Page 28 - Presbyterian Connection Newspaper

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PRESBYTERIAN
WINTER 2018
presbyterian.ca
Connection
NEWS
Music Heals
By the Rev. Dr. Brian Fraser, Brentwood Presbyterian Church in Burnaby, B.C.
The kids and elders were dancing prayers around the piano at Brent- wood Presbyterian Church in Burna- by, B.C., on Oct. 21. Mary Fontaine, founding director of Hummingbird Ministries, dedicated the instrument that will sit on our church porch, inviting anyone passing by to play it with all the soul they can muster. If they read the poster on the piano, they will know that they are support- ing healing and reconciliation with our Indigenous peoples.
In her sermon at the dedication service, Mary talked about David dancing before the Lord with all his might. In the dance, he expressed his gratitude for God’s reconciling grace with wild abandon. We read Psalm 150 and imagined this big band of instruments filling the temple with songs of joy and praise. That sense of the way music brings meaning and significance into our lives as a gift of the Creator is what Hummingbird is trying to pass on to the children in their drumming and dancing pro- gram.
That program needs financial sup- port. So, we’re raising money at $20 per key. And here’s the pitch: we’d love to have you participate. You can buy a key, a black octave (5 keys), a white octave (7 keys), or a whole octave (12 keys). You can donate at canadahelps.org/en/charities/hum- mingbird-ministries. Just note in the message box that the donation is for
Members of Brentwood PC along with Mary Fontaine.
the Brentwood Piano on the Porch. If all 88 keys are sold, Hummingbird gets $1,760 to enhance its children’s and elders’ music programs.
Brentwood is a small congrega- tion on Canada’s secular west coast with big aspirations to use its space and resources to do justice, be kind and walk humbly with Jesus Christ in the service of the Commonwealth of God. We perform benefit concerts for Hummingbird Ministries, host the KAIROS Blanket Exercise, and con- vene conversations about how to implement the recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Com- mission.
This “Piano on the Porch” idea could happen in any congregation. Upright pianos are being thrown away every day. They are too big for many living spaces, especially in our urban centres. So, find a piano mover
Mary Fontaine and her drum.
and have them bring the piano to the church instead of to the dump. Paint it, decorate it, and make it available (in reasonable weather wherever you are) to the community to make mu- sic. Raise money and contribute that
Dancers and the piano.
money to healing and reconciliation work in your region. You can find out more about what The Presbyterian Church in Canada is doing at presby-
terian.ca/healing.
If we can be of any help in bringing
a project like this to your congrega- tion, we’d be happy to help.
Summerside Breakfast Supports Community
With files from The Journal Pioneer
On October 20, Summerside Presby-
terian Church in PEI served a full hot breakfast, complete with eggs, pan- cakes and coffee to help raise money for community members in need of relocation.
“Communities are at their best when we come together,” said the Rev. Brad Blaikie, who was pleased to see every seat in the hall quickly
filled. “It’s a way of living out the Gospel. Jesus calls us to care for those who need help, so this is an excellent example of the church at large stepping up.”
Heritage Park, a nearby trailer park, was set to close on Nov. 30. All funds raised from the event will be divided equally among residents to help them move their homes or find new places to live.
“Churches are not often known
for working together that well and often, but this is a perfect opportu- nity to join alliances and help those in need,” said Cory Somers, lead pastor of Summerside Baptist Church. “We are supporting this church and what they are doing to bless the residents of Heritage Park.”
Mayor of the city of Summerside, Bill Martin, helped serve eggs with the help of Katharina Mueller, who is running for council.
Lead pastor of Summerside Baptist Church Cory Somers, from left, joins forces with Reverend Brad Blaikie of the Summerside Presbyterian Church to raise mon- ey for the residents of Heritage Park. PHOTO CREDIT: THE JOURNAL PIONEER