Opinion

 

“Master, we’ve been fishing hard all night and haven’t caught even a minnow. But if you say so, I’ll let out the nets.” Luke 5:5

What a relationship between a Farmer and a Fisherman! A Farmer bought land, and concentrated his energy on the ugly weedy east side facing the main road. He finally made there a marvellous garden. 

One day, the local Minister drove by for a visit, and looking at the garden, he noted to the Farmer: “Fellow, you and God have made an incredible work on this garden!” 

To which the Farmer replied; “Well, you should have seen it when God had it by Himself.” 

As for the Fisherman, he has acquired a certain knowledge of the secrets of the sea, and the art of fishing. He knows very well that when God provides the wind, it is his responsibility to raise the sails. 

Ironically, while the Farmer relies on God to give the rain, the Fisherman is concerned not only with deep or shallow waters, but also, with chances of getting bites. 

From both experts, we observe an incredible art of expertise. If you either relate to the Farmer of the Fisherman, you can re-imagine and reshape your ethics of work. 

Here are few tips that can help you do a simple exercise of theological relativism: Farming is a mission God gave to every human being (and God put a man in the Garden to till it and keep it: Genesis 3: 15). Therefore, at the sweat of your front, you shall eat your bread (Gen. 3:19a).

Because of the haemorrhaging economy these days, many of us work so hard until we pass by ourselves without wondering. Yet, for the sake of God’s Kingdom, even so you work that much hard, a full day’s wage is equal to a half, even a quarter day’s wage (Matthew 20: 1-16).

Consequently, true contentment when you labour doesn’t come from much sweat, but from the goodwill and the heart with which you handle your chores. 

Talking about fishing: I guess some of you have been (or still long to) caught in the net, or hook thrown by the Church: that is the sacrament of Baptism. Jesus commissioning his disciples said to go and fish for people.

My point here is to share your experience of religion. I want to use the metaphor of fishing as a means of discipleship. 

After all, being churchly correct is not only a matter of how you live faith inside out your comfort zone; it is a question of how being “Fish”, or “Ichtus” in this consumerism era, makes you a happy being. 

Each one of us has become a target for marketing system. How can the Church of Christ, in the 21st Century, serve better the people of God in the chaos of post-modernity? 

Antoine de St Exupéry said: “If you want to build a ship, don’t drum up people to collect wood and don’t assign them tasks and work; but rather teach them to long for the endless immensity of the sea.” 

It is my hope and prayer that, you understand the Church’s ideal as a mission to remind people of the riches of the Gospel. The Gospel is like the sea. How can the Church, bound to respect the liberties of God’s people and invites them to hear the Good News, be more attractive to you? 

It is evident that for the Church, fish are becoming a continuous penury, not because only of the climate change, but because, maybe, the friendship between the Fisherman and the Farmer is going missing some cohesion. 

Please pray with me, that the Lord bless our work for our inner joys, and God blesses us to serve him. Prayer may not change things for you; but it may surely change you for things. 

Your local churches need your prayers: how will they look like if you abandon them to God to look after them by Himself? What story will you tell to the future generations if they know this is the inheritance your fathers and grand fathers laboured and sweated for since they settled in this Seaway Land of God’s beloved? 

The Church needs to hear from you saying: “Take charge! Take heart! Don’t be anxious or get discouraged. God, my God, is with you in this; he won’t walk off and leave you in the lurch. He’s at your side until every last detail is completed for conducting the worship of God.” (1Chronicles 28:20). Amen.

Father Manasseh Maniragaba, Associate Priest, Anglican Parish of Morrisburg, Iroquois and Riveriside Heights.

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The squirrel and the begonia

Recently I was walking up to the manse (aka parsonage, rectory) and noticed a little black squirrel sitting at the edge of a black pot of begonias.  Now one has to know that with 10 maples trees on the property and walnut trees on neighbouring properties, that squirrels are as plentiful here as spots on a ladybug.  They hide the walnuts in the garage, in the window ledge corners, in pots.  

My neighbour and I watch the little ones figure out how to get down from a second storey roof after they have leapt from a tree branch.  They own the property as far as I am concerned.

Now I tried to shoo the squirrel away from the pot of begonias, and reluctantly it scampered down to the porch and onto the grass all the while holding the begonia plant in its mouth. 

The reason the begonias are in pots, versus in the ground, is because after I had planted them in a few spots I found them dug up by the squirrels, so I thought the pots would ensure the safety of the begonias.  

I was most amazed though that the squirrel was not going to give up that begonia and stopped at least twice to munch on the roots before it dropped the plant and scurried up a tree.  I retrieved the plant and re-inserted it into the pot. 

This morning after watering the plants the squirrel came back.  Or maybe it was a sibling or a cousin.  It matters not. 

What I admire, however, is its (their) persistence and activity level.  I’ve heard the old phrase “busy as a beaver” but I do not recall a phrase about squirrels.  

I once watched a mother squirrel on a large limb carrying her offspring from the far end of the limb back to the nest in the hollow of the trunk and the limb.  One by one she grabbed them by the nape of the neck and retrieved them.

God’s persistent love for humanity and all creation humbles me.  God is the reason and joy and love of life.  When we wander off God hauls us back. 

Years ago a person remarked to me that he “likely was not in the book.”  By that he meant that he was likely, because of the ebb and flow of his life, not in God’s book.  

I replied that it was not that easy to be “out of God’s book.”  God never gives up on us.  God never lets us go.  God provides for us in mysterious ways.  And when we open our hearts and minds to God’s incalculable love for creation and presence in our lives, our lives are lived in a joy-filled manner giving thanks for that abundant life.  

And our rightful and only response is thanks-giving.  Our comfort in life and in death and life after death is that we belong to God.

And I just put out a little cup of water for the squirrels.  I promise not to give them names.  Peace and blessings.

Rev. Arlyce Schiebout

Lakeshore United Church

Morrisburg

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“Don’t knock the weather, nine-tenths of the people couldn’t start a conversation if it didn’t change once in a while.” – Kin Hubbard

Yes, I really am going to talk about the weather… the heat, the humidity, the lack of any substantial rain, the fire ban… but before I get started, I should confess that I am not a weather expert.

Okay, so, getting down to the nitty-gritty, it’s been hotter than the blazing fires of Hell, hasn’t it? The last few days have felt like a nice little reprieve compared to last Friday and compared to what’s in store for us the rest of this week. I do not like extreme heat… or extreme weather of any kind actually. Unfortunately, my opinions and preferences are of little concern to Mother Nature. 

And so, we find ourselves in a very  hot, very dry, and very uncomfortable July. I would imagine that for some – like farmers without a sprinkler system – this is more than just an irritating inconvenience… it is a strain on their livelihood. And, yet, Mother Nature is relentless. What will be, will be.

For the average person, the important thing to remember is that this weather can be dangerous in more ways than one. The Eastern Ontario Health Unit has listed several precautions people should take during periods of extreme heat and humidity, like drinking lots of water, wearing sunscreen and sun hats, or staying indoors out of the sun and heat.

Another important tip: do NOT leave your child or pet in a parked car. (Note: you should never leave your child unattended in a car no matter the weather.) 

Currently, South Dundas has a fire ban in place. This is for the benefit and safety of everyone, not for your inconvenience. 

In any case, it is what it is and we need to adapt. I suppose we could cry over the ‘lemon’ Mother Nature has thrown our way, but I think it might be much more fun – and essentially easier in the long run – if we found a shady spot out of the sun and enjoyed a cool sip of our iced lemonade – you know, the lemonade we made from stomping on that gigantic lemon Mother Nature threw our way? Seriously, smile… it will be snowing soon!         -S.C.

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God cares, even in the storms

The story goes that Jesus had spent the day at the seashore, teaching crowds that had gathered to see him. Because the crowds were so large, Jesus sat in the boat just offshore so that people could see and hear him. His boat became his pulpit. He had to speak loudly. 

That’s exhausting work! To “connect” with a large crowd hour after hour without a microphone will wear down even the strongest person. 

When evening came, Jesus told his disciples to pull up the anchor and to set out for the other side of the lake, several miles away. Once they were underway, Jesus pulled up a cushion and fell asleep, exhausted.

While Jesus slept, a great windstorm arose, stirring up great waves which threatened to swamp the boat. The disciples became alarmed, because they could see that the winds and the waves were too much for their small boat. They were far from shore–and they were really afraid. 

Jesus’ disciples woke him up, and said, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?” Jesus was their leader, and they were in trouble. 

When people are in trouble, they naturally turn to their leader and cry, “Help us! Save us! DO SOMETHING!”  

Jesus turned to his disciples, and said: “Why are you afraid? Do you not have faith in God?

What about you? You have most certainly experienced storms in your life. You might be in the midst of a storm right now–some sort of health problem–or relationship problem–or financial problem. I think that you sometimes find yourself crying out, “Jesus, do you not care that I am perishing?” Maybe you pray, “Jesus, help me! Save me! Do something!” By the way, that in of itself, is a good prayer! 

Sometimes, God makes it possible for us to live joyful, productive lives in spite of the storms raging around us and within us. 

Someone put it this way: “Sometimes the Lord calms the storm; sometimes He lets the storm rage and calms the believer!”

People find the words of the 23rd Psalm comforting:”Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I fear no evil; for you are with me; your rod and your staff–they comfort me.” 

That Psalm acknowledges that life isn’t always green pastures and still waters. Life sometimes leads us into dark valleys. But even in those dark valleys, God is with us. Even in those dark valleys–especially in those dark valleys–God comforts us.

Sometimes we want to give in–to give up. 

“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord my whole life long.” 

Even in the storms, God cares. Even in the darkest valleys, God cares. In the midst of your storms and dark valleys continue praying–and see if God doesn’t calm the storms of your life. 

Rev. Norine Gullons

Sth. Dundas Evangelical

Lutheran Parish

Morrisburg/Williamsburg

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Love South Dundas done

What changes people? What affects them? How about seeing love in action? Seeing people give radically? 

I heard a speaker say that what single-handedly turned the Roman Empire from paganism to following Christ was the radical generosity of Christians. In a world believing in serving oneself and living to maximize pleasure, these ‘strange’ Christians lived to serve others and sacrificially gave to the needy. This turned the heads of the pagan world and eventually won their hearts.

I guess this shouldn’t be surprising. That’s how the church began. 

The Bible says this about the first Christians: “selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need.” (Acts 2:45). This wasn’t them just selling their extra stuff at yard sales. 

It goes on to say: “For there was not a needy person among them, for all who were owners of land or houses would sell them and bring the proceeds of the sales… and they would be distributed to each as any had need.(Acts 4:34-35)

Wow. It’s one thing to sell the junk in the basement or my extra perennials to have money to give to the needy, but property or a house? You have to admit, that’s pretty radical. And as that speaker spoke of, yes, already in this very first church, this crazy giving spoke to and drew people to Christ.

That brings me to Love South Dundas. I don’t think anyone quite gave up a house or a piece of land as part of this, but we did witness lots of giving, some of it quite touching. 

There were the random acts of kindness, people anonymously giving to others. There was the baking of delicious goodies that were distributed to show appreciation to businesses and service organizations. And there were also many who gave financially.

A Christian business owner paid for a huge Bouncy Castle, another paid half for a second one. A family dropped by my door to donate hundreds. And the list goes on and on. Almost $1,000 was given to give out free DVDs of the life of Christ. The Pentecostal Church blessed us with the money and person-power to put on a free barbecue. Others put in countless hours working for the event. For all this giving, we are very grateful.

But why did they give? And why so generously? 

There’s only one answer and it’s simple and yet profound. Each and everyone of these business owners and individuals gave because they received. They have understood and accepted the greatest gift ever, salvation through Christ Jesus. By accepting what Christ did on the cross for them, they have received a new life now and an eternity in heaven. Overwhelmed by God’s love for them, they simply want to share that love with others.

Love South Dundas is over. It was two weeks during which the churches of the area worked to show love to the community.

It’s our prayer that people who saw this love would ask “Why? What’s this about?” 

It’s our hope that our giving would turn heads and ultimately turn hearts back to the Master Giver, God himself. And to his most amazing gift: JESUS.

Pastor Clarence Witten

Community Christian 

Reformed Church

Dixon’s Corners

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In Christ We Have Peace

The world we live in is fraught with trials, tests and temptations. Our Lord, Jesus the Christ, acknowledges this when he says, “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33) 

In the same breath it seems, Jesus confirms for His disciples a life of tribulation and a place of solace in the mist of that tribulation. 

Apart from Christ, life must always be a tragedy in the end, filled with troubling experiences and brief hiatus’ of rest, peace and joy; yet always in the shadow of death. (Ps 23)

But for the believer, for the person who is in Christ, there is provided a special gift of peace. A gift that according to Jesus, is provided by things He has spoken to us. 

The scripture quote above is taken from things Jesus said to His disciples in the shadow of the cross, preparing their hearts for the crisis at hand. In the great redemptive plan of God this crisis could not be avoided, however those who would experience it could be comforted and prepared to survive it. 

They could be told where to get peace in the time of trouble, how to understand the crisis, and the appropriate attitude for going through the crisis. 

In Isaiah 9:6 Jesus is revealed to be the Prince of Peace. Any real and lasting peace must be found in the accomplishments of Jesus Christ, because it is in Him only that we have peace with God and are secured against His righteous judgment. (Romans 5:1) It is only in Christ that the tragic story line of mankind will end in “happily ever after.”

Remarkably, we are told by Jesus to “be of good cheer” when experiencing the tribulations of this world. Tharseo, the Greek term translated “be of good cheer” in our opening quote, may be understood in this context to mean that we should go through the tribulations presented to us in this world with courage. 

And the reason we should have this attitude of courage is because Jesus has overcome the world in which we experience tribulation.

The courage spoken of here is not a “dutch courage” produced by some kind of intoxicant, but rather an encouragement of the heart, affecting both the mind and emotions, produced by your faith in the teachings of Jesus Christ; thus “be of good cheer.” 

Therefore the Apostle James writes, “my brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials …” Don’t let the trials of living in this world get you down. Rise up on your faith in Jesus Christ and be of good cheer regardless of what you may be going through. And always remember the Jesus has overcome the world and provided a “happily ever after” for all who have faith in Him.

Rev. George Frey, Jr.

[…]

 

Dear Editor

In reference to our issues with South Dundas over our drain problem, we would like to think we can depend on our township to supply us with information and follow proper procedures. Seems we are being held more accountable than they are.

The form that was brought around to Jake’s neighbours had a list of names on the front. Most were printed, one was even written by one person to include their spouse as in “Mr. and Mrs. Smith”. Jointly owned properties had only the name of one owner represented. 

When the office staff in charge of drainage received this form, they should have rejected it from the start. But they chose to send it ahead to their engineer without having it properly filled in.

The engineer then gets his crack at it. When asked at the township meeting about the necessity of ALL property owner’s signatures his response was “as long as he saw one name it was good enough for him.” 

When asked about the fact that most names were just printed, his response was “they could have signed with an “X”. (Wouldn’t signatures of witnesses be needed?)

Mr. Byvelds indicated he requested a letter from the engineer to see how he validated the petition. In his response he did not address any of our concerns about the missing joint owner signatures, but continued to use them in his calculations.

By doing this he was able to reach 65 per cent representation of the land needed. He needed 60 per cent for the petition to be valid, but if you remove the names of properties with missing joint owner signatures, the land represented falls down to 47 per cent. Not enough for a valid petition according to the Drainage Act.

To support the requirement for these signatures here is a quote from a Superior Court of Justice in the Court of the drainage referee case: “The first matter is whether all signatures of joint owners, co-owners and partners are necessary on a petition. The answer is they are. If land is held by husband and wife, whether jointly or as co-owners, both have to sign the petition… this is for purposes of the Drainage Act.”

I attended a drainage meeting held in Avonmore this spring, searching for information, where I asked Sid Vander Veen, the Drainage Coordinator from OMAFRA, questions about joint owners both having to sign for a petition to be valid. He confirmed that yes they do and on viewing this petition said it was invalid and suggested I retain the services of a lawyer.

Mr. Byvelds was also at this meeting so once again was made aware of the need for all signatures. He also was sent the above  court case, but still continues to support his drainage engineer.

I have attempted to speak to council about this issue, but have been refused and told the issue is closed. 

My lawyer has contacted this township but they continue to ignore him. He has indicated “there never was a valid petition executed in the proper manner by petitioners and therefore section 10 of the Drainage Act has no application to these proceedings.”

What if the engineer is wrong, Mr. Byvelds? What if the drainage staff at the township did not complete the simple task of having forms filled in properly? 

The Superior Court of Justice and the Provincial Drainage Coordinator seem to have views different than you and your staff.

We as individuals seem to be held much more responsible for knowing the ins and outs of these drainage issues than those being well paid to do this.

Bert Geertsma

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It's All About Winning

Well, here we are in June once again, and while for most of us, our hockey heroes are playing golf, or whatever it is they do in the summer, there are still those who are experiencing hockey fever.

By the time you read this Los Angeles may very well be the new NHL champions. I hope that is so.

Have you noticed how a city can become so pumped when their team is about to capture such a prized trophy? Los Angeles is alive with hockey energy. Those who may have never skated or felt the cold of the ice, all of a sudden, are experts in the game and are completely taken with this winter sport.

As I was thinking about this, my mind began to muse on some spiritual truths that are given to us in the word of God.

For example, like hockey players, if we are going to win, we must be disciplined. You will never see the coveted Stanley Cup go to a team that is not disciplined to hard work, to continuous practices. No matter how good last night’s game was, you will find a winning team on the ice the next morning going through the drills that made the win last night possible.

There must also be the discipline of working together. No one person ever wins a Stanley Cup, it’s a team effort. Even the great one will tell you that.

Well, what does this have to do with being a Christian? After all, isn’t everyone born in Canada a Christian?

The Bible makes it clear that everyone who calls on the Name of the Lord shall be saved, Acts 2:21. But then as we examine the teachings of Paul the Apostle, we find after we have believed we are to have a disciplined life, a life that reflects the character and nature of our Lord Jesus Christ.

For example, in Paul’s first letter to his young protégé, Timothy, he writes, “Fight the good fight of faith.” In the verse preceding, he warns Timothy to flee from things that are evil and pursue righteousness or right living according to God. 1 Tim. 6:11-12.

In his second letter to Timothy, he refers to his own life as he prepares for his end in chapter 4:7. He says, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” That certainly is a picture of a disciplined life.

There is a difference though between winning the Stanley Cup and gaining eternal life. Only one team can lift the Cup in victory, but the Bible declares, “All who call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.”

That is everyone who comes to realize they are sinners, separated from God because of their sin, and come to know that Jesus came into this world to give His life to save us from sin, and then accept His payment for our sin, they will be saved.

I want to encourage you who have believed to live a disciplined life according to God’s word. If you are reading this and have not believed on the Lord Jesus Christ why not begin right now?

Confess your sin to God, ask for His forgiveness, and follow Him. You’ll never regret that decision. May God bless you as you take this into consideration.

Rev. Duncan Perry,

Morrisburg

Pentecostal Tabernacle

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Dear Editor

I would like to take this opportunity to enlighten readers on some issues brought forward in last week’s issue.

The dock in Morrisburg has fallen into a state of disrepair that now the township will need to address.  

As stated in Don Taylor’s letter, he did alert me to the needs. Staff were to bring forward to council a report this year. 

However, the dock did sustain further damage and needed to be closed. The township has hired a consultant and work has begun. 

A report will hopefully be ready for our next council meeting next week.  Council is also waiting for the Morrisburg Waterfront Committee’s report who will have their public consultation next week. 

We were delaying any work on the dock until we had  a report from the committee as it would make no sense to do major work and the committee come back with a different recommendation. 

Hopefully, there will be some input into what type of repair we need to perform. Council and I are fully concerned with the issue and have been following up with staff in the hope of getting this issue dealt with. We will do our best to at least do something to have the dock in use as soon as practically possible.  

There were also some concerns raised about the method council decides on where money is spent in the township. Council has always taken the position of spending in areas of the township that are in need. This will give the appearance that some areas are getting more than others. 

Council looks at needs through the budget and throughout the  year and invests or reinvests in our infrastructure to make sure it does not fall into disrepair. We do, however, miss things as the dock issue has shown us. 

Road work within the villages is being delayed now as we are working on dealing with the sewer/storm water issues and there is a potential that streets will need to be worked on at that time. A report on that issue will be coming forth soon. 

There is a limited amount of dollars available and we will continue to spend wisely. I do believe Morrisburg has had its fair share and with the refurbishing of the Old High School, Morrisburg will certainly become a new focal point in South Dundas.

I also would like to address the drainage issue brought forth by the Geertsmas. 

The Drainage Act is a tool to be used by landowners in need of drainage. It is the municipality’s role to provide drainage by those who request it. All costs are borne by benefiting landowners. 

A petition was brought forward by Jake Geertsma on behalf of landowners requesting the Barkley Drain be improved as the old report would not provide sufficient drainage. 

Council, on receiving the petition, sent it to an engineer for validation and, if valid, a report.  It is his role to make this determination which he would confirm at a site meeting. 

At the meeting to consider the report, I asked him to confirm the validity of the petition as there were concerns raised. There was a letter sent to council confirming this. 

As the costs became a concern, landowners decided not to proceed and withdrew from the petition. At this time, it became insufficient and the work would not proceed. 

The Act clearly states that if a petition becomes insufficient, the original signatories become responsible for all costs incurred to date. 

I do believe the Drainage Act is a good tool to provide drainage to those who need it.  However, as it is a law, the rules need to be followed and from council’s role in this situation, they were.

 

Steven Byvelds

Mayor, South Dundas

613-652-2271

613-791-4378

[…]

 

Dear Editor

It is hard to find any credibility in Mr. Bruce Albers (leader of the opposition against wind mills) when he takes a 300 foot tower proposed for the south branch wind farm and makes it a 652 foot monster. A mere exaggeration of more than double the height. 

You have to question the groups motives. Does it have anything to do with health and economics or just a case of “NOT IN MY BACK YARD….”?

Why not simplify the debate on wind mills, “the wind blows, the wind mill turns, the lights come on!” It does not need to get any more complicated than that!

Oliver Thurler

613-913-3029

Brinston, 

Farmer land owner

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