June 2007
Dear friends,
The church newsletter is written and circulated as a means of communicating with you the people affiliated with both St. Mark’s and St David’s churches. It serves as a vehicle to inform and you and others of what is happening within our faith communities. Friends and visitors to our churches may go onto the Internet at www.ourcontactonline.blogspot.com for a weekly update.
As I write on this occasion, I do so with mixed emotions because my time with you is drawing to a close after almost four years of ministry with you.
During this time I have shared with many in some of the most intimate moments of their life’s journey. These moments are identified as sacred moments when one becomes more aware that together we walk on holy ground. These special moments are during times of grief and sorrow through the loss of a loved one or some other equally tragic event that shatters the tranquility of life. Such moments are sometimes shared during personal crisis and in times of high anxiety, or during the joyous celebration of marriage or the birth of a new child. These are special times that are common to all that make up the whole of ministry together.
As I now prepare for retirement from the daily routine of ministry I look back over the years with gratitude and a sense of humility for being able to be part of people’s lives in a very special way. To the congregations of St. Mark’s and St. David’s, a special thanks for inviting me to minister among you. Thank you for the way you supported both Melita and myself as we went through some of the most difficult moments in our lives.
I only ask that you continue to develop the leadership that ministry demands. Someone this spring asked when confirmation classes will be starting, and my response was that they begin the first day you bring your child to Sunday School. Good leadership is important in all areas of ministry, especially with young people, otherwise great opportunities for faith development are lost.
Continue the good work and look for greater opportunities in the service of God’s kingdom. Jesus encouraged his followers to go on to accomplish greater things, because the Spirit will be with you to remind you of all that is required of you.
Melita and I will continue to be informed through your internet blog page, as we will always share an interest in your ongoing ministry. And again we thank you for welcoming us into your community, into your homes, and into your lives.
Best wished and God speed.
Rev. Wilf and Melita
Contact Online is a Blog for St. Mark's United Church Community of Faith, Region 15 of the United Church of Canada. 504 Bernard Street, Port Hawkesbury, N.S. B9A 1L2, E-mail: stmarksuc@gmail.com St. Mark's United Church accepts and welcomes all people as we share and grow in acceptance, learn, love and share our Christian faith in God's love. Phone: (902) 625-2229, Church Services are held every Sunday at 9:30 a.m.
