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In Touch WINTER 2005 PARISH OF RAWDON 1821-2005 “OUR HERITAGE-OUR STRENGTH” Click on article to read. Rectors Introduction, Rawdon Family Fair, Canada at LST 2005, Twitterings, Warden's Report, In Touch Committee, Obituaries, A.C.W. New, Flower Committee News, Rawdon Quilt Guild, Mexico In Progress, Baptisms, Funerals, Calender

[Top] Rector's Introduction 

The Parish held its annual cemetery clean up in the spring, which was very well organized. Sunday school finished its year well and had an end of the year party when children's Bibles were given to the children. Thank you to Jenn Ariss and her Sunday school teachers and the Sunday School Committee for a great year. The Family Fair was rained out but still did well on the Sunday. Merle Campbell and the Committee did an excellent job. There is a fuller report in this issue of 'In Touch'. I was pleased to be able to celebrate the Baptism of my two nephews with the parish on the 19th of June. It was a lovely day and the church was packed. The garden party afterwards was a true celebration. The food, games, drinks and music were wonderful.  So were the hats! The Diocese has been busy preparing a strategic plan for the future of the Diocese and many attended the four-day meetings in the spring and late summer. It is very demanding and exhausting work but necessary and exciting at the same time.

 I took the Youth Leaders International group for their final year to the University of Cambridge. Alex Campbell has written a report of that trip in this issue. I took some of the group, including Bryan Rourke from our parish, for an extra week visiting the North of England and Scotland. We visited: Hungerton Hall in Lincolnshire, York and went to York Minister for sung Evensong, Durham Cathedral and St Chad's College, Melrose and Scott's view in the Borders of Scotland, Hamilton House in Prestonpans, Edinburgh, Scone Palace and the crowning rock of the King of Scots, Cawdor Castle, Inverness, Loch Ness and Urquart Castle, Glen Coe, and Perthshire. After a week of holidays I ended my trip to the UK in retreat and Chapter with my Religious Order at the Convent of All Souls Ditchingham. Every three years we all gather for two weeks to pray and conduct business. We come from all over the globe and it was good to see my brethren again. The Visitor of the Order, the Bishop of Sheffield, led the retreat and one of the Mirfield Fathers came for a one day workshop. They were both excellent. The Canon to the Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church in the USA was elected as the new Father Superior.

I went with the Confirmation class for a pre-confirmation retreat with the Society of Saint John the Evangelist (or the Cowley Fathers) for a couple of days. When the Cowley Fathers were in Bracebridge Ontario it was not too far to go for Confirmation retreats. Now we have to go all the way to Boston for this traditional excursion. There will be a report of that experience in the next 'In Touch'. By that time the new Bishop will have made his first visitation to the parish for our Patronal Festival and lunch on November the 20th. If the youth make it through the retreat there will be a few Confirmations for him to perform.

Two members of our community, Victor Allen and Austin Tinkler, died since the last issue of 'In Touch'. You will find obituaries in this issue. On the 24th of September there will be a memorial service for the life of Donald Oswald who died suddenly in July. Rest eternal grant unto them O Lord and let light perpetual shine upon them.

I hope you had a good and relaxing summer and that you are gearing up for another eventful year.

Yours in Christ

Edward  OGS

[Top] RAWDON FAMILY FAIR

This year the weather played a big part.  A rainy day was forecast so we postponed the fair until Sunday but kept the entertainment on Saturday night.  The rain only started at noon on Saturday and it barely stopped in time for the show at night. Despite all of Dudley and Corey’s hard work the evening crowd did not appear as anticipated.  Then Sunday dawned a beautiful hot day.  We had a good turnout but the intense heat chased most back to their air conditioners, pools or lakes.  Considering the elements we dealt with, the fair went very well and the financial results were similar to other years with postponements.  The heat, timing and size of the crew made the clean up difficult for those involved.

We want to thank all those who helped to make this event such a success.  We had visitors and/or helpers from Halifax, Florida, Vancouver and several other places in between.  Special thanks to those who not only helped the day of the fair but spent several others preparing for the big day.  (Arsenaults, Asbils, Clagues, Downies, Dyballs, Irons, Millars, Moores, Parkinsons, Rangers, Poiriers, Rourkes, Smiths, Stewarts, Wildes and the AC and UC women.) We couldn’t do it without you. It was also nice to have some young blood pitching in – Chris, Corey, Fanny, Nicholas, Olivier, Shawn and Shona.

We held the Wrap-up meeting on Aug. 14^th and received several suggestions and new ideas which will be researched and evaluated in the coming months.  After much discussion, it was decided that the date for next years fair will be July 8, 2006.  Please mark this date and plan to attend.  If you were not able to attend the fair, and have suggestions or ideas, please forward to parkinsonmerle@aol.com.

Your coordinators

Albert & Merle

EDITOR’S COMMENT         

I am struck once again this year by the hard work and dedication of the two co-chairs of the event, namely, Al Parkinson who oversaw the construction and takedown of the physical plant, and Merle Parkinson who oversaw the financial side, in all its various forms from change pouches for the workers thru to the financial reports following the big day. They undertook a great responsibility and we are all grateful for their efforts.

Surely those who worked so tirelessly to set up the grounds and take it all down again in that awful heat will long remember the day, but you know what? My guess is that they do it for the love of their churches and they will all likely be back again next year for our 10th anniversary church fair.  Let’s pray though for a little less heat.

I am also grateful to note that no less than 34 people and organizations donated prizes of one kind or another in support of our churches efforts.  It reminds me of the on-going need therefore to support these enterprises at every opportunity.

Finally, we should all be proud of the co-operative spirit that shone thru in making this year’s Anglican-United community fair the great success it was, despite the one-day delay.

Hats off to all who worked and took part.

The Editor

(Copied to United Church CONTACT)

THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS AND CONGRATULATIONS TO THE WINNERS.

[Top] CANADA AT LST 2005

The Life Skills Training program or  the LST is the third and final part of the Youth Leaders International (YLI) experience.  The LST was held at Cambridge University in England.  Youth from eight different countries gathered at Girton College in Cambridge to learn life skills and to graduate from the YLI program.  Representatives from the USA, China, Romania, Kenya, Israel, Australia and Canada were participating in the events of the week.  Bryan Rourke, Tiffany Brophy-Cortez, Justin Ells, Father Edward our counselor and myself made up the Canadian Chapter.

We arrived at Heathrow Airport in London, Saturday morning after an eight hour flight from Montreal.  Several of the other chapters were already there waiting for the bus to Cambridge.  We were all happy to greet our friends whom we haven’t seen for a year.  The bus brought us to Cambridge University where the rest of the group had already arrived.  Our first day at Cambridge gave us time to catch up with our long lost friends and to relax after our flights.  After dinner we went punting on the river Cam.  Punting is when someone pushes a boat through a body of water using a really big stick.  Punting on the river Cam was really fun and our “punter” taught us a lot about the history of Cambridge.

Our second day at Cambridge started early as we got up at 7 to have morning athletics.  After breakfast we had our first ABW session.  I have no clue what ABW stands for but it is a business simulation program used in Australia.  The Australian counselor who is also an economics teacher separated us into teams and told us that we were to run a business.  We elected a CEO and began making our first decisions.  After each set of decisions numbers were put in a computer and we got results that showed our progress compared to the other groups.  Each day we got results back and we tried different methods to make a profit and to raise our company’s share price.  In British fashion we had morning tea nearly every day and they got Father Edward to give us a lecture on tea which would have been fascinating except that we had heard it at Youth Group.  After tea we went on a walking tour of Cambridge.

We learned all sorts of interesting things about the colleges and chapels and Cambridge and we got to see some of the most impressive architecture I have ever seen.  That afternoon we had a guest speaker Gill Wilson, who talked to us about teamwork, communication and problem solving.  She had us do team activities that tested our compatibility with the others in the group.  In the last activity we were given straws and pins and were told we had to build a structure 15 cm high that could endure the weight of a brick.  Our structure put up a good fight but in the end was destroyed in the epic battle against the weight of the brick.

The next day, the 4^th of July, we had a group from Cambridge come to Girton College to bring us on the “Cambridge Challenge”.  This is a game in which teams run around Cambridge trying to find answers to questions about the city and its history. Before we left for town we did the SDI (Strength Deployment Inventory) Test that determines your role in a team and how your attitude tends to change when you are stressed. After the test we went on the Cambridge Challenge. It was a lot of fun as it was a pretty nice day and we got a chance to explore Cambridge freely. Our team did pretty well, but Father Edward having attended Cambridge for 3 years led his team to victory.

On the next day we began our Career Research Presentations.  Each person had to choose a career to explore and present at the LST.  Listening to each report was very interesting and relaxing but only after I had completed my own.  Before that point I was nervous and completely stressed out but I came out on top and I think my presentation went well.  We had two guest speakers this day about “Life Goals and Happiness” and another about Finances.  I didn’t like them that much.  We also went to see Kings College Chapel, which was amazing. It was huge and the architecture was mind- boggling.  I couldn’t believe the whole place was constructed by hand.

Then came July 7^th the day we were all mistakenly looking forward to.  We were all excited and anxious as we got on the bus that morning as were finally leaving Girton College and going to London.  It was our only day to go shopping and we were going to see “Perciles”, a play by Shakespeare. After a two-hour drive to London we arrived at the Tower of London.  The Tower is nearly 1000 years old and is home to the Crown Jewels.  After a brief walk around the site we heard about the four bombings in London.  Initially a few of the YLIers were terrified as they had family on the tube at the time. Luckily we soon found out they were all right.  We were located a few blocks south of the double-decker bus that exploded.

After hearing of the events we gathered in the Tower of London, then returned to Cambridge and we missed our whole day in London.  We were glad to make it safely back and the ride was very solemn as were all still a bit disconcerted. To say the least 7/7 was a pretty bad day.

The next day was our graduation, which was soothing and enjoyable.  We got all dressed up and made our way through Girton College Chapel where we got our diplomas and finished the YLI program.  Following the ceremony there was a closing dance and then we departed from the United Kingdom that night.  I’d like to thank everyone who supported my YLI excursions.  I would also like to thank Father Edward for being a superb counselor.  I Think YLI had gotten me to appreciate diversity and it has broadened my horizons.

Alex Campbell

[Top] TWITTERINGS

Congratulations to the following couples who each celebrated their 50^th wedding anniversary recently 

Jim and Alice Parkinson,  Lois and Derek Morris.

May they enjoy many more happy years!

Descendants of George Mason and Jane Herbert (memorial window in Church) visited Rawdon, the Church and the cemetery on July 31.  The following day they were given a guided tour of the area where the Mason farm was once located.

Joseph Eveleigh Swift passed away in St. Anne’s Military Hospital on April 30.  During summer months, Joe and his late wife Olive were devoted supporters of St. George’s Wexford.  Sympathy is extended to sons Richard, James, David and their families.

Susan Brownrigg Bouchard has moved to Ontario.  Best wishes to her and Matthew in their new home and surroundings.

On August 10 it was wonderful to visit with our former Rector the Reverend Brian Vickers, his wife Sally and their children Michael and Kathryn. It’s hard to believe that 13 years have passed since they left Rawdon!

Wayne Cowan and his wife Joanne will be in from Edmonton on the weekend to take part in the Montreal Marathon.  His sister Dawn, will be in from New Mexico to watch them finish the run in the Olympic Stadium.

John and Carmen Clague had an enjoyable trip to England where they spent a joyful time visiting family, friends and familiar places.

On September 14, Peggy Sheppard will celebrate her 90^th birthday. Best wishes!

Jimmy Parkinson is recovering well from his operation on August 15.

Gina Stewart’s son Mark Rowan was born on August 19. Welcome!

Laurie Tinkler, Shirley’s niece, recently visited Rawdon with her daughter Megan and son Cody.  They had a great time seeing old friends and places.

Ryan Allen and his fiancée Erica MacAllum celebrated their engagement at their new “MacAllen Farm”, in Rawdon. They will be married next May when Erica graduates as a Veterinarian.

The cemetery is looking so much better this year.  Mr. Carroll is to be congratulated.

[Top] WARDEN’S REPORT

Summer is at an end and our hope is that it was a pleasant one for all.

On July 10^th the annual fair took place and once again we wish to thank everyone for their help and interest in this our big fund raising event.  The cooperation between all the groups involved and the work accomplished was truly amazing…thanks to all.

During the absence of Father Edward, Ralph and Margaret Purser agreed to house sit the Rectory.  It was nice to have them in the Parish participating in the activities.  Righ and Speiring really enjoyed the company!!  We might add that during Father Edward’s absence we enjoyed “Father” John’s sermons as well as the services taken by Canon Pitts and Canon Dan Fleming.  We are lucky to have these men in our Parish!

On August 14^th the annual Wexford service was held at Christ Church due to the inclement weather.  Hopefully next year we will once again be able to hold the service at Wexford.

Fall and winter activities are being planned.    As it was last year, the Thanksgiving supper will take place in late October at the Rawdon Golf Club.  The Advent service at St. John’s in Masonville will take place on Dec. 4^th at 7 pm.

We are looking forward to your participation and support during the upcoming events.

As usual, your comments etc. are appreciated.  Please feel free to call any of the wardens at the number below.

Shirley Tinkler Moore 834-4805

Verna Negm-Asbil 834-3526

Robert Ranger 834-2044

[Top] IN TOUCH COMMITTEE

Fr. Edward Simonton – Rector

Mrs. Verna Asbil-Negm – Rector’s Warden

Mrs. Shirley Tinkler-Moore – Peoples Warden

Mr. Bob Ranger – Maintenance

Mr. Derek Morris – Editor

Mrs. Peggy Cowan – Publication

Mrs. Lillian Parkinson – ACW News

Mrs. Penny Bertrand – Flower Committee

Mrs. Ann Caster - Verger

Mr. John Clague - Lay Reader – Choir Master

[Top] OBITUARIES

Victor Breton Allen Aug. 18, 1922 – Apri. 24,2005

We were all sorry to hear of Victor Allen’s death on Sun. Apr. 24, at Heather Hospital, after a long illness.  Victor lived his early years on a farm near New Glascow.  He had four sisters and one brother.  After his father’s death when Victor was 17, he continued to work the farm with his mother.  They moved in 1944 to a farm in Rawdon near his brother.

He married Geraldine (Gerry) Cockburn in 1951.  They lived on the farm until ill health forced them to sell to his grandson. They had three children, Brian (Cheryl), Ann (Marcel) and Neil (Manon) and eight grandchildren.

Victor was an original member of the QFA, served on the Rawdon School Board, as well as being very involved with the church.  Victor had a great sense of humor, was very witty and loved playing jokes. There was always laughter and fun when Victor was around.  At his funeral on Apr. 28 his niece Evelyn and granddaughter Susan gave a very appropriate eulogy.

AUSTIN PHILIP TINKLER Nov. 29, 1924 – May 11, 2005

We were saddened to hear of Austin Tinkler’s death after a brief illness.  Austin was the second of five sons born to Edwin Tinkler and Doris Brougham.  Austin lived all his life around Rawdon.  He married Claire Clayton in 1949 and they had five children, Evelyn (Robert), Deborah (Terry), Gregory (Debbie), Janice (Jeff) and the late Kenneth.  He had nine grandchildren and one great grandson.

Austin was a hard and reliable worker.  He drove the school bus, did carpentry work, cut logs and wood and worked for many years as a mechanic at Marlin’s garage where he was held in high esteem.

He was a quiet family man, agreeable and pleasant.  The full church at his funeral was testimony of how highly thought of Austin was.  His brother-in-law, Neil Clayton, gave a very fitting eulogy.

DONALD OSWALD  APR. 9, 1944 – JULY 15, 2005

What a shock it was to the whole community to hear of Donald’s sudden death on July 15, 2005.  Donald lived on the family farm on Rte. 125 all his life until 2000.  He had one sister Sandra Pike.  He married Barbara Ibbotson in 1969 and built their own house on the farm. They had two children, Paula and Christian.

Donald was a very hard worker.  He drove the school bus for years and did many jobs between runs.  Donald was an active church member (Wexford Warden), caring for the church properties and helping at all functions.  He was an active member of the QFA and started the wood working projects.

Donald enjoyed skiing, both cross country and downhill, horse back riding, hiking and bowling, even though he suffered much of his adult life from asthma.

Donald liked to be with people.  He loved adventures and heights.  He liked to travel and see points of interest.  He had an infectious laugh…when he laughed everyone had to laugh, too.

In July 2000 Barbara and Donald sold the farm and moved to Calgary to be near their children.  He soon found a job driving a shuttle bus for hospital employees.  With his friendly, fun loving ways he won their deep affection.

A funeral service was held on July 22, 2005 in Calgary.  A memorial service was held on July 27 at the hospital where he was the shuttle bus driver.  A tree in his memory was planted in Fish Creek Provincial Park, Alberta.

There will be a memorial service and burial of ashes here in Christ Church Rawdon, on Saturday, Sept. 24, at 11:00 a.m. with a reception afterwards in the Parish Hall.

Courtesy of:

Lillian Parkinson

[Top] A.C.W. NEWS

The ACW held card parties every Tuesday night during June, July and August.  We had an average of six tables each night and everyone seemed to enjoy these social evenings.  The air conditioner was appreciated on hot Tuesday evenings.

On July 26^th, . we held a special fund raising Card Party for Fulford House.

That evening we were happy to have twelve tables and with some donations we raised exactly $250.00.

We were pleased to help organize receptions after the funerals of both Victor Allen and Austin Tinkler.  Our deepest sympathy is extended to the families of these long time residents of Rawdon.

Plans are being made for the Annual Meeting of the Laurentian Deanery, to be held in Rawdon on Thursday, September 29^th.  There will be a Communion Service in the Church starting at 10:30 a.m. with Father Simonton officiating. 

Lunch will be served at the hall for $8.00 and all Anglican women are welcome. At our September meeting we will plan our other fall events

Lillian Parkinson

The Rawdon Quilt Guild  (an ACW sponsored group), held their Annual Quilt Show in the Church Hall on August 19 – 20- 21.  As usual it was a huge success.

There were more than eighty hand made pieces on display from huge queen sized quilts to wall hangings and pillows.  Some projects were all hand stitched and others were quilted by machine. 

The kitchen was set up with everything for sale from material and books to needles and thread.

All the smaller quilted pieces were displayed downstairs, where tea and cookies were served to everyone who came to see the wonderful display.

Sue Ellen Jones, President of the Guild is to be congratulated for her endeavours in making this show such a success year after year, as well as all the participating ladies for their beautiful work.

[Top]   FLOWER  COMMITTEE  NEWS

There isn’t a lot to say about the flowers at this time.  The weather in the spring prevented us from getting together to plant the garden as we did last year, but we did the best we could.

We already have plans for next year and hopefully the weatherman will be on our side.  If not, you may see some of the Altar Guild out with raincoats and boots on.

As for the flowers on the Altar… we have had several donations so we will be able to have our usual Thanksgiving and Christmas displays in the church.

Anyone wishing to make a contribution for the flowers in the church would be appreciated. Just call me,

Penny Bertrand

[Top] MEXICO IN PROGRESS

As some of you may know, Christ Church sponsored me to go to Mexico from July 3^rd to July 8^th, on a mission trip.  I can’t thank you enough.

During the five days, six other young people from the diocese of Montreal, the United States and myself, came together in poverty-stricken Juarez, Mexico.

We managed to help build two houses and work with a “Club des Nanios “ which is a kids club.  We taught them Bible stories and songs.  We also did crafts and played sports with them.

The houses were built from cinder blocks and the corners were filled with cement, which we mixed by hand….no cement mixers, there!

The whole trip was a lot of work, but seeing the smiles on the children’s faces, and the progress we made on the houses made it all worthwhile.

Thank you again! I will never forget my trip or you for allowing me to go.

Brittany Bertrand

[Top] The Rawdon Quilt Guild

(An ACW sponsored group),  they held their Annual Quilt Show in the Church Hall on August 19 – 20- 21.  As usual it was a huge success.

There were more than eighty hand made pieces on display from huge queen sized quilts to wall hangings and pillows.  Some projects were all hand stitched and others were quilted by machine. 

The kitchen was set up with everything for sale from material and books to needles and thread.

All the smaller quilted pieces were displayed downstairs, where tea and cookies were served to everyone who came to see the wonderful display.

Sue Ellen Jones, President of the Guild is to be congratulated for her endeavors in making this show such a success year after year, as well as all the participating ladies for their beautiful work. 

[Top]

Baptisms

Alexander Mark Simonton , June 19, 2005

Theodore Franklin Simonton, July 19, 2005

Funerals

Victor Allen, August 18, 1922 – April 28, 2005

Rita Marie Lalonde-Burbridge, October 30, 1923 – May 13, 2005

Austin Philip Tinkler, November 29, 1924  - May 11, 2005

Calendar

September 11         Evensong and BBQ 5pm At Johns, Masonville

September 18         Sunday school registration

September 29         Deanery ACW meeting in Rawdon

October 3  - 5         Diocesan Clergy Retreat

October 8                Harvest dinner?  To be confirmed

October 21 - 22       Diocesan Synod

October 23              Lunch and “Preparing for the Future” workshop

 November 20          Patronal Festival and Lunch, Parish Confirmations, First Visitation of the new Bishop