Page 30 - Presbyterian Connection Newspaper

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PRESBYTERIAN
WINTER 2018
presbyterian.ca
Connection
JUST WONDERING...
By the Rev. Ian Ross-McDonald, General Secretary, Life and Mission Agency
Submit your questions to connection@presbyterian.ca
I have heard that there are differ- ences in the birth story of Jesus. Which version is the one we are sup- posed to use? You heard right, there are a number of different versions of the story of the birth of Jesus. The longest story with the most familiar images of Christmas, such as Gabriel visiting Mary, angels in the sky call- ing to shepherds, and the Holy Fam- ily staying in a stable because there was no room in the inn come from the Gospel of Luke.
The visit of the wise men appears only in the Gospel of Matthew, who also emphasises the role of Joseph more than the Gospel of Luke. The Gospel of Mark has nothing to say about the birth of Jesus; his story of Jesus’ life opens with the beginning of his adult ministry initiated at his baptism. The Gospel of John tells a very different kind of story; his is a majestic and cosmic narrative that is more focused on the identity of Je-
sus than on the circumstances of his birth. All the accounts are different as they emphasize varying aspects of faith and the treasured meaning of the life and ministry of Jesus to the origi- nal unique community for and within which the stories were recorded and for us today. We use all the different stories in Scripture in conversation and in comparison with each other, so we can have as broad a picture of the vastness of God and as lively, rich and textured a faith as possible.
I’m just wondering, why doesn’t national office start more new churches? The responsibility for start- ing new congregations is in the hands of the presbytery because they are re- sponsible for the pastoral oversight of congregations. Presbyteries also know and understand best the local needs as well as the style and form of congre- gation that would be most appropriate. The denomination works in partnership with presbyteries and new congrega- tions by providing discernment tools, training, advice, coaching and financial resources to help with the minister’s stipend and costs associated with evangelism and buildings, etc.
OBITUARIES
Read all full obituaries online at presbyterian.ca
Jacqueline Darch
Wife of the late Rev. Dr. Peter J. Darch. Deceased September 18, 2018.
John Clarence Morrow
Elder at Knox Presbyterian Church in Burgoyne, Ont., since 1979. Deceased July 19, 2018.
The Rev. Larry Robert Paul
Former minister at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church in Perth, Ont. Deceased October 5, 2018.
Edward Frederick Bell
Active member of The Presbyterian Church in Canada both locally and nationally. Deceased October 22, 2018.
Audrey Nettleton
Member at Armour Heights Presbyterian Church in Toronto and active member of the Women’s Missionary Society. Deceased September 19, 2018.
PULPIT VACANCIES
To see all pulpit vacancies, visit presbyterian.ca/vacancies
New Minas, Kings (full-time minister) – Atlantic Provinces
River John, St. George’s – Toney River, St. David’s (full-time minister) – Atlantic Provinces
Malton, St. Mark’s
(full-time minister) – Central, Northeastern Ontario and Bermuda New Market, St. Andrew’s
(full-time minister) – CNEOB Orangeville, Tweedsmuir
(full-time minister) – CNEOB Toronto, York memorial
(part-time minister) – CNEOB Hagersville, St. Andrew’s (part-time minister) – Southwestern Ontario North Pelham, First – Rockway (full-time minister) – Ontario Waterdown, Knox (full-time minister) – Southwestern Ontario
Woodstock, Knox (par t-time minister) – Southwestern Ontario Sylvan Lake, Memorial (full-time minister) – Alber ta and the Nor thwest Creston, St. Stephen’s (full-time minister) – British Columbia
Surrey, City Centre Church (full-time minister) – British Columbia Vancouver, Kerrisdale (full-time minister) – British Columbia Cornwall, St. John’s
(full-time minister) – Quebec and Eastern Ontario
Howick, Georgetown
(par t-time minister) – Quebec and Eastern Ontario
Prescott, St. Andrew’s – Spencerville, St. Andrew’s
(par t-time minister) – Quebec and Eastern Ontario