1246 Oxford St. W. London, Ont N6H 1V7 P: (519) 471-1430 E: office@staidans.net W: www.staidans.

net

Audio Newsletter

Easter ~ April 2013 Edition

Message from Our Rector

These days at St. Aidans are exciting ones indeed. I begin this Easter letter by thanking all of you who have been bravely entering into change with a new Rector, a new Associate Curate, a new combined church of St. Aidans with the combining of the former community with the former community of the Church of the Hosannas. Change is not easy. Through all of the changes we are embracing, our parishioners and volunteers have remained committed and faithful and for that I am so very grateful and the Parish Leadership Team is grateful. As I write this we are in the midst of Holy Week and we are making ready for our Easter celebrations. This is an exciting time in the churchs year as it marks the very climax of our Christian story. Easter is the promise of hope! It is the declaration that death has no dominion over us and that light will

Revd Canon Dr. Kevin George

always triumph over darkness. It is difficult at times for us to accept that truth when we witness so much darkness around us. It occurred to me the other day that there is a whole industry which feasts on bad news. Whether we look at the newspapers, the TV, or internet news sites, they all seem to be more active, more productive and more severe the worse things are in the community around us. Bad news is good business for the media. What is more, it seems that the media drive the news. The more doom and gloom we hear, the gloomier we feel and the less productive we are. I think we as church have to respond in the midst of these crises. Whether we are responding to problems in the global economy, issues of poverty in our city, violence in the world, care for our seniors, food for the rising numbers of hungry, war as breaks out, persecution of people of many faiths, (the list could go on), we must always keep the hope of Jesus before us. How do we respond? We stare into the face of this bad news and answer the call to tell the good news! We need to let people know what Jesus of Nazareth long ago proclaimed. Jesus long ago implored the people of God to turn their attention to light, to hope, to repentance, to forgiveness and to what is of God. This community has what is needed to respond. As I have come to know the people of our newly formed St. Aidans I have come to recognize that we have a people who are firm in faith in the God who will care for us in the midst of our best and worst of times. What we do have here is a parish full of caring, loving, laughing, crying, supportive people who are actively seeking to serve Christ in all persons. We have a place where it is safe to pray, to weep, to laugh, to dance and to mourn. We have a place that can be a sanctuary from all that seems to be happening on Bay Street, or Main Street, in London or in Syria. We have a place that is delivering GOOD NEWS on, not just a weekly, but a daily basis. APRIL 2013 - EASTER ISSUE ~ ST. AIDANS ANGLICAN CHURCH LONDON EASTER 2013

1246 Oxford St. W. London, Ont N6H 1V7 P: (519) 471-1430 E: office@staidans.net W: www.staidans.net

Audio Newsletter

Easter ~ April 2013 Edition

We need to proclaim that promise to the people of Northwest London. Now more than ever people need community. There is always hope! We are a people who are compelled to proclaim that hope and that freedom to the world. We can be that community for those who are seeking. Easter provides for us a feast which declares triumph over bad news, over darkness, over death. In Easter we celebrate the very notion that God would care to be present to those who are weak, alone, afraid, rejected, alienated, laid off, insecure, fired, forgotten, bankrupt, beaten up, depressed, abused or pushed aside. In Easter we are reminded that God empowers those who are the weakest to stand in the face of that which is oppressive and declare-that God has dominion over us. Darkness will not dominate our lives I cannot find the words to describe Easter appropriately. It is so profound and so wonderful that words escape me. So I turn now to a man who I have quoted many times to speak a word of hope and healing, Desmond Tutu. Nothing could have been deader than Jesus on the cross on that first Good Friday. And the hope of his disciples had appeared to die with the crucifixion. Nothing could have been deeper than the despair of his followers when they saw their Master hanging on the cross like a common criminal. The darkness that covered the earth for three hours during that Friday symbolized the blackness of their despair. And then Easter happened. Jesus rose from the dead. The incredible, the unexpected, happened. Life triumphed over death, light over darkness, love over hatred, good over evil. This is what Easter means hope prevails over despair. Jesus Reigns as Lord of Lords and King of Kings. Oppression and injustice and suffering cant be the end of the human story. Freedom and justice, peace and reconciliation are His will for all of us, black and white in this land and throughout the world. Easter says to us that despite everything to the contrary. His will for us will prevail., love will prevail over hate, justice over injustice and oppression, peace over exploitation and bitterness. The Lord is risen. Alleluia!!

The great Archbishop of the church sums it up well. Imagine being in Calvary on that Good Friday. There could not have been more death or more despair. There could not have been a greater sense of helplessness and hopelessness. There could not have been a deeper darkness... But the unexpected happened and Hope does prevail over despair and Love prevails over hatred.
APRIL 2013 - EASTER ISSUE ~ ST. AIDANS ANGLICAN CHURCH LONDON EASTER 2013

1246 Oxford St. W. London, Ont N6H 1V7 P: (519) 471-1430 E: office@staidans.net W: www.staidans.net

Audio Newsletter

Easter ~ April 2013 Edition

Whatever it is that we are feeling coming into this Easter celebration, I would like to invite us to all come to church and our celebrations trusting in God to be with us as we sojourn together. Let us focus on God. I invite us to turn of MSNBC and CNN and CBC etc and open our ears to hear God speak stillness and peace to us. I invite us to turn on to the idea that God will care for us, caress us and support us in our joy and in our sorrow in our weakness and in our strength. Catherinanne and I wish you the best that Easter has to offer. We are praying that you will know Gods presence in your lives and share the light of Christ that is in you with all whom you encounter. See you in Church!

Youth Ministry
Jennifer Aston, CYFM Volunteer Teacher

The Children & Youth Ministry Continues to Thrive at St. Aidans

What are the children doing down there?
On a typical Sunday, we gather as a whole group first for a welcome and a chat. We discuss special events, church seasons and anything else that might come up (for example young Kylie exclaiming that SHE helped make the bread for communion). We light the candle, remembering that Jesus is the light of the world. Next, we collect a few coins and select children who will help bring in the bread, wine and collection after Sunday School. Our talented and dedicated teachers then divide the children into three different groups. We have a Bubbles group which consists of three to five year olds. However, we are very flexible and children younger than two (or older than 5) often attend. Parents are welcome in the Atrium. In this group, we often sing songs (sometimes with the assistance of a guitar), establish friendships, play games and do crafts related to the Bible stories. It is also nice because parents of the children get a chance to chat and get to know each other too. A few weeks ago, our confident Bubblers proudly sang about how Jesus healed 10 people who were sad and made them glad in front of children in the other groups! Next, we have the Splash group which consists of six to eight year olds and the Extreme group who are nine and older. Again, these age groupings are flexible. Sometimes siblings prefer to be together, while others like to be apart! This is an active group where we play games, dramatize, draw, discuss and write in response to the stories in the bible.

APRIL 2013 - EASTER ISSUE ~ ST. AIDANS ANGLICAN CHURCH LONDON

EASTER 2013

1246 Oxford St. W. London, Ont N6H 1V7 P: (519) 471-1430 E: office@staidans.net W: www.staidans.net

Audio Newsletter

Easter ~ April 2013 Edition

In any given week all three groups work on the same Bible story. In January, there was a focus on prayer, following Jesus example as we talk and listen to God. In February, the focus was on Abraham, Sarah and their children and the main message was that God always keeps his promises. Most recently, we have been learning about how Jesus healed people. In the next few months, the children will be learning about Isaac and his family, the disciples filled with the Holy Spirit and John the Baptist. We are also looking forward to the return of our leader Trish! We have missed her very much.

News from Around St. Aidans

Hymn Books
The ladies have a project to repair some of the hymn books. We will be gluing some and putting tape on the spines on Monday, April 22nd and Thursday, April 25th. If you are able, please join us at 10 a.m. on those days for a little bit of work and a lot of fun at the church. If you are only available on one day, please do come. Please bring along a sandwich and stay for lunch, if you can. Thank you to Katherine for organizing this event.

ACW
If you are able to attend the ACW Annual, it is at St Paul's Cathedral Saturday April 27. Registration is at 8:30 am. Heather Clark is the guest speaker and her topic is "Knit for Peace" The Right Reverend Terry Dance will be the celebrant for the Holy Eucharist at 2:00pm. More information is on the ACW bulletin board.

Send in the Clowns

The clown ladies have their precious handmade clowns for sale. They are $20 each and can be obtained by calling Shirley: (519) 432-5972.

Construction
Please note that during the Oxford lane expansion there will be ongoing construction and reduced lanes on Oxford Street outside of St. Aidans between April to Nov.

APRIL 2013 - EASTER ISSUE ~ ST. AIDANS ANGLICAN CHURCH LONDON

EASTER 2013

1246 Oxford St. W. London, Ont N6H 1V7 P: (519) 471-1430 E: office@staidans.net W: www.staidans.net

Audio Newsletter

Easter ~ April 2013 Edition

Our Choir
Janice Wettlaufer, Choir President

Why You Should Join!

Music has been united in worship from the time of Jesus' ministry (Matt 26:30). Music is a means for the religious and spiritual expression of the congregation, and is an critical part in bringing about the unity of the community. Singing in church is a particular way of praying to and praising God. Throughout the Bible, God calls on his children to sing, for example, Psalm 47:6 "Sing praises to God" and 1 Cor. 14:15 "I will sing praises with the spirit". The most divine music happens when all of the congregation sings the hymn along with the Choir who is singing the sweet harmony. If you would like to be part of the sweetest music this side of London, Choir practice is Thursday nights at 7:15pm, except the summer months.

The Choir looks forward to seeing you!

Thank You!
Thank you to everyone who helped with Bob Dann's Funeral reception. It was most appreciated. Thank you Valerie for sending out cards on behalf of St. Aidan's. Finally, thank you to those who attended World Day of Prayer at Riverside United Church Mar 1st. Cheryl and Marie kindly attended the meetings and Cheryl participated in a reading.

Do you have something you wish to share with the parish?

Maybe an opinion you want to write up and share or perhaps an inspirational story ~ maybe some ramblings that are print worthy. If so, youre in luck, you can have a spot in the upcoming newsletter. Just email your piece to Stephen Nelles snelles56@gmail.com & you too could be an Audio contributor.
APRIL 2013 - EASTER ISSUE ~ ST. AIDANS ANGLICAN CHURCH LONDON EASTER 2013

1246 Oxford St. W. London, Ont N6H 1V7 P: (519) 471-1430 E: office@staidans.net W: www.staidans.net

Audio Newsletter

Easter ~ April 2013 Edition

Jazz by the Bog

Jim and Sue Smythe, Concert Co-ordinators
Its hard to believe, but our final concert of the 11th Season of JAZZ BY THE BOG is just around the cornerand hopefully, so is Spring! Welcome the beginning of this fresh new season by joining us for an evening wonderful music presented by two of Londons favourite jazz artists. Jennifer and John have been heard in London and surrounding area for several years, both having been regular entertainers at Maggies Supper Club downtown. John has performed at JBTB previously with his own trio and is a London legend on the jazz music scene. You wont want to miss the opportunity to hear this duo! Thank you to all of our supporters of this concert series. Our performers always have high praise for the appreciative audiences in attendance! A special note of gratitude goes to our volunteers who help with the production of these evenings - Eileen Allen, Heather Mills, Charlene Kerr, Cheryl Horne, Mary Anne Emmerton, Dick Beamish, Lynne Smythe. We look forward to seeing you at the April concert and to your continued support as we scout out next years artists!

JAZZ BY THE BOG THE LADIES OF JAZZ III

Jennifer Thorpe with John Noubarian

Fri Apr 26th @ 8 pm
Tickets are $20 ea and available at these great locations:
Long & McQuade (Fanshawe Park Road) D & S Pianos (Hyde Park Road) Chapters North *NEW* - Tuckey Hardware Wortley Village Church Office (519) 471-1430 At the Door

APRIL 2013 - EASTER ISSUE ~ ST. AIDANS ANGLICAN CHURCH LONDON

EASTER 2013

1246 Oxford St. W. London, Ont N6H 1V7 P: (519) 471-1430 E: office@staidans.net W: www.staidans.net

Audio Newsletter

Easter ~ April 2013 Edition

A Book Worth Reading

Simply Christian by Bishop Tom (N. T.) Wright
Two recent books by Bishop Tom Wright complement very well the emphasis at St. Aidans of doing Gods work, not just privately believing. They are Simply Christian: why Christianity makes sense (HarperSanFransisco, 2006, pp 240) & Simply Jesus: a new vision of who he was, what he did, and why he matters (HarperOne, 2011, pp 240) Ill deal only with the first book now. Bishop Tom is a first century historian, has taught at McGill, Oxford, held various posts in the Church of England, culminating in being Bishop of Durham for six years, & upon retiring a year or two ago, he took a professorship at St. Andrews, Scotland. I understand he has written around 40 books, some of which Ive also read & enjoyed. Even his most academic are written in clear language, usually with a hook at the beginning of a chapter. In Simply Christian he states his aim, To describe what Christianity is all about, both to commend it to those outside the faith and to explain it to those inside. First he explores the longing for justice, the quest for spirituality, the hunger for relationships, & the delight in beauty, entitling it Echoes of a Voice. Part two Staring at the Sun lays out the central Christian beliefs, & to me, showed them to be far wider than Id thought. Christians believe that there is one true and living God, and that this God, revealed in action in Jesus is the God who called the Jewish people to be his agents in setting forward his plan to rescue & reshape his creation. This takes six chapters, & benefits from his professional work as a first century historian, & he professional work as a pastor. The last part entitled Reflecting the Image has the six chapters: Worship, Prayer, The Book God Breathed, The Story & the Task, Believing and Belonging, (& finally) New Creation, Starting Now. This is where Bishop Tom describes what it looks like in practice to follow this Jesus, to be energized by this Spirit, and above all to advance the plan of this creator God. The language is simple, but it takes time to assimilate the scope of Gods intent & what He has so far achieved. One is stretched, seeing aspects of our faith & practice not seen or noticed before. Simply Christian is well worth the read.

APRIL 2013 - EASTER ISSUE ~ ST. AIDANS ANGLICAN CHURCH LONDON

EASTER 2013

1246 Oxford St. W. London, Ont N6H 1V7 P: (519) 471-1430 E: office@staidans.net W: www.staidans.net

Audio Newsletter

Easter ~ April 2013 Edition

Spring Rummage Sale!

Please contact Sandi Burns for more information or to say YES to helping out: (519) 672-9182 or sandi.burns@rogers.com

Sat May 25th: 9 am 12 noon

DONATION DROP-OFF DEADLINE Volunteers Required for:

Thurs May 23rd @ 6:30 pm

Moving tables and racks requires physical strength Moving donations from the attic requires good legs

SET-UP Volunteers Required for: SALE Volunteers Required for: POST-SALE CLEAN UP Volunteers Required for:

6-10 eager people required to help. Please note: cribs and car seats will not be accepted th

Fri May 24 : 9am - 6pm; Potluck Dinner for all helpers to follow at 6 pm
Many hands make light work. 10-20 people are required th

Unpacking donations & arranging, if youve moved you can do this

Sat May 25 : 9am -12 noon

Sales people, crowd control, porters, snack organizer

Sat May 25th : 12:30 pm 3pm

Putting tables and racks away Packing remaining donations shared with homes requiring clothing, other church sales, and thrift stores in our area 10 people, preferably who havent been setting up or selling.

15-20 people are required.

While this event provides a needed service of very affordable goods to the community of London, it also gives our St. Aidans family a chance to work together and get to know each other in a different setting. All forms of help would be appreciated. Please consider getting involved. The proceeds of this sale go into general funds for St. Aidans; along the way we also support Mens Mission, Womens Shelter, and other non-profit organizations hosting clothing or book sales and the local thrift stores. This event gives back in so many ways. Wouldnt you like to be a part of that?! APRIL 2013 - EASTER ISSUE ~ ST. AIDANS ANGLICAN CHURCH LONDON EASTER 2013

1246 Oxford St. W. London, Ont N6H 1V7 P: (519) 471-1430 E: office@staidans.net W: www.staidans.net

Audio Newsletter

Easter ~ April 2013 Edition

A Celebration!
125 Years at The Church Of The Hosannas

On Sun Mar 24th at 4 pm, the newly formed St Aidan's congregation came together for a special service and reception at its Church of the Hosannas location to celebrate 125 years of worship and ministry there.

We were joined by Bishop Bob and many former Hosannas' parishioners and, although it was a bittersweet occasion, everyone agreed that it had been a wonderful time of worship and fellowship.

APRIL 2013 - EASTER ISSUE ~ ST. AIDANS ANGLICAN CHURCH LONDON

EASTER 2013

1246 Oxford St. W. London, Ont N6H 1V7 P: (519) 471-1430 E: office@staidans.net W: www.staidans.net

Audio Newsletter

Easter ~ April 2013 Edition

St. Aidan's Anglican

Church
1246 Oxford St. W. London, Ont N6H 1V7 P: (519) 471-1430 E: office@staidans.net W: www.staidans.net
Revd Canon Dr. Kevin George: Rector canonkevingeorge@staidans.net (519) 471-4130 Anne Jaikaran: Assistant Curate ajaikaran@hotmail.com (519) 439-1721 Doug Wilson-Hodge: Rector's Warden dougwilson-hodge@staidans.net (519-433-5076 Sandi Cole-Ur: Deputy Rector's Warden sandicoleur@staidans.net (519) 657-8884 Wendy Kilgour: People's Warden wendykilgour@staidans.net (519) 471-8787 Kara-Lee Carson-Simpson: Deputy People's Warden kara-leesimpson@staidans.net (519)641-7956

Weekly Services: Wed at 10:30 am; Sun at 8 am & 10:30 am

APRIL 2013 - EASTER ISSUE ~ ST. AIDANS ANGLICAN CHURCH LONDON EASTER 2013