December 31, 2023 was a date which definitely left the church family of St. John’s Ida and the Parish of Ida and Omemee with a bittersweet feeling.
As we celebrated the retirement of Rev. Peter Mills, and gratefully recognized the wonderful 16 1/2 year ministry of Peter, along with his wife Trish and their children Laura, Joel and Tim, we also recognized the huge loss we were all beginning to experience.
Relatively unique in St. John’s 205 year history, Peter, after arriving from New Brunswick in 2007, served longer than any of our former ministers, with the exception of three, who served during our pioneering, founding years. His bible-based, gospel inspired sermons, whether from the old or new testaments, always included sound research, scriptural references, modern applications, and interesting anecdotal observations, often from his own experience. Peter had a real heart for Christian Education, including Sunday School, Youth Group (which he helped lead), Bible Studies, Lenten Speakers, Alpha Programs, Baptismal and Marriage teaching, as well as professional development for himself. He also mentored and provided opportunities for as many as 6 lay preachers over the years. He encouraged and nurtured the development of individual and group ministries such as Prayer Teams and Men’s Breakfast, An excellent singer, he supported a strong ministry of music, led by our choir. He also gave continued support to those who encourage hospitality, such as our ACW and Sidespeople. As a sign of his commitment to Outreach, Peter and Trish went to Belize to work alongside others in a special mission led by Andy Harjula, a member of our church. Peter also supported One Roof, Food Share, Street Hope Ministries and a variety of other outreach activities. He was a welcome and regular visitor to people in hospital or those facing challenges at home. Finally, Peter has been a hands-on minister, helping wash dishes, shovel snow from sidewalks, dig gardens, bag manure for outreach fundraising, along with a myriad of other tasks.
Peter’s family all became specially connected with our church family as the children came here as young people attending Sunday School and Youth Group and now have careers of their own. Trish has been a member of the choir, a Sunday School teacher, a speaker and leader, and has made their home a welcoming place for meeting and visiting. Laura, Joel and Tim have alll contributed greatly to our youth groups and helped launch and operate our audio visual streaming services. Their regular attendance at church, as they have been able, was always appreciated and a source of good conversation and ongoing friendships.
Peter has led us through two important transition periods. The first was the closing of Christ Church, Omemee, our sister church in the parish. This was a time for great empathy and sensitivity, both of which Peter provided. The second was, of course, Covid, with all its many challenges. Peter and his amazing family support team, quickly established an on line service that was streamed into homes not only in our community but into distant homes as well. It was and is amazingly successful, and I believe, a helpful model for many other churches.
Given the usual financial and ‘seats in the pews” challenges facing rural churches, St. John’s has been blessed with a special minister who has been a true shepherd and servant, always ready to share the good news of Christ. I’m sure it has often been difficult and we are truly grateful for his perseverance.. We wish he and his family the very best as they continue to serve God in new ways. Peter would want to recognize the strong, faithful support he has received from Rev. Bill Montgomery, who has been Peter’s honorary assistant and long time friend. St. John’s is fortunate to have had Bill lead us through the month of January as we await the arrival in February of our interim priest in charge, the Rev. Canon Rick Miller. Peter would also want to recognize the strong help from his wardens, treasurers, choir leaders, and his secretary. Finally, Peter would like to give all the glory to God, recognizing the sustaining power of the Holy Spirit and the impact of Jesus Christ throughout his life.
If you should be fortunate enough to meet Peter and Trish at a pickleball game, at a local Tim Horton’s, or just out and about, get to know them. You won’t regret it.
By Phil Winslow
