to carve their names into the backs of the pews. Billy Bishop left his carving in the top corner of the left pew near the sanctuary entrance.

In knifepoint, it says ‘W.A. Bishop ’11-‘15’. At one point, we thought we had lost Billy’s signature as we sold a few pews to another church, but thankfully it was rediscovered four years ago. There are many interesting carvings to be seen on the back pews that I encourage all to take a look at.

Blessings, Kalista ClementA

I.V.C.F. Queen’s – Mimi Kashira Haws Mimi Kashira has returned from her six months sabbatical, including the month long holiday she and her husband Paul Haws enjoyed in Tanzania. Programs with the international students were ably led by senior students Lillian, Susan, Nelson, Janet, Jessica and Mark. A faithful group of volunteers gave them support. The September canoe trip, Thanksgiving dinner and Christmas camp gave the students a chance to socialize while enjoying Canadian traditions. Bible studies on Sunday evening accompanied by a home cooked dinner at the Hyde residence and Wednesday English classes led by Nancy Smith are regular events. As well, on Tuesday mornings students and leaders gather for Prayer on Campus. It is Mimi’s prayer that the Holy Spirit will open the hearts of the students that they may receive Christ as their Lord and Saviour. Remember to pray for this ministry. When international students become followers of the Lord they return home to frequently lead others to know Him as well. We are grateful to have Mimi and her husband Paul worshipping with us at St Andrew’s. We pray God will bless both of them with peace and fruitfulness of Spirit. SAT 7 International beams television programs in the Arabic language plus several different dialects into 21 countries in North Africa, Asia Minor and Europe. These locally produced Christian television programs bring God’s love and Bible teaching directly into the privacy of the viewers’ home. They are a source of edification to those who already believe in Christ as their Saviour, but are often isolated from other Christians and unable openly to express their faith. These programs are invaluable to those who find Islam an unsatisfying outlook. By listening to SAT 7 they become interested, curious and desire to find answers to

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Burning Bush: Spring 2014 their questions. SAT 7 has counsellors 24 hours a day ready to answer a caller’s questions. A viewer from Iran commented, “I came to Christ about a month ago through your channel. I gave my heart to Him by praying with one of your telephone counsellors. Can you contact me regularly and give me some Bible verses and pray with me? I don’t have a Church in my city or any other resources.” Literacy programs are popular. In countries where thousands of women are illiterate, programs helping to unlock the mysteries of reading are gratefully received. The producer of the program Kol Ed Donia (Women’s Magazine) explains her vision. “I believe that when a woman experiences a renewal of her mind, she’ll be able to change herself and her society, including her husband and her children with the help of the Holy Spirit working within her.” SAT 7 KIDS was launched in 2007. It has grown an audience of almost 10 million viewers. It is broadcast I Arabic, Pars, Farsi and Turk. It is the only children’s program in the Middle East and North Africa. Programs such as Bedtime Bible Stories, Why Is That? Let’s sing together have drawn entire families together to watch. Programs are geared to children from toddlers to teens. SAT 7 CANADA provides satellite programming in our country in the Arabic dialects mentioned previously to the many immigrants, students and visitors in Canada. SAT 7 KIDS was launched in December 2007 with great hope of its success in Canada. It was well received by viewers, but financial restrictions forced the program to be discontinued. Many Arabic people in Canada have asked why they cannot receive SAT 7 KIDS in Canada. Pray that the funds will return to put the programs for children back to satellite.

Helen Ledford Mission Committee of Session. A

WMS celebrates 100 years on May 14. How Did it Begin? On May IS, 1914, at an historic meeting in Knox Church, Toronto, three organizations united to form the Women's Missionary Society (Western Division) of the Presbyterian Church in Canada. Each of these organizations had come into being to carry out a particular mission and the membership comprised women from Quebec to British Columbia.

In 1864 a group of women known as the Ladies Auxiliary Association came together in Montreal to assist the Church of Scotland in work among the French. As the work expanded to include "Home, French and Foreign Work" as well as work among the Indians in Western Canada, the name of this organization was changed twice and finally became the Woman's Missionary Society, Montreal. In 1876 in Toronto the Woman's Foreign Missionary Society was founded to assist the Foreign Mission Committee of the Church in the work among women and children in the foreign mission field, which then included work in Western Canada among the Indian people and newcomers from Europe. The Women's Home Missionary Society was organized in 1903. This Society grew out of the Atlin Nurses' Committee, which, in 1898 had answered the need for nursing service in the Klondike. The Women's Home Missionary Society opened and supported hospitals in remote areas of Canada and developed educational and social service work. Deaconesses were trained and sent to work among settlers in Western Canada and immigrants in cities from Toronto to Vancouver. Clothing and other supplies were gathered and sent to people in need across the country. In 1964 in the Church of St. Andrew and St. Paul, Montreal, a double anniversary was celebrated -- the 100th Anniversary of the Ladies Auxiliary Association which marked the beginning of the WMS (WD) and the 50th anniversary of the Women's Missionary Society (Western Division). In May 1989 in London at the University of Western Ontario the 75th anniversary of the Women's Missionary Society (Western Division) was celebrated along with the 125th anniversary of the beginning of the organization

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Mission Moments

March. to May.

A Commitment to Change in Afghanistan Atiq Ullah used to plant his crops without considering how much seed to use or when they should be cultivated. This was not the result of carelessness, but a lack of knowledge about proper agriculture techniques. In December 2012, Atiq Ullah and 1,200 farmers in Afghanistan received training through a PWS&Dsupported project. “After attending this training, I realized that we have been wasting much of our resources,” said Atiq. He has since reported a 90 per cent increase in his crop yield. “As I have observed the

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Burning Bush: Spring 2014 change in my crops, I want to teach the same skills to other farmers in my village.”

Reaching out to refugees Action Réfugiés Montréal advocates for and empowers refugees as they rebuild their lives in Canada. ARM’s Detention Program Coordinator Jenny Jeanes meets detainees twice a week to explain the refugee process and provide support and advice. Most cases are complex, but sometimes small actions can change lives. One day Jenny gave a $5 calling card to a refugee claimant in detention who later visited ARM’s office. Executive Director Paul Clarke shares, “He was determined to thank us. As a result of our card he was able to reach his family back home to have his identity papers sent to Montreal. His refugee claim was accepted. It took only $5 to give a person his freedom; sometimes $5 is all that it takes.” A grant from Presbyterians Sharing helps Action Réfugiés Montréal reach out to refugees in the name of Christ.

Sharing and Caring in Malawi Through PWS&D’s “Building Sustainable Livelihoods” program, groups of women are being supported as they form self-help groups. Although they are often the poorest in their communities, they are learning to save and lend generously amongst themselves in order to build better futures. Prior to joining her self-help group, Mary Jere cut grass and sold thatch for income. She often struggled to afford enough food to feed her family. Today, Mary’s main source of income comes from the group. Two small loans totaling about $30 allowed her to grow vegetables and buy fertilizer. She has used the profits to build her family a new brick house and help others in her community as well.

Translating the Bible in Taiwan Presbyterians Sharing supports the Rev. Dr. Paul McLean, who works with four indigenous translation teams in Taiwan as they translate the Bible into Amis, Bunun, Drekay and Paiwan. Paul advises the teams as they face many challenging questions, such as how to translate the words for “God” or “Lord” and abstract

concepts such as “love”, “peace” or “justice” into Taiwan’s indigenous languages. Paul explains that together they are looking for ways to “communicate the truths about God written down 3000-2000 years ago in the Hebrew Old Testament and the Greek New Testament in a way that both elderly and young people can understand clearly and correctly in their mothertongue.” It is an ongoing adventure – one that Paul and the translation teams are facing with are facing with enthusiasm and trust in God's guidance. Pray that the words they translate will speak to people’s hearts.

CY2014 From July 7-12, 2014, Brock University will be alive with energy as Presbyterians from across Canada come together for Canada Youth 2014. The week of worship, workshops, recreation and faithfilled connections will change lives as people grow in their relationship with one another and with God. Participants return home affirmed and strengthened in their faith, equipped with tools to connect in deeper ways to their congregations. Larissa McCormick from Victoria, British Colombia shares: “Saying Canada Youth affected the way I view my faith would be far too much of an understatement. It has completely transformed the way I perceive my future, friends and relationship with God.” Gifts to Presbyterians Sharing make Canada Youth possible. Please pray for our young people as they gather for this life-changing event. Registration deadline is June 1, 2014.

Responding with Indigenous People in Guatemala In Guatemala, members of the indigenous Maya-Mam community face both discrimination and poverty. Working with local partner AMMID, PWS&D is providing farmers with agricultural training. Using traditional knowledge and locally available resources, they are able to grow more nutritious food and protect the environment. In addition, men and women – who are confronted with discrimination and the ongoing threat of local mining operations - are learning about their collective rights. On behalf of the families and communities he works with, Ruben Feliciano, director of AMMID, says he is grateful to Presbyterians for their solidarity, human touch and contributions to improve the quality of life for Mam families.

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Burning Bush: Spring 2014 HIV and AIDS education in Kenya The Presbyterian Church in Canada and the Presbyterian Church of East Africa are working together to address the issue of HIV and AIDS in Kenya. Presbyterians Sharing supports Dr. Rick Allen, who has been working with the PCEA for the past 19 years on public health issues. Each year, Rick teaches an introductory class on HIV to about 300 students at the Presbyterian University of East Africa, fulfilling the government requirement that all university students take a course on HIV. He also teaches classes on nutrition and health, and helps the PCEA run weeklong workshops for pastors on HIV and AIDS. So far, almost 450 pastors have completed the course, which is designed to give ministers the skills they need when dealing with HIV in their parishes and communities. Rick’s work has helped change people’s approach to HIV and AIDS, transforming stigma and discrimination into love and support.

Confident, Cheerful and Filled with Thanks At the age of five John Avoka suffered from meningitis and a stroke, which left him paralyzed from the waist down. Years later, feeling dejected, helpless and hopeless, John finally received the care and support he needed to realize his full potential. Through the PWS&D-supported Garu Centre in Ghana, John received a tricycle so he could move independently. The program also offered him agricultural training. Today, John is no longer helpless or hopeless, but confident, cheerful and filled with thanks. He is a successful farmer and grows more than enough food to feed his wife and children. Recognizing his tremendous achievements, the Ministry of Food and Agriculture has earmarked him for their “best farmer” award.

Equipping clerks From April 24-28 presbytery and synod clerks and national staff of The Presbyterian Church in Canada are gathering in Mississauga for a Clerks’ Consultation. Steeped in sacred worship, joyful laughter, good food and casual conversation, this four day event offers the clerks an opportunity to discuss the church, governance issues and their dreams and challenges. Participants return home with new knowledge, friends

and contacts, helping them provide even more effective leadership across our denomination. While registration fees help cover some costs, gifts to Presbyterians Sharing make this vital gathering possible. The clerks are grateful and the church is blessed.

Helping Syrian refugees resettle in Canada The crisis in Syria has resulted in one of the largest refugee movements in modern times over 2 million Syrians have sought refuge outside their borders. The Canadian government announced in 2013 it would resettle 1,300 Syrian refugees from Jordan and Lebanon with the assistance of official sponsorship agreement holders. The Presbyterian Church in Canada – with the assistance of Presbyterian congregations – is able to help sponsor ten people to resettle in Canada. Meanwhile, Action Réfugiés Montréal (with support from PWS&D, Canadian Ministries and the Anglican Diocese of Montreal) is helping the Syrian community in Quebec to sponsor those in greatest need.

Changing lives through Youth in Mission In 2013 a Youth in Mission team of nine young people travelled to Malawi where they spent three weeks visiting PCC and PWS&D partners and projects in Mulanje and Blantyre. Participant Katie Hubley from New Glasgow, NS, shares, “This trip was easily the most life-changing event I have ever experienced and I thank God every day for the opportunity to serve Him. I am so thankful for what I’ve learned from our brothers and sisters in Malawi – their warm welcome, their love of worship, their contentment, and their willingness to praise God and experience true joy in less than perfect circumstances.” Presbyterians Sharing supports the Youth in Mission program, enabling young people to learn first-hand about The Presbyterian Church in Canada’s mission and ministry around the world.

Empowered to Prosper We frequently hear about poverty in the developing world—the billions of people who do not have access to clean water or health care or enough nutritious food to eat. It is difficult to imagine what their lives must be like, or why they are so drastically

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Burning Bush: Spring 2014 different from our own lives in Canada. PWS&D’s new youth game “Empowered to Prosper” aims to help young people understand the causes of poverty and how they can make a difference. Representing families living in developing countries, players will experience the everyday realities of poverty, while moving across the game board. Order your copy today by contacting The Book Room (1-800-619-7301).

Ministry through house churches What is house church ministry? The Rev. David Webber says it is people who meet in small gatherings week after week to share worship, scripture, prayer, a meal and the sacrament of communion. “But I think it is what comes out of these little gatherings that makes our Lord smile,” he says. “It’s the member that stays for weeks by the bedside of a cowboy dying from cancer, and then weeps with his widow. It’s the hours spent serving children’s programs in the community. It’s standing by a neighbor who has been abused. It’s weeping and praying with someone who wouldn’t be caught dead in a church. It’s all this and so much more.” Gifts to Presbyterians Sharing support this unique house church ministry in the Cariboo region of British Columbia.

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Kingston Community Strings in Concert Friday, March 7th at 7:30 pm in St Andrew’s Presbyterian Church Kingston (Princess and Clergy Streets). Admission by Freewill Offering. Proceeds to the Andrew's organ fund.

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Featuring: Wayne Tindale, as guest conductor. Music by the Bach family, Peter Warlock and the première performance of David Cameron’s Experiences of a Theme.

Other Special Events

Burst Forth This gathering will bring together hundreds of women from Presbyterian congregations across the nation, May 16-19 2014 in Toronto. Meet and interact with international guests from around the world. Choose from a variety of workshops and lectures on a host of themes. Explore Scripture daily during worship, and resource tables between events. Keynote speaker is Dr. Samantha Nutt of the Women’s College Hospital and University of Toronto, founder of War Child Canada, named recently by the Globe and Mail one of Canada’s 25 most influential figures and by Time Magazine one of Canada’s five leading activists - “Social change begins with education. Our collective ability to reject misinformation, challenge assumptions, and explore alternatives is enhanced by reading and engaging in civic action …” Further information and registration available at www.womensgathering.ca

The 10th Assembly of the World Council of Churches By the tender mercy of our God, the dawn from on high will break upon us, to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace. Luke 1:78-79 Dear Sisters and Brothers, we greet you in the name of Christ. 1. We gathered in the Republic of Korea at the 10th Assembly of the World Council of Churches (30 October – 8 November 2013). Coming from 345 member churches of the fellowship and from partner organizations in the ecumenical movement, we joined in prayer, shared stories from our local communities and took to heart strong messages of agony and hope. We are thankful for the many engaging statements released. Our common pilgrimage traced the theme “God of life, lead us to justice and peace.” 2. In the city of Busan, we journeyed together on a road of transformation – we pray that as we are being transformed ourselves, God will make us instruments of peace. Many of us travelled to other parts of Korea where we witnessed the open wounds of a society torn by conflict and division. How necessary is justice for peace; reconciliation for healing; and a change of heart for the world to be made whole! We were encouraged by the active and committed churches we encountered; their work bears bountiful fruit.

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Burning Bush: Spring 2014 3. We share our experience of the search for unity in Korea as a sign of hope in the world. This is not the only land where people live divided, in poverty and richness, happiness and violence, welfare and war. We are not allowed to close our eyes to harsh realities or to rest our hands from God’s transforming work. As a fellowship, the World Council of Churches stands in solidarity with the people and the churches in the Korean peninsula, and with all who strive for justice and peace. 4. God our Creator is the source of all life. In the love of Jesus Christ and by the mercy of the Holy Spirit we, as a communion of the children of God, move together towards the fulfillment of the Kingdom. Seeking grace from God we are called, in our diversity, to be just stewards of God’s Creation. This is the vision of the New Heaven and Earth, where Christ will “fill all in all” (Eph 1.23). 5. We live in a time of global crises. Economic, ecological, socio-political and spiritual challenges confront us. In darkness and in the shadow of death, in suffering and persecution, how precious is the gift of hope from the Risen Lord! By the flame of the Spirit in our hearts, we pray to Christ to brighten the world: for his light to turn our whole beings to caring for the whole of creation and to affirm that all people are created in God’s image. Listening to voices that often come from the margins, let us all share lessons of hope and perseverance. Let us recommit ourselves to work for liberation and to act in solidarity. May the illuminating Word of God guide us on our journey. 6. We intend to move together. Challenged by our experiences in Busan, we challenge all people of good will to engage their God-given gifts in transforming actions. This Assembly calls you to join us in pilgrimage. May the churches be communities of healing and compassion, and may we seed the Good News so that justice will grow and God’s deep peace rest on the world. Blessed are they who observe justice, who do righteousness at all times! Psalm 106:3

God of life, lead us to justice and peace!A A Prayer of preparation for New Beginnings Most holy and merciful Father, We confess to you and to one another, that we have sinned against you in thought, word and deed, by what we have done, and

by what we have left undone. We have not loved you with our whole heart and mind and strength. We have not loved our neighbour as ourselves. In your mercy forgive what we have been, help us amend what we are, and direct what we shall be, so that we may delight in your will and walk in your ways, to the glory of your holy name. For the sake of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Our Commitment to Holy Living Since we have been saved by grace, how shall we live in relationship to Him who saved us? We will have no other gods before Him; we will not make for ourselves any substitute gods; we will not abuse the name of the Lord, but speak it only in reverence and love; we will honour the Lord's day through worship, witness and fellowship with His people. How shall we live in relationship with others? We will honour our parents and hold the family in high esteem; we will not abuse, hate or injure our friends or neighbours by words, gestures or deeds; we will not commit adultery, but live holy disciplined lives; we will not steal; we will not lie; we will not grasp for what we do not have, nor reject others for having it. How does Jesus summarize these commandments? He says that we should love the Lord our God with all our heart, mind and strength, and our neighbours as ourselves, and by God's grace, we will do it!

(from the Calvin Institute of Reformed Worship) A

God After- Lenten Study On How We Speak Of God In Our Time Wednesday evenings in Lent

March 12 through to April 16, 7:00 – 9:00 pm, including refreshments. Recommended donation of $5/session. LOCATION: Edith Rankin Memorial United Church Lower Hall 4080 Bath Road, Kingston, ON CO-SPONSORED BY: St. George’s Anglican Cathedral and Faith Formation and Development Committee, Edith Rankin Memorial United Church. Below are listed the topics by week: 1. God Afterwards (March 12) Dr Pamela Holmes, School of Religion, Queen’s University 2. Speaking To God: Insights From The Global South about the trajectory of prepositions (March 19)

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Burning Bush: Spring 2014 Rev Dr Anthony Bailey, Parkdale United Church, Ottawa 3. God After Sunday School (March 26)

15

John 3.1-21

16

John 3.22-36

17

1 Chronicles 17.1-15

18

Psalm 89.19-37

4. Ethics And The Sound Of Silence (April 2)

19

Matthew 1.1-17

Ken Gallinger, Ethics Columnist, The Toronto Star

20

Exodus 17.1-16

5. God After Church Scandals (April 9)

21

Psalm 95.1-11

The Rt Rev John Chapman, Bishop, Anglican Diocese of Ottawa 6. God After The Death Of The Messiah (April 16)

22

John 4.1-20

23

John 4.21-42

24

John 4.43-54

25

Luke 1.26-38

Attend as many sessions as you can!

26

1 Samuel 16.1-23

Daily Bible Readings March

27

Psalm 23.1-6

28

Ephesians 5.1-20

29

John 9.1-23

30

John 9.24-41

31

Ezekiel 37.1-14

The Rev Dr Val Michaelson, St. James Anglican, Kingston

Dr William Morrow, School of Religion, Queen’s University

Date

Reading

1

2 Peter 1.1-21

2

Matthew 17.1-13

3

Matthew 17.14-27

4

Joel 2.1-17

5

Matthew 6.1-21

6

Genesis 2.4b-25

7

Genesis 3.1-15

8

Romans 5.1-21

9

Matthew 4.1-11

10

Genesis 12.1-20

11

Psalm 121.1-8

12

Romans 4.1-12

13

Romans 4.13-25

14

Numbers 21.1-9

Daily Bible Readings April Date

Reading

1

Ezekiel 37.15-28

2

Psalm 130.1-8

3

Romans 8.1-17

4

John 11.1-16

Burning Bush

5

John 11.17-37

Copy Deadline for Summer issue is Thursday May 15, 2014

6

John 11.38-57

7

John 12.1-19

8

John 12.20-43

9

Isaiah 50.1-11

10

Isaiah 51.1-23

11

Isaiah 52.1-12

12

Isaiah 52.13-53.12

13

Matthew 21.1-17

14

Matthew 26.1-30

Please, send email submissions to [email protected]. You may send them as a text file, or Word attachment. Hand written articles may be posted on the bulletin board outside of the church office addressed to Burning bush. Please ensure that all submissions include the author's name. Thank you.

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Burning Bush: Spring 2014 15

Matthew 26.31-56

7

1 Peter 2.1-12

16

Matthew 26.57-75

8

1 Peter 2.13-25

17

Matthew 27.1-26

9

Ezekiel 34.1-15

18

Matthew 27.27-56

10

Ezekiel 34.16-31

19

Matthew 27.57-66

11

John 10.1-18

20

Matthew 28.1-15

12

Acts 7.1-16

21

John 20.19-31

13

Acts 7.17-38

22

Acts 2.22-42

14

Acts 1.12-26

23

1 Peter 1.1-12

15

Acts 7.39-60

24

Psalm 16.1-11

16

Psalm 31.1-13

25

Mark 16.9-20

17

Psalm 31.14-24

26

Ephesians 4.1-16

18

John 14.1-14

27

Exodus 14.10-31

19

1 Peter 3.8-22

28

Exodus 15.1-18

20

Acts 17.1-15

29

Exodus 15.19-27

21

Acts 17.16-34

30

1 Peter 1.13-25

22

John 14.15-31

23

John 15.1-17

24

John 15.18-16.4

25

Psalm 66.1-20

26

Psalm 68.1-18

27

Psalm 68.19-35

28

1 Peter 4.12 – 5.11

29

Acts 1.1-11

30

Matthew 28.16-20 Luke 1.39-56

Daily Bible Readings May Date

Reading

1

2 Corinthians 4.1-15

31

2

2 Corinthians 4.16–5.10

3

Psalm 116.1-19

Readings are recommended Canadian Bible society

4

Luke 24.13-35

5

Acts 2.43-3.10

6

Acts 3.11-26

readings

of

the

130 Clergy Street East, Kingston, Ontario, K7K 3S3 Telephone: (613) 546-6316, FAX: (613) 546-8844, E-Mail: – [email protected] Minister: Andrew Johnston Interim Moderator: Karen Bach www.StAndrewsKingston.org Editor/Production: Dennis Clark