St. Andrew’s Presbyterian ChurchNiagara-on-the-Lake

The HeraldAugust 2010

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By Rev. Barb McGale

Ask Barb.........................2Upcoming.......................3Sunday school will misstheir special gifts............5Visitation and visioning...6Healing..........................6Congregational picnic.....7 Presbyterians in action...9Fall drive for Newark.....10Thomas........................10Women’s Fellowship.....11Give thanks..................12‘Pied’ pipers..................13Church refurbishment...14Strawberry Festival......15In the news..................17Merriment at the manse................18Alpha and marriagecourses.........................19Family album...............20

I had my first taste of the Strawberry Festival this year.Although I was at the event for a short time last sum-mer, it was hard to observe much through the pouringrain. What I witnessed this year was nothing short ofamazing.

saw Paul’s image of the “body ofChrist” in action. Everyone was sobusy, there was so much to do, andyet the event ran like a well-oiledmachine. I congratulate those ofyou who worked at this year’s festi-val. At a time filled with stress and

I saw a group of people working to-gether as a team. No one booth orroom was more important than an-other. I saw people pitching inwhere needed, offering a handwhen they could, sharing a smilewhen they were run off their feet. I

From left, the team of Lois Kurtz, David Parker, Elisabeth MacIntyre, BonnieRetzik and Jodie Godwin ‘rocked” in the pies section.

Well, Michelle, that may be one ofthe easiest questions I have to an-swer in this column. There is nodoubt in my mind that myfavourite books of the Bible are Isa-iah and John.

IsaiahIsaiah covers the gamut of God’sinteraction with His people. Wefind the most amazing descriptionof God’s majesty in Isaiah 6. It givesme chills to read it. We are re-minded of the need for obediencebecause God is so much greaterthan the humans He created. Thebook of Isaiah brought a word ofwarning to a disobedient people asGod sought to bring them backinto relationship with Him. Whenthat warning fell on deaf ears, the

nation of Judah was destroyed, re-minding us that there are conse-quences to our decisions. Andfinally, a word of comfort wasbrought to a people in despair. Al-though their problems were oftheir own making, the people ofJudah were reminded of God’s infi-nite love and His willingness to for-give when people repent. I oftenhear those words echoing in myown life and my own walk with theLord.

JohnI have a fondness for John becauseit seems to me to be the theologi-cal explanation of the SynopticGospels (Matthew, Mark, andLuke). In the Synoptics we tend toread accounts of Jesus’ words and

Ask BarbBy Rev. Barb McGale

(cont’d)

actions. John provides the explana-tion. In John 20:30-31, we find thereason the book was written: “Thatyou may believe that Jesus is theChrist, the Son of God, and that bybelieving you may have life in hisname.” That seems like the logicalplace to end. However, God oftenacts in surprising ways and thisbook is no exception for at the endwe find the reinstatement of Peter.Although he denied Jesus threetimes, Peter was forgiven and notonly reinstated as a disciple, butgiven a mission for the Lord. Justlike in Isaiah, we see the grace ofGod. When we repent, we are for-given, restored, and allowed toserve our Lord.

God is too awesome for words!

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the need to perform, what wasmost obvious to me was the love ofChrist. I saw it everywhere I went.Maybe you felt like pulling out yourhair or speaking curtly to a difficultcustomer, but instead, you offereda smile and good wishes for theday.

I know the festival is an importantfundraiser for the congregationand we have come to depend onthe income. However, it seems tome that this event is also an impor-tant fun-raiser for St. Andrew’s andI am thankful to have been in-volved. Truly this was something tobehold.

Barb and Sammy Parker ‘warmed up’ serving drinks at the Strawberry Festi-val. Barb helped out in a number of sections during the day.

Which books in the Bible (one from the Old Testament and one from the New Testa-ment) are your favourites and why? ...Michelle Machazire

Sunday, Sept. 5Presbyterians Sharing SundayWeekly worship service begins at11 a.m.

Tuesday, Sept. 7Session meeting7 p.m., Kirk Hall

Wednesday, Sept. 8Monthly Women’s Fellowshipmeetings resume1 p.m., Kirk Hall

Thursday, Sept. 9Weekly choir practice resumes Church, 7 p.m.Sunday school teachers meeting7 p.m., Kirk Hall

Saturday, Sept. 11Newark Neighbours collection10 a.m. – noon, Kirk Hall

Sunday, Sept. 12Weekly Sunday bible studies re-sume under the direction of Dr.Gerzinus Hoekstra9:30 a.m., Kirk HallRally SundaySunday school resumesBBQ After church, Kirk Hall or grounds(weather permitting)Hamburgers and hotdogs suppliedby Sunday schoolNewark Neighbours collectionAfter church, Kirk Hall

Tuesday, Sept. 14Monthly Tri-M meetings resume(Second Tuesday of the month)7:00 p.m. for 7:30 p.m.Guest speaker: David Eke, a mem-ber of the congregation and a can-didate for mayor in the upcomingmunicipal election.

Wednesday, Sept. 22Bible Study1:30 p.m., Kirk Hall

Sunday, Sept. 26Bible study9:30 a.m., Kirk Hall

Wednesday, Sept. 29Bible study1:30 p.m., Kirk Hall

Sunday, Oct. 3World Communion SundayBible study9:30, Kirk Hall

Wednesday, Oct. 6Bible study1:30 p.m., Kirk Hall

Saturday, Oct. 9Decorating church windows forThanksgiving10 a.m. to noon, church

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Wednesday, Sept. 15Wednesday afternoon Bible stud-ies resume under the direction ofRev. Barb McGaleEvery week, except secondWednesday of the month1:30 p.m., Kirk Hall

Sunday, Sept. 19Anniversary SundaySunday bible study9:30 a.m., Kirk Hall

Tuesday, Sept. 21Monthly Board of Manager’smeetings resume(Third Tuesday of the month)7 p.m., Kirk Hall

Sunday, Oct. 10Thanksgiving SundayBible study9:30 a.m., Kirk Hall

Tuesday, Oct. 12Tri-M meeting7:00 for 7:30 p.m., Kirk Hall

Wednesday, Oct. 13Women’s Fellowship1 p.m., Kirk hall

Saturday, Oct. 16Visioning DayTime to be announced, Kirk Hall

Sunday, Oct. 17Bible study9:30 a.m., Kirk Hall

Tuesday, Oct. 19Board of Managers meeting7 p.m., Kirk Hall

Wednesday, Oct. 20Bible study1:30 p.m., Kirk Hall

Sunday, Oct. 24Bible study9:30 a.m ., Kirk Hall

Wednesday, Oct. 27Bible Study1:30 p.m., Kirk Hall

Sunday, Oct. 31Reformation SundayBible study9:30 a.m., Kirk Hall

Tuesday, Nov. 2Session meeting7 p.m., Kirk Hall

Wednesday, Nov. 3Bible Study1:30 p.m., Kirk Hall

Sunday, Nov. 7Bible study9:30 a.m., Kirk HallRemembrance Day serviceThe Herald deadline

Tuesday, Nov. 9Tri-M meeting7 p.m. for 7:30 p.m.

Wednesday, Nov. 10Women’s Fellowship1 p.m., Kirk Hall

Thursday, Nov. 11Remembrance Day

Sunday, Nov. 14Bible Study9:30 a.m., Kirk Hall

Tuesday, Nov. 16Board of Managers meeting7 p.m., Kirk Hall

Wednesday, Nov. 17Bible Study1:30 p.m., Kirk Hall

Sunday, Nov. 21Christ the King SundayBible Study 9:30 a.m., Kirk Hall

Wednesday, Nov. 24Bible study1:30 p.m., Kirk Hall

Sunday, Nov. 28First Sunday of AdventBible Study9:30 a.m., Kirk Hall

Tuesday, Nov. 30Joint Board/Session meeting7 p.m., Kirk Hall

Saturday, Dec. 4Festive Fare9 a.m. – noon, Kirk Hall

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As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another, as goodstewards of the manifold grace of God. Whoever speaks, let him speak, as it were, theutterances of God; whoever serves, let him do so as by the strength which God sup-plies; so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belongsthe glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. …Peter 4:10-11

three years. She brought with herextraordinary skills as an earlychildhood educator. She is seekingemployment in Toronto this Sep-tember and we wish her the best asshe advances in her career.

New volunteers?We are looking forward to welcom-ing new volunteers for the Sundayschool, or the nursery. Please con-sider using your special gifts inthese areas. If you think you mightbe interested, we invite you to at-tend our first Sunday school teach-ers meeting on Thursday, Sept. 9,at 7 p.m. in the Kirk Hall. For fur-ther information, contact JulieHunter at 905-468-5233, or myselfat 905-468-4780.

By Lynn Lingard

We at St. Andrew’s are saddened tosay goodbye to several of our Sun-day school teachers who haveguided our youth for many years.We thank God for their service, butthey will be sorely missed.

Kathleen Tunmer has resigned asour Sunday School Superintendentafter three years of dedicated serv-ice. Before becoming the superin-tendent, she taught theprimary-aged children for morethan 10 years. We will certainlymiss her guidance, organizationalskills and her wonderful lunches!

Michelle Machazire has taught inthe Sunday school for the last threeyears. She was a kindergarten

teacher in Alabama and broughtwith her an incredible ability to re-late to her students. She is nowconcentrating her efforts on get-ting into the teaching field in On-tario, and we wish her all the best.

Matthew Lingard has been teach-ing Sunday school at St. Andrew’ssince he was in grade 12, six yearsago. He taught our grades 7, 8 and9. After finishing his ConcurrentEducation degree at Brock, he isnow off to the University ofToronto to do a Master’s of Theol-ogy. Thank you Matthew for youramazing commitment.

Claudia Dettenmeir has been withthe Sunday school for the past

This year’s recipients of theMargaret Hunter Award forperfect Sunday school atten-dance were Leah and SamParker. The recipients for 75percent attendance wereNicole, Alex and RachelAitken, as well as Dinah,Daphne and Nico vanEgmond. Doug Hunter, pre-sented the awards. At right,Kathleen Tunmer, retiringSunday School superinten-dent.

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The Session will be returning to itsregular meetings on Sept. 7, andwe are looking forward to a busyfall at St. Andrew’s. The “EveryHome Visitation” will take placeand we have planned another vi-sioning day. On Saturday, Oct. 16,Rev. David Lewis will meet in theKirk Hall with our congregation to

facilitate the development of a vi-sion statement for the congrega-tion. We will be covering suchtopics as worship, organization,outreach, leadership, youth, andany other issues you might want todiscuss. Please put this very impor-tant date on your calendar. We area truly blessed community of be-

lievers, so it is our responsibility tofocus on our mission and how itserves its purpose in the commu-nity.

God bless.

Lynn is Clerk of Session.

By Lynn Lingard

Hello everyone! It has been a wonderful summer. I hope yours has been filled withfamily, friends, and relaxation.

I have trouble accepting the obvi-ous interpretations and meaningbehind some of them. My engi-neering training, with the emphasison the practical approach, nodoubt accounts in part for my reli-gious beliefs, but there are aspectsthat concern me at a deeper level.There is too much of the magicwand about some interpretations.A prime example is the recountingof the episode of the loaves andfishes. Did Jesus miraculously pro-duce enough food for the multi-tude from nothing more than asmall boy’s rations? I believe thatChrist, through the generous act ofthe boy, opened the hearts and thebaskets of many people in thecrowd to share their own food withtheir neighbours—perhaps agreater miracle!

The miracles of healing, evenrestoring life, are more of a mys-tery, not easily explained. Jesus’

words “your faith has made youwhole” lie at the foundation of un-derstanding these miracles. Theseare very profound questions be-yond my poor understanding.

I have reflected on these questionssince my hip operation in April—hardly life threatening comparedto medical problems others in thecongregation have faced. The op-eration went well, thanks to theGod-given skills of the surgeon andnursing staff at Greater NiagaraGeneral Hospital, with recovery as-sured by a persistent, demandingphysiotherapist, Lyne, and the helpof the Community Care AccessCentre.

The response from my church, thegift of a plant and personal visitand prayer from Debbie, a visit andpersonal prayer from Barb McGale,get well greetings for me and Bar-bara from the Women’s Fellowship

and the sense of support fromfriends in the congregation all con-tributed to my healing. For this Iam grateful and say thank you withall my heart.

By Jack Challis

The matter of miracles and healing leave many questions in my mind.

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(cont’d on page 8)

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Congregational picnic (cont’d)

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By Ian Ness

We are in this together for we are God’s servants working together.

otherwise would be living withouthope.

These are but two examples ofPresbyterians Sharing in action.

We are pledged to give $20,000 toPresbyterians Sharing for this yearand to the end of July, we have re-mitted to Toronto the sum of$10,443. At the present rate of do-nations, St. Andrew’s will not reachits target. Ouch!

Session in prior years has alwayscovered any shortfall in our col-lections to ensure we remittedour pledged figure. The short-fall in 2009 was $771. Let usnot have to follow that routefor 2010 and future years.

That is our challenge, whichwe are privileged to meet as

Presbyterians Sharing. Let usrise to the occasion, St. An-

drew’s, in keeping with our richhistory of reaching out to others.

After all, it is who we are and whatwe do!

Church. This ministry reaches outto children, youth and families inneed in Hamilton’s downtowncore. Its Discovery Club offers chil-dren between the ages of six and13 a wide variety of new experi-ences, including singing, cooking,drama, crafts, carpentry and exposure to guest speakers. Im-portantly,it is a

safeplacewhere children can feel they arepart of a community, share a mealtogether (for some it may be theironly meal of the day) and findsomeone who will listen to them.This vital ministry provides hopefor a better future to those who

Part of Denise Van Wissen’s work in-volves educating mothers forhealthy pregnancies and babies.

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As Presbyterians, we are privi-leged to share in a very widerange of ministries from sendingmission personnel to work withinternational partners to sup-porting new church developmentand inner city, native, refugee,remote and chaplaincy ministriesright here in Canada. The scopetakes my breath away!

International –Guatemala

Our gifts to Presbyterians Shar-ing support Denise Van Wissen,a nutritionist working with theFraternidad de PresbiterialsMayas in Guatemala. Deniseoffers basic nutrition educa-tion workshops to women’sgroups and works with a groupof nutrition promoters to fur-ther education efforts in healthand nutrition. Denise deeply ap-preciates the richness ofGuatemalan culture and givesthanks to God for the privilege ofworking with and serving theMayan women.

Canada – Inner city,HamiltonOur gifts also support the Hamil-ton Inner City Outreach Ministryat St. David’s Presbyterian

We have been doing this for a num-ber of years now and St. Andrew’sis Newark’s main source for toi-letries, which Brenda and herhelpers really appreciate. Dried orcanned foods are acceptable too.

Our church has been most gener-ous in the past and I trust this willcontinue.

By Don Laird

It is time to think about our fall collection for Newark Neighbours.

Unfortunately, I will be away lead-ing up to Thanksgiving, so I wouldlike to do the collection on Satur-day, Sept. 11, between 10 a.m. andnoon and before and after the serv-ice on Sunday, Sept. 12 in the church hall.

Newark Neighbours is a registeredcharity and can give tax receipts.

By Margaret McQueen

Searching the streets of JerusalemAll his favourite ways,John’s house, Mary’s house, Matthew’s houseHe knew in happier days.

Sick and in need of careBalm for his hands and head,Away from the angry crowdFrom those who would see him dead.

Take him away from painWhere desert flowers bloom,But only an empty echoOnly a fear-filled room.

There Thomas found his saviourAnd proclaimed in accent broad,A testament for a doubting world“My Lord and my God.”

Margaret writes further, “In the April issue of the Presbyterian Record, there is an intriguing article, written by Dr.Laurence De Wolfe, suggesting why Thomas was not with the other disciples behind locked doors. His theory is thatThomas was out looking for Jesus on Jerusalem’s streets. Doesn’t that catch the imagination? It would seem veryplausible to me. Wherever Thomas was, we acknowledge he identified Jesus in the assuring words, “My Lord andmy God!” Doubting Thomas gave to a doubting world the affirmation it seeks.”

Some people might find it moreconvenient to put a few dollars inan envelope. Receipts are issuedfor $10 and more. All donationswill be gratefully received.

Thank you and God bless.

The oil painting “Doubting Thomas” by Italian artistMichelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio (1573-1610).

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We really appreciated members ofthe congregation helping us thissummer with refreshments afterchurch. It has given us a shortbreak while continuing the fellow-ship time after church. A big thankyou to all who helped. It really iseasy isn’t it?

Last June for our final meeting wewent to the Queen Charlotte TeaRoom in Niagara Falls for high tea.It was a lovely and delicious end tothe year.

We are now gearing up for morelunches for visiting groups and ofcourse for The Festive Fare on Sat-urday, Dec. 4, from 9 a.m. to noonin the Kirk Hall. We hope to havelots of baking and treasures to sellas well as jam and flowers. Watchfor more information on this later.

Once again, thanks to everyonewho helped us through the sum-mer.

Barb is the President of Women’sFellowship.

By Barb Nattress

The Women’s Fellowship has enjoyed a summer respite and is ready to begin a freshstart in September. Our first meeting will be Sept. 8 at 1 p.m. in the Kirk Hall. Allwomen are welcome to attend.

Enjoying the Tea Room lastJune 9: top, from left, AnneBittersohl, Shirley Eustaceand Fiona Macleod; centre,from left, Jean Cochrane,Evelyn Nelson and ChristineDyck; bottom, from left,Joyce Dineley, Doris Laver-ick, Nancy Burns and RuthHunter. More photos onpage 12.

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(cont’d)

Among those attending the Junehigh tea, were: above, left, a guest,Betty Ferguson and Helen McLeish;top right, Barb Nattress and BethAlma; and left, Helen Dawson, Bon-nie Tarnowski and a guest.

By Debbie Eke

Thanksgiving will be here soon. What an incredibly beautiful season.

We are once again looking for helpers to decorate the eight church win-dows.

If you would like to volunteer to decorate a window, or have questions orconcerns, please call me at 905-468-7320.

The possibilities for decorating windows are only limited by your imagina-tion. You may choose whatever you wish to decorate with. It’s up to you.We all have so much to be thankful for.

The church will be open on Saturday, Oct. 9, from 10 a.m. to noon for dec-orating.

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Making turkey pies for the Strawberry Festival. Pho-tos clockwise, Bob and Ruth Hunter with Ken Willmsand Robert Cleary on the production line; Ken slicingand dicing; Robert and Fiona (time out for a hug);Fiona with Marsha Scott, working on the final count;and Mary Willms ready to “fill ‘em up”.

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“Our church buildings stand as re-minders of the Lord’s presence inour lives,” said Rev. Barb in the lastnewsletter. As I checked out thescaffolding around the church thisweek, it reminded me of a stairwayto Heaven. Well, maybe not, but I’lltell you that scaffolding is mightyhigh.

According to Ken Willms, the Boardof Managers is pleased with theprogress and workmanship of ourrestoration contractors and ex-pects that the window and steepleprojects will be completed by mid-September.

He said that the building commit-tee will submit an up-to-date re-port of the scope and expenses ofthe project to the Board of Man-agers at the board’s Septembermeeting.

As head of church renovations,Doug Dineley says that the boardwants to begin additional work onthe front of the church (refurbish-ing and restoring its face andcolumns); however, approval willdepend on additional funding andthe success of the fundraising cam-paign ahead.

We ask that you prayerfully con-sider how you can use the gifts Godhas given you (financial and other-wise) to help raise the funds weneed to preserve our church build-ings for the next generation.

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By Marsha Scott

(cont’d on page 16)

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By Marsha Scott

According to MPP Kim Craitor,[Bob] “left us a legacy. He was thedriving force behind this trail—hesaw it as a metaphor for uniting thecommunities of the Old Town andVirgil, and he was right.”

Janice Thomson

In August, St. Andrew’s elder JaniceThomson—who is already execu-tive director of the Niagara-on-the-Lake Chamber of Commerce—wasappointed as the Niagara ParksCommission’s vice chair.

Janice has also chaired the NiagaraFalls Bridge Commission, is a mem-ber of the Committee of Adjust-ment for the Town, treasurer of the

Niagara-on-the-Lake Physician Re-cruitment Committee and is the di-rector and secretary of the NiagaraFoundation.

In a press release, NPC chair FayBooker said “Janice brings a wealthof experience and a great perspec-tive to the Commission, gainedthrough her years of residency inthe Niagara Region, her experiencein the tourism and business com-munities and her governance expe-rience in publicly accountableorganizations. Her skill sets,knowledge, perspectives and com-mitment are ideally suited to NPCand this position specifically.”Janice was unavailable for com-ment at printing time.

It’s been a long time coming, but finally, on July 1, the recreational trail betweenOld Town and Virgil, running parallel to Niagara Stone Road, was opened officially.And honoured on the occasion was the man who turned the vision of the trail intoreality, former town clerk and councillor Bob Howse. Bob passed away two yearsago from cancer, but wife Nancy continues to attend St. Andrew’s, along with fam-ily members.

A plaque, dedicating the recre-ational trail in his name, sits be-tween two benches in front of theNiagara United Mennonite Church.Nancy and family members at-tended the plaque unveiling.

“I feel the trail keeps my dad’smemory alive to me and our fam-ily,” says daughter Lynn vanEgmond. “My dad and whole fam-ily have always tried to be involvedin the community. The trail is a re-minder of that.“

Every time she sees the trail, Lynnsays, she takes pride in the factthat her family keeps that sectionof the trail clean. “We take out ourgarbage bag and pick up any rub-bish.” It’s like adopting a part ofthe highway.

The trail is now used extensively bypedestrians, cyclists androllerbladers. Begun in 2005, con-struction was completed in phases.

“Bob Howse was ahead of mostpoliticians when he talked aboutconnecting the Old Town and Vir-gil,” said Lord Mayor Gary Bur-roughs during the officialdedication. “And he wouldn’t let itgo.”

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Merriment at the manse

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By Marsha Scott

“Many individuals have grown in their faith, and couples have been encouraged andchallenged in their marriages. It is exciting to see people from our congregations,as well as others from the community with little or no church background, being ex-posed to the Niagara-on-the-Lake churches’ collective desire to help them in practi-cal ways. Our prayer is that their marriages would be enriched and that theircuriosity for God would be kindled.”

Alf and Kathy Guenther and Kenand Sally Enns are again preparingto launch the fall session of theAlpha and Marriage courses. Thecourses this year will be held atBethany Mennonite Church, begin-ning Sept. 27 at 6:30 p.m. Thechurch is located at 572 East andWest Line in Niagara-on-the-Lake.

As Geof and I have taken both ofthese courses, we can testify totheir value as stated in the openingparagraph.

The courses, held every Monday(except for Thanksgiving Day Oct.11) begin with a shared meal andfellowship. Then groups break offinto their course of choice.

St. Andrew’s has participated inthis valuable outreach program forseveral years, at times hosting,providing child care and preparingmeals.

Alpha is an opportunity to explorethe meaning of life in a relaxed,friendly setting. The Alpha courseincludes an intriguing video talkand a small group discussion. Formore information, visit www.alphacanada.org.

St. Andrew’sPresbyterian

Church323 Simcoe St.

PO Box 441Niagara-on-the-Lake

L0S 1J0

Regular Office HoursTuesday -Friday mornings

905-468-3363www.standrewsniagara.com

MinisterRev. Barb McGale

barbmcgale@standrewsnia-gara.com

Clerk of SessionLynn Lingard

Organist and ChoirDirector

Dr. Gerzinus HoekstraSecretary

Kathy HunterEditor

Marsha Scott905-468-9371

marshascott@cogeco.ca

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We finally have a beautiful photo of Wendy Fraser and her latest grand-daughter, Isla Elizabeth Fraser. Isla is the daughter of Wendy’s son Kevinand his wife Jen, from Markham. Isla was born last Nov. 21.

Introducing Grace Morgan Llewellyn, born June 8 of this year. She’s thedaughter of Ashley and Christopher Llewellyn of Oakville, is a sister forOwen and a granddaughter for Jim and Pat Caldwell. Grammie claims shecombs Grace’s hair all the time and will attempt a French braid when she’sthree months old. Pat says she looks just like Ashley.