Our Personal Journeys

Early Memories of Church

By Frank Bishop

When Dawn told us we would be holding services in the hall for a few months I am sure most of us were quite disappointed as we are all quite comfortable in St. Andrew's main church. After I became settled in the hall and the service began I had a strange feeling that I had been here before – many, many years ago.

I was born in “Small Town Manitoba” and me first recollection of a church was in the municipal offices of the town of Fort Garry. On a Sunday all the desks were moved out and we all sat in a circle just like we did at St' Andrew's last Sunday – for me it was just like going home. I admit that I lost a few tears last Sunday but, when I saw Dawn slip her shoes off, I knew everything would be OK and the hall would be just like home.

So this means that, although I don't remember, I was baptized in a municipal office that held the affairs of a small town in Manitoba. I do remember though that I was confirmed a few years later in a building that was previously used as a gambling hall in the days of Al Capone – but more about that another time.

Winter 2008 - 2009

Just Another Day at St. Andrew’s

By Frank Bishop

Sunday the 26th of November [2006] and we woke to six inches of snow. I would imagine that everyone had the same thought…should I take a chance on the roads and go to Church or go back to bed? Nineteen brave souls (or not too bright) showed up and with the amount of snow still falling probably wondering if they could get home ok.

The programs got lost in the storm but Dawn put a service together that her humble servants could follow without a program. I looked around to see who was missing and the first one I thought of was the lady who always had a birthday in her family but then I remembered that she was sick. Then I looked for Robert. How could I possibly fake my singing without Robert? When I stand beside him I pretend I’m singing and maybe someone will think that Robert’s melodious words are mine.

Then I looked for my favorite secretary and her mother…I guess April got stuck in a snowdrift. Then I looked for my boss, May Ross and her husband Clarence. I looked for my favorite here from WWII and his wife. I hoped Doug Haynes was ok. And like everyone else I hoped that Loveday was ok. Richard gets "The Star" for his efforts today. He nursed Gabrielle who obviously was not feeling too well and entertained Cheyenne and managed to find time to look after the collection plate. I also loved his rubber boots…only at St. Andrew’s and that is why most of us love this Church.

On a serious note, the most moving part of today’s service happened at the communion rail. Granpa went to the rail with Gabriella and Gramma was escorting Cheyenne with the bread. With a little smile Cheyenne gave Richard and Gabriella a piece of bread…only at St. Andrew’s.

I have told Dawn that I was born in Fort Gary Manitoba and attended an Anglican Church in that town. The Church was part of the Rector’s house and he ruled with an iron hand. There was no such thing as talking to your neighbour in the Church. I came to know him quite well as my father and I planted and took care of his garden. I was also in the choir and boy’s club so I spent quite a bit of time at his house. I have kidded Dawn that Reverend Anderson would shudder if he came into St. Andrew’s on "Animal Blessing" Sunday.

Last Sunday in Church I felt a movement and I thought…oh-oh…! Reverend Anderson is flying again. But it felt a little different this time, sort of a happy movement and I like to think it was Reverend Anderson saying, "So that’s what St. Andrew’s is all about."

Jesus in the Garden

Asked by our Rector "What does Easter mean to you? For if the message of Easter is not personal than how can it change the world?", one of our young parishioners painted this picture of Jesus in the Garden and shared her thoughts with the congregation on Palm Sunday, [2007]. "This scene speaks to me of the suffering of Jesus, but also of his trust in God. It reminds me that no matter what ups and downs I experience in my own life, I can trust that God in Christ Jesus is there with me."

And for this the people of God said, "ALLELUIA!!"

Thoughts From Annabel

By Annabel Hann

Ok so here's where I took what you so graciously shared with me on Tuesday Dawn . It inspired me to write this inspirational piece. So often I've been driving up Koksilah Rd and looked from the field of sheep to the left of the road up to the tall trees ahead and over to the mountains in the distance. It is my favourite road in the valley - the road I so often take to church - and I love it.

WHAT AM I TO LEARN TODAY?

As I was driving today in the Valley, I asked God to give me Hope and he sent me a Rainbow, arching so perfectly across the vast expanse of the sky.

I asked Him for Strength and he sent an Eagle soaring over the tallest of trees ahead.

So I asked Him "What am I to learn today?" and He sent me the sun to illuminate the way in front of me to help me see clearly the lessons that would present themselves before me this day.

My eyes took in the rich, pastoral green fields as I was passing by and I saw Him in the fragility and purity of the new-born baby lambs. I looked ahead into the distance and I saw Him also in the mountains rising majestically up to greet the sky, everything connected-fields and mountains, eagle and lambs, rainbow and sunshine, creating this perfect snapshot infront of me, beside me and around me. God knew that I wouldn't have changed a thing at that moment but He also knew that in that instant it was me who had somehow changed.........