Trinity United Church New California:
A Country Sanctuary
Minister
Rev. Olav Kitchen
Hi Everyone,
Welcome to our third edition of A Country Sanctuary.
In this issue we’ll be linking the History and Country Kitchen sections.
We’ll briefly explore the concern of early settlers for not just their own success, but also that of their descendants.
This edition’s Food for Thought section is truly just that – food for thought!
You know, I’ve always believed that our Father must have a remarkable sense of humor.
Let’s face it, after dealing with the entire human race 24/7, what better way to relieve your throbbing migraine and shattered nerves than with humor and laughter?!
So, I’m pretty sure He’ll enjoy the story featured in the Country Humor section.
See what you think!
We are again including our Contact info should you wish to reach us.
Also included in this edition is Trinity’s Schedule of Services.
And please, take time to give some thought to the Closing Reflections section.
Hope this edition makes your day a little brighter!!
Until next time God Bless!
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History
At times, we tend to romanticize the adventurous lifestyle of our earliest pioneers.
There’s little doubt they experienced many precious moments of laughter, joy, and celebration.
Nevertheless, in order to ensure the survival of their families, they suffered many grueling hours struggling with tasks that were labor intensive, often dangerous, and usually executed under harsh conditions.
Interestingly enough, though, survival of their immediate families wasn’t their only concern or motivation.
They felt compelled to establish strong foundations for the success of their descendants as well– thus ensuring the survival of their family lines.
They knew their hard-earned knowledge needed to be passed on, strategies and techniques taught, and deep bonds established within their family unit.
With the passing of this expertise, they hoped to design a cross-generational lifeline that would equip their descendants for future success.
Thus, our ancestors constructed a foundation of faith, traditions, integrity, and perseverance so strong, it supports and guides our families to this day.
In the following story, you’ll find a heart-warming example of how one Trinity family passed on a valued tradition to their next generation.
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Country Kitchen
The following recipe and narrative of one family’s generational tradition was written and submitted by Barbara Dalton (Mrs. Richard Dalton)
Published in the New Cal Post in 1998.
Barb Dalton was raised on Canada’s west coast.
In 1972, after meeting and falling in love with a handsome Mountie, Barb married her Mountie, Richard Dalton, and made this area her new home.
Barb and Richard are both members of the Trinity congregational family and the Dalton family are generational members.
Barb’s story provides us with a bit of insight into how rural ancestral practices of inclusion, guidance, and the passing of traditions were practiced and handed down through the generations.
More importantly, it is an example of how the spirit of those traditions continue to generate the same feelings of love, acceptance, connection, and accomplishment for those lucky enough to experience them!!
***
Beet Pickle
Ingredients
1qt. raw cabbage
1qt. boiled beets
2 c. sugar
1 tbsp. salt
1 tsp. pepper
.
Directions
Chop cabbage and beets until fine.
Mix in sugar, salt, pepper, and horseradish.
Cover with cold vinegar.
Keep cool.
“Just after we were married in the fall of 1972, Rick’s mother invited me to Gramma Pearl’s house out on the third concession for an afternoon of Beet Pickle making.
I had no idea what Beet Pickle was, but I was eager to spend some time with these two ladies who were quickly becoming two of my favorite people.
I found out that making Beet Pickle in the fall was a Dalton family tradition.
Mom had an old wooden bowl and something that looked like a paint scraper with curved edges (I think it had something to do with butter making) that was used to chop the cabbage and beets.
Grandma grated fresh horseradish from her garden, man was that stuff wicked on the eyes!
The finished product was kept on her back porch in various old crocks and was dispensed in jars to take home.
The Daltons still make Beet Pickle in the fall with a few minor changes, the first being store bought horseradish!
We chop the beets and cabbage in a food processor and store the pickle in gallon jars in an old fridge.
That fall afternoon was the first of many trips to Gramma’s to make Beet Pickle.
I can close my eyes and still smell her kitchen and feel the warmth and love that I always felt in Gramma’s presence.”
***
Food for Thought
The following story was taken from the New Cal Post 2001
Originally from the Chicken Soup series
By Kim Aaron
Adam’s Apples
One afternoon, my son came home from school with a puzzled look on his face.
After asking him what was on his mind he said, “Are all people the same even if their skin colour is different?”
I told him I would explain after a short trip to the grocery store.
At the store I bought some apples: red, green and yellow ones.
At home, I told him, “It’s time to answer your question.”
I laid the apples on the counter. “People are just like apples. They come in all different colours, shapes and sizes.”
Then I took each apple and peeled them, placing them back on the counter but in a different place.
“Okay, tell me which one is the red apple, the green apple and the yellow apple.”
My son said, “I can’t tell. They all look the same now.”
“Take a bite of each one. See if that helps you figure out which one is which.”
He took big bites, then a huge smile appeared on his face.
“People are just like apples! They are all different, but once you take off the outside, they’re pretty much the same on the inside.”
“Right,” I agreed, “just like how everyone has their own personality but are still basically the same.”
He totally got it. I didn’t need to say or do anything else.
Now, when I bite into an apple, it tastes a little sweeter than before.
What a perfect food for thought.
***
Country Humor
Taken from the New Cal Post
Winter 2002
There was once two little boys, ages 8 & 10 who were excessively mischievous.
They were always getting into trouble at home and in the town.
The parents were at their wits end as to what to do about the boys’ behavior.
The parents had heard that a clergyman in town had been successful in disciplining children in the past, so they contacted him, and he agreed to give it a try.
He asked to see the boys individually, so the 8-year-old was sent to meet with him first.
The clergyman sat the boy down and asked him sternly,
“Where is God?”
The boy made no response, so the clergyman repeated the question in an even sterner tone,
“Where is God?”
Again the boy made no attempt to answer, so the clergyman raised his voice even more and shook his finger in the boy’s face,
“Where – Is – God?!”
At that, the boy bolted from the room, ran directly home, and slammed himself in his closet.
His older brother followed him into the closet and said,
“What happened?”
The younger brother fearfully whispered,
“We’re in BIG trouble this time.
God is missing
– and they think we did it!!!”
***
Closing Reflections
You cannot do a kindness too soon for you never know how soon it will be too late.
Ralph Waldo Emerson
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Services
Beginning September 1, 2024
Services at Trinity will begin at 11 am
All are welcome to attend services in our beautiful country church, a place of true rural historical significance.
You will experience, first-hand, the genuine country traditions of hospitality and fellowship!
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Contact Info
Ruthven Pastoral Charge
Box 370
Ruthven Ontario Canada N0P 2G0
519 326 3138
Rev. Olav Kitchen
Cell/Text
519 566 7626