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Fall 2013 Newsletter
NEWSLETTER for ALL WOMEN
DIOCESE OF CALGARY Fall 2013
Our Purpose is to unite all women of the Diocese in a fellowship of worship, learning and service, which will deepen our personal relationship with Jesus Christ, affirm our gifts and encourage the development of our ministries.
MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT
Here we are, Fall is in the air, and sometimes on the ground we see those first few flakes of snow. It’s a new season, with new opportunities to help our churches prepare for the coming Christmas season. This is a busy time and we sometimes feel overwhelmed.
I found this little prayer that seems to be very calming and a good prelude to our nightly rest.
In this most peaceful time of the day, Lord, speak to my heart as I become still and receptive. After the day’s business I will no longer be in a hurry or anxious. This room will be my chapel, and I invite you in for a visit. Putting aside distractions and worries I pray that I might be open to your words: Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening. Be with me always as you are this night. Amen
I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Diocesan Board for giving me the opportunity to attend the National Anglican Church Women’s Conference in Halifax in October. The theme was “Come to the Water - Women of Faith, Women of Courage”. It was wonderfully presented by our guest speaker, over three days, and we had many opportunities to hold discussions with other members in attendance. We extend our congratulations to Delorie Walsh, who is the new National President. We all need to stand beside her and give her all the help and encouragement that we can. She will be a great President.
Here are a couple of little things to think about and maybe have a little laugh over:-
If you don’t believe in miracles, perhaps you’ve forgotten you are one.
Everyone smiles in the same language.
The teacher was walking around checking out the children’s art work when she stopped to look at a little girl’s drawing. She couldn’t seem to figure out what the child was drawing so she asked her “What are you drawing?”
The child replied “I am drawing a picture of God.”
The teacher said “but no one knows what God looks like.”
Replied the little girl, “Well they will when I finish this picture!”
EeDee Chester
President
Around the Diocese…… Holy Cross Anglican Church Candy Cane Bazaar
2828 - 19th Street N.W.
Saturday, November 30, l0 a.m. - 2 p.m.
There will be a lunch and tea room together with Bake Table, Books, Treasures, and Crafts etc. All welcome.
St. Edmunds Christmas Sale 8336 - 34 Ave NW
Saturday December 7, 11:30am - 2 pm
Admission: $4.50 - includes light lunch
Gift table, bake table, silent auction, fish pond, door prizes.
ACW INVITATION You are invited to a (potluck) Tea Party on Saturday, November 9, 2013, 2 pm to 4 pm, at Holy Cross Anglican Church, 2828 – 19 Street NW, Calgary to hear Special Guest Speaker, Sally Goddard.
Sally Goddard (mother of the late Captain Nichola Goddard) will be telling us more about the Nichola Goddard Foundation Initiative "Light Up Papua New Guinea". The objective of the “The Nichola Goddard Light Up Papua New Guinea” project is to improve the quality and functionality of health care facilities in rural PNG by installing solar powered LED lighting systems so that health facilities can be used in the evening. Light Up The World believes that bringing light to aid posts and rural health care centres will contribute to an improvement to the quality of health care provided in PNG. Please advise Anne Davidson at 403-282-4189 or [email protected] by Friday, November 1st if you plan to attend, as this will really help in the planning process. There will be a silver collection in aid of the Foundation which is being adopted by the A.C.W. (this means us all!!)
Report from St. Barnabas Medicine Hat
St. Barnabas Southside Circle ACW has successfully met the missions set by its members, with two remaining activities to be held in November. An Evensong service to remember St. Margaret, Queen of Scotland and Helper of the Poor, will be held on Sunday, November 17th at 6:00 pm with refreshments to follow in the church hall. We have invited ACWs of our region as well as St. Mary's in Maple Creek, Sask. and St. Alban's in Brooks. If you are in the neighbourhood please feel free to join us in the celebration.
The last function we will host for year will be a Christmas Bake Sale on Saturday, November 23 from 2 - 4pm where for a Toonie you may purchase a Hot and Delicious Beverage and Three Tasty Cookies. Once again we invite anyone who happens to be in the area of Medicine Hat to please come and join in the fellowship.
Blessings to You,
President, Peggy Kelly
Talking to our Grandchildren – The Rev. Helen Belcher
At the Silver Cross luncheon on September 14, the Rev. Helen Belcher spoke to us about how we, as grandmothers, or grandmother figures, can connect with the young people in our lives.
She talked about her own family. She said with a chuckle that her influence on her own grown children was limited. However, she has come to realise that spending fun time with her grandchildren has a profound effect upon the way they see the world and relate to others. As they have grown up she has had to stretch herself to stay abreast of what is going on in their lives. It is important to remain un-shockable and curious in order to maintain an open and loving dialogue.
In the 1940's, the problems young people dealt with in school were significantly different than those facing our young people today. In the 1940’s, the top disciplinary issues in schools were: talking out of turn; chewing gum: making noise, running in the halls; cutting in line; dress infractions; and littering.
Today’s issues are drug abuse, alcohol abuse, pregnancy, suicide, rape, robbery and assault. Youth live with a virtual world, where sexting and bullying are among the real concerns.
Helen asked one young man what he was going to do for the summer. He said, "I am going to go out and get a job so that I can smoke a lot of dope." After saying that was a good place to start (getting the job) she asked why he wanted to smoke marijuana. The answer was complete and revealing. He said that it made him feel relaxed and able to cope in a setting where he felt he was not a good student and did not have many friends. In the short term it seemed to give him a sense of empowerment and belonging.
What can we do? First of all, we can become informed about marijuana. The chemicals THC and CBD are both in marijuana. Illegally produced marijuana has been cultivated to have unbalanced high levels of THC. This substance, as it is produced today, is a known hallucinogen and can trigger a psychotic episode. Take some time and watch some of the many good documentaries on this subject. CBC The Nature of Things has produced several.
The second thing we can do is to understand this: the desire of the human heart to belong and to feel empowered are desires deep within the heart of every young person. We need to make time for the young people in our lives. Remember, it is sometimes easier to talk to a grandparent about some things than it is to a parent. This is especially true if the young person feels safe and accepted. It is always better to be curious than judgemental. We need to develop listening hearts so that the young can find a haven of acceptance and wisdom in us. This is one way they can discover their own wisdom.
Thirdly, we need to pray frequently and regularly for our families, church families and especially for the young. In some cultures this is the sole role of a family grandparent. Prayer surrounds our children with a halo of protection. It brings healthy opportunities into their lives. So remember: be informed, be present and available, seek out contact and listen with an open heart.
Rev. Robert A. Pollauf of Detroit passed on this account of how Daniel saved his life in the lion's den: King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon was astonished that the hungry lions had not eaten Daniel. He summoned Daniel and promised him that if he would reveal his secret, the king would give him his freedom. "It was easy, your excellency," Daniel said. "I went around and whispered in each lion's ear — 'After dinner, there will be speeches.'"
In Memoriam - Bishop Gary Woolsey, beloved husband of Marie, passed away on October 18, 2013 at the age of 71 years. The Celebration of Life service was held on October 21st - Marie Woolsey describes it here:
“On Monday afternoon and evening, we hosted a visitation at the McInnis Holloway Funeral Home. I know that for some visitors it was a first. Gary was resting in a separate room which was open for anyone to enter to pay their respects. Most chose to do that, but some chose not to - and that was okay. Our family was there and we were ready to visit with all who came. Todd had prepared 6 photo albums, each containing 200 pictures telling the story of Gary's life. These were placed throughout the reception area, and I think most visitors had a chance to look through them. The visitation was a comforting occasion for most of us, while at the same time being solemn and tearful. It gave people a chance to say a prayer, or a final farewell. It gave us a chance to get better acquainted with some guests and to spend some quality time with friends old and new. Stories were told and memories were shared. Some friends needed to tell us what Gary had meant to them and for that we are grateful. We know how much he will be missed.
Now I want to tell you what a wonderful celebration we had on Tuesday! To begin with, Gary had planned the whole service on paper - of course the legwork was done by so many others, for which I am so thankful. So I need especially to thank Bishop Greg Kerr-Wilson, the Rev Natasha Brubaker Garrison the Rev Jane Rowland who had their weekend turned upside-down to accommodate the service with only 3 days to prepare. As in so much of this journey, the timing was just right. St Peter's Church, Gary's former parish, was the chosen site, and with the Fall Fair slated for the coming weekend, we had a choice of only two days that were available. Of all the people that Gary had chosen to be a part of the celebration, the only one who was not available was the current organist of St Peter's; he was ably replaced by Jeff Jones, who was the organist during most of Gary's tenure at St Peter's.
Gary had named 6 pall bearers, 3 honorary pall bearers, 6 ushers, 12 Eucharistic ministers, 2 celebrants, and one preacher. During Gary's long stay in hospice, all of these people, including his own family, went on holiday and were in and out of town at many and various times. On Tuesday, October 22, all were present. Of special mention here, is Ariana Rodriguez, the music leader at St Martin's - the parish we currently attend. Ariana gathered many of the music group ( a group that Gary and I were both a part of) and a few St Peter's singers joined with them. The music was glorious! It was so joyful, in fact, that I found myself almost bouncing to the rhythms when I wasn't close to tears as the words touched my heart. Thank you, Ariana, for putting so much passion into your music - it was truly a gift!
Our son, Todd, opened the service with a video of Gary's life, and a tribute to his Dad that set the tone for the whole event - one of joy, love, appreciation and humour. Laughter was a great part of Gary's ministry and he would not have been disappointed; but so were tears - neither was he afraid to show emotion. Todd's song, written for his Dad was then played. It is called, "Relationships" and is all about love. It so typifies all that Gary was and all he passed on to his friends and extended family.
Our past Primate, Archbishop Michael Peers, from Toronto, was our preacher. He credited Gary for a ministry that broke new ground in native communities - that of having an indigenous priesthood, which today has led to the creation of a whole diocese in northern Canada, led by an aboriginal bishop for aboriginal clergy and people. Although I was a part of that whole process, I wasn't aware of the impact that Gary's early ministry had had and I'm thankful for that insight.
Our Primate, Archbishop Fred Hiltz was also able to be present - another example of perfect timing - a day sooner or later, and he would not have been available. We are so grateful that he took the time to pay his respects. I'm also grateful to Bishop Don Phillips, who was ordained by Gary back in the 80's; Don made a special day trip from Winnipeg to be with us.
Add to this, a gathering of approximately 50 clergy from Calgary and area; and then add to that mix, about 14 members of the Goldwing Motorcycle Club, and young and old from various churches and groups in Calgary whose lives were touched by my incredible husband, and you have an idea of the variety contained in the 500 people who attended the Celebration of Gary's life at St Peter's in Calgary.
Communion was a part of this celebration and it was carried off efficiently by 6 teams of ministers placed in various areas around the church, upstairs and down. Thanks to all who agreed to be a part of that ministry.
After the closing hymn, the Bishops and administrants led the procession, then the family closed in behind the coffin which, on leaving the church, was placed immediately into the hearse and driven away. There was no funeral procession of cars, at Gary's request. He wanted everyone to go to the reception which was held in the Upper Hall at St Peter's. And so we did as expected. I know how difficult it is to know what to say at a time like this, but the words that I heard were so kind, so loving, so uplifting and often enlightening, that it made the occasion for me quite easy - not at all a burden. And so I want to thank all those who greeted our family - thanks for all the hugs.
Thanks also to the ladies who provided food for the reception and saw it through to the finish. This was one occasion where I was not the last to leave the church - I guess that is one of the changes that I will have to get used to!
Gary's earthly body was cremated, and we brought his ashes home today in an urn made especially for him by David Farrell. Tomorrow we will go with Natasha and a few friends to the Eden Brook Cemetery to commit his ashes to the earth - "ashes to ashes, dust to dust" - the end of his life's journey.
Gary - we know that you are no longer here. You are in a much better place where there is no more pain or infirmity, where our concept of time does not exist. We will all be together again in the twinkling of an eye. In the meantime, we will miss you. You will always be in our hearts!
Thank you, my friends, for walking with me and my family. We have felt your love and your prayers, have appreciated your notes, cards and messages. Cont’d …..
Really, I wasn't going to send another email, but the story wasn't finished.
On Thursday morning, Todd and Terri picked up Gary's ashes from the funeral home. On Friday we were blessed with another beautiful day of sunshine. The service at the cemetery was short - Natasha did the prayers and committal. All our coffee group came to be with us, so we were a group of 18. Todd, Drew and I all lowered the urn into the ground, and then all 18 of us threw a handful of earth on top. Drew then put a Guardian Bell into the grave (that's a bell that we all put under our bikes to keep the Evil Road Spirits away - OK so that is tongue in cheek!) We each threw a Werthers candy in, because Gary was never without them on any trip. Heather added a cactus pin to remember Arizona, and Jordan threw in a small bag of crushed candy because that was the job that he did with his Papa every Christmas to make Stained Glass Cookies. Then the men took turns filling in the grave with a shovel - a cemetery worker finished the job.
We now have the full printing of “Meditations from a Hospice Bed”. The book isn't on the website yet, but if anyone would like to purchase a copy, just send me an email @[email protected] and I'll send it to you with an invoice. Books sell for $10 each. Seems like he just isn't going to let us forget him!
Thanks for all your notes, cards, letters, flowers - I really can't thank you enough!
Love and blessings to all, Marie
Editor’s note: “Meditations from a Hospice Bed” is a true gift from Gary & Mary Woolsey. We thank them for sharing their journey with us.
Board members at the 2013 ACW Conference held in Canmore
Front row: Linda Anderson, Ann Hyland, EeDee Chester, Ellen Lee, Carol Kyle, Anne Davidson
Middle Row: Vicki Kerr-Wilson, Elizabeth Challice, Vera Apletree, Susan Redpath
Standing: Bishop Gregory Kerr-Wilson, Barbara Hamblin, Mary Dymond, Linda Gemmell,
Jennifer Ingram, Betty Nadurak
ACW Prayer
Almighty God, our heavenly Father, who sent your blessed Son into the world to be the Saviour of all; Grant us a deep sense of gratitude for your grace and mercy towards us. Enable us by your Spirit to reveal your love in prayer and work and stewardship, so that your salvation may become known to all people, and your Name glorified throughout the earth: through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
2013 ACW Conference in Canmore
DIOCESE OF CALGARY Fall 2013
Our Purpose is to unite all women of the Diocese in a fellowship of worship, learning and service, which will deepen our personal relationship with Jesus Christ, affirm our gifts and encourage the development of our ministries.
MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT
Here we are, Fall is in the air, and sometimes on the ground we see those first few flakes of snow. It’s a new season, with new opportunities to help our churches prepare for the coming Christmas season. This is a busy time and we sometimes feel overwhelmed.
I found this little prayer that seems to be very calming and a good prelude to our nightly rest.
In this most peaceful time of the day, Lord, speak to my heart as I become still and receptive. After the day’s business I will no longer be in a hurry or anxious. This room will be my chapel, and I invite you in for a visit. Putting aside distractions and worries I pray that I might be open to your words: Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening. Be with me always as you are this night. Amen
I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Diocesan Board for giving me the opportunity to attend the National Anglican Church Women’s Conference in Halifax in October. The theme was “Come to the Water - Women of Faith, Women of Courage”. It was wonderfully presented by our guest speaker, over three days, and we had many opportunities to hold discussions with other members in attendance. We extend our congratulations to Delorie Walsh, who is the new National President. We all need to stand beside her and give her all the help and encouragement that we can. She will be a great President.
Here are a couple of little things to think about and maybe have a little laugh over:-
If you don’t believe in miracles, perhaps you’ve forgotten you are one.
Everyone smiles in the same language.
The teacher was walking around checking out the children’s art work when she stopped to look at a little girl’s drawing. She couldn’t seem to figure out what the child was drawing so she asked her “What are you drawing?”
The child replied “I am drawing a picture of God.”
The teacher said “but no one knows what God looks like.”
Replied the little girl, “Well they will when I finish this picture!”
EeDee Chester
President
Around the Diocese…… Holy Cross Anglican Church Candy Cane Bazaar
2828 - 19th Street N.W.
Saturday, November 30, l0 a.m. - 2 p.m.
There will be a lunch and tea room together with Bake Table, Books, Treasures, and Crafts etc. All welcome.
St. Edmunds Christmas Sale 8336 - 34 Ave NW
Saturday December 7, 11:30am - 2 pm
Admission: $4.50 - includes light lunch
Gift table, bake table, silent auction, fish pond, door prizes.
ACW INVITATION You are invited to a (potluck) Tea Party on Saturday, November 9, 2013, 2 pm to 4 pm, at Holy Cross Anglican Church, 2828 – 19 Street NW, Calgary to hear Special Guest Speaker, Sally Goddard.
Sally Goddard (mother of the late Captain Nichola Goddard) will be telling us more about the Nichola Goddard Foundation Initiative "Light Up Papua New Guinea". The objective of the “The Nichola Goddard Light Up Papua New Guinea” project is to improve the quality and functionality of health care facilities in rural PNG by installing solar powered LED lighting systems so that health facilities can be used in the evening. Light Up The World believes that bringing light to aid posts and rural health care centres will contribute to an improvement to the quality of health care provided in PNG. Please advise Anne Davidson at 403-282-4189 or [email protected] by Friday, November 1st if you plan to attend, as this will really help in the planning process. There will be a silver collection in aid of the Foundation which is being adopted by the A.C.W. (this means us all!!)
Report from St. Barnabas Medicine Hat
St. Barnabas Southside Circle ACW has successfully met the missions set by its members, with two remaining activities to be held in November. An Evensong service to remember St. Margaret, Queen of Scotland and Helper of the Poor, will be held on Sunday, November 17th at 6:00 pm with refreshments to follow in the church hall. We have invited ACWs of our region as well as St. Mary's in Maple Creek, Sask. and St. Alban's in Brooks. If you are in the neighbourhood please feel free to join us in the celebration.
The last function we will host for year will be a Christmas Bake Sale on Saturday, November 23 from 2 - 4pm where for a Toonie you may purchase a Hot and Delicious Beverage and Three Tasty Cookies. Once again we invite anyone who happens to be in the area of Medicine Hat to please come and join in the fellowship.
Blessings to You,
President, Peggy Kelly
Talking to our Grandchildren – The Rev. Helen Belcher
At the Silver Cross luncheon on September 14, the Rev. Helen Belcher spoke to us about how we, as grandmothers, or grandmother figures, can connect with the young people in our lives.
She talked about her own family. She said with a chuckle that her influence on her own grown children was limited. However, she has come to realise that spending fun time with her grandchildren has a profound effect upon the way they see the world and relate to others. As they have grown up she has had to stretch herself to stay abreast of what is going on in their lives. It is important to remain un-shockable and curious in order to maintain an open and loving dialogue.
In the 1940's, the problems young people dealt with in school were significantly different than those facing our young people today. In the 1940’s, the top disciplinary issues in schools were: talking out of turn; chewing gum: making noise, running in the halls; cutting in line; dress infractions; and littering.
Today’s issues are drug abuse, alcohol abuse, pregnancy, suicide, rape, robbery and assault. Youth live with a virtual world, where sexting and bullying are among the real concerns.
Helen asked one young man what he was going to do for the summer. He said, "I am going to go out and get a job so that I can smoke a lot of dope." After saying that was a good place to start (getting the job) she asked why he wanted to smoke marijuana. The answer was complete and revealing. He said that it made him feel relaxed and able to cope in a setting where he felt he was not a good student and did not have many friends. In the short term it seemed to give him a sense of empowerment and belonging.
What can we do? First of all, we can become informed about marijuana. The chemicals THC and CBD are both in marijuana. Illegally produced marijuana has been cultivated to have unbalanced high levels of THC. This substance, as it is produced today, is a known hallucinogen and can trigger a psychotic episode. Take some time and watch some of the many good documentaries on this subject. CBC The Nature of Things has produced several.
The second thing we can do is to understand this: the desire of the human heart to belong and to feel empowered are desires deep within the heart of every young person. We need to make time for the young people in our lives. Remember, it is sometimes easier to talk to a grandparent about some things than it is to a parent. This is especially true if the young person feels safe and accepted. It is always better to be curious than judgemental. We need to develop listening hearts so that the young can find a haven of acceptance and wisdom in us. This is one way they can discover their own wisdom.
Thirdly, we need to pray frequently and regularly for our families, church families and especially for the young. In some cultures this is the sole role of a family grandparent. Prayer surrounds our children with a halo of protection. It brings healthy opportunities into their lives. So remember: be informed, be present and available, seek out contact and listen with an open heart.
Rev. Robert A. Pollauf of Detroit passed on this account of how Daniel saved his life in the lion's den: King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon was astonished that the hungry lions had not eaten Daniel. He summoned Daniel and promised him that if he would reveal his secret, the king would give him his freedom. "It was easy, your excellency," Daniel said. "I went around and whispered in each lion's ear — 'After dinner, there will be speeches.'"
In Memoriam - Bishop Gary Woolsey, beloved husband of Marie, passed away on October 18, 2013 at the age of 71 years. The Celebration of Life service was held on October 21st - Marie Woolsey describes it here:
“On Monday afternoon and evening, we hosted a visitation at the McInnis Holloway Funeral Home. I know that for some visitors it was a first. Gary was resting in a separate room which was open for anyone to enter to pay their respects. Most chose to do that, but some chose not to - and that was okay. Our family was there and we were ready to visit with all who came. Todd had prepared 6 photo albums, each containing 200 pictures telling the story of Gary's life. These were placed throughout the reception area, and I think most visitors had a chance to look through them. The visitation was a comforting occasion for most of us, while at the same time being solemn and tearful. It gave people a chance to say a prayer, or a final farewell. It gave us a chance to get better acquainted with some guests and to spend some quality time with friends old and new. Stories were told and memories were shared. Some friends needed to tell us what Gary had meant to them and for that we are grateful. We know how much he will be missed.
Now I want to tell you what a wonderful celebration we had on Tuesday! To begin with, Gary had planned the whole service on paper - of course the legwork was done by so many others, for which I am so thankful. So I need especially to thank Bishop Greg Kerr-Wilson, the Rev Natasha Brubaker Garrison the Rev Jane Rowland who had their weekend turned upside-down to accommodate the service with only 3 days to prepare. As in so much of this journey, the timing was just right. St Peter's Church, Gary's former parish, was the chosen site, and with the Fall Fair slated for the coming weekend, we had a choice of only two days that were available. Of all the people that Gary had chosen to be a part of the celebration, the only one who was not available was the current organist of St Peter's; he was ably replaced by Jeff Jones, who was the organist during most of Gary's tenure at St Peter's.
Gary had named 6 pall bearers, 3 honorary pall bearers, 6 ushers, 12 Eucharistic ministers, 2 celebrants, and one preacher. During Gary's long stay in hospice, all of these people, including his own family, went on holiday and were in and out of town at many and various times. On Tuesday, October 22, all were present. Of special mention here, is Ariana Rodriguez, the music leader at St Martin's - the parish we currently attend. Ariana gathered many of the music group ( a group that Gary and I were both a part of) and a few St Peter's singers joined with them. The music was glorious! It was so joyful, in fact, that I found myself almost bouncing to the rhythms when I wasn't close to tears as the words touched my heart. Thank you, Ariana, for putting so much passion into your music - it was truly a gift!
Our son, Todd, opened the service with a video of Gary's life, and a tribute to his Dad that set the tone for the whole event - one of joy, love, appreciation and humour. Laughter was a great part of Gary's ministry and he would not have been disappointed; but so were tears - neither was he afraid to show emotion. Todd's song, written for his Dad was then played. It is called, "Relationships" and is all about love. It so typifies all that Gary was and all he passed on to his friends and extended family.
Our past Primate, Archbishop Michael Peers, from Toronto, was our preacher. He credited Gary for a ministry that broke new ground in native communities - that of having an indigenous priesthood, which today has led to the creation of a whole diocese in northern Canada, led by an aboriginal bishop for aboriginal clergy and people. Although I was a part of that whole process, I wasn't aware of the impact that Gary's early ministry had had and I'm thankful for that insight.
Our Primate, Archbishop Fred Hiltz was also able to be present - another example of perfect timing - a day sooner or later, and he would not have been available. We are so grateful that he took the time to pay his respects. I'm also grateful to Bishop Don Phillips, who was ordained by Gary back in the 80's; Don made a special day trip from Winnipeg to be with us.
Add to this, a gathering of approximately 50 clergy from Calgary and area; and then add to that mix, about 14 members of the Goldwing Motorcycle Club, and young and old from various churches and groups in Calgary whose lives were touched by my incredible husband, and you have an idea of the variety contained in the 500 people who attended the Celebration of Gary's life at St Peter's in Calgary.
Communion was a part of this celebration and it was carried off efficiently by 6 teams of ministers placed in various areas around the church, upstairs and down. Thanks to all who agreed to be a part of that ministry.
After the closing hymn, the Bishops and administrants led the procession, then the family closed in behind the coffin which, on leaving the church, was placed immediately into the hearse and driven away. There was no funeral procession of cars, at Gary's request. He wanted everyone to go to the reception which was held in the Upper Hall at St Peter's. And so we did as expected. I know how difficult it is to know what to say at a time like this, but the words that I heard were so kind, so loving, so uplifting and often enlightening, that it made the occasion for me quite easy - not at all a burden. And so I want to thank all those who greeted our family - thanks for all the hugs.
Thanks also to the ladies who provided food for the reception and saw it through to the finish. This was one occasion where I was not the last to leave the church - I guess that is one of the changes that I will have to get used to!
Gary's earthly body was cremated, and we brought his ashes home today in an urn made especially for him by David Farrell. Tomorrow we will go with Natasha and a few friends to the Eden Brook Cemetery to commit his ashes to the earth - "ashes to ashes, dust to dust" - the end of his life's journey.
Gary - we know that you are no longer here. You are in a much better place where there is no more pain or infirmity, where our concept of time does not exist. We will all be together again in the twinkling of an eye. In the meantime, we will miss you. You will always be in our hearts!
Thank you, my friends, for walking with me and my family. We have felt your love and your prayers, have appreciated your notes, cards and messages. Cont’d …..
Really, I wasn't going to send another email, but the story wasn't finished.
On Thursday morning, Todd and Terri picked up Gary's ashes from the funeral home. On Friday we were blessed with another beautiful day of sunshine. The service at the cemetery was short - Natasha did the prayers and committal. All our coffee group came to be with us, so we were a group of 18. Todd, Drew and I all lowered the urn into the ground, and then all 18 of us threw a handful of earth on top. Drew then put a Guardian Bell into the grave (that's a bell that we all put under our bikes to keep the Evil Road Spirits away - OK so that is tongue in cheek!) We each threw a Werthers candy in, because Gary was never without them on any trip. Heather added a cactus pin to remember Arizona, and Jordan threw in a small bag of crushed candy because that was the job that he did with his Papa every Christmas to make Stained Glass Cookies. Then the men took turns filling in the grave with a shovel - a cemetery worker finished the job.
We now have the full printing of “Meditations from a Hospice Bed”. The book isn't on the website yet, but if anyone would like to purchase a copy, just send me an email @[email protected] and I'll send it to you with an invoice. Books sell for $10 each. Seems like he just isn't going to let us forget him!
Thanks for all your notes, cards, letters, flowers - I really can't thank you enough!
Love and blessings to all, Marie
Editor’s note: “Meditations from a Hospice Bed” is a true gift from Gary & Mary Woolsey. We thank them for sharing their journey with us.
Board members at the 2013 ACW Conference held in Canmore
Front row: Linda Anderson, Ann Hyland, EeDee Chester, Ellen Lee, Carol Kyle, Anne Davidson
Middle Row: Vicki Kerr-Wilson, Elizabeth Challice, Vera Apletree, Susan Redpath
Standing: Bishop Gregory Kerr-Wilson, Barbara Hamblin, Mary Dymond, Linda Gemmell,
Jennifer Ingram, Betty Nadurak
ACW Prayer
Almighty God, our heavenly Father, who sent your blessed Son into the world to be the Saviour of all; Grant us a deep sense of gratitude for your grace and mercy towards us. Enable us by your Spirit to reveal your love in prayer and work and stewardship, so that your salvation may become known to all people, and your Name glorified throughout the earth: through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
2013 ACW Conference in Canmore
February 2013 Newsletter
| acw_news_february_2013_for_website.pdf |
Summer 2012 Newsletter
| summer_2012_news_for_web.pdf |