Page 22 - Presbyterian Connection Newspaper

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presbyterian
fall 2017
presbyterian.ca
Connection
JuST WOndeRInG...
neWS
150 Years on the main Street
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When we recite the Apostles Creed, why do we say we believe in the “holy catholic church”? We’re Presbyterians!
It does seem odd, doesn’t it? In the midst of a Presbyterian worship ser- vice, it sounds like we solemnly de- clare our belief in the friendly Roman Catholic Church around the corner and the Vatican across the sea.
An explanation for this phrase hinges on a correct understanding of the word catholic. In the creed, cath- olic means universal. That means the creed refers to the universal church in which Christians are “united with all the other members under Christ our head” as Jean Calvin expressed it. The church is made holy by God and is for people everywhere in every time. Understood in these terms, it’s a joy to express faith in God’s holy and catholic church.
My minister uses the “New Revised Standard Version” of the Bible in all scripture readings. Do you know why we use that version? Is it better than other ones?
The New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) (1989) is an update of the Revised Standard Version (1952), which is an update of the American Standard Version (1901), which is an update of the King James Version (1611).
What kind of updates does the NRSV make? Well, it replaces archa- ic forms of speech like “Thou wast” with “your were.” It changes words whose meaning has shifted over time. For example, the RSV’s transla- tion of 2 Corinthians 11:25 suggests the Apostle Paul was once “stoned.” The NRSV paints a different picture. It also alters gender language. For instance the NRSV broadens “Man shall not live by bread alone...” to “One does not live by bread alone...” (Matthew 4:4)
The NRSV is also an ecumenical Bible. The translation committee was made up of 30, male and female, Protestant, Roman Catholic and Greek Orthodox scholars who were assisted by a committee member that helped translate the Old Testa- ment.
Evidently the NRSV is accurately rooted in the past while remaining relevant for today. Does that make NRSV the best modern translation for your minister or for you? I guess that’s for you to decide.
Why is the logo of the PCC a bush that’s on fire?
According to The Church of Scotland website, the burning bush appeared as an unofficial symbol of that denom- ination as early at 1691. Even then, the symbol was accompanied by the Latin phrase, Nec Tamen Consumeba- tur. That expresses what the bemused Moses observed when he stood be- fore the blazing shrub in Exodus 3:2. It burned “...yet is was not consumed.” This symbol and motto did not be- come the official mark of The Church of Scotland until a decision was made at its 1958 General Assembly.
The Presbyterian Church in Cana- da inherited much from The Church of Scotland, including this image and statement. To the surprise of many, the Committee on Church History reported to our own General Assembly in 2013 that The Presby- terian Church in Canada had never adopted these symbols as their own. Who knew? Well, I guess the com- mittee did. Anyway, during the ensu- ing year, Presbyterians were invited to suggest a “symbol and motto for the denomination.” We must have been comfortable with the familiar, because at the 2014 Assembly, the church officially adopted the burning bush and Nec Tamen Consumebatur as the symbol and motto.
It is worth noting that The Church of Scotland website claims the em- blem echoes the teachings of 16th century reformer, John Calvin, who saw the burning bush as representa- tive of the Church that can suffer in any age or place but against which not even the gates of Hell can prevail.
To see all pulpit vacancies and other opportunities,visit presbyterian.ca/ vacancies
Pictou, First and St. Andrew (full- time minister) – Atlantic Provinces Miramichi (Chatham), Calvin; Black River Bridge, St. Paul’s; Kouchibouguac, Knox (full-time minister) – Atlantic Provinces Ottawa, St. Stephen’s (full-time minister) – Quebec and Eastern Ontario
Howick, Georgetown (part-time minister) – Quebec and Eastern Ontario
Pincourt, île Perrot (full-time minister) – Quebec and Eastern Ontario
Renfrew (full-time minister) – Quebec and Eastern Ontario Burk’s Falls, St. Andrew’s – Magnetawan, Knox – Sundridge, Knox (full-time minister) – Central, Northeastern Ontario and Bermuda (CNOB)
Huntsville, St. Andrew’s (full-time minister) – CNOB
Mississauga, White Oak (part-time minister) – CNOB
Norval (part-time minister) – CNOB Bayfield, Knox (part-time minister) – Southwestern Ontario
Caledonia (full-time minister) – Southwestern Ontario
Mosa, Burns (full-time minister) – Southwestern Ontario
Calgary, Centennial (full-time minister) – Alberta and the North West
Calgary, Grace (full-time minister) – Alberta and the North West
West Vancouver (full-time minister) – British Columbia
Vancouver, Kerrisdale (full-time minister) – British Columbia Kelowna, St. David’s (full-time minister) – British Columbia
PuLPIT vaCanCIeS
By Dawn Livingstone, Knox Presbyterian Church in Georgetown, Ont.
2017 marks a special anniversary in the life of Knox Presbyterian Church in downtown Georgetown, Ont., on the corner of Main and Church Streets. For 150 years now, the con- gregation has worshipped from their church on this corner—a “corner stone” for the downtown.
Although established as a congre- gation in 1860, it was not until 1867 that a small brick church was first built on property that had formerly housed a blacksmith shop. This was the first church to be built of brick in Halton County. In less than 20 years, the building was much too small for the congregation, and they worked together to replace it with the beauti- ful stone church that is still well used today. The original bricks were sold and used to build “Pine Cottage,” a large house on the corner of Park and
Charles at the entrance to the well- used Georgetown Park.
Recently, to celebrate this special anniversary, Knox held a “Doors Open Day,” displaying a magnificent array of quilts in the sanctuary. Fifty- three quilts, many of them antique, were draped over the pews, each giv- ing a little information of its origin, if known. It was indeed a beautiful dis- play. A short video ran, and histori- cal facts were interspersed on signs and plaques posted throughout the sanctuary. Downstairs, honouring Canada’s 150th anniversary, a very patriotic and welcoming hall attracted people to sit and enjoy a serving of delicious strawberry shortcake. A great many people did just that.
The day was extremely well re- ceived by the public, and the con- gregation of Knox was much ap- preciative of the par ticipation of the people. It was indeed a great suc- cess and a wonderful way to honour our ancestors.
OBITuaRIeS
Read full obituaries online at presbyterian.ca
Worship resources? Liturgies? Prayers? Mission Moments? Bible studies?
Find it all at presbyterian.ca
Elizabeth Margaret Beaton
Wife of the Rev. Gordon Beaton, retired minister from Trinity York Mills Presbyterian Church, Toronto. Deceased July 25, 2017.
The Rev. Robert Murray Pollock
Retired minister and active member of Central Presbyterian Church, Vancouver. Deceased July 11, 2017.
The Rev. Maj. Gary Tonks
Former minister father and grandfather from New Glasgow. Deceased July 8, 2017.
Mary Johnston
Former teacher in Waterloo, Ont., elder at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church and active WMS member. Deceased July 7, 2017.
The Rev. Gordon Blackwell
Retired minister, born in Chatham, Ont. Deceased July 6, 2017.
Flora McKinley
Active church leader from Guildwood, Toronto. Predeceased in 2014 by her husband,
the Rev. Dr. Ed McKinlay. Deceased July 4, 2017.
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