They’re just ordinary guys... living their lives within families and workplaces, and wearing several hats in the community, but collectively, they are something else. For 50 years, the men of the Whycocomagh East Lake Ainslie Pastoral Charge of the United Church of Canada have come together in a group called AOTS. The acronym is taken from Luke 22:27:
“For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who is at the table? But I am among you As One That Serves.”
Incredibly, in the group of over twenty, there are still six of the charter members who continue to serve the church and community in this way.
Their meetings are very informal, but consist of an opening devotional, a brief business meeting (to disburse money for those in need or to plan an upcoming event) a short program lasting 15-30 minutes, and of course, a lunch! They take turns meeting in each of the hosting communities: East Lake Ainslie, Skye Glen and Whycocomagh. Members are always on the lookout for projects worthy of their support, and they have a set amount for each of those new ventures, but they typically support the churches, the halls, and the Mission and Service Fund of their denomination. The group organizes two fundraising events through the year: a Fall Auction and a Roast Beef Supper. They depend greatly on community support for those two events. We thought it fitting to celebrate 50 years of this ministry!
At the celebration service, greetings were received from Rev. Ranald Cameron, the minister who first organized the group, from Rev. Janice MacLean, who grew out of this pastoral charge and who serves the Maritime Conference of the United Church, and from the Inverness-Guysborough Presbytery by way of its Chair, David J. MacLean (also a charter member of the AOTS). Rev. Donald Sutherland was invited to address the gathering, as he belonged to the AOTS during his long pastorate. His stories and memories were both welcome and familiar and enhanced the experience of celebrating. The group was honoured by the presence of Mr. Bob Bartlett, of Fredericton N.B., who in his role as president of Maritime Conference United Church Men, pondered the work that might have been theirs 50 years ago, while congratulating them on their milestone. Another member, John Baird, used his technological skills to put together a slide show of the men over the years, which was presented during our gathering. In keeping with their tradition of fellowship, the group assembled in the Cameron Hall, to enjoy some good music, good food, and great company. Here’s to 50 more years!
Whycocomagh East Lake Ainslie Pastoral Charge - November 2009
Front row: Charles Tourneur, treasurer, Gary Shields, secretary, Rev. Donald Sutherland, Bob Bartlett, Conference UCM, Donald C. MacInnis, president, D.J. MacLean, Chair Inverness-Guysborough Presbytery.
Back Row: Isaac MacInnis, Kevin MacInnis, Hugh Campbell, Morrison MacKay, Myles Gillis, John M. Campbell, Wesley Gillis, John Baird, Allan Gillis, Donald N. MacDonald, Barry Campbell, Angus Scott.
Missing from photo: Gordon MacDonald, Hugh Austin, Roderick Jones.
