The Anglican Parish of Vaudreuil - Hudson, QC

 

 
 
 

 

 

Church Office

642 Main Road
Hudson, Quebec
Canada J0P 1H0

Phone: (450) 458-5897
Fax: (450) 458-8802

Email:
parishvaudreuil@ca.inter.net

 

 

 

TIME FOR RENEWAL – a summertime message from the Rector, the Rev’d. Eleanor

Recently I was reminded of the importance of taking time for renewal. Although each of us knows the importance of time off from our usual duties so that we can rest and relax, what many of us experience is the challenge to take the time needed. And I think no truer words are spoken in the church … be it about the clergy person or the laity who give so generously of their time.

I think we can all agree we need to take time off from our usual duties. But what is it we are taking the time for? Is it to finish off the “Honey Do List”? Or to get through the many projects around the house that have been waiting patiently for our attention? Or is it to read a good book, sit by the water or visit with loved ones?

Perhaps the time is well spent finishing off those lists and projects – it might relieve the stress we feel because we haven’t been able to get these things done. But is this renewal? Refreshing? Or is it rushing to get all our work done so that when we return to our usual responsibilities we need a vacation, but haven’t time for one because we used it to get the work done? Sounds like a vicious circle doesn’t it!!

Well it is! I mustn’t be surprised that we mere mortals find ourselves caught up in this dilemma. Jesus himself knew the need to withdraw and would do so by heading for the mountains or the lake (two of my favourite locations to escape to.) But it wasn’t without feeling called to stay and do His ministry to those in need. They would follow Him to the shores of the lake or into the hills (see Matthew 14:13-21) and feeling compassion for them, Jesus would from time to time come away from His time of rest and renewal.

Even though it was hard to get away, Jesus did not stop trying. Whether it was to escape up the mountain (Matthew 14:23) or to spend time with His friends Lazarus, Mary and Martha (Luke 10:38-42), Jesus made every effort to get time away from his usual ministries. (Not that he didn’t talk “shop” while with his friends - there’s always a teaching moment not to be missed.) We do know from His visits with the sisters, Jesus valued time spent with his friends over fussing in the kitchen. Perhaps not practical - but it definitely was life-giving to spend time with friends.

So I guess a teaching we have from the life of Jesus is:

 

“Getting away from the regular routine might be hard to do, but is absolutely necessary. It is worthy of our committing as much energy to this life-giving endeavour as we do to our working life.”

So as you plan your vacations or time off this summer, may you remain committed to the benefits of time off – refreshment and renewal. Have a safe and happy summer!

 

PASTORAL CARE - Dianne Bradshaw

Pastoral care is a large and multi-faceted ministry that is one of the basic tenets of the Anglican Church. Throughout Scripture, again and again, we are enjoined to nurture those both within, and without, our community. In the worldwide church, pastoral care is provided according to the unique needs of the communities it serves.

 

The National Cathedral in Washington, D.C. purchases and distributes thousands of tube socks. Located at the edge of an area where there is a concentration of homeless people, their pastoral care program is a practical one. Dry feet is a critical part of good health. Christ the King Anglican church in the Bahamas feeds the poor every week. At “The Lord’s Table” in Ottawa an entire counseling centre is devoted to providing therapy and education in the field of mental health. The Australian Anglican church reaches out to the aboriginal community.

Here in the Diocese of Montreal there are amazing in-the-trenches outreach programs including assistance to new immigrants, showers and meals for the homeless, support for prisoners, and counseling. The list of ways in which we provide help to those in need is endless, and the needs are infinite. Here in the caring community of St. James’, we have a long history of supporting the mission and life of the church through compassionate outreach of various kinds – most of it informal and discreetly provided. [Our dear Alison Royle provided a platinum example of the finest in pastoral care.] With God’s guidance, and a bit of research, the recently resurrected pastoral care initiative will seek to identify the ways in which we can serve the needs of our community, in the true spirit of the Shepherd. We will need your help.

 


 

Parish of Vaudreuil Summer Day Camp – Week of July 26-30, 2010

 

The camp will be a place of welcome to children from across the area during the week of July 26th to 30th, 2010. As Camp Director, Wanda Smith shares her creativity and energy in making this a memorable experience for young people from across our community.  This year we will welcome James Armstrong and Bill Riley who will share their musical gifts with our campers. 

 

This exciting yearly event relies on the support of members of the Parish.  How you might get involved:

 

• Provide billets for the youth leaders of the Camp

• Help over the lunch hours

• Join us as Camp Director in Training

 

Do you have questions? Want more information? Please contact Rev’d Eleanor at 450-458-5897.

 


 

Bishop’s Pilgrimage -- Footsteps of St. Paul

 

Bishop Barry will lead another pilgrimage this year - The Footsteps of St. Paul through Greece and Turkey, November 2-13.

 

Limited space is available for this trip which includes 7 nights on a cruise ship, daily excursions to the places of St. Paul’s ministry (costs included).  The basic rate is $2,429 for an inside cabin on board ship, hotels, and flights. All breakfast, dinner and entrance fees are also included.  The return flight connects in Paris, France, and it is possible for an extra $100 to book a stopover (extra nights’ costs not included).  For more information or to request a brochure, contact Archdeacon Janet Griffith 514-843-6577 or to book contact Ari Bauer in Toronto,  1-800-267-9994, ext. 415. The registration form and further information can be found at http://www.montreal.anglican.ca/pilgrimage

 


Office Hours for the Parish Priest - Change of Day Off

Rev'd Eleanor's day off is now on a Friday. She will be in the Parish office Monday to Thursday from 9:00 a.m. until noon, (except when she attends Clericus on the first Tuesday of the month or is called out on a pastoral emergency).

 


 

Are you on PAR?

PAR, or Pre-Authorized Remittance, is a “direct debit” program that allows people to support the mission and ministries of the Church through an automatic monthly withdrawal from their bank account. At this time of year when we are planning the annual budget, we encourage you to consider getting on PAR. The benefits are great – convenient, easy to set up or change, and ensures missions and ministries are supported throughout the year (even when you are on holidays.) To get more information about this convenient way of giving, please contact the Parish Office at 450-458-5897.

 


Chancel Guild

The St. James’ Chancel Guild is looking for a few new members. The Chancel Guild works in a series of teams each responsible for a week per month. The responsibility begins on the Saturday preceding the week of duty and includes setting up the altar for Sunday and any special services during that week. Anyone who is interested may contact Joy Forster through the Church Office.
 


 

 

St. James’ Buildings Restoration Campaign

 

For many months now Alan MacLeod has been reporting on the status of restoration work on our buildings. When next at church we suggest that you walk around and take in the beautiful improvements that have been made in the last two years. We’re confident that you will be very impressed.


Last year…
we launched the buildings restoration campaign and we were delighted by the generosity of many of our congregation. Unfortunately we are all aware of the difficult economic time we have found ourselves in and for this reason the funding program was tailored back. We know that times continue to be difficult for some. However, it is also recognized that the economy has improved significantly since this spring.
 

Much still to be done…
Our reality is that there is much still to be done in order to improve the serviceability of our buildings. Just take a look at the condition of the roofs. Replacement of some must be effected before the end of 2010 and must include not only replacement of the outer shell but also improvements to the envelope in order to improve energy efficiency. The energy audit completed earlier this year suggests replacement of furnaces and the addition of heat pumps in order reduce costs and reduce our carbon footprint. These improvements are a few of the major projects, however there is much other work that must be done in order to keep our buildings beautiful, safe and efficient.

 


 

Have You Made a Pledge to be Part of this Campaign?

The Buildings Restoration Campaign saw the launch of a second phase of fund raising during the month of October last year. At December 31st, 2009 we were at $370,000 against our target of $500,000 having increased the funding by $60,000 during the second phase. Currently we are approaching all members of the church who have not yet donated or ledged. We invite you to join in the campaign. If you have any questions about how you can support our parish campaign, please speak with a member of the Campaign Committee: George Cockburn, Graham Campbell, John Zacharias, Marcus Owen, or Tom Pound.

 


 

Note from the Choir

 

We are actively seeking to add new members to our choir, particularly those of the tenor and bass persuasions, but also sopranos and altos. If you are interested, or know of anyone who might be, please contact James Armstrong or Graham Campbell or contact the Church Office. Our rehearsals are on Thursday evenings from 7:15 and at 10:15 before the Sunday morning services.

 

James also announces that our Friday evening worship team will meet once a month, the THIRD Friday of the month, to rehearse for the contemporary Choral Eucharist/Special Music service on the 4th Sunday. Singers and instrumentalists are also invited to join the team and should contact James for more information.


New Year’s Resolutions 2010

… from the Rev. Eleanor can be found by clicking here.

 


 

Primate’s World Relief and Development Fund (PWRDF)

 

Emergency challenges continue to create havoc in several countries around the world.  PWRDF continues to require financial support to channel funds to relief agencies working in these areas.  For up-to-date information, check frequently what is happening at: http://www.pwrdf.org/stories/stories-by-theme/emergency-response-stories/, and consider donating towards these relief efforts.

 

 

 

 

   

 


Copyright © 2010  The Anglican Parish of Vaudreuil