Anglican Parish of St Timothy, Hatchet Lake, and St Paul, Terence Bay

Rev Cheryl Rafuse

Cheryl Rafuse (pictured on the left and in the photo below with her husband, Mike Rafuse), was ordained as Vocational Deacon, on Monday, January 26th, 2009, at St Timothy's Anglican Church in Hatchet Lake, NS. A deacon has a special ministry of servanthood, particularly for the poor, the weak, the sick and the lonely, interpreting to the Church the needs of the world. Cheryl has many spiritual gifts, including  coordinator of Baptismal preparation, pastoral visiting and worship leadership.  She's also the chair of our Pastoral Ministries Committee. Her husband, Mike Rafuse, is involved in leading music ministry and worship, Bible study and prayer.

Greetings to my Parish Family!

As I sit here writing to you, the sun is shining on my back through our patio doors. The glorious light and warmth reminds me of our Lord's glorious light and the warmth of His love and goodness to us. One of His most precious gifts to us is each other and as I move about in our parish, I am witness to God's love through you, His people. His love is so plain to see in all the ways that you care for each other; whether it is to help someone move, bring a casserole to the sick, calling in on the lonely, and these are just a few of the things that you all do in love and service for our Lord. Then when we all come together to worship and praise Him as a parish family, I give great thanks to God for the privilege of being a part of it all.

My journey as a postulant for Holy Orders reminds me of a conveyor belt, moving at a steady pace. When I became a postulant, one of the recommendations was for me to complete five Formation weekends. Formation simply explained is training for ministry.  I have just attended my third formation, Nov. 16-18th in Truro. Much is learned at Formation and it is good to spend time with other postulants. I also attend weekly classes at AST (Atlantic School of Theology in Halifax) which are also a part of formation. I am very blessed to have these opportunities.

In the parish, I have been learning to do some of the things that a deacon may do. I have been learning to set the table in preparation for Holy Eucharist and to declare the Gospel to the people. Poor Pastor Lisa! She does all with such grace and finesse making it look so smooth. Not I. *smile* However, with our love of the Lord, her patience and my humour it all comes together. :o) I have been taking a more active role in funerals, and I am in training at this time to learn funeral planning with the families. On my November formation weekend, we had a field trip to a funeral home. The funeral director gave a training talk as well as a complete tour of the facilities. 

I was very blessed to preach at the All Souls service at St. Paul's. To be able to preach the Gospel of our Lord is the most humbling and loving gift to give and to receive!

I continue to be blessed to be able to distribute the food to the Food Share clients. I co-facilitate the DivorceCare seminar and support group with Steve Snow at St. Timothy's Church Hall on Tuesday nights 7-9 pm. How was that for slipping a plug in? :o)

Baptismal preparations are such a pleasure for me to do. Spending this blessed time with the families; teaching, studying and learning about the Lord and His church together, is so much fun!

I continue to do hospital visiting and home communions upon rotation.  Christ gives such love and joy when serving Him, serving you.

Pastoral ministries; serving God and His people is my calling. He calls us all! I encourage you, trust in the Lord; answer His call. You'll not know another joy like it and not to worry!  He will equip you with all things necessary to answer His call! 

My sisters and brothers thank you for your goodness and graciousness that you so lovingly are to me and may God richly bless you as we journey together, comforted in His love and always seeking His face.

Enjoy a blessed Advent and remember! Jesus is the reason!

Your sister.

Cheryl Rafuse