Feature Article March 20, 2003
LAND O' LAKES NewsWeb HomeModerator of the United Church of Canada visits Maberly United Churchby Doris Campsall
On Sunday March 16, The Rt. Reverend Dr. Marion Pardy Moderator of the United Church of Canada was a guest of Centenary Pastoral Charge at Maberly as part of her visit to Kingston Presbytery. The Service of Worship was well attended, with Maberly United Church filled to capacity. Carl Ferguson extended words of welcome on behalf of Maberly and the Maberly Church. Harold Clark, Chair of the Official Board for Centenary Charge welcomed Dr. Pardy. Lyle Woodrow, a native of Newfoundland-Labrador, Dr. Pardy's home province, presented her with flowers. Mrs. Barbara Agnew accompanied the hymns throughout the service. Kaitlyn Conner opened with a violin solo: "Jesus Loves Me". Amanda Avery led the congregation in the Call to Worship and Devon Conboy led the Prayer of Approach. A trio made up of Arnold Fournier, Art and Sue Munroe sang Life's Railroad to Heaven", which Dr. Pardy found meaningful, as her father had worked on the railroad. The Gospel text, John 6:1-14, was read by Amanda England and Anna Buchanan. This is the story of the miracle of five loaves and two fishes offered by a child and blessed by Jesus to feed 5,000 people. Dr. Pardy compared that to the events of September 11, when 6,600 people were flown into Gander, Newfoundland, resulting in total panic for food, lodging and all other necessities. But people worked together and shared and all were provided for. The gospel story is a good one for us all to take to heart in our day when one third of the population controls most of the world's wealth and two thirds live in poverty. "In the Garden" was sung by our trio, while ushers Brooke Armstrong, Kaitlyn Bertrim, Glen Scott and Sarah Scott received a special offering to help fight the spread of HIV/Aids in the world. The Commissioning was delivered by our minister, Rev. Patsy Henry, assisted by Maberly congregation's youngest member, Chloe Woodman, who brought her own special sense of delight, wonder and life to our worship. Following the service, a lunch was served at Maberly Hall, providing an opportunity for Dr. Pardy to meet and visit with people. As the gathering drew to an end, words of appreciation were exchanged and gifts presented.
(Thanks go out to all the people of our churches and communities who worked hard to prepare for this event. - Rev. Patsy Henry)
