Opinion

The beginning of a new year always brings much hope and optimism. At a federal level, 2014 offers a great deal of optimism and hope for Canada, the constituents of SDSG, and all Canadians. 

I am very optimistic that during the next twelve months our country will continue on the road to economic recovery.

As we all know, Finance Minister Jim Flaherty will be presenting the 2014 Budget in the next few months. 

I believe he will continue the prudent approach he has used in the 2013 Economic Action Plan. 

If I am correct, that means cutting the cost of government, paying down the deficit and encouraging small and medium sized businesses to invest in job creation. 

I feel it is wise to continue on the same track since it has resulted in the creation of over one million net new jobs since July 2009, and allowed our Government to drastically reduce the deficit.

Another reason for my optimism is the recovery that seems to be taking place south of the border. 

The US economy appears to be on the road to recovery and this will have a very positive impact on Canada’s economy. 

The improving American economy along with the widening exchange rate should auger well for Canadian businesses selling their product to the US. 

“Success breeds Success!” Once Canadians realize all of the above they will start seeing the glass half full. 

They will regain confidence in their employment and feel secure in making additional purchases, thereby growing the economy further and creating jobs. 

2014 is shaping up to be a great year!

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Happy New Year

For generations my family are usually the last people in our neighborhood to take down our Christmas stuff. We celebrate the 12 days of Christmas ending with Epiphany on January 6th.  Even then we are still very much in the Christmas spirit celebration mode. 

My tree will stay up as it is an artificial one now. Some presents are still under the tree un-wrapped of course. The thank yous have been sent to family and friends who live elsewhere.

However, the lights still linger and the carillon in our Lutheran Church in Williamsburg will still play carols for an hour each evening from 5-6 p.m. We keep Christ in the season. 

One of our celebrations in January will be our Sunday School-Youth Christmas Service and parish potluck lunch on January 12th. It is a reminder that we continue to celebrate the mystery of the baby born in Bethlehem.

So I encourage you to keep your celebrations and the joy of the season to welcome in the New Year . . 2014. 

Lights remind me that we believe that Christ came to bring light to the darkness in the world and so may we bring light to others during the next 365 days.

May God bless your new year!

From the good people of South Dundas Lutheran Community Church  & Rev. Norine Gullons 

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It is traditional at year’s end that organizations look back on its accomplishments. I would like to review my Conservative Government’s record during the past 12 months. We were given a majority government to create jobs and opportunities for Canadians, to support and protect Canadian families, and to put Canada First. 

I am proud to say we have concluded our most productive year with a record 40 bills being passed – delivering real results for Canadians. We made huge progress on bills that will meet our Throne Speech commitments. 

These include bills that: 

• combat harmful online harassment and exploitation;

• protect Canadians from unsafe drugs;

• support injured veterans with priority consideration for public service jobs;

• stand up for victims of crime;

• grant greater decision-making powers to the Northwest Territories; and

• make our prisons safer for our correctional officers.

This Parliament has also been marked by unprecedented success on the part of individual Members of Parliament, who advanced changes important to their constituents. I am proud to report that my colleagues and I have passed a record total of 19 Private Members’ Bills that have become law. As a matter of fact, since we formed government in 2006, a record 39 substantive Private Members’ Bills have received Royal Assent. 

This year we have delivered real results for Canadians by strengthening our economy, creating jobs and supporting families. We have created over 1 million net new jobs since the depth of the recession. We also completed the Canada-Europe Free Trade Agreement which will result in $12 billion in trade and 80,000 new jobs.

Through a productive and hard-working sitting of the House of Commons, we have delivered real results by strengthening our economy, creating jobs and supporting families. Through historic breakthroughs such as the Canada-EU Free Trade deal, by standing firm with our allies around the globe, and by protecting and supporting families here at home, our Government sent a strong signal this year, to the rest of the world, that Canada will be vigorous in its pursuit of new policies and ideas in the service of Canadians. 

Have a very Happy New Year.

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There was a sense of anticipation as we waited for the new Premier to be selected by the Liberal party.  

This process was initiated by the former Premier Dalton McGuinty, as he tried to quiet the outcry over two gas power plants that were cancelled to retain four Liberal seats in the 2011 election and the following cover-up of the cost.  

Now eleven months after taking over as Premier, we are yet to see Kathleen Wynne table any legislation that would reduce the regulatory and financial burden that is making our businesses uncompetitive. 

Instead, we have witnessed her office under an OPP investigation triggered by the Privacy Commissioner’s report into the illegal deletion of sensitive government records.  

While her government initiated dozens of feel-good bills designed solely to attract good press, 600,000 Ontarians are still out of work. In a province with the best-qualified workforce in North America, this is an unacceptable waste. 

The Auditor-General’s team was also busy fulfilling their role as the financial watchdog of the Province. 

Their first two Special Reports detailed how actions taken by the Liberal government to keep the true cost of the cancelled power plants hidden, unnecessarily drove the bill up by hundreds of millions of dollars to more than $1.1 billion.  

The third special report confirmed that the sale of Ontario Northland will cost the taxpayer $800 million rather than saving $200 million as claimed by the Liberals.  

In her Annual Report, Auditor-General Bonnie Lysyk highlighted numerous examples of waste and lack of oversight, including the excessive executive compensation and murky hiring practices at Ontario Power Generation. 

The scale of waste perpetrated by the present Government is now undeniable, and urgent action is needed.

Our prosperity rests with a healthy private sector that generates wealth and jobs. 

Unfortunately, 2013 saw many plant closures, such as Heinz, Kellogg’s, and Novartis. The Government knew of the problems faced by job-creators in Ontario as they were informed by Heinz’s and others’ in the spring. 

Since Kathleen Wynne became premier, over 38,000 net manufacturing jobs have left our province. 

My fellow PC Caucus members and I have been reminding them daily that high energy costs and over-regulation have made us uncompetitive. 

Their insistence on failed policies, instead, brings about inevitable job losses.  

We need to make tough decisions in order to secure our future and this Liberal government is just not up to it.   

We need a government that will rise to this challenge and bring Ontario the prosperity needed to protect our health care and our quality of life.

On a more local level, I was able to hear from a large number of residents and the business community at events throughout the year or in our office when they needed help dealing with the provincial government.  

Our PC leader, Tim Hudak, was in the riding to meet with residents and stakeholders in the agricultural, health care and construction industries.  

Vic Fedeli, our energy critic, also toured a number of locations, addressing concerns over the skyrocketing electricity rates, now forecast to rise another 42% over the next five years.  

I also tabled three bills to address problems raised by small businesses and municipalities on the Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA), labour relations issues, and under my new critic role for Municipal Affairs and Housing, a bill to revise the Municipal Elections Act. 

Our Caucus also continued to release our policy White Papers that detail the action a PC Government would take to create jobs and secure the public services we all treasure.

The opportunities I had to meet the wonderful people of Stormont-Dundas-South Glengarry at the many festivals and social events, including the special activities to celebrate the area’s historic War of 1812 battles and the remarkable contributions of the Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry Highlanders, made 2013 a very busy and very rewarding year. 

It has been a very challenging year for the province as a whole, as well for many Ontarians and local communities. 

I remain optimistic that we can do better and that the future can be bright if we take the right action.  It will require some tough decisions that are made for the benefit of all, and you should accept no less.

In closing, as your proud representative of provincial government, I want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and the Very Best in 2014.

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The Most Wonderful Time of the year

Andy Williams sang it. The movie (with that name) declared it, but I have a hunch that not all of us would agree. 

For some it’s more like the worst time of the year. Maybe because it’s a time we feel most alone. Or because we miss loved ones the most. Or perhaps because it’s a time of painful memories. 

Even if none of those situations are true of us (and I hope and pray they aren’t), I suspect that for all of us Christmas has this huge down-side simply because it’s a season of stress, crazy busyness, too much baking and preparing, and too much running around.

This makes me smile. I find it a tad ironic that this is how we (me included) celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. 

When he was born the angel promised that Jesus would bring us “peace.” And in one or Christ’s most famous quotes he promised us “rest.” 

Remember what he said? “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me… and you will find rest for your souls.” (Matthew 11:28-29)

This rest he promised was more than just a nap on the couch. More than a quick coffee break from the treadmill of life. 

It was meant to be something deep-seated; a supernatural peace that carries us through life. That stays with us through whatever life throws at us. Through all the upheaval and ugliness that comes our way: illness, loneliness, even the death of loved ones.

So how can this peace, this rest, become ours? In two ways.

It begins us with finding peace with God. That happens when we own up to our to our wrong living (our sin) and ask Christ to forgive us. This reconciles us to God. 

That’s where ‘rest’ begins as we become dearly loved children of God and as we increasingly experience God taking care of us.

Christ also gives us the rest we need by coming to live within us. This may seem hard to grasp, but there’s something amazing about having God ‘move in.’ Then come what may in life, he is able to give us strength and comfort to help us through.

I think Blaise Pascal, one of the greatest scientists of the 17th century explained best how Christ gives us rest. 

He discovered that even though he enjoyed success, pleasure, and a good life in many ways, he still felt empty. His conclusion was that we have a ‘God-shaped’ hole in our hearts that only God himself could fill.

I do hope that your Christmas will be a most ‘wonderful time of the year.’ 

Yet in the hustle and bustle of it all, remember, that at this time and always there is ‘rest’ to be found and peace. It’s in the Christ of Christmas, the Prince of Peace.

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About two weeks ago, I received an invitation from the Reverend Tracey Lloyd Smith to share a message at the annual “Blue Christmas Memorial Service” at the Church of St. John the Evangelist in Prescott. 

I had never preached at such a service in the past. In fact, I had never attended a “Blue Christmas” service. I was somewhat perplexed at my response. I told Rev. Tracey that I would be happy to accept her invitation.

In subsequent e-mails, I found out what she was hoping for in my homily, and would I select a reading that would speak to what I was going to share.

Today (Sunday, December-01-13) was the day of the service. Dave and I went to Prescott not knowing quite what to expect. I didn’t know what the order of service would be (we Anglicans do love our liturgy), whether or not it would be appropriate to wear robes (we Anglicans do like to dress up), or how many people would be in attendance (we Anglicans do seem to be ‘numbers’ conscious). 

This was one of those moments in my life when I did not have any answers to any of my questions – it was one of those “wait and see” moments.

The passage I chose to preach from was John 11:1-44 – the death and resurrection of Lazarus. What struck me was the comment from both Mary and Martha, “If you had been here my brother would not have died.” And this was reiterated by the mourners who surrounded them. 

How did I relate that? Well, I shared the story of the death of Dave’s dad, Frank, in 1993. Frank’s tradition, after Mildred (Dave’s mom) died in 1991, was to spend Christmas Eve with his daughter-in-law in Clinton and then come to us for Christmas dinner the next day. Only in 1993, instead of coming to dinner Frank died. 

All that went through my head was if he had come to dinner he would not have died – rather like the sisters telling Jesus that if he had shown up on time Lazarus wouldn’t have died. 

And, in all honesty, those thoughts rattle through my gray matter every year at this time.

But regardless of the thoughts that I have, I know the truth. God had called Frank, and it didn’t matter how many dinners were planned for that day at my house, Frank was going to have dinner with God that night.

Back to today. Funnily enough, over dinner Dave asked me if I felt that what I shared with the thirty-some people who were in attendance this afternoon was helpful in any way. My response was, yes. 

After the service people came and told me they appreciated hearing my story, and then they told me theirs. When someone can share the stories of their pain and sadness, it is a time of healing. It is a time of knowing that God is present in their lives.

This Advent season, if you feel burdened by sadness or pain over the loss of someone you love, leave it with God. God has more strength than you or I will ever have. 

Share your story with someone, so you can feel the healing power of God touch you in the relating of memories and stories that are so special to you and the loved one you miss.

Blessings,

Sue+

Rev. Sue McCullough

Anglican Parish of Morrisburg, Iroquois & Riverside Heights 

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Time to Prepare

When we first moved to Morrisburg at the end of July, nothing could have prepared us for the major construction project in progress on Lakeshore Drive.

“Lots of dust, pipes running across the lawn and some noise which I didn’t even hear after a while: these are what I face every day. 

I also totalled my car one morning which resulted in a few injuries. Now I own a new vehicle which I am afraid to drive, so my husband takes it to work each day.

Sometimes it is difficult to prepare ourselves for various things that advent into our lives. We were on vacation recently and swam with dolphins. Nothing could have prepared us for such an amazing experience.

Nothing prepares us for sudden death by accident or suicide, being diagnosed with a chronic illness or having another person stab us in the back whom we trusted.

We can prepare for some events, however. 

In a few days we will begin the Advent season in the Church year. Advent is a time to ready ourselves for the coming of the baby Jesus into our hearts and lives. We prepare ourselves for His humble birth, and we prepare ourselves to spread Christ’s message of hope, peace, joy and love with our brothers and sisters everywhere.

In Advent, we await the miracle of God’s Son. He comes to earth and teaches us the value of life, the wonder and beauty of life, the joy of caring for each other. This is the true gift of Christmas, and has nothing to do with purchases or wrappings. It belongs to all of us.

Advent is a time for preparing ourselves for the greatest story ever told, the story of the Jesus who would one day offer light, guidance, inspiration and eternal life to all people.

Jesus is friend, teacher and Saviour. He cherishes us, and we will never fall out of His compassion. Let us give thanks that we are His people. Let us remember how very blessed we are.

Rev. Janet Evans, 

Williamsburg United Church,

Lakeshore Drive United Church, Morrisburg

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A Special Gift

Boy, is there a lot to do to get ready for a baby! From the moment we knew the baby was coming Sarah started to read about all the different things she would need to do in order to be ‘ready’ for our first child. She borrowed books on childbirth, read about what to expect in labour and how to care for a newborn, and started buying the necessities such as a car seat, some diapers, and clothes for our little one (all too early in my opinion). 

But the list of things to do somehow seemed to get longer, the more she checked them off! 

When you’re a parent, you get lots of advice, both wanted and unsolicited, and we quickly realized we were going to have to make up our own minds on what would be best for us and our child.  The decision making had begun, even before he was born! 

We had to decide a number of things, such as whether to use a doctor or a midwife, who would be allowed in the room for the delivery, and, most importantly, what would this child’s name be once he/she was born?

Every decision brought the reality of this child’s life a little closer to home for us: he was real and about to become a big part of our lives!

As the Christmas season approaches, there is a lot of hope and anticipation that builds up, just like when you’re expecting the birth of a child.  Many times, when you read the Christmas story of Jesus’ birth you try to imagine what it must have been like for Mary and Joseph.  

But as we discovered in our own experience, the reality of the situation often doesn’t match up with what you anticipated. Baby Jacob arrived and the joy was more then words could express. 

Unlike the socks I got for Christmas last year, the only thing that will never disappoint is the joy of knowing God’s gift to us – his son Jesus.

As we move quickly towards Christmas, it’s my prayer that you and your family would take a moment and celebrate the joy of the greatest gift ever given. Mary knew this gift in a way we can only imagine.  The gift of Jesus then is still the greatest Christmas gift ever today, and will not disappoint. 

Rev. James Tripp

Morrisburg Pentecostal 

Tabernacle

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Transitions

People and institutions are always changing. We are always in a state of transition it seems.

We make the transition from fall to winter – although maybe grudgingly. 

Our families change as deaths, births, marriages, divorces and illness occur. 

Our local community changes due to the social and economic pressures of our time. 

Our country changes as our governments strive to protect and provide for all of us.

Transitions are processes. They are not goals. It is not a product that we consume. It is even a bodily process and not only emotional or intellectual or even a spiritual one. 

The very cells in our bodies are changing and making transitions and renewing themselves every day. Yet we remain recognizably ourselves. 

As much as any of us living here is part of a community, faith or otherwise, at the same time we always have to be open to making transitions, and not be afraid of that six letter word- CHANGE.

We all know what happens when we have stability without change. We become stagnant. We curl up in our favourite chair. The chair is called  “this is the way we have always done it”!

Communities of faith – churches – are transitioning too.

We need to be fully aware of the effects of our culture on the church as we are part of that culture outside of the church buildings. 

Perhaps the real scariness of the changes in our lives lies in admitting that God can work in each of us however, whenever, and through whomever or whatever means that God chooses.

Our faith in God is not a one size fits all kind of faith. This has to be worked out by each individual whether you are part of a faith community or not. This is a daily and life long process. Change is about seeing ourselves and the ordinary people in our families and the people who surround us every day and seeing them in a new light. 

It is good to remember that it is not about us, and it is always about God!

Rev. Norine Gullons

Sth. Dundas Evangelical

Lutheran Parish

Morrisburg/Williamsburg

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Loyal for Life

My CFL football team, the Edmonton Eskimos, is in the cellar. My hockey team, the Oilers, is doing slightly better, but hardly, standing at three wins, seven losses, and one overtime win (at the time of writing).

Nevertheless, I’m a huge fan of both teams. Always have been. As a kid I’d bike about 20 km to watch the Eskies in their training camp outside of town and go to every game I could. Then when the Oilers came along as a WHA team, I jumped on the that bandwagon as well. I remember watching Gretsky before he was famous; well, at least, before he was in the NHL.

I guess I’ll be an Eskimos and Oilers fan for life, no matter how they do. My loyalty runs deep.

I have another loyalty however that runs far deeper, and is rather more important. It’s to God. 

As far as I’m concerned, he doesn’t ever have a ‘poor season.’ When I compare his wins to his losses, he always comes out ahead. Personally I don’t think there’s anyone else in his league.

Nevertheless, having said that, it seems that he’s getting a lot of bad press lately. He gets blamed for the mess we’re making of the world. He is seen as irrelevant and unnecessary. We’re told it’s silly to believe in him, even dumb and unscientific. The Bible and its standards are seen as out-dated and too restrictive. Even people who once believed or went to church are giving up on him.

It reminds me of a story in the Bible that I preached on recently in John 6. The huge crowd that had been following Jesus slowly began to leave. Some disliked what Jesus said. Others just wanted a free lunch, and when Jesus didn’t come through, they left. When most of the crowd took off, Jesus turned to his few remaining followers and asked if they wanted to leave as well. Their answer? No way. “You have the words of eternal life.” They were loyal to the end. Why? Because in Jesus they found what they could find no place else.

I like that. I can relate. Over the years there have been things about God I don’t get. There are things I don’t even particularly like. 

Yet, I and many others, will remain loyal to the end. The reason is simple. It’s because we found something in Jesus that we can’t find anywhere else.

Like love, I mean, real love. I’m a pretty flawed human being. I’m surprised by the nasty things I say. I’m shocked by my impatience. I blush at some thoughts I entertain. Yet, the amazing thing is despite all this crud in my life, God loves me just the same, unconditionally, like no one else ever could. So how can I help but be loyal?

Besides, since coming to know him by faith in Christ, he’s changed my life. No, he didn’t wave a magic wand and make everything perfect. I wish. 

But what he did was give me a deep sense that all is well. That I belong to him. That the big questions of life are answered; that the big issues of life are resolved. That after this life is over, there’s heaven. Once again, how can I help, but be loyal?

So, in this day when loyalty to God is being challenged, when people are looking elsewhere for the answers to life, my question is: Where else would you go? Who else “has the words of eternal life?” Who else will love us perfectly? Who else has the power to heal our broken lives? Once we personally discover what God can do in our lives, we’ve got no choice but to be loyal for life..

Pastor Clarence Witten

Community Christian 

Reformed Church

Dixon’s Corners

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