December 2009 Volume 43, No. 4 Christ Church Brampton, Anglican

Advent

The Courier is published four times a year by:

Christ Church Anglican	Editor:	John Olley
4 Elizabeth Street North	Production:	Jeffrey White
Brampton, Ontario L6X 1S2	Interviews:	Elizabeth Hornemann
Phone: 905-451-6649	Additional Contributors:	Catherine Archdekin, Elizabeth Charters, Rev. Michael Clarke, Patricia Clarke, Shumaila Desrochers, Rev. Byron Gilmore, Karen Harper, Jane Harvey, Don Joshua, Nancy Erb Kee, Tim Laing, Lois Ramsay, George Stephens, Gwen Valliere, Peter Volkes, Gloria Watts, Andrea White, Martha Whittaker, Janet Wren

Warm, Friendly, Caring…

Christ Church Anglican is a warm and caring community that has been serving God in Brampton since its inception in 1851.

We are fully wheelchair accessible, having a ramp at the west door on Elizabeth Street, and an elevator in the David Jones Cloister outside the narthex. Nearby free parking is also available.

Sunday Services include a Said Eucharist at 7:45 am, a Contemporary Eucharist at 9:00 am, and a Choral Eucharist at 10:45 am.

Baptisms are celebrated at specific dates through the year, and include preparation for sponsors, godparents, and older candidates. Application forms for baptism are available in the reception area.

There is a nursery for children under 3 at the 9:00 am and 10:45 am services. Sunday school classes are available for children aged 3 to 12 at both the 9:00 am and 10:45 am services. We also have a unique intergenerational youth group on Friday nights, with occasional special events for youth.

Christ Church is active in community outreach, supports the Knights’ Table, Salvation Army’s Family Life Centre, Our Place Peel, and participates in Caring and Sharing at Christmas.

Not only do we have committed lay participation in all aspects of worship, we have several active fellowship groups within the parish. This includes, but is not limited to, the Parish Group and Ladies’ Fellowship Group, who meet monthly.

We hope you are encouraged by what you read within these pages, decide to learn more about us, and become more involved yourself, with our active and friendly parish community.

Rector’s Message

Lo, He Comes …

As Christians, we know that the kingdom of God has come. Jesus came, lived and died as one of us, was crucified for us under Pontius Pilate and ascended to the right hand of the Father. Yet the Kingdom in all its fullness will be fully realized when Christ returns, at the end of the age, to judge the living and the dead. The “in between time” in which we live is a time when the kingdom is in the process of coming through God’s agent of reconciliation, the church.

We are on a mission for Jesus and for others!

Our latest Natural Church Development survey revealed a strong congregational health with a dramatic increase in passionate spirituality. Two new small groups have emerged this fall on Monday and Tuesday evenings which, along within our Wednesday and Thursday evening groups, help parishioners to grow in their faith.

Activities abound this season:

Our Christmas Bazaar was the best ever with increased participation both from those who worked on the project and those who came. Mark you calendars now for Christmas Songs and Stories on Saturday November 28^th, all proceeds going to Our Place Peel in aide of homeless youth. Mark your calendars also for the annual children’s Christmas party December 5^th at 10:00 am. Don’t forget to ready your heart this Advent by taking advantage of evening worship at 7:00 pm all through Advent and onto Christmas Eve.

Congratulations to Kevin Campbell, Gwen Valliere and Nancy Taylor, three of our Eucharistic Lay Assistants who, along with the clergy, now share their pastoral gifts in bringing communion to the sick and shut in!

As we complete yet another year, I am amazed by God’s lavish and abundant grace which has been so generously poured out on Christ Church. Many have responded to the call to be Christian stewards with deeper sacrificial commitment. Because of this deeper commitment we are standing on the threshold of an exciting future.

And, it's an exciting future in which we can do more in ministry. With improved financial resources comes improved capacity for effecting our city and neighborhood for Christ. The harvest is plentiful and is right outside our doors and in our pews. Christ Church can be a more effective beacon for the Kingdom that is coming, a community of stronger witnesses with a more dynamic ministry to Brampton. The strength of our corporate witness is directly related to the resources we make available. We will have ample resources for improved program and mission if we all respond sacrificially to God’s call.

The Kingdom of God has come, is coming and is yet to come! It is exciting to live in this “in between time” when we await the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ in active engagement, in ministry and in the mission of building the kingdom of God in the here and now.

-- Byron^†

Associate’s Message

It has been exciting this past year to work with a few of the other Anglican parishes in the North Peel Deanery on some youth projects. Our most recent event was a bicycle restoration project. About thirty teens and adults met in our Christ Church auditorium on Saturday November 7^th. We were able to refurbish 35 donated bicycles of varying sizes and shapes. Then we went down to Track’s Restaurant together for supper. We had a great time. The bikes are being donated to the Jeremiah Project, an Anglican inner-city ministry in Toronto.

I hope you will all plan to attend our four Advent Sunday evening services this year. The youth run service, that was so well attended last year and was such an encouragement to the youth who participated, will be on Sunday evening December 13^th this year, which is the third Sunday of Advent.

The Children’s Christmas party will be held this year on Saturday morning at 10:00 on December 5^th. Thanks to Tim and Catherine Laing and all their elves for the hard work they put into this great event. Sign-up sheet is on Martha’s desk.

Our 2010 Confirmation program will be a joint effort between several of the Deanery churches. The sign-up sheet for this program is on Martha’s desk. This is a wonderful program of inter-generational fellowship and learning and I would encourage youth and adults alike to sign up and participate. You can participate as a confirmand, as one reaffirming your faith, or as an interested helper. Please talk to me for more details if you are interested.

We are planning a fundraising dinner-dance early in the New Year with monies going once again to support missionary Donald Sturrock of Sanctuary Ministries in Toronto. The band Red Rain has agreed to return for this event. Watch the bulletin for more news to come on this fun event.

Another partnership project between some of our North Peel Deanery churches and the folks in downtown Toronto at the Jeremiah project is being planned. A meeting will be held at St. James Caledon East on the morning of Tuesday December 15^th at 11:00. The proposed project is a food – fresh produce co-op – and will be of interest to anyone who loves gardening. Talk to me if you’re interested in attending the meeting.

God’s richest blessings to all of you from Tina and I at this wonderful Advent Season.

-- Rev. Michael^†

Advisory Board Update

The following is an abridged summary of some of the items discussed at the November 17, 2009 Advisory Board meeting. Kathy Bell opened the meeting with a devotional.

Property Committee

There is no major news from the property committee as all major work is now done. There are a few small things, but that is just general on-going maintenance. Seeing as the Church is not falling down, there is not a lot of these items on the go at present.

New steps are being obtained for our 18 Elizabeth St. front porch to replace the old ones. The old stairs were showing their age as cracks and holes had already become apparent. There is no new information on the status of the easement.

A small project is currently being planned for, with all financing already in place. The final details are being worked out, and the vendor is in place to start work. This is purposely vague as no one will miss this once the work is done. Stay tuned …

Administration

Name tags have been ordered for the congregation and will be arriving soon. A new magnet board (with a second smaller one on the way) was installed by the front entrance in anticipation. This wood work has been done by Peter Volkes in service to Christ Church.

The office has become very busy in the last few weeks, with even more action to come with Advent. The Stewardship mailing was made available to about 300 homes, with about half of them being picked up on the first Sunday. All remaining envelopes were mailed on Monday.

Stewardship

With the delivery of the Stewardship mailing, so starts our annual pledge process. All are encouraged to fill out the form and deposit it in the Church box near the back doors. This is the time for people to start planning their givings for 2010. Returning these forms helps us to plan for next year’s programming and budget. All members of the Advisory Board haven been asked to encourage the people in their groups to return their pledges as well.

If should be noted that a pledge sheet should be returned whether you are increasing your givings, keeping them the same or decreasing the amount you are able to give. All numbers are relevant and help the Church. Do not feel that you need only return a form if you are increasing your givings.

Financials

Preliminary statements as of October 2009 show that givings we are running a very small, almost non-existent, deficit. This is great news, but we must stay vigil. The Church continues to need your support to ensure we can continue to grow in faith and numbers.

[More details follow in this edition of The Courier.]

Liturgical Schedule

November 29, 2009 to February 21, 2010

November 29, 2009 – Advent 1		January 10, 2010 – Baptism of the Lord
7:45 AM	Said Eucharist	7:45 AM	Said Eucharist
9:00 AM	Contemporary Eucharist	9:00 AM	Contemporary Eucharist
10:45 AM	Choral Eucharist	10:45 AM	Choral Eucharist
7:00 PM	Blue Christmas
		January 17, 2010 – Epiphany 2
December 6, 2009 – Advent 2		7:45 AM	Said Eucharist
7:45 AM	Said Eucharist	9:00 AM	Contemporary Eucharist
9:00 AM	Contemporary Eucharist	10:45 AM	Choral Eucharist
10:45 AM	Choral Eucharist
7:00 PM	Advent Evensong	January 24, 2010 – Epiphany 3
		7:45 AM	Said Eucharist
December 13, 2009 – Advent 3		9:00 AM	Contemporary Eucharist
7:45 AM	Said Eucharist	10:45 AM	Choral Eucharist
9:00 AM	Contemporary Eucharist
10:45 AM	Choral Eucharist	January 31, 2010 – Epiphany 4
7:00 PM	Youth Service	7:45 AM	Said Eucharist
		9:00 AM	Contemporary Eucharist
December 20, 2009 – Advent 4		10:45 AM	Choral Eucharist
7:45 AM	Said Eucharist
9:00 AM	Contemporary Eucharist	February 7, 2010 – Epiphany 5
10:45 AM	Choral Eucharist	7:45 AM	Said Eucharist
7:00 PM	Lessons & Carols	9:00 AM	Contemporary Eucharist
		10:45 AM	Choral Eucharist
December 24, 2009 – Christmas
5:00 PM	Children's Service	February 14, 2010 – Transfiguration
7:00 PM	Family Eucharist	7:45 AM	Said Eucharist
9:00 PM	Choral Eucharist	9:00 AM	Contemporary Eucharist
11:00 PM	Choral Eucharist	10:45 AM	Choral Eucharist

December 25, 2009 – Christmas Day		February 17, 2010 – Ash Wednesday
10:00 AM	Contemporary Eucharist	7:45 AM	Said Eucharist
		9:00 AM	Contemporary Eucharist
December 27, 2009 – Christmas 1		7:00 PM	Choral Eucharist
7:45 AM	Said Eucharist
9:00 AM	Contemporary Eucharist	February 21, 2010 – Lent 1
10:45 AM	Choral Eucharist	7:45 AM	Said Eucharist
		9:00 AM	Contemporary Eucharist
January 3, 2010 – Epiphany of the Lord		10:45 AM	Choral Eucharist
7:45 AM	Said Eucharist
9:00 AM	Contemporary Eucharist
10:45 AM	Choral Eucharist

Laying on of Hands

Is anyone among you sick? Then they must call for the elders of the church and they are to pray over them, anointing them with oil in the name of the Lord; and the prayer offered in faith will restore the one who is sick -- James 5:14-15 (NAS)

At Christ Church we offer this anointing on the first Sunday of each month at the time of the Eucharist, to any who are struggling with physical or emotional distress. Please take advantage of this beautiful, ancient practice.

Parish Registry

Baptisms

October 18, 2009

Emma Eden Davies born July 7, 2009

November 1, 2009

Naysa Samuel born September 27, 2007

Logan Nicholas Griffith born July 21, 2009

Marriages

None

Funerals & Memorials

September 26, 2009

Walter John Seward born November 18, 1938 died June 5, 2009

October 8, 2009

Jennifer Victoria Ferguson born October 15, 1964 died October 8, 2009

November 12, 2009

Frances Mary O’Neil born June 6, 1922 died November 6, 2009

Around the Sanctuary

December’s Advent Banner

The work of Ross Brock, this wooden triptych with a fabric background is of The Jesse Tree.

December’s Christmas Banners

Madonna and Child, in gilt-simulated leather on deep blue velvet, was given by the Breen family. Nativity, which is hung in the Canon Watts Way was pieced and sewn by Nancy Taylor and quilted by the Dorcas Group.

January’s Epiphany Banner

Created by the late Ruth Bagshaw, it is of The Three Kings.

February's Banner

Worked by Joan Shaner on behalf of the Knit And Stitch Group, the predominantly blue banner depicts God's love as symbolized by The Star; the light of God's love which shines in our lives (white), and how we reflect that love back into the world (pink).

Group Updates

Altar Guild

Why the Altar Guild Still Matters

I recently visited a Coptic church in Markham. I was given a tour to admire the fine icons and other furnishings, but found out it was forbidden for women to even look behind the curtain in the area beyond the chancel rails: an area that was reserved for male priests. The Anglican Church shares many theological roots with the Coptic Church, but our attitude to the role of women is now very different. I wasn’t sure when that change occurred in the Anglican Church, so I did a little research.

I learned that the sort of work we do today in the Altar Guild had been done by Sacristans or other male clerics for many centuries. Later women were allowed to assist with some duties such as washing or mending vestments. It wasn’t until the late 1800s that women took over so many of the tasks involved in preparing the vessels, vestments and sanctuary furniture for worship. They formed guilds in the Anglican Church, and this was at the time a major advance in the freedom of women to participate in worship. In fact, until the 1970s it was only through Altar Guilds that women were able to serve God in the sanctuary of the church.

I had never before thought of the Altar Guild as a first step in the revolution in gender equality that has allowed women to become bishops today. I see now it is no coincidence that the growth of the chancel or altar guilds came at the same time that women in the country were joining to found Women’s Institutes and in the city women were taking jobs outside the home and fighting for the vote and equal status before the law. Ironically, women have come such a long way in the last century that what once seemed empowering may now be taken for granted. We need to let more people know that as the Church is changing and testing out new ideas, so are its altar guilds.

In Christ Church, Brampton, the Altar Guild has been evolving for decades. We still have teams who work on a roster system to prepare vessels for the Eucharist and decorate the church for festivals, weddings, funerals and weekly services. But if you look at the people setting up the communion, you will recognize some of the same women who serve as Eucharist Lay Assistants, sit on the Advisory Board or represent the church as delegates to Synod.

Today’s Altar Guild has the flexibility to accommodate members who hold day (and night) jobs. We communicate by computer. Few of us now have the time to sew and arrange flowers, and we have found others who can do these things for us, and do them very well. But some things have not changed. We still need people to share jokes, make friends, help each other, adapt and evolve with the changing church…helping to make worship the beautiful and inspiring activity it can be. Come join the Altar Guild and bring your own fresh ideas to a ministry with a worthy history.

-- Elizabeth Charters (Altar Guild Secretary)

Caring and Sharing

Once again, we at Christ Church have the opportunity to reach out to families who are struggling financially this Christmas. We will be providing our families with gifts, stockings and grocery coupons with which to buy their favourite Christmas dinner.

You can participate in many ways:

· Buy a gift

· Fill a stocking (the stocking is provided)

· Contribute towards Christmas dinner

· Buy a plastic tub in which to put all the gifts and stockings for a family

· Help to deliver the gifts and stockings on Caring and Sharing Day: Dec. 20^th.

Sign-ups will take place after each service on November 29^th, December 6^th, and December 13^th.

December 20^th will be Caring and Sharing Day, when we will all bring our part to church, where it will be collected together into Christmas tubs, and then delivered to our families. Please sign up early, so that you will not miss out on this marvelous opportunity for ministry.

-- Karen Harper and Gwen & Bob Valliere

Community Outreach

Advent begins November 29^th and as Christmas approaches and we count our blessings, let us think again of those less fortunate than we are. A gift box is in the Narthex to receive your donations of non-perishable food products, canned foods, baby cereal and foods, rice, cereals and any other gifts you would care to give. These will be delivered after December 13^th in order for the Knights Table staff to prepare for their guests. Thank you.

-- Catherine Archdekin (Outreach Coordinator)

Parish Group

The Parish Group meets the first Thursday of the month at 1:30 pm unless otherwise specified.

The Parish Group’s contribution to the annual bazaar is to operate Santa’s Café. We were very successful at this year’s bazaar making over $1,200. This is due to the hard work of all of our members and the generous donations they made to the Café. As well we enjoy the fellowship with one another and work extremely well as a team. This is a great group to belong to, and we would warmly welcome any ladies of the church who would like to join us.

Our Christmas meeting will be held Thursday, December 3^rd at 12:30 pm. The executive will be hosting this special event. There will be Christmas carols, stories and games. At this time we are asking our members to bring some non-perishable items for the food bank.

Our first meeting in the new year will be held at the Mandarin Restaurant at 11:30 am (date to be determined). Regular meetings will be held the first Thursday of the month at 1:30 pm.

We are planning an interesting program for the coming year with guest speakers, including Red Green in May. We always look forward to a travelogue presented by our Liz Morris and husband Don. Our annual bus trip is also most enjoyable. As well we host the annual Strawberry Tea.

-- Lois Ramsay (President)

Prayer Team

Our prayer team is increasing membership slowly. We commenced 2009 with seventeen members and now have twenty. But we would love to have many more parishioners joining us. It is such a simple and rewarding ministry and only requires adding a few more names to your personal daily prayers.

A reminder for those of you who request intercessory prayers at our Sunday services: We are very willing to pray on a daily basis!

Please contact one of our clergy, Martha, a prayer team member or myself, if you would like more information or to request prayers. There are printed information and request forms beside the prayer request box on the credenza near Martha’s desk. This is not to be mistaken for the Flower Request box.

NOTE: Christ Church will be hosting the World Day of Prayer service for downtown Brampton on March 5, 2010 at 2:00 pm.

-- Jane Harvey (Coordinator)

Parish News

2010 Church Calendar

The 2010 Church Calendars can be purchased for $5 at the Parish Office, while supplies last. The calendars showcase photographs of Anglican churches from across Canada, including spiritual quotations and significant church dates.

According to The Anglican Journal, after being a joint church calendar with the United Church of Canada for more than 40 years, the Anglican Church of Canada decided to produce it alone. The calendar is more than a century old. The first edition was published in 1906 by the Missionary Society of the Church of England, and depicted the work of missionaries and information on the church year. In 1964, the Missionary Society selected Canadian Churchman (now the Anglican Journal) to take over and the calendar was first sold across Canada through the Women’s Auxiliary and later through the ACW.

-- Elizabeth Hornemann

2010 Offertory Envelopes

Next year’s offertory envelopes are now available. Should you wish to switch to Pre-Authorized Givings (“PAG”), simply complete the form available at the church office or from the Envelope Secretary. For you, the donor, PAG provides:

convenience to you – your offering is received automatically every month.
continual support of the church when you are away.
continual support of ministries and program funded through FaithWorks.

For Christ Church, the advantages are:

regular, dependable flow of contributions.
reduction in paperwork and bookkeeping.
reduction of bank overdrafts.

Christ Church Children’s Christmas Party

This year’s event is taking place Saturday, December 5^th from noon until 2:00 pm. Bring your children and grandchildren to this fun-filled event. Enjoy food, games, a great present for each child, and best of all, a visit and picture with Santa Clause! Cost is $10 per child and tickets can between the services on Sunday or Martha Whittaker weekdays.

Christmas Tree Bazaar

Our 64^th Annual Christmas Tree Bazaar was held on Saturday November 14^th. It is fair to say it was a smash hit this year with more people, more things on the tables and more everything. Great work was done by Tina Clarke and her large group of helpers. The table conveners all managed to get a wonderful array of items with something; I am sure, for everyone. Job well done to all involved.

A special mention to the newest area this year, the Kidz Kubbard. This was a great idea that allowed the children (12 and under only) to select, wrap and purchase items for their parents or grandparents, without their knowledge! All of the kids I saw absolutely loved this area on the stage and are excited about giving their gifts. Some even bought for siblings and cousins.

Christmas Flowers

Once again as we start to contemplate the joyous Christmas Season – remembering the birth of our Saviour – we look forward to celebrating Christmas in our beautiful sanctuary decorated lovingly by the Altar Guild.

You are invited to remember your loved ones at this time by contributing to the floral decorations for the Christmas Season. Cheques should be made payable to “Christ Church”, clearly marking your envelope number and noting “For Christmas Season Flower Fund”.

Your donations may be put on the offertory plate or left at the church office. Please write your memorials on a separate envelope in care of Karen Harper or leave at the church office. Thank you in advance for your usual generosity ensuring a beautifully decorated church to worship in during this Christmas Season. The deadline for Christmas donations and memorials is Sunday, December 12th, 2009

-- Karen Harper

Confirmation Class

Our Confirmation program for 2010 is an exciting joint project with several of our other North Peel Deanery churches. It starts off with a wonderful outing at Teen Ranch on Saturday January 16^th. If you are a youth or an adult planning to be confirmed here at Christ Church at the Great Vigil of Easter on April 3^rd you must sign up on the sign-up sheet in the foyer by Sunday December 20^th.

The classes will generally be on Saturday mornings from approximately 10:00 to 11:30 am, although at least two will be on a Friday evening and one will be a sunrise service at Rattlesnake Point early on a Sunday morning. Most of the classes will be held off-campus at site-visit locations throughout the GTA. Cost for the program is $40 per person. Speak to Rev. Michael for details

Festive Songs and Stories

Although the concert will be over by the time you read this copy of The Courier, at present we are looking forward to what we hope will be another successful event at Christ Church.

We began our fund-raising for Our Place Peel four years ago with the reading and dramatization of the CBC’s version of Dickens A Christmas Carol. After two years of that rendition, the organist Paul Johnson and I decided to involve the choir and to intersperse their festive songs with a variety of poems and stories. The audience enjoyed it and we raised $2,000 for Our Place Peel. We trust we’ll be able to do the same, or better, this year.

The choir, under Paul’s excellent direction, has worked very hard to provide some stirring music and the seasoned readers, who include: Michelle Barnes, Steve Burlock, George Kee, Dale Neilly, Karen Taylor, Marjorie Taylor and the Rev. Vic Reigel, have been equally diligent in their preparation. To all of them, my thanks for their efforts.

-- Nancy Erb Kee

Primate's World Relief and Development Fund Update

The Primate’s World Relief and Development Fund (PWRDF) is responding to recent emergencies in the Philippines, Samoa, Tonga, and West Sumatra through Action By Churches Together (ACT) International. PWRDF will continue monitoring these situations and responding through ACT International. Please continue to pray for the well being of all of our brothers and sisters around the world.

During past holiday seasons Mary Lobb PWRDF, parish representative at St. James in Winnipeg, wrote this note in their bulletin. PWRDF has asked parishes to reprint this message:

Many of you will have received catalogues from large charities offering a choice of development projects to sponsor as Christmas gifts. These are fitting ways of honoring the Christ-child. We would like to draw your attention to The Primate’s World Relief and Development Fund (PWRDF), our Anglican international aid agency. They carry out much of the same work the high-profile agencies do, but without the glossy advertising and administration costs. We encourage you to give a Christmas gift through PWRDF.

For more information call 1-866-308-7973 or visit www.pwrdf.org.

-- Gloria Watts

Financial Update

The following is a preliminary snapshot of our financial health for the year up to the end of October.

	October YTD	Budget YTD	Variance	%
Revenue
Offerings	$263,205.34	$243,748.07	$19,457.27	8%
Other (Rentals, interest, etc)	$57,490.25	$41,550.00	$15,940.25	38%
Total	$320,695.59	$285,298.07	$35,397.52	12%

Expenses
Diocesan Allotment and Outreach	$45,228.60	$48,481.67	$3,253.07	7%
Salaries + Benefits	$144,687.32	$145,818.55	$1,131.23	1%
Admin, Finance and Christian Education	$28,607.99	$26,347.11	-$2,260.88	-9%
Music	$34,086.21	$31,580.71	-$2,505.50	-8%
Property and Maintenance	$69,549.17	$70,890.94	$1,341.77	2%
Total	$322,159.29	$323,118.97	$959.68	0%

Operating Income	-$1,463.70	-$37,820.90	$36,357.20

The short version of this financial statement is that the people of our Church are continuing to give and surpass our expectations of their generosity.

The longer version is more interesting than just numbers. As demonstrated in the numbers above, the Church is bringing in more money on the plate both compared to last year (not shown) and over budget. Simultaneously we are giving more in outreach (not shown). So far this year the Church has given about $20,000 to our local community in outreach! This is phenomenal considering we are not done yet. As mentioned previously, the Festive Songs and Stories is being held, with all monies going to Our Place Peel.

This is cause for celebration, but not complacency. Next year starts in a few short weeks and with a new year comes need for this support to continue. There are several exciting ideas floating around for new programming that is only possible if our givings keep coming in. The end result of these new programs will be continued growth of our Church in terms of people in the pews and the work we can do in the community. Thanks to the Lord for this wonderful opportunity for growth in bringing His people to Him.

I would be remiss in failing to point out PAG and our Stewardship Pledge Drive. PAG is a wonderful opportunity for people to schedule their monthly givings in such a way that it takes the burden off of people from trying to catch-up in their givings or work to meeting their 2009 pledge amount. If you would like to sign-up then please refer to the article in this document, or fill out a pledge sheet.

Our annual Stewardship Pledge drive is now complete for the year. However, if you did not fill out a form, please feel free to do so anyways. You can always give your form to the Envelope Secretary or put it in her office mailbox. Please fill out a form if you have not already.

-- Jeffrey White (Rector’s Warden)

Nursery Program

Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them; For the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. -- Mark 10:14 (NIV)

We have had a great start to our Children’s Nursery program this year! We have seen little ones return from last year, new families join and others have graduated on to our Sunday School program.

I would like to extend my thanks to our volunteers, who make it possible for parents and caregivers to have time to worship during the 9:00 am and 10:45 am services.

Our current volunteers are:


Kayla McArthur	Tracy Payne	Gini Samuel

Not Pictured:
Jane Hutton	Alicia Maynard	Jasmine Massey

Please note that you are welcome to stay with your child in the nursery until they are comfortable to stay with our volunteers, and nursing mothers are welcome to use the comfy rocking chair to feed little ones.

Blessings,

-- Shumaila Desrochers

Turning Little Hands Toward God

It is never too early to teach a child to pray. Praying can become as natural and uncomplicated as breathing. Here a few simple prayers you may want to try:

-- from A Child’s Garden of Prayer, by Steve & Becky Miller

Sunday School

For to us a child is born -- Isaiah 9:6 (NIV)

Advent is the season of preparing and waiting. For many of us it is a busy time of year, as we rush to get our shopping done, wrap that last present, do our Christmas baking, attend parties and participate in any other traditions we have with family and friends.

For our children, they may not have visions of sugar plums dancing in their heads as the story goes, but they too are caught in the excitement of the season. Whether it is the Christ Church children’s Christmas party, the Santa Claus parade, writing their letter to Santa hoping for that one special thing that only Santa can bring, their excitement grows with the wait. It is easy for our children, as well as us as adults to lose sight of what exactly we are preparing for, what the wait is about. This year as our children celebrate the advent season they would like to remind you of the reason for the season.

The children of Christ Church would like to invite you join with them as they present the Christmas play Benjamin’s Top. The children will perform the play Sunday, December 20^th during both the 9:00 am and 10:45 am services. The children ask that you prepare to participate with them as they take a journey to celebrate the birth of Christ.

Thank you and Merry Christmas

A few months ago I was asking the congregation and praying for teachers and assistants for our Sunday school program. I am thankful for all of our teachers this year, for the work you do, for the support you give, and for the love you have for our children. I wish each and every one of you a very blessed advent season and a very Merry Christmas.

P.S. There is no Sunday school December 27^th.

-- Andrea White

People in our Parish

Featuring short information spotlights on people at Christ Church to help us get to know each other better. Profiles are randomly selected and approved by The Courier Editor. If you would like to be profiled please contact Elizabeth Hornemann.

Jonhni Chan

Jonhni came to Brampton from Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) in 1977 to escape the instability of the country. He was accompanied by his late wife, Mary, and their 2½ year-old son. He chose Brampton as his brother had come here five years previously. Jonhni joined Christ Church that same year and has been a faithful member ever since, serving for many years as a sidesman. Son Rodney, and daughter Heather, both attended church regularly and were servers for many years. Rodney was baptized in Rhodesia and confirmed at Christ Church. He was also married at Christ Church to Karen, and they now live in Mississauga. Heather was baptized at Christ Church and will be marrying her fiancé, Anky, at the church in September 2010.

After Jonhni graduated from High School in Rhodesia, he obtained his Auto Technical Licence and started his own business there. Mary did the secretarial work. When he came to Canada, he had to write the exams for his Auto Technical Licence again and initially worked for Stonehouse Ford, a dealer on Queen Street. In 1979, Jonhni started his own company – Chan’s Auto Centre – (also on Queen Street), where his expertise is auto repairs, maintenance and emission tests. Mary was office manager for many years. She passed away in 1994. The company has now been operating for three decades and employs six people. In the near future, Rodney and Karen will be taking over the business, as Jonhni phases out to enjoy some retirement years. Many Christ Church members come to his facility, which he much appreciates.

In his leisure time, Jonhni enjoys playing tennis and travelling. He has recently returned from an amazing trip to China with his children and two sisters. The trip was not only for leisure, but was also an opportunity for him and his family to meet other relatives there and see where their ancestors lived. The itinerary included a tour of Beijing, Xian and Shanghai. They also visited Vietnam and Hong Kong.

Jonhni regularly attends the 9:00 am service, joined by his family when possible.

George & Jeanne Stephens

For 50 years George Stephens has been a faithful member of Christ Church. In 1959, his father, the Rev. M.A. Stephens, moved his family here to become news editor of the Canadian Churchman in Toronto, and was priest-in-charge between the incumbencies of the Rev. Alan Johnson and the Rev. Fraser Bournes.

George attended high school in Kitchener and later was a student at Waterloo College (now Wilfred Laurier University). In 1960, he graduated from the University of Western Ontario with a Pre-Theological Bachelor of Arts degree. After a year off, he studied Accounts with Clarkson Gordon and in 1965 became a certified Chartered Accountant. He held senior financial positions at Calvert-Dale Estates Limited, Grew Corporation and Oseco Inc. For the past 14 years he has run his own Financial Advisor and Accounting Practice.

Next Fall George marks two golden anniversary church events - joining the choir and his first service playing the organ. He was later appointed Assistant to the Organist and continually fills in when needed on Sundays as well as midweek services, weddings and funerals. Apart from the choir and organ-playing, George was on the Executive Board, Treasurer and Auditor for a number of years in the ‘60s, headed two financial campaigns, and was a Warden for three years.

It was in the choir that George met Brampton-born, Jeanne. They both joke about being chaperoned on their first date by the complete choir at a performance of The Messiah at Massey Hall! George and Jeanne were married at Christ Church on June 27, 1964, with his father officiating and the Rev. Fraser Bournes as the celebrant. Both have continued as dedicated members of the church ever since.

Jeanne was baptized and confirmed at the church, was a chorister, in the Young Mothers’ Group, Couples Group (with George), on the Altar Guild for several years and a member of the Fellowship Group. She graduated from St. Michael’s Hospital in Toronto as an RN in 1962 and later worked at Peel Memorial Hospital in the ICU, Emergency, Surgery and Psychiatry. In 1992, she obtained an Occupational Health Diploma and was a nurse at Northern Telecom, Canadian Tire, Mac Cosmetics, Sheridan College and, before retiring last year, was at Trillium for five years. She has also worked part-time for the Region of Peel immunization clinic. Jeanne is now fully retired, and enjoys looking after three year-old grandson, Alex, two days a week. She is a dedicated reader, belongs to a monthly book club, is active in Grandmothers to Grandmothers, participates in yoga and recently joined Probus.

George and Jeanne have three children – Mark, Philip and Kelly – all of whom were baptized and confirmed at Christ Church. Their four grandchildren were also baptized here.

Their hobbies include theatre, opera, bird watching and hiking, but music is the mainstay. As well as singing with the choir, George often plays the trombone on festivals. From 1959-2007, he also played the trombone and the euphonium in the Brampton Concert Band. Currently, he plays in the Oakville Wind Orchestra, where son, Mark, is a percussionist. George has also arranged music for the organ, such as Highland Cathedral and The Sound of Music Wedding March.

Events Update

Christ Church Golf Tournament

It was that time of year again. After being reminded time and time again, people flocked to the Mayfield Golf Course to tee off. This time, Christ Church came together with Grace United to foster teamwork and inter-church community.

Although it rained on the course, it did not rain on our spirits. Everyone gave it their best shot and had a blast. The best part was undoubtedly the hole-in-one competition. Whoever managed to land a hole-in-one would win a Toyota Rav4. There were a few dangs, and shoots, but it was all in good fun. People were more concerned with cheering on their teammates than with winning a car.

After a long day on the greens, everyone migrated over to the hospitable Reverend Michael Clarke’s. An intimate candlelight dinner and prize ceremony was a good way to finish the evening. And guess what? Everybody won something! When everyone’s a winner, who minds a little rain, right?

Once again, we thank everyone who helped organize the tournament: Tim & Catherine Laing, Mike & Tina Clarke from Christ Church; and Cam Welsh and Alex Macmillan from Grace United. Also everyone who donated to the prize table, and the brave soul Kevin Valbonesi who stuck it out by the hole-in-one car. None of this would have been possible without the players. So give yourselves a pat on the back. We look forward to another tournament next year. In fact, it may not be too long before you see Tim Laing up at the lectern.

-- Tim Laing

Congregation Contributions

Attitude of Gratitude

My mom cut this out of a magazine sometime in the 70s and had it pinned right above the sinks in the kitchen. It really did make my sister and I think a little bit more before we complained.

Thank God for dirty dishes,

They have a tale to tell.

While others may go hungry,

We're eating very well.

With home, and health, and happiness,

I wouldn't want to fuss.

For by this stack of evidence,

God has been good to us.

Author Unknown

-- Janet Wren

Community Notice

Brampton Festival Singers and Great Lakes Orchestra will present Handel’s Messiah at the Rose Theatre on Sunday, December 6, 2009 at 7:30 pm. Tickets are $35 for adults, $30 for seniors, $15 for children 12 and under, and are available at the Rose Theatre Box Office. A couple of our Christ Church choir members are singing with the Festival Singers for this performance.

-- George Stephens

Reducing the Odds

Old age is not much fun. Your eyes fade, your ears get dim, the hair on your head recedes, and your reflexes get slower. Falls, which could result in a broken limb or worse, seem to be part of the aging process, but can be prevented if we diligently follow a few simple rules:

Avoid multi-tasking - particularly if it divides your attention. Concentrate on one thing at time.

Carry just a few things at a time - don’t overload yourself. An extra trip is worth it and time is all we have.

Don’t walk in the dark - assuming that you know the lay-out of a room. The saving in electricity is not worth the candle (to make a pun) of accidentally barking a shin.

Get out of bed slowly - sit for a few minutes at the edge of the bed, allowing your body’s metabolism to catch up with your planned activity.

Hold the banister when walking down steps - do this even when climbing up. It is easy to miss a step and holding on to a banister provides a support to help your climb.

Install grab-bars in your bath tub - you may never use them but it is nice to know that they are there if required.

Resist carrying heavy loads - you are not as young or as strong as you once were.

Never run for a bus - catch the next one if necessary. The saving in time is not worth the risk of a fall.

Throw out worn-out slippers - or they will live up to the name and cause you to slip. This is the best time of your life and you can afford to buy a good pair of slip-ons.

When in doubt - Don’t.

This is not an all-inclusive list but we have to recognize that what we could do at age 25 is probably not possible at age 60. We may not be able to check the ravages of the aging process but we can be cautious and avoid an unnecessary fall by reducing the odds.

-- Don Joshua

Seltzer-Chan Pond Inlet Foundation

When Dorene Seltzer lost her son and daughter-in-law in a tragic boating accident in Pond Inlet, in Nunavut, she and her other son flew to Pond-Inlet to visit the people there, whom Mark and Marilyn had loved. They found the Inuit were in great need of help, so they established a charitable foundation to do just that. The aims of the foundation are to preserve Inuit culture, to assist with education and to alleviate poverty.

To help with this ambition I am selling hasti-notes, which are perfect for hostess gifts at this time of year, or can be used as Christmas cards, or any-time cards because they are blank inside. A package of ten notes includes two each of five appropriate designs done by an Inuit artist from the area. A package of ten costs $14 and can be obtained by calling me, Nancy Kee.

For further information about the foundation go to www.pondinletfoundation.org.

[Note: This group is not affiliated with Christ Church Brampton]

-- Nancy Erb Kee

Three Holy Men and a Bear

A Catholic Priest, a Baptist Preacher, and a Rabbi all served as chaplains to the students of a large university. They would get together two or three times a week for coffee and to talk shop.

One day, someone made the comment that preaching to people isn't really all that hard. A real challenge would be to preach to a bear. One thing led to another, and they decided to do an experiment. They would all go out into the woods, find a bear, preach to it, and attempt to convert it. Seven days later, they all came together to discuss their experience.

Father Flannery, who had his arm in a sling, was on crutches, and had various bandages on his body and limbs, went first. 'Well,' he said, 'I went into the woods to find a bear. And when I found him, I began to read to him from the Catechism. Well, that bear wanted nothing to do with me and began to slap me around. So I quickly grabbed my holy water, sprinkled him and he became as gentle as a lamb. The Bishop is coming out next week to give him first communion and confirmation.'

Reverend Billy Bob spoke next. He was in a wheelchair, had one arm and both legs in casts, and had an IV drip. In his best fire-and-brimstone oratory, he claimed, 'WELL, brothers, you KNOW that we don't sprinkle! I went out and I FOUND me a bear. And then I began to read from God's HOLY WORD! But that bear wanted nothing to do with me. So I took HOLD of him and we began to wrestle. We wrestled down one hill, UP another and DOWN another until we came to a creek. So I quickly DUNKED him and BAPTIZED his hairy soul. And just like you said, he became as gentle as a lamb. We spent the rest of the day praising Jesus.'

The priest and the reverend both looked down at the Rabbi, who was lying in a hospital bed. He was in a body cast and traction with IVs and monitors running in and out of him. He was in really bad shape. The Rabbi looked up and said, 'Looking back on it, circumcision may not have been the best way to start.'

Generations – Custodians of Stuff

When my women friends and I get together, what we all talk about – after our pills, our ills, Stephen Harper and who just died – is what to do with our stuff. Whatever men in our generation discuss, I don’t think it’s dinnerware. More often than not, women are the custodians of family artifacts.

We married when a wedding was scarcely legal without silver cutlery, a full set of china, damask table lines and six sets of sheets (two on the beds, two in the wash, two on the shelf). The sheets wore out, but the silver and china remain.

More as accumulated over the years.

My brother, inspecting the cupboards after his wide died, found five china sets: one from our mother, one from his mother-in-law, one from an aunt and two of his own. I inherited 12 settings of Limoges from my mother-in-law and a 12-foot damask tablecloth, apparently useful in a small Prairie town during the Depression. Our children don’t want these things. What modern woman is going to polish silver or iron damask?

The silver and the china can go to the church rummage sale. But the family artifacts have no commercial value. A friend has earrings made from her mother and mother-in-law’s wedding rings. They mean everything to her and to strangers, nothing. Here are Aunt Ida’s doll dishes. But who knew her? She died in the First World War flu epidemic. Here is my grandparents’ 1878 wedding certificate and their wedding pictures. Here is the orange blossom wreath that the bride wore in her hair. Here is the souvenir tumbler from the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair, engraved with my grandmother’s name, preserved and handed down for more than 100 years. Who wants these things now?

More than possessions, these are tangible, touchable history. Ida’s doll dishes remind me of the Spanish flu that took more lives than the battlefields. The picture of my grandfather – so solemn and sturdy in his best suit, who some 20 years later, blind and helpless, took his own life so the impoverished family would have one less mouth to feed – testifies to how much unemployment insurance and disability support might have meant.

We are the custodians of family history, too. A grandmother kept a pet pig, which she walked on the main street of Fort Saskatchewan. A grandfather was an aide-de-camp to Lili;uokalani, the last queen of Hawaii. Here is his invitation to a royal ball. A great-grandfather was a Methodist circuit rider who served settlers in the forests of what was then Minnesota territory. His journal tells of how he supported his family on $300 a year – $100 each for him and his wife, $16 each for the children and the rest to feed his horse – in a cabin where “you could study astronomy through the roof.” Who else remembers these people or their stories?

Objects don’t matter, and as we came into this world with nothing, so we must leave. Then all the things that in their way have told us who we are and where we came from will be dispersed. Their stories will be forgotten. The last thing we want is to be a burden on our children by leaving the job to them. And so, bit by treasured bit, we let go.

Anybody want a bronzed baby shoe? I thought not.

-- Patricia Clarke (reprinted with permission from the United Church Observer – October 2009)

Courier Contributions Request

We occasionally print general items submitted from someone in the congregation. Congregation submitted items are welcomed and will be used as space and relevance allows. If you feel a calling to do this, please do not hesitate to submit such an item.

We would also like to see more group updates from around the Parish. In a given year, many groups are only made reference to in the annual Vestry Report. Some groups only appear in the bulletin once in a while when there is an event they are having.

Please reflect on your group’s ability to add one or two items a year to The Courier. Even better would be submitting information for all four editions in a year. Then we can all keep up to date on the various groups available to us in our Parish.

Quotations

Do you have a favourite quotation of a religious or spiritual nature? If you would like to see it in The Courier, please send it to us. Please be sure to quote the source.

The Courier Schedule

There are four editions of The Courier published every year. Due to the publishing dates being tied to four major church events the exact publishing dates move every year. If you have any doubt about the publishing dates or submission deadlines, please use the following as a guide.

Number	Edition	Publication	Submission Deadline
1	Lent	First Sunday of Lent	2 weeks prior to publication
2	Pentecost	First Sunday of Pentecost	2 weeks prior to publication
3	Harvest	Harvest Sunday	2 weeks prior to publication
4	Advent	First Sunday of Advent	2 weeks prior to publication

As you can likely tell, there is a very simple formula to our dates. In the past some of these have moved around a week or two. There was also a time that the submission deadline was different. For the past year, the above has been the schedule. If this should change for any reason, then ample notice will be provided.

Our Corner of the Internet

www.ChristChurchBrampton.ca

This is just a reminder that our parish web site contains news, photos, upcoming event announcements, and other information. You can even re-read this and some previous issues of The Courier in colour at the website.

Visit ChristChurchBrampton.ca for more information. If you would like to post an announcement for your group or other event, write to:

Submissions, comments and suggestions are always welcome.

General Church Information

Weekly Services

Sunday:	(Laying on of Hands - first Sunday monthly at all services)
7:45 am	Said Eucharist
9:00 am	Contemporary Eucharist
10:45 am	Choral Eucharist (Choral Matins on occasion)

Wednesday:
10:00 am	Eucharist and Bible Study

Monthly Services

Peel Manor	First Thursday
Woodhall Park	Second Thursday
Burton Lodge	Fourth Wednesday at 10:30 am
OCI	Fourth Thursday at 12:00 pm

Summer Services

Sunday:
8:00 am	Said Eucharist
10:00 am	Holy Eucharist

Wednesday:
10:00 am	Eucharist and Bible Study

Contact

4 Elizabeth Street North
Brampton, Ontario L6X 1S2
Telephone:	905-451-6649	Web:	www.ChristChurchBrampton.ca
Fax:	905-451-7816	Email:

Staff

Incumbent:	The Rev. Dr. Byron R. Gilmore
Associate:	The Rev. Michael Clarke
Honourary Associate:	The Rev. Vic Reigel
Honourary Associate:	The Rev. David Mercer
Honourary Associate:	The Rev. Robert Payton
Parish Secretary:	Martha Whittaker
Choir Director:	Paul Johnson
Worship Director:	Nathan Gerber
Caretaker:	Joe Felicio

The Lent edition of The Courier will be published on February 21, 2010.

The submission deadline for inclusion in that edition is February 7, 2010.

Christ Church Parish Officers
Rector	The Rev. Dr. Byron R. Gilmore
Associate Priest (Family & Youth)	The Rev. Michael Clarke, CM
Honourary Assistant	The Rev. Vic Reigel
Honourary Assistant	The Rev. David Mercer
Honourary Assistant	The Rev. Robert Payton
Parish Secretary	Martha Whittaker
Rector’s Warden	Jeffrey White
People’s Warden	Dale Neilly
Deputy Rector’s Warden	Rosemary Mantini
Deputy People’s Warden	Ken Egbuna
Treasurer	Vinton Williams
Advisory Board Chair	Karen Harper
Vestry Clerk	Norma Martin
Envelope Secretary	Valerie Brown
Lay Members of Synod	Kathy Bell, Karen Harper and Jim Wyllie Nancy Taylor (alternate)
Worship
Organist and Choir Director	Paul Johnson
Contemporary Worship Director	Nathan Gerber
ELA & Readers' Coordinator	George Duffield
Sidespeople & Servers' Guild	John Hall
Sunday School Coordinator	Andrea White
Anglican Church Women’s Groups
Altar Guild	Marie Bunting
Altar Flower Secretary	Karen Harper
Bazaar Convener	Tina Clarke
Fellowship Group (2^nd Wed 7:30 pm)	Nancy Perrault
Parish Group (1^st Thurs 1:30 pm)	Lois Ramsay
Other Parish Activities
The Courier Editor	John Olley
Webmaster	Bob Valliere
Church Librarian	Nancy Taylor
Parish Visitors	Joan Powell
Prayer Chain	Jane Harvey

Christ Church

2009