Page 19 - Presbyterian Connection – Spring 2021
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presbyterian.ca
SPRING 2021
Connection
RECOGNITION
(Left to right) Watson MacDonald, representative elder to presbytery; Tom Savage, worship leader; the Rev. Douglas Rollwage, Zion Presbyterian Church; the Rev. Dr. Gor- don Matheson.
PRESBYTERIAN
19
 The Remarkable Rev. Dr. Gordon Matheson
There were several members from Zion Presbyterian Church in at- tendance to show their support and respect for an entire life committed to God’s work. Among the visitors was Zion’s lead minister, the Rev. Douglas Rollwage, who spoke of Gordon’s continuing role as Minister Emeritus at Zion and the mentorship he has received from Gordon’s fre- quent visits and discussions.
While certainly well-known and re- spected across our entire denomina- tion, Gordon’s wisdom and counsel to his colleagues within the Atlantic synod has been a blessed gift. From the accolades of his fellow presby- ters to the words of the Nine Mile Creek congregation, “To have lived a life that has touched so many is an amazing accomplishment.”
Presbyterians across the country wish Gordon and Azalia continued strength and happiness in the new year and a time of rest for an out- standing and remarkable career.
 By John Barrett, Clerk of Session, Zion Presbyterian Church in Charlottetown, P.E.I.
For the past 14 years, the congrega- tion of Nine Mile Creek Presbyterian ChurchinP.E.I.hasbeenblessedby the presence of the Rev. Dr. Gordon Matheson as their interim modera- tor and full-time pulpit supply. On Sunday, Dec. 27, Gordon officially retired from his position and pre- sented a heartfelt final sermon to a Covid-capacity congregation.
Having retired two decades ear-
Jan Sheridan marked 50 years of service as a ruling elder at Parkwood Presbyte- rian Church in Ottawa.
By Dennis Featherstone, Clerk of Session, Parkwood Presbyterian Church in Ottawa, Ont.
On Nov. 29, 2020, Parkwood Pres- byterian Church in Ottawa, Ont., celebrated (virtually) the 50th anni- versary of Jan Sheridan’s continuous service as a ruling elder. Our minister, the Rev. James Hurd, read a note of appreciation. There was also a clip of appreciation from the moderator of the PCC, a note from the Rev. Su- san Mattinson who created a gift of a miniature tapestry, and a display of the tapestry.
Jan Sheridan accepted the call from God and from Christ’s church to serve as elder, and on Nov. 29, 1970, she was the first woman ordained as an elder for Parkwood Presbyterian Church. She has served faithfully through all of the ensuing 50 years.
Jan was a teacher in the Sunday School. She also volunteered to be the Sunday School superintendent for several years and served on vari- ous church committees. In the latter
lier, following an outstanding 23 years at Zion Presbyterian Church in Charlottetown, the Presbytery of P.E.I. appointed Gordon as interim moderator in 2006. At the time, it appeared that this small congrega- tion was on the brink of closure and that Gordon would be best suited to deal with their situation. Since that time, the church has actually built an extension to their facility, reju- venated a children’s ministry and shared their good for tune by tith- ing their revenue towards mission initiatives. As Gordon himself men-
tioned during his final sermon, “I’m not really in the business of closing churches.”
In his typical modest and Bible- based approach to worship, the Rev. Dr. Matheson presented a three-par t sermon interspersed with readings and special music. He focused on the Greatest Gift (Christ’s birth),
the Greatest Spiritual Gift (prayer) and ended with the Greatest Prom- ise (the wonder of glorification). As was noted in the church bulletin that Sunday: “When Rev. Matheson steps to the pulpit you know the Lord is working through him, wheth- er that be in a powerful message or an interesting fact or anecdote.”
  50 Years of Eldership in Ottawa
 years of her service as elder, she devoted many hours to the visitation and assistance of those in her elder’s district.
She has been an integral part of the Coffee Klatch, which began as an initiative for young mothers to meet for Bible study, and has continued through the years, now as a Bible study for seniors, meeting in the past year in a retirement residence to ac- commodate travel limitations.
Jan has taken a great interest in the work of CanHave, supporting or- phans in Uganda who have lost their parents to AIDS. She visited Uganda as a part of the delegation under the leadership of Floyd McPhee and took the initiative to reproduce note cards designed by one of the student art- ists. She has tirelessly supported the ministry of CanHave through the sale of cards and dolls.
At a season in life when many would retire, Jan took on a ministry of outreach to young students who gathered in Parkwood Church for tutoring in the Kumon after-school math and language study program, offering hospitality to their parents and siblings and providing a snack and craft for students with their lesson. This ministry of outreach prompted some families to enquire and learn about Christian faith.
Jan has consistently taken a per- sonal interest in children and youth among the congregation. She has supportedthosewithspecialneeds, offered encouragement to young adults, and followed up with calls
and visits to provide prayer and practical suppor t for individuals and families within her elder’s district and in the wider congregation and community.
Jan also supported the English as a Second Language (ESL) outreach initiative, which provided newcom- ers to Canada and the Parkwood Hills community with opportunities
to practice English conversation and gain skills to navigate life in a new country. For several years, Jan opened her home in December to host a pre-Christmas celebration for newcomers.
Jan has served for many years as coordinator for the Session’s benev- olent fund and, beyond carrying out administrative and financial duties,
has personally provided help to those in need through the delivery of food and vouchers and the provision of transportation to and from worship, meetings at the church and medical appointments.
On Nov. 30, the Clerk of Session delivered to Jan copies of the notes of appreciation and the miniature tapestry.
 































































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