PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY

Alline Merten, 100, wearing a Prayer Shawl knitted by the ladies of Holy Trinity’s Prayer Shawl Ministry Alline Merten was born in 1911 in Hamburg, German, the middle of three children.  When Alline was 13, her mother died and she helped care for her sister and brother.  She helped her father at home rolling cigars, as that was his profession.  After completing school, she worked in a cheese factory.  Her father died in 1931, at age 54.  Alline’s sister was killed in a transit accident in 1947, and her brother died in 1997.  In 1935 Alline married her husband Dietrich, a marriage that would last 74 years.  They had two sons, born in 1936 and in 1945.  In 1939 they moved to Berlin where her husband worked in an aircraft manufacturer’s factory until he was conscripted into the army in 1941. In 1945 her husband returned home from a P.O.W. camp. The Merten family emigrated to Toronto, Ontario in 1956, looking for a new start.  Alline’s oldest son died suddenly in 1994.  Dietrich, who worked as a master painter, retired in 1964 at age 50.  In 1986 he fell off the roof of their house and became infirm, being fully bedridden by 2006.  Alline cared for him at home until his death in 2009.

She still lives in the home that they purchased in 1962, with her grandson, whom she raised from the age of two.  She still does all of the cleaning, washing, ironing, and cooking for the two of them.  Her laundry is still hung outside to dry in all seasons; she grows her own hers and does her own baking.  She reads daily, and carefully checks over all of the store receipts, doing the math in her head! Alline turned 100 years old in February.  When asked for the secret of her longevity, she will tell you, eat fresh homemade foods, not junk; eat yoghurt every day, and when you do not feel well, eat ONLY yoghurt until you are better.  When faced with a problem, ask yourself what you can do to make things better, if there is nothing you can do, then accept it and get on with life.   Never Give Up! Photo and story courtesy of Sheila Veness

2010 PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY REPORT

The Prayer Shawl ministry has had another great year, providing and reaching out to anyone in need of comfort and prayers.  It continues to expand and evolve as applications to new areas are identified such as having children receive one at their Rite 13 celebration, at baptisms, and this year were also given to brides.

It is a wide reaching ministry providing comfort for people not only in our church but throughout the community.  Shawls were again distributed to the Alma House in Surrey and to Talith Koum House in Burnaby.  Shawls were also handed out to seniors at the Weatherby Pavilion.  All shawls and lap robes come with a detailed card and church photo that Pauline Buckley generates on her computer.  Shawls continue to be knitted the first Thursday of every month at my home.  This is a very dedicated group that would welcome and encourage anyone interested to join in to help create these beautiful shawls.  Some of the knitters bring their own supplies but materials are also available from me.

Wool is purchased with the monies donated by some of the recipients or their friends and family.  This year approximately 154 shawls were created and 55 have been distributed, as well as 6 lap robes.  Donations received this year were $757.80.  Remember if you know of anyone in need of a shawl or lap robe please contact me at 604-538-7037.  They also make thoughtful gifts for other occasions as well.

Respectfully submitted,
Aline Aubin

2010 THE PRIMATE’S WORLD RELIEF AND DEVELOPMENT FUND REPORT

PWRDF works in partnership with organizations in Canada and throughout the world to support people-centred development that improves the quality of daily life for vulnerable populations, promotes self-reliance, and addresses root causes of poverty and injustice.  PWRDF is active in approximately 30 countries, and also accompanies Uprooted People – including victims of disasters, refugees, internally displaced people and migrant workers.  PWRDF partners are drawn from Anglican churches, ecumenical organizations and community-based groups.  Partners address the root causes of problems and accompany communities as they move beyond survival into sustainable development.

PWRDF actively participated in helping Canadian Communities this past year.  The Kwakwaka’wakw First Nation community of Kingcome Inlet in British Columbia was devastated by flooding on the weekend of September 25, 2010.  Residents were evacuated to Alert Bay, and were not able to return to their homes for several months.  According to the Rev. Lincoln McKoen, the priest of St. George’s church, the priority needs were food, clothing, providing some liveable facilities and the removal of debris.  PWRDF worked with the Dioceses of British Columbia and New Westminster in these efforts.  Canadian Anglicans were and are urged to support the community rebuilding and relief efforts with donations through PWRDF.

Thank you to all who supported the PWRDF through their purchase of this year’s Christmas cards.  $225 was raised in support of the work of the PWRDF.

Respectfully submitted,
Rita Buchy

2010 OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD REPORT

Hayley, Maya and I were very happy once again to bring the Samaritan’s Purse Operation Christmas Child shoe boxes to Holy Trinity in October.  We attended the shoebox kick-off in Cloverdale accompanied by my mother.  We were very moved by the story of a Kurdish woman who received a shoebox at the age of 18 and became aware of God’s unconditional love for her.  I cried when I heard of the hardships she had endured on her journey.  She now fills shoeboxes with her children here in Canada.

Approximately 75 shoe boxes were caringly filled for children in need in Central America.  What an amazing way to bring the story of God’s love for all of us to children in developing countries!  Thank you to all of you who donated school supplies, small toys, clothing, games and hard candy for these needy children.  Thank you to everyone who supported & prayed for this program.  I know my daughters loved helping me with this worthwhile effort.

Respectfully submitted,
Jacqueline Sephton

2009 FRIENDS OF THE VANCOUVER SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY REPORT

The last meeting of the Auxiliary to the Vancouver School of theology was held at VST on March 26th, 2009. Members remembered the work of this organization which had a history of over one hundred years. Marilyn Harrison gave an excellent talk, tracing the history of the various auxiliaries from 1908-2009 who came together in 1971 to form the Auxiliary to the Vancouver School of Theology. However, due to declining membership and funding leadership, it was time to move on. Approval was given to the constitution of a new body and thus the Friends of VST was launched and the Chancellor, Louise Ralston was appointed the first president.

The Aims and Objectives - through a network of friends:-
1. to support the ongoing work of Vancouver School of Theology
2. to provide programmes of interest to the members of The Friends of VST
3. to promote relationship and understanding among ecumenical and inter-religious partners.

Two events were held in the fall. The Friends of VST hosted an inaugural meeting in the form of a dessert party on September 25th at West Point Grey United Church. Rabbi Dr. Robert Daum, the newly appointed Director of Iona Pacific Inter-Religious Centre at VST spoke on the work of this new centre.

On November 19th, members joined the community worship in the Epiphany Chapel followed by a complimentary lunch dedicated to the Friends of V.S.T. A DVD on the life and work of VST and conversation with the principal, Wendy Fletcher and several students followed.

Our parish was a staunch supporter of the Auxiliary to VST and I hope we can continue the enthusiasm for the Friends of VST Memberships ($5.00 per year) are available through the church office or from me (604-531-4622). All monies from memberships and donations go to student bursaries and aid of various kinds. Notices of events are posted on the bulletin board and in church bulletins.

Respectfully submitted,
Mary McDougall