Perspectives by Rev. Norine Gullons

Fall Transition

I don’t know about anyone else but it is hard making that transition from August into September. Most of this time has to do with the weather. We should be glad for the quick change in the temperatures as it really elbows us into moving forward into the fall season. It does make some people give up their favourite summer pastime though – like swimming in the river.

I think too, it is the call back to structured days and the skill of disciplining our time. 

There is an “art” to family life. There are the necessities of getting to bed at the right time, preparing school lunches for the next day, making sure clothes and school books and signed forms are ready to go out the door all at the same time in the morning. This takes a certain amount of co-ordination. 

Teenagers have left for colleges and universities. The house feels quiet again as their energy and enthusiasm for life are left behind in small traces like a nice perfume that lingers around in the air.

We hope and pray that these students are blessed with an eagerness to learn, respect for others, love for nature, happiness when things are easy and a-keeping-at-it-attitude when things are hard, and of course their faith in God. We hope this will be a good school year for all and that the youth of this our community may discover the gifts they have inside of them to be used for good in the world that surrounds them.

Pastor Norine + 

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Dear Editor,

Hunger Awareness Week is May 7 to 11.

During the month of May, we are asking workplaces across Dundas County to pick a day for everyone to bring their lunch to work, and donate what they would otherwise spend to the Dundas County Food Bank.

We are also, during the month of May, offering food bank tours for groups and individuals and ask that you call ahead to indicate your interest. 

Dundas County Food Bank is seeing a steady increase in the number of visits for the first quarter of 2012, with approximately 15 per cent more compared to last year.

Current needs include canned fruit and vegetables, cereal, Kraft dinner and pasta sauce; also needed are toiletry items and school snacks.

It is with the kind support from individuals like you, in our community, that enables us to continue on-going efforts to our neighbours in need.

Your donations are greatly appreciated and recognized.

Those looking for more information can visit www.hungerawarenessday.ca, or contact our local food bank for more information.

Sincerely,

Donna Quesnel, Administrator

Dundas County Food Bank

Winchester and Morrisburg

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Lent–What's it all about?

Lent – taken from the German or Dutch word Lenz; known as the season between winter and summer; a time of 40 days before Easter, beginning with Ash Wednesday, the seventh Wednesday before Easter.

The Christian Church called the season before Easter lent. It would have been awfully confusing to tell people that the church season of Lent was in lent. 

So to ease the confusion somewhat the term “spring” was introduced many centuries ago. It literally referred to the springing up of plants and other life as the temperatures warmed up.

Lent in the Christian tradition is that time when we are charged to reflect on our lives and a take stock of who we are. It is a time for preparation for Easter, a time of rededication of the faithful and a time to teach those who are new to Christianity about the faith and to prepare them for baptism. 

This is the time in the church year when I am reminded – and not all that gently – to recommit myself to a lifestyle that is essential to me being a faithful Christian. The liturgy that we Anglicans follow on Ash Wednesday spells it out very plainly. 

We are invited to “observe a holy Lent by self-examination, penitence, prayer, fasting and almsgiving, and by reading and meditating on the word of God.” 

Some of the items in this list aren’t all that onerous… especially praying and reading the word of God. 

It’s the self-examination, penitence, and fasting with which most of us struggle.  The question that arises is how can I possibly do all of this?

If we are intentional about observing Lent we will find ourselves being more fully engaging with the path that Jesus walked as he spent 40 days in the wilderness. That time in the wilderness gave him the chance to do all of the things that we are called to do in Lent.

It was the time Jesus needed to prepare for his ministry with the people and ultimately to prepare for his death and resurrection. It is our time to prepare for our own ministries – whatever they might be – and to enter fully into the joy of the resurrection. 

So, my friends, are you up for the challenge??

Blessings, Sue+

P.S. To all of you out there who get to celebrate on the actual date of your birth, Happy Birthday!

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