ANGLICANLife
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May 2009
ANGLICANLife in NEWFOUNDLAND
May 2009
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A Section of the ANGLICANJOURNAL
LABRADOR
Make a difference New Priest for Parish of in the lives that follow
Bonne Bay South
Article & Photo by Florence Critch
See pages 6 & 7 for special information on Gift Planning
Recognizing the Gift by Canon Roberta Woodman Congregational Development & Stewardship Coordinator
“A reflector has no light of its own!” stated Archbishop Douglas Hambidge who led our Clergy Conference in October 2008 for the Diocese of Western Newfoundland. A reflector needs light to shine on it in order to be useful. The Light of Christ shines in and through us in order to be useful in the ministry to which God has called us. Through our Congregational Development/Stewardship Education Initiative we are more and more learning and practicing what it means to be good stewards, to sow the seed and be God’s hands and feet in this world. But stewardship has been seen as a naughty word. Archbishop Douglas referred to the traditional idea of it as the “Annual Fall Beg-a-thon”. In other words stewardship is often seen as a way to bring in the dollars to meet the annual budget and so the Fall is geared towards the sales, dinners, and whatever to try and make ends meet. Archbishop Douglas reminded us that Stewardship is more. Stewardship is a way of life. Stewardship is using, to the best of our ability, all the resources, time, energy, talents, people and money that God has given to us. Stewardship is taking care of the bereaved, the sick, the lonely, the elderly, the young families, the youth, and all with whom we come in contact. Stewardship is taking care of our environment, our earth, our water and all other resources. Stewardship is about caring and sharing.
In February 2008, at our Annual Clergy Conference/Retreat, Bishop Percy Coffin reminded us that we are on a mission: Taking Care of God’s Business. He spoke about the Five Marks of Mission established by the Anglican Consultative Council. Bishop Percy reminded us of three convictions: “1. We are united by our commitment to serving the transforming mission of God; 2. Mission is the bedrock of all that we are, do and say as people of God; and 3. Our faithfulness in this work will be expressed in a diversity of models, strategies and practices for as such are the people of God.” Canon Geoff Jackson, from the National Church office brought words of encouragement and a greater understanding and awareness of the theology of stewardship. He identified four stages of stewardship: 1. Worship God; 2. Do acts of love; 3. Live a Christian Life as our Vocation; and 4. Be Free to Give. Through following these practices we become more in tune with what God is calling us to do and to be in our lives and our world. There have been many happenings since the birth of this Initiative. Many parishes have been asking themselves “What is God calling us to do and to be?” in preparation for Covenant in Ministry and Strategic Planning. Opportunities to preach and teach about congregational See Recognizing the Gift on page 12
Newly ordained priest. The Rev’d Charlene Laing (centre) stands with Bishop Percy Coffin (left) and other visiting clergy and lay members of the Diocese of Western Newfoundland.
December 18, 2008 was another special day in the life of the Church of the Epiphany at Woody Point in the Parish of Bonne Bay South. This day marked the ordination to the Priesthood of the Rev’d Charlene Laing who serves the Parish as the Incumbent.
The day began with a potluck supper in the Church all followed by the Ordination service. The Rt. Rev’d Percy Coffin, the Bishop of Western Newfoundland led the worship and the Rev’d Edmund Laldin preached the sermon. Members of the Laing fam-
ily, as well as retired bishop, the Rt. Rev’d Leonard Whitten and other visiting clergy participated in the worship. The parish warmly welcomes their new priest to their church family and wish her many blessings in her new ministry.
Fifty years and still going strong
Fifty years a priest. The Rev’d Ken Abbott (right) was joined by Bishop David Torraville (centre) and the Rev’d Jim Pollard (left) in celebrating his anniversary.
On March 19, 2009, the Parish of Bay L ‘Argent marked a milestone in the life and minis-
try of their Rector. The Rev’d Ken Abbott celebrated the 50th anniversary of
his ordination. In attendance were special guests: Bishop David Torraville, the Rev’d Jim Pollard (retired), along with parishioners, family and friends. A Pot Luck was served in the basement of St. Hilda’s Church. A presentation of gifts followed the meal. After supper there was a service of Prayer and Praise where all clergy and lay ministers participated. The music was led by the Praise Band and the congregational choir. In his sermon Rev’d Abbott recounted his ordination on St. Patrick’s Day fifty years ago. He also told the story of St. Patrick and how he brought Christianity to Ireland. Article & Photo by Clayton Johnson
SERVING THE ANGLICAN DIOCESES OF WESTERN NEWFOUNDLAND + CENTRAL NEWFOUNDLAND + EASTERN NEWFOUNDLAND & LABRADOR
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News From Parish Bulletins and Elsewhere All Saints’ Drama Troupe held a unique take on the story of Good Friday with the drama ‘To Calvary with Mary.’ The drama followed Mary, the mother of Jesus, during her son’s last days from the Garden of Gethsemane to Calvary. (Parish of All Saints, Conception Bay South) In February, St. Mary the Virgin, St. John’s, in celebration of its 150th year, hosted a Women’s Outreach Luncheon at the Bella Vista with all profits in support of Marguerite’s Place, a project of the St. John’s Status of Women’s Council and the Women’s Centre. This project will provide safe and affordable housing, along with support services to women whose situations dictate their need for such support. Guest speaker, Marie White, a former city councillor, enthralled
everyone with her presentation of perseverance and hope interspersed with humour. Attended by approximately 250 parish women and friends, this luncheon was a tremendous success. (Parish of St. Mary the Virgin, St. John’s) Bishop Cyrus Pitman is pleased to make the following appointments: The Rev. Dr. Wayne Short, as Priest in Charge of the Parish of St. Mark the Evangelist, St. John’s, effective June 15, 2009. The Rev. Michael Carruthers as Priest in Charge, part-time, of the Parish of Bay de Verde, effective March 1 – July 31, 2009. A little humour: In England a certain bishop was invited for a luncheon at the vicarage (rectory) following the morning
service. To the bishop’s surprise and the embarrassment of the vicar and his wife there was no forks, knives or spoons at the bishop’s place. The vicar’s wife asked their six-year old daughter why she hadn’t placed any cutlery at the bishop’s place. “Oh, he doesn’t need any, she answered. “Daddy says the bishop eats like horse!” (Parish of Fortune-Lamaline) A Brand New Worship Experience at the Good Shepherd began on Saturday, April 25, at 4:30 p.m. This new worship time is designed to be informal, family-friendly, and contemporary and will meet the needs of those who find Sunday morning challenging because of work or family commitments. Coffee and refreshments begin at 4:30 with a Celebration of the Holy Eucharist at 5, ending by 6. (Parish of the Good Shep-
All Saints` Anglican Church Outreach Committee in Corner Brook hosted a Deanery Family Skating Party at the Pepsi Centre on Saturday, January 17th followed by hot chocolate and snacks. Despite the stormy weather outside, about 70 people came to enjoy the afternoon. A fun time was had by all. Article by Janet Spurrell. Photo by Andrea Barrett
herd, Mount Pearl) A New Hope. The Parish of St. Paul’s, Goulds/Kilbride and the Parish of Petty Harbour have joined together under the banner of the Anglican Parish of New Hope. (Parish of New Hope) The St. Michael’s Men’s Association hosted the annual Mothering Sunday Communion Breakfast for ladies after the 8 a.m. celebration on the Fourth Sunday in Lent, 22 March. This year’s guest speaker was Archdeacon Sandra Tilley. (Parish of St. Michael & All Angels, St. John’s) AWARE Eastern Newfoundland & Labrador spiritual retreat forAnglican oriented women, but women of all faiths welcome. May 22, 2009 at the Lavrock Camp and Conference Centre. Guest speaker is Emma Marsh and the Chaplain is The Rev‘d Dana Mellis. For further information go to www.awareconference.org or call Olive at (709) 229-6614 or email aware@eastlink.ca New Parenting Course started up April 15th for 5 weeks (running alongside The Marriage and The Marriage Prep Courses). The course is highly practical and aims to give parents tools for the common areas in which parents often find they need support. The sessions are made up of Nicky and Sila Lee talking on a DVD, interspersed with exercises, some individual reflection and some discussions in twos or threes and some group discussion. The evening will include a meal. St. Thomas’ has been asked to pilot this course which will be later re-
filmed for use in North America. (Parish of St. Thomas, St. John‘s) A New Parish Website is up and running again with thanks going out to George Sheppard and Kingsley Gifford. The website also has a new address, www.holyinnocents.ca. Take a moment to visit that site and all comments and suggestions are welcome to make it even more user friendly than it is already. (Parish of the Holy Innocents, Paradise) Parish Mission, Sept. 1318: In keeping with the Strategic Plan and Action Plan, we are planning a Parish Mission for September. Our leader for the mission will be the Rt. Rev. Linda Nicholls, area Bishop for the Trent-Durham region in the Diocese of Toronto. At the time of her election, she was the Coordinator for Dialogue (Ethics, Interfaith Relations and Congregational Development) with the Anglican Church of Canada. The mission will run from Sunday to Friday, Sept. 13-18. (Parish of Pasadena-Cormack) Have you heard the latest news? Eleven priests from the Diocese of Eastern Newfoundland and Labrador are learning to dance!!! They are learning some rather intricate steps from some of the finest dancing instructors. Many who have heard this latest news feel they are steps in the right direction. TheseAnglican priests, several dance studios, and many volunteers are working enthusiastically to make an event possible that will raise money for families on the poverty line in the St. John’s Region. Their goal is to raise $100 000 for Vibrant Communities. You can get full information on this May 8, 2009 Mile One Centre event, ‘Dancing with the Priests,’ by visiting the website www.dancingwiththepriests.com. Tickets are available from your parish priest, and cost $75 per person. The audience at the event will surely enjoy the dancing-pair performances, the judging panel, the live entertainment and a Gala Meal prepared by Chef Roary MacPherson. Following the competition, the audience will be able to dance to the music of the Kirk Newhook Six Band featuring Dana Parsons. All this in the name of raising money for Vibrant Communities!!! (Parish of the Ascension, Mount Pearl)
ANGLICANLife
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May 2009
Henry Gordon’s Parish (part one) The Mission of Sandwich Bay, Labrador Submitted by The Ven. Francis Buckle
In the December issue of Anglican Life, David Davis made use of extracts from the Journal of the Rev. Henry Gordon to describe how Christmas and Harvest Thanksgiving were observed in Cartwright nearly a hundred years ago. Gordon, a graduate of Keble College, Oxford came to Labrador in 1915. He was 28 years of age. I thought it might be useful to look back to his ministry, which Archbishop Seaborn (in his FOREWORD to Labrador Parson) depicts as “remarkable and courageous”. The Archbishop went on to describe Gordon as “... A devoted servant of Christ, ministering lovingly to his people and seeking patiently to build them up in the life and fellowship of the Church, by both example and precept.” I wanted also to look to the present, and to some of the challenges that face the community of Cartwright - and the Parish - in the first decade of this century. Not surprisingly, Gordon was overwhelmed to learn how extensive the area was for which he had pastoral oversight. Here is his description: Beginning at Batteau to the south and ending at Cape Harrison to the north, it included two extensive Bays of Sandwich and Hamilton Inlet. The latter of these is something much more than a mere bay. From its entrance, by George’s Island, to its head at North West River, it extends due west for a distance of 150 miles. About 50 miles in, just above Rigolet, it narrows down for about 10 miles to a width of half a mile.
The other section is known as Hamilton Inlet or (by the people) Groswater: above the narrows it becomes Lake Melville. ... In all this vast area, the total population was no more than a thousand. ...Most of them were strung out ... in little groups of two or three families, or even in lonely single
The Rev’d Henry Gordon. Photo courtesy of Diocese of Eastern Newfoundland & Labrador Archives
homesteads, miles away from any neighbour. Cartwright, headquarters for the Sandwich Bay Mission and chief trading centre on Labrador’s south east coast at the time, had no more than 70 people. The permanent population was largely made up of descendants of British settlers who had married Inuit women. Gordon could number among his parishioners a considerable number of carpenters, coopers, tinsmiths as well as fisherfolk and trappers. What is remarkable about Gordon’s ministry was the quality of his pastoral care. It was not unusual for him to walk ten
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or twelve miles on snowshoes to visit just one family or individual to give a helping hand if required, and to share in a short service of worship before moving on. Often times in his travels he found folk close to starvation and willingly shared of his own provisions. He loved those folk and enjoyed what he was doing. “Life now seems one big adventure,” wrote a reflective Gordon following his first year in Labrador. As I noted in Labrador Diary, “The Incumbent of Sandwich Bay Mission wasn’t simply coping; he was enjoying the northern experience! Gordon entered fully into the life of the people among whom he had come to serve: ate their foods (including seal meat), fetched wood and water (as they did), dabbled in carpentry, mechanics, gardening and even tried his hand at raising fowl!” Henry Gordon laboured in the Sandwich Bay Mission from 1915 - 1925. He witnessed a number of changes during this period and played a significant role in several, notably in the field of education. Together with Dr. Harry Paddon he helped raise sufficient funds to erect a boarding school at nearby Muddy Bay. It was built initially to care for the large number of children left orphaned by the Spanish ‘flu of 1918 1919. Much to Gordon’s delight other children came, some who had previously received only one or two weeks of teaching during the year, and that from a travelling teacher. I need to add that the young priest was ably assisted in this enterprise, and in other areas of Parish life, by Clara Ashall whom he recruited in 1919 to be the first Principal of the Labrador Public School; they married in 1921.
Canadian Church News Briefs Movie deal
The diocese of Ontario has negotiated with Criterion Pictures and Audio Cine Films to cover the cost of annual video licences for all parishes in the diocese and Camp Hyanto (in the Kingston, Ont. area). The two companies cover virtually every film studio that provides video entertainment. “We learned that some parishes were purchasing licences on their own, and at a significant cost,” said Wayne Varley, diocesan executive officer. Parishes often use movies to enhance ministry. “The annual licences mean a relatively small diocesan investment but a big savings to individual parishes, which will no longer need to spend several hundred dollars to show a single film. Dialogue
Canadians help observe election in El Salvador
A dozen volunteers from St. Mary’s Kerrisdale in Vancouver served as election observers in El Salvador’s presidential election in March. They came at the invitation of Bishop Martin Barahona of the diocese of El Salvador, with which St. Mary’s has had a relationship for several years. The St. Mary’s volunteers paid their own way and also visited the chapel where Archbishop Oscar Romero was murdered in 1982, a prison where there is an active Anglican ministry and a project supported by the Primate’s World Development and Relief Fund. Topic
Ottawa youth help rebuild New Orleans
Young people from six churches in the Anglican diocese of Ottawa and one Lutheran church spent a week in February helping the residents of New Orleans rebuild and repair damage done when Hurricane Katrina hit the city three years ago. “When we were told that we were going to ‘wade in the water’ of New Orleans with the Jeremiah Project, I envisioned ruin, poverty and hardship. What I did not expect was the incredible grace and resilience of New Orleans and her residents,” wrote participant Melinda Platte. The group learned how to hang drywall, tape seams, mud, and nail corner beading. “Along the way, we also learned a lot about the social issues surrounding the rebuilding effort post-Katrina, and met some incredible people who have shaped our faith in ways we are only now beginning to understand,” Ms. Platte said. Crosstalk
Virtual Church School resource offered About a year ago, the diocese of Keewatin began an Internet ministry called “Virtual Church School” that provided weekly Sunday school lessons usually based on the Gospel for the day found online at www.dioceseofkeewatin.ca/virtual-church-school. These lessons include an opening worship, a story and three craft lessons, and they are available at no cost to the parish or local leader who downloads them. The ministry has expanded considerably. A lay reader from the diocese of Montreal offered to translate the materials into French for free so that small francophone parishes in Quebec would have access to quality materials. A lay person from the diocese of Brandon offered to provide seasonal prayer ideas. At the end of 2008, the Council of the North decided that the program should become a ministry of the council as a whole and is promoting it throughout its dioceses.
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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 Editorin-Chief, Sam Rose (address as above). All letters must include the writer’s name, address, and telephone number. Telephone numbers will not be published. Anglican Life does not publish letters under nom de plume. Letters should not exceed 300 words (one double spaced typewritten page), and are subject to editing at the discretion of the editor. These policies were adopted by the Anglican Life Committee. Layout & Design: Sam Rose Printed by: Signal Star Publishing, A Division of Bowes Publishers Limited, Industrial Park, 120 Huckins Street, Goderich, Ontario, N7A 4B6
Circulation: 25,702
Do you remember the Void Coffee House? Before Cafe Ministry and Fresh Expressions, and even before Tim Horton’s and Starbucks, there was the Void Coffee House. The Void, formerly the Old Comrades Room on the side of the old CLB Armoury in St. John’s opened a coffee house on October 21, 1967. It was open every Saturday night. I recently discovered some files explaining the Void and its ministry to young people. Doors would open at 8:30 p.m. with the electric lanterns glowing and the record player throwing out the latest tunes as background music. By 9:15 p.m. the local entertainment began. This usually featured young folk singers who played on a volunteer basis. A 1971 Diocesan Synod Report on the Void reads, “We have been fortunate to have professional entertainment from other parts of Canada and also from Ireland give of their time at no charge. It is amazing to watch the local kids improve (their musicianship) over the years, for the Void is one of the few places where they can try out their music on people their own age. Many of the entertainers who started in places like the Void have gained employment on television programs or in might clubs.” (One such local singer was the legendary Ron Hynes). At 10 p.m. coffee and donuts were served and this
menu stayed basically the same over the years. It was reported that the coffee improved greatly after a proper coffee urn was purchased. The serving was done by interested young girls, the core of which was three nursing students and an Education student from the University. After the coffee was served, a second set of music was played usually by a different band followed by a third and final set at 11:30 p.m. The night begins to fade and by midnight
the Void shuts down. Rarely did they have to ask people to leave. Closing seemed to come naturally. The Void’s ministry was primarily to provide a safe place for young people to go in St. John’s on a weekend. In the summer, the Void served mostly as a drop-in centre. There wasn’t any charge and people came to play pool or have a game of cards or a game of chess. Others just listened to the radio or shared new albums they had purchased. Many more just came to talk and drink coffee. The room may have been small but sometimes as
reflection Bishop Cyrus Pitman Diocese of Eastern Newfoundland & Labrador
many at 80 people packed the place to hear the local bands play. The Void maintained a relationship with St. Thomas’s Church and the CLB from which it started. The Curate at St. Thomas’s served as the priest and pastor at the Void. The 1971 Synod Report concludes, “It is our intention by presenting this report to the Diocesan Synod that people will be made aware of the need for having a place for young people to use and consider their own. This need could be filled by the opening of parish halls, schools, old buildings or unused houses.” A similar ministry is now being offered over 40 years later in the Parish of the Resurrection in South River. On the 1st and 3rd Saturdays of the month, a Youth Cafe is open for teenagers to have a safe refuge where wireless internet has replaced local entertainment. However, what remains the same is the church offering outreach to youth and helping build relationships with each other and with Christ.
Lenten Quiet Day at the Parish of the Good Shepherd was held on March 7 with the theme, “The Extraordinary Ordinary: Recognizing God in the Ordinary Spaces of Life.” A total of 116 persons signed up for the day-long discussion in “Ordinary Theology”, the theology of the average person brought into play every day. Submitted by the Ven.Geoff Peddle.
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What can one person do? Queen’s College examines Millenium Development Goals Goal 8: Develop a Global Partnership for Development. At each of these booths they presented facts and doable actions that one could take to make these goals a reality.
every twenty dollars. A piggy bank in the shape of 0.7 highlighted that it was just loose When faced with the overchange and easily achievable. whelming problems in our Another startling visual imworld, we often respond with age was the cross that was bethe question: ing made from “What can one Popsicle sticks. person do?” One stick was Well there is added every three quite a lot that one seconds to repreperson can acsent one real child complish. Imagine who died from preif every “one perventable disease son” who asked while the workthat question, actushop was happenally did “one thing” ing. That is twenty towards solving a children a minute, problem. Surely one thousand two that would make a hundred in an hour. difference. These are preThe students ventable deaths. of Queen’s ColThere is not lege’s “Ethics and space here to highthe Contemporary Not much to eat: The Rev’d Neal Buffett (centre) listens to light all of the inChurch” consid- a presentation by Queen’s College students on the Millenium formation that was ered such a sce- Development Goals. presented during nario in the course the information fair, this Winter semester and preFor example, to illustrate the but we have made a video that sented their research during a goal to eradicate extreme pov- is available on You Tube: http:// one day information fair on 21 erty, the students set up a dinner w w w . y o u t u b e . c o m / March 2009 entitled “What Can table with fine china and crys- watch?v=1oZ7M7vL7V8. One Person Do?” The infor- tal. On each plate was the The information about the mation fair focused on the eight amount of food that could be ‘What Can One Person Do?’ United Nations Millennium De- bought for $1, $2 or $3 in Gam- movement is available online and velopment Goals, to which our bia to feed a family of four. The a bibliography can be sent to any Church, both nationally and in- visual image was startling. interested person. The College ternationally, have committed There was not enough on either now has a collection of material themselves. The students cre- plate to feed one person for a available and are willing to asated information booths for each day, let alone a family of four. sist congregations and groups in of these goals: To highlight the goal of provid- holding their own information Goal 1: Eradicate extreme ing universal primary education, sessions. poverty and hunger; another group handed out mini Why should we as Christians Goal 2: Achieve universal ice cream cones. This was done take up this work? As one stuprimary education; to show that providing this edu- dent’s poster stated, “Scripture Goal 3: Promote gender equality cation would only cost one half is overflowing with God calling and empower women; of what North Americans spend us to feed the hungry, cloth the Goal 4: Reduce child mortality; a year on ice-cream. naked, care for the sick, nurture Goal 5: Improve maternal One suggested target that the children and be good stewhealth; most people could reasonably ards of creation.” For more inGoal 6: Combat HIV/AIDS, meet would be to donate just formation contact The Rev’d malaria and other diseases; 0.7% of your income towards Dr. Joanne Mercer at Goal 7: Ensure environmental meeting the millennium goals. jmercer@mun.ca. sustainability; That’s only fourteen cents for Article & Photos by The Rev’d Dr. Joanne Mercer
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Ascension - above & beyond Probably the greatest challenge in pastoral ministry is to help a parent come to terms with the loss of a child. It doesn’t matter if the child is an infant or an adult. It is a challenge because we are all subject to the natural order of things and these “untimely” deaths defy that progression. We like the natural order: rivers become oceans, bulbs and seeds become blossoms, and thumb-sucking toddlers become nurses or bankers or consultants. To find meaning we have to broaden our scope to the order that is yet to be observed, to the transformation yet to be experienced. I share with you a morsel from my scrapbook: In the bottom of a pond lived some old grubs who could not understand why none of their group ever came back after climbing up the stems of the water lilies to the surface. They promised each other that the next time one was called to make the upward climb he would return and explained what went on up there. With this agreement one grub was more eager then ever to go above. Having arrived on the lily pad he needed a rest. In the warmth and light of the sun he went through a glorious transformation which made him a dragonfly with beautiful wings. While he was mindful of his promise to his companions below he could not descend. Experiencing flight for the first time he gazed at his friends when he realized that even if they could see him they would not recognize this radiant creature as one of them. Our failure to see or communicate with those after their transformation, which we call death, is no proof that they cease to exist. Surely the Lord, the Giver of life, has a creative des-
Bishop Percy Coffin Diocese of Western Newfoundland
tiny for us beyond death. According to Luke (24:4453), Jesus is gone. Like a dream he is gone without leaving children, property, letters, or any physical evidence of having been on this earth. Yet we have this peculiar feeling that he was just here. Now, like Elijah, he is taken into heaven. The physics of this are puzzling but we accept it emotionally because we know that much, at least, about loss. Loved ones die and we are awestruck. We have a hard time imagining that we will be reunited with them because first we have to reconcile our feelings of hopelessness with receiving an inheritance from our generous Creator. This is precisely what the Ascension points toward. The Ascension is beyond our comprehension just as heaven itself is beyond our comprehension. We know precious little about heaven but we have good reason to believe that or loved ones are there....generation upon generation...somewhere that is neither old nor new because from this world we cannot fathom its depths. All we know is that Jesus has gone before us and we shall see him, “Not in that poor lowly stable with the oxen standing by, we shall see him but in heaven set at God’s right hand on high.” The Ascension story, in God’s order, is the ending of the Christmas story. In peace, +Percy
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Make a d in the lives Once again, the Anglican Church of Canada is a partner with the international program, LEAVE A LEGACY™ What is LEAVE A LEGACY™? It is a national public awareness program designed to encourage people to leave a gift through their will or any other gift planning instrument to a charity or non-profit organization of their choice. LEAVE A LEGACY™ is a donor-oriented education campaign to raise awareness of the importance of including a charitable gift in the estate planning process. A legacy gift can benefit all not-forprofit groups large or small. Leaving a planned gift in your will is like sowing a seed. The Canada-wide program involves the collaborative teamwork of goal driven volunteers and communities who all recognize that a seed sown today reaps a harvest tomorrow. A Vast Network of Local Initiatives in your Commu-
nity. LEAVE A LEGACY™ was first established in the United States by the Central Ohio Planners, there are now over 120 local LEAVE A LEGACY™ programs across North America. Currently there are 21 local LEAVE A LEGACY™ programs across Canada operating under the guidance of the CAGP-ACPDP Roundtables. A Rich History of Giving. Canada’s rich history of philanthropy dates back to the earliest settlers in Quebec City. In the mid -1600s, the first shelters for women and children were established marking one of the first steps towards charitable giving. Till this day Canada demonstrates a true philanthropic spirit in each of our communities exhibited through daily acts of kindness and compassion towards those in need. A tax friendly legislation. The federal government encourages an increase of gifts to charities from individuals and corpo-
rations. Statistics Canada reports that, in 2006, 25% of Canadians filling tax returns claimed a charitable donation. These claims totalled $8.5 billion. Significant tax incentives make gift planning even more attractive, particularly for those gifts left in a will. Potential for Our Future. 81% of Canadians contribute to charitable organizations throughout their lifetime. However, research shows that only 7% continue this support through a gift in their will or estate plan. The intended result of LEAVE A LEGACY™ is to increase the number of planned gifts from donors to charitable organizations. By making a charitable gift as part of an overall estate plan, individuals can continue to help organizations that are making an important difference in their community. When we leave a gift, we ensure that help continues to be there for those who need it.
Thoughts to ponder Stewardship is the work of the whole people of God. Put more accurately, stewardship is the implementation of God’s plan; accomplished through our hands, hearts and efforts, using the gifts God has given us. Certainly, a major part of stewardship involves finances, since money is the fuel which powers many of our ministries. However, stewardship, when understood from the perspective of being all that we do with all that God gives us in thanksgiving for his blessings and in obedience to God’s will for us, implicates a far broader scope than simply finance.
Planned Giving in the Early Church Acts 4. 32-37 “Now the whole group of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one claimed private ownership of any possessions, but everything they owned was held in common. With great power the apostles gave their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all. There was not a needy person among them all, for as many as owned lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold. They laid it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need. There was a Levite, a native of Cyprus, Joseph, to whom the apostles gave the name Barnabas (which means, “son of encouragement”). He sold a field that belonged to him, then brought the money, and laid it at the apostles’ feet.”
Reflections: What did the believers understand they were to do? What was their motivation for these behaviours? What would the Church be like if all believers lived up to this model? What would the world be like if all believers lived up to this model?
A Living Gift
Gail Ivany recently purchased a life insurance policy for her parish church of St. Thomas.
Gail is an avid gardener as Gail Ivany, a cradle Anglican and long time member of St. witnessed by a plaque in her livThomas’Anglican Church, had ing room: “You are nearer God’s no hesitation about putting to- heart in a garden than anywhere gether a planned gift for her par- else on earth.” She said her garden helped keep her sanity after ish. “I was christened, con- her husband died. Rev John Paul Westin, recfirmed and married there and so was my mother. I just love St. tor of St. Thomas, was obviously pleased with the Thomas, I can’t news of this see past it. I even planned gift. In a sit in my aunt’s “I was christened, pew” (Years ago, confirmed and married letter to Ms Ivany, Rev p a r i s h i o n e r s there and so was my Weston said, would pay for mother. I just love St. “we are detheir own pew.) lighted that you Gail chose a Thomas; I can’t see life insurance past it. I even sit in my have has designated St. Thopolicy on the ad- aunt’s pew” mas as the vice of her finanGail Ivany owner and bencial advisor. “The eficiary of this church needs money to keep going especially marvellous gift. Making a these days when there are fewer planned gift of this nature speaks people attending Church. There volumes of your faith journey are no restrictions on the gift be- and your spiritual decision to ascause, “there are so many things sist the parish in this manner. Thank you sincerely.” they need.” The gift of life insurance can The insurance policy works like this: Ms Ivany purchased the be effective in providing a pracpolicy and named St. Thomas as tical and affordable way to make the owner and beneficiary of the sizable charitable gifts to your proceeds. Each year she pays Church. Not only will life insurthe premiums to the insurance ance increase the size of your company and receives a tax gift, in most cases it will provide creditable receipt for the same significant tax benefits. Please amount from the parish. Upon check with your financial adviher death, the value of the policy sor who can assist you with your charitable plan. Or, you can conwill be paid to the parish. She said the policy was pur- tact Kevin Smith who will be only chased in memory of Jim, her late too pleased to refer you to a fihusband, who died in 1999 at the nancial advisor. age of 50.
ANGLICANLife
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May 2009
Choosing your Executor
ifference
by Janet Hewson
that follow What a Legacy!
by Kevin Smith
Miss Frances Wilson (left) of Holy Cross School in Belize recently visited Newfoundland to share her missionary experiences with CLB members. I remember a long time ago when I was living on what was called the army side in Gander. My mother made sure that I attended church every Sunday and the service I preferred was the early one probably because it was the shortest. There wasn’t an awful lot to do on Sunday evenings in those days so my friends and I would sometimes attend the local Salvation Army. One evening the guest preacher was a missionary who had been sent by the Army to the slums of India. His stories about his work among the poor impressed me considerably. I felt that this young missionary was making a difference in the world and that thought has stuck with me for a long time. We had always read about missionaries but I had never experienced a personal encounter with one. Now I’m sure that the Anglican Church had plenty of missionaries in those days but I had never met one. This was brand new to me. We know these days of the work of the Primate’s Fund in far flung parts of the work. And, some of us have had the privi-
lege of hearing the stories of Joanne Chaytor Simfukwe of the Parish of St. Paul’s in the Gould’s who served as a volunteer in Tanzania for two years. I recommend that if you have not heard Joanne speak of her experiences you should get in touch with her. One Saturday evening recently, a missionary from the Episcopal Church in the USA, Frances Wilson, preached at St. Mark’s Church on Logy Bay Road. Francis is the manager of the Holy Cross Anglican School in San Pedro, Belize. Once more I was thoroughly impressed. This lady and her husband have served as volunteer missionaries in an area of that Central American country where poverty and deplorable living conditions are common. She talked about the school run by the Anglican mission which serves over 500 children. The school and the huts where people live are situated essentially on a bog with poor sanitation, no running water and few medical services. This is the same location where a delegation of CLB
leaders, youth members and volunteers will be going later this year. The team will travel in conjunction with the South American Missionary Society. Francis told us how important the visit by the CLB would be for the mission in Belize. She also said this would be a life changing experience for them. What she didn’t belabour was the fact that she and her husband have been volunteering as missionaries since the early 2000’s. That means they have been paying out of their own pocket to work there. They too, I suggest, are making a difference. Isn’t that remarkable! While I’m sure there are many Anglicans doing similar service all over the world, this couple is a marvellous example of a tremendous legacy in the stewardship of time, talent and treasure. 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
Deciding how you want your estate distributed is obviously a big decision, but sometimes the most difficult task in preparing to write or update your Last Will and Testament can be naming your executor. Choosing family members or friends may be the right choice for you. The person may be honoured to be named, but he/she may not have the expertise required to administer your estate. Trust companies provide the services of a corporate executor or trustee. If your estate is large and complex with substantial investment holdings, active business interests or international holdings it will require a team of professionals which is what you get with a corporate executor. An executor may be required to balance the interests of different beneficiaries, such as a second spouse and the children of an earlier marriage. An executor needs to provide an impartial and objective approach to resolving disputes over the management or distribution of an estate. If you wish to establish long term trusts you may require professional management. There are several types of trusts which
Janet Hewson - Trust Officer BMO Harris Private Banking
can be set up through your Will, including a trust for your spouse, your children, a special needs person or a charity. The corporate executor will never get sick, become incapacitated, tire of doing the job, or die. All executors have a right to charge a fee for service. When you decide to name a corporate executor, you will meet with a representative of the trust company and sign a fee agreement which is incorporated into your Will. Regardless of whom you ask to be your executor you should discuss fees and get something in writing if appropriate. You may choose to leave a gift in lieu of a fee. Knowing you have chosen the right executor to carry out your wishes will certainly give you peace of mind.
REPLY COUPON Please send me: A free brochure on writing a will A quote on a Gift Plus Annuity Information on other ways of giving I have already remembered my church in my will Name ___________________________________________ Address ___________________________________________ ___________________________________________ ___________________________________________ Postal Code _________________________________ Telephone __________________________________ Dates of Birth (for annuity quote) If you are Male _____________________________ If you are Female ____________________________ Mail to: Kevin Smith - Gift Planning Consultant Anglican Church of Canada 10 Strawberry Marsh Road St. John’s, NL A1B 2V4
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Sabbatical Diary - part three Robin Barrett shares his sabbatical journey with Anglican Life Article & Photos by The Rev’d Robin Barrett
ers were translating into Polish, Spanish and Italian. I was the only Canadian adult there and only one of two from North America. There were also three Australians, and five British, for whom English was the primary language. But once I overcame these differences, the simplicity and the power of the three wor-
My third stop on my Sabbatical was in the Burgundy region of France, a two hour train trip south east of Paris to the community of Taize. In 1940, Br. Roger founded an ecumenical community of brothers here, when the people of the village offered him land. During World War Two, Brother Roger helped many Jews escape the persecution of the N a z i s through the comm u n i t y. What began as a s m a l l Sharing in prayer at Taize. group of people, is now world famous ship times each day, the call to for its simplistic worship, mainly worship by the bells, the 10 minthrough song and its outreach to utes of silence in worship and young people. In the summer up the way in which the young peoto ten thousand youth and ple give themselves totally into young adults descend on Taize the worship, gave me a powerper week to live in community ful sense of God’s presence. From all three places, I rethere. That involves worship three times a day, daily studies ceived a renewed sense of with the brothers, plus daily God’s presence and my spirituchores. The week I was there ality. I came back changed in in September saw about 600 many ways from living in community with other Christians and young people and 150 adults. Initially, I found Taize diffi- sharing, however briefly, life with cult because of the multiplicity them. But I also took time for fun. of languages and cultures present. Brother Wolfgang And after my time in the Contaught us in English, French and vent in Toronto, my daughter German, while around us oth- Amy joined me for a week’s
holiday. We visited Fort York, the Royal Ontario Museum, the Ontario Science Centre, the Toronto Zoo, the CN Tower, and shared a meal with friends I knew from my training days at Trinity College. Plus we indulged in Amy’s great passion, baseball, as we attended two Blue Jays games at the Rogers Centre, and the Jays won b o t h games, over the Orioles and the Yankees. And last, we spent a full day at Canada’s Wo n d e r land and took every ride we could including all the roller coasters, and I became a kid again and enjoyed the excitement and wonder of life with Amy for that time. That was refreshment enough for a Sabbatical. This concludes Robin Barrett’s Sabbatical Diary. Anglican Life thanks Robin for sharing his experiences.
let us pray...
Forgiveness
The Rev. Everett Hobbs
“I have got to forgive them. I still forgive them,” Gee Walker says, talking about the murderers of her 18-year-old son Anthony. The Rev’d Julie Nicholson decided to resign her post as a parish priest because she was unable to forgive the bomber who killed her daughter Jenny in the 2005 attack on the London Underground. She felt unable to continue declaring Christ’s forgiveness and “leading people in words of peace and reconciliation and forgiveness when I feel very far from that myself,” she said at the time. Alexander Pope claimed that to err is human, to forgive divine. I once read a book called Is Human Forgiveness Possible? (John Patton). Michael McCullough has written To Forgive is Human: How to put your Past in the Past. Forgiving does not come easy, especially when we or someone close to us have been badly damaged. In those cases, forgiveness is a hard-won process and even then there will be times when it is hard to hold on to. And some may never be able to offer forgiveness. As Christians we believe that we should forgive and that God’s forgiveness is linked to our own forgiving. But in difficult
situations, forgiving is more than wanting or willing it. It is not something we can make ourselves do, no matter how much we want to do it. Maybe all we can do is to make a commitment to forgive and pray that it will actually come about. John Patton reflected that, “we are only able to forgive when we discover that we aren’t in a position to forgive. A remarkable book about forgiveness is Free of Charge: Giving and Forgiving in a Culture Stripped of Grace. The author, Miroslav Volf, writes as a theologian and from his experience in war-torn Croatia during the ethnic cleansing. The book is about forgiveness, generosity, reconciliation and nonviolence. It also addresses the need for reconciliation and forgiveness between groups as well as between individuals. If you are unable to forgive, this deep, reflective and demanding book could be helpful. He believes that when we are unable to forgive, God does for us what we can’t do ourselves. At the heart of giving and forgiving we discover the heart of God. Only with God can we embrace with grace both giving and forgiving. When we can forgive, we not only offer healing to the other but we are also healed.
ANGLICANLife
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May 2009
our history
William Stirling, Physician William Stirling was the father of Georgina Stirling, the Nightingale of the North, celebrated opera and concert singer of the late nineteenth and early twentieth century. He was the son of another William Stirling who was a physician in Harbour Grace at least in the period of the 1810’s. Stirling Sr married Emma Mayne of a prominent Harbour Grace family. William Stirling Jr followed his father’s course by attending medical school in Edinburgh, Scotland. In a time when physicians were often apprenticed to older doctors and were trained much as craftsmen, the university education of the younger Stirling would indicate that his father had connections with the
Edinburgh school and some financial security to send him there. The son graduated in both medicine and surgery around 1839. At that time surgery was mostly the preserve of the barber surgeons, who were notorious for the speed with which they worked. They had few means of mitigating the pain of surgery so they had to finish their work before circulatory shock killed their patient. In Newfoundland you needed all the skills you could learn, there were no specialists to refer their patient to. William Stirling returned to Newfoundland to work with his father but seems to have moved to Twillingate when the physician there, Dr. R. Tremblet, died in 1843. It was a tradition that there
was room for only one physician in an area and so the doctor had to cover not just the town of Twillingate but most of Notre Dame Bay. Georgina Stirling was the youngest of ten children born at Twillingate to William Stirling and his wife Ann Peyton, daughter of John Peyton and grand daughter of another John Peyton, (see Jason Crummey, River Thieves). We will look at Georgina in the next article in this series. The William Stirling of this document, below, was the elder who was a magistrate in Harbour Grace, as well as a physician. He had one particularly bad experience as a magistrate which has become semi-legen-
David Davis
dary in the Harbour Grace area. A certain person had been convicted of killing his family and after he had been executed by hanging his body was suspended in the gibbet. The gibbet was designed to frighten anyone passing, as the body of the convicted person might hang there for some time in all weather, decomposing. Some people decided to play a joke on Magistrate Stirling. They took down the body and carried it to Stirling’s house, propped it against the front door, knocked on the door and ran away. When the housemaid opened the door, the badly deteriorated body fell in against her. The document below is what we would call a doctor’s
note, in this case one to be sent to the people who paid his salary, the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel in London. Readers of this column will remember that the March column described the exertions of the Rev. John Burt in raising money for the rebuilding of St Paul’s church in England. His medical weaknesses had made rest necessary. However, the part of his duties which required him to go regularly to Carbonear was especially taxing. The path to Carbonear at this time was very primitive and steep on both sides of Saddle Hill and had to be scaled in all weathers, difficult even if you had horse. Did Mr. Burt have one?
The Document The usual warning applies to this text: the symbol (?) means there were unreadable word(s) which defeated all the writer’s deciphering skills.
I hereby Certify that I have attended the Reverend J. Burt for fifteen years who was attacked on the fourth of January last with a Disease brought on by excessive labour which almost terminated in Death leaving him with a Constitution most (?) injured attended with alarming Debility which to this Date has been aggravated by his endeavours to perform his Ordinary Duties at Carbonear and that to enable him to avail himself of the necessary means for the reestablishment of his Health it is indispensably necessary that he should suspend for a short time this (?) function and by a change of Air and Scene during the Summer months, assist in the accomplishment of so desirable an object. Should such a course be impracticable it will be necessary for him to quit this Country and (?) the consequences now impending from the last and to avoid another attack which is more than probable would terminate fatally. W. Stirling Harbour Grace 30th June 1835
The Mens’ Service Club of Christ Church in the Parish of Bay D’ Espoir have two groups of 10 men who, among other service duties, provide a monthly brunch to their congregation. The men in this photo on the Sunday prior to St. Patrick’s Day prepared a delicious brunch of green eggs, ham, baked beans, toast and green fruit for the morning worshippers while giving them an opportunity for fellowship in the Chuch Hall. From left to right: Norman Courtney, Don Manuel, Fred Strickland, Stewart Kendell, Albert Collins and Wayne Hallett. Submitted by Rosemary Durnford.
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Straight Talk on Clergy Collegiality Probably a better title for this message would be: To My Fellow Clergy with Love. As a young priest in Labrador in the mid-nineties, one of the things that I looked forward to with great anticipation was the time I spent with other clergy. It probably had a lot to do with the geographical isolation. But nevertheless, I can truly say that I loved being among other clergy. It was a delight, especially to listen to those seasoned priests who had so much to offer a young priest like myself. Then as I got some experience under my belt and a little more secure in my own right, the company of other clergy took on a different appreciation. If I said that “I hurt with them when they hurt” it would be because I was now able to identify with them. In spite of the many joys and privileges that go with being a clergy, I would have to say that they are the most underrated leaders in our society. The fact is they have a tough job. Sometimes it makes me wonder that they have any faith left to give. And so my sense of collegiality came from identifying with their individual struggles in parish life. The public has to understand that clergy my age (and I have only been ordained 15 years) were trained as pastors and teachers; to be the country parson. But today, with aging congregations, out migration, lower birthrate, and ever increasing demands of all sorts on clergy and people to keep their church open, it has become a very stressful profession. Clergy are expected to be everything from strategists, motivational speakers, visionaries, and computer experts, to pioneers of the faith in new and exciting ways. All this in addition to the usual work
The Rev. Greg Mercer
of 24-hour-pastor, Bible-study Leader, Liturgist, Evangelist, Worship Leader, Parish Administrator, and a gamete of other roles and ministries. Oh, I almost forgot the annual invitation to the local town banquet to say the “grace” (Ha!). This is coupled with the enormous pressure on our national church and a number of dioceses within the ACC that has been terribly affected by the schism in our church. And for those who have young families and personal problems, ALL of this can often play-out in their personal lives, and the stress is often more than they can handle. Hence, the high rate of clergy burnout and stress leave. This is not a complaint to the reading public, but if there is reason for clergy to come together, or stay apart, we have to understand the facts, as do the clergy. Sometimes with so much on their plates, another gathering of the clergy is the last thing they need. It can easily become just another task. And yet, come together they must. One thing is for sure, you cannot mandate collegiality no more than you can force community. Our collegiality and our unity are for one reason only. It is “Through Christ, With Christ and In Christ.” I dedicate this article to every deacon, priest and bishop with great love and respect. Let’s get together for a retreat.
CLB Mission to Belize ism industry had exploded and many families from the mainland had moved to the island to look for jobs. As a result, it had become impossible for the school to accommodate all of the children living in the area. As a mother herself, Ms. Francis knew how vitally important it was for these kids to receive a good education. Ms.
that a few days prior I had asked my parents if it would be possible to expand my 11 by 11 foot bedroom so I could have more On Saturday, 21 February room to store my belongings. I 2009, the C.L.B. Mission Belize have over ten times the room of Team had the opportunity to a child living in San Mateo and I meet with Francis Wilson, the felt it wasn’t enough? This remanager of Holy Cross Anglially started putting my priorities can School. In June of this year, into perspective. our mission team consisting of As Ms. Francis told us youth memmore about the bers, adult people of San leaders and Mateo, the clergy will more I thought travel to Beabout simple lize to build things I had an additional taken for classroom granted. When onto the my family and school I have built up (which will garbage over hopefully the week, we serve as a put it out on the medical curb to be colclinic) and to lected and run a vacadon’t think tion bible twice about it. school for While in San the children. Mateo, they M s . have nowhere Francis met Helping the children: CLB Colonel Albert Pelley distributes food to children to put it besides with our from Holy Cross Anglican School last year. The CLB are heading to Belize in outside their team to help homes in the June to help build a classroom and run a Vacation Bible School for the us better unmarsh. When I youngsters. Photo: David Pilling derstand have to the use what to expect on the mission Francis and her husband decided the washroom, I have the luxury and to answer any of our ques- that building a school for these of using a toilet. In San Mateo, tions about our stay in Belize. children to attend was a must. the people have to use the marsh. First, we received some backAfter some looking around Whenever I need running water ground history of Holy Cross they also discovered the area for cooking or to wash up or Anglican School and how it came where the school was needed brush my teeth, all I have to do to be by sharing her story with most. In San Mateo, a small, hid- is turn a tap and clean water is us. When Ms. Francis was den away, poverty stricken com- available. But in San Mateo, the working with the education sys- munity, where most of these chil- people use collected rainwater. tem on the mainland of Belize, dren lived. San Mateo is a comThe existing school is a very she and her husband would va- munity built on a salt water important part of the community. cation in the beautiful island town marsh, consisting of approxi- Students are given breakfast, a of San Pedro. While staying on mately 170 small one hundred snack and lunch. They are the island, they noticed that many square foot homes built out of transported out for medical help young children were not in scrap wood and building supplies. if needed and are given a chance school. After some inquiries they It’s very common for at least ten at an education. However, the discovered there was no room people to live in these small population is still increasing, thus for these children in the school homes. When she explained this there is a need for Holy Cross on the island. Recently the tour- to the team, I could not believe to expand. This is why the C.L.B. is embarking on a mission to build on an additional classroom for the school. We are actually hoping that the classroom we build will serve as a medical clinic as the community is in need of one. Just recently a young girl died from an infection due to a small cut because her family just didn’t have access to simple medical supplies such as band aids, polysporin or hydrogen peroxide to clean and care for the cut. All I have to do is look in the closest for some polysporin and a band aid and I have no worries of infection. While for this young girl, a small cut was a matter of life and death. As Ms. Francis went on to talk about things we would be Article by Sgt. Kathleen Mercer CLB Mission Team
See CLB Changing Lives on page 11
ANGLICANLife
11
May 2009
A Parable of Spring Suppose an alien from some distant planet landed somewhere in unoccupied rural Newfoundland one early winter day last year. What did he discover? It was a dark sullen sky, no doubt. Also, sharp cold wind gusts with bare trees pointing skeleton arms at the sky. All around, a carpet of dark brown, stinking dead leaves. And overall, a heavy silence. The whole earth, this alien would presume, was cold and definitely dead! Overnight he slept fitfully and then awakened to a blinding snowstorm. The landscape was soon blanketed with white snow. The place was now, not only dead, but also buried. It was all dead here, so the alien returned home. Next June, out of curiosity, he returned to this “dead” land, only to be amazed. There was a blue sky now with soft warm winds. Green grass carpeted the landscape, with thick leafy trees and splashes of glorious flowers. Birds and insects buzzed. The “dead” earth is now alive and singing. Therein lies a parable for us. This past March, seventeen people died in a tragic helicopter crash. Whole families were traumatized. People province-wide, across Canada, and even worldwide, were devastated. Grief blanketed the land. A cruel shroud of death enwrapped us all. An emotional and spiritual
columnist Ronald Clarke
winter prevailed. So many loved ones were lost! But were they really lost? If we truly believe in God, in Jesus Christ, can we say they were lost? Something that is truly lost often pains us because we have absolutely no idea where it is. But if we believe in Jesus we know for sure where our loved ones are: “I go to prepare a place for you” he stated. “I will come and take you to myself.” So, we know, for sure, that our loved ones are not lost, but with Jesus. The sad part of losing something is that, most likely, we will never see it again. But we believers know that we will see our departed ones once more, because Jesus’ promise was for us also, “I will take you unto myself.” We will all be together in God’s eternal new kingdom and united forever! What’s that kingdom like? So glorious, Jesus said, that it exceeds our imagination. What we discover when we reach Heaven will make what that returning alien saw seem like nothing! With Jesus Christ, “death is swallowed up in victory!”
30 Roe Avenue, P.O. Box 348, Gander, NL A1V 1W7 Telephone: (709) 651-4100 Fax: (709) 256-2957 email: info@waltershoffe.com
Returning to God Once we turned away from God. Now we need to return to God. We need to change from the way of self-love, self-trust, self-assertion, and self-worship to the way of the cross, the way of self-denial and the way of self-giving grounded in faith in God. Indeed, there is joy in heaven over one sinner who repents (Luke 15:10). While most Anglicans are the once-born type of Christians who cannot recall any moment of decision, some of us have experienced a gradual change of direction in life. Changing of the heart may extend over a period of time, days, months, or longer. The moment of decision from unbelief to belief is the climax of a period of preparation and searching for the truth. A few of us have experienced a sudden conversion. It can be a highly emotional experience. Revivalist meetings tend to produce such experience for some seekers of the faith. Some preachers enjoy arousing great
anxiety in their audience. Some people converted under such a circumstance may not remain committed to the Gospel when the highly-charged atmosphere passes away. Others may experience conversion and reconversion. The first experience is important in their spiritual lives, while the second experience becomes necessary to meet the new need or crisis. Some preachers consider the first experience as accepting Jesus as a personal Saviour, while the second experience as surrendering all to Jesus. Returning to God should be an ongoing process, even though the first one marks an important turning point of one’s spiritual journey. The ongoing process should result in growth toward spiritual maturity. We should love God more today than yesterday. We should serve God more today than yesterday. Human beings are psychologically capable of experiencing conversion as a crisis. A con-
columnist The Rev. Michael Li
verted person is a new creature in Jesus. Everyone may have different religious experiences. What is important is not that we should have passed through a particular kind of experience, but that whatever our own experiences, we should now be faithful followers of Jesus. By nature, we are all selfish. We have a long way to go yet. But we must not be too selfcentred in our spiritual lives. Once we have returned to God, we should live our faith by reaching out to others in evangelism, in missions, and in social service. By the transforming power of the Holy Spirit, we are free to serve God and our fellow human beings.
Fourteen young men and women were honoured recently to receive the laying on of hands from Bishop Percy Coffin. Bishop Coffin confirmed 9 boys and 5 girls during an evening service in Port aux Baques on March 15th, 2009. A special thank you to the dedicated Sunday School volunteers and their Superintendent who brought them to this point on their Christian journey. Pictured here are some of the newly confirmed as they cut their cake during a reception in their honour, hosted by the members of Vestry’s Worship Committee. Submitted by Kay Short.
CLB changing lives Continued from page 10
leaving home during the mission, again I found myself thinking of all the things I have taken for granted. She told us we would not need hair dryers, curling irons or make-up. Some of the girls on the team were floored by this, especially by the part about no make-up! However I quickly realized, as I’m sure others did as well, that this mission is so much more important than our appearance. We have the opportunity to make a difference in childrens lives and it shouldn’t matter how straight or curly our hair is while we are doing so.
One thing that really stood out in the session for me was the motto Ms. Francis used at the school. “Blessed are the flexible, for they shall not be bent out of shape.” This motto makes a lot of sense, because if you are completely rigid and firm about a something and that something doesn’t turn out right, then most people get completely stressed out (i.e. bent out of shape). Although Colonel Arns could see C.L.B. protocol going right out the window with this motto it seemed to be accepted by the team, as Ms. Francis had us all chanting it out proudly by the end of the session. I could definitely
see myself using this motto in everyday life. Taking my bedroom as an example, if I become more flexible with my bedroom, use the space wisely and be grateful for what space I have, there’s no way that I could be bent out of shape because of my “lack” of space. I believe this session with Ms. Francis opened up our eyes to the mission and gave us a great deal to think about with respect to our priorities. There will most definitely be some more eye opening when we arrive in San Mateo and it will hopefully be a life changing experience for most of us.
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Godly Play coming to Mount Pearl parish
Article by The Ven. Geoff Peddle
In September of 2009 the Parish of the Good Shepherd in Mount Pearl will become the first parish in eastern Canada to adopt the Godly Play© series of children’s ministry. Developed over the past 30 years, the Godly Play program is directly inspired by the Montessori approach to education and believes that children learn through all of their senses and not only through sight and sound. There is no classroom; there is a rich, interactive learning environment designed to provide both the children and their parents with a deep experience of God. Designed for children 2 to 12 years of age, the Godly Play approach is now widely used across the US and the UK, and
in May five adults from the parish will travel to Nova Scotia for a 3-day workshop to become accredited as leaders for the series. Donna Ronan, Val Tilley, Barbara Boone, Kathy Peddle and Archdeacon Geoff Peddle will then introduce the program at the parish and offer training and support to other interested congregations. On the weekend of May 30 there will be a 3-hour introduc-
tory session for parents and teachers at the Parish of the Good Shepherd (people from outside the parish are also welcome) and on the weekend of
TOP 10 THINGS
November 6-8 the parish will host a 3-day accreditation workshop for new teachers. Both sessions will be led by Amy Crawford who is a nationally certified trainer in the series. For more information visit the Godly Play website at http:/ /www.godlyplay.org/ or contact Archdeacon Geoff Peddle at geoff.peddle@nf.aibn.com or by telephone at 747-1022. Registration for the fall program will be limited so parents wishing to register their children at the parish are encouraged to contact the Church Office or Archdeacon Geoff as soon as possible. The parish is grateful to the Diocese of Eastern Newfoundland and Labrador for financial assistance to begin this program.
The Rev’d Karen Laldin inducted in Curling
St. Mary’s Youth Band. The Rev’d Karen Laldin (far left) the new Rector of St. Mary the Virgin, Curling stands with members of the Youth Band: (left to right) Matthew Keating, Laura Allen, Courtney Pearce, April Piercey, Eugene Taylor, and Mr. Ted Wheeler (Youth Band director).
Article & Photo by Anne & Bernie Keeting
On Sunday March 15, 2009, the parishioners of Saint Mary the Virgin, Corner Brook, welcomed our new rector Rev. Karen Laldin at the Celebration of a New Ministry and Service of Induction during our regular 10:30 am worship at which time our Covenant in Ministry was signed. Our five member youth band, under the direction of Mr.
Pennies from heaven
You Can Do Today To LEAVE A LEGACY™ 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Prepare a will Leave a gift Be Specific Consider assets Name an alternate beneficiary Existing life insurance New life insurance Memorial gifts Encourage others Ask your advisor
Recognizing the Gift Continued from page 1
development and stewardship are promoting and enabling a healthy, spiritual community of faith. All of us need to realize that what we do today with our lives, how we allow God our Creator, through Jesus Christ, empowered by the Holy Spirit, shine through us, will give way to a deeper faith commitment, nurturing and enabling the ministry of all the baptized. Taking Care of God’s Business here and now will ensure that future genera-
tions know who Jesus is and the importance of loving God and neighbour, through worship and service. We have a responsibility to let God’s love reflect through us so that others may see the light of Christ and engage in the ministry of the baptized. We have a responsibility of becoming better stewards of all that God has entrusted to us. Stewardship is recognizing the gift, unwrapping it, and using it.
Ted Wheeler, led the congregation in the singing of “Days of Elijah” and sang “Hosanna” as an anthem at which time symbols of ministry were brought forward by members of the congregation. We concluded the worship with a lunch and fellowship. Rev. Karen has been a blessing to us since her arrival in October 2008 and we pray she will be as blessed by us as we have been by her and her ministry.
Article & Photo by Nora Shears
For the past year St. Mary’s Anglican Church Women (ACW) in Cow Head, have been collecting pennies for PWRDF. The membership divided into two teams. The team that brought in the most pennies would have dinner cooked for them by the other team. With this incentive in mind, all members rose to the challenge and started collecting pennies from relatives, friends and even strangers.
On 9 March 2009 at our regular monthly ACW meeting, the ladies arrived with buckets, bags and boxes of pennies. The atmosphere was alive with joy, laughter and goodwill and one could not help but think of the words of Jesus in Acts 20:35, “it is more blessed to give than receive.” We were certainly blessed and one could almost experience bliss in the moment. The teams separated to count the rolled pennies. When all the counting was finished, we ended up with a total of $1050.50 and what a pile it was!
One of our members, Karen Bennett, started singing a song she had learned many years ago in Sunday School: “Dropping, dropping, dropping, hear the pennies fall, everyone for Jesus, he shall have them all,” and before long everyone had joined in the singing. As Christians we are called to help others in need and through our supporting PWRDF, we are helping our brothers and sisters in our global community. Our goal this year is to double the amount raised last year for Daffodil Place, a cancer centre being built for people who have to travel to St John’s for treatment. Each time I drop a penny into my container I have for collecting, I am reminded of my grandmother’s words, “every penny counts,” and it was sure proven true this past year with the thousands of pennies collected and the joy of sharing in the fun of such an event.