30 High Street, Huntsville, Ontario. P1H 1N9 Diocese of Algoma The Rt Rev d Dr Stephen Andrews, Bishop

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1 ALL SAINTS ANGLICAN CHURCH 30 High Street, Huntsville, Ontario. P1H 1N9 Diocese of Algoma The Rt Rev d Dr Stephen Andrews, Bishop Bishop s Motto: 'You know the generosity of our Lord Jesus Christ: he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that through his poverty you might become rich.' (2 Corinthians 8.9, REB) Rector The Venerable Dawn Henderson Office: Res Office Phone: FAX: Office office@allsaintshuntsville.ca Website: As Worshippers of the Living God We Hear, Proclaim and Live His Word; And in Love, Bring People to Jesus.

2 Services for December December: 2 nd Sunday in Advent 8.30 am Holy Eucharist am Holy Eucharist - Family Service 3.00 pm Hymn Sing [Christmas Carols] at Chartwell Muskoka Traditions 14 December: 3 rd Sunday in Advent 8.30 am Holy Eucharist am Holy Eucharist 21 December: 4 th Sunday in Advent 8.30 am Holy Eucharist am Service of Music and Scripture for the Season with Holy Eucharist 24 December [Wednesday]: Christmas Eve 3.30 pm Gather at the Manger Eucharist 7.00 pm Holy Eucharist - Family Service pm - Candlelight Eucharist 25 December [Thursday]: Christmas Day am Holy Eucharist 28 December: 1st Sunday After Christmas - healing services 8.30 am Holy Eucharist am Holy Eucharist 04 January: The Epiphany 8.30 am Holy Eucharist am Holy Eucharist Regular Wednesday morning Holy Eucharist at 9.30 in the chapel Other Services of Holy Eucharist Roger s Cove Thursday 04 December am Fairvern Tuesday 09 December am Chartwell Muskoka Tradition Tuesday 16 December am Muskoka Landing Thursday 23 December am This month s edition of Parish News is given to the Glory of God and sponsored in thanksgiving. A correction to last month s Parish News: Fran Galvin is actually celebrating her 90th birthday [rather than 88th] this year!

3 From the Rector... Dear Members of All Saints Parish Family, It came upon a midnight clear, that glorious song of old, from angels bending near the earth to touch their harps of gold: Peace on the earth, to all good will from heaven s most gracious king! The world in solemn stillness lay to hear the angels sing [Common Praise #141] In the midst of the competing decibels of jingle bells, cash registers, and countless speakers blaring out their tinselled cacophony of Jingle Bells, Frosty, or Here Comes Santa Claus, the solemn stillness seems lost, or at least far away. The world is often deaf to the song of the angels that proclaimed Good news of great joy to all people [Luke 2] It is a song of hope, liberation and restoration, not only for humankind, but for all of creation. In this season of Advent we are reminded to pause, listen, wait and prepare: not for the tinsel-wrapped presents piled beneath a glittering tree, however important that may seem, but for that wondrous gift of love that God has given us in Jesus Christ his Son, our Saviour. It is the greatest gift ever given, and although we could never reciprocate, it calls forth a response from the depth of our souls. Christina Rossetti wrote: What can I give him, poor as I am? If I were a shepherd, I would bring a lamb, If I were a wise man, I would do my part Yet what I can, I give him---give him my heart [Common Praise #122] Sunday by Sunday in Advent, children light the candles on the wreath, as we hear promises of Hope, Peace, Joy and Love for our lives. In Church School, the children follow The Journey to Bethlehem. We gather as a parish family in worship hearing, once more, the words of the Old Testament Prophets, looking forward to the birth, in time, of the timeless Son of God, Jesus Christ our Saviour and Israel s Messiah...and in those same words, looking beyond, to the end of time, when He will come again in glory. The month of December begins with our Advent Family Service [Sunday 07 December, at 10 am], giving opportunity for our younger saints to be fully involved in our liturgy. Another highlight of our Advent Season worship, is Scripture and Song for the Season at our 10 am service on 21 December. Our Christmas Eve [Wednesday] celebration begins at 3.30 in the afternoon with Gather at the Manger - an informal Eucharist, designed for the youngest members of our parish family. The Family Eucharist, at 7.00 pm, is focussed for families, with participation of our younger saints at every opportunity. A time of carol-singing leads into the traditional Candlelight Midnight Mass which begins at pm. On Christmas Day [Thursday] we celebrate with one service at am. Beyond Christmas Day the celebration of this joyous season continues. On the first Sunday after Christmas [28 December], are our healing services. The first Sunday of the New Year is the Feast of the Epiphany [04 January]. As a parish family we also gather in fellowship in this joyous season. All of our saints, young and old, are invited to our All Saints Family Christmas Dinner in Sutherland Hall [ Friday, 05 December]. Looking ahead, on 04 January [2015!], in the afternoon, following our Epiphany services, I invite each one of you to my home [ 76 Florence Street West ] for an Epiphany Open House, pm Drop by anytime. All saints of all ages are welcome! In this Advent season let us tune our ears, and our hearts, to the angels song, to our Father s heartbeat and his gift of Love in Jesus Christ, our Lord and Saviour...and let us, with all creation, respond. Joy to the world!, the Lord is come: Let earth receive her king Let every heart prepare Him room, and heaven and nature sing. [Common Praise #154] Yours, with love, in the joy of Jesus Christ, Our Lord and Saviour, The Venerable Dawn Henderson + Rector

4 From the Wardens It is hard to believe that the Christmas season 2014 is fast approaching and that this Sunday is the first Sunday of Advent. We look forward to the beginning of Christmas celebrations by joining together as a church community to enjoy a family Christmas dinner which will be held on December 6th in the Parish Hall. It is always a time of good food, fun and fellowship. Check with Cathie in the office to inquire about tickets. We are excited about the beginning of a new All Saints' outreach program entitled 'Messy Church'. Yes, it is a strange name and makes one wonder what it is all about and why this peculiar name. If you are wondering, please look for further explanation and detail found in an article within this edition of the Parish News. In the month of October, corporation found it necessary to put out a SPECIAL FINANCIAL APPEAL to the congregation. To all those who were able to respond to this appeal we extend a grateful thank you. Each and every gift no matter how large or small is needed and appreciated. To date we have not yet met our financial obligations and the appeal must remain open. We continue to hope and pray that with God's help and guidance we will be able to erase our deficit. If you require more detail please read the letter in the narthex or in your October copy of the Parish News. As the season of Advent begins, let us remind ourselves to focus not only on our busyness and responsibilities, but to look to the manger and remember what the birth of the Christ child brings to the world and how we can best respond to this gift. In Prayer and Service, The Wardens Parish News is one of the many ways we communicate with our parishioners: in it we give thanks for events of the previous months, and look forward to the days ahead. Would you consider sponsoring an issue, or part of an issue, of Parish News? Your sponsorship might be as a thanksgiving, or as a memorial, or just because... Each month, we distribute 130 copies of Parish News at an approximately cost of $150. Parish News is also available through our website:

5 Pastoral Care As always regular pastoral care duties continue with card and prayer shawl ministries. We are also grateful to those who assist Venerable Dawn at the monthly communion services. Pastoral Care is appreciative of the support of the ACW in the Alzheimer s presentation earlier this fall, and looks forward to future presentations on health related topics. Sue Dixon & Betty-Lou Durr To our Parish Family, thank you for your prayers, cards, inquiries and baking during my recovery. To Archdeacon Dawn for her prayers, hospital visits and communions. To all my children, grand and great grandchildren who visited me in the hospital. To my sister Bernice and her family. To the Altar Guild for doing my Wednesday Altar duties. To Joy Biggar for the visit with Altar flowers while I was the in hospital. Morley and I both appreciate your care and concern. Barb LeMay and Morley Higgins Dear friends Thank you for your prayers. Dennis is still in hospital following his stroke but we are hopeful for the future. We are making plans to move to a lovely retirement home in Hamilton. This will allow us to be close to our family. I am currently staying with my daughter Diane. Mollie Bawden C/o 79 Cloverdale Ave. Hamilton Ontario L8K 4M2 If anyone wishes to write to Mollie, it would be appreciated. Thanks From Diane Larwood (daughter) Please remember to contact Ven. Dawn when you are aware that anyone [including you!] is in hospital, in distress, or in need of a priest. New Government Privacy Laws prevent the Hospital and other agencies from relaying such information. Thank you.

6 WHAT ON EARTH IS MESSY CHURCH ALL ABOUT?? What is Messy Church you might ask. Lucy Moore started Messy Church in the UK in The first Canadian Messy Churches were begun in Since that time Messy Churches have sprung up in almost every province across Canada. Messy Church is one of the Fresh Expressions of Worship. It is not a program but an innovative worship that is focused on young families who may or may not have any or very limited church experience. Messy Church is Christ centered and offers an opportunity for families to explore their faith and come together in a lively worship that does not presuppose any familiarity with churchiness. The time together concludes with time to interact as community over a shared meal. Messy Church recognizes that carving out family time together with busy schedules of work, school and activities is difficult and Sunday may be the only day that the family can be together. So Messy Church often happens on a weekday. It includes playing a game, doing a craft (yes, it may be messy), exploring faith and enjoying a good meal together. No one has to cook this night! All Saints' Huntsville has had two such Messy Church gatherings in the parish hall. We meet once a month on the 3rd Friday (from 5 p.m. to 6:30) of the month. You are most welcome whatever your age. Please consider simply dropping by, joining in or perhaps helping Joanne C. and Joy B. with meal prep or cleanup. Our next Messy Church gathering is Friday, January 16 from 5:00-6:30. It would be great to have you drop by and check it out! Please join us for the next Messy Church Friday 16 January 5:00-6:30 pm in Lower Sutherland Hall Dinner, music, activities and crafts. Fun for all ages! Everyone is welcome!

7 ACW will not be having a Christmas Bazaar and Tea this year. Instead, we will be preparing a soup and sandwich luncheon during the three days of the Art Show, Made in Muskoka Christmas, dates as follows: Fri. Dec noon 5 p.m. Sat. Dec a.m. 4 p.m. Sun. Dec a.m. 3 p.m. We will also have available for sale (all 3 days) pies, mincemeat tarts, butter tarts, turkey pies, Christmas baking, preserves, and more. We hope that everyone will be able to join us for lunch on one of these 3 days, and treat yourself to some Christmas baking.

8 Outreach Thank you to all those who donated clothing to The Mission to Seafarers in Thunder Bay. Katharine Ford has sent 7 boxes of clothing from All Saints'. Your donations to the Outreach Fund covers the cost of shipping. Our December Outreach project is the Giving Tree for our Starfish Families. The following report, written by Marj Payne, will bring you up to date on the work of the Starfish Committee and how our Parish makes a difference in the lives of several families in our community. God Bless, With thanks from Your Outreach Team THE STARFISH PROGRAM HISTORY The program has been operating as an outreach program for 17 years at All Saints Church Huntsville. NAME The name Starfish was inspired by the Starfish story in the book Chicken Soup for the Soul. Story card enclosed. PURPOSE The purpose is to provide a helping hand to one or more families in our community. We knew that we could make a difference. GOAL It is hoped that in the future the family may become self-sufficient. SOURCE Families are screened and recommended chiefly through Youth and Family Services. However, families also come to us through the Salvation Army, parishioners, or the Rector. The families remain anonymous to the congregation and to each other. Contact is made through the church office. TIME LINE The Starfish families remain Starfish families for a minimum of three years. Their situation is re-evaluated with the help of their sponsor. INVOLVEMENT OF THE STARFISH TEAM No advice or counselling is offered. This is done by Family Service case workers. Starfish is only there for listening and help. STRINGS ATTACHED The family is asked to help others when the opportunity presents itself. We do not ask or encourage the families to come to church. We do not wish to be known as Rice Christians. However, three families came to church; two children were baptized.

9 FUNDS For fifteen years the Starfish team raised its own funds through garage sales, cookie walks, soup sales and donations. For the past three years a financial appeal was made in the spring. It was most successful. BUDGET & FINANCIAL OPERATION All financial donations received by the treasurer made out to the church marked Starfish receive a tax receipt. Presently the money is given to the Starfish team who in turn supply a statement to Vestry. Points of Interest Discovered Over the Years POINTS OF INTEREST DISCOVERED OVER THE YEARS 1. The first day back at school is very important to a child - perhaps more important than Christmas Day. 2. Gift cards are given rather than cash. Hydro, heating and mortgage payments are made directly to the supplier. 3. Hydro has no heart. 4. Emergency funding ranges from needs for snowsuits and boots, work boots for Dad, moving costs, hydro, work boots for Dad, diapers for a new baby, Mom s dress for her mother s funeral, cords of wood when the family runs out near the end of winter and the list goes on. 5. There are many success stories. However, the Starfish team has to accept the fact that there are also disappointments. THE GIVING TREE The Christmas Giving Tree program will run again this year. This Outreach Program although directed to Starfish is operated as an independent project. No tax receipts are given. New team members are added. Emergency calls from the Salvation Army to take on extra families are often received and accepted. The families receive a generous hamper and a gift of clothing and special gifts for each family member. Cash gifts are used to pay for the food hampers, extra money is used for hydro deposits. We find that often church families will do a hamper as a Christmas project. A.C.W. has always donated the turkeys. Please choose a tag, purchase the gift, wrap the gift and return the gift with the original tag attached. Cash donations should be left at the office or placed on the collection plate. Gifts should be returned by 18 December Thank you, Karen Coleman and Patty Payne

10 Angels Sing Anticipation PWRDF Christmas Cards These beautiful Christmas cards are a wonderful way to spread the word of The Primate s World Relief and Development Fund s important work and to support the program at the same time. Packs of 12 cards and envelopes are yours with our blessings. A recommended donation of $20 per pack to support our work is invited. (Two designs to choose from: Angels Sing and Anticipation). Cards may be ordered through your PWRDF parish representative Joy Lewis ( ) The Power of Accompaniment by Simon Chambers When PWRDF and the Diocese of Bujumbura, its local partner, began the current program in Burundi, only 40% of the mothers gave birth at a medical facility. The project, co-funded by the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada (DFATD) has a goal of increasing that figure to 60% over five years. Before the PWRDF project began, 12% of babies died during delivery. In the last six months, less than one percent (4 of 474) of babies died during delivery. Dozens of babies are alive today who would not have been, thanks to the accompaniment of safe motherhood promoters and the work of medical professionals in Burundi. During the six month period, 1358 women in the 29 villages covered by the program have been pregnant. All of them have been supported by safe motherhood promoters trained by the Diocese of Bujumbura. 442, or a staggering 94%, of the 474 births in the period took place at a medical facility under the supervision of a doctor, nurse or professionally trained midwife. The safe motherhood promoters have also helped to ensure that the mothers and their babies are vaccinated. 930 of the mothers-to-be have been vaccinated, and 87% of the babies born in the six months have been vaccinated, a significant increase from the 60% of babies who were vaccinated before the project began. The work of the promoters is not finished with the birth. Education and information are provided about nutrition, child spacing, sanitation, sexual and reproductive health, and hygiene. Groups of women have formed associations to promote the production of vegetables, providing extra food and income for their families. Safe Motherhood Promoters are truly a gift to their communities, and they show the power of accompaniment to mothers and babies through the region. For more information, contact Joy Lewis, All Saints representative for PWRDF; or, visit pwrdf.org Parish News: the deadline for our next issue is Friday 19 December. Please note that articles and pictures should be about our life and ministry here at All Saints. Articles may.doc.docx.txt or.wpd. Pictures should be sent individually in.jpg format for best quality; Pdf s may be included; however, the reproduction quality for pdf s is not excellent. Please submit to aspn@allsaintshuntsville.ca. The due date for articles is generally the Friday nine days before the last Sunday of the month [so that we have time to prepare and print the newsletter before the end of the month]. With thanks. We very much welcome advertising and sponsorship; please contact our Office for information: office@allsaintshuntsville.ca

11 HISTORIC `ALL SAINTS HOUSE` FOR LEASE. APPROXIMATELY 2300 SQUARE FEET. NEWLY REMODELLED HERITAGE HOUSE WITH A COMMANDING VIEW OF MAIN STREET AT THE SWING BRIDGE OVERLOOKING THE TOWN DOCK. FULLY ACCESSIBLE. TOTALLY UPGRADED ROOF, WINDOWS, INSULATION, HEATING, ELECTRICAL. 30 High Street Huntsville, ON [click on Featured Properties lower left] Thank you to Darla McMeeken and Joy Gervais for their contributions to this month s Parish News! And to Cathie Matthews who facilitates every month. And a special thanks to our young artists who contributed their drawings. Parish News is available on our website: [under the Newsletter tab]. And remember to check out our Facebook page. Men s Club Breakfasts 3rd Saturdays: 20 December :00 am Coffee. 8:30 am Breakfast. Great food. Great fellowship. Great speakers. call Morley Higgins for details Venerable Dawn Henderson, Chaplain to Branch 232, Royal Canadian Legion, singing during the wreath laying service at the Huntsville Cenotaph, on Remembrance Day November 11, 2014.

12 Church School At the end of Nov. the children made individual felt Advent banners to remind them of the four Sundays in Advent HOPE, PEACE, JOY, LOVE, leading up to CHRISTMAS. The children also received a daily Advent calendar Manger on the Mantel. Each day a present with a special task and activity is taken from the manger. The last Sunday in November, was the 1 st Sunday of Advent, when we began our Journey to Bethlehem. Each Sunday, in Advent, one of the youth helps light the candles on the Advent wreath. Sun. Dec. 7 th : Family Service 2 nd of Advent PEACE candle lit on Advent wreath. Join us as a our families worship together, with the service on PowerPoint, Parish Poet, youth led liturgy, and great music. *After the service in Sutherland Hall - youth activities. More info. to follow. Sun. Dec. 14 th : 3 rd of Advent JOY candle lit on Advent wreath - regular classes, and Journey to Bethlehem. Sun. Dec. 21 st : 4 th of Advent LOVE candle lit on Advent wreath regular classes, Journey to Bethlehem. Special crafts and treats. Wed, Dec 24 th : Christmas Eve GATHER AT THE 3pm a service for the younger saints. Nativity story with simple Christmas Carols. FAMILY CHRISTMAS 7pm Youth leading the liturgy, Christmas music, service on PowerPoint. Children receive a Christmas remembrance at these services. Thurs. Dec. 25 th : Christmas Day Jesus Birthday. 10 am. Sun. Dec. 28 th : 1 st after Christmas regular classes Other Notes: See YES news for other events and activities Please refer to Church School and JAG schedule for regular and Family services. Check out All Saints' Huntsville on Facebook Shirley Spiers All Saints Church School Join us for singing, stories, activities, crafts, and fun with friends.

13 Y.E.S. Youth of All Saints Hi All: Many are curious as to what goes on at the UCC (The Door) youth dinners that I hold on a Friday night. Well this particular night, November 7th, I was short staffed, so I decided the youth would prepare their own (shared) pizzas. The suggestion came from our future `Pastor Kyle`, who is looking at the camera. The youth prepared the toppings and dressed their dough, baked, then later devoured! (Always, they do the cleanup; thanks crew!) This was a first for many and the interactive time together was positively awesome! Thanks again Kyle for your blessings on our food and for those who prepared it! Blessings go out to you too! As I have said before, each Friday they attend, we never know how many show up, but we always seem to have enough and most often, more than enough food! Thanks God, You are awesome how You work things out for us! Prayerfully Submitted, Joy Gervais, Y.E.S. of All Saints Youth Coordinator

14 Luke 2. Psalm 23. John 10. JESUS and SHEPHERDS I am the Good Shepherd who lays down His life For the sheep. [John 10:11] the countryside looking after the sheep. It is a wonderful thing that God chose the shepherds to receive such news. But what is so special about shepherds? They weren t kings in palaces, nor important people of business, nor the people in charge of worship at the Temple. They were just ordinary people doing what they had been hired to do make sure the sheep were safe. Several shepherds and flocks were together perhaps because there is safety in numbers. There was probably a fire for warmth and protection from wild animals. And in the still of the evening, these shepherds were not so busy that they missed the message God sent them. The angels had told the shepherds they would find the baby Jesus lying in a manger in Bethlehem. The shepherds went right away to see this miraculous event. And then? They faithfully told everyone they met, all about the angels and about Jesus. In the time when Jesus lived, people tended to look down on shepherds. Perhaps it was that they smelled; perhaps they didn t have much chance to clean up since the health and safety of the sheep had to come first. Shepherds were not allowed to testify in court cases. And since they had to sometimes handle sick or dead sheep, they were not considered clean and so could not go up to the big Temple at Jerusalem. In the Old Testament of the Bible [those books which talk about life before Jesus was born], God shares that He sees Himself as the Shepherd of Israel. Like a good shepherd, God looked after His people and He knew each one by name. He made sure they had good food and fresh water. King David who lived many, many years before Jesus was born wrote a song which says, The Lord is my shepherd; I will be well looked after. [Psalm 23] Jesus, later in life, said to the people of Israel, I am the Good Shepherd. I know my own, and my own know me. When Jesus was born, God sent an angel and a huge angel choir to shepherds! They were the first people, other than Jesus parents, Mary and Joseph, to learn that a Saviour had been born. St Luke records the visit of the angels to the shepherds who were out in C E E V A Z H D R Y D X I D E P O X P L N O A R E S J P N G A L U W R G G A P Q A F V H M X R K N M M N E A E F B A N Q H J N M T I E L L O E X D F G R G G I D R S L Y S T H A N H D I I R A G Y N A T Y I S X J R F O A W J U S J S T K U S A E S I C L I L E I H U J S W N H D U U H Q S K F D F R L E Y P K U L G U J U C F E V E N K E T F O S F L D I V A D G J R H K Z U Z L M E H E L H T E B S H B S Y S A V I O U R Q J K K W J R Z D N J O T D M U V V ANGELS BETHLEHEM COUNTRYSIDE DAVID FAITHFULLY GOD JERUSALEM JESUS MIRACULOUS NEWS ORDINARY SAFETY SAVIOUR SHEEP SHEPHERD Colouring:

15 Genesis 4-7 Trouble Outside Paradise The first 11 chapters of the Bible are sometimes thought of as a prologue. Characters, concerns and major themes are introduced, and the action begins: God s very good creation is marred by human sin. But God, in His grace and love, reveals His eternal plan to restore creation and relationship. [Genesis 3:15] When Adam and Eve sin in choosing their own way instead of God's way, they hide from God and attempt to hide their nakedness behind fig leaves. Anyone who has seen how quickly leaves dry out and disintegrate in the fall, knows how this will end. But God acts graciously toward the rebellious pair and makes clothing for them out of skins the first sacrifice in the Bible. An innocent animal dies so that Adam and Eve may be covered. The broken relationships apparent in Genesis 3 [humanity and God, humanity and nature, husband and wife] intensify in chapter 4: Cain and Abel bring offerings to God. Cain is downcast because his offering is rejected while Abel's is accepted. What's the difference? Cain brings some produce from the land outside Eden, while Abel brings an animal from his flock. Abel's offering involves a sacrifice the sheep loses its life and Abel loses a valuable animal. Centuries later the writer of the letter to The Hebrews will clarify: without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness is sins. (Heb 9:22). God alone is worthy of worship, and in the Scriptures, God is very specific about acceptable and unacceptable ways of worship. (See, for example, Exodus 25-31). Abel s sheep was a "firstborn"--throughout the Bible animal sacrifices are most often to be "a firstborn male without defect or blemish" only the best will do for God. There is certainly an element of faith involved-- people give their firstborn animals before they know whether there will be any other-born! Of course, this Bible theme is illustrated most profoundly in God's offering of His first and only Son, Jesus, in whom there was no sin for the redemption of the world. Notice that God offers Cain an opportunity to avoid sin even before Cain murders his brother: God asks him, Why are you angry, and why has your countenance fallen? 7 If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin is lurking at the door; its desire is for you, but you must master it. [Gen 4:6] Cain, however, chooses to ignore God's caution and murders his brother. And yet even then, God waits for Cain to repent: Where is your brother, Abel? Cain snaps back, I do not know; am I my brother's keeper? The consistent scriptural answer to that question is, Yes! Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me. [Matthew 25:40] Genesis 5 begins with the genealogy [toledot in Hebrew] of Adam. In fact, Genesis is organized around ten such genealogies. God sees that the wickedness of man was great [Genesis 6:5]. Modern readers will notice the extraordinary length of lifespan for Adam s descendants years and more. Are these numbers to be taken literally? There was no pollution, no modern diseases. Had we told someone born in 1840 that people would, in the not-so-distant future, commonly live into their 90s and beyond, we would have been thought fools. Ultimately, the God who is able to create the heavens and the earth can do anything. However, the important question, the upper story question is what is the Bible indicating by these large numbers? Perhaps honour. Perhaps contrast: pre-flood, vs post-flood lifespans. After the Flood, lifespans grow shorter: life changes fundamentally after that catastrophic event. Methuselah is recorded to have lived 969 years, the longest lifespan in the Bible. His name has two possible meanings: man of the dart [with dart containing the idea of weapon or instrument of destruction], and his death will bring it. What occurred in the year Methuselah died? The Flood. So now the question is not whether a human could live nearly 1000 years, but rather, why might God put off the Flood for so many years? Was He perhaps waiting for humanity to repent as He had waited for Cain? These early chapters of Genesis are full of examples of God s loving kindness [His chesed in Hebrew] He clothed Adam and Eve although they refused to obey Him; He offered counsel to Cain although the young man was full of murderous intent; and God waited nearly 1000 years for humanity to heed the warnings and repent. God continues with His people. And this is one of the overriding miracles and messages of Scripture: The Lord is not slow about his promise, as some think of slowness, but is patient with you, not wanting any to perish, but all to come to repentance. [2 Peter 3:9]

16 Rector s Report [for October 2014] Services: regular Sunday Eucharists: 05 October-Pentecost 20 - Parish Thanksgiving -10am Family Service [APP:...so we give thanks to God!]; 12 October-Pentecost 21 - National Thanksgiving; 19 October-Pentecost 22; 26 October-Pentecost 23- healing services -Rev d Nancy Ringham preacher at both services regular weekly Wednesday morning Eucharist at 9.30 am in the chapel additional scheduled monthly Eucharist services: Rogers Cove [02 Oct], Fairvern [14 Oct], Chartwell Muskoka Traditions [17 October], Muskoka Landing [28 October], Parish Stats for the month of October: 13 private communions [home or hospital] 7 funerals 07 October - Edna Dorothy Fletcher 15 October - George Maxwell MacLeod 16 October - Marlene Beadon Thorpe 17 October - Donald Arley Law 22 October - Rebecca [Beckie] Maybelle Teakle 28 October - William [Bill] Wardell Nickalls 30 October - James Allan Trussler 1 interment of ashes 11 October - Deane Murdy Sr During the month of October: parish meetings: Corporation [01 & 16 Oct], Messy Church [01 Oct &19 Oct], PAC [18 Oct], Family Service Planning [], 01 October - attended Deanery Clericus at St Thomas, Bracebridge [de-briefing of the Deanery Day, presentation on Pioneer Ministry initiaitive for Muskoka Deanery] 05 October - led Prayer and Praise Hymn Sing at Chartwell 06, 27 October - attended Missional Leadership & Formation course [Unit 2 Dual Citizenship] at Wycliffe College, Toronto 14 October - attended Sunshine Club in Sutherland Hall 17 October -attended All Saints Palooza 4" dinner with entertainment by Sherisse Stevens & Friend Joe Alfano at Hidden Valley 18 October - attended Men s Breakfast [speaker: Drew Hutcheson spoke on Entrepreneurship] 23 October - participated in Huntsville Pastors Prayer gathering 24 October - our first Messy Church in Sutherland Hall theme: Jesus is the Good Shepherd as Archdeacon: 03, 14, 15, 30 October - meetings with Deanery Clergy 02 October - attended Muskoka Deanery ACW Fall Gathering luncheon at St Thomas Church, Bracebridge 04 October - attended Deanery Day on The Way Forward at Sutherland hall, faciliated by Jay Koyle 10 October - participated in webinar Diocesan Budget Presentation, led by Jane Mesich October - attended Bishop s Council in Sudbury 29 October - conference call re Muskoka Ministry regular on-going pastoral & administrative work continues including home & hospital visiting [when informed of members of the parish in hospital who wish a visit], marriage and baptism preparation.

17 YOUR CARD HERE Please support the businesses that support All Saints Church. If you have a business and would like your card displayed in the Parish News, Please contact the office at Painting - Drywall - Yard Work & Clean-up General Maintenance and Repairs Fair Rates - Excellent Service & Workmanship Contact: Ken Niemi (cell) or Dana Porter or, you can catch us around the Church!

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