When the Bishop Came to St. George's

by Ken Tazzman


When Jesus Came to Birmingham is a poem about indifference. When Bishop Spence read this poem during his sermon at St. George's on the first Sunday of Lent, the bishop ended the poem by claiming the attitude of "that's not my business" or indifference was the church's problem in today's secular world.

Every bishop should be a clever politician. When Bishop Spence was asked by the Hamilton Spectator for his comments on Mel Gibson's movie that was released to North American theatres on Ash Wednesday, he gave a good quote. He "was thrilled that the newspapers were filled with stories about the Passion of the Lord." This was a safe statement to make considering that he had not yet seen the movie. In his sermon, Spence noted that Mel Gibson recovered from his past drug and alcohol destroying days by making the Stations of the Cross his "Twelve Step Program." Indifference is simply not an option this Easter because of the unusual dialogue that this movie generates.

Every good teacher tells stories to make a point and I have never known Bishop Spence to preach without telling a story. In summary, here is his story.

Jimmy stole comic books. One day his father found a pile of comic books on his bed. Jimmy claimed that he got them from the library. Forcing his son to return them and apologize to the librarian for not checking them out properly, his father thought that the experience would straighten out Jimmy. More comic books appeared. His father knew that Jimmy didn't have the money to pay for them. This time, the father lectured his son about the evils of stealing and forced him to return the comics to the store with another apology. Surely, Jimmy had learned his lesson at last? On a rainy day at the cottage, Jimmy's father caught him once again reading stolen comic books. Jimmy got a good spanking this time.

Years later, Jimmy, now an adult, was talking to his wife about the incidents. She said, "That spanking must have taught you not to steal."

Jimmy replied, "It wasn't the spanking that turned my life around. It was overhearing my father's crying in the bathroom afterwards that did it."

"This story," said the bishop, "represents the point of Lent, God's weeping over a sinful world. The journey through Lent is to take one to the foot of the cross."

St. George's would like to say thanks for visiting us and bringing this message.

Bennett Center Pastoral Care Team

by Charles Clifford

About 14 or 15 years ago a small group of St. George's parishioners under the direction of the Rev. Tom Kingston, began ministering to the residents of the Bennett Center.

Today this ministry is still going on under the direction of the Rev. Rob Park, the Rev. Tim Novis of Hornby, and the Rev. Frank Mason, honorary assistant at St. Alban's in Glen Williams. These priests alternate duty in order to bring Communion to the residents almost every Friday. Frank Mason takes (on the average) two services because he loves to officiate at this service.

The original persons who began this service, were Edith Barnes and her husband (who used to attend St. George's and lived in Balinafad), and Betty and Tom Parry. They were later joined by Betty Sandifer, Edna Turnbull, Mary Farrar, Vi King, and Jean Lorriman.

Eight years ago, Elizabeth Clifford took over playing the piano each Friday. Now Gord Hunt also plays at least once a month, but will "play anytime".

Other members of the group are June Ross from Stewarttown, Charles Clifford, Frieda Keller, and Daphne Rolfe

Usually we arrive at the Bennett Center shortly after 10:00, and start visiting the resident's rooms to find out if they want to come to church. Most of the residents are in wheelchairs and they are wheeled into the Lounge preparatory to the service beginning about 10:45.

The service is the Holy Eucharist found on page 230 in the green book. We start off with a hymn, and proceed from there through the service as we would when we attend any church service.

We generally have around 20- 30 residents attending. Although some may appear to be asleep or not paying attention, when they get to some particular remembered area, such as the Lord's Prayer or some hymn they remember, you can see their lips moving, and you know they are paying attention in their own way. Others follow the service intensely , and the majority take communion.

Once the Eucharist is finished, and the final hymn is sung, we then have to perform two favorites, with actions. All of the volunteers, and a lot of the residents participate. We finish with: "He's got the Whole World in His Hands", followed by "I'm a little Teapot".

We all get to know the residents on a very intimate basis, and see how they look forward to us coming every week. We know they appreciate it, and we enjoy it, too. It's sad to see people you have grown to love deteriorating, and dying, however, we have the satisfaction of bringing them closer to God in their final days.