HPC Newsletter Fall 2009

Summer 2009

Christ’s Goal For The Church

The purpose of Christian ministry, I have always maintained, is spiritual formation.

Worship, preaching, teaching, visiting, praying, and works of service provide
opportunities for the life of Christ to be formed in us. I believe the purpose of
every other ministry in the church is exactly the same – spiritual formation of
believers so that they can be followers and servants of Jesus Christ in their daily lives.
Church ministry is not a goal in itself.
And yet, we forget this very basic truth. We drown ourselves in church work and lose the focus on soul
work that is supposed to mark every aspect of ministry. We labour like workers on a construction site
where each person or group focuses only on a small aspect of the work, thereby losing sight of what we
are actually building – a mature Body of Christ to the glory of God. The results are catastrophic as Richard
Foster points out.
Vast numbers of well-intended folk have exhausted themselves in church work and discovered that this did
not substantively change their lives. They found that they were just as impatient and egocentric and
fearful as when they began lifting the heavy load of church work. Maybe more so.
Others have immersed themselves in multiple social-service projects. But while the glow of helping others
lingered for a time, they soon realized that all their herculean efforts left little lasting imprint on the inner
life. Indeed, it often made them much worse inwardly: frustrated and angry and bitter.
Still others have a practical theology that will not allow for spiritual growth. Indeed, they just might see it
as a bad thing. Having been saved by grace, these people have become paralyzed by it. To attempt any
progress in the spiritual life smacks of "works righteousness" to them. Their liturgies tell them they sin in
word, thought, and deed daily, so they conclude that this is their fate until they die. Heaven is their only
release from this world of sin and rebellion. Hence, these well-meaning folk will sit in their pews year after
year without realizing any movement forward in their life with God. (Christianity Today, January 2009)
With the start of this new season in ministry, I would like to hold the big picture of spiritual formation
before you again. And I pray “that your love will overflow more and more, and that you will keep on
growing in knowledge and understanding. For I want you to understand what really matters, so that you
may live pure and blameless lives until the day of Christ's return. May you always be filled with the fruit of
your salvation-- the righteous character produced in your life by Jesus Christ-- for this will bring much glory
and praise to God.” (Phil 1:9-11)

Gerard

Fall 2009
In the Presbyterian Church, the Book of Forms (sect. 132) describes eldership as “ the call of God, through
the congregation, for service in Christ’s Church. Since the eldership is a spiritual office concerned with the
rule and pastoral oversight of the congregation, only suitable men and women should be considered. They
should be committed Christians, in regular attendance at public worship, persons of sound judgment and
upright character, and either knowledgeable or prepared to learn of the government of the church.”
We are blessed in our congregation to have a good number of men and women who meet the description,
and our church was able to put forward a slate of five people for eldership this past June. As a result of this
election of elders, we have recently welcomed to Session three new elders, who are ready to serve the
congregation through spiritual leadership. Jacquie Curtis, Gayle Howard and Maynard Embree each bring
unique gifts and skill sets to our Session, and we welcome them as brothers and sisters in Christ to their role
of eldership in our congregation.
Your Session is presently comprised of:
Rev. Gerard Booy Duncan MacDonald
Karin Breuer David Newberry
Dorne Cornish Dorothy Newman
Lorraine Cornish Richard Newman
Jacquie Curtis Gordon Shields (Clerk)
Maynard Embree Cherilynn Toll
Bob Garvin Greg Toll
Dennis Howard Gayle Howard
Each elder has a district, a group of families and individuals, assigned to his or her care. Each one of them
has his or her own gifts as the Spirit of the Lord has provided for their ministry. And they are all eager to
serve you in the name of Christ. At times though, we don’t know what to expect from our elders. What are
elders for? When do I call my elder? Here are a few guidelines.
Your elder is a shepherd, caring for you in the name of Christ. You may call upon your elder
o When something significant happens in your family (deaths, births, weddings, special
anniversaries and birthdays, career changes)
o When you need someone to pray with you for guidance and discernment, for health issues, for
hope and forgiveness, for reconciliation, or for other stressful events in your life
o When you need a good listener you can trust
o When you are going to hospital or receive intensive treatment
o When you have been in an accident
o When you need practical help and support
Your elder is a leader in the church community. You may call upon your elder
o If you have concerns about the ministry of the congregation
o If you have ideas for the ministry of the congregation
o Regarding membership matters
Your elder is a communicator. You may call upon your elder
o When you have questions about church matters
o When you want to bring something to the attention of the session
o If you are going to be away from home and the church for some time
o If you are moving to a new home etc.
It is important for us all to be faithful servants of Jesus Christ. This way we can all grow up into Christ. “From
him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in
love, as each part does its work.” (Ephesians 4:16)

Fall 2009
 As many of you know, Geoff and I had the wonderful fortune of winning the competition put out by the Vancouver
Sun called “The Greenest Household in the Lower Mainland”. We don’t enter competitions, its not one of our pastimes,
but our daughter Susan persuaded us to have a go and to our shock, we won.
We joined the eight finalists last week and met other like minded people who were doing something to change the
world around them and help the Planet. The whole thing was very exciting and we had a great time.
But there was one thing that kept nagging at the back of my brain - we were not doing anything new. The mass
media coverage of “green” the Government chatter about clean air and all the other things that are going on are, in fact,
only going back to what my parents and their parents did.
Both my grandparents and my mother kept a large vegetable garden. After WW11 we in England had rationing when
things were more than tight. One egg a week, a quarter pound of butter per week and all sorts of restrictions. I
remember when sugar came off rationing, I was 5. Mom gave me 6pence and I went with the big boy over the road (he
was 13) to the shop at the top of our street for a bag of broken biscuits.
Mom made me clothes out of anything she could find. We have a famous family story where she made me a under
slip from a fine cotton sheet Dad had bought back from India , when he was in the Royal Navy. Changing for games,
as it was called then, in my Primary school, a teacher complemented me on the garment and the embroidery at the
neck,
“Oh” I chirped, “Mom made this from an old sheet from India”. Poor dear never lived it down.
To this day my 89 year old Mother saves string and elastic bands and re-uses envelopes. It seems to me that what
was old is new again. Polished up, picked up by the famous and touted as the right way.
Has Greening the Planet become the new religion? I hear little mention about the Creator in all the hoopla.
Have people become saturated with the bright lights of consumer mania? This could be a turning point for western
humanity, could we, as Christians grab the moment and snatch a corner of the market for God, perhaps.
Then it occurred to me, God was already at work with the slow but growing Green movement, encouraging more
and more people to become involved, from saving the dolphins in Japan, to digging wells and providing pumps for
impoverished nations. Even the simple at home things like biking to work instead of using the car, or changing to cloth
grocery bags all suggested His whisperings in our ears and I am encouraged by the interest in the old ways, which, if
balanced with the new, will make the difference and give our lovely planet and those of us who live on it a chance.
Liz Hancock

A mother was preparing pancakes for her sons, Kevin, 5, and Ryan, 3.
The boys began to argue over who would get the first pancake. Their
mother saw the opportunity for a moral lesson. “If Jesus were sitting
here, He would say, „Let My brother have the first pancake. I can wait.‟”
Kevin turned to his younger brother and said, “Ryan, you be Jesus!”

Fall 2009

Can you guess who this member of
Haney Presbyerian is using the fewest
clues:
1. She was born in Glasgow, Scotland.
2. She worked as a telephonist for
the GPO.
3. She served in the Territorial Army
in Britain.
4. She married in 1959.
5. She moved to Canada in 1966.
6. She has 2 children and 5
grandchildren.
7. She loves ballroom dancing.
8. She enjoyed racquetball and golf
as sports in the past.
9. She has sung in church choirs since
the age of 10.
10. She has won the coveted “Woman’s
Longest Drive” award at the
Davidson Memorial Tournament 2
years in a row.
Who am I?
____________________________
(answer on last page)
Fall 2009
Hymns for Every Profession:
The Dentist's Hymn:.................Crown Him with
Many Crowns
The Weatherman's Hymn:.........There Shall Be
Showers of Blessings
The Contractor's Hymn:........The Church's One
Foundation
The Tailor's Hymn:..................Holy, Holy, Holy
The Golfer's Hymn:..................There's a Green
Hill Far Away
The Politician's Hymn:.............Standing on the
Promises
The Optometrist's Hymn:……...Open My Eyes
That I Might See
The IRS Agent's Hymn: ……......I Surrender All
The Gossip's Hymn:.........................Pass It On
The Electrician's Hymn:.............Send The Light
..
The Shopper's Hymn:.............Sweet By and By
The Realtor's Hymn:...........I've Got a Mansion,
Just Over the Hilltop
The Massage Therapist's Hymn:...He Touched
Me
The Doctor's Hymn:...........The Great Physician
For those who speed on the highway -
a few hymns:
90 kph...................God Will Take Care of You
100 kph......................Guide Me, O Thou Great
Jehovah
110 kph.......................Nearer My God To Thee
120 kph...............................Nearer, Still Nearer
140 kph.............................This World Is Not My
Home
150 kph........................Lord, I'm Coming Home
Over 100 mph....................Precious Memories
"Here we are in September and I am at home
thinking of all the fall things that have to be done
from the Church Office and suddenly realizing that it
is not my responsibility any more. It is strange
because I did it for 17 years.
I would first of all just like to thank the congregation
and the Ministers that I worked under for the
support over the 17 years. Bob- for being with me
through many of my family situations; Dorne- for
being with me at the time when Kris was killed; and
Gerard- for being there for me more recently.
A very special thanks to Carol Garvin for taking the
photographs at my Retirement Lunch, they are
lovely, however, there is one picture that I will
always treasure and that is the one taken with Bob,
Dorne and Gerard. That one is very special to me and
I will treasure it.
Now I have entered the 3rd chapter of my life and I
look forward to a continued relationship with my
church family and being able to use my gifts and
talents in another area of the church life. I am not
sure where that is yet but God will show me in His
own time and I will be ready when He does. Thank
you all."
Morag Baxter
Fall 2009
“I would like to thank the church for this opportunity to
serve my Lord in the capacity as church secretary.
I know that I have very big boots to fill – especially as
Morag was the head honcho for 17 years.
Thank you, Morag, for making the transition easy with
your excellent training. And thank you, Haney
Presbyterian, for being patient while I learn the ropes.
I also want to thank Gerard for being patient with me.
It is difficult getting used to working with someone new
so I thank you for being kind and friendly while we get
to know one another and our different work habits.
I am getting to know all of you better as you drop into
the office for various things and take the time to chat
with me – a pleasant diversion!
I am willing to help any group in the church with their
secretarial items. Just come in to see me and we can
discuss how I can help your group.
I know there are exciting things in store for Haney
Presbyterian and I am glad that I will be a part of that.
Drop by anytime – I welcome the visit.”
Susan Reaveley
 MEN’S GROUP
The Men’s Group will be holding their Fall Garage Sale on
October 24th from 9am to 12 noon. Items can be dropped off on
Friday, Oct. 23rd from 3pm to 5pm and 7pm to 8pm. Due to
limited space at the church we ask that items not be dropped off
prior to October 23rd. In addition to not accepting large items
such as chesterfields, entertainment centre, appliances and
mattresses, we can no longer accept computers, exercise
equipment, microwaves and TV’s. We thank the congregation
for its continued support of this event.

Dick Lyster

HANEY PRESBYTERIAN
This eclectic group meets on the last Thursday night on every month. We delve into a
variety of books – novels, biographies, devotionals, etc. We have read very interesting
books including “The Shack”, “Under the Overpass”, ”Prayer” to name a few. Toward the
end of Spring we also watched two videos from Louie Giglio who provided us with a fresh
and unique look at the greatness and awesomeness of God. We would love for all of you to
join us in this informal group of book lovers.

NEW!!! Girls Group Hello-You are invited to a NEW girls’ group that will be starting up at Haney
Presbyterian Church this Fall. We plan to meet two Fridays a month. The regular group meeting will start
October 16th. It will involve a lesson, discussion, and some snacks on one evening and will alternate with a
craft night the second evening. Our curriculum is called “You’re Designed to Shine!” It has a beach theme
with some fun and interesting things to do and learn about having God in your life.
Girls ages 8 and up are all welcome to attend. Feel free to bring a friend or two along.

Fall 2009
 Heaven’s Very Special Child
A meeting was held quite far from earth!
It’s time again for another birth.
Said the angels to the Lord above,
This special child will need much love.
His progress may be very slow,
Accomplishments he may not show.
And he’ll require extra care
From the folks he meets down there.
He may not run or laugh or play;
His thoughts may seem quite far away.
In many ways he won’t adapt
And he’ll be known as handicapped.
So let’s be careful where he’s sent.
We want his life to be content.
“Please, Lord, find the parents who
Will do a special job for You.”
They will not realize right away
The leading role they’re asked to play.
But with this child sent from above
Comes stronger faith and richer love.
And soon they’ll know the privilege given
In caring for their gift from Heaven.
Their precious charge, so meek and mild,
Is Heaven’s Very Special child.
By Edna Massimilla
Contributed by Shirley Zeron
Fall 2009
A young lady named Sally, relates
an experience she had in a seminary
class, given by her teacher, Dr. Smith.
She says that Dr. Smith was known for
his elaborate object lessons.
One particular day, Sally walked into
the seminary and knew they were in for
a fun day.
On the wall was a big target and on a
nearby table were many darts. Dr. Smith
told the students to draw a picture of
someone that they disliked or someone
who had made them angry, and he
would allow them to throw darts at the
person's picture.
Sally's friend drew a picture of who had
stolen her boyfriend. Another friend
drew a picture of his little brother. Sally
drew a picture of a former friend,
putting a great deal of detail into her
drawing, even drawing pimples on the
face. Sally was pleased with the overall
effect she had achieved.
The class lined up and began throwing
darts. Some of the students threw their
darts with such force that their targets
were ripping apart. Sally looked forward
to her turn, and was filled with
disappointment when Dr. Smith,
because of time limits, asked the
students to return to their seats. As Sally
sat thinking about how angry she was
because she didn't have a chance to
throw any darts at her target, Dr. Smith
began removing the target from the
wall.
Underneath the target was a picture of
Jesus. A hush fell over the room as each
student viewed the mangled picture of
Jesus; holes and jagged marks covered
His face and His eyes were pierced.
Dr. Smith said only these words..... “In
as much as ye have done it unto the least
of these my brethren, ye have done it
unto Me.” Matthew 25:40.
No other words were necessary; tears
filled the eyes of the students focused
only on the picture of Christ.
IT’S ALL ABOUT BOOKS

I have been doing a lot of thinking lately. I have been trying to think about God and Jesus as
often as I can. I asked myself how much of the time do I actually stop and think (for example)
how Jesus would see this or that situation. How would He react in this situation? What is Jesus
thinking when he sees the most magnificent sunset? He is here with me all the time and He is
seeing how I manage things day to day and I think again and He really is here.
His Spirit is here so close that He is right inside me looking out of my eyes. The simple act of
harnessing my thoughts can bring me closer to thinking like Him and hearing His voice.
I looked up the word “think” and this is part of what the Encarta Dictionary said….” To form
thoughts” and “to comprehend something” and “to have regard for somebody or something”
and “to intend” and to “foresee something” and “influence outcome with mind” and to “choose
something” and these are just a few of the list of 12 different meanings listed.
The books we read help us to think in depth about a subject and we encounter fresh ideas and
stimulating ways to perceive the world. Well, I have found an Author that helps us with all this
and more.
I have found a cache of books by this author that has helped me to think. N.T. Wright is Bishop
of Durham, England, and author of more than thirty books. He taught New Testament studies
for twenty years at Cambridge, McGill, and Oxford Universities. He has been featured on ABC
News, Dateline and Fresh Air.
I have purchased five new books for our Library written by Bishop Wright and as I started to
read the “The Last Word” I realized that I was thinking, probing and gaining insight into the
old questions and old debates. I was getting a fresh encounter with the question of God’s
authority and what it means to understand the Bible as the authoritative Word of God.
The new books will be on the shelves this coming week. The Titles are;
The Last Word ….beyond the Bible Wars to a New Understanding
of the Authority of Scripture
Following Jesus…..Biblical Reflections on Discipleship
Paul………Trying to Think Paul’s Thoughts
Surprised By Hope….Rethinking Heaven, the Resurrection
And the Mission of the Church
Simply Christian…..Why Christianity Makes Sense
These books seem to bring sufficient “food for thought” as the old saying goes and as you
encounter the content of these books in your studies, I would love to hear your feedback. They
should generally be easy to read and N.T. Wright uses “proper” English. His books remind me
somewhat of C.S. Lewis’ writings.
God’s Blessings to you all

Gayle Howard

Fall 2009
 YOU!
For the Haney Presbyterian Church Family Bazaar!
Coming Saturday November 21—Mark your calendars!

REWARD!
1. A fabulous good time!
2. A feeling of accomplishment!
3. New connections with church members!

LOOK FOR…
1. Upcoming bulleting notices.
2. Opportunities to donate “stuff”.
3. Ways that you can help out now and on Nov. 21.

TIME’S RUNNING OUT…

Only 6 more Sundays (counting from October 4) to go. Roll up your
sleeves, gather your goodies, finish your crafts and let’s make this
the best one ever!!!!!

Fall 2009
 Prayer Calendar 2009-10
Meetings start with Refreshments at 9.30 am, close at 11 am.
26th September ’09:- Fairview:- 2725, Fir St., Vancouver
604-736-0510
31 October ’09:- :- Whalley:- 13062, 104th Ave., Surrey.
st

604- 581-4833
st
21 November ’09:- Fall Conference 9am- 3.30pm
Speaker: Richard Topping, Prof. of Reformed Studies, VST
St. Andrew’s Newton, 7147 124th St. Surrey 604-591-8533
Child-care provided. Pre-registration preferred. Students free.
No Meeting in December
30th January ’10:- Richmond:- 7111, # 2 Rd., Richmond.
604-277-5410
th
27 February ’10:- Coquitlam:- 948 Como Lake Rd.
604-939-6136
th
27 March ’10:- North Vancouver:- St Andrew’s & St Stephen’s
2641 Chesterfield, 604-987-6800
24 April ’10 :- New Westminster, First:- 335, 7th St.
th

604-522-2801
th
29 May ’10:- TBA

26th June ’09:- Chinese :- 6137 Cambie St., Vancouver

604-324-4921
Why not car pool and join us when you can?
We’d love to pray for your Church!
Contact Bob McBay, 604-936-3889 for information.
Log on to http://renewalfellowship.presbyterian.ca
for updated prayer requests!

Fall 2009
**IN THE CHURCH:

Sept. 29th Women’s Group starts Oct. 17th Mission’s Bottle

Drive
Oct. 1st Bethel starts Oct. 24th
Fall Garage Sale

Oct. 3rd Men’s Retreat Nov. 21st Bazaar

Oct. 16th Girl’s Group starts Dec. 5th Congregational

Christmas Dinner

IN THE COMMUNITY:

Oct. 18 David Crowder Band Nov. 28 Starfield Band

Seven Oaks Alliance Venue TBA
Abbotsford

Oct. 22-24 RE:GENERATION Dec. 6 Carolyn Arends

2009:Defined Youth & Young Olivet Baptist
People Conference New Westminster
Glad Tidings Fellowship
Chilliwack Dec.11 WinterWonder Slam
w/Relient K & TobyMac
Nov. 20 Jeremy Camp w/ Abbotsford Entertainment
Natalie Grant & Sports Center
Christian Faith Center
Federal Way, WA

*For more events visit www.canadianchristianity.com

Fall 2009
 Kid’s Korner

* Answer to Who Am I? (Margaret Menzies)

Fall 2009