St. Aidan's Audio Newsletter: Sept 2012

7/30/2019 St. Aidan's Audio Newsletter: Sept 2012

1/8 Sept 2012 PentecostIssue St. Aidans Anglican Church (519) 471-1430 PENTECOST 201

Upcoming Services a

Events

Sunday morning Service8 & 10:30am

Sunday Sept 23rd7pmInduction of Rev. CanoDr. Kevin George

Saturday Sept 29th 7pmEileens Retirement Part

Sunday Sept 30th 10:30aBlessing of the northwindows

October 20th Rummagesale

October 26th 7pm Jazz bthe Bog

This edition of THE AUDIO is dedicated

to the Glory of God

in memory of

And in Thanksgiving

for St. Aidans Church as we begin our Journey together

B Kevin and Catherinanne Geor e

How pleased I am to have my first opportunity to write a Rectors Article

for THE AUDIO. Communication is important to me and this Newsletter is one

of the key ways we will want to keep you informed about what is happening inthis fantastic Church Community.

By now, I have met many of you, and I am sure that in the weeks ahead,

I will meet a few more. It is so exciting to meet this new church community and

experience the love for Jesus that is expressed here. I am excited for what the

future holds for us as we minister together.

The first words I want to share with you are: THANK YOU! Catherinanne

and I are grateful for the warm welcome that we have received from all of you.

You have all been very kind and for that we are most thankful. This is also an

opportune time to thank the Selection Committee for their work. I cannot tell

you how impressed I was with the strength of the committee that interviewed

me. You should be very proud as a parish community of the strength of

leadership you have in this church.

In these early days as your rector, I am very much engaged in

discernment. In the weeks and months

ahead it is important for us to ask where

God is leading us and what God is asking

of us in this community. I believe that we

have all been called and that there is

much for us to accomplish together. We

all seek to fulfill the vocations to which

we have been called. It is easily forgottenthat we have all been tasked with

helping making the living presence of God real in our time and in this

community. In NewSeeds of Contemplation, Thomas Merton wrote, Our

vocation is not simply to be, but to work together with God in the creatio

of our own life, our own identity, our own destiny....To work out our iden

in God. Week after week we attend church. It becomes routine for us

being church on Sunday morning. It is apparent to me that we are very go

at being church together on Sunday mornings. We worship very well together. Our challenge as we move forwa

is to prayerfully consider how we work together with God. We must now discern what our identity, our destiny,

and our identity in God looks like. As we create, with Gods direction, our common life together, we seek to askhow we can take the strong witness of our common life that together we express in worship, and translate it int



creative and living witness in Northwest London.

I am sure that your heart must swell with a sense of love when you ponder how important St. Aidans is

in your life. I have been with you but a short while and am already becoming keenly aware of the love that is

present in this community. As we discern our collective vocations and our communitys vocation we remind

ourselves that there are others who are seeking love, healing, hope and forgiveness. Hearts are waiting to be

changed.

We can often downplay our ability to make a difference. But St Paul reminds us in Ephesians that even

though we may feel inadequate, we have been given the grace to preach the good news about the

immeasurable riches of Christ to all who need to hear it.On September 23rdat 7 pm there will be a Celebration of New Ministry here at St. Aidans. While I will

be inducted as your rector, this occasion is much more than that. It is really a ritual that allows us to lay claim

to our shared ministry together. There is much work to do and much to be accomplished in the Northwest

part of this City. It is not work that belongs to the rector. It is the work of a baptized people whose skills at

leadership and capacity to love are gifts offered by a God who continues to provide us with the tools

necessary to build the City of God.

In celebration of that notion we will sing together Dan Shuttes Hymn, City of God at our celebration on

the 23rd.

We are sons of the morning; we are daughters of day. God is light; in God there is no darkness.

The One who has loved us has brightened our way. Let us walk in the light. God's children one and all.

The Lord of all kindness has called us to be O comfort my people make gentle your words,

a light for all people to set their hearts free. proclaim to my city the day of her birth.

Refrain: Let us build the city of God.

May our tears be turned into dancing!

For the Lord, our light and our love,

has turned the night into day!

I am very much looking forward to what we will accomplish together with Gods help. I know we shall indeed

be a light for all people.

The wardens last communication to the parish within the context of the St. Aidans Audio Newsletter

was at Easter. We are happy to report that a lot has changed since then!

It is with joy and some sense of collective relief that we welcomed the Reverend Canon Dr. Kevin George and

his wife Catherinanne into our midst in early July. This has been quite a 14-month journey for us, since Rev.

Canon Dr. Todd announced his resignation to take a post teaching full-time at Huron College.

For the St. Aidans leadership team, Canon Kevin and Catherinannes arrival has been a tremendous

boost. It is clear that Canon Kevin has a wealth of experience, and some solid ideas about what it means to be

church in this day and age. From the selection committee interview conducted many months ago it is clearthat Canon Kevins focus is on building a Christ-centred community. This community, rooted in the salvific

promises of Jesus Christ, will expand our focus on in-reach and outreach to nurture and

strengthen the established community of the parish of St. Aidans, and also establish closer ties

with our Anglican brothers and sisters in our northwest part of London.

When Parish Council met with Canon Kevin at the end of July we were not ready for what

ensued. Homework! We were assigned the below book to read and discuss at upcoming Parish

Council meetings. Excellent stuff, indeed!

http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/books/Your-Church-Can-Thrive-Making-Harold-

Percy/9780687022564-item.html
http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/books/Your-Church-Can-Thrive-Making-Harold-Percy/9780687022564-item.htmlhttp://www.chapters.indigo.ca/books/Your-Church-Can-Thrive-Making-Harold-Percy/9780687022564-item.htmlhttp://www.chapters.indigo.ca/books/Your-Church-Can-Thrive-Making-Harold-Percy/9780687022564-item.htmlhttp://www.chapters.indigo.ca/books/Your-Church-Can-Thrive-Making-Harold-Percy/9780687022564-item.htmlhttp://www.chapters.indigo.ca/books/Your-Church-Can-Thrive-Making-Harold-Percy/9780687022564-item.html



There are many other changes that have transpired since April. The rectors office was given an update

and refresh with a paint job and new doors to let in light and provide a less cave-like experience for Kevin

while working. Thanks to Dave and Sandi Burns for the office refresh, and The Simpsons for donating a new

desk! In other news, Tom Goving will be returning as our caretaker after a lengthy illness. We thank Pat

Ferguson, and Stephen and Jessica Nelles for helping look after the cleanliness of the church buildings during

Toms absence. Along the lines of church buildings, property committee chair has transitioned from Bill

Swanson to Peter Andersen. Since that happened there have been several projects that have popped up

thanks Peter and Bill, and Dave Burns for helping with them too!These are exiting times. A time of new beginnings! As a parish, we have been asked by Bishop Bob

Bennett to consider what future Anglican ministry in northwest London might look like. How will this evolve

with our fellow parishes in this section of London? With the season of Advent and a new church year around

the corner, preceded by the new and re-established routines of a new school year, lets make absolutely

certain that we commit to recharging in our faith, to deepening our sense of community together, and set our

priorities on the One that will bring us true joy and everlasting life.

See you in Church!

Yours in Christ,

Bill Swanson Past Warden // [email protected] // 519-289-0910

Sandi BurnsRectors Warden // [email protected] // 519-672-9182Doug Wilson-HodgePeoples Warden // [email protected] // 519-433-5076

Kara-Lee Carson-Simpson Deputy Warden // [email protected]

// 519-641-7956

Dean of McCormick Seminarys Doctoral Program to Visit St. Aidans.The Revd Dr. Jeff Japinga is scheduled to be with us as the guest preacher at the Celebration of New Ministry w

Canon Kevin is inducted as our Rector on September 23rd. Dr. Japinga was the Thesis advisor to our Rector dur

Doctorate in Ministry program. More than and Dean and an Advisor, Kevin counts Je

friend.

Prior to become Dean of the Doctor of Ministry Programs at McCormick, Dr. Japinga

for twenty-one years on the denominational staff of the Reformed Church in America

was managing editor and then editor and publisher for the Church Herald, the RCAs

denominational magazine, and was twice honored by the Evangelical Press Associatio

editorial writing. He was director of the RCAs Congregational Services Unit and min

for education and faith development. Most recently, he served as executive coordinato

the office of general secretary. He also taught as an adjunct instructor in communicati

Hope College in Holland, Michigan.

Jeff is an ordained minister in the Reformed Church in America and a member of the

of Holland. He has served in leadership roles in a number of ecumenical settings, inclu

APCE (Association of Presbyterian Church Educators) and the National Council of Churches. He has edited num

study guides and other educational resources, published in a variety of magazines and periodicals, and leads wor

in the areas of leadership, decision-making, and Christian formation.

Jeff is married to the Rev. Dr. Lynn Winkels Japinga, an associate professor of religion at Hope College. They h

two children, Mark and Anne. Join us at 7 pm on September 23rd

for the Celebration of New Ministry. A Recep

will follow - be sure and take the opportunity to welcome Jeff to our Community!



BLESSING OF THE NORTH WALL WINDOWS

Join us at 10:30 am on Sunday September 30th as we dedicate our new stained glass windows

recently installed in our north wall.

These Windows have been generously donated by

MY FRIENDS,

I hope all of you have had a relaxing and spiritually fulfilling summer. While some of you might have been

traveling or spend a few nights up at the cottage; it has been a busy couple of weeks here at St. Aidans as we

have started with our new rector and have the beginnings of new ministry in our church. Even though its

only been a couple of weeks since Kevin has arrived; he has brought with him lots of energy, a passion for the

Gospel and a strong desire for St. Aidans to be a driving force in our lives and wider community.

A transition to a new rector can be a time of great anxiety. There always is a fear of the unknown -especially when it comes to something as important as spiritual leadership. This nervousness however is

something that doesnt last longer than your first chat

with Kevin. From his personable style of conversation

his energetic and engaging sermons to his musings about

the holy land of Newfoundland, I guarantee that you

will not be disappointed with the selection teams #1

draft pick.

Im sure I speak of all of us as I give a warm and

heartfelt welcome to Rev. Cannon Kevin Dr. George and

his wife Cathrinanne. I look forward to his leadershipand the new ministry that we will create together here

at St. Aidans and north-west London.

Stephen Nelles



Recently, I heard a beloved Pastor tell a story about what God looks like. He recounted how a little girl

was drawing at the kitchen table while her mother cooked dinner. When her mother asked what she was

drawing she replied Gods face! Her mother gently smiled and told her that no one knows what God looks

like. Well, the little girl said, they will, - when Im done!

This story made me think of our Childrens Ministry and the way the children interact with each other

and their teachers in Church School. It made me think of Seth, welcoming a new friend Nathaniel and walkingwith him as he offered the bread at the table for the first time. It made me think of Sarah, hungering for

discussion on issues of Justice and works of mercy. It made me think of our teachers ministering with our

children even during the summer months. It also reminded me of our precious children delighting to bring in

their pennies for Childrens Hospital and encouraging the adults to bring in theirs too! God reveals Gods face

in many ways and I believe that St. Aidans Children, Youth and Families reveal Gods face within our

community and beyond.

As I write this, I am reminded that at this time last year we were all excited about celebrating our 50th

Anniversary. The children and youth enjoyed participating in this festival in many ways. Now, in the Autumn of

2012 we still have much to celebrate! The children will say thank you to Eileen in song as she retires. The kidsare enjoying getting to know our new Rector: The Rev. Canon Dr. Kevin George, and he already knows many

by name. They really enjoy how he smiles and laughs with them. They enjoyed making him feel welcome by

making him a Welcome Canon Kevin Banner. At his Celebration of New Ministry a child will present to him

our special Atrium Candle which represents Jesus, The Light of the World. Our candle will then continue to be

used each Sunday when our children gather together initially as one group in the Atrium to share and pray in

word or song.

At this time last year we had one group each week at Church School. We have grown in number and at

this time we are establishing 2 more groups of children. For the last 2 Sundays we have had 15 children at

church. Our groups (including our now 9 teachers) are enjoying our new Curriculum created by Scripture

Union Canada. The three groups of kids and youth are split up by age group: under 5s; 5-8 year olds, and

Xstream for 9-12 year old youths. This year we will also be encouraging our teenagers to gather in the Atrium

during coffee hour with me (- or Canon Kevin), to discuss their opinions and the notes regarding the homily

and other moments in the Liturgy that they feel strongly about. My hope is that these discussions will lead to

many events of prayer and of service, and even perhaps an out of country pilgrimage, perhaps to Iona in

Scotland which is connected with our own St. Aidan.

We will soon have a list of dates for you to post on your fridges. They will include a Thanksgiving Pot-

Luck lunch for our (CYFM) Children, Youth and Young Families - where they will dance with John and Catherine

and enjoy a Talent Show; another Cookies and Christmas Fundraiser and Pageant, and our 4pm Christmas

Eve Eucharist; a full - day event on Ash Wednesday and a childrens liturgy on Good Friday; and our AnnualPentecost Party, which was such a great intergenerational event this year!

A few weeks ago the kids agreed to invite a friend to come to church even if they refuse! Then the

children challenged the congregation to do the same. Back to Church Sunday is on Sept 30th

this year. Thanks

be to God for the many ways that our children invite us to follow Jesus in new and exciting ways!

The kingdom belongs to such as these.(Luke 18:16) You, the people of St. Aidans recognize this and

continue to endorse this Ministry with your love and support. Thanks and praise be to God for you!

Respectfully submitted by Trish ONei

[email protected]
mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]



Please do keep collecting toiletries in sample or hotel room sizes for Christmas Share. We will bag them in

November and will work at the Cathedral in December. Drop them off at church any Sunday in October for us to

gift bag.

We also gift bag the full sizes if they are donated as well. We especially would like to receive more toiletries for

men. We ran out of men's products last year for Christmas Share. Tooth paste, tooth brushes and shaving creamare a few examples of needed items.

Sign-up sheets and dates will appear in the bulletin later in the fall. The Cathedral also appreciates new hats, mit

and scarves and we would be happy to deliver them for you.

If you are not on a list to donate a food item or to work at some funeral receptions at our church, please pass yo

name along to me. We appreciate all volunteers and whatever time you are able to give us.

Dont forget to support our Fall Rummage Sale October 20!!!!

Retirement for Eileen Allen

We will be holding a retirement party for Eileen Allen on Friday Sept 28th at the church between 7 and 10pm. W

will be serving a delightful selection of appetizers and wine.

Tickets are $15 per person, and will be on sale from now through the 23rd. They can be purchased from one of

the following people after church services or by contacting them directly.

Kara-Lee Carson-Simpson 519-641-7956

Heather Mills 519-471-4422

Lorraine Mcleod 519-673-5657

Sandi Burns 519-672-9182*******************************************************************************************

Although changes to date have been subtle, they are clear! We have a Facebook account! YUP!

Hit our website at www.staidans.net and then follow the link to Facebook. If you are not into Facebook, no

problem! Canon Kevins Corner: Thoughts from a Canadian Vicar(http://canonkevin.com/) might be the

online treat youve been seeking. Canon Kevin is a prolific writer recording his thoughts in accessible nuggets

of weekly of spiritual advice. If you want to reach Canon Kevin, his contact info is

Office Phone: 519-471-1430 email: [email protected] Twitter:@canonkevy

You will find enclosed a Thanksgiving Envelope. Each year it is our custom to make this

envelope available to our congregation as a way to support the Daily bread Food

Program.

Please make use of this envelope as we give thanks for the abundance that we all share.

Blessed be thou Lord God of Israel forever and ever. All this is in the heaven and the

earth is thine. All things come of thee and of thine own have we given thee.



Would you like to dedicate the next edition of THE AUDIO in memory of a loved one?Would you like to dedicate it in thanksgiving for someone?

Simply make a donation of $200 earmarked for THE AUDIO through the church office, email yourdedication to Stephen Nelles at [email protected]

St. Aidans Celebrates 10 Years ofJAZZ BY THE BOG

The sanctuary of St. Aidans Anglican Church in London has been doubling as one of the citys best places to

hear jazz for the past ten years . At 8:00 p.m. on October 26th, the 11th Season ofJAZZ BY THE BOG will kick

off with a concert presented by singer Catherine McInnes, Artistic Director of Londons Home County Music

and Arts Festival.JAZZ BY THE BOG, so named because of the proximity of the church to the Sifton Bog on Oxford Street

West in London, was originally conceived by parishioners Jim and Sue Smythe, as a single concert idea to help

raise money toward a half-million dollar renovation being undertaken by the church. However, there were

several choices of artists to engage, so the decision was made to create a 3-concert series for 2002-2003.

From that first season has grown an established jazz music series featuring local and area musicians. Bassist

Andrew Downing, a Juno Award winner who grew up in the St. Aidans community, was t he first guest artist

along with his quartet Great Uncles of the Revolution. Denise Pelley, Stephen Holowitz, Oliver Whitehead

and Friends rounded out that inaugural season.

Since then, audiences have been thoroughly entertained by such genres as world beat jazz groups like

Antler River Project and Alfredo Caxaj Latin Ensemble and more intimate stylings of Toronto guitarist Lorne

Lofsky, Stratford vibraphonist Michael Wood, Waterloo saxophonist David Wiffen, flautist Fiona Wilkinson and

trumpeter Paul Stephenson, both from London. Vocalists Sonja Gustafson, Jennifer Fagan, Gina Farrugia, and

London jazz legends Phil Murphy and John Noubarian have all contributed to the success of our series. Weve

even had Jazz on Broadway with Paul Grambo and Amber Cunningham!

From the beginning of this venture, the aim has been to make money for church use. After the

renovation loan was paid, profits from JAZZ BY THE BOG have gone towards assisting with our refugee

sponsorship project, a new electronic piano, and enhanced sound system. Ticket prices have remained steady

at $20.00 each or a series for $55.00 which includes a complimentary refreshment ticket. The exception to

this was the GALA 10th

Anniversary Concert last October which featured seven of our fan-favourite artiststhe

price for that one was $30.00!

Of course, this venture could not succeed without the support of our former clergy, Rev. Jay Koyle andRev. Canon Todd Townshend and the many volunteers who have willingly given their time. Parish

administrator Eileen Allen handles ticket sales through the church office and is our greeter at the door on

concert night. Our lawn sign has been taken care of by Dick Beamish and posters are designed by Lynne

Smythe. Over the years, Heather Mills, Charlene Kerr, Marianne Emmerton, Cheryl Horne and others have

managed the refreshment booth and CD sales. Chapters stores and Long & McQuade (formerly Belle Air

Music) locations have volunteered to be ticket outlets and James Reaney of the London Free Press has been

very kind in promoting the concerts.

JAZZ BY THE BOG has brought a lot of people into our church building for the first time. Many have

become regular patrons of our series and a few have even found a new and inviting spiritual home! Make a

joyful noise unto the Lord indeed!



Opinions That Matter

Social Justice: by a St. Aidans Youth.

Picture it.

You're a 16 year old girl living in Africa. You are already are married and expecting. This is what girls

and women just like us are going through. Not only that, but it's common that they are married to men even

forty years their senior. Just because their parents can't feed them.

GIRLS ARE THE NEW BEST INVESTMENT. Educate a girl, she'll educate others. Feed a girl, she'll feed others.

Time for sexism is over. It never should have started.In countries such as Cambodia, it's common there are girls sifting through a garbage dump, looking for things

to sell. That is the level of poverty some families are at.

Are you interested in learning more? Go to the website Because I Am A Girl. It also offers some ways you can

help The Girl Issue.

Because Girl's Rights are Human Rights.

www.becauseiamagirl.ca Submitted by Sarah Simpson

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St. Aidan's Audio Newsletter: Sept 2012

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