NEWS
APRIL 27, 2013
We Remember Helen Tylee
A long-serving and loyal member of St. Luke's passed on April 27, 2013. She now joins her beloved Jack in that blessed place. Helen is resting at Merritt's and visiting will be on Monday April 29th at 3-5 and 7-9pm. The funeral service will be held at St. Luke's on Tuesday April 30th at 2pm and Helen will be interred in St. Luke's Cememtery beside her Jack. We bless Helen and cherish our memories of her. The following obituary is from Merritt's web site, obituary.
Helen Britannia Tylee |
TYLEE, HELEN: Peacefully at Chateau Gardens in Niagara on the Lake on Saturday, April 27, 2013, Helen Britannia Tylee (nee McMane) of Smithville passed away in her 97th year. Beloved wife of the late Jack Purkiss Tylee (2004). Loving mother of Marilynne and Glenn Richards of Goderich, Janice and John White of Welland and Patricia and Art Albu of Welland. Cherished grandmother of 11 grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild. Also survived by sisters-in-law Ruby Tylee and Lois Burtch (Bill). Helen was a long-time employee of Nicol's Drug Store in Smithville. Predeceased by son William, daughter-in-law Linda, parents Mildred and Lorne McMane, sisters Ruth Gunning (Max), Ferne Horrill (Jack), and Vera Coomber (Ray), brothers Charles McMane (Gladys), Eric McMane (Grace), Neale McMane and an infant brother, brothers-in-law Royal Tylee and Barry Tylee, and sister-in-law Margaret Tylee. Visitation at Merritt Funeral Home, 287 Station Street, Smithville on Monday, April 29 from 3-5 and 7-9 pm. The funeral service will be held at St. Luke's Anglican Church, 216 Station Street, Smithville on Tuesday, April 30 at 2 pm with interment at the church's adjoining cemetery. If desired, memorial donations to St. Luke's Anglican Church would be appreciated and can be made through the funeral home. |
APRIL 22, 2013
The Next Chapter with Gord Martineau
CITY aired a documentary on Saturday evening, April 20th at 8pm about eight individuals changing their careers in mid-life. The title was "The Next Chapter." Some made the choice to change on their own, some made the choice because they were forced to. Rev Ellie was one of the eight indviduals profiled . Her portion of the documentary was at the end because the best was saved for last. We had all been anticipating the air date to be announced because the filming happened at last fall's Blessing of the Animals service. Many of the parishioners and the animals were in the scenes. The interview portion with Rev. Ellie was honest and indicated the faith that brought her to St. Luke's. If you would like to see the show click here and go to minute 39.
APRIL 26, 2013
Rev Ellie To Be Keynote Speaker
Rev Ellie will be the Keynote Speaker at the Nova Scotia Leadership Prayer Breakfast in Sydney, NS on April 26, 2013.
APRIL 5, 2013
Loaf of Bread Program
The “Loaf of Bread” program is an initiative of eight churches, including St. Luke’s, and members of the community in Smithville. The program provides for a social event and a hot meal once a week for those who wish to attend. The planning for this program began in January 2012 and the first event was held in January 2013 and planned to run until April, and then begin again in September.
During the first year the evening is held at St. Martin’s with the other churches and volunteers assisting on rotating basis.
St. Luke’s assisted in March. The meal served was Shepard’s pie, corn, salad, delicious homemade buns and apple crisp with ice cream. Barb McFarlane reports that all had a successful time sharing the cooking, assisting our clients and enjoying the fellowship .
St Luke’s Church family would like to thank the planning committee consisting of Alisa DeVries, Marjorie Lazenby, Josie Dell, and Chris Frere for all their hard work in the organization of this program. The generosity of everyone has been amazing. It has been wonderful to see that we could be a community that is willing to be there for one another in all we do.
Barb indicates “we are looking forward to next year to be part of this important program.”
OCTOBER 2, 2012
Confirmation Ceremony
Congratulations to our confirmation candidates: Faith Bell, Morgan McDonald and Richelle McDonald. The ceremony where Bishop Michael awards the confirmation will be held at the Cathedral in the Spring at a date to be announced.
OCTOBER 2, 2012
Ken Durham to Receive Order of Niagara
Ken Durham will be awarded the Order of Niagara by Bishop Michael Bird at the Cathedral on October 28, 2012. The Order of Niagara recognizes Ken’s faithful commitment to St. Luke’s and contributions to the community.
Ken has been St. Luke’s organist for over 50 years. He began in 1957 and although there were a few years when Ken moved to England to get his education, he has contributed his musical talents continuously. Over the years, when Ken took his holidays, Helen Tylee and others contributed their musical skills.. Ken was honoured at the 125th Anniversary celebration on October 17, 2010 with presentation of a plaque by Bishop Michael honouring him for his long and dedicated service to St. Luke’s.
Ken joins a respected list of previous recipients from St. Luke’s: Jack Tylee, Ruby Tylee, Barbara McFarlane, Helen Tylee, John Wilson and Amber Sweet.
SEPTEMBER 24, 2012
Stewart Joyner named Standard Star of the Game
Congratulations to Stewart Joyner. In the September 21st St. Catharines Standard, Stewart of the South Lincoln Bears was named the Standard Star of the Game. Stewart ran for two touchdowns as the visiting Bears defeated the Thorold Golden Eagles 12 to 7 in "A" league football play on Thursday September 20th in Thorold. See the clipping below. Stewart is the son of Andrew and Amy Joyner and grandson of church members Alan and Julie Joyner.
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SEPTEMBER 2, 2012
Shawn's Photo in Hamilton Spectator
Shawn spent the last part of August at a Tim Horton camp. He reported he had a wonderful and memorable time. The Hamilton Spectator, in the August 30/12 edition, had an article about the camp and some photos showing Shawn playing a drum (see below).
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JULY 16, 2012
Adult Formation Meetings.
Over the next few months Rev Ellie is meeting with different groups within the community to discuss ideas about furthering Christian formation at St. Luke’s. In these meetings Rev Ellie indicates she is also seeking ideas about how to evolve and sustain the culture and philosophy captured in our slogan: “The Little Church with a Big Heart!” She recently met with teachers and former teachers to gather ideas for adult, youth and children’s Christian formation.
The next group meeting being planned is with those artists in the St. Luke’s community and extended community—those who are inspired to express themselves through painting, crafts, photography and other forms—to discuss how to bring Religion and Art together for the children, youth and adults in Christian formation.
Ideas and information raised at these meetings, much like focus groups, will help clarify St. Luke’s strategic plan, and the role Christian formation will play in the plan, for next few years. This strategic plan will provide a roadmap for sustaining and advancing St. Luke’s as an important, fiscally solid, and active member of the Smithville community.
JULY 16, 2012
Exciting Changes Coming to the Website
Some exciting changes are coming to the website. Additional content will be added in “Ministries and Programmes” tab, where four new programmes will be featured:
-Children’s Corner – featuring information about children’s curriculum, examples of crafts, stories, photos of children’s activities and lots more
-Our Heritage – featuring oral stories of members, information on artifacts in the church such as the stained glass windows, and photos, bulletins, and newspaper clippings that members come across in their scrap books and photo albums and lots more
-Creative Inspiration – featuring examples of artwork that members and friends of St. Luke’s have been inspired to create
-Those Who Served – featuring stories and photos of St. Luke’s members, both current and former, who served in war, campaigns and peacetime to keep Canada free.
The goal is to get these four programmes up and functioning by end of August.
JUNE 23, 2012
Peach Peeling
St. Luke's is once again doing their bit for the Winona Peach Festival by peeling and quartering hundreds of peaches for those scrumptious peach sundaes available at the Festival. The days for peeling this year are August 22 and 23 and St. Luke's can use as many volunteers who are willing to help as possible. Barb McFarlane points out that "it's a great way for high schoolers to earn community hours and have some fun at the same time." For more information please contact Barb at 905-957-7894.
JUNE 13, 2012
Hazel Jean Las Granted Lay Reader Licence
In addition to being Fathers’ Day, June 17th is also a special day and service in the life of St. Luke’s and for Hazel Las. Hazel’s family will be in attendance to see her recognized as a licensed Lay Reader of St. Luke’s. This recognition involves proving to the Bishop that she is grounded in her understanding of the bible and the Anglican approach to knowing Jesus. The Bishop grants the license.
Hazel has assisted for many years in the preparation for services, bulletin and prayer list preparation, chalice bearer and server, recommendations on the selection of hymns and the list goes on and on. Rev. Ellie says, “I don’t know what I would do without Hazel’s input and support in the smooth running of services and church affairs.” Hazel is also busy in the activities of the Ladies Guild, on Corporation, and involvement in fundraisers.
Hazel’s admits, “this is an honour being recognized in such a way, but I’ve been doing this all this time because I respect St. Luke’s and it’s a way to help me feel God in my life.”
Hazel has been a member of St. Luke’s since 1975. When she was growing up she attended St. Christopher’s Church in Burlington where her parents were busy in the church life. Her father was Treasurer for many years and Hazel remembers helping him with reconciling the accounts and deposits. From the time she was a young girl, Hazel has always been a member of the choir at whichever church she was attending. As a young woman Hazel and her parents attended St. Luke’s in Burlington where both Hazel and her mother were members of the choir.
Hazel was a school teacher, with her first schools being on the Six Nation’s Reserve near Brantford. She boarded at the St. Peter’s Anglican Church rectory and got involved in teaching Sunday School there. Later she taught in Ancaster for a number of years. She married Walter Las in 1975 and settled in Smithville where his family roots were. Hazel has three sons: Bryan, David and John, all very successful in their careers and busy with their growing families. Hazel says, “I’m kept very busy with my sons, daughters-in-law and five grandchildren.”
Hazel: St. Luke’s thanks you for all your hard work, faith and commitment and your easy going way of doing things.
JUNE 5, 2012
Some St. Luke's Members Recall Queen Elizabeth
Pat Wilson remembers the Queen in a letter to The Spec published June 2, 2012.
Jim Higginson remembers watching Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip in a parade on Bay Street south of King Street in June 1973.
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MAY 31, 2012
Pentecost Service
Rev. Ellie wears a red chasuble, stole and cope for the first time on Pentecost (see photo below left). St. Lukes acquired this vestment, and other items from St. Philip’s, when their assets were recently dispersed to other churches in the deanery. Interestingly, it turns out that this particular vestment was donated to St Philip’s by Irene Babcock’s sister, who attended St. Philip’s, in honour of the passing of her husband.
The big outer cape is the the "cope", the scarf is the "stole", and the "chasuble" goes underneath the cope and over the alb. The "alb" is the white robe underneath the red. The red is to be worn for Eucharist on Saint’s Days and for Pentecost. The cope is for special occasions such as high holidays.
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Fletcher lights the Trinity candle (see photo above right) which burned throughout the Pentecost service. Each of the candles represent Ascension Sunday (previous Sunday) symbolic of the Paschal mystery and resurrection of Jesus; Pentecost for the Holy Spirit, and; Trinity Sunday (the coming Sunday). The candles symbolize the Father or transcendent God; the Son or immanent God (God with us), and; the Holy Spirit (often of the three is represented as Wisdom or feminine).
MAY 17, 2012
Archdeacon Michael Patterson to Preach and Address Parish Council
We are pleased to confirm that Archdeacon Michael Patterson, the CEO of the Niagara Diocese will preach at our September 23rd service. Afterwards in the hall, we will have a light luncheon and Parish Council meeting where Rev. Patterson will discuss the role the Diocese plays in St. Luke's life and the reasons why we support it financially.
MAY 16, 2012
Adult Formation and Church Development
Rev. Ellie is proposing a new three-year program plan of Adult Formation and Church Development. This plan forms a strategic part of the foundation for meeting our mission and optimizes our ministries. She suggests that this proposed program plan is critical to the future of St Luke's She urges all members of St. Luke’s to read aspects of the proposal below and encourages prayerfully considering of this proposal and asking God to give guidance. Rev. Ellie requests considered feedback about the appropriateness of the proposal.
Aspects of the Proposed Program Plan of Adult Formation and Church Development:
1. The next Bible study will be more a "study" of our Faith focusing on the following topics:
God, Human Nature and Sin
Jesus: Life and Ministry; Death and Resurrection
The Holy Spirit
The Church
The Creeds
The Bible
Living as a Christian
The Sacraments
Eucharist
Baptism and Confirmation
Prayer, Worship and Confession
Life after Death
This is designed as a ten weeks in length starting in September but it could be chunked into two five week sessions, one before Christmas and one after, if that is what feedback received indicates.
2. Hopefully some folks might be willing to be trained as lay leaders in the church. In this way we can start having some prayer and discussion on the themes that we are discussing in the service and in the Bible study within smaller groups or at some already-established groups such as the Ladies Guild, Altar Guild etc. These lay leaders would participate in this Bible study ideally along with others who members of the next Bible Study offering. Rev. Ellie is looking for feedback on the best time to hold the next Bible study. The before-church time seems to be popular based on the previous two sessions. But other times might be more appropriate such as after church or during another time to be proposed.
3. In the Fall of 2013 Rev. Ellie has arranged with Mark Yaconelli to run a 12 week program called "The Compassionate Church", led by Mark, Frank Rogers and Rev. Ellie. The above mentioned lay leaders ideally will participate both in the study and, with their additional training, as a spiritual supporter of the program.
Rev. Ellie advises that there is a nine-month "on line" pilot starting in September 2012 on The Compassionate Church as Mark and Rev. Ellie develop the curriculum. This process requires three weekend retreats (in San Francisco) which Rev. Ellie will be attending on behalf of Prison Fellowship. Others can attend at their own expense (which would be air fare plus the cost of the accommodations etc at the retreat). There is also the opportunity to "audit" the course on line. So if lay leaders from the church wanted to do either attend or “audit” that, they should advise Rev. Ellie of their interest soon so this can be arranged.
4. Another aspect of the program is prayer support for the work of the church. The way this might work is that we ask interested congregants to pray for people who are chalice bearers, readers, etc in church for the upcoming service and for the meetings of the Corporation etc. We would send out emails to those who are willing to take on the ministry of prayer so that they pray for one person that week who is doing something on behalf of the church that week.
5. Rev. Ellie advises that there are three other shorter studies that would be available over the next few years as well: one is on marriage, one on healing, and one on conflict management. She advises that leaders and parishioners in any church that is strengthening its spiritual life and aspiring to grow needs to "take" a Conflict Management course and St. Luke’s place this one as a priority. An outside trained facilitator would be invited to take this on. Another study is on healing. Rev Ellie advised that the Diocese of Toronto has an excellent program and would be willing to administer this study.
In summary, this three-year proposed program plan on Adult Formation and Church that Rev. Ellie firmly believes is critical to the future of St Luke's. She encourages prayerfully considering of this proposal and for all who consider it to ask God for guidance. Please advise Rev. Ellie of your considered feedback.
May 10, 2012
Sunday School Lessons
The Sunday School is using an additional resource this Spring to enhance their understanding of God: Keep an Eye on Your Soul by Jerome Gastaldi. It's theme is to create change through the arts. The book must be working because one parishioner mentioned to Rev. Ellie that the children are certainly gaining an understanding of God.
APRIL 23, 2012
Confirmation Class 1984
Nancy Poole was going through her old photo albums trying to organize them and found this photo of her son David's confirmation from 1984. She's sharing it with us. With the help of Karen Tylee and John Wilson each person has been identified.
Back row (from left): Rev. Roger Forester, Billy Lipsett, Bishop Clarence Mitchell, Jeff McFarlane, John Wilson
Middle row (from left): David Poole, Doug Joyner, Joan Hewitt, Brad Willis
Front row (from left): Kelly Lipsett, Daryl Hodge, Karen Hawkins, Susan Smallacomb
Front left: Erin Hewitt
If you have old photographs of St. Luke's events and would like to share them, then bring them in.
APRIL 23, 2012
Charles Colson Dies at Age 80
Charles (Chuck) Colson founder of Prison Fellowship Ministries died on April 21 at the age of 80 of complications from a brain hemorrage. After serving seven months for a Watergate-related crime, Mr. Colson founded Prison Fellowship Ministries to advocate for prison reform and provide religious opportunities for prisoners. Prison Fellowship now has operations in over 110 countries. A number of St. Luke's parishioners met Mr. Colson last summer in Toronto.
For more information click on http://www.christianpost.com/news/chuck-colson-goodbye-friend-and-hero-73652/
APRIL 9, 2012
The 67th Anniversary of Deitrich Bonheoffer's Death, by Michael Van Dusen
Today is the 67th anniversary of Deitrich Bonheoffer’s death. Bonheoffer is a personal hero. I offer this unsolicited comment in his honour.
Dietrich Bonhoeffer as you may know, was a Lutheran minister, born and raised in Germany. From the early 1930s he thought the Nazis were immoral and corrupt. From 1936 onward they refused to let him speak in public. He opposed the creation of a state church under the Nazis. He thought it sanctioned idolatry. His book “The Cost of Discipleship”, published in 1936, was based significantly on the sermon-on-the-mount.
The Cost of Discipleship is an uncompromising book. It begins with a reflection on the fact that our justification cost Christ his life: Bonhoeffer says that Christ’s death is a high cost that has been paid, and that following Christ demands we acknowledge that high cost and that we prepare ourselves to pay it, if we follow him.
He wrote that “discipleship can tolerate no conditions which might come between Jesus and our obedience to him…and that only he who believes is obedient and only he who is obedient believes” It is discipleship without compromise, without turning back, without rationalizing our way out of what it truly takes to be a disciple.
But there is another side to Bonhoeffer. It comes in his Letters and Papers from Prison. The picture that emerges from this period in prison is of his gentleness and caring.
He is grateful for all the good things of his life and for the opportunity to continue to serve God in prison with other inmates and even to his jailers.
In a sense he found his true vocation in prison. God called him to prison to live out his principles. The words that occur far more frequently in his letters and papers in prison than in the cost of Discipleship are “love” and “joy”. Bonhoeffer lived by his own words that “The Christian is called to sympathy and action by the sufferings of his brethren, for whose sake Christ suffered.”
Deitrich Bonhoeffer was condemned to death on April 8, 1945, by a SS judge court-martial, without a defense and he was hung by the SS on April 9th 1945… 67 years ago
in Flossenbürg concentration camp, 23 days before the end of the war. He was such a non-person to the SS that there was no official record of his death and it was confirmed only after months.
The word of God, that Bonhoeffer gave voice to in prison, shone brightly not only within the walls of the prison but outside of it as well. He transcended his death and became a light to the world from grim, cruel places.
It strikes me as poignant that the anniversary of his death follows so closely on this year’s celebration of Easter.
MARCH 15, 2012
The Sparling’s are Active in their Retirement
Pat and Dave Sparling are friends of the Bell’s and travel to Niagara from Port Perry to visit a few times throughout the year. When they visit they always make a point of attending St. Luke’s Sunday service. We always look forward to their presence. You may recall on Christmas Eve, although you might not have recognized him, that Dave was the shepherd who led the sheep up the aisle. You remember the sheep, the one who had a mind of his own and didn’t really want to leave when Dave wanted to leave. But with a little encouragement things went smoothly. You know we didn’t want the sheep, not Dave, to get too excited, if you know what I mean.
Both Pat and Dave are very busy being retired. Dave turns 70 this week (mid-March) and they just returned from a cruise from somewhere sunny. Dave is an avid downhill skier sometimes skiing six days per week. There must be more snow around Port Perry than around Niagara. In addition to skiing Dave visits the gym about four days per week. So he’s in great shape to start golfing. In fact, with the nice weather, Friday March 16th will be his first round of the season. Dave is a member of Canterbury Common Gold Club on Lake Scugog and Chair of the Men’s League and Tuesday’s is their regular day for golf.
Pat advises that she has a workout routine too which includes walking their Chocolate Lab D-O-G daily. In addition, she's been busy creating longer drapery valances for their living room, dining room and kitchen. These windows look out over Lake Scugog just across from Canterbury Common Golf Course. Pat's also recently joined the choir at the Church of the Ascension in Port Perry. As a point of interest, this is the Anglican Church where she and Dave were married!
Dave ad Pat, don’t forget to visit us at St. Luke’s soon if you can fit it in your busy schedules.
MARCH 1, 2012
Confirmation Class
We will be having Confirmation classes this fall in September for anyone wishing confirmation or reception. There will be separate classes for adults and children. The graduating ceremoney will be held in October at the Cathedral in Hamilton with Bishop Michael leading.
Please let Ellie know if you and/or your children would like to learn (for confirmation) or relearn (for reception) about Christian faith in the Anglican Church.
FEBRUARY 23, 2012
Children's Psychiatrist Dr. Joan M. Flood to Speak to us on Apr 15th
We are pleased to announce Dr. Joan Flood as our special speaker at our regular service on April 15th. Dr. Flood will speak on “ADHD’s Impact on the Family.”
Dr. Joan M. Flood is a family physician in Scarborough and works full time in child and adolescent psychiatry with her practice focusing on General Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. She is a staff member of Rouge River Hospital (Centenary) and Shoniker Clinic. Dr. Flood is a frequent speaker at organizations on issues relating to child mental health.
Please plan to attend to hear her very thoughts on coping with ADHD at home, school and church.
FEBRUARY 1, 2012
Lenten Bible Studies
All are invited to attend a series of gatherings during Lent to discuss and reflect on the meaning of the period in the church calendar known as Lent. The gatherings begin on the First Sunday in Lent, February 26th at 8:30am before the service and continue through until Easter Sunday. Appropriate eading material will be provided to all attendees. This bible study session is a follow-up to the successful Advent bible study gatherings. Talk to Rev. Ellie if would you like to attend or ask her questions as to whether attending is right for you.
JANUARY 24, 2012
Bishop Michael's Visit a Success
Bishop Michael Bird and his spouse Susan joined us on January 22nd to celebrate the Third Sunday in Epiphany. This was his first time back at St. Luke's since our 125th Anniversary Celebration in October 2010. They started off the day by haveing coffee with about 20 young adults from St. Luke's at Tim's. During the service he spoke to the excited children at the beginning of the service letting them try on his mitre, cape, necklace and ring. They had a lot of fun. The children presented the Bishop with a T-shirt with all their hand prints on it. The children also serenaded the Bishop and his spouse and the congregants with their rendition of Lean on Me. During the service, Bishop Michael presented the Lay Reader's medal to John Wilson, presented his homily, passed the peace with the congregants and prepared the Lord's table for Eucharist, offered the body of Christ at the communion railing. Some highlights of the service were Randy Kay singing a gospel song in the unique way he does, and Marshall Hurst signing the Lord's Prayer. After the worship service we all gathered in the hall for a brunch prepared by Frank and supported by many many volunteers. The Bishop wore his T-Shirt he received earlier from the children.
We all hope Bishop Michael returns again soon.
JANUARY 14, 2012
Bible Reflection and Study Notes now Available
St. Luke's is pleased to announce that Michael Van Dusen has graciously begun providing us with his weekly Bible Reflection and study notes. These notes will be posted in the Sermons portion of the "Regular Services" drop-down tab in the "Services" section of the website on the Friday prior to the Sunday worship service. These thoughtful and insightful notes can be used by readers on a regular basis to prepare for the upcoming Sunday's theme and lesson message. In addition, prior notes can be accessed for further review and study. You will see that there are Bible Reflection notes posted referring back to the start of the Advent period.
Michael has worshiped with us on a number of occasions and one time delivering the homily. He is a friend of Rev. Ellie's and a former fellow classmate of hers at Wycliffe College. Michael is an active member of St. Aidan's Anglican Church in Toronto and ministers there to a number of bible study groups.
To find Michael's valuable Bible Reflection and study notes, move the curser over the "Services" tab on the home page, click on the drop down tab called "Regular Services" and then click on Sermons.
JANUARY 10, 2012
We are now on YouTube! Check us Out!
We are pleased to advise visitors to our website that we now have video clips of some of our activities linked through the site to YouTube.
We are sure you will enjoy viewing the video clips and seeing the St. Luke's Experience from another perspective.
JANUARY 2, 2012
A Promising New Year
With all our personal resolutions made, the new year promises a future filled with our love of Christ. The feeling in the air is one of anticipation of successful outreach and attracting new members. We look forward to a visit from Bishop Michael on January 22nd, his first visit since our 125th Anniversary celebration in October 2010. We look forward also to guest speakers, new music, youth involvement and community input in our worship in addition to our traditional approach in the coming year.
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