ANGLICANLife
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October 2009
ANGLICANLife October 2009
in NEWFOUNDLAND
&
LABRADOR
A Section of the ANGLICANJOURNAL
Saving the world - Lord of the One sheep at a time harvest
Now thank we all our God, With heart and hands and voices, who wondrous things has done, In whom this world rejoices; Who from our mothers’ arms has blessed us on our way With countless gifts of love, and still is ours today.
Side by side: A young member of St. Mark’s Sunday School learns the value of how one young lamb can help change the world. Article and Photos by Robert Cooke
Each year PWRDF Sunday at St. Mark’s in St. John’s means two things - Side by Side Sleepover and Feast or Famine. This year May 2-3 we once again highlighted the work of PWRDF. In recent years the Side by Side Sleepover has involved a challenge for the youth from our youth minister. This year the challenge was parish wide and it was to raise enough money to purchase fifty sheep. Why sheep? First, sheep can make a great difference in the lives of families in developing countries. Sheep provide fresh meat, wool for clothing, and
trade. Second, the gospel reading for the weekend was the Parable of the Good Shepherd from John’s Gospel. With the challenge issued the youth got to work rallying parishioners to purchase a sheep or two or three. When all was said and done we raised $3520 which will provide approximately eighty sheep for families in need. To add to the day we arranged for a local sheep farmer to bring along some of his sheep to St. Mark’s on Sunday for our 10:30am service. This provided a great visual reminder of our goal. It also provided a great object lesson for the gospel. Our children got to spend their Sunday school time petting the
sheep and hearing from a real life shepherd just what it takes to be a good shepherd. The second part of our weekend is the Feast or Famine (aka Rich Man, Poor Man Meal). The purchase of a ticket guarantees you a feast or a famine. Ten percent of the people will receive a delicious roast beef dinner with tea/coffee, and desert. Twenty percent get baked beans and apple juice to represent the unclean drinking water that most of the world has to drink. The remaining 70% receive plain white rice with no drinking water. The meal represents See: Side by Side Story continued on page 6
O may this bounteous God through all our life be near us, With ever joyful hearts and blessèd peace to cheer us; And keep us in His grace, and guide us when perplexed; And free us from all ills, in this world and the next! All praise and thanks to God the Father now be given; The Son and Him Who reigns with Them in highest Heaven; The one eternal God, whom earth and Heaven adore; For thus it was, is now, And shall be evermore. Words: Martin Rinkart, circa 1636 (Nun danket alle Gott); translated from German to English by Catherine Winkworth, 1856.
SERVING THE ANGLICAN DIOCESES OF WESTERN NEWFOUNDLAND + CENTRAL NEWFOUNDLAND + EASTERN NEWFOUNDLAND & LABRADOR
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News & Announcements A Teen’s Involvement with the Church: Nicole Buffett, daughter of Rev. Neal and Beverly Buffett, and one of the Sunday School teachers at All Saints attended a ten-day church leadership conference this summer at Huron College in London, Ontario called “Ask and Imagine”. Nicole is also a youth delegate to Provincial Synod being held in Gander. (Parish of FortuneLamaline) Mission. Please pray for the Healing Mission to be held on Friday, October 16 – Sunday, October 18. Rev. Brian Candow will be the leader for the weekend. The theme for the weekend is “Prayer, Medicine, and Sacraments.” Also, a Women’s Quiet Day for all ladies was held on Saturday, September 19 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the chapel. Rev. Elizabeth Stewart, United Church
Minister, Windsor/Bishop Falls, will be our leader. Men’s Retreat Day. Holy Trinity is sponsoring a Retreat Day for men on Saturday, November 14 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Rev. Perry Cooper will be the guest leader. The topic for the Retreat is “God and Masculinity: What’s Expected of Us?” (Parish of Holy Trinity, Grand Falls) Queen’s College Intern Judi Phillips will be in the Parish of New Hope for the next three months learning ministry. (Parish of New Hope) St. Martin’s Cathedral welcomes Mrs. Juanita Freeman for her internship session. The Biblical Studies program is continuing – all are welcome. Celebrations for the 50th Anniversary year will continue this fall – watch for
details. A big “Thank You” for all of the time and effort given by the St. Martin’s Cathedral family to help with the Diocesan Synod in April, the 50th Anniversary Celebration Weekend in May, the Provincial Synod and the Central NL Diocesan ACW Conference in September. (Parish of Gander) Bishop Cyrus Pitman wishes to announce that The Rev. Chris Snow, has been offered, and has accepted, a position in the Diocese of Niagara as Rector of Grace Church in Milton, Ontario. The Bishop has accepted his resignation as Rector of the Parish of St. Michael and All Angels, St. John’s. The tentative start date of this new position is November 1, 2009. (Parish of St. Michael & All Angels)
The City of Mount Pearl has responded favourably to our request to adopt the green space around us under its “Adopt-A-Park” program. This means that we will be responsible to keep it neat and tidy and to care for a part of the community beyond our immediate property. We are looking at the wooded area on the corner of Old Placentia Road and Richard Nolan Drive as far back as the walking trail behind the church. This effort is part of our Ministry Plan and we hope to hold our first clean-up of the area in early fall.” (Parish of the Good Shepherd, Mount Pearl) H1N1 (Swine Flu) precautions: At this moment there does not seem to be a serious outbreak of H1N1 Virus in the various areas of this Diocese. Nevertheless,
stewardship
The time is now! I begin with the words of Victor Hugo: The future has several names For the weak it is impossible For the faint hearted, it is unknown For the thoughtful and valiant, it is ideal That quote was contained in a presentation I made 9 years ago. It was a call to action to clergy and laity – a challenge to consider the benefits of planned giving to the Church. The bottom line: if we don’t encourage our faithful parishioners to get a will and leave something in that will for the church, someone else will. Mark my words, as a teacher I know used to say! The consequence: we will
have lost a marvellous opportunity to benefit our Church through a planned gift and worse still, we will have not encouraged a generous act of stewardship by one of our own. The time is now! As I have said repeatedly over the past 9 years, our parishioners have a choice as to where their charitable dollar will go. Belief in the mission of the Church and trust are two huge components. Here are some statistics from the Canadian Association of Gift Planners according to a recent poll: - Most Canadians (79%) feel they are familiar with charities, yet few have
we need to be aware of what is happening. If there is widespread concern in your parish or among persons at risk, you may decide to take action. This action may be education and awareness by placing information in your weekly bulletin, making announcements, and increasing the awareness of hand washing, particularly among Eucharistic Assistants. If the situation does indeed worsen, and infections spread, the Bishop may well have to issue further instructions. Such instructions would be implemented in consultation with the parishes, as well as with the other two Dioceses in Newfoundland and Labrador. However, in the meantime, take reasonable care and keep informed by checking the NL Government website. (Diocese of Eastern Newfoundland & Labrador)
a high degree of familiarity with them (17% very familiar). - A majority of Canadians (77%) trust charities, with 27 percent trusting them a lot. - Trust in charities has remained about the same since 2000. - Amongst those with only some, little, or no trust in charities, the most commonly cited reason for not having more trust in charities is uncertainty about where the money is really going (30%). - Of the ten types of charities asked about in the study, Canadians are most likely to trust hospitals a lot
or some (88%), followed by charities that focus on children/children’s activities (86%), health prevention/ health research (85%), education (80%), social services (77%), protection of animals (73%), and protection of the environment (72%). Churches (67%),and other places of worship (65%) are next, followed by charities that focus on the arts (63%) and international development (59%). These are some disturbing numbers. One would have thought that Churches would be number one on the list. So, what do we have to do? We must write our
Kevin Smith
Church’s mission. What are we all about? Why do we need money? Will these funds further God’s work or simply prop up our maintenance program? We must show that we are indeed all about God’s work and we are making a difference in this world. We must also talk about our work and why it is important and worthy of support. The leadership must lead the way personally – that is, ensure we have a will and that we have left a planned gift for our Church. The challenge is urgent! The task is large! But, the time is now. Please feel free to contact me to discuss your planned gift or your parish’s planned giving program.
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
ANGLICANLife
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October 2009
youth voice
Pop culture & faith
Allison Billard
Part 2 - Contemporary idol worship Disclaimer: This piece appeared in its original form at: www.generation.anglican.ca It has been modified for length, audience and medium.
Welcome to part two in my series on how pop culture is distracting us from faith. There is an issue here, that may even be greater than the body image crisis fuelled by the media: The concept of “celebrity” has become synonymous with “idolized.” We are making idols out of these pop culture icons, and it is heading into dangerous territory. In addition to fuelling body
image issues, society’s obsession with celebrity and the need to know everything they’re doing, highlighting each destructive or damaging moment is taking a toll on the faith development of each individual and the faith community as a whole. We don’t have time or space in our lives for God and His Word. We practically worship these “idols”: Brittany Spears, Mylie Cyrus, Barack Obama just to name a few. There are all sorts of reasons that we “worship” them, some are very legitimate: I would have voted for Obama, too, if given the chance because the man is brilliant and has the potential to enact some
serious change. But he is just one man, albeit with a powerful position and a host of people around him who are able to make important and powerful decisions that might actually change the world. But he isn’t a superhero. Many people have unrealistic expectations of the man, he is on such a high pedestal that the potential fall could be fatal. Other obsessions are considerably less legitimate although still perfectly human. We want to have others to look up to, we like to be entertained and it is in our nature to be curious (and even nosy) so when the gossip mill starts running it’s hard to stop. Suddenly we’re fascinated by
which stars are dating, marrying or divorcing and we can’t get enough of the gossip. It’s like a train wreck, you just can’t look away. But if I hear one more time that Brittany Spears has put on weight so help me I think I’ll scream. Personally I think it’s about time the poor girl ate a cheeseburger and put on a little weight, she was starting to look a little gaunt. We need to care less about the lives of the people we see on TV and in movies. It’s as simple as that. But where do we start? I’m not sure. I would start by trying to find God in all the media we encounter. Is there a bigger message here? How should I
feel about what I’m seeing or reading? How does it impact my life and the life of those I know? If we think a little more actively we might find we’re able to find room for God in all the media madness, and maybe even come to understand our relationship with him a little better. Discuss the things you see and hear actively, always seek out the bigger picture, and never stop questioning the validity of what you read or see or hear. Youth especially need to be reminded that just because it’s in print or on TV doesn’t make it true.
News from Stephenville parish Article & Photos by Caren Noseworthy
On 22 March 2009, the Rev Dawn Barrett was inducted as rector of St Augustine’s Parish in Stephenville. Bishop Percy Coffin led the service accompanied by Archdeacon Ed King, and Rev Roberta Woodman.Rev Dawn took up her duties as rector in December 2008. Originally from Newfoundland, she and her husband Edward came from a parish in Wellsville, New York, USA. They were living there from 2002 to 2008. We are thankful that she decided to come to Stephenville when the opportunity to return home was available. We welcomed Rev. Dawn Barrett and her husband with a potluck luncheon and a parish gathering after the 11am service. In other Parish news, on 21 June 2009 at St Augustine’s Church, the Religion and Life certificates were presented to three generations of a grandmother, mother, and daughter.
Three generations: (left to right) Heather Tiller, Maureen Tiller, and Mae Lomond receive the Religion & Life Certificates. New Rector: Rev. Dawn Barrett (centre) at her Induction.
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ANGLICANLife A renewed image of the Godhead 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
Recently I have read two vastly different books, vastly different in content, yet very similar theological insights from a Christian perspective. The first is the 1950’s Tales of Narnia series by C. S. Lewis – an insightful anthology that offers simple yet complex reflections on Christian doctrine and theology through the eyes of children by travelling with them into their imaginary world, and re-seeing realities from their perspective. The themes of the realities of the Godhead, other realms, the thinness of the veil, spiritual completeness, are but a few of the amazingly constructed tales that hold within them the timeless tenets of truth and awareness. The complete anthology raises new questions about our acceptance of half-baked doctrines and incomplete understandings of what we so glibly pass for ‘Christian ideals’. The second book is a 2007 publication entitled The Shack by William P. Young. This book written from the perspective of one who has suffered and lost, touches on many of the same themes as
C. S. Lewis’ Tales of Narnia series and, not surprisingly, perceives very similar insights. The manifestations of the Godhead in Trinitarian splendour are truly amazing, and has such a ring of truth and reality that
one stands and stares in awe at a reality that we seem to have missed over and over again. The thinness of the veil between realms, as visualized in the book, can be seen and heard so often in the stories and lives of those we counsel and to whom we become pas-
guest editorial The Venerable Ed King Executive Archdeacon Diocese of Western Newfoundland
tors. In an age and a time when we seem to be ever more and more enamoured of the visual, the visuals presented in these two books are far more colourful and far more ‘full’ than any images I have seen on the TV or computer screen. Both of these books have helped me understand more fully the complexities of the lives I touch in my ministry and through my person. I thank God for the great gift of imagination that fills to the brim the creativeness of those who choose to see the Godhead beyond the mists of illusion and jaded hope. For me, these two books have offered new hope for a renewed understanding of the Godhead in the midst of a confused and confusing world view. Such imaginings can get us out of the rut of ‘this is the only way to see’, to a space and time where we can envision more clearly the unimaginable immensity of the God we worship. May we learn to re-imagine God in the image she intended rather than reciprocating her bounty by ‘making her into our image.’
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October 2009
Mission is not our idea - it is God’s “Mission is not our idea; It is God’s” When I came across this line, I said “Thanks be to God”. Much of what I see and read gives the impression that Mission is our idea and that it has only occurred to us in this generation. Additionally, it is considered by many to be one of the programs of the Church almost like a side order of French fries – an option. If we read the Scriptures we know that can never be the case. From Genesis to Revelation we come to the conclusion that our God is an awesome God and the God of
Mission. As Tim Dearborn says “it is not the Church of God that has a mission in the world, but the God of Mission who has a Church in the World”. The most important thing is not the Church but the world. “God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life” (John 3:16). We are a sent people in the name of our Lord - that is what the word mission means in our context. For some the Church is a building, a priest, and enough laity to pay the bills. We are called to be much more than
that. We are called to journey with people so that together we are empowered and equipped to do God’s work in the world. We have heard a little bit about what is called “Fresh Expressions of Church”. A fresh expression of Church is a form of Church for our changing culture established primarily for the benefit of people who are not yet members of any Church. This can happen in any community of Newfoundland and Labrador. It is encouraging to see what is already developing in several parishes. This is exciting. We hear more and more
about the New Testament model of Church Planting. Church Planting has to do with accompanying people as they establish a relationship with Jesus Christ. It has little to do with shifting established believers around from one jurisdiction to another. Mission is God’s work and plan. We are commissioned to share in that work which very often involves change and transformation. This process for Christians is grounded in the Cross of Jesus. It includes grief, conflict and suffering. It always results in resurrection and new life. We will always be chal-
bishop’s letter
Bishop Cyrus Pitman Diocese of Eastern Newfoundland & Labrador
lenged to work toward a Church that cares passionately about what God cares about. That needs to be at the heart of our response to sharing in God’s Mission.
Ministry in Rose Blanche Do you know these clergy?
On Sunday, June 7 at Saint Michael and All Angels’ Church, Rose Blanche, ACW officers were installed, Licensed Lay Ministers were commissioned, and two people were thanked and honoured for their service to the Church. Back row (left to right): Edith Leamon, Lay Reader & Pastoral Visitor; Victoria Savoury, Lay Reader, Eucharistic Assistant & Pastoral Visitor; June Hardy, Pastoral Visitor; Vera Clarke, Pastoral Visitor & ACW President; Joanne Savoury, Pastoral Visitor. Front row (left to right): Father Andrew Nussey, Rector; Judy Francis (12 years of service as church treasurer); Sebina Keeping, ACW Secretary & Social Concern Officer; Marlene Williams, ACW Treasurer; Sandra Hardy, ACW First Vice-President; Florence Parsons, Altar Guild President; Joan Durnford, Family Life Officer; Audrey Best, Family Life Officer; Walter Keeping (Lay Reader for 50 years at the church; 54 years in total). Absent: Phyllis Parsons, ACW Second Vice-President. Photo: Brodie Thomas
In the photo above, the person seated centre is Bishop Philip Abraham. Can you identify the other remaining five clergy? Send your answers to samrose@nl.rogers.com Photo courtesy of Eastern Diocesan Archives
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First ever VBS a hit! Article & Photo by Karen Hodder
St. Michael’s Boys Choir sing like angels
The voices of angels: St. Michael’s Boys’ Choir perform at St. Clare’s Hospital Chapel during a recent worship service. Photo courtesy of The Loop newsletter. Swinging Safari: Happy children enjoyed their adventure at this year’s Vacation Bible School at St. Paul’s Anglican Church in the Goulds. Photo: Karen Hodder
When I made a suggestion for a Vacation Bible School (VBS) for the children of Goulds at our Annual Meeting in January, I thought it was food for thought for future years; however we held our first “Kingdom of the Son” A Prayer Safari, Vacation Bible School on August 3-7, 2009. In May, a notice was placed in our Bulletin looking for volunteers to get the Vacation Bible School up and running. Two parishioners (Suzanne McCormack and myself) along with Rev. Robin Barrett showed up for the meeting. The VBS wheels were set in motion! At our next meeting we decided on a date to hold the VBS, looked through VBS brochures, and chose a theme. After numerous planning and organization meetings; a generous loan of props and materials from the Church of Ascension, Mt. Pearl, donations from 24 businesses, organizations, and individuals
in and around the Goulds / St. John’s area, and a great amount of help...St. Paul’s VBS was about to begin. Eighteen children from ages 4 1/2 to 10 years old, 4 junior and seven adult leaders had a blast each day during the fun filled week. Mrs. Clarice Williams prepared our snacks and made sure we were fed on time. Every day had a theme: God Listens! God Provides! God Forgives! God Protects! and God Rules! Each day started off with Rev. Barrett and the Children gathering at the Praise Park to have an interactive lesson by taking a portion of the Lord’s Prayer and explaining what each verse actually means. The children then went to the Market Place where they made a different craft every day. Next stop was a Singing Safari where the children and leaders learned new songs from Africa and even some Swahili words. At the Water-
Side by side Continued from page 1
global demographics and illustrates the unfair distribution of wealth in our world. The whole point of the weekend is to raise funds for and awareness about such global issues. How can we who follow the Good Shepherd allow such injustice and poverty to the rest of his
flock? How can we who feast on the bounty of the bread of life week after week, allow hunger to persist on such a large scale?
ing Hole, theme centered snacks were served to all. The children ventured to the Jungle Games Reserve next for a whole lot of fun and excitement. Each day closed with a recap of the day’s lesson and a prize draw for four lucky children. On the last day of VBS the children were treated to a Pizza party and an Animal themed Celebration Cake. Sunday August 9th, the participants of the “Kingdom of the Son” lead the Church service at St. Paul’s for our VBS Closing. Each and every child who attended VBS has a special part to play and a Reading during the service. After Church, the congregation was invited to a luncheon at the Vacation Bible School to view pictures taken during the week’s activities, and see how St. Paul’s auditorium was transformed into our African Prayer Safari.
From The Loop Hospital Newsletter
A small group of energetic young fellows have formed a Boys’ Choir conducted by musician Robin Williams. The Choir is a community based group consisting of boys ages 7-14 who perform regularly at a variety of venues. The choir rehearses Thursday evenings at St. Michael and All Angels’ Parish Hall. Boys are instructed using a standard curriculum as prescribed by Voices for Life, published by the Royal School of Church Music. The first hour of each meeting is devoted to technique, musicianship, and theory. The remainder is allotted to recreation and fellowship. They have performed at the Kiwanis Music Festival and in March they led the singing at a Memorial Service at St. Clare’s Mercy Hospital. The choir are very atten-
tive and serious in their singing acapella, especially their choice of Gregorian Chant. They added dignity and sacredness to the memorial service and we were delighted by their youth and quality of their performance. They also sang an anthem at the recent Confirmation service held in early June at the Parish of St. Michael & All Angels. We wish Mr. Williams and St. Michael’s and All Angels Parish all the best with their “angels” and hope that they will continue to grow in numbers and skill.
Side by side: An initiative from the Primate’s World Relief and Development Fund has left a lasting impression on these young children from St. Mark’s Church in St. John’s. They raised funds to help needy families in Third World nations buy a sheep. Photo: Robert Cooke.
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October 2009
50 years of praise and worship St. Martin’s Cathedral honours its past and looks forward to the future Article by Stella Walsh
St. Martin’s Choir raised their voices in beautiful and heartfelt worship during the St. Martin’s 50th Anniversary Celebration Weekend Eucharist. Photo: Stella Walsh
During the weekend of May 22-24, 2009 St. Martin’s Cathedral held their 50th Anniversary Celebration Weekend. It was a time to look back and learn, to look at the present and take stock, and to look forward and prepare for future growth in ministry. Many invited guests came for the weekend to take part in events such as a banquet, a Bishop’s retreat, a family show by Terry Reilly, pre-teen and teen dances, a meet-andgreet, a Celebration Eucharist
and a farewell luncheon. The Anniversary committee prepared displays, slideshows and a commemorative booklet for several of the
events. These items sparked much talk of days gone by and questions that started with, “Do you remember…?” All those who attended the Celebration Weekend declared it a huge success. Thank you to the Anniversary Committee and all those who put so much effort into providing an opportunity for St. Martin’s to celebrate its many years of growth as a Christian community.
(Left) Children’s entertainer Terry Reilly calls on an assistant to help out during his show at the St. Martin’s 50th Anniversary Celebration Weekend. Photo: Stella Walsh
(Left) The Reverend John Watton (current Rector) and (right) the Reverend Jim Reid (former Rector 1970-1989) at the St. Martin’s 50th Anniversary Celebration Weekend Eucharist. Photo: Stella Walsh
St. Martin’s Anglican Cathedral, Gander, NL
During the St. Martin’s 50th Anniversary Celebration Weekend, one of the displays featured the Home Communion Set, Bible and prayer books of the late Father John Moss. Photo: Stella Walsh
(Centre standing) Harold Collins, former provincial politician, was a member of the vestry at St. Martin’s in 1959. He spoke at the St. Martin’s 50th Anniversary Celebration Weekend Banquet. Photo: Revd. Brian Candow
All articles and photos for the December issue of Anglican Life are due to the Editor by:
November 1, 2009
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Children & prayer Reading a review of Helping Teenagers to Pray (Mark Yaconelli) caused me to reflect on the spirituality of children. How do we teach children to pray? In the early days this was the task of parents and it required parents who would teach this and who prayed themselves. Usually children are taught to say prayers at bedtime, learn mealtime graces, memorize the Lord’s Prayer, and a few other prayers plus some hymns. Those who attend worship and Sunday School should grow more into praying, while Confirmation preparation will offer some instructions on prayer. According to Yaconelli and others this may have little to do with how children develop spiritually. He claims that we neither recognize nor respond to the child’s capacity for a relationship with God. In our church culture, knowing the answers is prioritised over living the
question. We need to trust them with prayer rather than imposing it on them - ‘to trust their capacity for God.’ Trust is a key word - ‘young people need the parent/teacher to trust their capacity for God.’ One requirement for prayer is to be removed from our ceaseless activity. In her book Creative Ideas for Quiet Corners, Lynn Chambers presents 14 visual ideas for quiet moments with children. She aims to show how multisensory spaces in church, the home, school or elsewhere, can be places to help draw people into prayer. Besides books, there are other resources for nurturing children and young people in prayer. The Association for Children’s Spirituality (childrenspirituality.org) offer the International Journal of Children’s Spirituality and sponsors the International Conference on Children’s Spirituality. Another organiza-
let us pray... The Rev. Everett Hobbs tion is Godly Play (godlyplay.org) which was developed by Jerome Berryman who writes about it in his book Godly Play. Again, there are plenty of books on the subject. You can find titles like Children’s Spirituality (Ed. Donald Radcliff), The Spirituality of Children (Robert Coles) and The Spirituality of the Child (David Hay and Rebecca Nye). You can add Children and Spirituality (Brenda Hyde) and Nurturing Children’s Spirituality (e. Holly Aller). Spirituality & Practice (spiritualityandpractice.org) offers an e-course Practising Spirituality with Children. In essence in nurturing a child’s spiritually, a child’s relationship with God, we need to include the child’s perspective and experience as part of the total effort.
Welcome improvements in Howley Article by The Rev. John Meade Rector
You know you never get a second chance to make a first impression. And current literature tells us that, if you want your church to be seen as welcoming and inviting, one component of this is to improve the outward appearance of your church building and grounds. To this end, the congregation of the Church of the Ascension, Howley, undertook some cosmetic property projects this past summer. These included erecting a new “Welcome” sign, spreading topsoil and seeding in the churchyard,
Straight Talk on ‘surplus’ buildings Our congregations are blessed with many good and faithful people who love their God, love Christ, and love their church [building]. Similarly, we have wonderful clergy who love their flock and who attend to them relentlessly. But it is also fair to say that many of our clergy have never been in a growing church in their entire ordained lives, and dare I say, frustrated with ever growing financial demands to keep their church buildings open. Let’s be honest here for a moment. We have too many church buildings both in our cities and in our outports. And not only do we have a profusion of buildings, we no longer have the “critical mass” of people or the necessary resources to keep many of those buildings open. Not to mention that an increasing number of those old structures are far too big for the present size of the congregation. As someone re-
cently said to me, “We have too much cloth for the garment.” The low birth rate is the major factor contributing to congregational decline and consequently, an excess of buildings. Other major factors that are out of our control and directly affect congregational strength are: out migration, shifting demographics, multiple demands and activities on peoples time (especially young families), and shifting priorities. So why aren’t we doing anything about the surplus of buildings and combining resources? It seems to me that we have to make some hard but necessary decisions about letting go of some of our church buildings and looking at new ways of delivering our ministries. It is simply bad stewardship to keep them open. Moreover, maintaining these structures robs us of the necessary resources to be vibrant
communities of faith with the potential of offering critical ministries to those who happen to grace our church doors on a Sunday morning or even to attract new people. I have to commend places like Fogo and South River/Brigus in Conception Bay North who had the foresight and the gumption to pool their resources and come together in a single new dwelling with new and creative ways of being church. In the June 2009 edition of The Diocese of British Columbia’s Diocesan Post, The Reverend Dr. Gary Nicolosi, Congregational Office for the Diocese, had this to say: “The crisis in the diocese is systemic... Systemic change requires a great act of faith on our part, including the mobilization of the entire diocese by the Bishop, Diocesan Council and Synod. We have to take some hard but necessary actions, including
letting go of our buildings, finding out-of-the-box ways to fund ministry, exploring new models of being church, developing leadership skills in our clergy, expecting our parishes to be centers of spiritual transformation, and learning to be Anglican in a culture that is no longer friendly to the church.” I would be the first to admit that I have a great sentimental attachment to my home church in Upper Island Cove. It is the place where my wife and I was baptised, confirmed, married and had our children baptized. Our youngest daughter was buried from there. It was also the home church of our parents and generations before them, as well as the place where I was priested. But if I am honest I would have to say that we Anglicans sometimes have an unhealthy attachment to buildings. Buildings are important
building a wheelchair ramp for the main entrance and painting the interior of the church building. All of these combined have served to really spruce up the look of our property. Our church is a beautiful little old church and the first one you see when you enter the town. Now we have a building and grounds that are as welcoming as our warmhearted and friendly church family. We give God sincere thanks for the stewardship of time, talent and treasure of several individuals who facilitated this work and helped to keep the cost of this work to a minimum.
columnist
The Rev. Greg Mercer
and we are not to diminish their role. But we must also and always be on guard of losing our focus. Our mission is to be disciple making communities of which the building is a launching pad. Our churches continue to attract good and faithful people, and clergy who dream of being a leader of a growing church. How can we mobilize our people and best pool our resources to ensure the continuation and proclamation of the greatest story ever told? “Glory to God, whose POWER, WORKING IN US, can do infinitely more than we can ask or imagine.”
ANGLICANLife
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October 2009
Helpkeep
alive!
2009 Annual Appeal Dear Friends, As your Bishops, and as publishers of Anglican Life in Newfoundland & Labrador, we want to thank those who have generously supported our Annual Appeal campaigns. The support has been most gratifying because it has placed Anglican Life on a strong financial foundation. For the first time in recent history, annual grants given by the three dioceses to subsidize the publication of our beloved church newspaper have not increased in the past three years. This, of course, is as a direct result of our direct mailing campaigns and support from people like you! We have made a concerted effort to review the administration, finance and editorship of Anglican Life in the last few years. It has been, and will continue to be, an ongoing process so that we might be able to produce the best paper possible. We believe that the results speak for themselves as we publish one of the largest diocesan papers in the Canadian Church. Again, we will continue to seek ways to improve. Anglican Life (as did the former Newfoundland Churchman) has a long history of telling the Good News of what God is doing in our beloved church in our province. Anglicans have many great stories to share. We are blessed that Anglican Life is the means by which we can share our stories with one another and with the wider church. As we begin our 2009 Annual Appeal Campaign, we respectively ask for your support. Your financial commitment ensures that Anglican Life will continue to tell God’s story in our three dioceses for future years to come.
I want to keep Anglican Life alive! Enclosed is my donation to support my church paper AnglicanLife:
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Mail your donation to: The Rt. Rev’d Percy Coffin Western Newfoundland
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Parson Jackson - Part 2 Our History David Davis
The document which is included with this and last issue’s article is set in the year 1707 at the time of the French/ English warfare in Newfoundland in the years leading to the peace of 1713. Raids and counter raids were carried along the coasts of Newfoundland by both countries. It appears from other documents which precede the one below in the Colonial Office papers, Parson Jackson wrote this document to answer the allegations in these letters which have the appearance of a letter writing campaign organized by Mayor Lloyd. The flowing praise for Major Lloyd is too good to be true and it had the negative effect that Parson Jackson, in his reply, has also to be just as praising about him. The story of the officer’s parade on Sunday is a wellknown one, the impetus is blamed on Major Lloyd, those were violent days when soldiers’ lives were short and they lived life to extremes. Mr. Jackson portrays his conduct to the contrary. The business at Benger’s which is the core of the accusation against Mr. Jackson is interesting. Benger and his wife Mary were at that time attempting to claim the Poole plantation in Ferryland which had been settled by the Kirke family on land granted to
George Calvert, Lord Baltimore. From the document it would appear that Benger was a planter and was entertaining other planters including Mr. Jackson. The wine they drank has a story; it had been exchanged for Newfoundland fish in Spain or Portugal then shipped to England and some of it was brought back to Newfoundland to be sold by the planters. This was high quality spirits, meant for the upper classes in England. Everyone was probably happy and what happened about the words that were spoken was probably subject to interpretation depending on your point of view. It appears that the John Davis mentioned may by have enjoyed the excellent wine too much and he was taken advantage of. Such a statement in wartime could be very serious. The officers who heard the matter had little choice but to stand behind Mr. Jackson but it would have done Mr. Jackson little good. In those days a chaplain would have been expected to be a pillar of the established order, anything to do with traitorous statements would be serious.
The Document As usual, the few words in text that could not be transcribed are indicated with the symbol: (?). The reader will find obsolete spellings and some confusion in titles also. 3. And as to the neglect of my Duty in my Pastoral Cure, I take God to witness, I never omitted any part of my duty during my abode amongst them, for when the Officers rioted through the Harbor with their fiddler on purpose to get all the profligate Wretches on Sabbath days to accompany them to break my Congregation, I doubled my diligence & proceeded Three times every Sabbath, twice at ye Church and once at the ffort in hopes to keep the post of Religion and some Christian Decorum amongst them wth I thank God I did, not withstanding this Torrent of Vices to oppose me: But in the last years service it pleased God to afflict me wth Such a Sickness, that I was soon macerated & worne away & contracted in my limb to such a degree that for 4 months together I was not able to rise out of my Bed or feed my self without help, and this they call a neglect of duty when God knows I was more like to dy every day then live in ye Eye of all that saw me, but as soon as it pleased God to renew my Strength, nay, before I was well able, I discharged & performed my duty as formerly with diligence on my side and wth ye approbation of all (as ever I heard) to the contrary and so I continued till Capt Lloyds arrival with his mew Chaplaine to relieve me, to this likewise Cap Moody was a daily Eye witness. 4 As to the last infamous Accusation, that I should at a certain time in the house of one James Benger drank confusion & damnation to Capt Michael Richards attended with Curses, Oaths & I do declare in the presence of God, it is such a Egregious falsehood as ever was invented bu men od devils and this sworn by one John Davis agst me. The business was plainly thus: I was at the said Bengers at a Repast with about twenty Masters and other people and after we had eaten some Bottles of wine were drank and I stay’d about an hour & half with them & having a child to baptise in the Harbor, I went & did my duty there and some time I stay’d there and frome thence I went directly home & returned no more to them, but I must confess it was told me the next day that the said Benger did drink confusion to Capt Richards, and this accusation was brought wth other matters agst the said Benger, before Capt Graydon, then flag in the Harbor, when on Board her majesty’s Ship Bonaventure. I was to hear that tryall agst Benger and then it was fixed up on Benger, and I was accused for being there and did not reprimand him for it and proving my self another place when the words were Spoken both Capt Graydon Capt Richards were satisfied and said they did not believe that I was there and if I had I would have rebuked him for it. That I was cleared then before ye flag & Capt Richards, and was the Capt here I am confident he would attest the same. Now as to John Davis I believe he was at ye meeting at Bengers, being ye finish’d & last time I ever was in his Company who is a poor ignorant fellow, born in that Country & bord up there and how he came to be Master of a ship I know not but alas he knows not the nature of an Oath, and therefor is the more easily impressed on by the Good Majors insinuations to swear agst me but it seems strange that he should pick out this fellow only amongst so many and that no one besides him should (?) up this matter agst me, being above 20 in company: but I know, the Good Majors power is absolute and at pleasure be can frowne those people to act and do as he shall command. And as to cursing & swearing they have trumped up agst me, are those sins they are so addicted to and as it happened, I always reprimanded them for it, and as I thank God I never was guilty of such vaine practices. So it was and I hope ever will be abominable to me . Now all this I have with reason to imagine is by the - ention of a gentleman who has forced the Inhabitants & particularly this John Davis as his Instruments to disgorge his malice agst me per-ding them by this means they will have their fish wch is my real due. Now I pray God give them Grace that they may have a true Sense of this their forgery & lyes, as hainous Sins committed agst God & his Minister, and may they truly repent from it is too late: and so I End these Answers with that (?) praises wch is taught us all, father forgive them for they know not what they do: wch is the harty praise of 1707 March 28th John Jackson Minister
ANGLICANLife
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October 2009
columnist
Stand firm We are not Roman Catholics. We are not members of the Eastern Orthodox Church. We are not Protestants. We are not Congregationalists. We are not Pentecostals. But we are Anglicans. The Anglican Communion is made up of 38 autonomous churches in 161 countries. It is arranged into dioceses, which are the basic units of church administration and governance. The Archbishop of Canterbury, the Lambeth Conference (since 1867), the Anglican Consultative Council (since 1968), and the Primates Meeting (since 1979) are the institutions known as the “Instruments of Unity” of the Anglican Communion. These four institutions hold us together since the Anglican Church has no central government.
The Anglican Communion embraces people of every colour, language, economic and social status, and geographical background throughout the world. It continues to hold in a creative tension a variety of theological positions. In our congregations we have AngloCatholics, Charismatics, Conservatives, Liberals, Naturalists, Supernaturalists as well as Universalists. Anglicanism always allow various viewpoints to co-exist. In the letter of October 14, 2007 to Bishop John Howe of the Diocese of Central Florida, Archbishop Rowam Williams of Canterbury wrote: “... any Diocese compliant with Windsor (Report) remains clearly in communion with Canterbury and the mainstream of the Communion.... The organ of union with the wider Church is
Then and now How things have changed since the 1920’s! Boy, have they ever! Recently I re-discovered an old box where grandfather had kept some of his “business” records. The contents were, to say the least, interesting. First, I found some of his monthly bills and receipts. Just look at some of the prices! Butter (i.e. margarine) 22 cents a pound Biscuits 20 cents a pound Tin of milk (160zs) 12 cents Tin of condensed sweetened milk 18 cents Salt beef 20 cents a pound Sugar 7 cents a pound Sack of flour (98 pounds) $3.60
LeDrew Lumber Company Ltd. Kelligrews, C.B.S. Newfoundland
Phone: 834-2051 Fax: 834-5520 We carry a full line of Building Supplies:
Doors, Wallboard, Paints, Plumbing Supplies and many types of Roofing, Sono-Tube Concrete Forms, Aluminum Doors as well as a full line of
General Electric Products
the Bishop and the Diocese rather than the Provincial structure as such”. If the Diocese is indeed the basic unit of our church, does it mean that the Diocese of New Westminster or the Diocese of Niagara has every right to bless same-sex unions without the approval from our General Synod? It is interesting to note that on June 22, 2009 the Anglican Church in North America (ACNA) was born in Bedford, Texas. ACNA includes Anglican Network in Canada, four dioceses and many parishes that have left the Episcopal Church, the Anglican Mission in the Americas, the Convocation of Anglicans in North America, the Anglican Coalition in Canada, the Reformed Episcopal Church, and the missionary initiatives of Kenya, Uganda, and South
America’s Southern Cone. Also, the American Anglican Council and Forward in Faith North America are founding organizations. ACNA represents about 100,000 Anglicans in 700 parishes. To many Anglicans including Professor J. I. Packer, the formation of ACNA is simply Anglican realignment, not schism. In March 2008, the Rev. Dr. Paul Gibson’s excellent article seemed to favour schisms in the church. But John Calvin (1509-64) did not believe in schisms. After the 2009 General Convention of the American Episcopal Church affirmed same-sex relationships, in his reflections on July 27 Archbishop Rowan Williams suggested two “tracks” of being Anglican - interdependence in the Communion or federal automony (Paragraphs 23,
The Layreader had a servTea (most expensive gro- of them truly loved their ice at 11 a.m. on Sundays. All cery item by far) 60 cents a church. Services were mostly con- the males, all children, and all pound women with small And so it went! families or grown Grandfather bought children attended. a nice rocking chair for At 2 p.m., all we $5.35. And he paid children were off $20.00 for a large field. to Sunday As the church warSchool. The den grandfather took 7:00pm service care of the church inbrought every come and expenses. The healthy soul into church then needed exthe church. tensive repairs, so a colLusty, joyful lection was taken from singing rattled the the settlement and some windows! friends outside. DonaChurch peotions were from 5 cents ple then were to $1.00. Many were “family”. Those low; few near a dollar, with plenty shared but $57.25 was raised. with those who A subsequent “Tea” lacked. Emergen(supper) raised another cies brought $8.30. That covered spontaneous remost of the materials (after all, 1000 shingles for The good old days: An old photograph of unidentified sponse. If a man bethe roof cost only $1.70). young teenagers at Brookland, Bonavista Bay at the came ill, other All labor, of course, G.F.S. camp. Photo: Stella Cumben men, without bewas free. Every ablebodied man in the in the con- ducted by a layreader. Our ing asked, rushed to help, gregation was only too glad to minister, with several churches tending his nets, replenishing devote several days to the re- to serve, long distances apart, his firewood, etc. The women with few passable roads in did the same for ailing sisters. pairs. Though people of those between, came once a month Brotherly/sisterly love- required by Jesus Christ- was times had so little money, most at the best of times.
The Rev. Michael Li
24). The American Church has its supporters in Canada, South Africa, New Zealand, Japan, Brazil, Scotland, Wales, and large sections of the churches in England and Australia. Christianity is one religion among other world religions. Christians are in the minority in today’s world. It is the responsibility of all true believers to bear witness to the truth. Let us be faithful in ministry in the local church. Let us stand firm in the true faith.
columnist
Ronald Clarke
freely, cheerfully given. People then, uneducated and financially poor though they were, lived basically good Christian lives. What about NOW??? What about US??? How much have our priorities changed from theirs? Why can’t God, his church, and our neighbours be our priorities, as well as theirs??? These people had SO LITTLE – we have SO MUCH! Has our SO MUCH ruined our relationship to our God??? And top our neighbours??? With God’s help, you know, we can change our priorities. God wants us to! But, do we really want to change?
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I love my job! Article and Photo by R. John Hounsell-Drover Lieutenant (Navy) Chaplain
“I love my job.” While I was facing some of the greatest physical challenges of my life on Basic Training, those were the words uttered by the Chaplain School’s Commandant every time he was around us. At first I thought he was referring to his role at the school, but now I know exactly what he meant. I too “love my job.” I have had a call to minister to the men and women of our Forces for many years, but shrugged it off as a pipedream. I mostly doubted my own ability to achieve the physical requirements. I denied a real calling. Though I have often said that Padres Baxter Park and Jack Barrett were the ones who convinced me that I could (and should) answer this call, the real answer is CTV News Channel. Every day that I turned on the news to see another soldier killed or injured, another family devastated by their loved one’s call to duty, my heart convicted me more and more: go, serve. And here I am, one of two Chaplains based at 12 Wing Shearwater, one of 17 Chaplains serving CFB Halifax, one of more than 300 Chaplains who answer the motto of our multi-faith branch – “Called to Serve.” I purposely listed myself as “one of…” in order to highlight one of the greatest joys of this calling: I am a part of a team that supports and stands by one another. I am never without resources. I am never alone. Each day is a new adventure. Marriage counselling and preparation, spiritual di-
Petty harbour boat tour
Called to serve: Navy Chaplain the Rev’d Lt. John HounsellDrover (right) shares his experiences of serving God in the Armed Forces. Photo: R. John Hounsell- Drover.
rection, and advising the chain of command as to how we might best help our members and their families in their times of crises make up most of my day. Ceremonies - religious
and military - punctuate the weeks and months as significant events are commemorated and celebrated. On top of all this, I have been able to take part in activities and exercises with the troops by land and sea. (I will have had my first flight in a Sea King by the time you read this.) Do you feel called to support the men and women of our Canadian Forces?
Have you considered becoming a Regular Force or Reserve Chaplain yourself? Contact me - John.HounsellDrover@forces.gc.ca. I may not have all the answers, but I can get them! Have you considered offering support to “The Anglican Bishop Ordinary Trust” through the Anglican Foundation of Canada? This growing Trust fund ensures that we have a Bishop who can provide ongoing support for our more than 80 Anglican Chaplains and the nearly 20,000 Anglicans who form part of the CF family. For more information, please contact The Very Rev’d John Wright at jwright@national.anglican.ca. Have you made the conscious decision to offer up in prayer the women and men of our Canadian Forces and their families? If you or your parish would like a good resource, check out http:// www.anglican.ca/resources/ mps/index.htm. A few months ago, I had the honoured duty to accompany a Commander Officer to the home of a young woman whose father (a member) had died. After absorbing her initial shock and feelings of grief, she turned to me and said, “It means so much to me that you came here in person to tell me. Thank-you.” I freely offer that thanks to God and pass it along to you as you determine how you might best answer the call to support the men and women of our Canadian Forces.
On August 8th, 2009, St George’s Church, Petty Harbour held a boat tour. It was organized by the Vestry and Wardens. It was a cool day, but the fellowship was warm and friendly. A special thank you to fisherman Keith Chafe, Tom Best, Bill Chafe, Harry Everard and Larry Leaman who volunteered their boats, time and fuel. Approximately 70 people purchased tickets and joined in the fun for the two hour tour. As it was during the food fishery some fish were caught, Reverend Barrett was lucky enough to have fresh fish for his supper!!! After the tour some of the church ladies had BBQ’ed hotdogs, hamburgers and soft drinks ready for all! Thank you to everyone for their support, a good time was had by all.......can’t wait for next summer! Submitted by Nancy Bungay.
Terry Caines ordained
30 Roe Avenue, P.O. Box 348, Gander, NL A1V 1W7 Telephone: (709) 651-4100 Fax: (709) 256-2957 email: info@waltershoffe.com
St. Martin’s Cathedral Parish extends congratulations and prayerful encouragement to Rev. Terry Caines who was ordained on Friday, May 1, 2009 at St. Martin’s Cathedral, Gander during the Diocesan Synod. Rev. Caines is currently serving the Parish of Fogo Island East. Photo Credit: Rev. Brian Candow.