ANGLICANLife
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December 2008
ANGLICANLife A Blessed Advent & Christmas to our readers!
December 2008
in NEWFOUNDLAND
&
LABRADOR
A Section of the ANGLICANJOURNAL
O Come, Let Us Adore Him
This image is taken from the stained glass window behind & above the main altar at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, Wyandotte, Michigan. Made by Munich Stained Glass Company, circa.1915. Source: www.ourladyofmountcarmel.org
SERVING THE ANGLICAN DIOCESES OF WESTERN NEWFOUNDLAND + CENTRAL NEWFOUNDLAND + EASTERN NEWFOUNDLAND & LABRADOR
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ANGLICANLife
December 2008
News From Parish Bulletins and Elsewhere A Servers Workshop took place at All Saints’ Church, Fortune on 26 October. All Saints’ is fortunate in having such a large number of young people serving at the altar. In preparation for the 2009 Guatemalan Mission, the Mission Team from the Parish of Bay Roberts/Coley’s Point held various fundraising activities to support the cost. The group hopes to travel to Guatemala in April 2009. The Diocese of Central Newfoundland sponsored a Men’s Weekend at Mint Brook from 31 October to 2 November. A large number of men attended the conference, especially from St. Alban’s Church in Grand Bank. All Saints Parish in Conception Bay South have contracted a Visitation Minister. This position, which was funded by our parish, received a substantial amount of positive feedback. This new contract will be funded through the generosity of an anonymous donor. The Rev’d Ed Samson will be the Visitation Minister. Bishop Philip Wright from the Diocese of Belize was in the Diocese of Central Newfoundland from 79 November. He was the guest preacher at St. Martin’s Cathedral, Gander. On 29 November, St. Martin’s Cathedral in Gander held an information and discussion session regarding the past, present and future
of the same sex blessing debate in the Anglican Church. The Parish of St. Michael & All Angels in St. John’s held a special “Roast Dinner” in November. The “main course” was the Rector, Fr. Christopher Snow! The good-natured evening went extremely well and proceeds helped benefit PWRDF. Bishop David Torraville has turned the sod for the new church in the Parish of Fogo Island East. Construction will begin immediately. Central Diocesan Appointments: Rev. Gerald Colbourne (Protem) - Parish of Lewisporte - Effective 15 October. Rev. Graham Hill - Parish of Harbour Breton Effective 15 September. Rev. Gail Williams - Parish of Twillingate - Effective 1 September. Rev. Joan Antle (Protem) - Parish of Buchans - Effective 14 November. Rev.Valerie Gillam Parish of Port Rexton – 1 November. Bishop Cyrus Pitman is pleased to announce the appointment of the Venerable Geoff Peddle to the position of Priest-in-Charge of the Parish of the Good Shepherd Mount Pearl, effective January 1, 2009. In this new position, Archdeacon Peddle will work full-time in the Parish of the Good Shepherd but re-
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tain the role of Archdeacon as he continues some of his work in ministry development and congregational renewal in the diocese. During 2009 he will complete Ph.D. studies in the U.K. in the field of Congregational Studies and it is Bishop Pitman’s desire that he establish at the Parish of the Good Shepherd some fresh and innovative models of ministry that will enable new and sustained growth for the parish and also provide creative models for parish growth throughout our diocese. All Saints’ Church, Corner Brook held a Pastoral Visitor Training session in November. The training event was for anyone who is interested in pastoral visiting, whether or not already licensed by the Bishop. Visiting in parishes happens to the sick, elderly, shut-in, bereaved, lonely, as well as many other reasons.
was also held. The South American Missionary Society (SAMS) held its annual conference in St. John’s in November. Many memebrs of the SAMS Board were guest speakers at numerous parishes in the diocese. At the Parish of St. Augustine’s in St. John’s they welcomed Tracey Larter as the guest preacher. Tracey is a member of SAMS Canada and is the Chair of our Promotions and Awareness Committee. She offers imaginative leadership to all that she undertakes. Tracey resides in Richmond, British Columbia.
help pariohioners to spiritually prepare for the real joy of Christmas. The Parish of St. Thomas’ in St. John’s held a seminar entitled “Walk Thru the Old Testament.” It was facilitated by Major Lorne Pritchett from the Canadian Bible Society. Major Lorne, in a highly entertaining and educational way took the participants through every book of the Old Testament, helping them to remember all the books in order, while following the thread of each major theme from Genesis to the New Testament.
The Parish of the Resurrection held an Advent Quiet Day on 29 November. Father Everett Hobbs led in the Advent reflections to
When people who are mal-nourished begin taking anti-retroviral drugs for AIDS, their bodies are often so weak that they cannot tolerate the medication. PWRDF assists people in growing gardens so they can improve nutrition and be able to take the drugs that will help them live. On World AIDS Day (1 December) the congregation of St. David’s in the Parish of Pasadena/ Cormack invited people to put an envelope on the Tree of Hope with a donation for PWRDF, specifically for HIV and AIDS work. A candlelight vigil
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December 2008
Bishop of Belize guest at CLB Dinner
Bishop Philip Wright of Belize prays with students and teachers at Holy Cross Anglican School in SanPedro. In the Summer of 2009, the CLB will help build a classroom at this school in Belize. Photo: Francis Wilson
The Bishop of Belize, the Right Reverend Philip Wright was the special guest of the CLB at a dinner held in his honour on 6 November 2008. The Dinner was hosted by the Diocesan Bishop, the Right Reverend Cyrus Pitman. A number of diocesan clergy along with a large number of parishioners from the various congregations, attended the dinner at the CLB Armory in St. John’s. The CLB was represented by the Governor and Commandant Keith Arns. The mission team of officers and youth who are going to Belize were also in attendance. Colonel Arns gave an overview of how the mission idea started and outlined what has been happening since December 2006. There are 35 young adults and 15 officers from the following CLB Companies going next year: Up-
per Gullies, Foxtrap, St. Augustine’s, St. Michael’s, St. Mark’s, St. Mary’s, Mount Pearl, Bay Roberts, Harbour Grace, Carbonear and Upper Island Cove. Colonel Arns said that he was grateful of the support of the parishes in our Diocese. Mr. Frank Johnson Main brought greetings from the South American Missionary Society (SAMS). He outlined the work of SAMS in Canada and expressed the importance of the CLB Mission to Belize. Bishop Pitman brought greetings from the Diocese and said how pleased he was with the cooperative effort of the CLB and the Diocese in this mission venture. After being introduced by Bishop Pitman, the Lord Bishop of Belize Bishop Philip Wright gave a very inspiring and pas-
sionate address, outlining the need for such a Mission to help the underpriveledged in Belize. Sgt. Major Dara Taylor of Upper Gullies Company was the emcee for the event and did an outstanding job. WO2 Jarrod Sharpe from Upper Island Cove Company opened the dinner with prayers, grace and the Brigade prayer. Over 220 people attended the fundraising event. The gathering was given an outstanding performance by the CLB Regimental Band led by Band Director, Major Walter Learning. The dinner concluded with prayers by the Reverend David Pilling, Battalion Chaplain and Vice Chairman of SAMS. Submitted by Bruce Tilley CLB
The Vestry and congregation of St. James’ Anglican Church in Port aux Basques joined the family of Mrs. Susie Savery on 18 September 2008 to celebrate the auspicious occasion of her 100th birthday. A special Eucharist was held and followed by a pot luck dinner with well over 100 people in attendance. Photo and article submitted by Kay Short St. James’ Vestry Port aux Basques
“Not by Bread Alone” was the Harvest Festival Theme at St. James’ Church, Gillams, Bay of Islands. 12 October. Standing among the autumn leaves, left to right, Samuel Park, Warden, the Rev’d Malcolm Palmer, Rector, and Richard Park, Warden. Photo:Spencer House.
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ANGLICANLife in NEWFOUNDLAND & LABRADOR
ANGLICAN LIFE in Newfoundland and Labrador is the newspaper of the Anglican Church in the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador. A co-operative effort of the three Dioceses in Newfoundland and Labrador, it is published monthly, except July and August, with an independent editorial policy. A section of the Anglican Journal Editor-in-Chief (Interim): The Rev’d Sam Rose 45 Tildacane Place Conception Bay South, NL A1X 3C7 (709) 834-9190 (h) Email: anglicanlife@nl.rogers.com Diocesan Associate Editors: Diocese of Eastern Newfoundland and Labrador: The Rev’d Sam Rose 45 Tildacane Place Conception Bay South, NL A1X 3C7 (709) 834-9190 (h) Email: samrose@nl.rogers.com Diocese of Central Newfoundland: Margaret Jenniex 34 Fraser Road, Gander, NL A1V 2E8 Phone: (709) 256-2372 Fax: (709) 256-2396 Email: mcjenniex@nfld.net Diocese of Western Newfoundland: Vacant Please send all articles to the Editor-in-Chief (above) Advertising Rates and other information may be obtained from: Donald Young 34 Fraser Road, Gander, NL, A1V 2E8 Phone: (709) 256-7701 Email: jointcommittee@nfld.net Subscription Rates: Newfoundland and Labrador: $15.00 Outside the province: $20.00 International: $25.00 New subscriptions, cancellations, & changes of address should be sent to: Circulation The Anglican Journal (attn. Bev Murphy) 80 Hayden Street, Toronto, ON, M4Y 3G2 (416) 924-9192 (O) (416) 925-8811 (fax) Email: circulation@national.anglican.ca Each parish is responsible for maintaining its own subscription list - please notify your parish office of any changes. Changes sent to parish offices may take months to take effect. Please also send your updated information to Circulation at the Anglican Journal (above) or to Don Young at 34 Fraser Road, Gander NL A1V 2E8. Articles and photographs: Send to your Diocesan Editor (listed above). Parish Bulletins and Letters to the Editor: Send to the Editor-in-Chief, Sam Rose (address as above). All letters must include the writer’s name, address, and telephone number. Telephone numbers will not be published. Anglican Life does not publish letters under nom de plume. Letters should not exceed 300 words (one double spaced typewritten page), and are subject to editing at the discretion of the editor. These policies were adopted by the Anglican Life Committee. Layout & Design: Sam Rose Printed by: Signal Star Publishing, A Division of Bowes Publishers Limited, Industrial Park, 120 Huckins Street, Goderich, Ontario, N7A 4B6
Circulation: 25,702
A home for Christmas Recently students from Memorial University were building a house through Habitat for Humanity. Their goal was to have a deserving family in this new home by Christmas. Through a partnership with Petro Canada and the support of many churches, the University students worked hard to realize a dream that many people take for granted – having a home for Christmas. The mother of the family of six children said that, “This home is a blessing and a gift from God!” Usually our church buildings get quite a few more worshipers when the Christmas season rolls around. Most churches are filled to capacity for the Christmas Eve liturgies with what some call ‘Christmas Christians.’ Quite often families still view going to worship at Christmas as being an important part of the celebration. It is rather unfortunate however, when these seekers who come searching for a spiritual home for Christmas end up being treated more like visitors than Christian family members.
Some preachers will take to the pulpit this Christmas in these packed churches and extol not a message of hope but a message of guilt. Sermons filled with subtle criticisms of ‘why don’t people come to worship more often?’ or ‘why can’t every Sunday be like Christmas?’ do nothing to welcome these seekers. ‘Christmas Christians’ who want to know the Incarnate Christ and find a home for Christmas end up feeling like Mary and Joseph being told “there is no room at the inn.” Instead of making these ‘Christmas Christians’ feel guilty, can the Church act like those University students building a home for that mother and her six children? That family had a basic need that the students helped meet. It is the same in the Church. Many people come to us with basic needs and we often turn them away. Instead of being the Incarnate Christ in our words and actions, we end up being a stumbling block. When a family walks through your church doors on Christ-
Romancing the world Alister McGrath in his recent book, “Christianity’s Dangerous Idea,” explains that the “radical idea that individuals could interpret the Bible for themselves,” spawned the cultural and spiritual revolution of Protestantism. He gives a thorough exposition of the religious, spiritual, and sociological factors that contributed to sola scriptura and the Reformation. This Reformation spilled over to the British Isles, which had its own unique cultural and sociological traits; leading to the formation of the social, spiritual, cultural, and institutional entity we call the Anglican Church. The Anglican Church has long understood itself to be somewhere between Roman Catholicism and Protestantism in its doctrine and worship, but I believe Anglicanism inherited a fundamental flaw that is
manifesting itself today. The Reformation was, in many ways, an excessive correction of the theological errors and moral corruption that had entered Western Christianity under the Papal authority of Rome. I say excessive because the principles of sola scriptura beg the question of who has the final authority of the interpretation of the Scriptures. Indeed, the history of protestant disunity and the current crisis of Biblical interpretation and fragmentation in Anglicanism reflects this problem. In understanding our current crisis, we must add to the Reformation principles of the 16th century, the modern setting of radical individualism and relativism in a multicultural society. It is these principles and influences that are ‘authorizing’ new renderings of Holy Scripture, the person of Jesus, the
December 2008
editorial The Rev. Sam Rose
mas Eve, they have the same joys and pains, hopes and fears. Christmas usually brings them out because they need to know that God is real and that God is love. The message of the Incarnation is that Christ came into the world to save sinners. That’s all of us, not just those who may drop by a church on Christmas Eve. These are not visitors or tourists but family members. They have a place in God’s Kingdom. They have a home for Christmas. Wouldn’t it be a great joy to have a ‘Christmas Christian’ say as they leave a Christmas liturgy, “This church is a blessing and a real gift from God!” You never know, they may want to come back more often.
guest editorial The Rev. Brian Candow Nature of God, and Christian holiness. These ‘culturalized authorities” embraced by liberal reformers seem reasonable and acceptable to the majority of us living in the West because we are saturated with the ideas of individualism and relativism that dominate our society. The Reformers justified their authority with the principle of sola scriptura, leading to the divided witness of Protestant Churches. Today the Anglican Church, as are many other mainline denominations, is being further fragmented and drawn into deeper error by the new cultural influences and authorities. If Martin Luther, Archbishop Thomas Cranmer, and the other reformers were seen as rebellious in their ‘protesting,’ by the Roman Please see “Romancing” on page 13
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December 2008
Everywhere, everywhere, Christmas tonight “Everywhere, everywhere, Christmas tonight” The title of this Christmas greeting comes from Grenfell Christmas Cards. The front of the card bearing this greeting depicts a feast attended presumably by Dr. and Lady Grenfell, bears, otter, seal, hare, the household pets and our feathered friends. There is food, candlelight and each hand, paw, fin and beak holds a carollers song-sheet. The creation, as revealed in the North, rejoices. At a recent gathering of the House of Bishops we had the privilege of hosting the Anglican Council of Indigenous People for a meeting and lunch. Among the speakers was Freda Lapine from the Diocese of Brandon in Manitoba. Freda is a coordinator with First Nation Employment and Training. She began her address with the Seven Sacred Teachings: Respect, Humility, Love, Truth, Honesty, Courage and Wisdom. To respect is to treat all your relations as you wish to be treated. We are all related —the four-legged, the twolegged, the winged ones, the ones that crawl, the plant nation, the rock nation...all my relations. The opening lines of St. John’s Gospel, often proclaimed at Christmas, say that “all things were made by God.” St.
bishop’s letter The Rt. Rev. Percy Coffin
child the adulation and adoration the incarnate God deserves. As the awesome story unfolds there is not much room for individualism and bursting egos. Again this is a time to let God come to us. I invite you to reflect on the story and be reminded that we are all participants in God’s great drama. Begin by worshipping Him for: This is he whom seers in old time chanted of with one accord, whom the voices and the prophets promised in their faithful word; now he shines, the long-expected; let creation praise her Lord, evermore and evermore. Common Praise, #132, v 4
John reminds us that the central subject of the Bible, and therefore our faith, is God. Christians sometimes forget our Trinitarian nature. God sent the Son and God sends the Spirit. God, through the Word is
Creator and God through the Word is Redeemer so that we might become children of God. The broader context in which the Christmas story takes place is creation and that prompts two observations: (1) Because the One through whom we are redeemed is the same One through whom all things were created then salvation is not to be
seen over against the world or out of the world, as though the created order were evil and foreign to the life of God’s children. Evil is present but it is there by choice, not by nature. (2) All creation is involved in God’s redemptive effort. Dr. Grenfell’s painting and Freda’s quotation has the whole of creation entering the scene to give the Christ
Glory to god in the highest, +Percy, Monica, David, Andrew, Johanna and Laura
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December 2008
Induction of the Rev’d Neal Buffett
New Rector for the Parish of Fortune Lamaline. (left to right) The Rev’d Lochlie Fiander, preacher and Honorary Assistant; the Rt. Rev’d David Torraville, Bishop of the Diocese of Central Newfoundland; the Rev’d Neal Buffett, Rector. Photo: Beverly Buffett
On 21 September 2008, the Rev’d Neal Buffett was inducted as Rector of the Parish of Fortune/Lamaline by Bishop David Torraville.
The Rev’d Lochlie Fiander preached a wonderful sermon exclaiming how excited the parish was about having a young family living in
the rectory for the first time in years. He felt that Neal, Beverly and their children Nicole, Nathan and Nicholas would definitely change
the dynamics of the parish. Already Nicole is a Sunday School teacher and reader, Nathan is a Server and Sunday School helper and Nicholas is a Server. In his sermon, Rev’d Fiander made three significant points. First, through baptism we are all made a member of the Body of Christ in the church. God calls us and we are expected to be responsible members of the church. We all have a ministry to perform and we should do it to the best of our ability. It could be lay min-
ister, server, altar guild, choir, vestry, Sunday School, ACW, and so on. Secondly, the ordained ministry of the church is not an invention; we learn that in the New Testament Jesus himself appointed twelve apostles. After His resurrection these apostles began to exercise a special ministry within the priestly body of the faithful. This has continued to this very day through apostolic succession. Our bishops, the orders of the priests and deacons are dependent on the apostolic ministry. Lastly, he talked about the duties of the parish priest and how we as members of the Body of Christ should support him in his ministry. Rev’d Fiander was given an honorable mention by Bishop David for his dedication and service as an Honorary assistant of the parish for the past 40 years. The Bishop said, “the most difficult position to play in the orchestra is ‘second fiddle.’ This is a role that Rev. Fiander has played flawlessly throughout the years.” After the service, a meet and greet of the new Rector and his family was held. There was an astonishing variety of delicious finger foods prepared by the congregation for all to enjoy. Submitted by Beverly Buffett Parish of Fortune/ Lamaline
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December 2008
guest columnist
Some thoughts...on Singing Those of you who know me well can stop laughing now! Singing is not one of those things I do well; however, I am not so much interested, in this short reflection, on the musical quality of congregational singing, as in the text of what is being sung. I do enjoy hearing a good singer or a good choir, and I love having my voice drowned out by good congregational singing. However I am much more concerned with trite theology being sung really well. Many modern pieces are laden with a sentimentality which turns the triune God into a “Good Buddy Jesus.” This turns our attention from the awesome glory of God toward our need for a personal entertainment experience.
That is not to say that older hymns are, necessarily, much better. Perhaps the most outlandish example of truly bad sentimental silliness is William Blake’s “And Did Those Feet in Ancient Time”. Based on an old English legend that the young Jesus visited England with Joseph of Arimathea, Blake poses the questions “And did those feet in ancient time walk upon England’s mountains green? And was the holy Lamb of God on England’s pleasant pastures seen? The questions are silly, the answer to both questions is an emphatic “No”, and how this hymn ever made its way to an Anglican Hymn book, speaks to the depth of our historic attachment to sentimentality over the-
Let’s end poverty! Disclaimer: This piece appeared in its original form at generation.anglican.ca it has been modified for length, audience and medium.
About 25,000 people die every day of hunger or hunger-related causes, according to the United Nations. Not because there isn’t enough food, but because they live in such an extreme state of poverty they cannot afford to buy the things they need to sup-
port themselves. 25,000 is a lot, that’s about 1 every three seconds. 25,000 is also more people than live in the entire town where I grew up. That’s how many people die every day. And it’s not just in foreign countries, there are many people living in poverty in our own country, in our cities and towns, in our own neighbourhoods. But governments and organizations around the world are trying to un-
ology. In truth, it speaks of our willingness to accept sentimentality over historic and biblical accuracy. When we choose hymns and anthems we need to choose pieces that reflect the Anglican Church’s teaching and communicates that teaching to the congregation. A catchy tune does not necessarily communicate sound theology. Neither does a 17th century text necessarily communicate effectively to a 21st century congregation. When we choose hymns and anthems, they need to suit the congregation and the congregation’s musical style, however, the text also need to fit with the readings, the occasion, and the liturgical season.
Bishop David Torraville Hymns and musical pieces need to be chosen for what they will add to the liturgy, what they will bring to the worship. The text of the piece must be theologically sound and central to the worship. While the self righteous, self pity in each verse of “Farther Along” may reflect the emotional state of a person “feeling so hard done by,” it is not a text that reflects the promised resurrection of Jesus Christ, who, from the cross, forgave a thief. Indeed, Jesus on the cross forgave one such as “Farther Along” condemns and prayed for all of us who have not earned forgiveness “Forgive them, they know not what they do” The choosing of hymns, anthems and
Anglican Life welcomes Allison Boone, a youth blogger for the National Church website: generation.anglican.ca
derstand and trying to work to fix a growing problem. The UN (United Nations) passed a resolution in 1992 that essentially told the world that poverty was a violation of h u m a n rights. Now that is a stand I can get behind, because at its most basic level, human rights are those things which we must have to live, food, shelter, clean drinking water. If a family cannot afford these things, then yes, it is a violation of their human rights and we need to do something about it. October 17 was International Day for the Eradication of Poverty. One initiative that took place was called “Stand Up and Take Action Against Poverty.” “Stand Up” is a global movement of people who “refuse to stay seated or silent in the face of poverty and broken promises to end it!” People around the world organize events where they
“stand up” and get noticed and have their voices heard. The “Take Action” side of things was new this year and it
meant essentially you just had to do something to show that you stand up and take action to end poverty. This year 116 993 629 people stood up and took action! I also read and article about this year’s theme for the International Day. It was “Human rights and dignity of people living in poverty.” It did a great job of explaining the human rights perspective on poverty and what it means to be poor in this world. It also provided an example of
supplementary praise and worship pieces must be done carefully with an eye to the text and to what we want to say about God and our relationship to God, and not merely based on a tune. This is the third in a series of articles written exclusively for Anglican Life by Bishop David Torraville of the Diocese of Central Newfoundland.
youth voice Allison Boone what is happening in Pakistan, where there exist only two classes of citizens, the very rich and very poor. Poverty has become so extreme that families have resorted to “selling their own children” in order to survive!! It goes on to talk about a measure being taken by the Pakistani government to try and improve the situation, such as restoring economic growth and improving access to basic necessities like primary education and health care. It is certainly good that governments are taking action against poverty. It is good that people are standing up and taking action. But everyone needs to help! There are lots of things we can do, just fund raising or having a food drive can help the poor in areas where we live, food banks are always in need of donations of time, money and food, so there are lots of ways to help! What will you do to help eradicate poverty??
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December 2008
MUN students partner with Habitat Queen’s College students serenade seniors for Humanity
The Queen’s College Gospel Group held a concert at Saint Luke’s Homes, St John’s, for the residents during Pastoral Care Week. Left to Right Back: Juanita Freeman, Paul Rideout, Terry Rose, Judi Phillips Left to Right Front: Louise Richards, Beatrice Hope, Madonna Boone, Marie Rose, Paulette Budgell, Gerri Poirier Photo: Pamela Tucker
From October 18-28 Memorial University partnered with Petro Canada and Cabot Habitat for Humanity to build a new house for a deserving family. As part of this project University Chaplaincy was pleased to organize the food for this massive project. Over 11 days chaplaincy organized morning and afternoon snacks, and lunch for over 500 hundred volunteers. It was
truly an inter-religious endeavour with contributions from all of the major Christian denominations, plus help from the Hindu, Sikh, and Muslim communities. Anglican MUN Chaplain Rob Cooke would like to thank the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist, and the parishes of St. Augustine’s, St. Michael and All Angels, and St. Mark’s (Logy Bay Rd.)
for contributing snacks, and the Parish of the Ascension for hosting lunch. The end result was a new house for the eight-member Anthony family in Mount Pearl. Article and photo submitted by Robert Cooke Anglican MUN Chaplain
Overwhelming response for Cara House A simple request went out to all ACW Primary Branches of the #7 District Branch which includes the parishes of Belleoram, Bay d’Espoir, Hermitage and Harbour Breton bring a basic cosmetic item to the fall meeting. Items were intended to fill thirty-six cosmetic bags for women
and children at Cara House in Gander (a transition home for abused women and children). Enough items came in to fill a hundred bags or more. It was an overwhelming and touching moment as, those who brought and those who will use these items, were lifted up in prayer
at the Holy Eucharist at the District Branch meeting on 27 September 2008 held in St. Bartholomew’s Church in Harbour Breton. In addition to these items, over 240 preemie hats for the hospitals and 37 pneumonia vests and 57 teddy bears for distribution in Afghanistan were collected.
Items donated to Cara House overfill their containers.
The ladies of Harbour Breton parish have to be commended for their hospitality and organization of the lunch served after the service. The remainder of the afternoon was fun. We listened to encouraging words from the regional clergy. We presented
eleven of our faithful members, eighty years of age and older with hand made bags. We remembered our sisters who have passed on. Article and photos submitted by Wayne Hallett
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December 2008
Historicagreementsigned betweenAnglicansandMoravians A Special Labrador Mission Conference was held on October 22 to 23, 2008 in Goose Bay, Labrador. At this conference there was the signing of a “Memorandum of Agreement” between the Anglican Diocese of Eastern Newfoundland and Labrador and the Moravian Board for Labrador. Bishop Cyrus Pitman signed on behalf of the Anglican Diocese and Mrs. Joan Anderson
signed on behalf of the Moravian Church. The Rev’d Brian Burrows (father of David Burrows, Rector of the Ascension in Mount Pearl) has been appointed to the Moravian congregation in Hopedale and is welcomed to the diocesan family. Article and photo submitted by the Venerable Geoff Peddle Eastern Diocesan Synod Office
Happy Harvest memories in Hopedale Every priest has special moments that stand out in his and her ministry. This past Thanksgiving I went to Hopedale to spend some time with our daughter Charlotte, a social worker in the community. My first day there I went to the Moravian Mission site that was established in 1782. I could not help but feel a real sense of awe, reverence and history as I entered the current church that has served the people of Hopedale since 1860. Its simplicity was its beauty. I had the opportunity to lead the Thanksgiving Sunday worship
and this will be one of those very special moments for me. The baked items, berries and wild game surrounding the central pulpit would be auctioned on Thanksgiving Monday. The Children’s choir warmed our hearts as they sang ‘Thank you God for giving me ears, eyes, mouth etc.’ and then sat around in front of the pulpit as we talked about “thanks giving” and how important it is to say thank you to each other and most importantly to say thank you to God for his blessings. After the children left for Sunday School, we continued with wor-
ship from the Moravian Prayer and Hymn Book with chapel servants and lay people sharing in the proclamation of the word. The warmth and welcome of the people in the community and church will indeed be a part of my ‘special moments’.
Article and photos submitted by the Rev’d John Courage Chaplain to the Health Sciences Centre and Janeway Hospital.
The Rev’d John Courage stands behind the gifts of the Harvest at the Moravian Mission Church in Hopedale, Labrador. Photo: John Courage
Moravian Facts The Moravian Church is a Christian organization with more than five hundred and fifty years of history. As the oldest Protestant denomination in the world, their focus is on people. Of the Moravians you could say that they have a heartbeat for God, and a passion for people. The Moravians believe in basic religious principles, and think everyone matters; regardless of their background, their race, their culture. The Moravian Motto: • In Essentials, Unity • In Non-Essentials, Liberty • In All Things, Love For more information on the Moravian Church in Canada visit: www.moravian.ca
The Moravian Mission church has served the people of Hopedale since 1860. Photo: John Courage
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Henry Gordon’s Labrador Christmas In the 1970’s it came to the attention of Frederick Burnham Gill, Provincial Archivist of Newfoundland and Labrador, that the journal of the Reverend Henry Gordon, a missionary in Sandwich Bay, Labrador was available in St John’s. Mr. Gill had begun a series of publications, under the auspices of the Provincial Archives of long forgotten Newfoundland documents. He approached the then Bishop of Newfoundland, the Right Reverend Robert L.
Seaborn, in 1972, for his support which was readily given. It is well to let Bishop Seaborn take up the story of the Rev. Mr. Gordon, in his own words, from his foreword to Mr. Gordon’s journal. “The Rev. Henry Gordon was born in England in 1887, graduating from Keble College, Oxford, in 1909. He was ordained the following year and served two Curacies in the Diocese of Liverpool before volunteering, in 1915, to come to Labra-
dor. He was a young priest, twenty-eight years old, with no experience of the hardships, the deprivations, the isolation and the strenuous travels which awaited him. But he came in quiet faith and cheerfully began his life as an itinerant missionary, with responsibility for the spiritual care of a few hundred people scattered in tiny settlements along two hundred miles of rugged coastline from Batteau in the south, right around Sandwich Bay
to Cape Harrison in the north. A journey through this Mission meant about one thousand miles of travel. His Journal reveals a loving heart and a strong will, an observant mind, and a great skill in describing people, places and conditions. His ministry to the people of that coast during the influenza epidemic of 1918-1919 is an epic in itself. His initiative in finding a way to care for the orphaned children which resulted from that terrible winter, and the prac-
December 2008
our history David Davis tical steps he took in the field of education, mark him as a person of compassion and competence. His friendship and association with Dr. Wilfred Grenfell provide interesting sidelights on the great Labrador Doctor.” The following quotation from Mr. Gordon’s Journal is for Chapter VI: MY SECOND WINTER (1916-17), which covers the period from Harvest Festival to the first week of January when began his itinerant missionary travels.
The Document “One very interesting and novel event which I instituted this Fall was the holding of a Harvest Festival Service. I am afraid it was somewhat lacking in those seasonable decorations that are so much in evidence at our English Celebrations, but we did our best with wild berries, tree branches and a plentiful display of salt cod and salmon. Large numbers packed the Church, and we actually had a collection, which amounted to nine dollars! In a community where people barter still was the basis of exchange this represented a lot of money. In marked contrast to last year, winter conditions began to set in by early November and we were able to drive across the frozen bight before the end of the month. It came therefore almost as a shock when, one morning, in the first week of December, a ship’s siren sounded at the back of the Point, and a few minutes later a small gun-boat came crashing her way through the harbour ice. So coated with ice was her superstructure that she looked very much like an iceberg. Of course there was much excitement and specula-
tion in the settlement, but no one was allowed to go near her, and after hosing herself free with a spraying of steam she took her departure. It was not till the following summer that we heard the reason for the visit. She had been sent down to investigate what, I believe, were well-authenticated reports of a secret oil fuel depot, somewhere in the region of Hopedale. I doubt, h o w e v e r, whether German submarines could have made much use of such a source of supply without being soon observed. It is surprising how little escapes the attention of the keen-eyed Labrador hunter. By mid-December, the freeze-up was complete everywhere. Dog teams were coming into Cartwright from the head of Sandwich Bay and from several places along the outside coast. I was sorely tempted to get going on my first winter expedition, and thus gain time for more leisurely travelling, but the near approach of Christmas dissuaded me. For this looked like being an extra special Christmas. With ice conditions so well established, crowds of visitors could be expected, and this would enable one to afford them
ample opportunities for the religious observance of the festival. Then there was also a more than usual abundance of good things for their material enjoyment. It may be remembered that on my visit to St John’s last July, the people of St Thomas’ had packed several large barrels with clothing and food and toys, to be distributed at Christmas time. I only wish they could have seen the pleasure which these gave, not only to the young, but to the older folks as well. By the time that the actual celebrations took place Cartwright was almost too packed to be comfortable. Every house had its full complement, and even one of the Company’s stores had to be cleared to accommodate the overflow. Wi t h t h e v a r i o u s Church services, the outdoor sports and the indoor concerts, there was plenty to keep everyone busy and send the visitors home with something to talk about for weeks.” From the Journal of the Rev’d Henry Gordon
The Rev’d Henry Gordon dressed in sealskin clothing and mukluks circa 1918. Photo courtesy of the Diocesan Archives of the Diocese of Eastern Newfoundland & Labrador.
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December 2008
Let us pr praay...
The practice of the presence of God
“I applied my mind carefully for the rest of the day, even during my work, to the pres-
ence of God, whom I knew always to be near me and closely united with me.” These are the words of Brother Lawrence contained in a booklet called The Practice of the Presence of God. It consists of conversations, letters and maxims on how we should live, with the intention of cultivating this sense of the presence of God in us, and in the world about us. Brother Lawrence was a seventeenth-century Carmelite monk and for thirty years he toiled in the monastery
kitchen. He had little formal education but he possessed an unusual spiritual wisdom gained from his everyday encounter with God. He wrote no books but after his death, a friend gathered a few short letters and remembered conversations and had the collection published. Brother Lawrence wrote that to be with God it is not necessary always to be in church but we may make a chapel in our heart where we may go from time to time. The time of prayer was no dif-
The Rev. Everett Hobbs
ferent for him from any other time in that he was equally aware of God in activity. In his words, ‘I turn the cake that is frying on the pan for love of God.’ This way of praying has a long tradition and over the centuries several ‘methods’ have developed to assist those who want to have this awareness. It requires practice which begins by putting aside some time each day for prayer, scripture reading and similar disciplines that require in-
columnist
Straight talk on reconciliation I recall one of our professors at Queen’s telling us that if you could sum up the whole of our Lord’s ministry in one word it would be reconciliation. As the apostle Paul tells us in his 2 nd letter to the Corinthians, “God was in Christ reconciling the world to himself.” This makes sense and explains way our Lord in his teaching took such a strong position on matters of love and forgiveness. “Be merciful just as your [heavenly] Father is merciful” (Lk 6:36). “If you do not forgive others, neither will your
[heavenly] Father forgive you” (Matt 6:15). “Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, pray for those who persecute you” (Lk 6:35). Scripture tells us that as followers of Christ, if we love only those who love us how are we any different than the next person. It is clear in our Lord’s teaching that he was serious, VERY serious about the exercise of love and forgiveness. And conversely, Jesus never ever taught us to forgive in order to feel good – even though that may very well be the product of forgiving.
Anytime Jesus taught us to forgive it was ALWAYS to restore a brother or sister to community, i.e., reconciliation. Now the question remains, can we say we are reconciled to Christ if we are not reconciled to our neighbour? Jesus told us to love God and love neighbour – both of them go together. Hence, we can’t say that we are reconciled to God if our hearts are still askew with our neighbours. We have no claim on God’s grace and forgiveness if our
teraction with God. Outside of these times we can train ourselves in certain practices pause for a minute each or repeat a phrase about God while otherwise engaged. While we do believe that God is always present, we need the practice aided by grace to be in tune with his presence. You may find Brother Lawrence helpful in this undertaking. For further study: The Practice of the Presence of God by Brother Lawrence or visit : practicegodspresence.com
The Rev. Greg Mercer hearts are not INTENT on making peace. I would go as far as saying that since the whole of Jesus’ ministry can be summed up in one word, RECONCILIATION, we have no right to be called Christian UNLESS we are serious about reaching out to those who are estranged from the life of the church. To me, the words Christian and Reconciliation mean the same thing. Now that may be a rather BOLD statement on my part, and I stand to be challenged, but the fact re-
A NGLICANLife Old L is Lis istting
mains that Jesus DIED in order that the world may be RECONCILED to himself – nothing can change that. One of the best defiPlease see “Reconciliation” on page 15
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ANGLICANLife
December 2008
Launch out into the deep The following article was preached at St. Augustine’s Anglican Church in St. John’s at one of our weekly early morning services entitled, “Have you tried wine before breakfast?” – a service geared towards the students and faculty of the University during which we invite members of the faculty to preach. This sermon is based on Isaiah 12:2 – 6, Ephesians 3:2 – 12 and Luke 12:39 – 48. The service is followed by a breakfast and discussion between students, clergy and the faculty member(s) who are present. In this morning’s readings we hear Isaiah anticipate, and Paul reiterate, Christ’s call to meet the Eucharistic duty that everyone has: “to distribute the food allowance at the proper time”. Sharing the food “at the proper time” is the task, Christ says, on which all will be judged. His response to Peter’s question (Lord, is this parable meant for us or for everyone?) makes it clear that food-sharing is not just the responsibility of the ordained, or even of those who will come to be called “Christians”. Christians, Jews, and Gentiles alike, all accept that responsibility in accepting life itself. That is the cross that all take up. But why does Christ speak of this food-sharing as occuring “at the proper time?” All food is toxic if it isn’t cooked or prepared properly, or if it is served in ways that cause it to spoil, or served to those unprepared for it because of their customary diets. Only if the
food itself, and all who eat it, are properly prepared, is the time “proper” for it to be served. Preparing for that “proper time” is what Isaiah and Paul and Christ are talking about. Isaiah prepares by singing a
and servers and diners too need to be prepared, if it is not to be toxic. We have heard a lot about toxicity over the last few weeks. Stock market experts keep talking about toxic assets and toxic
cure, prepare, and share all its essential foods. Memorial is a nonsectarian institution, designed to serve, as St. Paul says, all who are capable of learning. It teaches how to expect the unex-
THE MIRACULOUS DRAUGHT OF FISHES painted by Raphael South Kensington Museum, London
sort “grace before meals’, praising “the LORD for his glorious achievement” that is life itself. For Paul, the preparation is his work to bring to light for all the revealed plan of the mystery of all things. And for Christ the preparation is staying alert in expectation of radically unexpected events: “You also must be prepared, for at an hour you do not expect, the Son of Man will come”; and he tells us elsewhere that the Son of Man comes, himself, as food for all. That food certainly needs proper preparation;
debt for which, they keep saying, nobody was prepared. But who could be prepared for such an event, and how could preparation reduce its toxicity? This church stands across the street from an institution that is actually designed to prepare people of all ages, colours, persuasions, or cultural backgrounds to expect the unexpected. That is precisely what a university does. It develops the personal, cultural, intellectual, and spiritual capacities of those who will help the community se-
pected, to encounter new people and ideas and events courageously. Memorial’s own motto claims its job is to respond to the call Christ made to his fishermen friends. Remember how, early one morning, He told them to have faith and Provehito in Altum, to “Launch out into the deep”, dangerous waters of the unknown. That same faith sustains any real university’s work. At the end of December, I will be retiring from Memorial after 42 years of research and teaching. I am very proud of
Memorial, and of my work there; but I often worry that Memorial needs broader support if it is to remain true to its own faith- based mission of preparing its community to face the unknown, unexpected, unfamiliar foods it needs to try. That support is available from within this faith community here this morning as it listens to Isaiah, and Paul, and Christ. Memorial can find that support by hearing your own experiences of a faith that is, like Memorial’s, inclusive of all and open to all. Christ’s call, echoed by Paul, is to develop a disciplined understanding of the world that Isaiah sings about as the Lord’s “glorious achievement”. Christ’s feast, to which all are invited, is the mutual understanding that responds generously and effectively to the needs of the world and all its people. That is the preparation we pray for, urgently, today. It is the “proper time”. Thank you for inviting me to share your timely celebration of our nourishing faith. Sermon by John A. Scott, Ph.D.
Deadlines for Submissions to Anglican Life For the January issue - Deadline is December 1st For the February issue - Deadline is January 1st For the March issue - Deadline is Febraury 1st For the April issue - Deadline is March 1st For the May issue - Deadline is April 1st
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December 2008
Life Insurance: a renewed interest Frank Minton and Lorna Somers, authors of the prestigious, “Planned Giving for Canadians”, suggest that Life insurance is said to be the most common deferred gift received by Canadian Charities. While that may be true in the rest of the country, I have not seen evidence of this in this province. That’s not saying that it doesn’t occur, it means that few insurance gifts for the Church have come across my desk...until recently. In the last two months, I have been involved with two policies; one, a $35,000 policy for St. Thomas’ and another $50,000 policy for St. Mark the Evangelist. There was also an inquiry from the Burin Peninsula. With this renewed interest in mind, I am including some information from the Angli-
can Church of Canada about life insurance that has served us well in years gone by but can serve us in an entirely new way when we make it a charitable gift. Here are some possibilities: Give the death proceeds. Marvin Holcomb no longer needs the $25,000 death benefit from the policy he took out years ago when his family was young. So he decides to have General Synod of The Anglican Church of Canada receive the proceeds payable at his death. When he dies, his estate will receive a donation receipt for the amount of the death benefit, resulting in significant tax savings on his final return. If the donation receipt exceeds 100% of his income in that year, the excess can be carried back to the previous year, and the 100% limitation will
apply to that year’s income as well. Give the policy itself. Nancy Helm, age 75, had almost forgotten her paid up $50,000 policy until she began thinking about establishing an endowment with the Diocese in memory of her husband. She depends on the income from her other investments, but the insurance policy makes an ideal gift. Because she makes the Diocese the beneficiary and also the owner of the policy, her gift is irrevocable, and she receives a donation receipt for the cash value of the policy, creditable up to 75 percent of her income (excess credit may be carried forward up to five years). Nancy’s policy is paid up, but if premiums were still owing and she continued to pay them, she would
Above is a picture of the newly elected Diocesan ACW Executive for the Diocese of Central Newfoundland. The annual meeting was held in Lewisporte and the theme was “Called To Serve.” Pictured in the photo left to right - Bishop David Torraville, President - Judy Peddle; Vice-President - Eileen Colbourne; Treasurer - Patricia Rideout; Secretary - Shirley Walters. Photo submitted by Jacqui King
Romancing the world Continued from page 4
Church, then how are we to understand the rebellious protestations and interpretation of the radical liberal reformers? I would suggest that the influence of today’s radical individualism and relativism have no place in the Church. That the liberal reformers justify their interpretations and actions on the basis of these cultural influences is enough to say,
‘No.’ Indeed, it is obvious that Jesus, the Apostles, the Church of History, and the Holy Scriptures of the Church testify to a radical move from me to Him, and thus from me to us. The façade of unity that is agree-todisagree makes a mockery of the command that we be one in Jesus and that we should be transformed into His likeness through the renewing of
our minds. Our bishops, clergy, and laity must reconsider their romance with the World and renew the romance that is to be for Christ and His Bride, the Church. The Rev’d Brian Candow is the Associate Priest in the Parish of Gander
stewardship Kevin Smith
receive donation receipts for those payments as well. Give a new policy. Ralph Swanson, in his mid-40’s, would like to make a significant gift to The Anglican Foundation of Canada. He has no existing policy or assets to contribute but he does have some discretionary income, so he purchases a new $40,000 policy naming the Foundation as both owner and beneficiary, and pays for it in five annual payments of $1,200 each. He receives a donation receipt for each payment and, assuming a combined federal/provincial tax credit of 48 percent, his annual tax saving is $576. Thus his “net cost” for each premium is $624, and he makes a $40,000 future gift for only $3,120. There are several things worthy of note: 1) You can designate your parish, your diocese or some other ministry within the church to be the beneficiary of your policy. 2) There are immediate tax savings on premium payments. 3) The provisions cannot be changed by the courts. 4) Life insurance allows you to leverage a larger charitable gift relative to the payments required. 5) The gift bypasses the donor’s estate and probate process. I encourage you to consult with a finan-
cial planner about such a gift to your church. Or, if you require some help in this area, I’m confident that I can put you in touch with someone who will be only too pleased to assist. As I enter my 9 th year in this ministry, my wife Kay and I would like to wish all you dear readers a wonderful and holy Christmas season. “We make a living by what we get, we make a life by what we give.” - Sir Winston Churchill Kevin Smith is a gift planning consultant with the Anglican Church of Canada. He can be contacted at 709 739-5667 or by email: k_smith@nf.sympatico.ca.
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columnist
The greatest promise John 3:16 is the best known verse in the Bible. The apostle John wrote: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16). Martin Luther (1483-1546) called this verse “the Gospel in miniature”. It reveals the extent of God’s love. Salvation has its origin in God, but God is under no obligation to save us. There are different types of love. There is love within the family. There is love between a
man and a woman. There is love between friends. Then there is divine love, for “God so loved the world”. It is an unconditional love. God loves us in spite of us. It is His nature to love. God loves the world, and that includes the whole of humanity, not just the world of the elect. Why does God love us? God loves us because we are His creation. We are a special creation of God. To know God’s love is indeed heaven on earth. God “gave his one and only Son”. The
apostle John tells us that God’s love is shown in the gift of His Son. God gave Jesus by sending Him into the world, but He also gave Jesus on the cross. It is through Jesus that we come to know God’s love and love God. When God gave Jesus, He gave the best gift in the universe. The death of Jesus on the cross shows us the love of God. We all have needs. We need to know God. Jesus brings us the knowledge of who God is, and what He is like. If we want to know
The Rev. Michael Li what God is like, look to Jesus. We will find Him in the pages of the Bible. Also we need a Saviour. Jesus died on the cross to save us from sin and from ourselves. We need to repent of our sins and believe and trust in the person and work of Jesus in order to be saved. But, God does not force us to accept His offer of salvation. We all want to live, but we all will die. Jesus is the answer to that problem, for He gives eternal life to all who believe on Him (John 3:16). We can trust Jesus. We have confi-
Too soon for Merry Christmas? How fast and furious the whole world moves today! And how changeable and unpredictable everything has recently become! Consider October, for example. Suddenly, unpredictably, our stocks, our finances, virtually collapsed. Plunging stock markets threatened the economy of the whole world. Suddenly many of us lost much of our savings. We were stripped of our “security blanket,” i.e. our money. A collapse of the global economy would create traumatic conditions that stagger the imagination- a world in hopeless turmoil. Perhaps, please God, everything will be
cleared up by Christmas. If so, glory be to God! Even if there is a miraculous recovery, our confidence in our economy- and in our whole financial systemwill be severely shaken: will there be another collapse soon? Will there be a total, irreversible, financial crash? Indeed, our whole world systems seem so vulnerable today, and, whether we like it or not, our world is a “family”, totally interdependent. Calamity that affects one affects us all. The October crisis clearly demonstrates that we no longer have any real global security, financially, militarily, or otherwise, in our
man-centered, man-directed world. Our total reliance on human resources is frighteningly fragile. Since there is absolutely no REAL security in humanity, where can we turn for REAL security? TO GOD, of course! We have a glorious, almighty Father- God who made us, and ALL things, wonderfully. He is, Jesus Christ assures us, in charge of ALL his creation. No earthly, or heavenly, situationhowever colossal, however disastrous, and however traumatic- is too big for God to handle. And handle it he will, if we believe in him and put our whole trust in him. Oh, yes, it helps
December 2008
sometimes to turn to governments, or to world organizations, for help and solutions. But, the ultimate, infallible solutions to all world problems come from the God who made the world. He’s the ONLY ONE big enough for the job. So, Christmas is almost here, and, once again we are dramatically reminded of God’s great love for us, a love that gave us his ONLY Son to redeem us. That son Jesus, born a helpless infant became, and still is, the Saviour of the whole world. With God’s Omnipotent help so readily available to us, why doesn’t the whole world turn to him through Jesus his
dence in Jesus. Eternal life is life in Jesus. By the grace of God, we can live according to the will of God, loving God and our fellow human beings in words and in deeds.
columnist Ronald Clarke
Son? This Christmas let us all rejoice at the birth of Jesus Christ. Let’s tell everyone else around us that God is truly in charge of all things. Let’s tell everyone that, NO MATTER WHAT, God is in control, so we have nothing to fear. Your witness, and mine, and everybody else’s can really help to bring the world to God.
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December 2008
chaplain’s corner
Chaplaincy in the “Big Land” St. Matthew wrote, “I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me.” These words from scripture are lived out daily by the chaplaincy outreach of many parishes in the Archdeaconry of Labrador. The Happy ValleyGoose Bay area services not only its own community; it is the hub for many people needing services from the Labrador coastal areas. Therefore chaplaincy in the Lake Melville area reaches out to many communities, families and individuals. Chaplaincy is shared by both ordained and non-ordained alike. The Labrador Health Centre (hospital) receives visits three times a week by the clergy of the Parish of Lake Melville. The pastoral care given at the hospital allows the local
church to care for the wider church who may have been air-lifted to Happy Valley Goose Bay from other communities. Outside the hospital setting chaplaincy occurs at the Dr. Harry Paddon Seniors Home. At the Paddon Home, the sacrament of Holy Communion is celebrated the last Friday of each month. This Eucharistic feast is shared by many of the residents and from time to time the liturgy is translated into Inuktutuk for our Moravian brothers and sisters. The clergy also visit the Paddon Home on a weekly basis to chat and share in the life of the home.
The Praise Band from St. Andrew’s Church in the Parish of Lake Melville share in
chaplaincy ministry by sharing their gift of music. On a rotating schedule, afternoon Sunday services are held at the Paddon Home, Pine
The Ven. Charlene Taylor Archdeacon of Labrador Lodge Personal Care Home, Headlands Senior’s Apartments and the Labrador Correctional Centre. These services consist of hymn requests, scripture readings, reflections and prayer requests. These services are conducted by both clergy and laity. In the absence of a priest or deacon these services are still conducted by dedicated lay ministers and musicians. Chaplaincy in the “Big Land” is not confined to the Happy Valley Goose Bay area. On Labrador’s south coast, the clergy of the Parish of Battle Harbour minister to the residents of the Harbour View Manor in
Mary’s Harbour. In Labrador West, pastoral care is given to Captain William Jackman Memorial Hospital by the parish priest in the Parish of Labrador West. Chaplaincy by the Anglican Church in Labrador is as vast as its geography. The clergy are on call 24 hours a day and seven days a week to cover the pastoral needs of the many care centres in the Archdeaconry. It is the dedication of the clergy and the support of the laity that makes chaplaincy happen in Labrador. Together we heed Jesus call to show care and love for the sick and imprisoned around us. Submitted by The Ven. Charlene Taylor, Archdeacon of Labrador
Reconciliation Continued from page 11
nitions I ever came across for the church goes something like this: a community of people whose way of life TOGETHER is LIVING PROOF of a LOVING GOD to a watching world. The Church in its fellowship HAS TO BE LIVING PROOF OF A LOVING GOD. But how can we do that if our hearts are not set on doing the work of reconciliation, i.e., to be a community of people who is serious about forgiving and loving and the exercise of grace. Is it any wonder why people get so upset when there is division and factions in Church? The Church is our Lord’s “sacrament” to the world, a beacon of light – loving, forgiving, reconciling, and building up community. Anything less is nothing more than a “SLAP” in the face to Jesus Christ.
The ladies of Holy Trinity ACW (Parish of Meadows) take a break before serving hot roast beef suppers as part of their Fall Fund Raising Event. The Rev’d Malcolm Palmer was not ashamed to admit that he put on an apron and greatly hindered them!Back Row, left to right - Estelle Davis, Francis Han, Susie Anderson, Lorraine Gooney.Front Row - Whyona White, Nina Warren, Anna Pitman, Jean Head, Avril Harris, Francis Brake. Kneeling - The Revd. Malcolm Palmer.
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December 2008
Canadian Primate visits Central Diocese
Archbishop Fred Hiltz, the Primate of the Anglican Church of Canada spent some time visiting all three dioceses in Newfoundland & Labrador in October. He is seen preaching here at St. Alban’s Church in Grand Falls-Windsor Photo: Arch Parsons
Archbishop Fred Hiltz, Primate of the Anglican Church of Canada, spent September 29-30 visiting the Diocese of Central Newfoundland. The Primate spoke to the clergy and laity from all over the Diocese. Being from Nova Scotia, he stated it was always good to return home to the East Coast, to see the Atlantic Ocean and to enjoy the beautiful scenery. He said the greatest joy for him in the past year has been his diocesan visits. Archbishop Hiltz outlined his role as the Primate. One of his many duties is to visit all the Canadian dioceses. In his first year, he has been to 19 out of 30 Dioceses in Canada and he has visited some dioceses more than once. He considers it important to exercise
his pastoral role as chair of the House of Bishops by visiting all Episcopal Ordinations and Consecrations. Primates are also invited to Diocesan Synods and Anniversaries. The Archbishop said, “I have witnessed signs of vitality and renewal in various churches across Canada because of very strong and capable clergy leadership and very strong and capable lay leadership. Leadership in a parish is very crucial, and will make a parish rise or fall.” He explained the five marks of a healthy Parish: (1) the members know who they are before God; (2) they know what God is calling them to do as a Church; (3) they have the resources to do the work; (4) the people are really
experiencing the power and joy of the Gospel, in their worship and in their fellowship; (5) and the church is making a significant difference in the community and the world. The Primate concluded, “If you have those five marks in each church of your diocese, that makes for a healthy diocese and 30 strong dioceses will make a strong and vibrant National Church.” The Primate said that he enjoys the contrast of his experiences. Illustrating this, he said, “Everything from (worshipping with) nine thousand people in an arena in Ottawa to celebrate the 150th Anniversary of that diocese to a gathering with seven people in a little log chapel way up north via an ice road where a lone
lay reader looks after the chapel.” The Primate also sees an amazing contrast in the liturgy of our church. “A lot of people out there describe our church as weary, worn out and sad,” he said. “Weary of the residential schools, worn out talking about sexuality, and sad because of brokenness and division, and, in part, those are some of our realities, but there are other realities as well that must be considered alongside. These are all the signs of renewed hope, renewed sense of mission, and renewed sense of our place in the Anglican Communion.” Archbishop Hiltz also delivered the sermon at the Service of Holy Eucharist at St. Alban’s Church in Grand FallsWindsor . He mentioned that God wills nothing but good for His people and for His Church if we give ourselves over completely to the mission in which we are called, as those signed by the cross and marked as God’s own forever. Using the readings for St. Michael & All Angels he spoke at length about the Angels of God. He explained three things that angels do - they worship, they carry messages, and they guard us. He left us with the question, “Imagine that there is an angel of the Lord tending the Anglican Church, what is that angel seeing as she goes through the Anglican Church of Canada? What kind of message is she going to deliver to us? I think,” he said, “that part of the message that angel might have for our church would be some-
thing like this. Move on. Move on with being the church. Move on with proclaiming the gospel. Celebrate the faith. Celebrate the gospel. Keep working at bringing people to Christ and nurturing that experience with us. That angel would say to our church, treasure what you have - your heritage, your diversity, because in these things is your very hope for the future. I think that angel would say to us, ‘in all your stress and strain, nationally and internationally, don’t forget the things that draw you together. your companion dioceses, your prayer cycles, your experience of the Eucharist, every experience being a reminder to us that we are one body under one Lord.’ Finally, that angel might say to us, ‘Who are you as a church guarding? My hunch is that angel would be pointing to the poor, to those who long for Gospel, who long for a renewed experience of justice. Are we guarding their rights, their dignity, as people made in God’s image? Are you advocating for them? Are you holding out for them a vision of God’s justice? Are you enabling them to know that their hope will not perish?’” There was an hour of fellowship and refreshments following the service provided by the St. Alban’s ACW. Submitted by Arch Parsons Parish of WindsorBishop’s Falls
Port Saunders welcomes new servers
Servers Inducted at St. John the Divine, Port Saunders (left to right) Terry Sooley, Rev. Tanya White, Gavin Pinsent, Heather White, Jeremy Barry. Photo: Denise White
Four young servers were inducted on 28 September 2008 by Rev’d Tanya White, known to these young people as “Revy”. They have been taking turns assisting Rev’d Tanya on Sundays and are eager to help. To show her appreciation, “Revy” gave the servers their own crosses. Gavin has been serving for a few years now, but Terry, Heather and Jeremy are new to the job. Gavin says he will teach them as he is “the senior one now”. His older brother guided him and is no
longer serving on the altar but still reads and plays music on occasion. Not only do these kids act as servers in the sanctuary but they sometimes take up collection, help with welcoming, and doing whatever little jobs there are to be done. They are not there every Sunday but when they are they don’t mind helping in anyway. It is so good to see young people involved in the life of the church. Encouraging these young people now, involving them in the life of the
church, is a sure way, at least we hope, that they will always belong to their church community wherever they go. And I must give thanks as well, for the encouragement provided to these youth by Rev. Tanya – she has been a positive influence on them. We pray that they will serve God in many ways in the years to come. Submitted by Denise White Parish of Port Saunders