The Burning Bush St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church Kingston

2014 Winter 2015

Ring out, wild bells, to the wild sky, 
 The flying cloud, the frosty light : 
 The year is dying in the night ; 
 Ring out, wild bells, and let him die. Ring out the old, ring in the new, 
 Ring, happy bells, across the snow ; 
 The year is going, let him go ; 
 Ring out the false, ring in the true. Ring out the grief that saps the mind 
 For those that here we see no more ; 
 Ring out the feud of rich and poor, 
 Ring in redress to all mankind. Ring out a slowly dying cause, 
 And ancient forms of party strife ; 
 Ring in the nobler modes of life, 
 With sweeter manners, purer laws. Ring out the want, the care, the sin, 
 The faithless coldness of the times ; 
 Ring out, ring out my mournful rhymes, 
 But ring the fuller minstrel in. Ring out false pride in place and blood, 
 The civic slander and the spite ; 
 Ring in the love of truth and right, 
 Ring in the common love of good. Ring out old shapes of foul disease ; 
 Ring out the narrowing lust of gold ; 
 Ring out the thousand wars of old, 
 Ring in the thousand years of peace.

Ring in the valiant man and free, 
 The larger heart, the kindlier hand ; 
 Ring out the darkness of the land, 
 Ring in the Christ that is to be. In these days of winter when Advent gives way to Christmas, and Christmas to Epiphany, two straps of horse bells hang in our living room. I have never been driven in a ‘one horse open sleigh’ but I love these bells. Every time I look at them I think of Alfred, Lord Tennyson’s great poem that speaks of the new beginning we have as individuals and as nations in Jesus Christ. Andrew Johnston Included in this issue… Notes From The Editor Stewardship with Donna D Mission Updates Robinson Children Church Family Album 1 The Lighter Side of Saints Christian Journey Series Sir John A. Week Feature Article: Erika’s Story One Year After Typhoon Haiyan World Council of Churches Church Family Album 2 Unexpected Grace and Festival of the Sacrifice Homelessness Marathon Church Family Album 3 Album of Prayerful Meditation Back Cover: History of Our Daily Bread

Notes from the editor...

The Courage of Our Convictions Conviction versus opinion. Certainly we are all capable of having strong opinions on certain matters. But does the intensity of our opinion make it a conviction? Have you ever feverishly argued a point with a friend, only to discover in the long run, you don't actually even agree with your own position all that much? Or certainly not as intensely as the manner in which you presented it. A conviction, you might die for; an opinion you won't. There are precious few things I would die for. So what about my faith in God and the principles that stem from this relationship? How would I have fared during the Nazi occupation of Europe during World War 2? If I had been approached to assist hiding a Jewish family or become part of an underground church, would I have become a Corrie ten Boom, or a Dietrich Bonhoeffer, risking not only my life, but my family as well? These questions remain rhetorical. While we hope and pray that we would do the right thing under difficult circumstances such as these, none of us Newcomers’ Corner

know how we would react, until such a time actually came. At that moment the cock crowed for the second time. Then Peter remembered that Jesus had said to him, "Before the cock crows twice, you will deny me three times." And he broke down and wept. Mark 14:72. NRSV. The courage of our convictions is not a given. So now I introduce you to the feature article in this winter issue of the Burning Bush, "Erika's Story". This describes a family determined not to be shaped by the times in which they live, as much as helping to shape those times. A family whose steadfast faith in God, from one generation to the next, spurred them on to action, to involvement in the world around them, accepting the inherent physical and emotional risks. Read this story carefully. It eventually touches us in St. Andrew's. The end may surprise you. Ada M ……………………………………………………………………………

What is The Clerk of Session?

1. The Clerk of Session shall be an elder elected by the session for such term as it may determine. Session may ask the clerk to be its parliamentarian and shall give the clerk voice in matters pertaining to the minutes and the clerk's report. 2. The person chosen to be Clerk of Session needs to be knowledgeable about Session responsibilities, to have an understanding of Presbyterian polity, and be willing to learn basic parliamentary procedure. 3. He/she must be able to write a clear record of the proceedings at Session and congregational meetings promptly following the meeting. 4. When the pastor or elders need a strong lay leader, the clerk of session is the person they turn to. This responsibility flows to the Clerk not because of any explicit statement in the Book of Order, but because the officer who receives the correspondence, keeps the records, and routinely discusses the work of the session with the pastor and all of the committee chairpersons to form the agenda and refer business is the officer to whom they would take a problem. Excerpts taken from Handbook For Clerks of Session, PCUSA

What Does Stewardship Mean To Me? Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say, rejoice. Philippians 4:4 NRSV This is Stewardship Sunday. According to the dictionary, a steward is one who manages another’s property, in this case that which belongs to God. Sometimes it is difficult to see God’s work in your life until years later, but just the last few months, it seems every week there is some indication that God is working amongst us. It is so heartwarming to see people coming forward to serve in some capacity or another. I thank God for your good stewardship. Last Sunday there were eleven people who became members of St. Andrew’s. Thank you, God. This is an exciting time! There is something going on at St. Andrew’s lately. Can you feel it? • A year ago, a call was put out for our new minister, and I don’t believe it was by chance that Andrew Johnston answered it. He has inspired us to look beyond ourselves to each other and the community. • Around the same time, a group of committed Christians looking for a new church home came to worship at St. Andrew’s, and they have stayed. I don’t think that was by chance either. Their ministry has renewed us and I thank them for that. • Our congregation has more than doubled in the past year. Is that a coincidence? • Look at our choir! It is increasing in size all the time. I also don’t think it was a coincidence that John Hall came to St. Andrew’s to share his music ministry with us at this time. The joy and dedication that he brings in his music to the church is enjoyed by us all. • At a time when we needed money for a transition to a new beginning, we received a large bequest from the sale of Elizabeth Cottage. Coincidence? I don’t think so. St. Andrew’s is a beautiful building and much beloved by us all. However, God’s church is really the people who attend and the people who do His work for Him and in the community. That would be you and me, and I thank God for all of you. It is a joy for me to serve and be a steward of God’s property. I have been so richly blessed, how would it be possible for me to not work for God and His Church? My daily prayer is for God to use me in whatever way He has planned for His glory, and I thank Him continually for the privilege of serving Him at St. Andrew’s.

Let us [all] come into His presence with Thanksgiving. Psalm 95: 2 NRSV

Donna D Clerk of Session (Excerpts from message to congregation October 26, 2014)

Mission Updates… Appreciation from Home Base Housing Thank you for supporting the Strawberry Social held this past June for the benefit of Home Base Housing. The total amount received was $1,671.00. The timing was perfect! A Capital Campaign was launched last December in support of their new home at 540 Montreal Street, and a Grand Opening was held June 26th. This new location co-locates most of its services and programs into one convenient place for those who are in need. Home Base Housing thank St. Andrew’s for their ongoing support.

If you are a person with a disability and need Home Base Housing information please contact 613.542.6672 or email [email protected]. Maternal Health In Malawi and Afghanistan, child and maternal mortality rates are among the highest in the world. We can help change this reality by supporting improvements to health care systems and empowering women to make informed decisions that will improve their health, wellbeing and quality of life. There is a great need for prenatal, birthing and postnatal care. As well, new mothers need nutrition counselling for their babies and themselves. This ensures that women and their babies not only survive childbirth, but lead healthier lives afterwards.

The Women’s Missionary Society is actively raising funds toward this project. Helen L

Appreciation from Peter S… The fall computer classes are winding down. It has been an interesting term. Desire for basic instruction on PC’s seems to be declining while the needs for tutoring and introduction to tablets grows. One of the veteran volunteers has defected to Android tablets (largely in life as in teaching) so we can help with them as well as the Apple tablets and traditional PC’s. The Walk-ins Wednesday morning continue. Thus we have a mixed bag of virus removal, software installation, tutoring, discussion and unending free coffee for any who care to drop by.

Free will donations are perhaps a little more generous in the past. St. Andrew’s has been very good to us in facilities and support. We appreciate it deeply.

Peter S

Christianity and Art

True Greatness At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” He called a child, whom he put among them, and said, “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 18: 1-3 NRSV

“We need art, need it desperately. In expressing our creativity, this piece of us that is also a piece of the character of God, we share in His nature. And that can only draw us closer to the One in whom our hope remains.” Thomas Hallstrom, Lutheran pastor in Wichita, Kansas. _____________________________________________

For You Gramma

Students’ Art Gallery November 2014

My proudest moment was when I ran for my Gramma.

The Students' Art Gallery at Hotel Dieu Hospital in Kingston, Ontario, Canada, was established by the hospital in 1985 for the benefit of families whose children require hospital treatment. Eighty-five artworks are showcased in the Child Development Centre near the main lobby, while 17 are in the Staff Library and 8 are in the Ear, Nose and Throat Department. Almost Home, a nearby guest house for families whose children are being treated in Kingston Hospitals, exhibits 40 framed artworks. Paintings, drawings and multi-media constructions are submitted by elementary and secondary schools in the Limestone School Board and the Algonquin and Lakeshore Catholic District School Board. Contributors also include Albert College Junior School and Kingston Christian School. Approximately 50,000 people walk through the gallery every year.

On Sunday October 5th lots of people gathered. Everyone wore pink with stickers that said I’m Running For blank. Dogs even came with pink tutus. I felt so sad that all those people know someone with breast cancer. There were two races - one where you ran 5 km or walk and the other was around a block (1km). I ran the block. When my race came, I was in the lead. But then I was passed. I crossed the finish line in 2nd . The Top 5 were called up onto the stage. In first was my best friend Olivia. In second Lindsay (that’s me), in third was my brother Gavin, and the people in fourth and fifth I don’t know them. I was proud of myself because when I stood on stage, I felt like my Gramma would see me from heaven. That is my proudest moment.

Lindsay R Grade 5 Age 10

Bands of viridian green and beige traverse the background of a picturesque sketch of Bellevue House by Gavin R, 11 years old, Grade 7, Welborne Avenue Public School. www.studentsartgallery.ca/exhibitions

Church Family Photo Album 1

Tour of Fort Frontenac with James M, October 4th, 2014

Don H

Model of Fort Frontenac with James M and Alberta S

TheLighter Side of Saints

A very zealous soul-winning young preacher recently came upon a farmer working in his field. Being concerned about the farmer’s soul, the preacher asked the man, “ Are you laboring in the vineyard of the Lord, my good man?” Not even looking at the preacher and continuing his work, the farmer replied, “Naw, these are soybeans.” “You don’t understand,” said the preacher. “Are you a Christian?” With the same amount of interest as his previous answer, the farmer said, “Nope. My name is Jones. You must be looking for Jim Christian. He lives a kilometer south of here.” The young determined preacher tried again asking the farmer, “Are you lost?” “Naw! I’ve lived here all my life.” answered the farmer. “Are you prepared for the resurrection?” the frustrated preacher asked. This caught the farmer’s attention and he asked, “When’s it gonna be?” Thinking he had accomplished something, the young preacher replied, “It could be today, tomorrow, or the next day.” Taking a handkerchief from his back pocket and wiping his brow, the farmer remarked, “Well, don’t mention it to my wife. She don’t get out much and she’ll wanna go all three days.” ………………………………………………………………………… Forbidden fruits create many jams.

Statements about the Bible written by children…
Adam and eve were created from an apple tree
Noah’s wife was joan of ark. Noah built an ark and the animals came on in pears.
Samson slayed the philistines with the axe of the apostles.
Moses led the jews to the red sea where they made unleavened bread which is bread without any ingredients.
The people who followed the lord were called the 12 decibels.
The Epistles were the wives of the apostles.
One of the oppossums was st. Matthew who was also a taximan.

My Three Sons Three sons left home, went out on their own and prospered. Getting back together, they discussed the gifts they were able to give their elderly mother. The first said, “I built a big house for my mother.” The second said, “I sent her a Mercedes with a driver.” The third smiled and said, “I’ve got you both beat. Remember how mom enjoyed reading the Bible? And you know how she can’t see very well. I sent her a remarkable parrot that recites the entire Bible. It took elders in the church 12 years to teach him. He’s one of a kind. Mama just has to name chapter and verse, and the parrot recites it.” Soon thereafter, mom sent a letter to each son. “Milton,” she wrote one son, “the house you built is so huge. I live in only one room, but I have to clean the whole house.” “Gerald,” she wrote to another, “I am too old to travel. I stay most of the time at home, so I rarely use the Mercedes. And the driver is so rude!” “Dearest Donald,” she wrote to her third son, “you have the good sense to know what your mother likes. The chicken was delicious.” ………………………………………………………………………….

Christian Journey Series…

Introducing Agya F I, Agya F, was born at Takoradi, a harbour city about 320 miles from Accra, the capital of Ghana in 1978, on Monday, September 11. My parents named me Agya, meaning our father. I was dedicated and baptized early in my childhood at my parents’ family church, a local Methodist church. Just as Hannah dedicated Samuel to the work of God, it was the decision by my parents to dedicate me in the house of God that positively affected the direction of my life. Although my early childhood ambitions were numerous, what really shaped my character as a boy was the joy of responsibility, honor, curiosity and the longing for the ability to access and use information and knowledge effectively. Luckily for me, my parents ensured that I and all my siblings had every opportunity. They encouraged us to develop our intellects and minds through education.

and lessons have drawn me consistently closer to the Lord, I have found great joy in reading and contemplating God’s Word. God turned my sorrow into joy and I graduated with a PhD in analytical chemistry. Afterwards, I worked in the United States for a period of time. I later accepted a post-doctoral fellowship position at Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry in London, Ontario. Currently, I am working at Queen’s University as a post-doctoral fellow in the chemistry department. Here, I work on the fabricating and testing of mass spectrometry emitters and chromatographic columns. Throughout my lifetime, the joy of knowledge, scholarship, and leadership has taken me from continent to continent, and from country to country. However, it is rather my quest for spiritual maturity and my love for God and humanity, that shine brightest in my life.

Agya F, PhD

Following my early childhood education, I went on to earn an Honours BSc in Chemistry at the University of Science and Technology in Ghana. I then received a scholarship for my PhD education in chemistry at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts. Life in the United States was not a great cultural shock for me, because I had lived all my life in the city prior to this time. But my life took a different direction when I lost my father less than a month before graduation. My father’s death was a shock and I learned through this difficult time to rely entirely on the Almighty God. Still in my mind, I hear fragments of passed conversations with my dad saying to me ‘son, you have to remember that God will always take care of you wherever you go, and trust in Him at all times.’ As life experiences

I attribute my love for God, and all my success in life, to the upbringing I received from my parents, to the influence of my siblings, and to the Christian Community in which I was raised, and every country in which I lived, including Canada.

My confidence is rooted in my relationship with God, and my favorite verse in the Bible is John 14:24, that reads ‘those who love me will keep my word, and my Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them. Whoever does not love me does not keep my words; the word that you hear is not mine, but is from the Father who sent me.’ While I look forward to the possibility of a new career in either academia or research in the new year, my greatest hope for the future is to experience more of God’s Word and His love throughout all aspects of my life. Agya F, PhD

At St. Andrew’s Church: The Worship that Shaped the Man that Shaped the Nation

The city of Kingston will be hopping with all sorts of historical commemorations and celebrations as we approach the 200th anniversary of the birth of Canada’s first Prime Minister. Have a look at all the events that are being held in the manse of St. Andrew’s from January 6 to 11 - http://www.sirjohna2015.ca . On Sunday January 11, his actual birthday, St. Andrew’s will be hosting a wonderfully varied series of events honouring this son of St. Andrew’s. At 5 p.m. in sanctuary we will receive an introduction to the Presbyterian worship of the early 19th century in which Sir John A. Macdonald was raised and served. We will sing psalms led by a precentor and a tuning fork (for there was no organ, on principle). We will hear about the use of communion tokens (and the sanctity with which the Lord’s Supper was held ). We will be spared the hour long sermon! Afterwards, the Royal Scottish Country Dancers of Kingston will give a demonstration in St. Andrew’s Hall and invite us to join them. Then a reception for all at the manse with Scottish style finger food, followed by the new road show version of ‘Sir John, Eh’ in St. Andrew’s Hall. ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

And How Smart are You? 1. Iconoclasm: a) liquid portion of the blood b) challenge to tradition c) mental blockage

4. Ecclesiology: a) study of church history b) study of Christian theology c) study of church architecture

2. Didactic:

5. Polemic:

a) music with many high notes b) pain from acid reflux c) something teachy or preachy

3. Hagiography: a) biography of a saint b) biography of 100yr old woman c) Islamic spiritual journey

a) a tall, very thin person b) a Polish minister c) contentious

Answers are on page about Homelessness Marathon

Feature Article… There was no way that she ever wanted to become a pastor’s wife when she grew up and married. She had watched as her Mutti coped with so many difficult situations, family and otherwise, alone. Vati, a Lutheran Pastor to two congregations in the German town of Colbe, was frequently absent from home to attend meetings related to church business, and family life, from necessity, mostly came in second. Erika Heppe was born August 22, 1930 to Ruth and Bernhard Heppe, the fourth child in a family that would eventually expand to include six children. Erika was a spirited child, having an independent mind, a disinclination towards strict obedience and an inclination towards being outspoken. Characteristics not highly appreciated in a time when children, although loved and valued, were still mostly to be seen and not heard. Then there was the problem of being the daughter of the pastor, and the example she might set for others. Erika, years later, in a book writing of her childhood, Memory is a Form of Hope, gives this example of her ‘wayward’ nature: Our parents are at their wits’ end with this their fourth child. What to do with a girl who steals? Father calls me into his inner sanctum (study, downstairs), points out the error of my ways, then we kneel by his desk and he prays. That impresses me deeply. Yet months later- I again succumb to temptation. This time, father, picking up the phone, says, “You will have to be placed in an orphanage”. I scream and plead, the phone is put down. How well I remember the pull of the ‘forbidden’…

Erika’s Story morally, and a reinstatement of their nation to greatness. Allegiance and absolute devotion to the Fatherland became the new state religion. Maintaining the purity of the Aryan race was introduced and became an initially appealing concept to a people whose sense of identity had been compromised by military defeat. But Erika was only nine years old when the next war started. She was unaware of what the Nazification of the Lutheran Church, of which her father was a pastor, would come to mean in her country, let alone in her personal life. Life seemingly went on as normal at home. Well, it did seem that Mutti and Vati had started to become strangely quiet when she came home proudly wearing here Nazi Youth uniform. It was exciting, Erika thought, being part of this group. The sense of unity and keen devotion to their Fuhrer, Adolph Hitler, the inspiring words of the German National Anthem, Uber Alles, (Above Everything In The World), and then there was the wonderful marching to this music with her school friends. How she loved marching music!

The age of sensitivity towards children’s feelings was still a matter for the future. The age that was present, however, was that of Adolph Hitler, of Nazi indoctrination at every level of German society. Riding on a crest of extreme nationalism coupled with increasing Anti-Semitism, Hitler rose to power with his promises to the German people, that of recovery from the humiliation of The Great War, financially and

Erika at the age of 5 years of age at the Seaside resort of Nordeney, Germany. Note the flag with a swastika. Hitler had come to power a year earlier.

But Pastor Heppe, Erika’s Vati, like so many other church leaders, had already been put in the very difficult position of having to choose between the church and the state as early as 1934. And Bernhard Heppe had chosen the church. This marked the beginning of the “Bekennende Kirche” (The Confessing Church). Together with Martin Niemoeller, who later became famous for his words, “First They Came For The Communists…”, they became two of the founding members of this underground and illegal church in Nazi Germany. Erika was a perceptive child, and while not understanding all the reasons, began to grasp that her parents did not like this Fuhrer very much. In typical outspoken fashion, one day in school, she raised her hand and said to her favorite teacher, “My father does not like Hitler very much.” Her teacher realized at once the danger inherent in what Erika had uttered. Under the cover of darkness, she visited the Heppe home, admonishing both parents to exercise more care in what was said in the presence of their children. It was the beginning of an increasingly difficult time for the whole family. Pastor Heppe was conscripted into the army as a captain in September of 1939, leaving his wife Ruth, to cope alone not only with the children, but with the increasing surveillance of her family by the Gestapo. Erika writes of that time in Memory Is A Form of Hope: During his absences, the Gestapo, Hitler’s Secret Police, often come in the dead of night, rudely ringing the doorbell and demanding to search the house. We children know the drill- certain documents have to be hidden! Irmela, her sister, takes a suitcase to the deaconess next door, some other documents are hidden under our mattresses… Martin Niemoeller was arrested and incarcerated for the duration of the war for his involvement in this illegal underground church. Pastor Heppe, after intermittent visits homes, died in a prisoner of war camp in Yugoslavia September 20, 1945. On one of his final postcards received at home, Pastor Heppe wrote, “How I hope and pray that we may

be reunited with you all at Christmas- ‘Fear NotOnly Believe’ Mark 5: 36).” When Erika was not quite sixteen years of age, she left home and started college in order to study early childhood education. By then she had become a tall, strikingly attractive young woman, blonde, blue eyed with an infectious enigmatic smile. She discovered, during the ensuing years, that she had not only a gift for working with children, but a gift for languages as well. She eventually learned English as well as French and passed an interpreter’s exam in English/German and a language diploma in French. Enter Dr. Rev. John Alexander Johnston of Ottawa, Canada. From his autobiographical book, Carried by Grace, John writes about his trip to Europe in 1956. Having attended several conferences and concluding his journey with a visit to Geneva, he literally walked into the life of Ekika Heppe, who by this time was secretary in the Department of Information of the Lutheran World Federation. He writes that now “the best of life was beginning”. Erika must have been equally smitten, because she agreed to marry him after just a few months of courtship. Even after he explained that his ministerial calling must have first priority in his life. Erika’s determination never to become a pastor’s wife had dissipated. Asked years later about this change of heart, she replied, What could I do? I was in love! Erika, now using the Latin counterpart of her name, Heather, married John Alexander Johnston February 20th, 1957 in Marburg, Germany. Following the wedding, Heather flew off to Canada with a new husband and a new life in Ottawa where John was director of church extension, leading two newly formed congregations, St. Paul’s and St. Timothy’s. In Gifts and Graces,

Heather is quoted as saying, “I was totally happy and fulfilled.”

the women in West Africa and she channeled her African-found strength into activism.

Three children followed between 1957 and 1964two boys and a girl. When their last child was born, John was called into mission work in Nigeria. As difficult as it must have been for them to accept this calling with such a young family, Heather’s attitude was one of always being open to God’s calling, to new experiences, to new ideas.

She was the first Presbyterian and the first Canadian woman to sit on the World Council of Churches Central Committee. (She disavowed being a feminist, insisting that for her it was a career choice to be a wife and mother.)

Two intense and fulfilling years followed in Nigeria, ending abruptly after a serious car accident during a blinding tropical deluge that almost killed Heather, leaving her unconscious, and leaving John with a badly damaged knee. The children, though tossed about in the car, were uninjured. Following five weeks in Intensive care in a Lagos hospital, and surgery to deal with a damaged spleen, Heather recovered sufficiently to return with John and the children back to Canada. Not long after, John accepted the calling for the MacNab Street Presbyterian Church in Hamilton. A position that he maintained for 27 years until his eventual retirement. So did our Heather Erika Heppe Johnston lose her strong, independent minded ways during her marriage to John Alexander Johnston? Her oldest son, our pastor, Andrew, would smile broadly at the absurdity of such a suggestion.

She was the first lay president for the Canadian Council of Churches in 1979. She chaired the dialogue for the Canadian Christian Jewish Consultation for several years. In 1980 she was part of an international team to observe elections in Guyana. In 1984, Knox College, Toronto, conferred on her the degree of Doctor of Divinity, honoris causa, the first woman and the first lay person so honored. The list goes on… Gwyneth J. Whilsmith, in Gifts and Graces writes, Heather Johnston has received many honours. In addition to her doctorate, she has been awarded the Order of Ontario, the Volunteer Service Award, and Hamilton’s Woman of the year award. She is also listed in Canada’s Who’s Who. “My family keeps me grounded,” she laughs, and admits they treat her as nobody special. Her longtime friends define her as thoroughly loyal and kind, with a profound interest in everyone she meets. Heather is now 84 years of age, widowed for five years and facing the challenges that this time of life brings. Old age is not for the faint of heart and with that she would concur. But her indomitable spirit is alive and well. And I think she would agree with the words of Dietrich Bonhoeffer when he wrote,

Heather Erika H J with son Andrew Thanksgiving Weekend October 2014

God used Heather’s natural inclinations, her perceptiveness, her positive attitudes, her steadfast faith in God, her innate kindness and yes, even her forthrightness to enlarge, enrich and challenge a multitude of organizations. Heather had been greatly influenced and strengthened by

Silence in the face of evil is evil itself: God will not hold us guiltless. Not to speak is to speak. Not to act is to act. And speak and act she did… Editor

One Year After Typhoon Haiyan Typhoon Haiyan struck the Philippines on November 8, 2013 – nearly one year ago – wiping out entire communities and devastating families. It directly affected over 16 million people and caused more than 6,300 deaths. Millions lost their homes and were displaced. The day the storm hit, Evelinda Somo-Oc was visiting her family. She lived through the experience of the typhoon with them, but returned home to find that her house was gone. “The house was completely washed out. I was not afraid for myself, only for my kids,” she says. Evelinda then shares, with tears, that she also lost her youngest child, a two-year-old son, as well as her husband’s parents and grandmother. Evelinda and her family currently live in a makeshift shelter along the seashore, but just found out they will soon be moving into a safe, typhoon-resistant shelter. “I am already excited about the new house. And I will love to plan my new garden!”

Felipe Gaucus is helping reconstruct homes in his community—for his own family and families like Evelinda’s. “We feel safe here because the flood cannot reach us when it comes. I’m content. The work helps me to forget, because I am focused. It keeps me from thinking about what I lost. It feels good to participate and strengthen the community, to build for my family.” Growing Businesses, Growing Communities

Pedicab drivers receive their new vehicles

Almost six million people lost their livelihoods when Typhoon Haiyan hit. Fisherfolk lost boats and nets, farmers lost planted crops and seeds, and many who ran small businesses lost all their goods. Their sole source of income no longer existed. Some made their living by driving pedicabs- or cycle rickshaws. In September, nine families received new pedicabs through a PWS&D supported program, allowing them to restart their small businesses and provide for their families once again.

“We are Not Only Building Houses, We are Building Communities.”

One driver says, “We have also formed our own association of pedicab drivers, which will allow us to help and support one another. We are recognized in our community, setting a good example for how to strengthen the community as we move forward.”

Presbyterian World Service & Development is helping support the construction and rebuilding of 2,700 houses for families whose homes were lost or damaged by Typhoon Haiyan.

Business owners impacted by the typhoon received small amounts of capital in order to reopen stores they ran from their houses- ensuring their families and communities will thrive again.

Evelinda Somo-Oc and her family now live in a temporary shelter by the sea shore. Soon they can relocate to a safe home.

Through the generous support of Presbyterians across the country, $852,151 was donated in response to Typhoon Haiyan. PWSD News

WCC condemns attack on worshippers at Jerusalem synagogue 18 November 2014 The World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary Rev. Dr Olav Fykse Tveit has expressed concern and sadness over the attack on a synagogue in west Jerusalem on Tuesday 18 November. The incident has resulted in the killing of four Jewish worshippers, and the injury of others. “There is a particular horror in any such attack which takes place at a place of worship. I condemn this violence unequivocally, as I do all violence between the peoples and communities of this region which has seen so much bloodshed in the name of religion. Violence, collective punishments and communal attacks can only further damage the prospects of peace and justice for all,” said Tveit in his statement issued from the WCC headquarters in Geneva on 18 November. “I am therefore also deeply concerned about the heightened tensions, some of an explicitly religious nature, which are being experienced in Jerusalem during the current time - and the risk that such tensions may spill over into further acts of violence or incitement,” Tveit added. He said that it is important that all responsible authorities - including civil, religious and law enforcement - take proactive steps to prevent any reprisals by extremist groups. “The tensions and tragedies of this city, holy to Jews, Christians and Muslims, are a reminder both of the need for all parties to continue to work intensively for a just peace in Israel and Palestine, and of the vital place that Jerusalem itself plays in that longed for peace,” Tveit said. “There has been too much prevarication, postponement and obstruction: all parties and powers need to work proactively to find a solution

which will meet the demands of justice and the hopes of all people of good faith,” he stressed. “The frustration over the failing peace processes, as well as the increasing settlements and continued occupation, will require new initiatives that can overcome the obstacles to peace and build trust in a common future,” Tveit concluded.

KAIROS Canada faithful action for justice

Mission statement KAIROS…Canadian churches working together for justice and peace KAIROS…Faithful action for justice and peace In a time such as ours… KAIROS unites Canadian churches and religious organizations in a faithful ecumenical response to the call to “do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God” (Micah 6:8). Informed by biblical teaching, KAIROS deliberates on issues of common concern, striving to be a prophetic voice in the public sphere. Inspired by a vision of God’s compassionate justice, KAIROS advocates for social change, amplifying and strengthening the public witness of its members. Responding to Christ by engaging in social transformation, KAIROS empowers the people of God and is empowered by them to live out our faith in action for justice and peace, joining with those of goodwill in Canada and around the world.

For further information, or possible involvement with this organization, follow this link:

http://www.kairoscanada.org

Church Family Photo Album New Church Members for St. Andrew’s October 18, 2014

Left to Right: Bea J, Dennis T, Anne T, John M, Audrey M, Ada M, Marie W, Fran R, Helen L, Mendal M, Helen M (not present)

St. Andrew’s Choir led by John H November 30, 2014

Unexpected Grace: A Story of Reconciliation

After the Muslims had finished their prayers, the young man who had invited the Jewish men to prayers came back, shook hands with them, and sat down to chat. They were smiling and laughing. I learned later that one of the Jewish men had been born in Israel, but had come to Canada at an early age because both his parents had been killed in conflict. Muslim radicals had killed them. I also discovered that the Muslim man who was chatting with them had been a Muslim radical earlier in his life. Here they were, able to move beyond their past history and experience reconciliation.

The Rev. Tom Brownlee

Experiencing God’s grace can be unexpected. I was recently invited to be present at the Muslim “Festival of the Sacrifice” – Eid al-Adha. There were about fifty people in attendance, Muslims and guests. The story of the festival was explained and we feasted well! I was at a table reserved for guests. Two Muslims sat with us to serve as hosts and to answer any questions guests might have. When we finished eating, various people were thanked for what they had contributed to the meal. More speeches followed. Afterwards, preparations were made for afternoon prayers. One of the men who had sat at our table went over to two other men seated at another table and specifically invited them to come to the prayers. They thanked him and good-naturedly and declined the offer. The man who had invited them said with a smile: “We’ll convert you yet.” One of the men replied jovially: “No, we’ll convert you.” I went over and asked one of the men invited to the Muslim prayers: “What religion are you?” He replied: “Jewish.” While the Muslims engaged in their prayers, led by the Imam, the Jewish men also prayed in their own way. As a Christian, I spent the time reflecting on scripture passages.

What made this experience in reconciliation surprising for me is that it took place in prison. The event itself took place in the prison chapel with a number of Christians present. This particular prison required that ten prisoners attend in order to organize an event. There are fewer than ten Jewish men in this prison, potentially making it difficult for them organize one of their festivals. The astonishing part of this story is that the Muslim group always sign up enough of its members for the Jewish events to proceed. In return, the Jewish prisoners are invited to the Muslim events. This experience was extraordinary and speaks to me of God’s grace at work in the most amazing and unexpected way. —The Rev. Tom Brownlee is a retired Presbyterian chaplain of the Calgary Correctional and Remand Centres. Previously, he coordinated the M2 Prison Visitation program at Bowden Institution. Lord, Make me an instrument of Your Peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow love. St. Francis of Assisi

The Homelessness Radio Marathon is an annual and national radio event which broadcasts live from the streets all night, coast to coast to coast, raising awareness of homelessness in Canadian communities.

Street Bytes presents The Poet of Churchill Square

Kevan Lyons

2015 marks the second year that the Marathon moves from its original host, CKUT 90.3fm in Montreal. Last year the Marathon was hosted by CJSR 88.5fm in Edmonton.

“poetry is the voice of the soul/ Spoken by the soul/ And the rhythm of the words/ Breathe life.”

From “ CJSR 88.5fm News” in Edmonton, “ Thank you to our fellow stations, community collaborators, story-tellers and listeners! The 2014 National Homelessness Radio Marathon was a great success!

[email protected] or 613 533 2121.

The broadcast this year in Kingston at St. Andrew’s will include open microphone portions, panel and interviews, live music, themed segments, and more. This year’s Marathon will start at Martha’s Table at 4pm EST and move outside to St. Andrew’s Church around 8pm. We will broadcast for the night in solidarity with people experiencing homelessness in our community and across Canada. A number of logistical details have yet to be confirmed, but we are certainly seeking attendees and volunteers for support with this activity!

Kevan Lyans is more of a storyteller than a poet, but above all, he wears his heart on his sleeve, documenting the experiences of inner city Edmonton from his “office”- a street bench in Churchill Square. Homeless for 15 months in Edmonton, Kevan used poetry to get off the streets, and to heal his soul.

For more information about the Marathon or volunteering, contact Brenna Owen at

……………………………………………………………………….. Answers to “How Smart Are You?”

1(b), 2(c), 3(a), 4(b), 5(c)

Church Family Photo Album 3

Amateur Sleuths looking for Billy Bishop's signature Evelyn Leach, Decorating on Back ofCo-ordinator Pew

WMS tea following their November meeting

An Album of Prayerful Meditations… For all who knew the shelter of The Fold its warmth and safety and the Shepherd’s care, and bolted; choosing instead to fare out in the cold, the night; revolted by guardianship, by Light; lured by the unknown; eager to be out and on their own; freed to water where they may, feed where they can, live as they will: till they are cured, let them be cold, ill; let them know terror; feed them with thistle, weed and thorn; who chose the company of wolves, let them taste the companionship wolves give to helpless strays; but, oh let them livewiser though torn! And wherever however far away they roam, follow and watch and keep Your stupid, wayward, stubborn, sheep, and someday bring them Home! Ruth Bell Graham

Isn’t it odd That a being like God Who sees the façade Still loves the clod He made out of sod? Now isn’t that odd? Unknown ____________________ I do need thee. Lord, I need Thee now. I know that I can do without many of the things that once I thought were necessities, but without Thee I cannot live, and dare not die. I needed Thee when sorrow came, when shadows were thrown across the threshold of my life, and thou didst not fail me then. I needed Thee when sickness laid a clammy hand upon my family, and I cried to Thee, and Thou didst hear. I needed Thee when perplexity brought me to a parting of the ways, and I knew not how to turn. Thou didst indicate the better way. And though the sun is shining around me today, I know that I need Thee even in the sunshine, and shall still need Thee tomorrow. I give Thee my gratitude for that constant sense of need that keeps my hand in Thine and my ears open to the wisdom of Thy voice. Speak to me, that I may hear Thee giving me courage for hard times and strength for difficult places; giving me determination for challenging tasks. I ask of Thee no easy way, but just Thy grace that is sufficient for every need, so that no matter how hard the way, how challenging the hour, how dark the sky, I may be enabled to overcome. Peter Marshall

You are great, Lord, and greatly to be praised. Great is your power, and of your wisdom there is no end. And man, who is part of what You have created, desires to praise you. Yes, even though he carries his mortality wherever he goes, as the proof of his sin and testimony of your justice, man desires to praise You. For You have stirred up his heart so that he takes pleasure in praising You. You have created us for Yourself, and our hearts are restless until they rest in You. Augustine of Hippo

Lord, when I think that my heart is overflowing with love and realize in a moment’s honesty that it is only myself that I love in the loved one, Deliver me from myself. Lord, when I think that I have given all that I have to give and realized in a moment’s honesty that it is I who am the recipient, Deliver me from myself. Lord, when I have convinced myself that I am poor and realized in a moment’s honesty that I am rich in pride and envy, Deliver me from myself. And, Lord, when the Kingdom of Heaven merges deceptively with the kingdoms of this world, Let nothing satisfy me but God. Mother Teresa

HISTORY OF

Radio Bible Class and Our Daily Bread RBC FOUNDER M. R. DeHaan was a physician who later in life became a pastor- well known for his gravelly voice and impassioned Bible teaching. His commitment to ministry was to lead people of all nations to personal faith and maturity in Christ. So in 1938, from a small radio station in eastern Michigan, Detroit Bible Class was born. Suddenly the spiritual doctor was making house calls to hundreds of thousands of Scripturehungry listeners. Even though he was an unlikely radio personality- with a rough, authoritative voice- the program worked to great effect. And DeHaan’s heavily underlined reflections on the Scripture quickly became a source of Biblical wisdom for many. In response to his teaching, listeners asked for transcripts of the broadcast for use as study materials. These resources, soon in great demand, were the precursors of today’s widely distributed Discovery Series booklets. From this spiritual foundation, the Grand Rapids, Michigan-based ministry continues to build upon the

foundation of Dr. DeHaan’s vision and work. RBC ministries now offers teaching resources to millions worldwide. While Dr. DeHaan began this ministry in the basement as a family operation, today the Lord has brought together a staff of over 600 people who distribute resources to over 150 countries. The ministry has offices in 34 countries plus partners throughout the world who distribute RBC resources. Our signature publication, the daily devotional called Our Daily Bread, is translated into over 40 languages. RBC ministries changed its name from Radio Bible Class in 1994 to reflect the growth of services and resources we offer to friends worldwide. RBC LEADERSHIP: Faithful to our purpose for more than 60 years, RBC continues to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ to people of all nations, helping them grow in Christlikeness and in the knowledge of God’s word. Rick DeHaan, grandson of M. R. Dehaan, currently leads the ministry. Through growth and many changes, RBC continues its commitment to Dr. DeHaan’s founding principles.

Dr. DeHaan was a leader who is remembered as a real man of God who loved the Lord and loved teaching His Word. Richard DeHaan, often called “the encourager”, was committed to faithfulness to God’s Word and to integrity as a ministry. His favorite expression was “Trust in God and do right”. Current Content Director Mart DeHaan is known for his kindness, his concern for doctrinal accuracy, and communicating the Word of God in a way that’s clear and to the point. Taken from Our Daily Bread®, © 2014 by RBC Ministries, Grand Rapids, MI. Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.

“those who wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength, They shall mount up with wings as eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint.” St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, 130 Clergy Street East, Kingston, Ontario, K7K 353, (Tel. 613-546-6316: Fax: 613-546-8844) e-mail [email protected]. Minister/Consultant: Andrew Johnston. Editor/Production: Ada M [email protected]