Page 17 - Presbyterian Connection

Connection
Visioning Exercise at Zion
presbyterian.ca
SUMMER 2023
By John Barrett, Clerk of Session, Zion Presbyterian Church in Charlottetown, P.E.I.
On March 31 and April 1, the Session, Board of Trustees and search committee at Zion Pres- byterian Church in Charlottetown, P.E.I., were led through a visioning exercise by the Rev. Tim Purvis, Associate Secretary of Ministry & Church Vocations. This two- day seminar was entitled “Who We Are and Where We’re Going: Holy Conversations about Zion Church.”
As the position of lead minister
is currently vacant, it was church leadership’s opinion that it would be extremely helpful if these three groups could come together for such an exercise, especially to aid the search committee in their development of an updated con- gregational profile.
The Friday evening session laid the foundation for what would be accomplished on Saturday. The Rev. Purvis led the group through a discussion of the congrega- tion’s history and culture to help us better understand our collec- tive “personality.” He then pro- vided an overview of where we
are situated as a congregation in our present-day societal context, the external influences affecting our churches and the reality that all congregations are subject to a life span—even those that have existed for centuries.
A unique exercise was under- taken where those in attendance were asked to select a hymn that could represent the “anthem” of Zion Church. A rather substan- tial list was created and, in fact, a future musical evening of Zion Church hymn anthems is already being planned as a result of this exercise. When reviewing the list
and lyrics, it was becoming quite clear as to who we are and where we’re going.
Saturday’s session focused mainly on a standard SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Op- portunities & Threats) exercise. It had been several years since this self-reflection process had been done and, thanks to Tim’s guidance and the great input by church leaders, the results were both confirming and eye opening.
Churches going through a time of vacancy or simply seeking di- rection are certainly advised to reach out to Ministry & Church
The Rev. Tim Purvis, Associate Secre- tary, Ministry & Church Vocations.
Vocations at national office as there is a wealth of material and human resources available to as- sist in this important facet of con- gregational life.
PRESBYTERIAN
17
Retirement of the Rev. Dr. Kenneth MacLeod
By William G. MacKay, elder, First Sackville Presbyterian Church in Lower Sackville, N.S.
On the evening of April 22, 2023, the congregation of First Sackville Presbyterian Church in Lower Sackville, N.S., arranged a
retirement party for current inter- im minister, the Rev. Dr. Kenneth MacLeod.
Ken is retiring for a second time after a career spanning 52 years. Originally from Cape Breton, he has chosen to build a house on his old homestead land in his re- tirement.
The evening was a Cape Bre- ton-themed party with food and decoration related to the area. Two musical groups provided en- tertainment for the evening: Mar- sha Woods and Brian Cormier, a duo who sing easy listening and Nova Scotian songs; they were assisted by another duo called Foggy Patches, consisting of Bruce Stewart and Dave Chas- son, who sing traditional folk and
contemporary folk.
Women from the church pro-
vided delicious food. I acted as emcee for the evening and pre- sented Dr. MacLeod with a mon- etary gift from the congregation. Pat Kramer, one of our members, also presented a few handmade gifts. The Rev. Dr. Sandy McDon- ald delivered remarks on Ken’s career and his friendship.
Klaas Dekens and his award-winning matchstick reconstruction of St. Paul’s Presbyterian Church.
Serving God in Simcoe
By Linda Shaw, Elder,
St. Paul’s Presbyterian Church in Simcoe, Ont.
St. Paul’s Presbyterian Church in Simcoe, Ont., was dedicated on February 14, 1886, after a year of construction. The congregation had been functioning almost 100 years without its own building. Now, we have a wonderful match- stick replica of our 137-year-old building. It was constructed after a year of work by Klaas Dekens.
Klaas has only been doing this kind of work for about three years. He used to enjoy welding when he lived on a local farm, but when he moved into a seniors’ apartment building, he had to find another craft.
Klaas is in his 80s and has Par- kinson’s disease but felt called to continue to use his gifts and experiment with new ways to serve God. He began by making
birdhouses with matchsticks, and then he made a replica of his for- mer farmhouse...and then he set his heart on making a replica of his church home.
It took him a year to construct the model, just like the present church building took a year to construct way back in 1885. The model is approximately 2' by 2' by 2', and is built from thousands of matchsticks with the heads removed, and wooden lollipop sticks were also used to con- struct the roof. The replica has a permanent home in St. Paul’s, but was seen widely by the public at the Norfolk County Fair 2022, where it won first prize in the Craft Competition.
Now, Klaas has moved on and is building a replica of his present apartment building. He works on it every day except Sundays, when he comes to worship at St. Paul’s.
A Minister’s Return to Cape Breton
Written by William MacKay
God set out before our very eyes,
A small glimpse of paradise.
All around the blue sea roars.
The lapping waters of Bras d’Or,
The blackened seams of hidden coal, The birches and the maples turning gold, The spruces and the firs e’er so green, The hills around standing so serene.
God called to one of His, a young lad,
I need you now; but don’t be sad. Away! for now from your beloved isle. We will use you for the next great while. For where you go we don’t yet know, But a life in Me will only grow.
In many far-flung places you will preach, And many thousands will you reach.
A minister brings our God to life,
As he helps with others’ toughest strife. A prayer with him can ease our pain,
A comfort only, God can explain.
The eager face but of a child,
Filled with awe when lessons reconciled. Some say it’s just his learned skill,
But God is there and works the mill.
God watches and says, Well done, Time to return back home My son.
To those green hills above the sea. You’ve earned a rest from daily chore, And watch by the waters of Bras d’Or. I have set there before your eyes,
My own small glimpse of paradise.
You have built My house for many years, So now you work till yours appears.