Ref book 2013 wip2

Passages

M U S I C F O R H E A L I N G

Vancouver Chamber Choir Jon Washburn, conductor

Finding the Still Point

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VANCOUVER CHAMBER CHOIR. Jon Washburn, conductor

Sopranos Caitlin Bradley, Jemmy Chen, Emily Cheung, Natasha Neufeld, Lorraine ReinhardtAltos Fiona Blackburn, Magali Coustalin, Laverne G’froerer, Violet Goosen, Marla MaysonTenors Gordon Crozier, Dean Edmundson, Tom Ellis, Thom Geise, Craig TompkinsBasses Peter Alexander, Cameron Haney, Paul Nash, Sorin Tepes, William Vermeulen

Heidi Krutzen, harp Bryn Nixon, organ

BOREALIS STRING QUARTETPatricia Shih, violin Yul Yawney, violin Nikita Pogrebnoy, viola Ariel Barnes, cello

CREDITSExecutive Producers Laverne G’froerer, Violet Goosen, Jon WashburnRecording Producer & Engineer Grant RowledgeMusical and Digital Editing Grant Rowledge, Don Harder, Jon WashburnMusical Supervision Jon WashburnBooklet Editing Ian Irvine, Laverne G’froerer, Jon WashburnGraphic Design and Typesetting Ian Irvine, Corporate Graphics, VancouverCover Photo Shelley ChidlowRecorded May 26, 29, 31 and June 7, 2006 at Ryerson United Church, Vancouver, British Columbia.Made in Canada. All rights reserved.

The Vancouver Chamber Choir is one of Canada’s national treasures, an outstanding professionalvocal ensemble noted for its diverse repertoire and performing excellence. The Choir has beenperforming to audiences at home in Vancouver and on tour across Canada since it was formed in1971 by conductor Jon Washburn. International excursions have taken the Vancouver ChamberChoir to China, Hong Kong, Russia, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Ukraine, Finland, USA, Japan, Korea,France, Germany, the Czech Republic, Taiwan and Mexico. Honoured with the Margaret Hillis Awardfor Choral Excellence by Chorus America, the Vancouver Chamber Choir has countlessperformances, 30 recordings, hundreds of radio broadcasts and many awards to its credit.Recognized by the Canadian League of Composers as foremost supporters of Canadian music, JonWashburn and the Choir have commissioned and premiered over 200 new Canadian choralcompositions. They have sung nearly 3000 performances of 350 pieces by 120 Canadian composers- in addition to their extensive international repertoire. The Choir’s award-winning educationalprogrammes include the National Conductors’ Symposium for advanced choral conductors, Interplayinteractive workshops for choral composers, Focus! professional development programme forcollege and university singers, OnSite visitations for school choirs and the biennial YoungComposers’ Competition.

Performers and Credits

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Passages

Life holds many different passages that we are called to travel. All streams – all passages -are possible, more wonder-full and more easily negotiated with the support of family andfriends, church, mosque, temple – our personal circle of loving community.

In this project we choose to honour, to celebrate, to walk with each other through the difficulttimes as well as the joyous ones. We acknowledge life’s passages.

Thank you fortravelling this onewith us and bringingMarwa ‘home’.

May your ownpassages offer refugeand grace.

Friends from Winnipeg’s Knox United Young Peoples’ Union -50 yrs later … Ian Parker, Lorraine Irvine, Heather and IanMacdonald and Laverne G’froerer.

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Ubi caritas Where charity and love are, there is God. We are assembled in the love of the oneChrist. We rejoice and take delight in that fact. We fear and love the living God, and in our hearts welove with purity.

Lux aeterna May eternal light shine on them, O Lord. With thy saints forever, for thou art merciful.Eternal rest grant to them, O Lord: and let perpetual light shine upon them.

Aftonen Still are the woods, radiant the heavens. Dim distant horns fill the air with their echo. Thesunset is glowing, slowly disappearing beneath the sea. Through the mountains and the valleys,lingering, the echoes sound. (Herman Sätherberg)

In paradisum God's holy angels lead you to paradise: may saints in their glory receive you at yourjourney's end, guiding your footsteps into the Holy City Jerusalem. Choirs of the angels sing you torest: and with Lazarus raised to eternal life, may you for evermore rest in peace.

Waldesnacht Darkness of the woods, wondrous cool, I greet thee a thousandfold; after the world'snoisy turmoil, oh how sweet is thy rustling! Dreamily I rest my weary limbs in the soft moss, and it isas if I were freed from all my doubts and fears. In thy secret, close confines you will recover,turbulent heart; and peace floats downwards on lightly beating wings. Tender birdsongs, sing me togentle sleep! Doubts and fears begone; restless heart, good night!

Cantique de Jean Racine O divine Word above, our hope and consolation, Eternal Light of theheavens and the earth: the peaceful night is past; our voices greet the morning: look down, O Lord,and hear thy people’s prayer! Inspire us, Lord, we pray, with power of thy Spirit, that hell may fleebefore thy mighty word. From slumber waken us, our weary soul reviving, that we may never forgetthy laws! Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on thy congregation now gathered here in the sight of thythrone; receive the hymns they offer to thy eternal glory: renewed by the gifts may they go forth inpeace! Word of God, one with the Most High, in whom alone we have our hope, Everlasting Light ofheaven and earth, we break the silence of the peaceful night; Saviour divine, cast thine eyes uponus! Pour on us the fire of thy mighty grace, that all hell may flee at the sound of thy voice: banishthe slumber of a weary soul, that brings forgetfulness of thy laws! O Christ, look with favour upon thyfaithful people now gathered here to praise thee; receive their hymns offered to thy endless glory;May they go forth filled with thy gifts! (Jean Racine)

Ave Maria Hail, Mary, full of grace. The Lord is with thee. Thou art blessed among women andblessed is Jesus, the fruit of thy womb. Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for us sinners now and in thehour of our death. Amen.

Bogoroditse Devo Rejoice, O Virgin Theotokos, Mary full of grace, the Lord is with Thee. Blessedart Thou among women, and blessed is the Fruit of Thy womb, for Thou hast borne the Saviour ofour souls.

Translations

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Locus iste This place was made by God, a priceless mystery, it is without reproof.

O sacrum convivium! O sacred communion! In which the body of Christ is consumed: the memoryof His passion is renewed, the mind is filled with grace. O sacred communion! In which the body ofChrist is consumed: the mind is filled with grace: and a pledge is given us of the glory to come.Alleluia.

Ave verum corpus Hail true body, born of the Virgin Mary, who has truly suffered, was sacrificed onthe cross for mortals, whose side was pierced, whence flowed water and blood: be for us a foretaste(of heaven) during our final examining. O Jesu sweet, O Jesu pure, O Jesu, Son of Mary, havemercy upon me. Amen.

Bist du bei mir If you are with me, then I will gladly go to my death and to my rest. Ah, howsatisfying will my end be, for your dear, fair hands will shut my faithful eyes!

Kyrie eleison Lord, have mercy on us. Christ, have mercy on us. Lord, have mercy on us.

Sanctus Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God of Hosts. Heaven and earth are filled with Thy glory. Hosanna inthe highest.

On suuri sun rantas autius Thy shore is wide and desolate, I ever long to be there: to hear the callof the wild duck through the rushes in the deep of night. It is some lost and lonely soul, weeping forthe cold, wandering among the rushes, not finding its mother. I have watched thy grey waters withmany a tear; my young life did weep its first sorrow on thy shore. Thy image is deeply engravedwithin me, and I ever long to be by thy side: I have listened to the call of the wild duck in many a darknight.

Elegische Gesang Gently as you lived your life, gently it has ended, too holy for pain! No eye isweeping for your heavenly spirit has returned home.

Agnus Dei Lamb of God, who taketh away the sins of the world, have mercy on us... grant us peace.

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The Vancouver Chamber Choir has broken new ground with Music for Healing, a series of threediscs designed to accompany people facing serious life challenges. It has been funded entirelythrough generous donations by individuals and organizations who are offering an important, ongoinggift to the therapeutic process in their communities.

The first CD, Finding the Still Point, was created for use withalternative therapies and to accompany those facing theirmortality. The repertoire chosen is serene, sung in manylanguages and shaped by the interspersing of Gregorian chant. Ithas been an unprecedented success, for many find in it a windowto inner stillness. One doctor wrote, "I continue to listen to StillPoint – it is a gift of the soul to my soul." A family wrote, "Themusic made that hospital room a sacred space."

The family set of the second CD, Unexpected Gifts, interspersesseven segments of dialogue with beautiful folk songs. Ourintention is to support families going through the loss or seriousillness of a child. It also can be a catalyst for reopening lines offamily communication and intimacy - providing a safe “permission-to- talk” time when anything can be brought to the table. Thecommitment of the Choir and its supporters is to donate this familyset to healthcare professionals dealing with families in crisis.

And now we are excited to introduce A Quiet Place, the third inthe series. Our intention with this CD is to honour the lives ofwonderful people who struggle daily with debilitating illness andalso the circle of family and friends who walk with them. Themusic has been chosen to provide an island of peace amidst themany challenges they face, acknowledging difficulties, butevoking a spirit of trust and healing. It is our way of saying,through music, "You do not stand alone."

Music for Healing - the Series

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“Marwa” - is a young woman, who like her mother and grandmother before her had to flee for her life.Marwa - Iraqi born, is trapped in the chaos of Damascus, Syria. She can’t seek safety in aneighbouring country because she has no travel documents. Marwa is both a refugee and statelessbecause of her Palestinian heritage.For me, Marwa embodies my hope of safety and peace for all refugees; my dream of justice - ahomeland that recognizes them with citizenship - forall stateless people; my belief in the future of a diverseand dynamic Canada.Marwa is youth, beauty, strength and courage - she isalso beloved.Marwa is the fiancée of Wissam, my friend and ‘adopted’grandson.Thank you for helping us bring her home.

Heather Macdonald

Donors:

Allan Stewart, Lloyd Axworthy, Tom Axworthy, Trevor Axworthy, Gloria McArter, SBUC Women,Barb/Ken Tunnicliffe, Common Cup Company, Innes & Co., Roger Nickel, Marie BoyceBrian/ Laverne Gfroerer, Shawna Bedard, M.A. Cadegan, Lee Drake, Dorothy Gfroerer, Sarah Best,Rick Poliquin, Heather Macdonald, Val Innes, Howard/Pat Elliott, Avis Elliott, Ian Parker,Russ/Lee Anthony, Martha Lou Henley, Phyllis Bottomer, Bob/Joan Burrows, E.A.Gallant,Highlands United Church, Judy/David Brear, Greg Kennelly, Russell/Bev Thacker, Julie Alava,Anne McCannel, Ken Martin, Lillian Peterson, G.Jacques, Donna Dawson, Bill/Kay Cumming,Marie Stevens, Janet Woron, Shannon Baird, Neil Assmus, Alison deHaan, Scott Montgomery,Jim Revill, Agnes/Renzo Pieracci, Spirit Singers of Highlands United, Ruth Heine, Joan Sturdy,Scott/Kathy McDonald, Joanne Chambers, David Holehouse, Peggy Wyatt, Morgan Wilks ,Jackie Henry, Gordon Light, Doug Smart, Brian Campbell, Rajesh Prasad, Margaret Turner,Mt. Seymour United, Lynn Valley United, St. David’s United, Mary Rutherford, Joan/Ernie Baird,John Baird, Frances Reid, Randolph Bruce, Doreen Lamb, West Vancouver United, June David,North Lonsdale United, St. Agnes Anglican, St. Catherine’s Anglican, St. Clement’s Anglican,Stan/Gladys McBride, Bev/Bill Shippam, Mark/Tammi Kitching, Elizabeth McVicar, Lorraine Irvine,Norman/Marilyn McCutcheon, Sheila Ramsay, Joan Guthrie, Lesley/Mark Tourigny

Bringing Marwa Home

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For many years Heather has worked on refugee issues – for the Canadian government and for theUnited Church of Canada. When budget cuts eliminated her position, she continued this work as avolunteer. In 2009 she worked with several B.C. churches to bring 50 Palestinian refugees toCanada. Their families had been dispossessed from Palestine in 1948 to Iraq. The war in Iraqbrought more persecution and they fled to Al Hol refugee camp in the desert of Syria.

In 2011-12, through a network effort which kept growing, another 15 families from Al Hol weresponsored. Many United Churches responded. Heather becomes personally involved with thefamilies. She is particularly attached to one family. She is awaiting the imminent arrival from Syriaof the fiancée of a young man whom she has “adopted”. Passion. Persistence. Expertise.Encouragement . These are the hallmarks of Heather’s commitment to helping the dispossessed,and through helping them making Canada a better place. - Marianna Harris

I am sure Heather’s refugeefamilies wonder if all Canadiansare as persistant, opinionated andloving as Heather. I am equallysure that they realize after a shorttime that she is unique.

Heather has been a life- longfriend, and a loving enigma. Sheapproaches life with a strongcreative energy, and pulls thosearound her into the wake of thatenergy. She is always there tolisten, encourage and to providethe occasional push as needed

In a recent speech, she asked heraudience to consider why they should help refugee families; her answer was simple-. “We shouldhelp, because we can”. I think that might be close to her philosophy of life, whether it applies tocontributing to the girl guides collecting outside the grocery store, helping a friend or family memberin need, or helping a refugee find a new home. She will do all she can, and encourage others torecognize what they can do.

The energy and passion she expresses for life, in her own unique and generous way, makes my lifeand the lives of many others fuller and more complete. - Lorraine Irvine

Honouring Heather MacdonaldMARIANNA HARRIS AND LORRAINE IRVINE

HEATHER, IAN and LORRAINE

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David was a man who could walk on water -my guide to the crossing of the Port Moodymud flats. No saint he who hovered abovelife, but a stubborn and kind man willing toget his feet muddy. He would try anything;he was determined to succeed. His life borethat out.

As a young man, David fled his homeland ofYugoslavia for the refugee camps of Austria.He arrived in Canada with $4.00 in hispocket and headed west for work on farmand forest. His first years were hard but hehad the skill and the determination to thrive.

David was a hunter gatherer – trips into thewilderness to bring home the elusive mooseand trips to the orchards to bring homestores for the long hard winter. I think theywere both really an excuse to get out intothe great outdoors. He loved to be in aforest, on a hiking trail or exploring a beach in Mexico or Cuba.

He was a builder and a fixer: Sometimes big projects like houses and ravine banks. Sometimes he’djust focus on cutting a key to fix a lock that he may or may not ever use. He often shared hisknowledge and skills to help a friend, neighbor or family member plan or finish their project.

He was a collector. He recognized the value in restoring and using things until they were done beingwhat they were, and then he would try to think of how else they might be used, the original recycler.Sometimes, the collecting got a little ahead of the fixing, but as he would say – it was all “good stuff”.Many of us learned to ask David for something we needed to complete our own projects. He wasgenerous about sharing his collection of “good stuff”.

He was a philosopher. He always had a unique perspective to offer. When you were sure there wasonly one real way to look at an issue, or problem, he would offer you another.

He was a father and grandfather. His children and their children were central to his being. He lovedthem all dearly and considered them the most important contribution he made during his life.

He was the love of Lorraine’s life - her partner and best friend for 33 years; father of her child.

He was/ is beloved; he is David.

Honouring David StefanovicLORRAINE IRVINE AND HEATHER MACDONALD

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Do you know about our father?Teaching us to love each otherHe finds the words for every storyBeams with laughter, sings the glory

Do you know about our mother?Asking us to help each otherShe carries hope, to mosque, to steepleShe changes lives, she rescues people

Do you know Ian and Heather Macdonald? Their way through the world has touched and continuesto touch many peoples’ lives. Maybe you know them. You’d know then that these words can only hintat the incredible people they are, and how much more praise they deserve.

If you were to drop in on Heather on any given day over the last 4 decades, there would be somethings you could be sure of. Mom would be doing laundry, there would be a repainting or renovatingproject on her mind, and she would also be working hard to help people in need.

Quirky in her humour, careful in her counsel, “radical” inher sense of justice, our mother has dedicated much ofher life to helping refugees. She has worked to raisepeoples’ awareness and bring the attention ofgovernment to the plight of refugees, and has longspoken for a more open and welcoming Canada. Shehas taken young Canadians to experience first-hand theconditions in refugee camps in Africa. She has growncross-cultural networks of people willing to sponsorrefugees. She has rescued families fleeing war andbrought them to safety. She’s been the welcome at theairport, and been friend and support as they resettle andreadjust in their strange new country. She has been andis an inspiration.

Similarly, if you were to drop in on Ian on a random dayin the last 40+ years, you could also be sure of a fewthings. You would receive a boisterous welcome and bemade comfortable, and he’d be working on a new song.If you were lucky, you’d get to hear it.

“Loving” Portaits from the Mcdonalds

Tribute to Mom and Dad

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Our father is very good at welcoming and putting people at ease, he’s done it professionally. Well-cast as a spiritual leader, he found the words for celebrations and memorials, protests and peacemarches and led the conversation each Sunday. Always a song in his head, he has used music anddrama to push the positives and possibilities, and inspired dreaming and action. He formed a bandwith three other Ministers called the Common Cup Company. For many years now, they haveperformed and recorded songs about the wonder of life, about love, and about speaking truth topower. Some of these are now in the hymnbook. Our father’s creativity has occasionally led peopleto ask his children what it was like to grow up with him. He told wildly inventive bedtime stories. Hewrote and sang funny songs. To use a favourite word of his: it was wonderful.

This publication marks another moment in time. There are some changes: some new joys, somefresh sorrows. We’ve a new cousin; we’ve lost our Grampa. There are also some new challenges.Our father is brave in the face of deteriorating health, with the grace to accept the future and thewisdom to know that that there are still joys ahead, people to help, songs to write. And there aresome constants. A concert held in a United Church on June 29th 2013 featured Ian Macdonald andmembers of the Common Cup. Heather Macdonald spoke about why and how we can help refugees.The funds raised (together with the funds from this publication) will support the sponsorship ofMarwa, stranded for the last two years in Syria, and the fiancée of Wessam Nassar, whose family

our parents also sponsored toCanada. We expect her arrival inSeptember.

Mom! Dad! Congratulations onsponsoring Marwa. What a storyyou’ve written! We know you won’tlook at this very often, but wheneveryou do, know that you are a force forgood in the world and that your sonsare still learning from you, are proudof you, and love you always.

Dear Reader, we hope we’ve givenyou a small glimpse into our family.Drop by the Macdonald house. Ourfather will give you a warm welcome.Our mother will be doing laundry andsaving people.

Jamie, Rory and Derek Macdonald

The boys write about their parents

Living proof that life is meant for enjoyment

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In thanksgiving for the songs and for the many occasions to share in music-making together,In thanksgiving for opportunity to share in ministries of justice and compassion,In thanksgiving for travels together from Vancouver Island to Atlantic Canada,In thanksgiving for years of foolishness and general hilarity,In thanksgiving for God’s grace in the midst of tears and shared sorrows,We join in dedicating this page to Ian.

Ian, you have been the heart of Common Cup and the spark that has kept us going. You have calledforth the best from us, dreamed dreams that we had barely imagined, opened doors we didn’t knowwere there, captivated hearts with your vitality and vulnerability.

During concerts, your glasses are likely lost in your hair, your capo is often on the wrong fret andyour music is rarely in order – often falling from your music-stand to paper the floor around your feet.A happy chaos usually fills the air when you are present, but it always generates laughter, joy andcreativity. We bless God for all of this.

We delight to share in this project that lends heart and hand to Marwa as you and Heather work tosupport her. And we delight in our ongoing friendship.

God bless the river of your soul, flowing from love’s own deep sourcesGo be broken, go be whole!God bless the river of your soul.

From “God Bless the Earth Beneath your Feet”, Ian Macdonald, June 2010

Every blessing,Bob, Gord, Lloyd, Richard and Scott

Common Cup dedication to Ian Macdonald

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David has been a conscientious, hard-workingvolunteer in numerous organizations in the greaterVancouver area for more than 50 years.

Since retiring in 1988 after 34 years as a respectedand well-loved Social Worker, he has been a full-time volunteer with many church and communitygroups. His time has been given unstintingly toorganizations which are working to improve thequality of life for people in our communities –whether residents of the Downtown Eastsidethrough “The Dugout” and First United Church,young people at Camp Fircom, fellow parishionersin St. Albans Anglican Church, tennis and golffriends, or seniors supported through the Health andHome Care Society of B.C.

David is trusted and respected by everyone withwhom he is involved. He is sensitive to people of allraces and cultures, and patient with those who are

struggling in any way. He has amazing commitment and resilience, carrying on with causes hebelieves in throughout inevitable changes and disruptions. He is a good listener, worksexceptionally well with others who have quite different backgrounds and perspectives and is agracious host of public events, treating everyone with dignity and respect. He is also a cherishedfriend to many.

We honour this true gentleman and his lifetime of community service.

Submitted by friendsJoan and Bob Burrows, andLesley and Mark Tourigny

In Honour of David Kimpton- BORN 1931

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18 years ago…a minister with no dog collar, a beard and a guitar???…sons ina Rock Band??? …oh my!…and so Ian arrived…and soonafter Heather….then Jamie, Rory and Derek….

Ian, you quickly endeared yourself, doing the unexpected:offering your beard to be shaved off and your face as a targetfor cream pies, all for a fundraiser. From blessing pets ( even ahorse ), to donning the back end of a donkey costume, youwere very much a part of our community…one of us… full ofenthusiasm, humility and joy. Here is a collective memory ofyour ministry with us…...

A truly compassionate pastor, of exceptional and soundtheology, he lived his faith from the heart. While walking sideby side with all he met, he shared his love of God inclusively.Ian enhanced worship through his ability to see the presence ofGod in everyday circumstances, and his knack of

communicating this through his storytelling. When he preached he could often blind-side you, getyou to see things from a totally new perspective, with a deeper, more spiritual outlook. He brought uscloser to God and one another through his gift of laughter.

Ian’s creativity, insight, people skills and perceptive theology guided our study groups. He balancedhis serious passion of the message with a light touch of humour to create a comfortable learningexperience. He could keep “the heart of the story” beating.

Ian, with his big, kind heart, felt like part of everyone’s family…..sometimes the crazy uncle,sometimes the wise elder, always the caring brother. He naturally gravitated to our children andincluded them in every aspect of church life. Families mattered to Ian.

His passion for outreach was evident in Ecumenical and Interfaith gatherings, on poverty andhomeless committees, in refugee sponsorship, in reaching out to our First Nations neighbours, atL’Arche, St. Michael`s Center and Fairhaven Homes. Ian`s presence always made a difference !

Minister, mentor, friend…. for the young people of South Burnaby United, Ian has been an influentialand beloved figure. Through music, prayer, ritual, and many a shared experience, Ian has facilitatedthe spiritual and personal development of youth and young adults. Ian is a source of wisdom, and afountain of silliness. He has always included and respected the youth of the church, recognizing thatwe have important contributions to our church and global communities. We have countless fondmemories of Ian, from Sunday services and special events, to creative and musical experiences,retreats and social gatherings, and personal chats. Ian is young at heart, and he is in the hearts ofthe young!

A Tribute to Rev. Kenneth Ian MacdonaldMINISTER OF SOUTH BURNABY UNITED CHURCH 1995-2011 ….WITH LOVE AND APPRECIATION

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Presbytery was uplifted when Ian created and chaired the Vision Committee. He brought life and joyto our meetings, discernment to our processes and creative thinking to our planning. We thought``outside the lines`` and many of Ian`s risky ideas are now being implemented across Canada.

As pastor, friend and team partner, you found in me tiny seeds of leadership that you nurtured andbrought to life…we made a complete team. In weekly struggles to find perfect worship words, in riskyadventures taking 30 youth to Cuba, and in spirit filled meetings around tables, you embodied thegrace of God and love of Christ. There is no better gift! Thank you, from your sidekick Barb.

Celtic Roots, Prairie shoots,Compassionate heart, right from the start,Insightful preacher, engaging teacher,Bold musician, word magician,Inspiring leader, avid reader,Talented songster, forever youngster,Story teller, regular ``feller``,Humour to spare, playwright extraordinaire,Visionary risk-taker, messy desk maker,Gifted poet, don`t we know it,Creative writer, injustice fighter,Faith sustainer, entertainer,One of a kind, our lucky find,Like water from rock, you tended this flock,Like a river runs deep, these memories we`ll keep.

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Happy 90th birthday Mum!Joan Bunting Ferguson, having lived her life in smalltowns and villages, has always been an activevolunteer in the communities in which she has lived inrural Manitoba.

Over the years she has served as an Explorer leader,taught crafts to 4-H members and spent many socialhours preparing and serving food at the local rinks andchurches. One of the volunteer commitments she mostcherishes, however, was serving on the RefugeeCommittee at St. Paul's United Church, Boissevain inthe late seventies when they sponsored the father andfour teenagers of the Nguyen family.

As a retired teacher, she spent several afternoons aweek helping the two youngest boys learn English.Even though the family have all long ago moved tourban areas, the bonds she formed with them havebeen long-lasting as she was honoured to be invited to

family weddings and still exchanges Christmas cards with the only daughter, Chinh.

As she celebrates her 90th birthday on July 22, 2013, our Mum continues to volunteer in a variety ofways.  She assists the residents of the local seniors care facility at their weekly Bingo games andserves on the phoning committee for St. Paul's where she also crochets a small white stole for eachbaby brought for baptism.

Years ago she told me that one of her favourite hymns is The Servant Song. She has indeed triedto the best of her ability to personify the words "we are here to help each other walk the mile andbear the load."

Honouring Joan Bunting Ferguson- PHYLLIS FERGUSON BOTTOMER

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Every Sunday I would see her as she came to sing in the choir.For years I did not even know her name. Who was this feistylady? Over time she aged and gradually became dependent on acane, but still she showed up at choir practice and told me hergoal was to sing in the choir when she was 100! I started tocomprehend just how feisty she was!

What a fascinating life she had! She had been licensed to flysmall planes since the 1940s and had flown commercially as wellas privately over 40 plus years. Once grounded, wheels took herattention and she and her husband cycled in many countries withthe highlight being a cycling trip through Switzerland. Soaringthrough the skies was replaced by flying down the slopes of themountain roads!

Her lifelong love of music, a gift in her genes, began at the age ofseven with piano lessons. She went on to play both piano and organ at home and for variouschurches. She was an ardent supporter of the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, attending concertsregularly until a month before she died. CBC radio was a constant part of her home life.

As her vision failed and her legs became weaker, Betty continued to participate in the choir,memorizing the words of the songs and playing the music by ear on her piano. Sadly, a heart attacksignaled the beginning of the end for Betty and she spent the last month of her life in the hospital.When I visited her I was greeted with such a wonderful smile as she snuggled into the belovedprayer shawl provided by a group at the church.

Shortly after she was moved to the palliative ward I felt compelled to visit her there after church oneSunday. I found her alone in a room with an amazing view of the mountains she had loved to soarover years earlier. As I sat with her I calmed her by telling her about the view and humming thetunes of some of our choir songs. Eventually it became evident that her life was drawing to a close.I left her with her family gathered around her, driving home with a sense of great privilege and thefeeling that Betty’s spirit would soon be soaring to heights unknown as she joined her husbandbeyond the blue horizon.

Betty Kerr- WRITTEN BY CHRIS ROBERTSON

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The music ministry band Tapestry, along with many of their support team / friends, have a longhistory with Ian and the Common Cup Company. In the mid 90’s a group from St. Thomas AnglicanChurch, Sherwood Park, Alberta took a course presented by the CCC at Sorrento Centre where theylearned various new songs and ways of dramatization. Yes, Ian had a hand in helping them embracetheir inner child and be silly – even in church!

In the late 90’s during a music festival and another course at Sorrento the bonds were strengthenedwhen the CCC borrowed and later purchased for the price of $1.69 (still kept in the original plasticbaggie as presented) Tapestry’s drummer Scott McDonald. Clearly the CCC took off for even greaterheights of fame and fortune soon after and Tapestry is always pleased to take partial credit!

Many more encounters of hosting the CCC in the diocese of Edmonton for concerts and workshopsand more summer weeks at Sorrento kept them all in touch. Tapestry has used many songs of Ian’sand the CCC over the years at the worship services at St. Thomas and various other parishes andvenues in the Edmonton area, finding deep joy in sharing the words and music of so manymeaningful pieces. We have laughed and cried our way through some of the musicals that Ian hashad a hand in producing and they have touched many parishioners of all ages.

Honouring Ian Macdonald“ THE SPIRIT OF CHRIST ALWAYS SHINING THROUGH”

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Ruth Heine, long time music director of Tapestry has been able to tag along over the years on someof the CCC trips and be part of the conferences, worship and the fun that only Ian and the CCC canprovide. Ian has stayed at the Heine house on occasion while passing through Edmonton and Ruthhas great memories of songs like Get Counting being worked out at her kitchen table while beingwritten. The song Deep Peace was finished on the sanctuary steps of St. Thomas before a concertwith Ruth helping work out some of the chording and that song has been a special and calming partof her spiritual journey.

Ian’s love of melody, words, God and people, along with his great soaring imagination and distinctpersonality has led him to create music and story that has touched others beyond what he will everreally know. Ian is a dedicated friend and fellow musician who has inspired and encouraged many ofus to be who we are and to follow our dreams of music and the arts and our passion for spreadingthe Gospel. We feel privileged to be able to help support the refugee project of bringing Marwahome, and Ian and his family as they support her.

We send our love and our prayers and our gratitude for Ian’s friendship and ministry.

On behalf of Tapestry and friends,Ruth Heine

Tapestry

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Dad had several names in his life of 84 years:Brendan, Bren, Dad and Pops. His mischievous grinand knowing look betrayed his intelligence and wit.He was an original character.

Dad grew up during WW II in England. He hadexciting adventures dodging the Home Guard,building tree houses and sailing a raft on a duck pond.One of his close friends will never forget Bren’s happysmiling face, particularly when he and another‘musketeer’ fell off the raft into the pond one day.Dad’s laughter was at its heartiest when others werein a pickle.

As a family man, Dad was devoted to his daughters inhis inimitable way. He was proud, loving and caring.His protective nature was evident one evening whenthere was an incident on a tugboat at Lund Marina inthe late sixties. We girls were sleeping below deckand Mom and Dad were nearby on the dock partakingof wine when a deafening noise erupted from the

boat. Someone was using a generator to save a sinking boat right beside the sleeping girls. Dadrushed to the tugboat hurling expletives at the offending sailors in an attempt to save his three littlegirls!

We were lucky to have a father who comforted us in times of distress. We were lucky to have afather who was so proud of us. Although we had some very unlucky times in our family, we werevery lucky to have him as our father. Monica Higgins ---------------------------------------------------Brendan was the patriarch of a number of long time accountant friends that felt like a family. After taxtime we would all meet at the pub to enjoy his hilarious sense of Irish humour – or head to the golfcourse for 9 holes of embarrassing drives. Those who worked for him found him a delightful mentor,and his clients of 30 – 40 years thought the world of him. It was a mutual caring, as his motivationwas never around ‘making money’ but rather about helping them through their challenging times.

Brendan was one of a group of four rebels that stood in support of a colleague when challenged bythe ICABC. His principles were strong and he lived by them.

A music lover with a wide spectrum of musical tastes, his face radiated joy when listening. He was amulti-faceted and lovely man. Allan Innes, Marie Boyce, Shawna Bedard, Roger Nickel, LaverneG’froerer

Brendan Patrick HigginsAUGUST 7, 1928 - APRIL 12, 2013

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Corvus corax principalis

The tips of Sword ferns bounce astheir fronds dip into the glisteningstream. The seasons of summer,autumn, and winter have passedas I’ve hiked the stream’s edgesdaily with a singular purpose.

The curled leader of the Western Hemlock receives our majestic Raven. She teeters precariously onthis vantage point to survey the wood’s expanse. Her voice is strong, clear, and guttural. Herabdominal feathers are tinged with royal purple.

Corvus corax principalis is a grand name for this distinct bird. Her call regularly heard at seven a.m.,consistent with my hikes. I look at the Raven and draw a parallel between my isolation with breastcancer and this solitary bird. She musters up her energy to tackle the elements each day as I musterup my energy to tackle the side effects of strong toxins. She is as persistent with her call as she isloud in expressing herself. She is teaching me to know my principles, to sing them loudly withdetermination, and in the process I will be transformed. Yes, transformed from congested, curled-up,stagnated old energy to a free flowing force with vibrant potential.

As we move into the spring season I predict her call will be answered, as I know mine will be. Shehas accompanied me for almost a full year. She will not abandon me yet. She is the driving force thatfills me with excitement and anticipation.

Corvus corax principalis is the leading overseer of my spirit.

Laura Wells

Honouring Laura Wells

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Highlands United Church celebrates the many individuals and families who have found new homes,new lives and new friends in Canada as part of our direct or collective sponsorship.Over the years, you, our new friends from North & South Vietnam, Ethiopia, El Salvador,Afghanistan, Laos, Iraq, Bosnia, Guatemala, Bulgaria, Croatia, Colombia, and Syria have brought aunique cultural richness into our lives.

Celebrating 34 Years of Welcoming Refugees:

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We’ve applauded as you’ve settled into our communities, raised your children and worked in manydifferent jobs --carpentry, pharmacy, dry cleaning, paper delivery, restaurant, laboratory, cleaning,construction, grocery, daycare and retail.

There will always be a special place for you in our hearts

Highlands United Church

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In the summer of 1979, with televised images of Vietnamese boat people fixed in their hearts andminds, Highlands United Church congregation decided to sponsor a refugee family. And so beganthe first of more than 65 individuals to be welcomed to a new life in Canada through directsponsorship or joint assistance by Highlands, thanks to the dedicated support of –

Mirv Harper, who from the very beginning took action with his trademarkhands-on approach. Mirv was there to welcome families at the airport, helpthem find their first jobs and even drove one couple to the hospital for aChristmas Eve baby delivery! Mirv and his wife, Ginny, opened their heartsto help smooth the transition to new lives in Canada.

Jean Gabrielse, who chaired the Highlands Refugee Committee for overthree decades and led the team from the first sponsorship application tofundraising, finding housing, furniture, clothing and other resources asthey settled each family. She was also instrumental in engaging otherchurches to participate in joint sponsorship opportunities. Jean says themost special part for her has been the wonderful relationships developedover the years with people of such rich cultural diversity.

Irene Strong, who has been a constant supporter and resource persondue to her extensive background teaching ESL and daily contact withnewcomers from different countries. Irene brought an understanding ofthe cultural issues, needs and challenges that refugee familiesexperienced as they settled in their new communities.

Marilyn & Dave Shanks, who served for manyyears, helping with everything from gettingcontributions for fundraising events to drivingrefugees to dental appointments or a job site. Justtaking the time to chat with newcomers of all ageswas often the best way they could help them feelwelcome and comfortable.

Highlands United Church – A RICHNESS OF REFUGEE SPONSORSHIP SINCE 1979

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The religious temperament is routinely negatively portrayed in our popular culture as self-serving(Elmer Gantry), hypocritical (Canterbury Tales), repressed (Carrie) or even sinister (The Da VinciCode). Reading St. Augustine or Tertullian does little to dispel this impression.

Thank God, then, for the ministry of Ian Macdonald, whose life is a testament to the joy of belief. Ifirst met Ian in United College, where he, Ian Parker, and Bob Haverluck entertained the incomingclass of 1964 with an impromptu evening of skits, satire, and song: their material comforted theafflicted, and afflicted the comfortable. Amazingly enough, thanks to students like Ian and professorslike Carl Ridd, theology became, for a brief time, United College’s “cool” discipline. The Macdonalds’,father Donald Bruce, long at Knox United, and Ian’s siblings, Jim and Cathy, were a family soexuberant that at the dinner table (to which I was lucky enough to be invited) Ian was sometimes theleast voluble – a description his future congregations would find hard to believe! Ian, of course, wenton to serve churches in Cartwright, Manitoba and at Augustine, Westworth, and Norwood United (allin Winnipeg) and South Burnaby United in British Columbia.

As a long-time member of the Winnipeg community, he conducted the service at the weddings of mybrothers, Lloyd and Bob, christened my nephew Stephen and niece Jane, and led a memorialservice for our mother, Gwen, at Victoria Beach. In all these events, Ian provided solace at sadoccasions by sparking memories of better times or qualities and wisdom at happy ones, with areminder that responsibility, not self-indulgence, was necessary to any life worth living.

In his book, Living Waters, daily reflectionsfor Lent, Ian writes, “water ripples, crashes,pours, and laps its way through the biblical story,sometimes seen as a symbol of chaos, but moreoften as a sign of creation or evidence of God’sprovidential wisdom.”

Ian Macdonald, himself, is like the bubblingspring he describes – fresh, buoyant, playful,and above all, an embodiment of optimismand renewal. Just being in his company madeone feel better, like coming upon aneffervescent brook on a very hot day.

Laughing Towards BethlehemTHE JOY OF IAN MACDONALD

WEDDING OF LLOYD AND DENISE AXWORTHY

May his joyful spirit long continue to bring comfort to those in pain, and may his own pain from tthedisease of Lewy Body be cleansed by the showers of love that envelop him.

Thomas S. Axworthy

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Ian .. Enjoying the sunsetVictoria Beach (Mb) 2009

Peace..... seeing a sunset,and knowing who to thank.

Author unknown

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As I write this my father-in-law prepares to enter palliative care. I envy him his 92 years; theyilluminate my own dilemma. At 68, I have an uncertain future. A year ago changes in my behaviorprompted visits to psych wards and referrals to specialists. The likely verdict is Lewy Body Dementia(LBD) - a mind and body wasting disease. Since the disease affects the “executive function of thebrain” I have difficulty making decisions. My family is afraid to leave me alone for any length of timefor fear of decisions I might make. Our life has changed dramatically this past year, particularly myrole in the family.

We are in two exercise programs; we gave up driving; we are taking a cruise to Alaska with oldfriends; Healing Touch is a weekly event; a retired opera tenor, convinced that music can forge newpathways for the brain, teaches me music and songs from Les Miz; friends phone and offer walksthrough the ravine or a shopping trip to Safeway; other friends - as technologically challenged as I,learn how to use SKYPE to keep in touch: I am upheld in more ways than I can list.

I write this for Heather to thank her for the “tough love” she offers to keep me on track and for theways she keeps the core issues of life constantly present in our home and conversations. We live arich life through and with families and friends we have met through Heather’s work with people whopin their hopes on a Canada that cares and welcomes. Heather has grown her soul and formed arich life in the gifts and struggles culture to culture and heart to heart.

I write this for my sons and the women who love them in the hope that LBD never comes to bepassed on to any one of you three. If it does I know you have the character and spirit to live itthrough. You have rich resources in your partners and one another; I trust the grace and couragethat has led your lives so far will be present every step of the way. I am learning to trust that everymoment is a blessing, even these moments. Love abides.

I write this for you my friends and testify that no one else has had such joy in friendship. We haveshared laughter and tears, spirit and play, projects and dreams. I confess to you my fears about theway ahead but know these must be faced. I believe there is still more life to bear and appreciate,more love to share and to speak.

Bless you all.Ian

My JourneyIAN MACDONALD

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1 Ubi caritas Maurice Duruflé (2:23)2 Lux aeterna Gregorian chant (:32)3 Aftonen Hugo Alfvén (3:13) sung in Swedish4 In paradisum Gregorian chant (:51)5 In paradisum Gabriel Fauré (3:21) from Requiem, with string quartet, organ and harp6 Waldesnacht Johannes Brahms (3:22) sung in German7 Cantique de Jean Racine Gabriel Fauré (5:08)

sung in French with organ8 Ave Maria Gregorian chant (:48)9 Bogoroditse Devo Sergei Rachmaninov (2:37) from the Russian Orthodox liturgy, sung in Church Slavonic10 Locus iste Gregorian chant (1:13)11 Locus iste Anton Bruckner (3:05)12 O sacrum convivium! Gregorian chant (2:02)13 O sacrum convivium! Olivier Messiaen (3:37)14 Ave verum corpus Wolfgang A. Mozart (3:00) with string quartet and organ15 Bist du bei mir JS Bach/arr. Jon Washburn (4:07)

sung in German, with organ and harp16 Kyrie eleison Gregorian chant (1:14)17 Kyrie eleison Healey Willan (1:25) from the Missa Brevis No. 4 in E Major18 Sanctus Gregorian chant (1:19)19 Sanctus Franz Schubert (2:24) from the German Mass, with string quartet20 On suuri sun rantas autius Matti Hyokki (2:21)

sung in Finnish21 Ave verum corpus Gregorian chant (2:02)22 Ave verum corpus Imant Raminsh (5:47)23 Elegische Gesang Ludwig van Beethoven (5:22) sung in German, with string quartet24 Agnus Dei Gregorian chant (:52)25 Lamb of God Jon Washburn (3:05) with harp

Finding the Still PointVANCOUVER CHAMBER CHOIR, – JON WASHBURN, CONDUCTOR