Well friends - the countdown continues!
On this gorgeous and sunny day I was delighted to receive a lovely note from our former Rector, the Rev'd Bill Ellam. The organ which we hear each week was a gift to us from him.
In his email he says, in part:
"How wonderful that Christ Church is able to move forward in this way. I don't know if you still have some hymn books called "Favourite Hymns of Praise" around (ed. note - we do and often refer to them when we plan worship). Stephen Hamburg, who was the pastor of Fellowship Baptist (Greenwood) gave me quite a few of them and I still use the at the senior's home in Long Sault.
I do appreciate being kept in the loop with the interesting parish news sent through the computer. ?Thank you.
Very best wishes to you and friends at Christ Church, Fondly, Bill (Ellam)"
In another spot, Fr. Ellam remembers the kindnesses of the church to him during a serious illness. It is good to hear he is keeping us in his prayers and thoughts. ?I remember him fondly from my time as an intern at St. Brice's where he was then honorary assistant. ?His kindnesses to me were many.Today we pray
"Father God, We give you thanks for Rev'd Bill and his ministry among us. ?We thank you for the gift he is as he continues his ministry in the senior's home and pray for good health for he and Pat and guidance as they anticipate moving to a new home. Our past has known great blessing as we have been served by "good and faithful shepherds" and for this we are deeply grateful. ?May we continue to be as faithful as we move forward.
In the name of Christ, whom we serve
Amen
Rev. Marie