ANGLICANLife
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March 2009
ANGLICANLife March 2009
in NEWFOUNDLAND
&
LABRADOR
A Section of the ANGLICANJOURNAL
How sweet the sound “I was in prison...
Amazing Grace Project strikes a chord across the province
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Churches all across the province joined in with the rest of Canada to sing Amazing Grace on 23 November 2008. Funds collected went to support ministry in the North. Pictured above: 1) All Saints, Pouch Cove; 2) & 5) Eastern Diocesan Mission Conference; 3) Parish of the Holy Trinity on a wharf; 4) & 6) St. Paul’s, Harbour Grace. All photos submitted by Elizabeth Barnes.
SERVING THE ANGLICAN DIOCESES OF WESTERN NEWFOUNDLAND + CENTRAL NEWFOUNDLAND + EASTERN NEWFOUNDLAND & LABRADOR
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News From Parish Bulletins and Elsewhere On 26 April 2009, St. Augustine’s Altar Guild will be celebrating 50 years of their existence. Started originally as an Altar Guild for the Chapel of the Epiphany - an outreach from the Cathedral at Brinton Memorial School - the Altar Guild has faithfully helped prepare for worship services at St. Augustine’s since our earliest days. In fact, they are the first of our parish groups to have been formed. In honour of the anniversary, we shall be having a special anniversary service. (Parish of St. Augustine’s, St. John’s) St. Paul’s Sunday School has continued to attract a large number of regular attendees. We thank God for that! As a result of this wonderful occurrence, the current number of
volunteer leaders are sometimes feeling a little overwhelmed. We ask that any preschool child (not currently in Kindergarten) be accompanied by his/her ‘grown-up’. This ensures that each child is provided the assistance he/she needs with crafts/games and will want to come back for more fun each Sunday! (Parish of Labrador West) A little religious humour: Old Fred’s hospital bed is surrounded by wellwishers, but it doesn’t look good. Suddenly, he motions to his parish priest for something to write on. The priest lovingly hands him a pen and a piece of paper, and Fred uses his last bit of energy to scribble a note, and then dies. The priest thinks it best not to look at the
note right away so he places it in his jacket pocket. At Fred’s funeral, as the priest is finishing the service, he realizes he’s wearing the same jacket he was wearing when Fred died. “Fred handed me a note just before he died,” he says. “I haven’t looked at it yet, but knowing Fred, I’m sure there’s some word of inspiration in it for all of us.” Opening the note he reads aloud, “Help! You’re standing on my oxygen tube!” (Parish of Fortune-Lamaline) A CLB Belize Mission Service will take place at St. Luke’s Church, Port de Grave beginning at 3:00 p.m. This service will allow us an opportunity to show our support for the mission and in particular to the members going from Trin-
Are you aware of A.W.A.R.E.? I looked forward to my fitness program every Spring when I lived in Ontario. The blahs of winter isolated us, and by the time April rolls around I need to”get fit.” I packed my bag and prepared for my weekend of fitness but it was not “physical fitness,” although I am greatly in need of that too. This is a “spiritual fitness” weekend when Anglican women, exhausted from the church year’s work as ACW and other group members come together for worship, prayer, praise and fellowship and leave there as Anglican Women Alive Renewed and Enriched. A.W.A.R.E. is a once a year conference and spiritual retreat. It was so exciting at Geneva Park, when on a Friday afternoon, all the cars pulled up, and women lined up at the registration, waving to old friends as
they wait, as courteous staff passed out the keys and your own folder with your name on it, holding the weekend’s jam packed activities. Inside, an all female band practiced old familiar songs.Afeeling of urgency comes over you to get your “spirit in shape”. The hustle of the city is far behind, and the responsibilities as wives, mothers and grandmothers that you rushed away from fade, as you come face to face with your inner being. And your need for nourishment of the soul - to “be still” and hear God speaking to you amidst the tranquility of nature. Soon, you find yourself a seat in the huge conference centre and it warms your heart as the band leads in singing, “Surely the presence of the Lord is in this place.” There is
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singing, praying, and always a special speaker - bringing us gradually from our homes and our cares, into a fellowship of “Daughters of Christ.” There is a prayer chapel where you can “go apart” for awhile. It is wonderful. It is a spiritual retreat. One speaker had talked about hearts reaching for hearts, and how “a lonely soul, lying bare, needs a gentle touch.” I found that one day at Geneva Park. I had decided to walk down by the water. I heard someone talking and there was this darling lady, in her seventies, talking to herself, through tears. I wanted to back up and disappear and leave her to her privacy, but she spotted me. She invited me to walk with her. She was telling me of her daughter who was left alone with two children to raise - her husband
ity Conception Battalion #201. The general public is invited to attend and Bishop Pitman will be in attendance. (Parish of Bay Roberts/Coley’s Point) Dancing with the Priests is well underway, and you may have seen Rev’d Illife Sheppard and Rev’d David Burrows on Out of the Fog (Rogers TV). If you would like further details about the event, please contact the parish office, or view their w e b s i t e , www.dancingwiththepriests.com (Parish of the Ascension, Mount Pearl) “Anglican Disciples of Jesus” On February 3 we began a study of what Christians, walking in the Anglican way of discipleship, be-
lieve and are called to live like. This will be a nine week study on the Creeds, the Anglican Catechism, The 39 Articles, the Book of Common Prayer (and Book of Alternative Services) and the individual and corporate spiritual life of Anglican Christians ‘then and now’, as well as looking at how we live as Jesus’ disciples here at St. Thomas’. (Parish of St. Thomas’, St. John’s) Are you ready for some . . . Soup!!! - Souper Bowl Sunday, February 1! It may be the day of the big game, but SMAC Youth are inviting you to have a bowl of soup and make a big difference. Stay around after the 10:30 a.m. See Bulletins on page 3
Article submitted by Olive M. Grunert
had left her. She couldn’t see how this woman could possibly manage on her own with the children, and as the tears flowed I put my arm around her and told her, “I raised six children by myself....through the grace of God I managed.” I encouraged her to leave this to God, to pray about it and God will give her daughter direction and give her a peaceful sleep tonight. That evening, as we sang “Sister, let me be your servant,” I saw her look back at me and smile. On Sunday afternoon as these ladies received communion together, sharing the one bread and one body, bringing to an end one spiritually enriching weekend, you saw evidence of the love of God working among them. You witnessed embracing and promises to
meet again and you will see and feel the bond between them their love of Christ Jesus. You, like me, will drive home with a new feeling of spiritual health, a humbling and penitent but joyful heart, and a determination to spread his word in this unbelieving world we live in, anxious for others to know the blessing of his peace. This May 22 - 24, 2009, A.W.A.R.E. comes to Newfoundland for the second time and is open to women of all faiths. It will be held at the Lavrock Conference Centre. . The Guest Speaker is Emma Marsh and our Chaplain is the Rev. Dana Mellis. Applications can be printed at www.awareconference.org or call olive Grunert at (709) 2296614 or email aware@eastlink.ca
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March 2009
Quartoseptcentennial celebrations St. Paul’s Church, Harbour Grace to celebrate 175th Anniversary Article and Photo submitted by Robert Lynch
Residents of Harbour Grace are getting ready for yet another unique celebration in the historic port town. St. Paul’s Anglican Church, the oldest stone church in the province, will celebrate the 175th Anniversary of the Laying of the Cornerstone on July 17th 2010. An 18 member Anniversary Committee is already in place and plans are underway to mark the historic occasion. The first St. Paul’s Church was built in 1764 and was enlarged in 1816 but unfortunately in August of the same year it was completely destroyed by fire. Another building was started in 1817 but was destroyed by a heavy gale before it was completed. The congregation got started on another building immediately but that was destroyed by fire in 1832. In 1835 the present church was built of stone and is the oldest stone church in Newfoundland. A news report taken from The Harbour Grace Standard and reprinted in The Conception Bay Mercury dated Friday, July 31st 1835 reads: “Tuesday last, the 28th instant, having been fixed as the time for the laying of the Corner Stone of the new Episcopal Established church in this town. Very early in the day, which fortunately provides clear and bright as could be wished a pretty general determination was evinced to make it a general holiday. Crowds of the young and gay, in their best attire filled every part of he intended route and every access from which a glimpse could be had of the procession or scene of operation was fully occupied. Colors flying on all the merchant’s stores and public buildings and the vessels and the several wharves dressed out in flags enhanced the gaiety of the scene.
At half past eleven o’clock the different benefit societies and public bodies began to arrange themselves and to form a procession extending to the public landing-place at the Point of Beach and precisely at noon His Excellency
church and prayers for the day were read by the Rev. Mr. Bridge. Psalm 122 was then sung by the Newfoundland School Children consisting of at least 150, the sermon was delivered by the Rev. Mr. Blackman of Port-de-Grave from Psalm 132 Verses 1st to 5th.
St Paul’s Anglican Church Harbour Grace Newfoundland and Labrador. The oldest stone church in the province, the Corner Stone having being laid on July 28th 1835
Governor General Prescott accompanied by his Suite left the yacht moored off the town and pulled toward the shore where he was received by Thomas Ridley, Esq. and Alfred Mayne, Esq., Churchwardens and the band playing “Rule Britannia”. The whole procession was formed facing to the westward and as His Excellency passed in review in front, all present uncovered, the respective colours of the different Societies were lowered, the drums beating three ruffles as he passed each colour, when his Excellency arrived at the head of the precession the band struck up a march and moved in quick time towards the Court House. Once at he court house the band played “God Save the King” the services of the
The procession then reformed and proceeded to the churchyard where the ceremony of the laying of the corner stone was performed by His Excellency, assisted by two Operative Masons. His Excellency having applied the Plump, the Line, the Square and the Compass to the Stone Pronounced “All Right”. The copy of the scroll deposited in a bottle was read with an audible voice of John Stark, Esq., Chairman of the building committee.” Within the community of Harbour Grace, this church is quite significant because it has been a place of worship for both the Church of England and the Anglican Church since 1835. Centrally located in the heritage district of Harbour Grace, the townspeople feel that St. Paul’s
church is possibly the most important structure in the district because of its age, history and religious affiliations. St. Paul’s is environmentally valuable because of it’s stone retaining wall and graveyard. The stone wall, which outlines the property, is typical of many 19th century Newfoundland churches, and is common in the town of Harbour Grace. The graveyard is also located on the property, adjacent to the church. It was a common practice in Newfoundland for churches to have their graveyard located directly next to the building. These features, along with the sheer size and location of the building, make it a visible landmark in the town. In recognition of the continued efforts of the people of Harbour Grace to maintain an important part of their religious and architectural past, St. Paul’sAnglican Church became a Registered Heritage Structure in September 1995. The committee plans to prepare a souvenir history booklet to mark the occasion. A banquet is planned for July 17th 2010 and a church service the following Sunday. There will be a re-enactment of the Laying of the Corner Stone, a parade and family fun day are also being arranged to commemorate the anniversary. Committee chair Sonia Williams said “In a town so rich in history we are delighted to have an opportunity to come together and celebrate and give thanks for such an important structure. We must look through history to appreciate how much has happened and changed in our world over the life of this historic site. Plans are being made and we (the committee) invite one and all to come and help us celebrate.
Bulletins Continued from page 2
service on February 1st and enjoy a hot bowl of soup for only $3. If you would rather take it home to enjoy while you watch the game, just bring along a container from home and we’ll be glad to fill it (just trying to be green). This year all proceeds from Souper Bowl Sunday will go toward the CLB Mission to Belize. (Parish of St. Mark the Evangelist, St. John’s) Visits to Institutions: The Outreach Committee sponsors annual visits to a number of seniors’ homes in our area. In March, the Committee will make an afternoon visit to the O’Connell Centre (where there are currently two All Saints’ parishioners in residence). Music, food and a word of prayer are part and parcel of every visit to a seniors’home. Another home will receive an after-supper visit in May. (All Saints’ Parish, Corner Brook) St. Alban’s will kick off it’s Centennial Celebrations on January 17th. 2009. This is the date of the first church service at St. Alban’s in 1909. The evening will begin with a congregational dinner at a:30 p.m. and a Service of Thanksgiving at 7:00 p.m. All are welcome. Throughout the year, we plan to have an event, hopefully every month. An old fashioned concert, congregational visitation of shut-in elderly members, Good Friday procession around the church loop, and “Muffin Sundays” are some of the events we hope to incorporate into the celebrations. (Parish of Badger’s Quay-Pool’s Island)
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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: The Rev’d Sam Rose 45 Tildacane Place Conception Bay South, NL A1X 3C7 (709) 834-9190 (h) Email: samrose@nl.rogers.com Advertising Rates and other information may be obtained from: Bishop 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 the Editor-in-Chief (above) Parish Bulletins and Letters to the Editor: Send to the Editor-inChief, 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
editor ial editorial
Caught between two worlds It isn’t unusual for me to be visiting hospitals. As part of my priestly duties, I often visit the sick for prayer and pastoral ministry. In a former parish of mine, it wouldn’t be strange to have a dozen or more parishioners hospitalized on an average day. On most occasions, a visit would be no more than five or ten minutes in duration with not much chance to be present in any other way. In recent weeks, I have found myself in the Family Waiting room at the Intensive Care Unit at St. Clare’s Hospital, mostly on a daily basis. This time I was not in my familiar role as a priest, but as a grandson. My 80 year old grandfather had major surgery and his recovery has been like a roller-coaster ride. As I write this, we are praying for a full recovery, but his health is still not that good. I feel caught between
two worlds. This is the first time a close member of my family has been very sick. While I am used to being around very ill people, I am not used to seeing a loved one in the same situation. To be honest, as I look at my grandfather breathing through a ventilator, I feel absolutely helpless. I know God is present but at the same time, I feel so far away from Him. Perhaps this personal experience is teaching me something about being a pastor. Henri Nouwen wrote about being the “wounded healer.” For Nouwen, pastors must be willing to go beyond their professional role and leave themselves open as fellow human beings with the same wounds and suffering — in the image of Christ. In other words, we heal from our own wounds. Having shared in personal suffering, I know better now the pain of worry and anxiety as loved ones
The Rev. Sam Rose
wait for the doctor’s diagnosis. I know now the fear and frustration from a slow and uncertain recovery. I know the joy and hope when a comatose patient’s eyelids flicker and fingers move. Having been wounded myself, perhaps I can be a more present healer to other wounded souls. This experience has taught me more about being a priest. I cannot simply be the cultic professional whose job it is to say the right prayers at the right times. Priestly ministry is really incarnational - being Christ in word and deed. Now I know what it means when a worried family member says, when I show up by a sick loved one’s bedside, “Thank God, you’re here.”
Anglican Foundation helps rebuild Igloo Cathedral Submitted by Fiona Brownlee Communications for the Council of the North
We have all seen an image of St. Simon & St. Jude’s Cathedral –a large igloo shaped building looming over the landscape of Iqaluit, Nunavut– and marvelled at how our church fits into such a different place and culture. In the fall of 2005, Anglicans across the country grieved with their brothers and sisters in the arctic when it was announced that a fire damaged the beautiful cathedral church of St. Simon & St. Jude. They grieved even more when they learned that the cathedral would have to be demolished and rebuilt from scratch. The cathedral represented the indigenous culture in which it was situated and had become the home for unique works of art from communities across the arctic. The destruction of St. Simon & St. Jude’s left a deep impression on Anglicans across the country. The Anglican Foundation of Canada recognized this and moved to assist the effort to rebuild the cathedral. The Anglican Foundation, a national organisation made up
of roughly 350 individual members and 450 corporate members across the country, gave a big boost to St. Jude’s fundraising efforts. Through its elected Board of Directors, the Foundation loaned the diocese of the Arctic an extraordinary amount of $250,000.00, under
special terms, and provided a grant of $15,000.00 towards the reconstruction project. As many will note, the Foundation’s loan is above and beyond its normal amount awarded for building projects. The sense of connectedness with St. Jude’s, engendered by the Foundation, can be found throughout the Canadian church. Many Canadian Anglicans have responded to the need of the cathedral by holding a variety of fundraising events. Such fundraisers have
been held at St. John’s, Lunenburg in the diocese of Nova Scotia and PEI and Christ Church Cathedral in the diocese of Ottawa. The renewal of St. Jude’s has brought Anglicans together to rebuild the Arctic cathedral so that the people of the diocese of the Arctic might continue with the journey on which God has called them. Building in the Arctic is an expensive, difficult and lengthy undertaking. It is expensive because every item used during construction must be shipped from southern manufacturers. It is difficult and lengthy because the environment limits the amount of time for construction each year. The environment is also fragile and needs careful maintenance so that the building will be sustainable and compatible with its surroundings. In June 2007, thermosyphons were laid in the building’s foundation. The syphons must sit in the ground undisturbed for a year See Igloo Cathedral on page 6
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News from Saint Luke’s Homes
St. Luke’s Homes Annual Christmas Ecumenical Service was held on 19 December 2009. Each year their Home welcomes clergy and parishioners from other community churches to join in singing and praising God in this joyous season. This year one of their Resident Care Managers, Cynthia Hynes and her daughter Emily sing the beautiful Christmas Hymn “Mary Did You Know?” Photo submitted by Pamela Tucker.
Good Shepherd Char Dinner a success
Who are the Soul Searchers? New Youth Group at All Saints Anglican Church in Fortune, NL Article & Photo by Beverly Buffett
October 1st, 2008, the Rev. Neal Buffett and six adults attended a meeting in hopes of starting a youth group. This group would be from grade 7 to grade 12 (Level III). We had high expectations and lots of ideas for the youth of our comm u n i t y. Our first meeting with them was a huge success and there were 28 in attendance. Needless to say we were very impressed and pleased that the y o u t h wanted to be involved with the group. We have been thanking God every day for blessing us with a church community that has supported us immensely. Everything we needed has been provided, even when we asked for six pumpkins for Halloween and fresh bread for the Christmas party. Over the past 2 ½ months we have been kept busy with devotions, singing, crafts, birthday, Halloween and Christmas parties, snacks, a movie night and God provided a beautiful starlit night for our campfire. The youth are very creative and want to be involved in taking on leadership roles. Some have been doing the action songs,
while others have been organizing games. They have been working together tremendously well. We had an election with ballot boxes and all. Each youth had an opportunity to se-
rage to work on the float. The youth group got together and decorated the float to enter in the parade. Again we were blessed with a beautiful night so we had a campfire with hot chocolate and cookies. The
cretly name the group. Out of the ones selected, four were printed on the ballot sheets. The following week we had our election and they chose the name “Soul Searchers.” Our group has been involved in two outreach ministries. Operation Christmas Child in which 10 boxes were filled by the group and cards were made for each of the boxes. Another week we made cards for the sick and shut in the community. These cards will be delivered during Christmas. On a very short notice we decided to enter a float in the Christmas parade. We were provided with a trailer and a ga-
theme of our float was “Keep Christ in Christmas,” and our group name was painted on a banner. Several people remarked “Who are the Soul Searchers?” As we prepared for our Christmas party and craft we looked forward to the New Year. Now, we are beginning to talk about presenting an Easter Drama. We have several events, fundraisers, parties, crafts and outreach ministry projects to complete before our closing in June. With the support of the leaders, youth, parents, church community and God’s help this will be made possible.
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Tour - The Netherlands, Belgium and France DancingArchdeacons Sandra Tilley (left) and Geoff Peddle enjoy a night of fun at the 21stAnnual Parish of the Good Shepherd Char Dinner, SilentAuction and Dance held at the Reid Centre in Mount Pearl on January 31 where over 400 attended. Photo submitted by Archdeacon Geoff Peddle
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The Advent Event in Heart’s Content Article & Photos by Lucy Piercey
On 6 December 2008, the Feast of St. Nicolas, parishioners of the Parish of Heart’s Content met at the Winterton Recreation Centre for an Advent Family Event. Children made Advent wreaths for their homes, as well as a Jesse tree package and a Christmas decoration while the significance of each was being explained. The highlight of the event was a visit from St. Nicolas also known as the patron Saint of Children or the Bishop of Myra. St. Nicolas explained his story and his secret gift giving. The fun concluded with hot chocolate, ginger bread men and cupcakes. Everyone enjoyed their First Advent Family Event.
The first ever Advent Event in the Parish of Heart’s Content was a tremendous success. Children and their parents gathered to hear the true story of Saint Nicolas and were even blessed by a visit from the old Saint himself!
Letter to the Editor Dear Editor: I bring to your attention a probable typo error in the article on page 7 of the January issue of Anglican Life, “Some thoughts...on Preaching” by Bishop David Torraville. At the end of the fifth paragraph, reference appears to be made to the Holy Spirit but in the female gender.
To my knowledge all persons of the Godhead are masculine. Howard Gould Port Saunders Parish
We welcome your comments. Please send your opinion to the Editor. All letters must include the writer’s name, address, and telephone number. Telephonenumbers willnotbepublished. 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.
Igloo Cathedral Continued from page 4
to allow the permafrost to refreeze before further construction can take place. The members of the Anglican Foundation of Canada are thrilled to be part of the reconstruction of St. Jude’s Cathedral. At a time of great need, the Foundation’s gift is a sign of faith in its brothers and sisters of the arctic. The Very Rev. John vanNostrand Wright, Executive Director of the Foundation, was delighted to present the loan and grant cheque directly to the Rt. Rev. Andrew Atagotaaluk, the Arctic’s diocesan bishop, at the
June 2008 diocesan synod in Iqaluit, Nunavut. If you are interested in assisting the Anglican Foundation of Canada to do more of this exciting work, please contact its staff by email at foundation@anglicanfoundation.org or by telephone at (416) 9249199, ext 253 or 322. An annual membership in the Foundation, with full voting privileges, is only $50.00 and gives you the opportunity to share in stories like the rebuilding of St. Jude’s Anglican Cathedral in the Diocese of the Arctic.
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bishop’s letter
The Bishop writes... When watching television, I loathe commercials. I tell people that if the rest of my body got the exercise my two typing fingers get during the day (in front of the computer) and my thumb gets at night (avoiding commercials), I would be a skinny man! And yet, as much as I despise commercials, one captures my attention. It’s a tissue commercial. The voice of a woman is going about her day, and, in passing, touches items and lists them aloud; “touch light switch”, “touch elevator button”, “touch desk,” and so on. Then she grabs a tissue and, almost awestruck, says “feel” the tissue. The script is a rapid fire touch, touch, touch and then a slow pleasant - “feel.” The touch, of course, refers to the cursory, non thinking, automatic way we go about our every day existence, but then something hap-
pens that startles us, and we are no longer on automatic we are engaged, “we feel”. The subject of the commercial is rather mundane and quite silly but the message underneath is, for me, profound, on a couple of levels. First of all, there are many people who feel about church the way I feel about commercials. Just as the commercial loathed had engaged me, we, as a church, need to prayerfully reflect on how we can engage people who have disengaged. Indeed, we need to engage people who are antagonistic to our church and how we live and express our faith. I believe we need to recapture the apostolic impulse. We ought not seek to engage
Youth Ministry
people to “put the touch on them,” because we need them to help pay the bills; rather, we need to share the story of faith
because it is a powerful story of salvation, which has touched our life and which, we believe, can change, enrich and inspire other lives. Secondly, those of us living our faith, and participating
in worship, can fall into a rut the worship becomes mundane and automatic. During the prayers and sermon we begin planning our week. We say the Creed and Lord’s Prayer by rote, we listen to the scripture readings with only the slightest of attention. After all, we have heard it all before! We need, not merely to touch base at church each week, but to feel the power of the scripture being read. We need to engage deeply in the faith expressed in the Creed and Lord’s Prayer. We need to feel the presence of the living Lord in the liturgy, as we gather in community to give praise for the blessings of the past week and to express our prayers and hopes for the fu-
Anglican Life welcomes Allison Boone, a youth blogger for the National Church website: generation.anglican.ca
Bishop David Torraville Diocese of Central Newfoundland
ture. We need to truly “taste and see the Lord is good” as we receive the sacrament and not merely move forward when our turn comes. The rest of the week may be a cursory, touch, touch, touch, but our time in worship needs to be a time of deeper, more involved, thought, contemplation, listening and prayer; a time of deep intimacy with God that fills you with the strength and joy to go out into service, in the name of Christ our Lord.
youth voice Allison Boone
Part Three: New and interesting ideas Disclaimer: This piece appeared in its original form at http:// generation.anglican.ca, it has been modified for length, audience and medium.
Each of the youth ministers I spoke with had something unique and interesting to tell me that they are doing, different from the others. Here is a little about some of the things they are doing. Parish of St. Mark the Evangelist At St. Mark’s the term “youth group” is almost a dirty word! Youth are not separate from the rest of the congregation, so they go by the term “SMAC Youth” (for St. Mark’s Anglican Church Youth.) These youth were responsible for introducing the parish to using fair trade coffee and starting a composting program. Also, for three years they have done the Side By Side program, which is
the PWRDF version of the 30 hour famine and there is always a challenge, like “if we raise $1000, we can dye the minister’s hair.” Last year was a great success and this year the goal is to raise $5000. Parish of St. Augustine’s The MUN ministry is very challenging and the leaders at St. Augustine’s have been working very hard to overcome some of the obstacles they face in this ministry. One program that has developed is called “Have you ever tried wine before breakfast?” Every Wednesday the church has a service in the morning with guest ministers and professors giving sermons in an attempt to reach out to students and faculty at the university. So far it has been going very well. Parish of the Ascension Vacation Bible School (VBS) is very big at the Ascension. This year there were 48
young people participating in the program and 25 people assisting,
program, there were youth (ages 12-18) as well as professionals, one person even took a week off of work just to be a part of VBS! Ascension is also trying to engage older youth through a program called “Saturday night into Sunday morning” where they have music artists, conversation and fellowship on Saturday night, following up with service on Sunday, in an attempt to tie together the atmosphere of Saturday night Kids enjoy making a mess at Messy with a contemporary service SunChurch at St. Michael & All Angels. day morning.
only three of which were paid staff. And it wasn’t just parents/ grandparents of the kids in the
Parish of St. Thomas’
At St. Thomas’s there is a book club on Sunday mornings during the church service. The senior and junior high kids both do different book studies during this time. This seems to be overcoming the apathy and nonchalance of kids, this time has become a safe haven, they know they can talk about anything and it will be kept in confidence. This program is very effective at reaching these youth. Parish of St. Michael & All Angels St. Michael’s has a Saturday afternoon program called “Messy Church”, modeled on the Vacation Bible School format, with songs and activities all centered on a theme, but it takes place for a couple of hours on Saturday instead of during a whole week. Like life, it is unstructured and a little chaotic but it is a great time for parents to spend some quality time with their kids in a safe place and have fun and learn about God and the Bible and Jesus. They have been getting an increasingly large turnout, and currently stand at about 65 participants. Each of the churches is employing different tactics to reach out to young people and young families and they are all seeing success. It just goes to show that different things work for different people and you just have to keep on trying until you find what works for you.
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St. Mary’s, Clarenville Topsail CLB donate unique welcomes new rector stained glass window to parish Article submitted by Lois Baker with research by Robert Dawe Photo submitted by Sharon Smith
Article & Photo submitted by Harvey Locke
On 15 December 2008, the Rev. Daphne Parsons was inducted as rector of St. Mary’s in Clarenville. At the Induction Service led by Bishop David Torraville, Rev. Daphne, who took up duties at Clarenville this past September, received symbols of her office from members of the parish who represented such groups as the ACW, the Vestry and Wardens, and youth. In addition to parishioners a number of clergy from the Bonavista Deanery also attended the service. The above photograph shows Rev. Daphne (centre), Bishop David, a number of Deanery clergy, parish lay ministers and some of the presenters of the symbols.
Forteau parish celebrates double anniversaries
Beulah Fowler (left) and retired Bishop Len Whitten cut the double Anniversary Cake.
Article & Photo submitted by Gilbert Fowler
On 1 November 2008, the congregation of St. John the Evangelist on Capstan Island, Parish of Forteau, Labrador, celebrated a double anniversary. At 7:00 p.m., Rev. Marlaine Leggo, with the assistance of retired bishop, the Rt. Rev’d Leonard Whitten as guest preacher, and Mrs. June Whitten as organist, celebrated Holy Eucharist in commemoration of the 160th Anniversary of the first visit of an Anglican Bishop, The Rt. Rev’d Edward Feild, to the Labrador Coast in 1848, and the 30th Anniversary of St.
John the Evangelist Church in Capstan Island. On 1 November 1978, the church was consecrated by the Rt. Rev’d Stewart Payne, then Bishop of Western Newfoundland. Following the service, the congregation gathered in the community center for tea and refreshments. Bishop Whitten asked the blessing and all enjoyed the cup of tea. Bishop Whitten and Mrs. Beulah Fowler cut the anniversary cake which was donated by Mrs. Christine Fowler, President of the A.C.W.
A new stained glass window was a recent contribution of the CLB, past and present, to the youth ministry of the St. John the Evangelist Church and indeed to the wider community. In John 15:5, Jesus spoke of the parable of the vine, “I am the vine; you are the branches. He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringth forth much fruit. For without me, you can do nothing.” The vine of barbed wired symbolizes the sacrifices made in two world wars and the many conflicts of the 20th century. Entwined among the barbed wire, there are poppies, the symbol of peace and remembrance. Also, there are ForgetMe-Nots which is the flower of the Royal Newfoundland Regiment. The roundel in the centre of the window, “Swords into Ploughshares” comes from Isaiah 2:4: “And they shall beat their swords into ploughshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation shall not lift up sword against nation; neither shall they learn war any more.” The four images in the roundel are separated by a stylized sword and the share of a plough. This is connected to the history and work of the CLB. This symbol is asking CLB ranks and all of us to be instruments of peace, to be builders and planters, to be peacemakers rather than troublemakers. At the top of the roundel, there is a scene of a CLB boy and girl in uniform with bugle and drum reflecting the music and parade components of the brigade. Also, there are silhouettes of youth playing soccer to emphasize the sport and fitness component and emphasis of a healthy mind in a healthy body. To the left of the grey sword, are Newfoundland and British soldiers on the battlefields of France in World War I,
raising the Union Jack. On the right side is the War Memorial. This is now part of the planned garden and wall of honour in our town. At the bottom of the roundel beneath the ploughshare, is a young female nurse attending the wounded. She acknowledges the role of women in CLB ranks and the many young Newfoundland girls joined up in Voluntary Aid Detachments (VAD) to staff
hospital and convalescent wards. At the bottom of the window is the badge and crest of the CLB with the CLB Motto “Fight the Good Fight” - the badge is central to the philosophy and principles of the CLB organization - principles of justice and freedom and righteousness. The window was blessed by Archdeacon John Dinn, chaplain; Rod Baker, assistant chaplain and commanding officers.
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Parish praises popular priest St. Mark the Evangelist says farewell to beloved rector Article & Photos submitted by Rosalind Bartlett
The Venerable Sandra Tilley (seated) is flanked by her Wardens both past and present from the Parish of St. Mark the Evangelist in St. John’s. Archdeacon Tilley has left the Parish to assume new leadership duties in the Diocese of Eastern Newfoundland & Labrador.
On Friday evening, January 9th 2009, St. Mark’s Parish in St. John’s held a farewell reception in honor of their beloved Rector, the Rev. Sandra Tilley. Rev. Sandra has been Rector of St. Mark’s since September 2002 and during the past six years Parish membership has grown from 350 to over 500 families. When Bishop Pitman asked Rev. Sandra to come to Synod Office she decided, after much prayerful consideration, that God was calling her to a new ministry. She has now been appointed Diocesan Archdeacon responsible for Ministry Development. An informal reception for Rev. Sandra was held at the Marine Institute on Ridge Road. She, along with her husband Frank, was chauffeured to the Marine Institute by Captain Nathan Menchions, CO of St. Mark’s CLB Company and his wife Linda. Upon arriving they were met by 2nd Lt. Keith Maddocks, OC Ruth Leake and Pvt. Roy Leake. When they entered the cafeteria they were greeted by their son Jason, daughter-in-law Danielle and 230 parishioners. The cafeteria proved to be a beautiful venue with gorgeous flower arrangements provided by Bev Freeborn of St. Mark’s, low ambient lighting and the city of St. John’s glimmering beyond a wall of windows. Once the guest of honor had arrived, Rector’s Warden Harvey Young welcomed eve-
ryone on behalf of Rev. Sandra bers of the Parish. Following the speeches, and expressed the privilege he felt having served as her War- Izola Yetman read a poem den for the past three years. she’d written. There was many Emcee Kim Petley then called a chuckle when she referred upon the Rev. Lynn Courage, to Rev. Sandra searching for who is now interim priest-in- her keys before St. Peter charge at St. Mark’s to say would let her in at the Pearly Grace. A night of food and fel- Gates. The SMAC Youth Group lowship followed with deliunder the cious hors leadership d’oeuvres such as seared “Now she’s Archdeacon, of Robert Cooke presalmon, honey she’ll be a beacon sented a garlic shrimp and bacon to those who are seekin’ slide show with music wrapped scal- to serve God faithfully.” depicting lops provided Rev. Sandra by the Marine - Words to a special song in numerous Institute. dedicated to Archdeacon a c t i v i t i e s The SenSandra Tilley sung to the with the ior Choir, untune of “Jesus Loves Me” young peoder the direcple of the tion of Parish. Rosalind Bartlett and accompanied by From children’s breakfasts to Rhonda Wicks, sang a song youth sleepovers, baptisms to written especially for the oc- confirmations, international casion. The tune was the fa- lunches to hot pink hair for miliar “Jesus Loves Me” and PWRDF she was always all were encouraged to join in present with a hug and a smile. After the slide show the on the chorus, “Now she’s Archdeacon, she’ll be a bea- Rev. Dr. Alex Faseruk, Deacon to those who are seekin’ con at St. Mark’s, had some humorous words to say recallto serve God faithfully.” Charlotte Barrington ing when he had first met Rev. brought greetings and best Sandra and offering friendly wishes from the Vestry. Carol advice for coping with her Penney then spoke for the new position at Synod Office. Harold Press then gave a ACW and Altar Guild and Max Baldwin represented the Power Point presentation with Men’s Group and Band. The the “Mission Impossible” underlying theme throughout theme as background. It dethe three speeches was the picted all aspects of Parish life appreciation for the support, in which Rev. Sandra and huslove and humor Rev. Sandra band Frank had been involved had always shown to all mem- and finished with the words
“Mission Accomplished!” The tributes ended with the Choir singing three very moving “Blessings” which were dedicated to Rev. Sandra and the St. Mark’s family as they begin this next phase of their respective journeys. Rector’s Warden, Harvey Young and People’s Warden, Rosalind Bartlett then presented Rev. Sandra and Frank with an Irish Gift Basket containing a number of goodies including an Irish travel book and a cheque to help them fulfill their dream of visiting Ireland next year. They also presented Rev. Sandra with a Memory Book. The first part of this consisted of photographs of Parish Life organized by categories that had come directly from the Parish
Mission Statement: Worship, Education, Fellowship, Pastoral Care/ Outreach, Evangelism. The second part of the Memory Book consisted of almost 200 written statements from Parishioners of all ages describing how Rev. Sandra had touched their lives during her years at St. Mark’s. After Rev. Sandra with Frank’s support had graciously thanked all the people they were invited to “cut the cake.” The evening ended when Archdeacon Tom Moulton led everyone in saying the St. Mark’s Parish Prayer after which he pronounced the Blessing on all.
St. Mark’s kids bid farewell in their own special way
A tearful Archdeacon Sandra Tilley (seated) says goodbye to the children of St. Mark the Evangelist.
Article submitted by Kim Barrett
The children of St. Mark’s are, so nice, friendly and genChurch held a celebration to bid tle with everyone they feel at farewell to Rev. Sandra Tilley on home with you. You Sunday, Jan. 11th. All parishion- always make it so that kids ers were invited to understand stay for lunch af- “You always make when you talk ter the Sunday about God and it so that kids can morning service. Jesus. These Rev. Sandra had understand when past years have a wonderful minbeen great with istry with the chil- you talk about you and I hate dren and youth of God and Jesus.” to see you leave. our church and - Eight-year old But I wish you all several children Julia Coombs the best in the s p o k e years to come. of memories they You are a great have of her time with them. friend to everyone. God bless Eight year old Julia Coombs said you.” it best when she gave the folT h e S u n d a y lowing speech in her own words: School presented Rev. Sandra “Hi Rev. Sandra, I love with flowers and a memory box giving you a hug on Sunday of pictures of the children with morning. When I moved to St. notes and memories written on Mark’s I felt like I had been them. there my whole life. You were,
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Anglicans make a difference in the lives of our troops Article by Rev. Amanda Taylor & Karen Dawe
In the January 2009 issue of Anglican Life, there was a story about how the Parish of Port-de-Grave had pulled together to support the Canadian troops in Afghanistan by send over care packages. Further to the article on Project Michael, the following is an email received from Captain Michael Winsor when he received the packages sent to him from the Parish. Thank you for such a thoughtful gift. We are all appreciative of the items you have sent us; you can never have too many amenities so far from home. Don’t be surprised if we come back from Afghanistan fat. Things are well here and we are in good spirits. We think of home and our loved ones often and the time spent away and wonder what we were thinking when we signed up for this. However, when I gave my interpreter a brand new set of pencil crayons to give to his little daughter his gratitude was immense. My interpreter
understands that I represent a country with a little church that knows nothing about the people here yet cares enough to see his daughter is ready for school. It wasn’t that long ago she would not have been allowed to attend school but here she is, poised to lead a new generation that values justice over terror and peace over war. Your contributions have reminded us why we are here and left us with a feeling of pride. While I would like to take what you have given me and deliver it to a school it just isn’t feasible, so I did the next best thing which was to share it with the Afghans I work with. I just wanted to express thanks on behalf of my team and let you know that you are in our prayers as much as we are in yours. Salaam alaikum, Michael Winsor, Captain S1/4Mentor Kandak2/1/205
Captain Michael Winsor, a member of the Parish of Port-de-Grave (far right) stands with some Afghan soldiers. Capt. Winsor recently received care packages as a gift from his home parish. Photo submitted by Karen Dawe
A Sabbatical Diary - part one
Article & Photos by the Rev. Robin Barrett
The Rev. Robin Barrett shares his sabbatical journey with Anglican Life cover, refresh and recreate their spirit and be prepared for more ministry. In a book I read about sabbaticals, it said that for this time, you should do something different from day to day ministry, that you should try to go to new places Chapel at SSJD Convent in Toronto. and that you should make time for fun. So I sat down “Six days shalt thou lawith a spiritual advisor, Archbour, and do all that thou hast deacon Neil Kellett, to discuss to do; but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy my plans. The first was a week God. In it thou shalt do no of residence in the Convent of manner of work…” BCP page the Sisters of St. John the Divine in Toronto, to pray, read 68. Besides this command- and reflect. I had met a ment about the Sabbath from number of Sisters over the the Hebrew Scriptures, the years, plus we have about a scriptures also command that dozen Associates in the provland should be left fallow every ince, many of whom I know. seven years to rest and re- So I wanted to begin my sabcover. In the same way, clergy, batical by living a week with in the Anglican Church, after the Sisters, sharing prayers seven years of service, are and Eucharist every day, eatencouraged to take a three ing meals in silence, and readmonth sabbatical to rest, re- ing many books under the trees
The Rev’d Steve and Joselyn Laskey after worship at Westminster Abbey
of their garden enjoying the summer sun of Ontario, and having a few naps. It was rewarding and refreshing living and worshipping with them. The next part of my Sabbatical took me to Europe, to visit and live in three places that had crossed my path during my lifetime; places I wanted to visit and experience first
hand. And along the way, I also had time to visit, with Rev. Stephen and Jocelyn Laskey in south London, a former rector of St. Paul’s Goulds, (where I now am stationed) and enjoy their hospitality and renew friendships. And in Scotland I stayed in Goldspie on the east coast with Rev. Melvin Langille, a friend from
Nova Scotia with whom I had gone to ACPO. Again friendships were rekindled. Along the way I also had a day in Paris, two days at Canterbury and saw the white cliffs of Dover as I crossed the English Channel. Part Two in next month’s issue of Anglican Life
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March 2009
let us pr praay...
The Jesus Prayer St Paul urges us to pray without ceasing and to be constant in prayer. What does he mean by this injunction? How can we pray while we are doing something else? We cannot be engaged in formal prayer all the time because we have to get on with our daily lives. One of the responses to this dilemma comes out the Eastern Churches. It is called the “Jesus Prayer” or the Prayer of the Heart. It is to understand that what Paul is talking about is to live in such a way that God is always present to us. The Jesus Prayer is one process that may help some of us over time to think and live our whole life in the Presence of God.
The Jesus Prayer involves the use of the words, “Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner.” Or you may use a part of the sentence - “Lord,” “Lord Jesus,” “Lord, have mercy,” or “Jesus.” The Jesus Prayer consists of repeating this sentence or part of it while you are silent. While the prayer is repeated on the lips or in the mind, our attention is given to the person of Jesus. 1. It begins as a prayer of the lips - repeating it aloud 2. It enters into the mind - repeating it mentally 3. It enters into the heart
The Rev. Everett Hobbs
(Prayer of the Heart) - no longer something we do but
what we have become. Praying is more than an
St. Bartholomew’s choir in Harbour Breton sang their opening selection,”One Holy Night”, this past Christmas Eve. The parish also welcomed their new rector, the Rev’d Graham Hill. Photo submitted by Randell Mercer
activity: Prayer is a way of living. Because genuine prayer brings us closer to God, at the same time it transforms us. The Orthodox churches call this theosis or divinization based on the belief that ‘God became human in order that humans become divine’. Eastern Christians also believe in the power of the Name. Conscious repetition of the Name of Jesus can bring us into the divine presence. The Jesus Prayer goes back to the 6th century but has its beginnings in the 4th century where repetition of a prayer was promoted by John Cassian. The Prayer was not widely known in the
West until the 19th century and especially the last fifty years. The most widely known introduction to the Jesus Prayer is a little book called The Way of a Pilgrim (author unknown) from the 19th century. It is about a pilgrim who travels across Russian seeking spiritual wisdom and all the while praying the Jesus Prayer and reflecting on its implications. Other helpful books are The Jesus Prayer (Anthony Bloom), The Power of the Name (Kallistos Ware) and Prayer of the Heart (George A Maloney).
Prayer Shawls for shut-ins, cancer and dialysis patients, and other parishioners were knit by the ladies of the Parish of Bay D’Espoir. Many ladies contributed to the success of this venture, while some purchased wool and/or knit it into prayer shawls, others visited shut-ins and parishioners. Submitted by Rosemary Durnford.
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Mr. Burt in Poole
our history David Davis
The Document Poole October 14 1833 Revd and Dear Sir I have procrastinated my necessary communication with the Society previous to my leaving England, up to the latest period, that I might afford a full statement of the contributions which have been made in aid of the funds for a New Church at Harbor Grace- The enclosed list, will, I trust make it apparent that (?) faulty has been availed for carrying into effect the object of my charge; and considering the peculiar circumstances under which the appeal was introduced in connection with the many and more (?) claims which are pressed on the consideration of the Benevolent, as well by their own, as the importance necessarily attached thereto, in the number, rank, and introductions of their advocates, that the sum collected by such a humbles Agent will be found satisfac-
tory to the Board, and justifying in every quarter the interpretations which may have been (?). In addition to the observations made in a letter I had the honor of addressing you on the subject of the expenses which I have necessarily incurred with an immediate reference to the funds for the Church. I would be permitted to add that, I find I traveled upwards of One Thousand and fifty Miles. In some instances, a portion of the distance has indeed afforded little more than fatigue and disappointment. On the whole, however, I am bound to express the sympathy and general satisfaction I have participated, especially from the Clergy. Honorable testimony in this respect, is borne be our Order, not only by the large proportion of names on the list but also in those thirteen instances where the use of their pulpits have been allowed me in which to plead the cause of
Straight Talk...
my afflicted Congregation. I have been much gratified to find by a letter from a Clergyman who takes my duty at Harbor Grace that including all the sums contributed to our object; about fifteen hundred pounds can be counted on. We have been for some days detained by a contrary wind but hope ere long, under Gods blessing, a change will waft us speedily to reunite with my care, and immediately commence building of the House of the Lord. I shall feel much indebted by as early a communication from the Board, as convenient; the receipt of which may be expedited by your allowing the letter to be handed over to the care of Messrs Robinson, Brooking and Garland, Merchants, Bread Street LondonI have the honor to be / Revd and Dear Sir / Your much Obligd Servt / J. Burt
have to go from the doors of your church to find a man abusing his wife, or a parent who abuses a child? How far would you have to go to find a young person who is destroying his or her life with drugs or alcohol? As far as that is concerned, if we were to examine the depths of our hearts, isn’t there a possibility that we would uncover something demonic there – something we really wouldn’t want the world to know? Jesus walked about Galilee teaching and healing and casting out unclean spirits, and he did so with authority. He took broken people and made them whole. He tended to their minds with his teaching; to their bodies with his healing; and to their souls by cleansing them of the evils that possessed them. But Mark just didn’t leave us with these stories to give us something to think
Church reaches out to Russians A church in North York, Ont. is planning an unusual mission in Toronto’s Russian community that includes offering simultaneous translation of its English worship service. St. Theodore of Canterbury is in the middle of one of the largest Russian communities outside of Russia and hosts a Russian Orthodox congregation on Sunday afternoons. But Rev. Claire Goodrich Dyer says that many Russians who grew up disconnected from Orthodox traditions during the communist era may find the Orthodox service “very formal with not much sense of community.” The language used in the service is not the language of the street, she adds. “It’s rather like going into a Roman Catholic church and finding a Latin service.” She believes an Anglican service will be a less formal and appealing alternative. The mission has a three-year plan, but the church has already purchased translation equipment. The Anglican
Prayer vigil to reduce poverty Prior to the release of the Ontario government’s budget, the Interfaith Social Assistance Reform Coalition (ISARC) plans to hold a prayer vigil at the provincial legislature in March. The group is re-visiting a strategy it used 20 years ago. Then, as now, the question was: Would the government put poverty reduction and increases for people on social assistance in the budget? Brice Balmer, ISARC’s secretary, recounts the original vigil: “People came to a tent, lit a candle, and prayed that MPPs would have the courage and strength to act on their convictions…..As he announced the budget, [then finance minister Robert] Nixon said that people should be aware of the power of prayer. He then announced monies to increase social assistance and address poverty issues.” Niagara Anglican
columnist
Qu’Appelle celebrates with Habitat for Humanity
The Rev. Greg Mercer
As a part of the 125 th anniversary of the diocese of Qu’Appelle, the diocesan council has approved a plan to build a Habitat for Humanity project. As Bishop Greg Kerr-Wilson explained in a letter to parishes, “A Habitat for Humanity build provides a home to people who are trapped in a cycle of poverty in which they are not able to afford the down payments and mortgages associated with a home purchase. Habitat moves them out of that situation by having the prospective home owners invest time and work into the building of the house, and Habitat for Humanity, through the generosity of community partners like us, providing interest free mortgages and volunteer help on the building.” The project requires the diocese to raise approximately $100,000 and provide about 1,700 hours of volunteer labour. A significant amount of money has already been raised.
The Defeat of Evil Every Gospel writer presents his own slant and interpretation of our Lord’s ministry. In Mark’s Gospel Jesus comes to destroy evil and effect salvation. Immediately following his baptism and the call of his disciples Jesus is confronted with a demonic and performs an exorcism. The man didn’t ask to be healed but he was. We see this pattern repeated throughout Mark’s gospel. The point being made here that Jesus’ ministry involves waging war on these dark powers. The problem is that when we think of evil powers, we are tempted to think about Hitler or Stalin or even Idi Amin (Uganda). But we don’t have to visit Europe’s past or Africa’s or even current day atrocities such as that in the Midwest or other parts of the world. How far would you
Canadian News Briefs
about. He wasn’t simply suggesting that we should consider getting involved. That’s the problem; we waste too much time thinking and too little time acting. The demonic didn’t ask to be healed but Jesus rebuked him and cleansed him anyway. There are no “ands, ifs, and buts” here folks. To do nothing about the evil of the world you are actually condoning it. Stand up and be counted for God’s sake, it’s a spiritual warfare. It was Alfred North Whitehead who said, “The Kingdom of Heaven is not the isolation of good from evil. It is overcoming of evil by good.”
Deadlines for Submissions to Anglican Life For the April issue - Deadline is March 1st For the May issue - Deadline is April 1st For the June issue - Deadline is May 1st
Dream of Keremeos youth centre comes true “The Crossing,” a long-term residential treatment facility for 20 young women, aged 14 to 24, opened in January in Keremeos, B.C. An additional 22 beds for young men will open in May. The facility is the result of nearly a decade of determined efforts by a group of Vancouver parents who have children with addictions, in partnership with the Central City Foundation. The group began with the leadership of Rev. Kevin Dixon and some core parish families at St. Mary’s Kerrisdale. The $6.5 million capital cost is being raised by the Central City Foundation. The centre is located on a 60-acre former Outward Bound camp that Central City owns. The $2.4 million annual operating cost will be shared by Vancouver Coastal Health and Fraser Health. Topic
Bishop Bennett installed as the 12th Bishop of Huron The Rt. Rev. Robert Bennett became the 12th bishop of the diocese of Huron on Jan. 10 at St. Paul’s Cathedral in London, Ont. at a colourful, multicultural installation service. A native smudging ceremony opened the service. Later, the London chapter of the Congress of Black Women, dressed in brightly coloured traditional dresses, entered singing hymns. Children waving silver streamers accompanied Bishop Bennett into the cathedral. Huron Church News
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March 2009
Jiggs’ Dinner Anyone?
The cooks: (left to right) Rex Ford, John Peddle, Henry Pinhorn, Clayton Short, and Melvin Lily. Article & Photo by Debbie Ford
What do you get when a group of Newfoundlanders want to raise funds? Why you gather up barrels of salt beef, bushels of locally grown vegetables, bags of yellow split peas, throw them all together in some VERY large pots and cook up a Jiggs’ dinner! And that’s exactly what the St. Michael and All Angels Men’s Fellowship did! They recently held a very successful Jiggs’ dinner. A total of 150 parishioners and friends gathered at the church hall for some warm
fellowship and a delicious Newfoundland feast! It’s truly amazing how such a delicious meal could be prepared for so many people with what appeared to be an enjoyable effort by the men. Many, many thanks to Bob Short who donated all the vegetables from his own garden! Many thanks and blessings to you! And thanks to the men who cooked and served. And finally thanks to the clean up team who gave the men a break from their very full day!
Past and present rectors of St. Paul’s, Goulds: (left to right) Canon Reuben Hatcher, the Rev. Jake Rogers, and the current rector the Rev. Robin Barrett. Article & Photo by the Rev. Robin Barrett
St. Paul’s in the Goulds celebrated its Patronal Festival on the Feast of the Conversion of St. Paul, 25 January 2009. Former rectors were invited to attend and Canon Reuben Hatcher and the Rev’d Jake Rogers and their spouses were able to be with us. A cup of tea took place after the service and many old friendships were rekindled. We also had a visit from St. Paul himself as the story of his conversion from the Acts of the Apostles was reenacted, thanks to the members of the band, who also provided special music for the service.
Obama, Hope, and Planned Giving Remember that old poem, Casey at the Bat? One of the lines in it goes something like this: “Hope springs eternal within each human breast.” I thought of that line last month when I and millions of others were glued to the television set to witness the inauguration of Barack Obama as the 44th president of the United States. This African American – the first ever to assume the position of chief commander of the most powerful nation in the world- not only offered a refreshing change in American
life, but something even more important – HOPE. In fact, his book was entitled The Audacity of Hope. This is a new feeling in a country ravaged by economic turmoil, loss of jobs, homes and medical care as well as a series of seemingly senseless wars. The country generally was elated at this turn of events. Hope was again allowed to flow into the consciousness of the people. Much of the world rejoiced at this new president and what he offered to the rest of us.
But, he is not without his detractors. However, the new President has countered by saying: “We’ve been warned against offering the people of this nation false hope. But in the unlikely story that is America, there has never been anything false about hope.” As I was enjoying this momentous occasion, I told myself, “Surely the Church inspires hope in the lives of its followers?” A character in Andrew Greeley’s book From White Smoke makes the following observation: “We must be open, sensitive, and above all hopeful. We must be ready to dialogue with everyone. We must question no one’s good faith. We should not fear that we will be contaminated and corrupted by those who disagree with us. While we must certainly recognize the presence of evil in the world and the threats to human dignity and freedom that evil poses, we must also recognize the goodness and good will in
stewardship Kevin Smith
the world and become partisans of goodness and good will.” The blog, “Ask a Question” gave another perspective
on hope: “Along with faith and love, hope is an enduring virtue of the Christian life and love springs from hope. Hope produces joy and peace in believers through the power of the Spirit. Paul attributes his apostolic calling to the hope of eternal glory Hope in the return of Christ is the basis for believ-
ers to purify themselves in this life.” From my experience, Anglicans are generally hopeful and positive people despite the goings on in the Church. Furthermore, I have witnessed a greater willingness on the part of faithful parishioners to ensure that they have a legal will and that they have provided for the church in that will. I am delighted with this high degree of hope for the future of our church and needless to say, I encourage all of you to remember your church in your will. One of the statements we use to promote planned giving is as follows: “If strangers read your will, would they know if you were a Christian.” Think about it dear reader, and if there is anything that I can do to assist you in your personal stewardship journey please give me a call. Kevin Smith is a gift planning consultant for 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
Alienation from God Stock markets around the world suffered the worst 12month period on record. A record US$14 trillion has been wiped off share values in 2008. Things will probably get worse before they get better. But the greatest social need in 2009 is not economic hardship. Nor is it abortion, alcoholism, crimes, drug addiction, dysfunctional families, environmental pollution, euthanasia, global warming, greed, hedonism, HIV/AIDS outreach, hunger, peace in the Middle East, poverty, racism, sexual trafficking, starving people, venereal diseases, and wars. These are not unimportant social issues but the most profound social
problem facing all of us is alienation from God. Alienation from God is the first social problem. After Adam and Eve ate the forbidden fruit, they hid from God. Before their disobedience, God told Adam not to eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. God said, “When you eat of it you will surely die” (Genesis 2:17). Adam disobeyed God. When Adam sinned, his spirit died instantly, the soul began to die, and the body died at last. Adam sinned against God. He had a broken communion with God. He tried to hide from God. God is the source of all good (James 1:17). When the connection
with God is broken, lying, jealousy, greed, hatred, murder and other evils descend on the whole human race. The deaths of the spirit and soul are followed by the death of the body. Alienation from God leads to the breakdown of human society. To cure social ills begins with the healing of the broken relationship between human beings and their God. People being restored to God will not solve all social problems right away. But this is an important first step to the right direction. Transformed people will eventually transform society, one household at a time. Transformed people, by the power of God, will deal with all social
The Rev. Michael Li
problems adequately. The bad news is that it is not possible for human beings to find our way back to God on our own. We cannot transform ourselves. We do not know the amazing grace of God. We cannot save ourselves by our good deeds. We cannot earn our way to the abode of God. But the good news is that God is merciful. God comes to set us free. God has provided precisely what we need. We need to turn to God in repentance. We need to trust Him in all things. We need to be cleansed by the shedding blood of Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour on the cross. In the beginning God
Hospital Chaplaincy - a ministry of presence Paul wrote in his Letter to the Galatians, “Bear one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the Law of Christ.” As a hospital chaplain, I primarily live out these words from scripture by offering compassion and understanding to patients, families and staff through providing a “listening ear” and offering the “gift of presence.” These are gifts that are offered without judgment and that allow the individual the space to find healing, grace, strength and hope through sharing their story. I am both humbled and honored to journey with people, oftentimes when they are at their most vulnerable and struggling to find the way forward. Many times, people ask “why?” or “how could this happen to me?” or “how will I get through this?” While there are some questions with no answers, there are also questions that people inherently know the answer. They are able to
uncover these answers in a supportive and nonjudgmental environment. Regardless of the situation and/or the circumstances, people continue to search for meaning in their lives and a way to make sense of what is happening to them. As chaplains, we are called to listen with both our ears and our hearts and to be instruments of God’s peace to those who are suffering and in need. I am a relatively new chaplain, having begun this wonderful ministry in September of 2008. Personally, I know the blessing that chaplains can be at a time of sadness and loss. My father died suddenly in August of 2008, a few days before I was to begin my new position as hospital chaplain. My joy at commencing this new ministry was then mixed with the profound sadness and grief that came with the sudden death of my father. I know firsthand the wonderful “gift of presence”
that chaplains can bring to grieving families. They can be a source of God’s grace in providing comfort and peace and in reminding us of the hope that is found in the resurrection. Both my family and I considered ourselves truly blessed with the chaplaincy services that were provided for us. My primary areas of responsibility in diocesan chaplaincy are St. Clare’s Mercy Hospital, the Leonard A. Miller Center/ Veterans’ Pavilion and the Waterford Hospital. I and the other fulltime chaplain are available from 6 AM – 6 PM, Sunday to Thursday, and we alternate every second week covering call for all the hospitals in the city for the remaining hours of these days. There is also a part-time chaplain that covers call for all facilities on Friday and Saturday. As well, we are blessed to have several Lay Pastoral volunteers that assist with visiting and the Eucharis-
tic ministry and compliment our diocesan chaplaincy team. We provide a ministry of healing through various means including Holy Communion, Holy Unction (anointing with oil) and the Laying on of Hands with Prayer. Compassion and mercy underline all of our efforts in pastoral ministry and provide the benchmark for ministering to others through the “gift of presence.” Scripture teaches us that in showing mercy and compassion to each other, we fulfill God’s Law. Chaplaincy is very demanding and yet the rewards are equal if not greater. Situations can vary from the wonderful news that a person receives in knowing that their illness is cured to the other end of the spectrum when a person is told that they have a terminal illness or when someone dies. Families are often integral to the holistic approach to pastoral care and including
placed Adam and Eve in a beautiful garden called Eden. He gave them all they needed. We have strayed a long way from the garden. Today God will satisfy our spiritual and social need if we stop hiding from Him. Let us return to God.
chaplain’s corner The Rev. Jean M. Smith Hospital Chaplain
them may be very helpful in the healing process. As well, the chaplain is a resource for the staff member who may be experiencing stress and/or anxiety or who may have just been involved in a particularly tragic or traumatic event. “The gift of presence” reflects God’s love and reminds us that we are not alone. It’s a gift that is often offered and received with an economy of words and it’s a gift that is wrapped with the ribbons of “listening and compassionate ears and hearts.” The gift is truly in the giving and I pray that I am a blessing to others as they are for me.
Calling All Chaplains! Anglican Life invites anyone involved in chaplaincy ministry to share their story with our readers. We would love to hear from people involved in: academic, military, institutional, hospital, or other types of chaplaincy. Send your stories to the Editor: samrose@nl.rogers.com
ANGLICANLife
15
March 2009
feature
Queen’s College
Article & Photo by Meaghan Whelan
Alumni Profile: Linda & Rick Maher
Linda & Rick Maher at their family home in St. John’s.
At first glance it may seem unusual for a Roman Catholic couple interested in taking a leadership role in their own parish to go to Queen’s College, an institute primarily known as an Anglican seminary. However, for Linda and Rick Maher it was the ideal opportunity to pursue their calling.
As Rick explained, “from the time I was 40 I felt a maturing of my spirituality. There was an increase in involvement in my faith life at my parish – from baptismal ministry to being involved on the parish council. All of this was a seasoning and nurturing that was calling me forward and I know Linda
felt the same.” The pair completed a threeyear lay ministry program through the Roman Catholic Archdiocese and from there the calling to become more active leaders in their church blossomed. Linda started by completing a number of certificate courses at Queen’s. “With each course that I took, I just wanted more – it was like a thirst or a hunger.” Linda explained. “It was such a wonderful learning experience, both in terms of the learning itself and also being a part of such a spiritually nurturing community.” Linda and Rick both decided to leave their secular jobs behind and pursue their calling on a fulltime basis. Linda left her job in 1997 to attend Queen’s, and Rick followed in her footsteps in 2002. “Both of us had this understanding that if we were going to take up some sort of leadership role in a ministry position, we
needed a theological background,” Rick explained. “We could have gone to a university with a Roman Catholic connection, but we knew that Queen’s College was right in our backyard and offered exactly what we were looking for.” Although they were both firm in their calling to serve the Lord through active ministry, neither was sure of the form it would take upon graduation. As Linda said, “When I was doing my Master of Theology, people would ask me what I was going to do when I finished school and I would say, ‘I don’t know, I’m just preparing for wherever God is leading me.’” This preparation paid off. Linda is now coordinating youth ministry for the Archdiocese of St. John’s and Rick, who specialized in clinical pastoral education in the Bachelor of Theology program, is the hospital chaplain at the Waterford Hospital. Half his time is
If you have any questions about programs, admissions, or general information, contact Queen’s College by phone (toll free): 1-877-753-0116 or email: queens@mun.ca
columnist
Outreach The overwhelming ambition of this generation, it seems, is to strive for, and obtain, the “Good Life”. And, if our “Good Life” must come at the expense of others, that’s too bad. “Loving your neighbor as you love yourself” is certainly not our supreme social motto today. And so, we have a world “at odds” with itself, where competition supersedes cooperation. The “strong” usually become rich, successful, while the “weak” remain poor. “Developed” nations have “too much”, while “Third world” countries often suffer and starve. How does Jesus Christ feel about this??? Will this terrible situation never change? Ah, yes, there seems to be increasing hope! More and more these days we hear the term OUTREACH, coming especially from the churches. OUTREACH demands many things from Christians. First, we must all thoroughly examine ourselves. What is our attitude towards ourselves and others? Are we Christ like? Part of the examination requires us to take stock of our possessions. Do we really NEED all we have? Do we NEED more? Most of us are very good at WANTING so much more than we actually NEED. If we are honest Chris-
spent ministering to the Roman Catholic community at that hospital, while the other half of his time he works as a nondenominational chaplain. This ecumenical aspect of his position reflects the ecumenical environment he noticed at Queen’s. “I went to Queen’s to respond to the call I felt from God and I felt so welcomed by the entire community. I often encourage people to go to Queen’s and at the end of the conversation I say – ‘you’ll meet some very good professors there, particularly of the Roman Catholic variety!’ The fact that so many Christian faiths are involved at the student and faculty level addresses how welcoming Queen’s College really is.”
Ronald Clarke
tians, we will most likely conclude that we already have far more “things” than we NEED. So, what??? A real Christian stated recently that, if you have things you don’t use very often, that you therefore don’t really need, then these surplus things DON’T actually BELONG to you, they BELONG to SOMEONE who truly NEEDS them. So, why not give them to the needy?? Reach out- donate! What about our attitude towards MONEY? First, we Christians must truly understand that, directly or indirectly, our ability to earn comes from God. Who else gives us the time, the health, the talent/ ability to do work and earn? Shouldn’t we all truly return to him a fair share of his gifts? Does God really NEED our gifts??? How else does his church
REACH OUT, to bring his children into his kingdom? How else can we prosperous people REACH OUT to our poor, suffering brothers and sisters elsewhere? OUTREACH requires that we carefully, conscientiously, examine our incomes! How much do we REALLY NEED? How much does GOD need? Are we actually keeping too much? Giving too little? How much can we give away? Till it really HURTS?? How about SACRIFICAL giving?? If we sacrifice ourselves can’t we TRUST God to give us even more to satisfy our NEEDS? My wise old grandfather used to say, “my son, you’ll never go bankrupt givPhoto by: Karen Simon ing to the poor!” He himself died with more than enough. OUTREACH, thank God, is now becoming more widespread. Churches send mission
groups to Third World countries, bringing supplies, building hospitals and schools. Wealthy corporations and individuals use vast sums of their money in needy countries. Great stuff1 But unfilled needs are still enormous. And, what are you and I doing? Have we truly examined our financial situations? Have we determined whether we are allotting enough to God and his needs? Have we enough faith in God to give to him sacrificially? A good Christian I know recently decided to sacrifice some of his “luxuries”. He cut back on his “entertainment”, cut out “rich foods”, gave up smoking and decided not to buy a new snow machine, even saved money by not renewing subscriptions to favorite magazines he’d had for years. The total money saved paid the upkeep of an African orphan for
a year, bought medicines, sent several sheep and hens to an African family and furnished a whole school with supplies in Guatemala! “I’m really pleased with myself,” he stated, “and I know for sure that I can and will do more!” The Good Lord would surely say to you and I: “Go thou, and do likewise!” REACH OUT- BEYOND YOURSELF! For God’s sake!
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Lent Welcome dear feast of Lent: who loves not thee, He loves not Temperance, or Authority, But is compos’d of passion. The Scriptures bid us fast; the Church says, now: Give to thy Mother, what thou wouldst allow To ev’ry Corporation. The humble soul compos’d of love and fear Begins at home, and lays the burden there, When doctrines disagree, He says, in things which use hath justly got, I am a scandal to the Church, and not The Church is so to me. True Christians should be glad of an occasion To use their temperance, seeking no evasion, When good is seasonable; Unless Authority, which should increase The obligation in us, make it less, And Power itself disable. Then those same pendant profits, which the spring And Easter intimate, enlarge the thing, And goodness of the deed. Neither ought other men’s abuse of Lent Spoil the good use; lest by that argument We forfeit all our Creed.
The Crucifixion window at St. Peter ’s Church in Cartwright, Labrador. Photo submitted by Archdeacon Francis Buckle
Confirmation at Smith’s Sound
The newly confimred stand with the Bishop. (Left to right): Kimberlee Greening, Grant Chatman, Bishop Torraville, Kristen Chatman, Tabatha Holloway, Courtney Holloway, Tony Stagg, Brandon Greening, Damian Peddle, Angeline Barnes, Shannon Marie St. Hilaire. Submitted by Rev. Jessie Broaders
On 16 November 2008, fourteen excited young people from the Parish of Smith’s Sound had their faith in God confirmed through the Laying on of Hands by the Bishop. It was a time of great celebration as the church community gathered to praise the Lord
and support the Confirmation candidates in their desire to carry on in His Name. We pray that the people of God will continue to be united with this future generation, giving them every opportunity to grow in the love of Jesus.
It’s true, we cannot reach Christ’s forti’eth day; Yet to go part of that religious way, Is better than to rest: We cannot reach our Saviour’s purity; Yet we are bid, ‘Be holy ev’n as he, ‘ In both let’s do our best. George Herbert (1593 - 1633)
Christmas tradition alive and well in Margaree-Fox Roost
The Christmas pagent is a tradition at St. Augustine’s Church in Margaree - Fox Roost. The school in the Margaree closed in 1997, so the Sunday School Classes are the only opportunities children in both communities get to spend time together as a group. The children perform and sing in front of an appreciative audience. It takes a great deal of work, but the results are amazing. Hats off to Maggie Seymour and her Teachers for a job well done. Submitted by Karen Simon.