Pennfield celebrates a long and faithful history with spiritual renewal
By Keith Osborne
In the Parish of Pennfield we took a further step in our growth to a deeper faith with a parish mission last fall. Yesterday's Values for Today's World was the theme of the mission led by retired Bishop George Lemmon. His inspired messages opened the scriptures in a concrete and tangible way that was received eagerly by all those present. And we devoted a lot of time to song, led by an able music team and choir, and an intense spirit of praise blessed the entire mission. We also used that time to celebrate the 175th anniversary of the consecration of our church by Bishop John Inglis of Nova Scotia in September of 1835.
During Holy Week 2010 we felt the Lord's timing was indicating a move of his Spirit upon the people in the Parish of Pennfield. Since that time there has been a perceptible enhancing of the depth of our praise and worship and the exuberance and joy of the spirit of the people. We feel a new intensity in terms of our fellowship and willingness to seek out the will of God for our common life and ministry. We continue to look to the Lord to bring about a renewed hope for our Sunday school and the growth of a healing ministry that may well spread beyond the bounds of our immediate parish family.
Part of our fall celebration included the encouragement of members to dress in period costume, depicting the various periods of time encompassed by 175 years of our church’s life. We were delighted to see many different costumes reflecting a lot of creativity on the part of those who wore them. The Victorian era, 1920s flappers, 60s hippies and the present day were all represented. It added to the fun and spirit of fellowship that was already so evident among us.
All in all, we continue to hold bright hopes for the future growth of the Parish of Pennfield as we strive to place Christ at its centre and to discern his will at every step as he leads us through the coming year in the joy and power of his Spirit.
The Rev. Canon Keith Osborne is rector of the Parish of Pennfield.
