ANGLICANLife
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March 2010
ANGLICANLife MARCH 2010
in NEWFOUNDLAND
&
LABRADOR
ACW members from Cow Head count pennies collected for the Primate’s World Relief and Development Fund (PWRDF)
“From Cookies to Pond, the ACW put baskets at which the Diocesan CoChampagne” is an initiative and coin boxes in local busi- ordinator spoke. It took of PWRDF to mark the 50th nesses, selling tickets and several people to hold the Anniversary and encour- collecting money. The Di- container filled to the brim ages Ecclesiastical Prov- ocesan Coordinator spoke to with coin boxes that were inces to engage in fifty ac- three District Branch also filled to the brim! The Reader - the newstivities to celebrate, raise groups, in Bay St. George at awareness, or raise money a worship service, in Port letter of the Licensed Lay Saunders and Margaree, Ministers’ Association for PWRDF. In the Diocese of West- presenting a slide show to regularly has a section devoted to mission in general ern Newfoundland, it might their meeting. In the Parish of White and has focused on PWRDF well be called “From Pennies to Pies”. Activities Bay, coin boxes were dis- and on the 50th anniversary range from penny drives to tributed to parishioners who in their articles. breakfasts and from full day returned them during a parIn the Parish of events to luncheons. The ish service P a s a d e n a / Diocese has been busy celCormack, parishebrating the anniversary, ioners used the oclearning about the various casion of the Recaspects of work that we do tor’s 40th birthday through PWRDF and raisto ask people to ing money so the work can bring in forty of continue. something - either ACW groups money or somehave been particuthing to sell, with larly busy. The the proceeds to go ACW in Cow Head to PWRDF. They divided into two also used proceeds teams and chalfrom the sale of lenged each other to harvest goods at bring in pennies - the Thanksgiving and losing team had to from simple soup cook dinner for the luncheon on other. They took in World Food Day, over $1,000 - a lot of taking the opporpennies! The ACW tunity on these ocin Trout River in the casions to speak to Parish of Bonne Bay the ministry of South held their PWRDF. A faithpenny drive in conful PWRDF supjunction with Mothporter held a gaWestern Diocesan Coordinator for er’s Day. In Parson’s rage sale and doPWRDF is Cynthia Haines Turner
A Section of the ANGLICAN JOURNAL
From pennies to pies Article & Photos Cynthia Haines Turner PWRDF Western Diocesan Coordinator
Delicious homemade pies were baked to raise funds for PWRDF
nated the proceeds. Another parishioner made pies and sold them. A 50th Anniversary banner was made and has been circulating around the Diocese. Throughout it all, the work and ministry of PWRDF has been celebrated, more people have come to know and understand what we do and funds have come in and all had fun doing it.
The Diocesan Mission Committee has challenged people in the Diocese to get involved in ‘talent dollar’ activities - i.e. a person invests a particular amount of money and uses it to raise money - it may be a product to sell or a service. Since the 50th Anniversary activities continue until General Synod in June of this year, we expect to see more yet!
Visit the website: www.pwrdf.org
SERVING THE ANGLICAN DIOCESES OF WESTERN NEWFOUNDLAND + CENTRAL NEWFOUNDLAND + EASTERN NEWFOUNDLAND & LABRADOR
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News & Announcements Bach on the Rock Cathedral Organist David Drinkell joins with Jenny Vincent from the Kirk to play the Complete Organ Works of Bach. The series of eighteen concerts is being held on Saturdays at 3:00pm at the Kirk and on Sundays at 8:00pm at the Cathedral, every week until March 21st, the composer’s 325th birthday. This will be the first time the Complete Bach cycle has been performed in Atlantic Canada. (Cathedral Parish of St. John the Baptist, St. John’s)
- My husband was a university student and money was tight for our family of seven. We were attending a friend’s wedding and our four-year-old daughter, Christy, was sitting next to me. When the minister asked, “Do you take this man for better or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health?” our daughter turned to me and said in a loud whisper, “You picked ‘poorer’, didn’t you, Mom?” (Parish of Fortune/ Lamaline)
A Big Thank You to the Students and Staff of Bishop Abraham Elementary Elementary, who raised $796.19 for the PWRDF and the relief efforts in Haiti! They presented a cheque to our Parish on Thursday to assist the Primate’s Fund with their work in the earthquake ravaged region. (Parish of the Good Shepherd, Mount Pearl) A little religious humour
The Parish of the Resurrection, in conjunction with the Baccalieu Advisory Board, will be giving leadership to an emergency shelter project for people in crisis in the Trinity Conception region. Please keep this need in your prayers that the Lord will raise up people to give leadership to this humane project. ( Parish of the Resurrection, South River)
Living the Questions 2.0 - This course is an openminded alternative to studies that attempt to give the participants all answers. Instead, it strives to create an environment where participants can interact with one another in exploring what’s next for Christianity. Each gathering will include a 20-minute video segment followed by discussion. ( Parish of Labrador West) Bishop Cyrus Pitman is pleased to announce that the Rev. Frank King has accepted the appointment as Priest in Charge, pro-tem, of the Parish of Port de Grave effective February 1, 2010. Bishop Cyrus Pitman is pleased to announce the appointment of the Rev. Lynn Courage as Priest in Charge of the Parish of New Hope effective February 1, 2010.
Bishop Cyrus Pitman is pleased to announce the appointment of the Rev. Lloyd Collett and the Rev. David Hewitt as interim Team Rectors in The Parish of the Holy Spirit, working in a team ministry with the Rev. Moses Tucker, effective December 1, 2009 until May 31, 2010. Mrs. Rowena Payne will be ordained to the Perpetual Diaconate, at St. Paul’s Anglican Church in Labrador City, the Parish of Labrador West, on Sunday, December 6, at 7pm. Bishop Percy Coffin is pleased to announce the following appointments: Rev. Maryrose The Colbourne, Deacon-inCharge, Cluster Parish of Burgeo and Ramea, August 1, 2009 The Rev. Canon Dawn Barrett, Regional Dean of Barrett
A little bit of Liturgy...Please! I grew up in a non-liturgical church. No written prayers for us! Even responsive readings from the hymnal brought the scorn of some. We figured that using written forms for worship would be letting someone else do all our praying for us. It would hinder the flow of the Spirit and elevate literary skills to a dead formalism. To use “liturgy” was thought to inhibit liberty in worship. It was considered questionable if the preacher should use notes. It might give the impression that he planned the message
before hand and did not really have a word from God for the hour! The positive side of this non-liturgical approach was that one never quite knew what was going to happen when one went to church. God was free to do whatever he wished! While such an approach supported an expectancy that is not to be despised, it often contributed to a lack of preparation for worship. It resulted, more often than not, in a “let’s wing it” attitude towards worship. We justified this kind of
carelessness by suggesting that knowing in advance about anything was to quench the Holy Spirit. Liturgy comes from a Greek word referring to an act of public service or work. The work of the church is the worship of God and, therefore, in our time, liturgy has come to mean the form we use to worship. To use a form or plan can unite a congregation in worship. It can be a great help in expressing appropriate attitudes of worship to God. Formless worship is foreign to Scripture. While the early Christians simplified some of the elaborate Jewish forms because of Christ’s coming, (e.g., the Lord’s Supper replaced the Jewish Passover ritual), Christian worship followed forms nonetheless. It contained psalms, hymns and spirituals songs, prayers, Scripture readings, Scripture exposition and Holy Communion. One of the earliest Christian documents is the Didache, a manual for liturgical worship, complete with written prayers and responses for the people. Christian worship has recognisable parts and any attempt at worship renewal that ignores or rejects the biblical and historical foundations will eventually fail.
Christian worship can be both formal and informal and still be genuine worship. Yet, both formal and informal worship ought to be done in humility by worshippers who are constantly in search for the true meaning of worship. Recently, at a worship event, I felt like calling out, “A little bit of liturgy, please!” The Call to Worship went like this. The leader, in sweat shirt and jeans, ran up to the microphone, gave it a few taps, and said, “Testing, testing! Is this mike on! If you can’t hear me in the back, please raise your hand!” All I could do was to lean over to a friend and say, as we say down home, “Oh, me nerves!” And I added, “Almost he persuadest me to be an Anglican!” Apologies to Paul. Going to church nowadays is quite a challenge. I hardly recognise my own tradition half the time. It helps to have a sense of humour about it all. If you don’t, it might make you bitter. After all, I was saved in the Jesus movement and went from town to town dressed in a tiedyed shirt, bell-bottoms and sandals strumming a guitar and singing Scripture choruses. And, the church survived! While I deplore the therapeutic approach to wor-
Bay St. George Deanery, August 1, 2009 The Rev. Ralph Moore Moore, Deacon-in-Charge, Parish of St. Anthony, October 11, 2009 The Rev. Canon David Pearce, Priest-in-Charge, Pearce Parish of Bay St. George, pro tem, September 2009 Our Church building has been officially sold to Long Harbour Holdings effective 28 January 2010. Renovations will begin immediately. They anticipate opening their business on 12 April 2010 2010. We will return to our former church for worship near that date. Until then, we will be worshipping at Carnell’s Memorial Chapel on Freshwater Road while renovations are happening in our former church building (Parish of St. Michael & All Angels, St. John’s)
Article Dr. Garry E. Milley
ship rather than the theocentric approach, I am hopeful for two reasons. First, people can change. I got rid of the bell-bottoms and the tie-dyed shirt quite some time ago. I sold my guitar to pay tuition. I’m acquiring a taste for the Gaither videos. I rather sit than stand to worship. I’m growing to love Acts 2:2, “and it filled the whole house where they were sitting.” Stress the sitting! Most of the worship leaders today are very young. They’ll grow in the Lord and mature in knowledge. I certainly hope I have. I’m hopeful for a second reason. Experience teaches us that emotional excesses cannot be long sustained. People eventually need a more ordered structure in which to live out the Christian faith and with which to worship God. They will eventually ask, “Has God given us any direction at all in the way he ought to be worshipped?” Liturgical interest is bound to come, even for Pentecostals and Charismatics. People were patient with me and I trust I can be patient with others. Dr. Garry E. Milley, an ordained minister with the Pentecostal Assemblies, teaches part time at Queen’s College. He is Senior Pastor of Park Avenue Pentecostal Church in Mount Pearl.
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March 2010
New wage agreement
Daily Devotions A popular means of spiritual reading is the daily devotional. It consists of a daily reflection linked to a biblical verse and ending with a prayer. These devotionals are usually issued at quarterly intervals. Below are some suggestions of devotionals familiar to me. They can be ordered by telephone or online, and some may be
let us pray The Rev. Everett Hobbs
available at the back of your church on a table or in a tract case. Most of the following online sites will also post a daily devotional to your inbox on request. There are scores of other online devotional sites which you find by searching. If you are not already using this resource, consider taking it up.
Forward Day by Day 1 800 543 1813 www.forwardmovement.org 1 800 757 9877
The Upper Room www.upperroom.org/devotional
Our Daily Bread 519 979 1073 www.rbc.org
The Cemetery Committee of St. John’s and Mount Pearl is shown here with the Cemetery Staff signing a Wage and Benefits Agreement on January 26, 2010. The occasion marks the replacement of an agreement last made in 2006. The highlights of the agreement include a two per cent wage increase for 2010, and a contract term of three years. Seated from left to right are Doug French, Treasurer; Clarence Best, Cemetery Staff; Art King, Chair; and Alton Newell, Staff member. Submitted by Jim Igloliorte.
1 800 263 2664
Every Day With Jesus www.cwr.org.uk www.davidccook.ca
New Daylight 1 416 924 1332 (Anglican Book Centre) www.brf.org.uk The Friendship Book (Francis Gay) Can be obtained from a book store.
A Will - your final statement Remember, your will is 5. Who should I choose A piece of advice I usuthe final statement you will ally stress with church lead- for my executor(s)? ever make to this ers concerns the imporworld – the last opportance of having a legal tunity you will have in will. Considering that this life to proclaim the 75% of all planned gifts “The messages are simple: GOOD NEWS and excome in through beEveryone should have a will. press your gratitude for quests in a Will, it the abundance you have quickly became obvious Christians should view their enjoyed. that we should encourThe messages are age our faithful to have wills as a statement of their simple: Everyone a will and invite them to beliefs.” should have a will and leave something in that Christians should view will for the church. their wills as a stateUnfortunately, I’ve 6. What about guard- ment of their beliefs. been told that many of our Anglican Christians – parishioners do not have a ians for my children? 7. Is it expensive to legal will. One of the tools I sug- make a will? 8. Can I make a will on gest that parishes use to deal with this is to have a Wills my own? 9. What is power of atSeminar with a lawyer as torney? leader – one who is knowl10. What is a living edgeable about wills and estate planning. I have found will? These are just some of these seminars to be enormously useful to parishion- the questions that arise at ers who would like to know these seminars. If your parmore about the business of ish would like to hold such an event, please contact me writing wills. Some of the key topics and I will assist you to organize one. are as follows: Bequests in wills can be 1. Why should I have a a most gratifying part of a will? 2. Do I still need a will parish stewardship proif my assets are held jointly gram. So consumed are we with regular givings that with my spouse? 3. What happens if I die we often forget the other occasions in our lives when without a will? 4. What do executors we might make larger and more thoughtful gifts. do?
whenever possible – should prayerfully consider how their will can include support for the future ministry of their church through the many forms of a planned gift. A wills seminar can facilitate much discussion and a lot of good will.
stewardship
Kevin Smith
Kevin Smith is the 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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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-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: 22,961
I like being stiff and stuffy
I have been reading with great interest the series in Anglican Life called “Becoming an Anglican” by Debbie Kaba (see page 13). I find it interesting since Ms. Kaba (a self-described Charismatic ‘holy roller’) has discovered a place within Anglicanism through participating in the worshipping life of an Anglican parish. It is refreshing to read her simple ‘question & answer’ approach to Anglicanism which can offer great insight to our own particular expression of Christianity. Also this month another contributor, Dr. Garry Milley, (a Pentecostal Pastor) makes an appeal to nonliturgical churches to embrace the rich tradition that Anglicanism offers through its ordered worship (see “A little bit of Liturgy...Please!” on page 2). As Dr. Milley surmises, “Experience teaches us that emotional excesses cannot be long sustained. People eventually need a more ordered structure in which to live out the Christian faith and with which to worship God. They will eventually ask, “Has God given us any direction at all in the way he ought to be worshipped?”
Liturgical interest is bound to come, even for Pentecostals and Charismatics.” As a cradle Anglican with miniscule exposure to other forms and expressions of worship, I find it fascinating that those outside our Church have such a keen interest in us and how we worship. I would think that those with very little exposure to liturgical worship would find what we do on Sundays as ‘stiff’ or ‘too stuffy.’ Nevertheless, there are at least two non-Anglicans who seem to have a great love for Anglican stiffness and stuffiness when it comes to our worship. Going around our Anglican churches in Newfoundland & Labrador, I find it intriguing that liturgical worship is often shunned in favour of other expressions such as “Prayer & Praise” or “Gospel Sing-a-long” services. I have heard it said that it is those types of worship that “bring people into the Church.” The Prayer Book tradition (whether the Book of Common Prayer or Book of Alternative Services) is dropped in favour of extemporaneous prayer and spontaneity. Personally, I find it re-
editorial
Fr. Sam Rose
freshing that we have an ordered and disciplined way in which to worship and approach God. When other denominations speak of having an “altar call” to invite people to come back to Christ, I am inspired that as Anglicans we too have such an invitation each week and it is a bonus to have an actual Altar in which to be called to! The more I worship in the Anglican Tradition, the more I realize that what we do has great meaning and significance. Anglicans are not dinosaurs who have an image problem. We are Christians who have inherited a ‘living Tradition’ passed on throughout the generations. I guess I like being stiff and stuffy! So, Pentecostals and Charismatics want more traditional forms of worship and Anglicans want more informal and casual types of worship. God must have a sense of humour!
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March 2010
Facing fear with faith On my bookshelf I have a 20 ruble note printed in 1918 in Yekaterinburg, Russia. It is the same city and year in which Tzar Nicholas and his family were murdered. I keep it in the hope that one day its owner will come to reclaim it. Daily I look at it and pray that the one who gave it to me has found the peace of God and a freedom from fear. It came into my keeping many years ago, during the breakup of the Soviet Union. Daily hundreds of defectors were getting off planes here in Gander. One of them called the church wishing to speak with someone. I went to the hotel where he was staying and to the room number I had been given. When the
occupant answered the door he opened it widely and, grabbing me by the coat, threw me into his room and shut the door. I shouted, in fear, at him. He, in fear, shouted back, directing me to one of two chairs sitting very close to one another. They were placed between a radio and a television, both with the volume turned as high as it would go. We sat nose to nose as he told me that the KGB was after him because he had a secret document. It turned out to be the ruble note, with the names of the Bolshevik officials who would have signed the death warrants of the Russian Royal family. For me, this young man was and continues to be the face of fear. His fear was
understandable, and yet for him to find peace he would have to learn to deal with that fear. Perhaps to live with it, perhaps to put it behind him, perhaps to turn it over to God. As this month begins, we are in the midst of the most fearful time of the Church year; we are heading toward Jerusalem and death. Jesus is about to die, the dreams of the disciples are about to be shattered. This is not a play, not a drama - this is real. The danger is real. Jesus is real. His anguish is real, the pain of his betrayal is real, and his wish to avoid what was coming was real. His fear was real! He was human and fear is part of the human condition. Faith is not freedom
from fear. Faith is, with God’s help, learning to live with it, learning to overcome it. Jesus is soon to hang on a cross and in a voice we have all felt, screams in anguish, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me!” And yet with the same gaze with which I see the ruble note on my bookshelf, I see an empty cross, above my door, reminding me that the story of Jesus does not end with a cross. It does not end with a scream in pain and fear but continues in resurrection and victory, with the proclamation “He is Risen!” The story of Jesus does not end with a story two thousand years old but continues and is fresh every day. The story does not end
Do you share your faith? While I was wandering around the internet one night I typed into the mighty Google “why I don’t share my faith.” Now I wasn’t looking for excuses but rather digging for ideas. I had thought to talk to you a little about why young people don’t necessarily share their faith openly. But the more I thought about it, the more I felt there was a bigger issue afoot. Do you share your faith? I don’t mean at church or bible study or ACW (or Men’s Service Club). I mean with your spouse, your kids, your grandkids, your neighbours
or strangers in the grocery store. Do you? Do you tell them about our Saviour? Or do you complain about price of milk or the lineup at the cash register? Do you help someone who is struggling with more bags than they can handle? Or do you hurry around muttering about how some people just can’t keep out of the way? Do you talk to your kids or grandkids about your relationship with God? Do you have open and frank discussions about why bad things happen even though God loves us? I don’t always do it when I should. Sometimes
I find myself overwhelmed by the possibility of trying to explain my faith to others who just don’t “get it”. Sometimes it is easier to walk away that stop and help. Sometimes the ridicule of others towards organized religion of any kind is terrifying - how will they feel about me if I open my mouth and talk about Jesus Christ? And so I let their ignorance deter me from sharing my faith or I try to find a “politically correct” way around the issue to avoid offending someone. But then, sometimes, it’s all I can do not to shout it from the rooftops. Some-
times my faith just pours out and I can’t help but talk to people about God. I talk to you, readers of this paper. I go to church and sing in the choir and take part in as much as I can. And my husband and I talk a lot about our faith and I intend to talk to any future children about God. I know that God brought us together, and that He has a plan for us. Sharing your faith isn’t easy. Then again, no one said it would be. The apostles sure didn’t have it easy. But let’s face it, in our society we won’t face the same persecution they did, we won’t be crucified for our
bishop’s letter
Bishop David Torraville Diocese of Central Newfoundland
with the fragility of his humanity but continues into the eternity of his divinity. Like the ruble note, I look at the cross and hope for the day its owner will return and in that hope and faith I find the peace of God and a freedom from fear as I pray you will.
columnist
Allison Billard
beliefs. It is ultimately a choice. You can choose to share your faith, by words and actions, or you can choose not to. And I’ll be honest with you, sometimes I choose not to. But then I feel like a hypocrite, so I repent, and ask the Lord for strength to try again. In his mercy we are always forgiven, but it is then up to us to ask for guidance and to try once more to live the life we’ve been called to and show others the love of God. And what a wonderful love that is.
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ANGLICANLife in pictures
The Parish of Fortune / Lamaline is proud to support Marlene Partridge in answering God’s call as an Eucharistic Assistant. Marlene, who has been an active leader of Soul Searchers youth group, was commissioned as a Eucharistic assistant on September 27th, 2009 and received her license on December 24th, 2009. Marlene and Jim (who is her very supportive and proud husband) have three daughters, Josie, who is currently in St. John’s going to college was a dedicated server and continues to serve when she returns home. Daughters Nicole and Samantha are active members as dedicated servers and readers. Article by Beverly Buffett. Photo by Nicole Buffett.
On 31 January 2010, three congregations came to together to support a worthy cause. St. Augustine’s in Margaree, Holy Spirit in Isle aux Morts, and St. Paul’s in Grand Bay came together at Holy Spirit Church and with the help of New Wine Gospel Group raised approximately $3500 for the PWRDF’s response to the recent devastation in Haiti. Pictured are members Alex Kettle, Dave Osmond, Elroy Bobbett and George Gillam. Submitted by Karen Simon.
SEND US YOUR PHOTOS samrose@nl.rogers.com
St. Peter’s Anglican Church, Upper Gullies recently welcomed four new licensed Eucharistic assistants. In the photo, L-R, Associate Priest- Fr. Gary Hussey, Victoria Dinham, Bishop Pitman, Debbie Warford, Fr. Mark Nichols-Rector, Ryan Dwyer and Ashley Bradley. Fr. Mark is happy that the youth of the St. Peter’s have such a keen interest in carrying out this important ministry. All the new Eucharistic Assistants were warmly welcomed by the congregation. Submitted by Jack Morgan.
St. Boniface Church in Ramea was full of the Christmas Spirit during this Christmas Season. The Christmas Message was ringing out everywhere, though the music, scripture and the people. It began with the Lightening of the Advent Wreath on the first Sunday of Advent with the Confirmation Class and their families and the server and his family. On December 6th at the 11 a.m. it was the “Dressing of The Evergreen” Service where the congregation dressed the church with its colors and symbols. At 7 p.m. there was a service of “remembering “ combined with a Christmas Carol Hymn sing. This service was meant to remember those who are away from home this Christmas season and those who are no longer with us. This service included much participation from the congregation by readings or candle lighting. During one point of the service all members from the congregation brought forward a blue ball with names of their loved ones written on it and placed it on the “ Tree of Memories” which had blue lights on it. This tree was lit at all services during the Christmas season. On December 13th at 11 a.m. service the Sunday school children dressed the “ Jesse Tree” with the many symbols made by the children at their Sunday school class. At 7 p.m. the Sunday school children and their teachers with readings and singing dressed the manger with figures that represented the night Christ was born. Children were dress as Angels, Mary & Joseph, Kings and Shepherds and Jesus on the hay was bought forward by a little 4 year old boy. Children from pre-school to grade 7 took part in all services. Children also sang in the choir with Clyde Dominie and Angus Stewart providing the music. Lisa Blair Macdonald with her Dad, Brian Macdonald accompanying her on the guitar sang two beautiful Christmas carols, Ashley Giles and her sister Kristen on guitar sang a beautiful song as did Angus Stewart and Clyde Dominie. All services were very well attended and enjoyed by all. The song which was sung in the church at St. Boniface “ Let’s put Christ back into Christmas” was truly demonstrated this Christmas Season, the true meaning of Christmas is very much alive in our community. Submitted by Arthur Marsden
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March 2010
St. Paul’s in Harbour Grace getting ready for 175th Anniversary Article Bob Lynch
St. Paul’s Anglican Church in Harbour Grace continues with plans to celebrate its Quartoseptcentennial in 2010. The 175th Anniversary of the Laying of the Corner Stone will be celebrated during the week of 11-18 July 2010. A twentymember committee was formed two years ago from all church groups - CLB, ACW, Altar Guild, Vestry, Wardens, Choir, Sunday school, Congregation and
Ministry. At their January meeting the itinerary for the event was finalized. Five members from the 150th Anniversary Celebrations committee have returned to help organize and prepared for this years event. Don Regular, David Moores, Doug Moores, Hayward Shute and Tom Caines all volunteered their time and talents to a very successful celebration in 1985. In September of 2009,
St. Paul’s welcomed the first fem a l e clergy in the 245 years history of St. Paul’s to ever serve as Rector of the Parish. The Reverend Shirley Noseworthy has joined the Celebration committee. As a part of a JCP grant a history booklet of St. Paul’s has been completed. The committee has
found several ways to let anyone who wishes to attend the events find information. Firstly there is a large aluminum sign placed on the lawn at the entrance to St. Paul’s Church. There will be another press release later in the spring: this being the second of three scheduled releases. The itinerary will be included with the letters sent to the members of the parish in their spring update. Cathy Stacy and her “My Town” show will be doing a spot from St. Paul’s Church in February. And the schedule will be carried on the local Cable 9 channel throughout
the spring and summer season leading up to the Anniversary week. Committee chair Sonia Williams said “We are very pleased with planning so far. Our goal to include all groups within St. Paul’s has been achieved. Things are progressing; many things have been completed to date with more to do as celebrations near. We have a great working committee and we are looking toward a memorable week of activities.”
The Schedule of Events (July 11-18, 2010): Sunday July 11 – 11:00 a.m. Children’s Service (Children’s party to follow) Tuesday July 13 – 7:00 p.m. Old Fashion Concert Wednesday July 14 –7:00 p.m. Memorial Hymn Sing Saturday July 17 – 175th Celebration Banquet (At the Harbour Breeze) Sunday July 18 – 10:00 am Parade to Church 10:30am Church Service Re-enactment Laying of the Corner Stone Social to Follow in Church Hall.
Members of the Quartoseptcentennial committee at St. Paul’s Church in Harbour Grace. Seated Karen Barrett, Helen Hunt, Peggy Hearn, Reverend Shirley Noseworthy, Sonia Williams, Deanne Crocker, Barbara Lilly, Carol Hunt. Standing; Bob Noseworthy, Hayward Shute, Don Lynch, Tom Caines, David Moores, John Payne, Doug Moores, Don Regular, Bob Lynch. Missing from the photo: Vanessa Walsh, John Anderson, Wanda Hargraves, and Dave Squires Photo courtesy Christine Lynch
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ANGLICANLife online: www.anglicanlife.blogspot.com
Opening doors to God New sculpture at St. Augustine’s reflects Church’s mission Article Linda Pippy
Motorists and pedestri- tions on Christianity. This explained this sculpture ans along Elizabeth Avenue would hopefully stimulate would continue the church’s in St. John’s are no strangers their mind and so increase “firsts”, as he believes no other church in the province to the catchy messages on the their faith”. The boy is the only one has a sculpture on the sign in front of St. Augustine’s Anglican Church. This directly looking at the ob- entranceway. The church, is one device the church uses server and is the deepest ob- built in 1968, introduced many firsts to churches to lure people of all in Newfoundland. faiths to come and hear Architecturally, St. the gospel being Augustine’s was the preached, as Jesus’ discifirst hexagon-shaped ples were commissioned church in the province to be “fishers of men”. and also has the first On January 24, pacontemporary abstract rishioners were greeted stained-glass window, at the door with a sculpas opposed to traditure of a net and four tional, which typically fisher people, ready to depict a figure or scene. catch them as they enOn the interior, the tered the church. The church was the first to creation, which includes have the pews at an anthree separate pieces ingle. The church also stalled over the main has the first movable doors and the transom font, which is typically window, totals five feet located at the front durwide and twelve feet ing baptisms, as ophigh. It took church posed to being fixed member, John near the entrance. MacCallum, hundreds of The original vision hours to design and of the style and locasculpt over a period of tion of the building three years. It is composed of several kinds of The full view of the new sculpture was that of the first both new and used adorning the entranceway to St. minister, the late RevCharles woods including solid Augustine’s Church. Photo submitted by erend Abraham. The late white oak and ma- Parish of St. Augustine. William Brown who hogany. The low relief sculpture ranges from two to ject in the entire work. was a member of the congreMacCallum said, “Children gation was the architect who six inches deep. The lower pieces, which are innocent; the child is ask- designed the building. The cover the two main doors, ing the onlooker for a re- interior is in the shape of an depict four fisher people sponse”. MacCallum said elongated hexagon, which holding a net, which leads to contemporary art does not represents an ark, with the Jesus in the top piece. As usually include families, but two short sides at each end opposed to a fish net, the net since he is a family man, he representing the bow and stern, and the longer sides represents a climbing net, dealt with what he knew. MacCallum has a mas- representing the length of the which provides a path to climb or to be pulled up, to ter’s degree from the Penn- boat. However, with the exenter a relationship with sylvania Academy of Fine tension of the faux flying butChrist. Although some peo- Arts in Philadelphia and a tresses, which represent oars, ple may interpret the four two-year diploma in Cabinet an aerial view of the buildpeople as apostles, and Furniture Making from ing shows a perfect hexagon. MacCallum explained, “I pur- Boston. He is currently self- Reverend Pilling believed posely made the fisher peo- employed as a woodworker that Reverend Abraham ple ugly to represent ordinary designing and sculpting high- wanted the boat to represent people, specifically not beau- end furniture and doors, large a journey of faith. Reverend David Pilling, tiful, signifying that anyone outdoor sculptures and inwho prefers to be called can bring others to Christi- stallations and paintings. Before the pieces were “Rev’d David”, has been the anity.” The top section is com- installed, they were displayed rector at St. Augustine’s Anposed of five figures, the cen- at the altar and dedicated to glican Church for the past tral one being, as MacCallum the Glory of God by Bishop eight years. He performed in sees, Jesus. The other figures Cyrus Pitman at the Christ- Dancing with the Priests in include a mother, baby, small mas Eve Family Service. The May, 2009. The competiboy and a man. MacCallum project was sponsored by tion, which was patterned afsaid, “I purposely designed member Carol Bonnell in ter Dancing with the Stars, the images in an ambiguous honour of her parents, raised several thousand dolway that would lead people Howard and Betty Hillier, lars for Vibrant Communito invent their own interpre- who were founding members ties, an Inner City charity. tation as to whom these peo- of the congregation, which Rev’d David is also, of course, the mastermind behind the ple represent and so may be- began in 1959. Reverend David Pilling messages on the billboard. gin to question their assump-
The top section of the door is composed of five figures, the central one being Jesus. The other figures include a mother, baby, small boy and a man. The sculpture was created by parishioner John MacCallum. Photo submitted by Parish of St. Augustine.
The lower pieces, which cover the two main doors, depict four fisher people holding a net, which leads to Jesus in the top piece. As opposed to a fish net, the net represents a climbing net, which provides a path to climb or to be pulled up, to enter a relationship with Christ. Photo submitted by Parish of St. Augustine.
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ANGLICANLife
9
March 2010
Having a ‘time’ in Clarenville Article Tom Northcott
On Saturday, October 3, 2009, the Rev. Daphne Parsons brought the seniors (65 years and older) of St. Mary’s Congregation together in the church hall for an afternoon ‘time’. If you are new to the Province, you may not be familiar with this term. In the colourful and rich language of Newfoundland and Labrador, a ‘time’ (used in this context) means a party, social event, celebration, or communal gathering. There was no mistaking the season in the hall: Thanksgiving was just around the corner, coloured leaves were scattered over the tables and on the floor. And there was no mistaking the enjoyment everyone shared in being together. Some were chatting, or visiting around. Others were taking a look at the large
photographic display show- wind down, the music making some of the activity and ers appeared. There were events in the bustling life of singles, duos, trios, and a group of St. Mary’s. four. All There were were mempictures bers of the from Suncongregaday school, tion. Instruthe service ments inin the park, cluded guithe Pritar, violin, m a t e ’ s accordion, visit, inkeyboard, door and and bodhran. outdoor acThe hall was tivity by alive with the large the sound of youth Soup, music: tradiand much tional (inmore. This cluding is a busy Newfoundplace. A lot land) ballads, goes on and here. A happy senior enjoys the ‘time’ jigs, L u n c h at St. Mary’s in Clarenville . Photo waltzes. People were began with submitted by Harvey Locke. s i n g i n g R e v . Daphne leading the singing along, step dancing, waltzof the old, traditional grace: ing, and attempting various “Be present at our table gyrations of undetermined Lord”. As lunch began to origin! The ACW provided
lunch, and were in high spir- old Sydnee Hallett perits as they refilled the tea formed two songs beautiand coffee cups: sometimes fully. Sydnee was followed dancing around the tables, by eight year old Morgan and even doing a ‘prom- Davidson and her five year enade right’ at one end of old sister Maya who the hall with teapots held charmed us with their high. young, gentle The orvoices. No ganizers of doubt about it this event everyone had a had the good grand time. sense to inThis was a volve chilgathering of dren in the seniors, but activities. nobody in the What is a hall was hung seniors’ party up about the without chilpassing years. dren? We are Remember a family, a Mark Twain’s church famcomment: ily, after all. ‘Age is an isSo, near the sue of mind end of the af- Sydnee Hallett sings for the over matter; if t e r n o o n seniors. Photo submitted by you don’t when those Harvey Locke. mind, it of us of a cerdoesn’t mattain age were resting up a ter’’. It didn’t matter here bit, three young entertain- this day! ers did their thing. Ten year
Honouring St. Peter at Upper Gullies Article & Photo Jack Morgan
The weekend of January 22-24, 2010 proved to be a busy, yet fun time for all who participated in St. Peter’s 7th Annual Patronal Festival. The action packed 3 days began with ‘Family Time’ on Friday night. Thirteen skits were performed by various church groups: ACW, Men’s Service Club, Youth Group, CLB, Sunday School, Confirmation Class and Liturgical Dance Choir. Not to be outdone, St. Peter’s Fellowship Band played three sets much to the delight of the 200 plus present. Fr. Greg Mercer returned to his old stomping’ grounds to play with the band, and was also met with the strong approval of the audience. Saturday morning turned out to provide loads of entertainment for family fun day. Parents and children alike enjoyed Horseback rides on one of four horses provided by parishioners Grant Morgan and Carl Dawe. Dave Coates supplied his farm tractor and box cart and all present enjoyed kilometer long hay
rides. Crafts and other ac- and spoke on the impor- of their late dad, Verner tivities livened the morning tance of ‘evangelism’ for Morgan who would have for those who choose to par- church growth. A dance fol- celebrated his 91st birthday ticipate inside the parish lowed and brought to a on the same day. Ham, hall. Compliments of Pa- close a wonderful evening. eggs, baked beans, hash rishioner Keith browns, juice, toast, tea, coffee Pack, the and muffins were Men’s Service Club served a v a i l a b l e hot dogs, poaplenty. A jam tato chips, hot packed house of chocolate, tea 120 parishioners enjoyed the and coffee to hearty breakfast the flock. In paying before heading the highest off to Church. tribute to St. St. Peter’s Peter the fishwas blessed with the presence of erman, almost Bishop Pitman, 100 people enjoyed a three who after enjoycourse Salmon ing breakfast, dinner on Satparticipated in urday evening. the Intergenerational Grapes, Cheese Worship Service and Shrimp tempted the at 10:30 where a palate folnear capacity lowed by lusgathering had ascious grilled Dozens of children, their parents and others enjoyed sembled. Bishop salmon, ac- ‘Family Fun Day’ at St. Peter’s in honour of our Patron Saint. Pitman was comcompanied by In the photo: Heather, Porter (Horseback) and Jeff Rowsell plimentary to our buttered pota- along with parishioner Grant Morgan, owner of the Rector, Fr. Mark toes, baby car- Shetland pony. Nichols and the rot and string congregation The hectic pace contin- when he stated that St. Pebeans. A flamboyant fruit flange capped of the meal. ued on Sunday; the day be- ter’s was a leader in the DioRobert Cooke, University ginning with breakfast cese. Associate Priest, Fr. Chaplin for the Anglican courtesy of The Morgan and Church was guest speaker Woolgar families, in honor Gary Hussey was very im-
pressed by all those who helped in putting off such a successful weekend of activities. “St. Peter’s Anglican Church in Upper Gullies had a wonderful Patronal Festival...the Friday night skits were hilarious and the music was great. Saturday consisted of a family fun day and salmon dinner in the evening followed by bedfast on Sunday morning and a beautiful inter-generational service at 10:30 presided over by Bishop Pitman. Thanks and congratulations go out to all who helped in any way”, said Hussey. St. Peter’s Rector, Fr. Mark Nichols, who joined the parish last May was very impressed by how well everything went. “Our Patronal Festival provided us with an opportunity to gather as a parish family and celebrate for a few days. As the new rector, I was impressed by how all of the parish groups and ministries were involved in the various events, especially with our ‘Family Time’ on Friday night. It was a very successful weekend and a wonderful way to launch our Parish Vision for the next three years.”
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ANGLICANLife online: www.anglicanlife.blogspot.com
Jesus in one hand a guitar in the other Article Stella Walsh
Gander’s Shawn Wiseman’s ministry of music and song
Shawn Wiseman of Gander uses his musical talent as a ministry to bless others. He has recorded numerous CDs which reflect his Christian faith through music and song. Photo submitted by Corrina Tiller.
Shawn Wiseman has walked through life holding onto Jesus with one hand and his guitar with the other. From his earliest days, his life has been steeped in music and church going. However, as a young adult he made a conscious decision to explore his faith, thus strengthening his walk as a Christian. Shawn’s music career and his Christianity have grown and developed together, weaving the fabric of who he is. Teaming up with his brother Perry to perform as The Wiseman Brothers, performing as a solo artist, producing CDs in his own studio, teaching private lessons, directing two church youth choirs and leading worship are just some of the many activities that occupy Shawn’s time. But he is also quick to point out that, despite his busy schedule, being a father and husband is top priority. Shawn’s development as a musician and singer has served him well in giving back to the Church. When called upon, he is quite comfortable leading worship at St. Martin’s Anglican Cathedral in Gander. Working with and teaching young people, from the very young to older teens, developed naturally for him over the years. He has a knack for
encouraging his students to let their gifts shine and he mentors them by making obvious his own commitment to Jesus. Out of the five CDs that Shawn has produced, three have been his own. His first solo release was the 1998 Gospel production “Walk on Faith.” This release received wonderful reviews and led to four performances on the international daily telecast “100 Huntley Street.” His next release was the successful 2002 CD “Life is a Buzz” and his most recent release is the CD “Etched in Time.” Shawn’s Christianity permeates all of his many music styles from pop to folk to country rock. Shawn Wiseman is a package deal – no hiding his light under a bushel. He is a Christian at church and “out in the world,” welcoming every opportunity to witness to his faith. And with such well-rounded musical ability, he has been able to use his talents to bless others both inside and outside his Church family. Where is Shawn Wiseman headed in the future? He’ll tell you that he’s open to whatever the Lord lays on his heart. He knows where his gifts have come from.
30 Roe Avenue, P.O. Box 348, Gander, NL A1V 1W7 Telephone: (709) 651-4100 Fax: (709) 256-2957 email: info@waltershoffe.com
ANGLICANLife
11
March 2010
Go North, young man!
columnist
Part One of Archdeacon Francis Buckle’s first parish in Cartwright I had felt for some time that my call to ministry was in Canada’s North. During my theological studies I became particularly interested in the Diocese of the Arctic, the largest Diocese in the Canadian Church; large, not in terms of population but area - 1,500,000 square miles! Headquarters for the Arctic Diocese at the time was Toronto. A Student Christian Movement Conference during the Christmas holiday of 1961 in that city provided an opportunity for a fellow theological student and me to attend. The Arctic’s Diocesan Bishop, Donald Marsh, was taking a break from his extensive travels over the holiday and I made an appointment to meet with him. Like most northern Dioceses in the nineteen-sixties the Arctic had problems attracting clergy. In the case of the Arctic - and here we are speaking of a time prior to the opening of The Arthur Turner Training Centre at Pangnirtung most of the recruits came from England. Bishop Marsh was keen to talk with me about work in his Diocese; my only request was that I be placed in a Parish with an experienced Priest to learn the Inuit language, Inuktitut. The Bishop readily agreed, and suggested a likely Parish where I would be stationed. “Don’t be surprised,” he warned me, “if your Bishop refuses to release you!” He knew what he was talking about! My own Bishop, John Meaden, was interested in hearing of my desire and calling to northern work, but not at all enthusiastic that it was beyond the boundaries of his Diocese. “I have other plans for you, Buckle” he said. “Its north, to be sure, for it is in Labrador. Pevie [the Rev. Gordon] will have been at Cartwright five years by summer time, and is expecting a move. I plan to place you there.” There had first to be an Ordination! That took place at the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist in St. John’s on June 24th, 1962 when eight
of us were ordained to the Diaconate, and four to the Priesthood. Here is my diary entry for June 22nd: Yesterday we began our Ordination Retreat. ... I have asked myself why I decided to become a Priest. ... Traditionally a great deal of prestige has gone with this office. I’ve not thought a great deal about that, or of the perceived privileges. I like people, and want to be of help. ... I am ill-prepared to take on the responsibility of the ‘Cure of Souls’ but by His grace I shall preach of His love - and show it in action. My appointment to the Parish of Cartwright was set for September of that year. In the interim, I was sent to the historic Parish of Trinity, Trinity Bay, with its eight congregations, several of which were accessible only by boat. The experience was, for the most part, enjoyable. My work was largely pastoral and liturgical; financial and building concerns would fall on the shoulders of the new Incumbent - the Rev. Gordon Pevie who was being transferred from Cartwright. At the end of August I was able to spend a brief holiday at home in Forteau. I knew little about Cartwright and the particular challenges that would face me there. At College I read about the famous Henry Gordon and had laboriously copied out, on an old Remington typewriter, his Winter Trip around Sandwich Bay. Gordon served in the Sandwich Bay Mission from 1915-1925; he and his wife Clara had left their mark, and it was substantial. As I wrote in Labrador Diary: 1915 1925, they brought to their work a quiet faith, an adventurous spirit and a profound love and respect for the Labrador people. ... I had not been long in the Parish when folk began to speak about Henry Gordon and his wife Clara; it was as if they had just moved away on the last coastal boat! Gordon’s Mission was extensive. He estimated that in order to make a round through the visit the numerous “com-
munities” that comprised the Mission he would have travelled close to 1000 miles! Sandwich Bay Mission was subdivided in 1957 to form the Mission of Cartwright and the Mission of Happy Valley. The Cartwright Mission, despite the new configuration, was no piece of cake! I would be expected to provide pastoral care to some 700 Anglicans scattered over a hundred miles of coastline, none of which were connected by road. The Parish, I was told, no longer possessed a boat and for summer/fall travel I would have to depend on the CN coastal boats, or rely on the generosity of parishioners to get me from place to place. Winter travel would present its own special challenges. Most families in the community had a dog team and I could “hook a ride.” It was with some apprehension that I prepared to move to Cartwright. Travel from the Forteau area to Cartwright was rather problematic at the time. I sent off a telegram to the Rev. Carl Major, Priest in the neighbouring Parish of Battle Harbour, in the hope he might be in a position to help. In order to pastorally care for that extensive Parish (as well as the Forteau Parish that now had been placed temporarily in his care), the Diocese had bought a Piper Cub and Carl had got his pilot’s license.
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In short order, I should add, a mere 10 days, and his remarkable feat was recognized by the Globe and Mail. “Carl flew me to Cartwright from Forteau,” I wrote in my diary. I had with me a single suitcase and a small dog by the name of Blackie. That was about as much as the Piper Cub could carry! We landed at the USAF Dock, and went to the Hudson’s Bay Store where Carl picked up several items before taking off. David Massie, the store manager, invited me to his home where his wife Louise had prepared lunch. I eventually located the key to the Rectory, a two-storied structure built around 1930. The Rectory was one of the largest homes in the Parish, and perhaps the coldest! There were no indoor toilet facilities and water had to be brought from Burdett’s Brook on the south side of the harbour. The Parish owned a small Petter diesel that provided electricity to the Rectory, Church, school, teacher’s residence, and two local families. It was far from being a 24 hour service! It would be my lot to get the diesel going in the late afternoon, and turn it off at night. I was later to learn that to get Betsy (as I called the engine) started when the temperature dropped below 20 was always a challenge. “Get yourself a can or two of
The Ven. Francis Buckle
ether. That usually works,” a friend told me. And it did most times. Then there were those stormy nights, or following a tiring trip through the Parish when I wanted to “hit the sack” early. A warning sign from me at 9.30 that Betsy was taking an early night was not welcome, and I often got an earful the next day! David Massie had news for me: the Rector of the Parish was also Chairman of the School Board which, at the time, operated a fiveroom school at Cartwright and a two-room at Paradise River; in the southern area of the Mission the Board made use of an old Orange Lodge at Spotted Island, the former Grenfell Mission Clinic at Batteau, and a small building at Porcupine. In those days it was difficult to attract teachers and, in the early sixties schools in the southern communities operated only on a seasonal basis with the majority of children attending the Lockwood School in Cartwright and living in the Grenfell Dormitory. Part 2 of this article will appear in the April edition of Anglican Life
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ANGLICANLife online: www.anglicanlife.blogspot.com
Gambling in church Someone once asked me, “Do you really think gambling is a sin?” I don’t know if gambling is a sin or not. As far as I am aware, Anglicanism has never ever dictated to people what they can or cannot do in their individual lives when it comes to things like drinking, gambling, dancing, etc. What I do know is that gambling is a deeply spiritual issue, not unlike when Jesus talked about money and how it controls us and the power it has over our lives. “You cannot serve God and mammon” (meaning money), says Jesus. It is a spiritual issue. The one word that describes the heart of Jesus’ ministry more than any other word is reconciliation. He died that we may be reconciled to the Father; he taught and demonstrated love and forgiveness for the purpose of restoring rela-
tionships with one another. regardless of how innocent wisdom took the healing In his Second letter to the the practice of selling tick- ministry and mission of Jesus seriously and gave birth Corinthians, chapter 5, ets may appear. According to the latest to most of the hospitals in verse 19, the apostle Paul writes, “In Christ God was Newfoundland and Labra- our province – The Grace, reconciling the world to dor Gambling Statistics, St. Clare’s, and Grenfell just to name a few – which himself.” And note in is now administrated the previous verse (vs. by the government. 18) Paul reminds us that “Why then does the Shouldn’t the Church Christ has given us this be at the forefront and ministry of reconcilia- Church endorse gambling leading the way on tion. when it affects the health good health practices? When the Church enWhy then does the gages in the “sale of tick- of some people, even if it is Church endorse gamets” it is condoning a bling when it affects practice contrary to the a small minority?” the health of some peoheart of Jesus’ ministry ple, even if it is a small which has been entrusted to us. For most people gam- gambling also causes men- minority? Isn’t this rather bling is not problematic. tal health issues. The hypocritical? If gambling is But for a minority it causes number one concern of peo- not a problem, why do we problems with relationships ple today is health and the see government advertisewhich sometimes lead to availability of a good pub- ments for problem gamdivorce and family breakup. lic healthcare system. blers to get help or for raIf Jesus’ life, death and Health was also foremost dio ads instructing young teaching is about reconcili- on Jesus’ agenda. Scripture people to get involved in ation, what is the Church tells us that he went about their community and with doing when it engages in a “casting out demons and charity as a means of avoidpractice (or any practice) healing all kinds of dis- ing falling victim to alcothat destroys relationships, eases.” The Church in its hol, drug abuse and yes,
straight talk
The Rev. Greg Mercer
gambling. Not all churches engage in gambling and those who do, it is usually on a very small scale. But how much is too much? We sometimes excuse it because it is the Anglican way – “Everything in moderation,” we say with a little Anglican pride. To me it is scandalous, absolutely scandalous, not to mention hypocritical. Reconciliation and healing are ministries entrusted to the Church by Christ himself. How can we condone anything contrary to that?
Topsail celebrates 150 years Article & Photo Lois Baker
The night was crisp and cold as parishioners, families, and friends climbed the steps to the old Historic Church in Topsail. Inside, they gathered in the pews that their ancestors probably sat on one hundred and fifty years ago. The electric lights gleamed where once lanterns lit the sanctuary. The organ, not as ancient as the building, peeled out beautiful old hymns played by our organist Stephanie Gavell. We were here to celebrate the end of the year and to welcome in a new era in our parish. One hundred and fifty years ago, the little Historic church welcomed the people of the Topsail community and has graced its presence over the years since. As I sat there and looked upon the gray, barn board walls, and the wooden rafters overhead from which hung two flags: a white flag with a red cross- the Cross of St. George (Church of England) and the Union Jack of England, I thought what stories these walls could tell. There were days of happiness and joy when a marriage took
place, when a child was baptized, when a young person took their place in front of the altar to be confirmed or an anniversary was ob-
days of happiness and days of joy, and the church stood firm as their refuge from a worrisome world. Our service on New
People gather in the old Historic Church in Topsail, Conception Bay South for a New Years’ Eve Eucharist.
served. But there were sad times. Times when there was little to survive on, times of loss, and times when a loved one was carried into the sanctuary amid their sorrowing family and friends and after the service, were laid to rest in the cemetery just outside the church. No doubt, many of the folks who came into this building experienced good times and bad times, days of plenty and days of poverty,
Year’s Eve was to be one of celebration, thankfulness and a hope for time to come. Archdeacon John Dinn led us through the Evening Prayer service and after the final doxology, many of us trudged across the road to the present church. In the parish hall, we greeted one another, shared laughter, stories, and memories and passed out good wishes to all as we supped on hot chocolate, tea and the won-
derful array of goodies. Many exclaimed in the days following, “What a wonderful way it was to start the New Year!” Our Anniversary year is filled with many celebrations. On January 17th, we enjoyed a Moose dinner and Beef Stew. Paul Trickett took the challenge to get a moose for our church and it was a beauty! He took the care to have it ‘dressed’, wrapped and stored in its own freezer until we had our dinner. The meal was prepared by the ACM. Following the dinner, we retired to the sanctuary for a Choral Evensong presented by the Choir of St.John the Baptist, St. John’s. The choir was led and accompanied on the organ by David Drinkell. The message was given by The Very Rev’d
Josiah Noel. The service was enjoyed by all. In February, a Valentine’s Dinner took place on Saturday, February 13 and Shrove Tuesday was observed with Ham and Pancakes prepared by the ACW on February 16. On March 3, 10, 17, and 24, a Lenten Cafe Meal will be served at 5:30 pm followed by a worship service at 7:00 p.m . In April, there will be a Seniors Day with an afternoon Tea and Card Game on April 14th Also, an Old Fashioned Concert will be held on April 23, 2010. Many other celebrations are scheduled throughout the year. Call the Parish Office at 8342336 for further information.
ANGLICANLife
13
March 2010
Becoming an Anglican - part 2 Article Debbie Kaba
This is the secord part in a three-part series of one woman’s journey into the Anglican Church through participating in the Liturgy. Why do people cross themselves? It reminds me that God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit live within me. Seeing others cross themselves reminds me God lives in them. Together, we are recognizing and declaring that marvelous, life-changing truth of God in us. This helps me remember that even when I do not agree with others, that the same God who lives in me lives in them. It is an opportunity for me to forgive others and to repent if I’ve held wrong attitudes or uncomely behavior towards others. Why is the same prayer offered for each person? Examples are the same prayer spoken for healing, for baptism, for catechism, Holy Spirit weekend of Alpha or during laying on of hands at a Cursillo weekend. I find the reason of uniform prayers most comforting: God doesn’t have favorites – He loves all His children the same. Receiving the same prayer is a deep reminder of God’s uniform love and acceptance. It surprised me when I felt an extravagant and personal blessing when being a recipient of a uniform prayer. I have discovered that even though uniform, the prayers work and the people receive from the Father. Can the gifts of the Spirit (1 Corinthians 12) operate in a structured format? I have found the gifts do operate in manifold but low-key ways. I have to pay attention to notice; which is a good thing as it helps me intentionally seek to be mentally and spiritually present during liturgy, in
my walk with God and in my walk with others. Through the homily (sermon), through prayers offered, and mostly during fellowship when a friend will say something and I realize their words are a gift of the Spirit sent from the heart of God to me personally. Its low key, no hype, no drama, no pressure, freely offered and freely received. No glory to the giver; no glory to the receiver; but all glory to the
O Lord.” As I make this ageold sign, I ask God to help me be intentional in my listening and throughout the coming week to grant the gospel read will be in my mind, in my mouth and in my heart. It not only helps me prepare to receive God’s holy Word, it reminds me to be intentional in my listening – to put other thoughts aside and, like Mary of Bethany, listen raptly to the Words of the Saviour.
half. Identifying with His passion and compassion helps me to grow in empathy and understanding of the Lord and of others, especially the persecuted church or those who live with chronic pain. Why do priests and deacons wear collars? It is based on 1 Timothy 6:1, “All who are slaves under a yoke should show full respect to their masters so no one will speak against God’s name and our teaching.” The
Archdeacon Gerald Westcott, Rector of the Parish of the Resurrection in South River, presides at the Holy Eucharist. Photo courtesy of Parish of the Resurrection Facebook Page.
Holy One from whom all blessings flow. For me, these low-key spiritual gifts are a love-filled and an awesome testimony of God’s power to move on His children’s behalf. Why do many people make the sign of the cross on their forehead, lips and heart during the prayer before the reading of the gospel? Psalms 19:14 says, “Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight,
Why do we stand a long time during the liturgy? The comfortable chairs in our parish are certainly an incentive to come to church, to sit and enjoy God’s feast. When I want to sit, I remind myself it is permissible to sit; however, if I’m a bit uncomfortable for a few minutes, I can use that time to recognize the tiny bit of discomfort I go through is naught when compared with what my Lord willingly suffered on our be-
priest or deacon says a prayer as he/she dons the collar (symbol of a yoke) as a recommitment of their ordination vows and faithfulness to God and to their parish. When I see the collar, I sometimes say an intentional short thank-you to God for giving leaders who are willing to submit to God’s authority and to be an example of Christian love and service; I also pray to help the leaders grow in their love of God, submis-
sion to God and to have the grace to fulfill their ordination charge. I would imagine the physical collar is somewhat uncomfortable; and maybe that is part of the way priests are reminded their calling is not for comfort but for service to the point of personal discomfort; just as Christ served to a point of not only extreme pain but death. Why do we call my priest father? He gave me a textbook definition including how it helps remind him of his responsibility to his parishioners. The day he called me into his office to gently discuss an immature behavior I could replace with a more holy and mature behavior – the term father made sense. As the church’s rector and my pastor, he was showing not only Christ’s love and acceptance for me, but also, like a father, he was willing to step out of his comfort zone to encourage me to maturity and not to be a disruptive brat but a productive member of our local church family. I am deeply grateful for the “father” role of discipline my priest has shown to me. Without his feedback, I could have continued being a brat for months or years before natural consequences showed me it was time to grow in that area.
Why are YOU an Anglican? Share your faith story with Anglican Life email: samrose@nl.rogers.com or Mail your story to: Editor - Anglican Life 45 Tildacane Place Conception Bay South, NL, A1X 3C7
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Prisoners of France, 1812 Our History David Davis
The document in this article was sent to the writer by Mrs Margaret Mullins of Fortune, Burin Peninsula. Mrs Mullins is one of the leading family historians of our province who has just completed a thousand page work on the families of her area which is being published on compact disk. The notes attached to the document with the ‘M.M.’ are by her. The people in this article are prisoners of war, captured at sea by French warships or privateers during the period of the Napoleonic Wars. These wars extended more than twentyfive years, until 1815. Of course most of the prisoners of war were collected at the land battlefields. Naval prisoners were fewer and farther from home and probably imprisoned for longer periods. Prisoner exchanges were fewer. The prisoners in this article may have had to wait for the end of the war in 1814-15 to be repatriated to England and later get back to Newfoundland, if they were lucky. Prisons at this time, whether civilian or military, were notorious for the terrible conditions in which
prisoners existed. The inmates were exploited by the prison staff to get money from their relatives and friends. If bribes were not forthcoming then the prisoners died slowly of neglect and starvation. Also, diseases were rife in such unhealthy and crowded conditions. These were the working rules in English prisons of the time. French conditions may have been better if the spirit of the liberal ideas of the revolution had penetrated them. There may not have been much sympathy for enemies of war. In the English world our images of such things have been clouded by the beheading of aristocrats in Paris. The scene of the document, Arras, a city in France much battered by wars over the centuries is on the English Channel (Le Manche) coast in the Pas de Calais province. It was like many small ports of the time meant serve the small shallow draft ships and was up a river. Prisoners were what one might call spitting distance from England and freedom but for them half a world away.
The Document This document came to the writer in a written transcription from Mrs Mullins. (A story of 1811-1812, a letter from two men of Burin who were prisoners of war at Arras, France, enclosing a Will from their comrade James Hollett of Burin, who died as a prisoner of war in the hospital at Arras, France. M.M.) Arras, France April 11, 1812 To Joseph and Philip Hollett Burin, Nfld Having this opportunity to forward this letter from France to England, we have embraced it by writing a few lines to you, not hearing from you since writing of date April 11, 1811, which caused suspicion in us that you never received it which served to inform you that your brother James Hollett departed this life April 10, 1811, after about six weeks illness. In the first place, he was seized with a fever which after a few days proved to be small pox but being Sensible to the last, he requested in his illness that he would wish a Will to be made out so as to avoid disputes after his decease, and leaving the affair to us we acted according to his request which shall again forward to you a copy of it. Signed: Samuel Newman John Foots Arras, Francs Sundries remaining which will be remitted to you as soon as the Lord pleases to make a way for us to escape and, if deprived of this, we shall remit by some trusty friend the following. Cash in hand, after expenses of the funeral, one watch, 2 rings, one to be braised and forwarded, also clothes which he desired to be given to his friends. Signed: Samuel Newman John Foote (Odd that he had cash, rings, watch and clothes as a prisoner of war. And that they had a burial (which cost money) for him? It appears the prisoners were treated humanely. That letters got through to England is also interesting. M.M.)
Burgoyne’s Cove news
The ACW of St. Mary’s Church in Burgoyne’s Cove held a Christmas party in December 2009 at the Community Centre. The ACW members invited all women from the area and also the ACW from Monroe as a token of their thanks and appreciation for their support throughout the past year. It was an excellent evening as the Rev’d Jessie Broaders, twentyfour guests and seventeen ACW members enjoyed a turkey supper, delicious desserts, Christmas carols, poems, readings, games, and a visit form Santa. Santa danced the night away with the women gathered. Pictured: (front row): Linda Froude, Rose Coish, Lisa King, Valda Young, and Yvonne Anderson. (second row): Louisa Phillips, Wanda Lee ing, and Ethel Coish. (third row): Donna Penney, Dorcas Penney, Rubena Ivany, Rose Sutton, Priscella Day, Janey Coish, Sandra Anderson, Evelyn Carberry, Rev’d Jessie Broaders, and Mary Tucker. Submitted by Linda Froude.
ANGLICANLife
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March 2010
columnist
People power Lay people have a lot of influence in deciding the future of our clerical leadership. All candidates for the ordained ministry have to be recommended by the Advisory Committee on Postulants for Ordination (ACPO). The majority of the ACPO assessors are lay people. When a parish becomes vacant, a selection committee has the power to accept or reject the Bishop’s nominees. The parish where my wife and I are attending has been without a Rector since November 1. The selection committee is going through eight steps (including interviews and hearing sermons of the Bishop’s nominees) before an appointment may be made in the fall at the earliest. Members of the committee take the job very seriously and will not make
the final recommendation in haste. As well, when an election of a Bishop is called, the lay people have a vital role to play. The successful candidate has to be elected by both houses the clergy and the laity. The laity have a lot of power. We sing “Onward, Christian Soldiers,” but a parish is not an army. A military general does not share his or her power. A clergyperson shares his or her power with lay leadership. Lay people are not soldiers. They are independent because they are volunteers who can leave at any time. They can support or oppose the clergy. Those who never attend or never contribute are exercising tremendous power. Together with their clergy, the laity are to use their Godgiven abilities for the edi-
fication of the parish. Very often the power of lay people is not fully realized. It is true that the laity can out-vote the clergy at the parish, deanery, and diocesan level. They do not have to cater to the wishes of the clergy. The clergy can emphasize evangelism from the pulpits, but nothing will happen unless lay people start evangelizing. The clergy are called to equip the laity for the work of the ministry (Ephesians 4:12). They cannot force people to evangelize our communities. Therefore, lay people hold the key that will revitalize the church. The church is primarily a lay movement of faith and love in Jesus Christ. Bishops and clergy have some power, but lay people have much more power. Let me share with you two exam-
ples. In the early 1950s the Anglican people in Grand Bank on the Burin peninsula requested the Bishop for the service of a priest. As a result, the cornerstone of the first Anglican Church to be built in Grand Bank was laid by Archbishop Walter Barfoot on June 17, 1953. St. Alban’s Church was consecrated in 1956. A bigger church was built in 1984 and the first service was held on March 2, 1986. The new St. Alban’s Church was consecrated on April 4, 1990. Due to the hard work of the lay people, both buildings became mortgaged-free after just a few years. On Palm Sunday 2009, Pastor Rich Nathan appealed to his Vineyard Church of Columbus in Ohio to help families and
subsequent teachings or seen his dramatic miracles or witnessed him rising from the dead. They knew nothing
of Good Friday or Easter Day. So, in their ignorance, they rejected him. Today we all know about Jesus. We have the
Bible, our churches, and missionaries. Can we be excused for rejecting Jesus? But we never reject Jesus, do we? Of course we do – over and over again! Every time we do what we want instead of doing what Jesus wants, we reject him. On Sundays, for example, Jesus would love all of God’s beloved family worshipping him in his church. But where are far too many people at worship time? At home watching TV? Shopping at the Mall? Working around the house and garden? Sleeping off Saturday night’s party headaches? Jesus would have us love our neighbours as much as we love ourselves – sacrificing ourselves for them if necessary. Doing good for “the least of these,” he said, “Was doing it for him.” Can we honestly say that we truly love others to the
individuals who had lost jobs with a special offering. $625,000 was collected. The church is using these funds to provide coaching, counselling and networking events to help both parishioners and members of the wider community find employment (The Washington Post, January 3, 2010). What two examples of People Power! Of course, all power belongs to God. My prayer is that the power of God will be evident in the lives of Christians, both lay and clergy.
columnist
Rejecting Jesus Early in his ministry, according to Matthew, Mark, and Luke, Jesus went back to his hometown of Nazareth. He was among his own people and he preached in the synagogue. Jesus preached magnificently and the people were in awe of him. But when he proclaimed that he was God’s chosen Messiah and criticized them, his own people turned against him. “This fellow,” they said, “is a local boy! The son of Joseph the carpenter!” His claiming to be the Messiah was to them a terrible blasphemy. And so they rejected him. They dragged him out of town and tried to push him over a cliff to his death. “What savage evil people!” I thought to myself. We would never dream of doing such a terrible thing! Would we? Those people though knew very little of the adult Jesus. They hadn’t heard his
The Rev. Michael Li
extent that Jesus would have us do? Do we really care for the old, the sick, the poor in our communities? And what about tragic conditions such as starvation or rampant diseases in Third World countries? We have excess while they have almost nothing! How much are we helping? Small sacrifices from us would provide so much for them. Today we live in a very materialistic world. Getting the very best for ourselves – even at the expense of others – is the norm. God’s demand on our time, talents, and money seriously hinders our ambitions to have the “good” life. Doing what God wants is, it seems, too costly and impractical. So we shrug if off or unplug our consciences and, whether we realize it or not,
Ronald Clarke
we reject God and Jesus his Messiah. All will not be lost however. God has promised through the prophet Isaiah that eventually “Everyone will come and kneel before me, and vow their loyalty to me.” Then God will never be rejected again.
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you hLife youth ministry news
Helping Haiti
St. Augustine’s Sunday School students in Margaree-Fox-Roost had a milk run for Haiti. The total of $226 was raised and forwarded so that the Federal Government would match it dollar for dollar. Thanks to our communities for their support. Special thanks to Amanda Kettle, Debbie Meade and Brittany Kettle and the children. Pictured in the photograph above are (back row – left to right) Amanda Kettle, and Maggie Seymour (Superintendent). (Front row – left to right) Brittany Kettle, Maria Warren, Haley Osmond, Jasmine Walters, Chelsie and Katie Carroll. Missing from photo, Debbie Meade and her sons Patrick and Tyson ,and Kaitlyn Dominie. Submitted by Karen Simon
Family Day in Stephenville
St Augustine’s in Stephenville held a Family Day on 28 November 2009. Members from the parish’s Education Committee put together the event. The day started off with breakfast and then with Christmas crafts. The main craft was the Advent calendar; they also did Christmas cards and paintings. This
is a day where families from the congregation come together for a day of fellowship and preparing for the coming Christmas season. The children really enjoy themselves, and so do the adults. Submitted by Caren Noseworthy & Sandra Lewis.
Botwood youth serve lunch to parish Article Frank Dominie
Photo Marilyn Chatman & Myles Parsons
On Sunday, 17 January 2010, the congregation of St. James Church in Botwood had an extraordinary lunch served by our youth. The young people of the congregation, ranging in age from 8 to 17 years decided that this was a great way to get involved in the life of the church. They prepared the menu themselves and with a little help from some ACW members they met and setup the hall on Saturday night. On Sunday morning, after Eucharist, approxi-
mately 60 people went to the hall for a delicious lunch which was all prepared and served by the young people. Upon entering the hall we were greeted by the smiling faces of our youth. We were treated to Caesar salad, pizza and hot dogs. The meal was topped off with a delicious and colorful sundae. Our rector, the Rev’d Larry Chatman, along with the congregation, congratulates and praises the youth for the effort they put into this project.