CURRENT EDITION
from the desk of… The Rev. Dr. Michael J. Thompson - Rector
Auburn Seminary, now located at Columbia University in New York City, began its history as an upstate New York seminary preparing candidates for ministry on the frontier. From that era, they have continued their focus on something that members of our Garden Guild would find quite familiar - hardiness. Hardiness in ministry has three elements: Commitment, Challenge, and Oversight. As I reflect on our common life at St. Jude's and on the lives of our members, it occurs to me that hardiness in ministry has as much to do with the ministry of the baptized as with the ministry of the ordained, and addresses our common life as well as our individual lives.
Most of you, especially the gardeners, are familiar with the term, "Hardiness", the capacity to thrive in a particular set of conditions - climate, culture, context and companions. A plant may do well in shade but not in sunlight, in an urban rather than wilderness setting, away from or around humans and other animals and plants.
In the language repertoire of the Christian church, there are a few more words that deserve clear definition:
When, at the end of the Eucharistic celebration, one of the ministers says, "Go in peace to love and serve the Lord", the covenant of our baptism gives form and content to that invitation:
Go, but return regularly to this assembly to grow in your understanding, to be strengthened by the friendship, care, and prayers of your baptized companions in the Body of Christ, and bring with you the bread of your work in the world and the wine of your daily life as offertory, that we may take, bless, break, pour, and share in the feast which Jesus hosts on the first day of the week in this place. Continue in the apostles' teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in the prayers.
Go, remember that power in the world does not always bend towards God's good desire for creation, be steady in saying no to what opposes God's shalom of justice, and remember that you may be caught up in it yourself. Then turn away from what opposes God, as sure of God's homecoming welcome as any prodigal son or daughter. Persevere in resisting evil, and whenever you fall into sin, repent and return to the Lord.
Go, and dare to tell the story of human meaning and divine purpose, made known in Jesus, that contradicts the dominant narrative of "just the way things are" and "merely human" that is so pervasive around us. And don't just "tell" it. Live as if it were the truest story ever. It is. Proclaim by word and example the good news of God in Christ.
Go, and remember that Christ is found in a stable with shepherds, among the blind and the poor, with lepers and sinners and tax collectors, as well as in the homes of the wealthy. Remember that he kneels at the world's feet to serve it, and charges us to do the same. And promises, as the Book of Common Prayer puts it, that such service "is perfect freedom." Seek and serve Christ in all persons, loving your neighbour as yourself.
Go, with some of God's dream in your own bones, live now in the light of a kingdom of peace and justice and human dignity. Remember that Jesus proclaimed not a new religion, but a new creation, and that in our baptism we are made citizens of God's kingdom and creatures of that new creation. Strive for justice and peace among all people, and respect the dignity of every human being.
Our commitment in our common life at St. Jude's is to this work, this mission of God in and for the world. Our overarching purpose is to serve God's mission by preparing, encouraging, and nurturing one another to take up the part of that service for which we are gifted and to which we are called. Ministry in daily life, in workplaces, households and neighbourhoods, in friendships and in response to the needs of strangers - ministry in daily life is the outcome of that commitment.
Our challenge is to develop practices that make the most of the gifts of our members, and that invite others who are looking for God and God's purpose to find in our midst some clarity, courage, and vitality for their own lives. There are things we do not yet know how to do, and it is easier to stick to the things we have mastered already. But nothing in scripture or in the church's story suggests that "business as usual" is any healthier for the church than it is for the world. God's redeeming work is at its heart transformative. The great stories of our faith are stories of journeys and wilderness and hardiness, of how hard it is to stay in the journey when the way ahead is not clear and our capacity is not obvious, of the faithfulness of God as we journey.
The work of oversight calls for a clear-headed and orderly assessment of our current practices to explore how they do and do not contribute to our founding commitment - to foster and nurture our members, and those who come seeking to us, in baptismal living that serves God's mission. It calls, also, for careful reading of our circumstances, and a thoughtful probing of the nature of the spiritual quest in our time and place, of the God-hunger that invites people to wonder if there is food for their souls in our midst.
The practical working out of these practices of hardiness is not an agenda. It is a vocation. I am by my baptism called to this vocation, and by ordination and license, charged with priestly leadership in the community that shares that vocation. But it is our vocation together. Over the coming year, we are proposing that we work in a renewed governance model that will feature collaboration and imagination in developing the ministry of this community in service of God's mission. The vehicle for ministry development in the proposed Council of Ministries is what the Alban Institute calls 'holy conversations', conversations that recognize the interdependence of ministries and intentionally seek out shared approaches to ministry development. For example, Christian Formation has something to do with Stewardship Development, and with Worship and Liturgy, and with Justice and Servant Ministries. Communication and Public Witness are an overarching ministry, not a separate compartment on their own. The Ministry Coordinators will both recruit others to the development of their part of the conversation, and join the conversation by which the overall ministry of St. Jude's responds to the mission and call of God and the faithful responses laid out in the covenant of our baptism.
I am grateful to the Parish Council for their serious engagement both with questions of faith and with practices of governance, and to Drew Bucknall, who brought thoughtful and imaginative proposals to the Parish Council for their reflection and discernment. I am grateful to the Wardens for their continuing support for and critical reflection on the development of ministry at St. Jude's.
I am grateful to the many groups and persons who provide both a foundation for the ministry of this parish and creative initiatives and consistent ministries that are the only possible basis for ministry development. Altar Guild, Servers, Sunday School, choirs and musicians, Garden Guild, young people and youth leaders, Property Committee, Greeters, coffee hour hosts, Sharing in Caring, Newcomers' follow-up, Stewardship leaders, Nursery coordinators, parish lunch hosts, trust fund managers, bartenders and barbeque-ers, volunteer drivers, trust fund managers, readers, communion assistants and intercessors, bell-ringers and bible study leaders, and, of course, the staff of our parish. To Martha, to Julie, Eileen and Paul, to Wendy, Tom and Andrei, many thanks on behalf of us all for the care you take in the ministry entrusted to you.
In the year ahead, the conversations will continue, the mission of God will progress, our ministry in response to that mission will grow, and our baptismal calling will deepen into ministries in daily life. I am confident of those things because of what I know to be true of this community, of its members and of its leaders. And we may be confident because of the faithfulness of God, made known to us in the witness of our ancestors in scripture and in the church's continuing story, in the compassion, courage, and love of Jesus, and even now breaking like dawn in our midst.
Yours gladly in the baptismal ministry we share.
FROM THE CURATE
The Reverend Martha Tatarnic
Kurt Vonnegut writes in A Man Without a Country,
"When a couple has an argument nowadays, they may think it's about money or power or sex or how to raise the kids or whatever. What they're really saying to each other, though without realizing it, is this: "You are not enough people!" A husband, a wife and some kids is not a family. It's a terribly vulnerable survival unit. I met a man in Nigeria one time, an Ibo who had six hundred relatives he knew quite well. His wife had just had a baby, the best possible news in any extended family. They were going to take it to meet all its relatives, Ibos of all ages and sizes and shapes. It would even meet other babies, cousins not much older than it was. Everybody who was big enough and steady enough was going to get to hold it, cuddle it, gurgle to it, and say how pretty or how handsome it was. Wouldn't you have loved to be that baby?"
As I continue to engage in the baptism preparation process at St. Jude's, and as our Parents' Groups gather on a month-to-month basis for conversation and fellowship, I am struck by how our new generation of young adults and new parents are needing to negotiate community. How the broad and extensive relationships that bind us to one another in the way that Vonnegut describes are not a given for most individuals in North America, how if a family unit wishes to be part of a community, the accomplishment of such a goal involves a careful and thoughtful management of priorities, the 'joining' of clubs or programs, often a willingness and flexibility to travel to be with extended family, not to mention a willingness to travel as a commuter on a daily basis into work so that communities can be chosen that are safe and somewhat affordable.
And I am struck too, as my husband and I prepare to welcome the first addition to our own family, that in fact, the relational structure that Vonnegut describes is not just something that happens in other parts of the world to people different than ourselves. It could also be a very apt description of how we might imagine ourselves as the Body of Christ, a complicated, diverse, noisy and warm web of relationships going in many different directions at once, often barely aware how we could have gotten stuck with such a lot of people so different from ourselves, and yet once again bonded together by those common joys and hopes of life, like passing around a gurgling, fussing, soft-skinned new baby.
In fact, the reason why I open this newsletter piece with that quote is because in the past two months since I was able to share my pregnancy news with the parish, I have had it circle through my mind on a regular basis. As I was surrounded with the overwhelming reality that so many people were so excited about this thing that I was so excited about. As I have heard from this community so much joyful anticipation for this arrival.
And I keep thinking of the Ibos and the unbelievably lucky baby who was at the centre of a great swarm of love and delight.
It is as the Body of Christ, as we have the privilege of being the Body of Christ in our own community of St. Jude's, that we share in and nurture the possibility that we can do something rather extraordinarily counter-cultural here. We can be more than a terribly vulnerable survival unit. We can be more than a survival unit, we can extend our hands toward one another, in joy and in sorrow, and we too can know ourselves bound to one another. We can do so in ways that are distinctly Christian as well as fundamentally human. And we do.
In our commitment to pray for one another, in worship, in small groups, individually. To pray with thanksgiving for the gifts of joy and goodness we see in our midst. To pray with hope and compassion for those who are in places of sorrow, sickness, need.
In our acts of hospitality, keeping our eyes open for the stranger in our midst. In all of the comments that I have heard from newcomers and baptismal families who have felt themselves warmly and thoughtfully received into our community.
In our willingness to participate in acts of outreach and service, in this community and in our broader communities. In our experience of that broader community in last March's Mission Trip to Cuba, not just for those who actually went, but for all of those who supported our going and were interested in our stories and experiences upon our return.
In our networks of care for one another in our community, especially those most vulnerable. In the structures like Sharing in Caring and parish visiting which keep the lines of communication and friendship open with those who are unable to be at Sunday worship, as well as all of the informal structures of concern and thoughtfulness that keep us together as a community.
In our education, our small group gatherings, our living and vital conversations with one another. In our commitment to being in these conversations with people who hold different views and come from different backgrounds than our own.
In our worship, in our gathering of the various generations for song and silence, for prayer and reflection and stories. In our gathering at God's table to be reminded of who we are. In our receiving of God's food and nourishment and the calling, "The Body of Christ."
We have so much to celebrate as we approach our annual year-end Vestry meeting to review the practices of our community and look forward to our ongoing ministry with one another. And so much to anticipate as we move into a new year, as new gifts and creative ideas will emerge as to how we can continue to be the Body of Christ in ways that shape us with courage, strength, hope and compassion.
Shape us to be more than just a survival unit in a potentially isolating world.
Warden's Report 2006
"Glory to God, whose power working in us can do infinitely more than we can ask or imagine." These words of praise embody the joy and vitality that continues to grow at St. Jude's under Michael and Martha's leadership as we journey together to carry out God's mission in the world through our Baptismal Covenant.
2006 saw additions to the worship team at St. Jude's as well as the increasing involvement of parishioners in the many, many activities that occur at St. Jude's each week
At the beginning of the year Bill Checkley joined us for a three month period. Bill is a divinity student at Trinity College.
As we began 2006, we were still in the midst of a search for a Director of Music and were delighted to welcome Tom Bell to St. Jude's at the beginning of May, closely followed at the beginning of June by the addition of Andrei Streliaev as Assistant Organist.
And in August the Rev. Neil Follett joined us for a six month period as Pastoral Associate.
Some of the activities at St. Jude's include new components. For example, Parish Sponsors for baptismal candidates. Parish sponsors are members of our congregation who offer themselves as companions to the baptismal candidate and the candidate's household as they begin to make decisions about how they will faithfully live out their baptismal promises within this particular community. Baptismal families have the opportunity to meet with their parish sponsors several times before the baptism.
Other regular opportunities for fellowship and learning during the year are Wednesday morning service and lunch, Wednesday evening bible study, Men's Breakfast, Youth Group, Parents' Group, etc.
The scope of activities taking place at St. Jude's is vast. Several special events took place at St. Jude's during the year, including:
Rainbows - which ran a highly successful program for the first time at St. Jude's from January to April. This 14 week program, led by St. Jude's facilitators, is "a support group for children experiencing grieving or loss". It is a not-for-profit, international organization, with charitable status in Canada, that offers training and curricula for establishing peer support groups for children grieving death, separation, divorce or other painful loss in their family.
January 19 - Striving for Justice, Peace and Dignity - a get together of parishioners interested in exploring the commitment we make when we affirm our baptismal covenant to "strive for justice and peace among all people and respect the dignity of every human being". Maylanne Maybee of the Anglican Church of Canada, who has been helping us with our discussion, listed five "styles" or ways of "striving" in activities that people have followed as ways of enhancing justice and peace while preserving the dignity of human beings. She challenged each of us to identify the three ways in which we typically work towards this end and to consider the positive and negative outcomes that might arise as a result. We think that other parishioners might be interested in taking up this challenge for themselves!
February 28th - St. Jude's Annual Shrove Tuesday/Pancake Supper
April 13th - A Christian Remembrance of a Passover Seder Meal
April 30th - A Memorial Garden Remembrance Service (Holy Eucharist) was held for friends and relatives of those interred in the Memorial Garden.
May 5th - The Gospel of Luke - Featuring Bruce Kuhn
September 22nd - 24th - "Come to the Feast" with the Rev'd Jay Koyle, Professor of Liturgy at Huron College London and Associate Rector at St. Aidan's Church, London as guest speaker. Rev. Koyle spoke about fitting liturgy into life outside of church. The weekend began with a Potluck Dinner on Friday evening and continued on Saturday morning with a workshop for parishioners interested in reflecting together as a community on our worship life. It expanded on some of the questions raised at Friday's dinner and led us in developing our awareness of the purpose, principles and practices of Anglican worship. Rev. Koyle preached at all services on September 24th.
October 1st - Blessing of Animals Service in the Garden Chapel
Sharing in Caring Education Series, 2006 - Prepare for the Bowling Alley: How to keep upright when the knocks keep coming one after another!
On October 15, four parishioners shared their Bowling Alley experiences and what they had learned along the way.
On November 12, Caretaking and Caregiving: 20:20 Hindsight and Tips from those "who have been there and done that"!
The Skills of Caretaking and Caregiving: What knowledge and skills do you need? Are you ready for the challenge?
2006 also saw the addition of the "Sharing in Caring St. Jude's Casual Corps" - a team of St. Jude's volunteers who may be called upon at short notice to assist parishioners with an unexpected single problem or challenge that must be dealt with promptly.
St Jude's Pantry continues to be a way to reach out to the community by providing soups, casseroles and desserts to parishioners in a time of need.
December 16th - we reached out to the community of Oakville by offering an opportunity for Advent Reflection at St. Jude's on December 16th. The Sanctuary was open in the afternoon to all who wanted to spend time in quiet reflection on the meaning of Advent.
These are only some of the wonderful opportunities we have at St. Jude's for worshiping and learning together. As Wardens, we are privileged to be able to participate in the joy and vitality that continues to grow at St. Jude's. We extend our thanks to Michael for the enthusiasm and wisdom he brings to our worship, to Martha for her caring and thoughtful contribution to St. Jude's, and to Julie, Eileen, and Paul for their support.
And we extend our thanks to all of you for your continued dedication and stewardship as we continue our faith journey together.
Judy McCracken and Ross Connell
Stewardship Report for 2006
Over the past two years, Stewardship Development at St. Jude's had focused on stewardship as a way of life and not a once-a-year fundraising activity. Through teachings from our clergy, stories and reflections of our members, fellowship with each other, and the many hours contributed by our dedicated staff and volunteers we learn that stewardship is a way of life. A way of life in which we use all of the resources entrusted to us by God for the advancement of his mission in the world.
During the past two years, the community of St. Jude's has responded to this opportunity with enthusiasm and commitment. We thank you for making the ministry of St. Jude's a part of your practice of stewardship.
This year's stewardship campaign continued to build on the importance of our ministry, as well as the practical side of encouraging financial support from our membership.
The returns to date from our Stewardship campaign give us a good prospect of exceeding $625,000 in regular support. We are encouraged that you have responded in faith to our collective financial investment in keeping the promise of our baptismal covenant, and are truly appreciative of your generosity.
Cheryl Hudson, Stewardship Chair
CONGRATULATIONS to John & Karen Esmond on the birth of a baby girl in January. Welcome baby Emmalina!
CONGRATULATIONS to Richard & Kate Stahl on the birth of a baby girl on January 25th. Welcome baby Sarah Jane Violet!
CONGRATULATIONS to Margo & Peter Chambers on the marriage of their daughter, Susan to Liam O'Neil on January 21st.
CONGRATULATIONS to Yvonne Wales on her marriage to Harry Hannah on January 5th .
Next Newsletter Deadline will be Friday, March 9th. Submissions and reports should be in the office on or before this date for insertion in the Easter Newsletter. Thanks
Helping those in need!
Thank you to everyone who responded to our pleas for financial donations towards our Crisis Relief Fund and for our numerous requests for items. With your help we have been able to help more than 50 individuals/families. Several of our parishioners were able to assist those in need with groceries by donating food vouchers/gift certificates that have been purchased using air miles. We welcome this wonderful way of contributing to families in need.
2006 INCOME TAX STATEMENTS
Tax statements will be available mid February. Watch the announcements for when they can be picked up from the Church office.
Pledge card return analysis as at Jan 23
Thank YOU for returning your pledge cards!
Help us save postage:
There are still offering envelopes left for pick-up. The cost of mailing a box is $6 each - please look on the table set up in the office hallway for yours or someone in your neighbourhood that you could deliver it to. Many thanks!
CD Sale - February 11th & 25th
Many of us have music CDs which have not been listened to for several years and are gathering dust! You are invited to bring them to the church for a sale of secondhand CDs on Sundays, February 11th and 25th during coffee fellowship times. We welcome all musical genres from classical to hip hop to ….?! You can then replenish your musical supply as each CD will be sold for $5 and the proceeds will be split between replenishing our choir cassocks and to the Parkdale Music School. This institution provides excellent tuition for those who would not otherwise benefit from music lessons. CD's may be left in the Choir Room or the church office. Thank you.
E-mail notification
Over the last year, we have been reminded how helpful it is to have current e-mail addresses for as many of our congregation as possible. If we have your e-mail address, you will receive notice of all such adjustments, as well as of special events and activities as they approach. It's good stewardship, good for our community, and good for your own planning and convenience. So, please let us know your e-mail address if you have one, and everybody will have better and more timely information. Simply send a message to businessmanager@stjudeschurch.net and we'll look after the rest.
Friends and Faith in Lent 2007
One of the most important things that can happen in a church is friendship. This year, we are planning a Lenten programme that will help us grow in the gift of friendship as we learn and explore our faith and life. Instead of a single weekly gathering, this year there will be a number of small groups hosted by parishioners in their homes, with a process led by members of our church.
The goal is to have a lively exploration of some element of Christian discipleship, to get to know one another better, and to engage in a short form of prayer for the world and each other.
Sign-up sheets will appear in early February, and the groups will meet for five weeks, beginning the week of February 25 (Lent 1). Material for each gathering will be provided in advance as "From the Rector", along with some questions for reflection that you can use to prepare for the gatherings.
Everyone learns and participates in groups in their own way; you won't be required to talk if you just want to listen. At the same time, everyone has experiences, reflections and insight that can add to the learning of others, so everyone's contribution will be valued.
Because these are smaller gatherings in the hosts' homes, people who are busy one evening can always find a group that meets another evening. At least one group will meet during the daylight hours, so if you don't like to go out at night, you'll have that option as well.
As Rector, I am grateful to those who have agreed to host and/or facilitate these gatherings. I'm excited about the possibilities inherent in this way of gathering, learning, and building the relationships that are so much a part of our common life. And I'm hoping that as people meet, learn, and engage the Spirit together, the vitality of this community and its members will continue to grow.
begin LENT with
St. Jude's Shrove Tuesday/Pancake Supper
Blueberry Pancakes, fellowship!, Chocolate Chip Pancakes, fellowship!, Syrup, Sausages, Fruit tray, fellowship!, tea, coffee, juice, fellowship!, cooked on location and served by
St. Jude's Youth Group
February 20th, 2007
5:30 to 7:00pm $5.00 per person
Tickets limited…
CLERGY NOTES
On January 24, the Rev. Neil Follett informed the Rector and Wardens that he would be unable to continue in his role as Pastoral Associate at St. Jude's beyond January 31. We had hoped that he would remain through the arrival of a new Assistant Curate and into the early fall. We have valued Neil's contribution to the ministry of St. Jude's, and are sorry that he is no longer with us in that ministry. However, he has decided that he is unable to continue, and we are working hard to ensure adequate pastoral and liturgical ministry, given that the Rev. Martha Tatarnic will begin her maternity and parental leave in mid-May.
Martha's last Sunday before that leave will be on May 13, and there will be a joint 10:00 a.m. celebration on that Sunday, in place of the usual 9:30 and 11:00 celebrations, so that we can enjoy a "Farewell" celebration together both in worship and in a gathering following worship. We may have Martha back at the end of her leave for a time, or it may be that there is a calling for her in another congregation in the diocese. Either way, we have been richly blessed by her ministry with us, and look forward to the great gifts she will continue to offer to our church in Niagara.
THE ANNUAL CONGREGATIONAL VESTRY MEETING will be held on Sunday, February 18th following a combined 10:00 am service This public meeting is very important for the election of officers, approval of financial records, and approval of budgets. Printed reports will be available Wednesday, February 14th, so that voters can be prepared. Budget and plans for the year 2007 will be discussed. Please sign the sheet posted on the office window if your children will be staying. This will help us plan for lunch and programming. Thanks. All baptized Christians, who are 16 years of age, who have been worshippers and financial contributors, and who have not voted in the Vestry of another congregation in the preceding six months are eligible voters.
DIRECTOR OF MUSIC - Vestry Report
As a relative newcomer I would like to thank the parish most sincerely for the warm welcome I received in my first few months at St. Jude's. It has been a pleasure for me to get to know so many members of the parish; the eight months have passed very swiftly. I am aware that the church has a long history of enjoying its music under several long- serving Music Directors, and I hope to continue to build upon this tradition while adding a certain new flavour as St. Jude's evolves and grows in the years ahead.
I would like to take this opportunity to especially thank in writing everyone who has been involved in making music on a weekly basis. Since the last vestry report, Glenn Cooper kindly and ably took the musical helm for four months. The wonderful members of the senior choir have displayed both a loyalty and sense of enjoyment in what they do which I trust will carry the choir to new heights. I am sure I write on behalf of many in noting what a pleasure it has been to witness the growth of The Gloria Choir - especially among the tenors and basses. Wendy Hart is to be thanked for her hard work with her great singers. Lastly, I would like to recognize Andrei Streliaev, our Assistant Organist, for his wonderful talent, professionalism, and unfailingly courteous manner. It has been a delight to have him with us.
The Sunday afternoon services - the 4th at 4.00 - have allowed us to schedule a wide range of musical styles. The Traditional evensongs, Holden Evening Prayer services, Bach Cantatas with orchestra and soloists, Jazz vespers and the hymns with the Intrada Brass form a wonderful array of musical and liturgical styles within which to worship. I encourage you to attend these services.
Lastly, I record my deep appreciation of the welcome and support that has been afforded me by Michael and Martha, and the most considerate staff in the office. I look forward to sharing God's gift of music in all its fullness and life-enhancing wonder with you all throughout the years ahead.
Respectfully submitted, Thomas Bell
The Lindisfarne Project
A joint initiative with St. Aidan's Parish
Some Background
St. Jude's and St. Aidan's have historic ties. Fifty-five years ago, our parish sponsored the establishment of St. Aidan's and in the years since, it has been our nearest neighbouring parish. During those years, the community around St. Aidan's has seen many changes.
In 2005, the congregation at St. Aidan's began a process of reflection and discussion, seeking to discern their collective calling and to clarify their sense of mission. They held cottage meetings, developed a parish profile and consulted with other Anglican parishes in Oakville. This culminated in a decision to reach out to their community in new ways. They see this as the key to their future as a parish and to their understanding of what it truly means to be a church.
To give greater definition to "reaching out to the community", St. Aidan's joined forces with St. Jude's in early 2006 to carry out a community needs assessment. This was co-chaired at St. Jude's by John Macdonald and Chris Punnett. A small army of volunteers drawn from both congregations interviewed community leaders and agencies to talk about areas of greatest need, priorities, and potential responses to those needs. The resulting report, Pointing the Way, highlighted the need for services dealing with "at-risk" families, children and youth, and seniors who are isolated and lonely. The need for effective outreach, especially in the Kerr Street Corridor, was made clear and urgent.
What is Happening
St. Jude's and St. Aidan's have joined forces to address some of these needs. This is a union of complementary partners: St. Jude's is a parish of abundant and varied resources, St. Aidan's has the advantage of being located close to areas of greatest need. We share a common calling to meet real needs for social justice and to fulfill our covenant to serve all of God's people.
After careful analysis, St Aidan's has decided to form strategic partnerships with organizations whose work in the community is aligned with the mission of the Church. To facilitate these partnerships, it will be necessary to make the space at St. Aidan's more flexible and fully accessible.
A Steering Committee has been formed to oversee this task. It comprises equal membership from both parishes and reports to the Corporation of St. Aidan's which has ultimate responsibility for this project. To ensure that the renovations will meet the broadest set of needs, volunteers drawn from both parishes are currently interviewing a sampling of current and potential users of space at St. Aidan's. The resulting "use narratives" will help ensure that the planned renovations meet all the anticipated needs.
In the meantime, three sub-committees, all with joint St. Aidan's/St. Jude's membership are being formed:
This is an exciting project. It provides opportunities to express our faith in concrete ways that will truly affect lives. In the months ahead, there will be opportunities for you to participate. If you would like to know more or play a role, large or small, talk to the Rector or the Co-ordinator of Justice and Servant Ministries, Allan Smith. (Parts of the above were adapted from Outreach...our Mission, our Future which first appeared in the St. Aidan's Parish Newsletter)
WEEKLY PRAYER GROUP VESTRY REPORT
The prayer group began with four participants in January, 2005. It meets weekly for one hour and now numbers eight people, Andrew Brockett, Margaret Brockett, Drew Bucknall, Jean Anne Farmilo, Helen Hare, Stephanie Morris, Helen Sami and Martha Tatarnic.
The practice is to review prayer requests and to inform one another of updates that allow us to pray appropriately, and then we follow a simple liturgy. We pause to give thanks for answered prayer and for the many blessings that we enjoy in our parish and in our community.
For those who suffer pain and distress of any sort, we ask that they may know the deep peace of Christ. Similarly, we pray for those who struggle with the disabilities and frailties of body, mind or spirit and for those whose lives have been disrupted by losses, of loved ones, of employment or relationships. We are mindful too of those who support and care for the needy in our midst.
In a world that is so full of chaos, disaster, violence and injustice we remind ourselves that our God cares when people suffer and we pray for those who seek to relieve such suffering and to bring peace. Recognizing that we cannot separate ourselves from the injustices that take place in Canada and around us daily, we ask that each of us and those in authority in our land will make decisions that allow us to know God's peace.
Finally, we pray for our own parish and its mission in the lives of all with whom we have contact and we pray for those who look forward with expectation to happy events, marriages, babies, anniversaries and new adventures.
Prayer request cards are available in the narthex and at the office. We treat all information with the utmost discretion. The Prayers of the People each Sunday are for those in hospital or facing crises. It is our privilege, in the Prayer Group, to pray for the everyday ongoing concerns of parishioners.
If this is a ministry to which you feel you might be called, please contact Margaret Brockett (905 842 9330).
THE SHARING IN CARING PROGRAM VESTRY REPORT 2007
As the body of Christ to express the love of God by sharing in caring for each other and the members of our community.
With the wonderful support of our clergy, office staff and the people of St. Jude's our combined efforts to support one another have continued to lead us in many directions over 2006.
The Sharing in Caring Team, numbering eleven parish visitors and twenty five additional team members, meets every second month and the two coordinators meet with the clergy in the intervening month. The Prayer Group has become an integral part of the program and we have well-established links with the Newcomers' committee, the Altar Guild, the ACW, the Women's Study Group, the Wednesday Evening Bible Study Group, the Garden Guild, both choirs and the Church school. These links offer channels of communication that enable us to reach out to parishioners and beyond. Added resources include Hospital Visitors, the St. Jude's Pantry cooks, the monthly Parish Lunch, the Casual Corps and countless willing drivers who make it possible to respond to the different needs within the church community. We are most grateful to each of you who is involved in this ministry with us either formally or informally.
Our objectives for 2006 included the following:
Continuing emphasis on building connections as a means of supporting older people who continue to live in their own homes; through visiting, arranging transportation to church events and the sharing of our many resources e.g. tape ministry, flowers, the Pantry.
Transportation to church events continues to be a challenge for a number of reasons. Our thanks are due to Bob Day who has, for many years, organized drivers who have brought parishioners to Sunday services from retirement homes when requested. Bob has now retired from this responsibility. Many parishioners, who are not independently mobile, ask and receive help from friends and neighbours. The challenge is to offer and organize rides for those who find it difficult to ask for help and whose health makes it difficult for them to make any regular and/or planned commitment. A telephone survey of people living within easy reach of the church indicated that use of the Red Cross van could not be justified. While there are, undoubtedly, people with transportation needs living at a greater distance there are practical obstacles to the use of a "bus". This year a number of small driving teams, each with a coordinator, has been established quite successfully to meet the needs of people living at a distance from the church.
Safe access to the church premises, especially in inclement weather for those with limited mobility, has been a concern. We have been working with the Property Committee to determine expedient solutions to structural hazards. We are looking to our ushers and greeters to assist with the practical needs and in making hearing equipment available to worshippers. There are plans to make large print materials available too. The tape library of weekly services is carefully organized but is not used as much as it might be. This is true too of the many printed, and very helpful, pamphlets that are held in our Resource Book Case in the Helen Poole Library Hall.
The St. Jude's Pantry is well supplied by excellent cooks who give willingly of their time and skills while the recipients of their labours are always appreciative. The amazing Christmas cake industry, under the direction of Susan Garrick, allowed us to distribute tokens of our care to many people while the bakers had a lot of fun!
The mid-week service continues to offer parishioners an additional option for worship and is followed by a time of community fellowship over coffee or, once a month, over lunch prepared by a loyal team of helpers under the direction of Sue van Humbeck. This opportunity is much appreciated by many, but especially by some of our older members who find the busyness of Sunday services overwhelming. Another of our regular commitments is in assisting clergy with monthly Eucharistic services at Sunrise, Trafalgar Lodge, Vistamere and Wyndham Manor. Thanks are due to our pianists, Doreen Smith Johnston, Susan Ambrose, Karlene Philips and Ann Craven as well as Freda Barber and Aileen McGaw who stand in for them from time to time.
Continuing support of those who have been bereaved including children within our parish. This has been a growing and most rewarding ministry over the last year. The four booklets in the series, Journeying through Grief, which are given to bereaved people and their families at intervals, are generally appreciated and afford an opportunity for building the connections made at the time of their bereavement. We have not developed any special emphasis on children although we have established a link with the local branch of Bereaved Families of Ontario, an organization which offers a number of programs for young people in addition to the Rainbows program at St. Jude's.
Another educational series for families with a focus on Caring for the Caregivers
Preparing for the Bowling Alley attracted smaller numbers than the 2005 educational series. The sessions held in October and November were well received but the offer of small group skill development sessions has not drawn support. However, personal invitations to many people caring for loved ones have generated a full house for the Care for the Caregiver sessions and a second opportunity is being planned for those who did not make the registration limits first time around. We continue to be most thankful to parishioners who offer their professional skills and to others in the Oakville community who willingly give of their time to our parish in this way.
Regular meetings with the clergy team and increased contacts with other groups within the church to ensure that we are complementing their efforts.
The Sharing in Caring Program is an approach to pastoral care that depends upon:
Regular meetings to ensure that needs are being addressed and to initiate inquiries when needs are sensed makes it possible to support our parishioners, their families and friends through prayer and to direct them to appropriate community resources within and beyond St. Jude's. We are richly blessed in working together in this truly biblical way of caring.
Margaret Brockett and Jean Ross
Objectives for 2007
To facilitate the expression of God's love for all people by people caring for one another in practical ways that recognize our human and spiritual frailties. Specifically, through:
The Sharing in Caring Team aims to prevent or to break down the physical and/or emotional barriers that isolate people from the practical and spiritual support and friendship offered in the parish of St. Jude's through its various services and programs. Members of the team are asked to befriend one or more individuals and are supported in their efforts through an orientation process to the Sharing in Caring Program and by regular meetings with others who give of their time in a variety of ways. A key responsibility is to alert members of the clergy to any special needs that arise for those they visit. Parish Visitors are members of the Sharing in Caring Team who have voluntarily completed a comprehensive training program and who are willing to undertake special tasks on behalf of the clergy. For example: establishing and maintaining contact with a person who has been bereaved in recent months;
Where there is a person in need, it is expected that the Parish Visitor will direct concerns to the person's family or to appropriate community resources. Parish Visitors support and complement the work of the clergy within the parish.
Connections Committee Report
At the 2006 Vestry meeting, Brian Bickford was elected chairperson of the Connections Committee. Unfortunately, the mandate for this committee was unclear, so the first part of 2006 was dedicated to establishing the role of this committee at St. Jude's. It was determined that the Connections Committee would focus its efforts on organizing social events for St. Jude's community. Our first event was a birthday celebration for our Rector, Michael Thompson. Following this lovely get-together came the summer, and Wednesday nights got very "interesting" with the Prayer & Pub nights. In September, the Connections Committee organized a BBQ/line dancing event that launched the beginning of what would be St. Jude's largest fundraising campaign towards the Healing Initiative. Thanks to Faith Banton, St. Jude's raised over 17,000 dollars to help St. Jude's keep its commitment to the First Nations Healing Initiative. The event ran from October to December and involved many members of St. Jude's. During this same time period, Parish Council was also working on its re-structuring. The Connections Committee was eliminated due to the re-structuring, but there is no doubt that Parish Council will continue to organize successful social events that will keep everyone thrilled about belonging to this community.
Brian Bickford
REPORT TO VESTRY 2006
DIRECTOR OF FAMILY PROGRAMS / GLORIA CHOIR
JANUARY 2006 THE MONDAY MORNING WOMENS STUDY GROUP.
Monday mornings, a group of women gather to read scripture, discuss, study, sing, laugh, pray, chat, knit, share joys and sorrows. In 2006, we studied the Book of Esther and Ezra and followed the study with a visit from the Education Director from the Soleil Congregation in Mississauga. We spent a short time reviewing the Red Tent and are presently completing 1 Corinthians. Our most recent project is a Shawl Ministry. Together we share the knitting of a 54-stitch prayer shawl knit with what is called a "Trinity Stitch". Upon completion, the shawl is blessed by clergy and given to someone whom we have been praying for, or passed on to a member of our group. The shawls have been received with great appreciation.
JANUARY 2006
RAINBOWS began after months of planning and advertising. Twelve children who had experienced loss through divorce or death attended each Tuesday evening gathering. Not only the children who attended, but also the co-ordinators and facilitators were blessed as a result of this important ministry in our midst. A great "Celebrate Me" evening was the finale and children and families together experienced the beginnings of healing.
MARCH 2006 The Gloria Choir presents "The Three Trees" by Allen Pote at both the 9:15 and the 11:00 Services. A wonderful musical that lead us into the season of Lent in 2006. The musical presents the story of how three trees dream to be something marvelous, and how their hope and dreams all come to fruition according to God's Plan. This particular musical featured art, presented on a rear projection screen, that beautifully depicted the story to the congregation. Thank you to all of the children and parents who gave this gift of story to St Jude's.
FEBRUARY 2006 Each February, we add a class to our regular Sunday School for children who ask about receiving Holy Communion. Each child is accompanied by his or her parent(s) and together they are led through a six-week curriculum. This class helps begin not only a discussion of faith, but also a formation of faith. This helps families develop and grow faithfully, at church and at home. In 2006, the class was lead by Bill Checkly, our intern student from Wycliff College.
FEBRUARY 2006 The Youth Group and "Chef Michael" served up Shrove Tuesday in style and taste to approximately 130 Pancake takers! This table full of children were definitely satisfied customers!
MAY 2006 PENTECOST The birthday of the "Church" was a wonderful celebration that featured both of the St Jude's choirs at one service. RED was the colour of the day; a day also elevated by members reading scripture in English, French, Swedish, German, Swahili, and other languages represented by St Jude's members.
JUNE 2006 Memories of The Garden Picnic, the smell of BBQ Hot Dogs with fresh onions and tomatoes, potato chips, ice cream, games, prizes, sunshine, folks in lawn chairs enjoying our beautiful garden. Sure is a wonderful picture to get us through the winter!
AUGUST 2006 The "Pirates of Treasure Cove" visit St Jude's searching for "The riches of God's grace!" Parents and Pirate children celebrated in a fun evening sharing the songs and stories of St Jude's Fifth Vacation Bible School. Thank you to all adult and youth volunteers for many hours of dedication to our children.
JULY 2006 National Worship Conference Regina: MAKING ALL THINGS NEW. Michael, Tom Bell, Wendy Hart, and JeanAnne Farmilo spent four very full days with Lutheran and Anglican Churches of Canada singing hymns, and liturgies, and taking part in lectures and workshops.
SEPTEMBER 2006 Come to the Feast! was a wonderful weekend for our congregation to begin conversations of worship and music. Children took part at the celebration and had time for discussion about worship also. A Worship Cloth was created with the children's hand impressions traced, cut out, ironed on, and sewn for use during Sunday School. Symbols of Faith, our cross, the Bible, Christ Light, and a giving basket are taken from the sanctuary to Sunday School and placed on our Worship Cloth. The Cloth is embroidered with our name and dated, and it belongs to the children of St Jude's. What a Feast!
DECEMBER 2006 Our Sunday School presents a Christmas Musical "The Grumpy Shepherd" written and composed by Joe Cox. A favorite musical of St Jude's children re-visited and enjoyed by all.
THANK YOU to all of our dedicated parents and Youth Volunteers who give endlessly to the children of St Jude's: Thank you not just for teaching on Sunday mornings, but also for attending Sunday School teache's meetings, giving of your time, your cookies, sewing skills, prop design, stage crew muscle, enthusiasm, laughter and imagination in order to cultivate and grow our children in Faith, and ground them in "Church as home". THANK YOU also to our wonderful GLORIA CHOIR! that has grown this year with the addition of MEN! What wonderful Christmas music we all enjoyed in 2006. THANK YOU to our outstanding office staff who make all of these wonderful ideas come to fruition and enhance celebration.
Wendy Hart
Governance at St. Jude's
A proposal for Vestry 2007 - Background
The governance structure for all parishes in the Niagara Diocese is defined in the Canon Law. There are three governance elements:
Vestry (canon 4.1) is the general assembly of all baptized, involved and contributing members of the parish.
Parish Council (canon 4.2) consists of the Rector, the Wardens, the Lay Delegates, the Youth Delegate and their alternates, and not less than two general members. Most of the members are elected by Vestry, the rest being appointed by the Rector.
Corporation consists of the Rector and the two Wardens. It is referred to in canon 4.1 and elsewhere, including legislation, and is the official trustee of the assets of the parish. The Wardens have responsibility for the finances, fabric and personnel.
This model, with variations to meet contemporary needs, has been in place at St. Jude's for many years. Parish Council has some 22 members and Vestry approved Operating Guidelines last amended some five years ago.
Review
Over the course of 2006, Parish Council has carried out a review of its performance, taking account of the leadership change at St. Jude's and the new initiatives being developed.
Its work falls into two main classes, corporate and ministry. There is a mix of skills required to carry out its work, and while there are occasions when a wide range of input is needed in discussion, most of the time it is observed that the progress of a meeting can be disjointed when moving from one type of topic to another.
The Vision is set by Vestry; the strategy to achieve that Vision is set by Parish Council. Parish Council believes that the implementation of that Strategy can best be done if it operates as two components, a Council of the Corporation and a Council of Ministries.
The Council of the Corporation would consist of the Rector, both Wardens, the Treasurer, the Immediate past Warden, the Property Coordinator and the Coordinator of Financial Development. This last is a new position which will focus on the long term financial viability of St. Jude's and will seek to enhance the endowed funds through major donations and planned giving. This Council will advise the Corporation with respect to the physical plant and financial aspects of the vision achievement strategy.
The Council of Ministries would consist of the Rector, both Wardens, the four Lay Delegates, the two Alternate Lay Delegates, the Youth Delegate, the Alternate Youth Delegate, the Clerk and the five Ministry Coordinators. These five Ministry Coordinators, corresponding in number to the five elements of the Baptismal Covenant, but not tied to each one specifically, are Christian Formation, Communication & Public Witness, Worship & Liturgy, Justice & Servant Ministries and Stewardship. This Council will provide advice to the Corporation and initiate/manage programs and initiatives in line with the vision achievement strategy. Some of the titles are new, but all the former committees are covered.
Recommendation
Parish Council recommends to Vestry that the activities of Parish Council be carried out in two components, the Council of the Corporation and the Council of Ministries. The whole of Parish Council would meet at least three times per year, once after Vestry to set the vision achievement strategy, once in September to review progress and once before Vestry to prepare its report. The minutes of the two Councils will be shared. During the rest of the year the two Councils will meet separately to work on their respective aspects of the strategy. The involvement of the Rector and the two Wardens in both Councils and the sharing of minutes will ensure that joint or overlapping matters are identified and handled appropriately.
Appropriate staff would attend Council meetings to provide input and support. The overall size of Parish Council would not change significantly, but working in two smaller components will make for more active discussion and involvement.
The new method of operation, if approved, would be reviewed by Parish Council after two years and a report given to Vestry.
To implement these changes, the Operating Guidelines have been rewritten and will be submitted to Vestry for approval. The new guidelines are designed to be flexible so as to give the new Parish Council freedom to respond to matters as they arise.
Conclusion
This change is essentially a recognition that there are two different types of activity in the Parish Council mandate, and seeks to create an environment where each can take place most effectively. The Council of the Corporation will be more formally connected to the Corporation, while the Council of Ministries will be better positioned to be innovative and supportive of the spiritual life of St. Jude's. The Vision is set by Vestry; the Strategy to achieve that Vision is set by the whole of Parish Council; the two component Councils will focus on their specific and special contributions towards the implementation of that Strategy.
A FESTIVAL OF HARPS
Featuring Canada's favourites Sharlene Wallace and Lori Gemmell and welcoming from Vienna International Harpist and Composer Monika Stadler.
"It's as if they are creating irresistible poetry with their music."
WE ARE ALSO DELIGHTED TO PRESENT OUR SENSATIONAL OAKVILLIAN JAZZ ARTIST MARIEVE HERINGTON
8:00 PM - SATURDAY FEBRUARY 10 - 2007
ST. JUDE'S ANGLICAN CHURCH
TICKETS JUST $28
Call St. Jude's Church - 905-844-3972 - also available at L'Atelier Grigorian
Wednesday Evening Bible Study 2006
The Wednesday Evening Bible Study met each week January through June and September through December, with a break during Lent when we joined in the Parish Lenten Study Series. Our numbers have usually been about 10 - 12 people each week. We start at 7:30 p.m. and always try to stop by 9:00 p.m. Each week, we conclude with a short time of worship based on the service of Compline. Leadership of the weekly sessions is shared between those who feel comfortable directing the discussion.
We began the year part way through a chapter-by-chapter study of the Gospel of Luke and we continued to study the book until June. Over recent years, we have worked our way through most parts of the four Gospels.
In September we started a new study of the Letter to the Colossians. We then had a session on the miracles of the New Testament. We concluded the year by studying the Old Testament Lectionary readings for Advent: a series of twelve passages from the Prophets, each with its accompanying psalm.
2007 has begun with a series of studies on the history of the Bible: "How the Bible Came To Us - An Examination of the Origins, Purpose and Development of the Bible". We are always pleased to have new members joining us at the Bible Study - 7:30 p.m. every Wednesday, in the Helen Poole Memorial Library Hall.
Respectfully submitted: Andrew Brockett
ANGLICAN CHURCH WOMEN
2006 VESTRY REPORT
I am very pleased to report that 2006 was another successful year for the ACW. Thank you to our members who worked hard and accomplished so much, and to the members of St. Jude's congregation who supported us and volunteered their help at our various events.
Our fund-raising events were well attended and successful. We had two Rummage Sales, a Fall Fair, and produced a beautiful cook cook which was in great demand. The funds for these events enabled us to donate a total of $11,100.00 to missions. A complete breakdown of these donations can be seen on the annual financial statement.
During the year. we had several guest speakers. Blair Richardson and Lilliane Poppe spoke on the Food for Life Program which has operated in Oakville for 10 years. Bill Checkly, a divinity student working at St. Jude's spoke on his career as a clown in children's hospitals and the expansion of the Program of Cheer to hospitals in Florida. Lara Drever spoke on the youth trip to Cuba. All were greatly enjoyed by our membership.
January saw St. Jude's host a true Victorian Tea. Sue Van Humbeck, Amber Foulkes, and Sue Garrick were responsible for this. It was truly magnificent and enjoyed by all. Thank you Ladies! In February, the ACW helped at Vestry by producing sandwiches and helping with the set-up and clean-up after the meeting. We also participated in Outreach Sunday. Thank you to everyone who helped with the posters and display.
In June, we enjoyed our annual Potluck supper at Helen Ford's home. Good food, wine and fellowship were enjoyed by all. Our Christmas meeting was held at the home of Amber Foulkes. Following our meeting, we enjoyed carol-singing with Freda Barber playing piano and afterwards delicious food and drink rounded off a very enjoyable evening.
I would like to thank the Clergy, Wardens, and Office Staff for their continuous help and support during 2006 and look forward to another successful year in 2007. To Paul Garrick, who is always there to help the ACW, thank you for all your hard work.
Finally, I would like to thank all the ACW members for their hard work, support and encouragement and most of all, their friendship, and I look forward to continuing our good work in 2007.
Respectfully submitted Helen F. Ford
NEWCOMERS COMMITTEE - 2006 REPORT
"I was a stranger and you welcomed me." Matthew 25:35
We welcomed 49 new households to St. Jude's in 2006 - the largest number since 2001! Our newcomers represented the full range of our membership from young people to retired seniors.
Following a welcoming letter from the Rector, a member of the Committee visited the newcomers. In most cases the visitor took a small gift of flowers, or food from the St. Jude's Pantry, along with a package of information on St. Jude's Church and name tags for household members.
A follow-up call is made one year after the initial visit to obtain the newcomers' impressions of St. Jude's and to offer assistance, if requested, for integrating into parish life.
During 2006, two welcoming receptions were held - May 7 and December 3. These enabled the newcomers to get together socially, to hear more about the history of St. Jude's and its various activities from the clergy and parish council members, and to tour the church including climbing the bell tower and ringing the bells.
We continued to send cards to families who had children baptized, on the one-year anniversary of the baptism.
Most newcomers mentioned during the follow-up call that they found St. Jude's very warm and welcoming. We urge everyone to continue to make St. Jude's a welcoming church by introducing yourself to people you don't know.
Jean Ross, Newcomers Committee
Pantry Report 2006
Our pantry is growing! In 2006 we had 20 different volunteers cooking and baking 133 items for our freezer, such as soups, casseroles and desserts. These were brought to 58 different recipients and 9 newcomers.
Our Christmas cake "sessions" are also growing. Our team of 10 volunteers made 26 Christmas cakes. We then cut them into bars, wrapped and decorated them for our visitors to take to shut-ins and Nursing homes.
Some of the residual cakes were sold from the church office with the money going back into the pantry.
We would like to take this opportunity to thank those who donated their time and efforts as well as those donating funds to the pantry for supplies and containers.
Susan Garrick, Sharing in Caring Group
ST. JUDE'S GARDEN GUILD: 2006
The Garden Guild is a group of about 25 volunteers who look after the St. Jude's garden. Starting in April each year, we meet for a couple of hours every Thursday through spring, summer and fall until the last leaves have been cleared in November. We are conscious of what the founding members have passed on to us and we count it a privilege to work in such a glorious setting.
2006 has been a year of renovation. The garden is now 23 years old and many shrubs are becoming old and overgrown. We are fortunate to have, among our members, Stephanie Morris with her specialist expertise and enthusiasm for garden design. Under Stephanie's direction, we began by renovating the border running south from the Sexton's Lodge. Thanks to a number of generous donations, the flower bed has been completely rejuvenated and replanted with a red Japanese Maple, some spectacular varieties of shrubs and many perennials. It will now present a magnificent display of colour from spring through to late fall.
The flower bed running from the Bell Tower north to the front of the church has also been renewed with a selection of rhododendrons and other shade-tolerant plants. Old shrubs have been removed from the intersection of William and Thomas to provide a smarter setting for the Church signboard.
The beds in front of the Sexton's Lodge have been entirely replanted as well as one of the beds alongside the wall of the Memorial Garden.
The renovation process continues. In 2007 we shall be working our way round towards the garden shed and also renewing the beds either side of the Church steps.
We obtained permission from the Town Heritage Committee to install a paved pathway at the King Street entrance to the garden. The path was designed by Dan Tregunno and paid for by an anonymous donor. We think it is a vast improvement on the former muddy pathway and we are most grateful to Dan and our generous donor.
Maintaining a garden costs money. We take pride in the fact that we receive no financial support from St. Jude's - and indeed we make an annual donation of $500 towards the Church water bill. We raise our income from the annual Plant Sale in May. Regular maintenance of the garden (before embarking on any renovations) costs about $4,000 a year - half of which is spent on the services of commercial businesses who fertilize the lawns, care for the trees and maintain the sprinkler system.
To pay for any renovation of the flower beds, we are entirely dependent on donations. We are very grateful for gifts totaling more than $1,900 during 2006. Many of them have been in the form of memorial donations: trees, shrubs and perennials have been planted in memory of loved ones. As the renovation project continues, you may wish to consider giving the money for a memorial plant in the St. Jude's garden, or making an undesignated donation towards the project. All donations, if channeled through Julie Hudak in the Church office, are eligible for an income tax receipt.
Maintaining a garden also requires a lot of hard work. I would like to record my appreciation of all the quiet, faithful work that our volunteers put into the garden week by week. Of course, they do it because they love the Garden and find great reward from working together and relaxing during the weekly coffee break!
It is not only the garden that needs constant rejuvenation but also the membership of the Garden Guild! We are always delighted to welcome new members - it is a great way to make new friends - and we can promise plenty of satisfaction in working together to maintain this living heritage.
Andrew Brockett
ST. JUDE'S ALTAR GUILD Vestry 2006 Annual Report
The activities of the Altar Guild were well attended. Thank you all for your dedication.
The Altar Guild would like to welcome its new members, Dolores Baldwin and Susan Baillie who joined us in 2006.
The festivals this year were outstanding. Many thanks to the organizers and all those who assisted in the decorating and un-decorating.
The annual meeting in January 2006 was held in the Helen Poole Library Hall and the June meeting was held in the beauty of the church garden. The September meeting was held at the home of Colleen Balders and we thank her for hosting and catering this meeting.
A gift of a paschal candle was given by an anonymous donor and recently another donor made a gift of fair linen and a credence cloth. Many thanks for your generosity.
Traditions in Fabrics made us two new chasubles (red & green) from material left over from the hangings.
Our friends Flo Day and Irma Crysler have resigned and will be missed by all.
Respectfully submitted, Gerry Wilson
Report of the Worship and Liturgy Committee
The Worship and Liturgy Committee was reactivated this year after a few years absence. The year started by attending a worship and liturgy conference in Regina in July, with the Rector, Wendy Hart and Tom Bell. The conference was titled "Making All Things New", and focused on word, sacrament, song and God's amazing grace. It was a chance to hear what the Spirit was saying to the Church through the voices of both theologians and parish leaders from across the country. We were reminded that worship and liturgy is about relationships to others in our community, and that faithful worship invites people to experience God's transforming power to form them in Christian life.
The first activity planned was "Come To The Feast". This was a three-day event that allowed all parishioners (including children) to come to hear Jay Koyle, a lecturer of divinity at Huron, speaking on worship and liturgy foundations. The event attracted approximately 127 parishioners, who attended a family "Feast" on Friday night, a workshop Saturday morning, or one of the Sunday services. The parish members active in helping plan this event were Colleen and Rob Murray, Allan Smith, Ross Connell, Martha Tatarnic, and Judy McCracken. Interested parishioners met following the event to reflect on what the weekend meant to the congregation of St Jude's. A strong message was that we continue to create an environment to form faith and experiences for encountering God in our midst.
A new group of parishioners, Michael Nightingale, Bill MacLellan, Bill Houston, Graham Schreiber and Elaine Stroud helped plan "Advent Reflections". This plan was two-fold. Initially, we wanted to open the church on a Saturday afternoon in Advent to invite members of the community in to enjoy a time of quiet contemplation. Each member of the committee created areas of beauty within the church that centered on themes of peace, mending, gifts, respecting others, and longing and belonging. Their beautiful gifts of paintings, poems, light, word and prayers focused the meditations and were a meaningful and tangible sign of God's love to us. The day of "Advent Reflections" attracted approximately 40 people and community feedback has been very encouraging.
The second aspect involved the Garden Chapel and Reflections in the Winter Garden. An Advent Wreath was placed in the chapel, and battery operated candles were "lit" as the season progressed. Several Oakville poets from our community gave us their work to display in the garden. The weather was very cooperative, and a number of people spent time in our garden reading poetry and enjoying the Advent Wreath during the whole season..
We will be continuing to try to provide opportunities for parishioners to encounter their faith. A respected leader in Anglican thought, Paul Gibson, will be coming in the New Year, and small group home meetings are planned for Lent to discover "Friends and Faith".
We welcome anyone who would like to contribute to the worship and spiritual life of the parish.
Respectfully submitted, Jean Anne Farmilo
OUTREACH REPORT FOR 2006
Outreach by St. Jude's is carried out in many and varied ways. For example:
In addition, many individual parishioners bear witness by volunteering in community organizations, some of them in leadership roles that involve the investment of considerable time and energy.
Much of this Outreach activity occurs with little or no involvement of the Outreach Committee. That's a healthy sign, but it has led to a reappraisal over the last year of the structure and role of the Outreach Committee and its relationship to other parish organizations. It is apparent that its function should be to collaborate and assist in Outreach as required, seek out and appraise new Outreach opportunities, and initiate new projects when needed.
In this mode, the Outreach Committee has played an ongoing role during 2006 in the development of the Lindisfarne Project, a joint undertaking with St. Aidan's Church. This initiative is now underway and you can read about it elsewhere in this newsletter. Other Outreach projects are also under consideration and will be proposed for your consideration in due course.
The governance model for Parish Council is changing to accommodate more interdependence and collaboration. The Outreach Committee will be subsumed into a new entity, Justice & Servant Ministries. In its responsibilities, J&SM will be most clearly aligned with two of our Baptismal vows:
Through a Council of Ministries, Justice and Servant Ministries will collaborate with other Ministries to give collective expression to all of our Baptismal vows. If you would like to know more about J&SM's plans for the coming year or become part of a project, please contact the Co-ordinator of J&SM, Allan Smith at c.allan.smith@sympatico.ca or 905-844-1678.
PROPERTY COMMITTEE REPORT 2006
I would like to start by thanking the committee members - Sam Poaps, Lloyd McCoomb, Bill Shank, Colin Craven, Dan Tregunno, Terrence Lukas, Rodney Box and Mavis Davison. Again, I feel very proud to have the privilege of chairing a committee composed of such highly talented and dedicated members.
A major project in the summer was the installation of new nave ventilation fans. These fans are reversible, which allows upward air movement in the summer and downward movement in the winter. In the summer, this helps move air out through the dormer windows, and in the winter reduces heating costs.
Unexpected flooding in the Youth Room occurred during the rainy season. Although work was carried out in 2003 to prevent water coming in from the west side, this time it was the east wall that allowed the water in. Repairs were carried out, both on the outside of the wall, and also inside the room, which hopefully have fixed the problem.
The Choir Rehearsal Room was painted and improved music storage facilities for the choir members were constructed. For some years, we have suffered from leaks in the nave roof primarily near the Bell Tower entrance. Previous attempts at dealing with the problem have not been successful. However, this fall we retained the services of the same contractors who have been responsible for the new roof at Knox Presbyterian Church. At the second attempt, they were able to identify and fix the problems.
New flooring has been installed in the Handicapped Washroom, and in the Music Director's and Family Services offices. A number of broken windows in the basement were also repaired.
Over the years, the pooling of water and ice formation at the north entrance had become a problem. This year the town agreed to replace the concrete paving, which should prevent any future problems.
Last year's inspection of the Sexton's Lodge showed that the kitchen cabinets were in very poor condition; so this year they were replaced. Two fans in the Victoria Hall, which had been damaged by balloon entanglement, were replaced thanks to a generous donation from the AA members.
The sound system was upgraded with the installation of a CD recorder. Previously, we had used Tape Cassettes, but when our recorder failed it was not possible to get it repaired as parts were unobtainable. Two new loudspeakers have also been installed in the Victoria Hall, again thanks to the AA members.
The brickwork at St. Jude's has to be repaired and re-pointed every few years. This year it was inspected in preparation for work to be carried out in 2007. This is an example of work which if left too long can become extremely expensive.
The Property Committee is always looking for additional members, with an engineering, technical or management background, to join the team and act as managers for the various projects. So please get in touch with us if you can offer your services. We are also looking for someone with an interest in learning about the sound system.
In conclusion, I would like to thank Julie Hudak, our Business Manager, for her many hours of support to the Property Committee activities and also Paul Garrick, our Sexton, for his considerable contribution.
Nicholas Banton, Chair, Property Committee
St. Jude's Celebration of the Arts Mission Statement:
"To celebrate God's gift of creative and artistic expression through all types of music enjoyed in the intimate and spiritual surroundings of St. Jude's Church."
St. Jude's Parish Statistics
....................................................... ....................2006..........2005............2004...........2003
Number of registered families/individuals ..................................756 ...............742 .................765 ................781
Number of contributors on parish roll ......................................578 ................565 .................551 ................573
Sacraments Baptisms ...............................................................36 ...................43 ..................45 ..................48
Confirmations/Received .............................................................4 ...................11 ................N/A ..................22
Marriages ...............................................................................25 ...................34 ...................28 ..................38
Funerals .................................................................................40 ...................44 ...................42 ...................56
Sunday Worship (average attendance)
8:00 a.m. ...............................................................................46 ...................48 ...................41 ...................43
9:15 a.m. .............................................................................132 .................126 .................105................... 96
11:00 a.m. ...........................................................................179 .................173 .................176 .................185
10:00 a.m. (21 Combined Services in 2006) ........................188 .................177 ...................79 ..................159
Easter: Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday .......................1244 ...............1046 ...............1192 ..................987
Christmas Eve/Day ............................................................1603 ...............1245 ...............1343 ................1531