Vacation Time!

"Back To School" specials are being advertised everywhere we look; a clear signal that for students summer is drawing to a close. Families will soon be returning from the last long weekend to the lake, the seashore, or whatever place is extra special for them. Children are by now pretty well outfitted for school and all the supplies are lined up and waiting to go into that bright new school bag. College and Univ. students know their schedules, their lodging, and their room mates. Mom and dad are about to move into a different mode as well some (if they are being truly honest) glad of the opportunity of have a bit of peace and quietness around the house!

I hope that all of you had a wonderful summer and that you are refreshed and anxiously awaiting a whole new schedule of events that lie ahead. Churches will soon be turning on the machinery that will engage a new year of exciting activities and learning opportunities.

I share these thoughts with you because I am about to do the exact opposite!

I AM ABOUT TO GO ON VACATION!

Let me share with you a little of our vacation plans.

- On Sept. 12th Jill and I are travelling to Hamilton, Ontario where we will be helping her dad celebrate his 93 birthday.

- After the birthday party we move on to Nova Scotia. I have been invited to be the anniversary speaker at the 150th anniversary of St. Georges Presbyterian Church in River John Nova Scotia - the church where I began my ministry 34 years ago. We are both looking forward to seeing friends and family members.

- We then plan to visit our daughter and husband in San Francisco and on our way home attend a Church Leadership Conference sponsored by Ligonier Ministries in Sanford, Florida.

We consider ourselves very fortunate to be able to make these visits and look forward to a time of rest and relaxation.

May God have blessed you during your summer holidays, and will you pray for similar blessings for us?

Your Pastor & Friend
(Rev. John Fraser)

Where Has The Time Gone?

Have you ever asked yourself the above question?

I believe that most of us at one time or another has questioned the speed of time. When we were children we wondered why time passed so slowly. “Will summer ever come?” “When will it be Christmas?” In adulthood we wondered where time went! “I can’t believe that summer is over.” “Christmas has come and gone so quickly.” Time maintains a constant speed. There is the same number of hours in a day for children as there are for adults. What makes time “appear” to move slowly or with the speed of light is what we do with our time. When there is little to occupy our time watch how slowly time will pass. When our “to do list” is filled to capacity watch how quickly time will pass!

This past June marked 34 years that I have been in ministry. This August marks our first full year here in Bermuda. Where have the years gone? Reflecting on this I have asked myself a number of questions? Have I spent my time wisely? Am I at present where God wants me to be? If I could change anything what would it be? What has been the most stressful part of my ministry? What are my plans for the time ahead? Allow me to share with you (briefly) my answers.

Have I spent my time wisely?
The answer is probably no (not all the time)! I would love to have spent more time in disciplined studies. We are never too old to learn.

Am I at present where God wants me to be?
Because I believe in “the Call” to ministry I have absolutely no doubt about my vocation in life. God called me to be a minister; to preach, to heal (relationships) and to baptize. At this time in my ministry God opened the doors for my call to Bermuda and I have answered the Call.

If I could change anything what would it be?
It’s a selfish desire but I would like to have been one who in his ministry harvests more than he plants and waters. Why? Harvesting is what most of your parishioners expect of you. A congregation likes to see a full church, an active youth ministry and a balanced budget.

What has been the most stressful part of my ministry?
Two things! Not being able to do all that I would have liked and secondly not always being able to please people. It looks like God has called me to be a planter rather than a harvester!

What are my plans for the time ahead?
I will continue to plant wherever God calls me. Someday I would like to take further studies providing there is enough time!

Blessings,
Your Pastor & Friend
John Fraser