By the time this article is read, spring will be flourishing with new life, and the great hope that is the miracle of the resurrection of Jesus Christ will have been celebrated throughout our diocese and by Christians worldwide. At the time of this writing, however, it is Lent. During this season, we are invited as Christians to contemplatively walk with our Master, Jesus Christ, along his journey of personal sacrifice for our salvation. Right now, we are in the afterglow of such a miracle, and it is from this place of Lent that I share the good news from the Parish of Upper Island Cove and from all the people who “walk the lowly paths of service free” along this journey.
Currently, several people are on a journey of deepening their relationship with Christ through formal theological studies, thereby actualizing a commitment to providing pastoral services in the Parish of Upper Island Cove. Robert Clarke—Sunday School coordinator, lay reader, and Ministry Team member—is currently a student at Queen’s College in the Associate of Theology programme. Mrs. Linda Barrett, also a Eucharistic Assistant, joins him at Queen’s College as a student in the Diploma of Theology programme. Mr. Armin Hackelsperger, a Eucharistic Assistant, is now officially certified as a lay reader, and Mr. Jacob Clarke recently received newly blessed vestments as a Eucharistic server.
To be clear and truthful, these are only some of the faces of embodied Christian duty in the Parish of Upper Island Cove. There are many cherished people in our parish who give the gift of their loving service in St. Andrew’s, St. Peter’s, and the newly consecrated St. John the Evangelist Chapel. Several new faces are joining our music ministry, church vestry, and supporting committees—people putting their faith into motion to create unity, prosperity, and growth in our parish and its communities.
Speaking of music ministry, the growth in this area is certainly noteworthy. St. Peter’s Church choir continues to grow, as seen on most Sunday mornings and especially on the evening of March 2nd at the “Memorial Hymns and Songs Service.” That evening, the choir was at full strength, the chancel was filled to the brim with choir members, and the large building of St. Peter’s Church itself resounded with their heavenly voices.
What is truly remarkable about the Parish of Upper Island Cove is the experience of hearing these choir voices perform a hymn like “It Is Well with My Soul,” followed by the magnificent voices of the congregation singing “How Great Thou Art.” One might be left in awe, their entire body tingling at the power and beauty of the singing from the chancel to the pews and back. I should know, as I was the organist for that service—awestruck by such stunning musical worship. Having grown up in this parish as a child, hearing all the powerful singing around me brought back many wonderful memories of this church building, filled with beloved and talented singers, now passed on and greatly missed. I am sure I was not alone that evening, thinking of them and connecting with them in spirit—quite a fitting experience for the “Memorial Hymns and Songs Service.”
To make the evening even more moving, Rev’d. Shirley and Rev’d. Aubrey shared their own solo musical gifts, as did our parish flagship band, the Anglican Church Assistance Association (ACAA) Brass Band.
The 2nd of March was indeed a busy Sunday for our parish. With a promise to learn and grow “to be of true Christian character,” #4547 Upper Island Cove CLB Company held its CLB Enrolment and Awards Service. Five new members were officially enrolled and joined the company and the Brigade, supported by their families, friends, and CLB family. Other members received the activity badges they have earned so far this training year.
In the spirit of pre-Lent, a Shrove Tuesday eat-in and take-out pancake supper was held at St. Peter’s Reverend Pierce Hall, supported by St. Peter’s Ways and Means Fundraising and Fellowship committees. The event was a great success, with the parish gathering in faith as a community.
Finally, the Parish of Upper Island Cove’s 2nd Annual Pasta Sunday was held on March 16th at the hall, supported by the families and friends of the Sunday School programme. They donated uncooked pasta ingredients and prepared pasta and desserts in many forms, sharing a beautiful meal as a church family. All donations were given to the local Helping Hand Food Bank.
In the afterglow of the miracle of Jesus’ resurrection, I hope that sharing the good news of growth in pastoral leadership, music ministry, and children learning how to Fight the Good Fight, as well as acts of God’s love through sharing and breaking bread together, brings joy and inspiration this spring season. Let us always remember the hope God’s love gives us all and the miracles to be found in each day of this life we are gifted.
