the key october 2017
TRANSCRIPT
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Lutheran & Anglican Ministries of the Bruce Peninsula St. Peter’s Evangelical Lutheran, Wiarton & The Anglican Parish of the Bruce Peninsula
P.O. Box 608
Wiarton, Ontario N0H 2T0 519.534.1604 (O) -- www.laamb.ca
Acknowledging God’s Gifts in the Cherry Season
Justus Jonas, German theologian and reformer, once praised the glorious blessing which God grants in
fruit. “I have a branch with cherries on it hanging over my table”, he said, “in order that when I look at
it I may learn the article about divine creation.”
Martin Luther responded to Jonas by saying, “Why don’t you learn about it daily by looking at your
children, the fruit of your body? They’re there every day, and surely they amount to much more than
all the fruit of the trees! There you may see the providence of God, who created them from nothing. In
a half a year he gave them body, life, and limb, and he will also sustain them. Yet we overlook them,
as if those gifts of God made us blind and greedy, as it usually happens that men become worse and
more greedy when they have offspring; they don’t realize that every child is apportioned his lot
according to the saying, ‘The more children the more luck.’ Dear God, how great are the ignorance
and the wickedness of man, who doesn’t think about the best gifts of God but does just the opposite.”
As we celebrate the 500th
anniversary of the reformation, I am revisiting some of my favorite writings
of Luther. One of my favorite writings is from Luther’s Works, volume 54, entitled “Table Talk”.
Table Talk is a collection of short conversations Luther had with various people at the table.
Sometimes this table was Martin and Katie’s home, while other times it was the table of a local
establishment. Regardless, there was always good food, beer and conversation.
As I was recently leafing through Table Talk, I came across this conversation Luther had with Justus
Jonas. How like Luther to take a wonderful sentiment someone shared and throw right back at them.
Though Luther was rather blunt with his viewpoint, it is, still, a valid point nonetheless. So often we
don’t appreciate what we have, nor the people who are in our lives. All is created by God and by that
are holy. Luther was of the mind that everything and everyone are holy for this reason.
Fall is a time of year where we often give thanks. The harvest is coming in, the works of the heart,
home and land are being gathered together. The providence God has given us is focused on,
intentionally. All too often we, and especially society, gets caught up in “whatever” and loose sight of
God’s presence. For Luther, and as it should be for us, while nature is a wonderful thing, God’s
greatest creation is one that is overlooked; people! If we want to see the wonder of God’s creation…if
we want to see how grace and love can be embodied…if we want to connect with the divine in a unique
way, we need to seek it out in people.
The Key October 2017
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Luther in this excerpt stresses that thanksgiving, giving thanks and appreciation should not just take
place during the “cherry season” (at a certain time) but at all times. Once again, embodying our faith.
Not just believing but living out that which we believe.
May we encounter Christ in wonderful ways. In the people whom he has created.
I pray this thanksgiving, fall and months to come will be filled with encounters with the divine.
Because it’s always cherry season!
With all best wishes,
Chad+
Rector Contact Information
Rectory: 519-534-0916 Cell: 519-377-2162
Giving Thanks with a Grateful Heart
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WORSHIP SCHEDULE
17th Sunday after Pentecost, Blessing of the Animals Oct 1, 2017 (G)
Genesis 2:18-25/Psalm 148 Revelation 5:11-14/Matthew 6:25-29 9:30 St. Edmund’s (Christopher Pratt)
9:45 Trinity/St. Peter’s (Chad) 11:30 Christ Church (Chad)
18th Sunday after Pentecost, Oct. 8, 2017(G) Deuteronomy 8:7-18/Psalm 65
2 Corinthians 9:6-15/Luke 17:11-19 9:30 St. Edmund’s (Nancy Adams)
9:45 Trinity/St. Peter’s (Chad) 11:30 Christ Church (Chad)
7:30 St. Margaret’s Chapel (Chad/Nancy Adams) (w)
19th Sunday after Pentecost, Oct. 15, 2017 (G) Exodus 32:1-14/ Psalm 106:1-6, 19-23
Philippians 4:1-9/Matthew 22:1-14 9:45 St. Peter’s/Trinity (Chad)
11:30 Christ Church (Chad) 2:00 St. Edmund’s (Chad)
20th Sunday after Pentecost, Oct. 22, 2017 (G) Exodus 33:12-23/Psalm 99
1 Thessalonians 1:1-10/Matthew 22:15-22 9:45 St. Peter’s/Trinity (Chad)
11:30 Christ Church (Chad) 2:00 St. Edmund’s (Chad)
Reformation Sunday, Oct. 29, 2017(R) Jeremiah 31:31-34/Psalm 46
Romans 3:19-28/John 8:31-36 9:45 St. Peter’s/Trinity (Chad)
11:30 Christ Church (Chad) 2:00 St. Edmund’s (Chad)
Sponsorship Opportunities In memory of loved ones or in celebration of a milestone in your life consider in addition to donating flowers other methods to gift our congregations through sponsorship opportunities.
The KEY may be sponsored for $60.00
An individual congregational bulletin may be sponsored for $30.00
If you wish to make these donations, speak with one of the editors or with Mary Lou in the Parish Office.
LUTHERAN & ANGLICAN MINISTRIES OF THE
BRUCE PENINSULA
To WALK as Jesus taught. To GROW in love and compassion, seeking
justice for all. To REACH OUT to community using our gifts
to serve.
MISSION STATEMENT, adopted by PPC, April 2011
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OCTOBER EVENTS
Sunday, October 1st
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
A Gathering
To Commemorate the 500th Anniversary of the Reformation
Neustadt Arena Sunday, November 12th 2017
3:00 p.m. – Worship 4:30 p.m. – Social Hour
6:00 p.m. – Catered Banquet
7:30 p.m. - Entertainment Dinner to Follow the Service
Tickets: $20.00 Contact: Marleen Ransom at 519-534-4125
This issue of the Key is Sponsored By the Dunbar Family
In Memory of Bill and Winnie Dunbar
This is the time for reflection of all that the Lord has given us and we give Thanks.
The greatest gift that he gave us was our parents (grandparents/great grandparents)
for which we are most grateful. Love Today, Tomorrow and Forever
Nancy, Cathy, Carol, Steven and Grandchildren
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Parish Retreat September 13, 2017
Our Laamb Parish Retreat was held at the Red Bay Lodge again this year. Excellent service, snacks, lunch and special treats all enhanced our enjoyment of the day. Our facilitator was Sister Anne Keffer a diaconal minister of the ELCIC and a deaconess in the Deaconess Community, ELCA/ELCIC. Her Doctor of Ministry is in Spiritual Direction, and her desire is to help foster a deeper relationship with God, who has always been a real Presence in her life. Throughout the day we enjoyed humour, stories, and smiles in abundance. She inspired us to learn, to grow and to ‘hear’ God’s voice. She started our day by highlighting and expanding on our Mission Statement, “To walk as Jesus taught, growing in love”. Our bible study was not a bible study in the traditional sense but a real listening to the word of God and what the passage meant to us. For some the method was one they already knew and for others like myself it was a new experience. The process is called “The Collatio”. Following several readings, followed by brief silence while we absorbed what we heard, we were asked to choose a word or phrase that personally struck us. After the third reading we were invited to take the word or phrase and make it applicable to ourselves, using “I”. Then we shared what we applied to ourselves, with clear instructions that we were sharing, not discussing, not debating or
questioning; just shared. It was a wonderfully unique experience. Part of the afternoon was spent on different methods of prayer; A Centering form of prayer, sacred reading and ‘Ignatian Contemplation’ which
focused on using our imagination to enter into the experience of the past. As individuals we were in varying different mindsets; again only speaking for myself personally I was not able to ‘use my imagination to place myself in a scene with Jesus; but others who were able to do so, found it to be a moment of re-discovery. It was an enabling experience discovering prayer does not have to look the same for everyone. We also spent some time talking about Discernment. Sister Anne led us through discussion on ‘Listening for God’s direction and guidance’; especially when as a Community of Faith we are trying to make important God-guided decisions.
My Perspective Charlotte Ewbank
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Did You Know?
The Hebrew Bible or Hebrew Scriptures
The Hebrew Bible is the same as the Old Testament
(OT) in the Christian Bible, right? Well sort of.
Christianity and Judasim are two Abrahamic
religions that have similar origins. The word ‘Bible’
comes from the Greek word ‘biblia’ which means
‘books’ or ‘scrolls’ and both religions call their
religious scripture ‘Bible’.
The Hebrew Bible is a collection of 24 books
traditionally called the Mikra in Hebrew and is now
often referred to as the TaNaK or TaNaKh, taken
from the Hebrew names of its three main sections:
Torah + Nabiim +Khetuvim.
Torah – often translated “Law’, but more
accurately meaning Teaching or Instructions
in Hebrew. The Torah refers to the first five
books of the Bible , the five books of Moses;
Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers,
Deuteronomy
Nabiim – meaning Prophets is subdivided in
the Jewish Bible into the ‘Former Prophets’
(Joshua, Judges, Samuel, Kings which also
contain stories of early ‘prophets’ like Elijah,
Elisha, Samuel, Nathan etc.) and the ‘Latter
Prophets’ (Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and the
Twelve Minor Prophets). The book of
Daniel is not included among the ‘Prophets’.
Ketuvim or Khetuvim- meaning Writings
includes the books of Psalms, Job, Proverbs,
Song of Solomon and Ecclesiastes (Christian
Old Testament they are called Wisdom
Literature), the books of Ruth, Esther, Ezra,
Nehemiah, and ending with 2 Chronicles
(considered Historical Books in the Christian
Old Testament). The books of Daniel and
Lamentations (placed among the
“Prophets” in the Christian OT).
So the same books but not exactly identical which
are also placed in different order and split or
combined differently.
Another major difference is of the foundation texts
that are used in the two Bibles to address the
readers. The Jewish Bible has texts written in
Hebrew (or Armanic) while the true Christian Old
Testament is in Spetuagint – the ancient Greek
version.
Also the importance of oral traditions in Judaism is
a cause in itself for distinction between the two
Bibles (the Rabbinic literature and interpretation of
the text) since it is given as much importance as
the written traditions.
The Hebrew Bible has 24 books, Orthodox Christian
Old Testament has 32 books, Catholic Christian Old
Testament has 28 books and the Protestant
Christian Old Testament has 22 books.
In conclusion, it is important to note that these two
religions are closely related to each other but their
holy scriptures differ significantly. The main
differences as expected are in the number of books
which comprise the two Bibles, the arrangement of
the books, the primary language that the Bibles are
read or studied in, the content of the two Bibles
and in terms of the importance that is given to the
oral and the written traditions in making of the two
holy books.
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The Evangelism Tool Box
Tool #3 – How Can We Engage What Keeps Us
From Doing Evangelism?
III. Out of Practice
Contrary to what most people might think, historically, we Christians used to talk about our faith and share what we thought with others. Theological conversation and debate were common place, especially during the time of the reformation. Martin Luther and King Henry VIII, with their reforms brought faith conversation into the forefront of society and the home. Faith conversation continued steadily into the settling of North America for many years to come. The conversations changed, however, from reformation times. By the early 1800’s Christianity was considered the “norm” in Canada and the predominant faith. So, rather than debating and wrestling what we should believe, people talked about their faith as guiding principles, consulted on issues on morality, and as a way of life. Once Christianity was considered the “norm”, we shared out faith with those who were like us; other Christians. Ecumenical dialogue was part of our culture. We were comfortable talking to other Christians about what our similarities and differences were. We didn’t need to talk to non- Christians about faith matters because the church was self-sustaining. Post World War II brought to Canada many immigrants and was also a “baby boom”. The churches were growing. We knew what we believed and were somewhat comfortable sharing within our families what we believed. The comfort zone of talking to who we know was still there. Things began to change in the 1970’s. It is here
where we begin to see a decline in church attendance, lower birth rates, liturgical reform in many churches, people of varying faith backgrounds immigrating to Canada, a rise in censorship and political correctness, as well as not wanting to offend other people. All of these factors have played a role in our culture and how the church, as a community, has changed. In the 1980’s into the 1990’s, we saw a decline in membership and attendance; what some might call the “fall out years”. Many people were hurt by faith communities through conflicts and inability or unwillingness to engage in conversation about what we believe. It used to be (in many communities), “this is the way things are because the pastor/priest said so.” For us here at LAAMB, we find ourselves in communities of faith and a parish where we engage our faith, ask questions, and dig deeper. Rather than laying down theological absolutes, the pastor/priest teaches, guides, nurtures people to help discern healthy answers and further questions in faith. This bring us to evangelism; sharing our faith with others. One of the scariest things for us to do is to try doing something we haven’t done in a long time. We’re self-conscious, we don’t want to look silly, wreck things, and/or make a mistake. I share with you some bold and true words to keep in mind, you can’t wreck it. You can’t….really. The church has survived for hundreds and hundreds of years through wars, plagues, sickness, and much much more. You struggling to find words won’t wreck the church; I promise. Boldness and courage in faith are the orders of the day. As God spoke through the prophet Isaiah, “do not fear, for I am with you, do not be afraid, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you,
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I will uphold you with my victorious right hand (Isaiah 41:10). Boldness and courage, however, don’t magically happen. Boldness and courage take practice and time. We need to practice talking about our faith; relearning how to integrate faith back into our everyday conversations. When I’m trying to do something I’m uncomfortable or new at, I usually start by myself. Think about what you believe, and then try writing down your thoughts, maybe even talking to yourself in a mirror. Slowly getting comfort in our own faith “skin” again. After this, find someone you trust, a good friend you’re comfortable with, a friend you don’t mind being (for lack of better words) silly with. A good friend won’t judge you and if they’re a friend in faith, they’re probably struggling with some of the same things you are. We as a parish could even take things a step farther, if it would be helpful. Like having a small group where people can come and try talking about their faith in a safe venue. Being able to practice talking to new friends or even strangers about our faith, our church, what we do to proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ. All of this takes time and practice. We need to build relationships with people; this is a good base for evangelism. Next month, we’ll look at relationships and evangelism.
Next Month Tool #4 Relationship & Evangelism The evangelism toolbox is inspired by my training with the
Venerable Bill Harrison, president of the Lutheran
Theological Seminary in Saskatoon, and is based on his
research and work.
Answer September Crossword Puzzle
For the November Issue
of the Key
Forward your articles,
suggestions or event
information to the editor
Charlotte Ewbank at
By Friday, Oct. 20, 2017
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Jesus, Wealth and Hope of Heaven In Luke 18:18-27 we have the story of the ruler who asks Jesus what he needs to do to earn eternal life. When Jesus lists some of the commandments as necessary, the ruler states that he has kept these since his youth, whereupon Jesus replies that the ruler needs one more thing, to sell all he has and to give the proceeds to the poor because then he would have treasure in heaven, and to follow Jesus. This was not what the ruler wanted to hear, because he was “very rich”. Presumably, Jesus
sensed that the ruler did not like Jesus’ advice. 24Jesus looked at him and said, “How hard it is for those who
have wealth to enter the kingdom of God! 25Indeed, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the Kingdom of
God.” 26Those who heard it said “Then, who can be
saved?” 27He replied, “What is impossible for mortals is possible for God.” In Luke 12:16-21 we find the story of the rich man who plans to demolish his inadequate barns and build larger ones to store his bumper crop. He tells his soul “Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; relax, eat, drink, be merry”. God tells him that he will die that very night. Who will get the rich man’s goods afterwards?
Jesus concludes with 21"So it is with those who store up treasures for themselves but are not rich toward God.” In Luke 16:19-31 we have the story of Lazarus, a very poor man, and a very rich man whom tradition has given the name of Dives. Dives is completely indifferent to Lazarus’ misery and ends up among the flames of Hades where he is tormented, while Lazarus is with Abraham, presumably in a state of bliss. Dives begs for some relief but there is no redemption for him. Moreover, his kin are ordained to share his fate because they, like him, do not listen to Moses and the prophets. Why is Jesus so hard on the wealthy? Why is their situation so hopeless, with respect to getting into heaven? Various studies have been carried out at the University of California, Berkeley, to examine particular characteristics of the rich. Some of the findings are: 1. At a four-way intersection, drivers of luxury cars
were more likely to cut off other drivers instead
of taking their turn. This applied to both genders.
2. At a crosswalk, drivers of luxury cars were more
apt then other drivers not to yield to pedestrians, even after making eye-contact with the pedestrians.
3. Participants in a study were asked to compare
themselves to people either better off or worse off than themselves. Afterwards they were shown a jar with candy and told they could take with them as much as they wanted. But they were also told that leftover candy would be given to children. It was found that people who considered themselves much better off than others also took considerably more candy, thus leaving less for the children.
4. Another study found that less affluent people
are more apt to feel compassion towards others. For example, they are more likely to agree with statements such as, “I often notice people who need help,” and “It’s important to take care of people who are vulnerable.”
5. In a study which followed No. 4, above,
participants were asked to watch two videos while having their heart rate monitored. One video showed somebody explaining how to build a patio. The other showed children who were suffering from cancer. After watching the videos, participants indicated how much compassion they felt while watching either video. Social class was measured by asking participants questions about their family’s level of income and education. The results of the study showed that participants on the lower end of the spectrum, with less income and education, were more likely to report feeling compassion while watching the video of the cancer patients. In addition, their heart rates slowed down while watching the cancer video - a response associated with paying greater attention to the feelings and motivations of others.
These studies build upon the results of previous studies which show how upper class persons are worse at discerning the emotions of others, and are less likely to
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pay attention to those with whom they interact, as demonstrated by checking their phones or by doodling. The investigators had to ponder the question as to why wealth and status lead to decreased compassion? Isn’t it logical to expect that being poor will lead to selfishness and being wealthy lead to more generosity. It appears that having much makes us independent of others; it gives us a sense of freedom. If we don’t depend on others we don’t care about their feelings. Another factor is the attitude towards greed. The dictum that “greed is good” has been expounded by Kevin O’Leary, among others. It has been found that if you think that greed is good you develop a rationale to justify this. But exponents of the virtues of greed are also more likely to engage in unethical behaviour.
The investigators have concluded that greed is definitely not good, it “undermines moral behaviour”. Wealthy people cheat more. In a study using a computer which rolled virtual dice, wealthy people were more apt to claim they had a score above 12. They did not know that the computer program did not allow such a score. Other studies have shown that rich people are more apt to lie in negotiations and to deceive clients at work. In conclusion: “Wealth gives rise to a me-first mentality, and the ideology of unbridled self-interest serves as its lofty justification.” Amos around 2,800 years ago attacked those who cheated and oppressed. Amos 8:4-6 Hear this you that trample on the needy, and bring to ruin the poor of the land, saying, “When will the new moon be over so that we may sell grain, and the sabbath so that we may offer wheat for sale? We will make the ephah (a measure for wheat) small and the shekel (a coin) great, and practise deceit with false balances, buying the poor for silver and the needy for a pair of sandals, and selling the sweepings of wheat.” The above statement is then followed by a set of dire predictions. (Amos 8:7-9:10) Wealth is relative. A rich person in Albania might be middle class in Switzerland. Whether or not any of us is rich is our individual decision. Leon Baltas St. Edmund’s Church, Tobermory
Who I am in Christ
I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.
John 15:15
I am Christ’s Friend
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Sunday Morning Humour
God’s Plan For Exercise
Most seniors never get enough exercise. In His wisdom, God decreed that seniors become forgetful so they would have to search for their glasses, keys and other things thus doing more walking. And God looked down and saw that it was good. Then God saw there was another need. In His wisdom, He made seniors lose coordination so they would drop things requiring them to bend, reach & stretch. And God looked down and saw that it was good. Then God considered the function of bladders and decided seniors would have additional calls of nature requiring more trips to the bathroom, thus providing more exercise. God looked down and saw that it was good. So the moral to the story: if you find as you age that you are getting up and down more, remember it's God's will. It is all in your best interest even though you mutter under your breath!
Something To Think About
Prayer is not a "spare wheel" that you pull out when in trouble,
but it is a "steering wheel" that directs the right path throughout our lives.
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October Puzzle
Sadly it is that time again when our summer churches are starting to close for the season and folks are heading back to their
home parishes. As part of your church family we hope you will keep in touch while you are away. We invite you to visit our
web site at www.laamb.ca to pick up your copy of THE KEY. We also encourage you to send us an article about special
happenings in your lives and/or parish to share with us here on The Bruce.
God Speed to each of you – we look forward to your return in the spring!
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October 2017
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
1 9:30 St. Edmund’s 9:45 Trinity/St. Peter’s
11:30 Christ Church. Blessing of the
Animals
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3 9:30 Conversations in Faith, St. Peter’s, Wiarton
3:30 Meditation, Tobermory
4
5 10:00 Bible Study, Tobermory. 1:30 WLW St. Peter’s, Wiarton
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8 9:30 St. Edmund’s 9:45 Trinity/St. Peter’s 11:30 Christ Church 7: 30 St. Margaret’s
Thanksgiving
9 6:15 Hymn Sing at Golden Dawn
10 9:30 Conversations in Faith, St. Peter’s, Wiarton
3:30 Meditation, Tobermory
11 9:00 Ministries, Finance & Visioning 12:00 PPC Christ Church
12 10:00 Bible Study, Tobermory
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15 9:45 St. Peter’s/Trinity
11:30 Christ Church 2:00 St. Edmund’s
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17 9:30 Conversations in Faith, St. Peter’s, Wiarton
3:30 Meditation, Tobermory
18 7:00 St. Peter’s/ Trinity Joint Council
19 9:00 Deanery ACW at Christ Church 10:00 Bible Study, Tobermory
20 DEADLINE
ARTICLES FOR THE KEY
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22 9:45 St. Peter’s/Trinity
11:30 Christ Church 2:00 St. Edmund’s
23 6:15 Hymn Sing at Golden Dawn
24 9:30 Conversations in Faith, St. Peter’s Wiarton 3:30 Meditation, Tobermory
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26 10:00 Bible Study, Tobermory
27 28
29 9:45 St. Peter’s/Trinity
11:30 Christ Church 2:00 St. Edmund’s
Reformation Sunday
30 31 9:30 Conversations in Faith, St. Peter’s Wiarton 3:30 Meditation, Tobermory
Lutheran & Anglican Ministries .of the Bruce Peninsula + Church Office – 519-534-1604 Rectory Office – 519-534-0916