Anglican Life September 2009

ANGLICANLife

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September 2009

ANGLICANLife DANCING September 2009

in NEWFOUNDLAND

&

LABRADOR

A Section of the ANGLICANJOURNAL

with the Priests

Dancing for a good cause: On May 8, 2009 at Mile One Centre in St. John’s, eleven Anglican priests and their dance partners took to the floor in a unique twist on Dancing with the Stars. From the foxtrot to the jive to the mamba, the dancing priests – all members of the Anglican Diocese of Eastern Newfoundland and Labrador – mastered the steps and wowed the audience. The sold-out event raised funds for Vibrant Communities which is a growing network of people and partners working together to reduce poverty in the capital region of Newfoundland and Labrador. All photos courtesy of Cousins Photography.

SERVING THE ANGLICAN DIOCESES OF WESTERN NEWFOUNDLAND + CENTRAL NEWFOUNDLAND + EASTERN NEWFOUNDLAND & LABRADOR

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Confirmation in Grand Falls-Windsor

On Sunday, June 21, 2009, at 11 am, St. Alban’s Anglican Church, Grand Falls-Windsor, held a Service of Confirmation.

Ten candidates were presented to the Rt. Rev. Bishop David Torraville. Back row: Jonathon Oldford, Jesse Parsons, Shae-Lynn Pitcher. 2nd last row: Justin Barker, Keirstyn Waye, Kianna Hale, and Bishop David. Front Row: Rev. Charles, Jasmine Rowsell, Lucas Corbin, Dylan Wareham. In Front: Kayla Flood. Congratulations and blessings to all the candidates. St. Alban’s Day was celebrated in the same service with a delicious pot-luck dinner in the church hall following the service. On behalf of the Parish, Karen Torraville presented bibles to the newly-confirmed. The service and fellowship were a blessing and inspiration to all who attended. Submitted by Arch Parsons

St. Matthew’s ACW in Anchor Point and Deadman’s Cove knitted Prayer Shawls for all the residents of the Ivy Durley Place in Flower’s Cove as one of their outreach projects. The shawls were blessed by the rector, the Rev. Jean BrentonHickman at St. Boniface Church, Bear Cove. A social was held at Ivy Durley Place with a visit from Santa, a sing-a-long, and a lunch. Pictured (left to right): Bertha Genge, Sheila Genge, Fran Gros, Rev. Jean Brenton-Hickman, Beatrice Gaulton, Clara Genge, and Winnie George. Submitted by Bertha Genge.

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News & Announcements The Rt. Rev. Cyrus Pitman is pleased to announce the following appointments: The Rev. Sheila White as Priest in Charge of the Parish of All Saints, CBS. The Rev. Mark Janes as Associate Priest of the Parish of All Saints, CBS. The Rev. Shirley Noseworthy as Priest in Charge of the Parish of Harbour Grace .

The Rev. Irene Sutton as Deacon in Charge of the Parish of Southeast Labrador (formerly Battle Hr. & Cartwright) .

The Rev. Juliet Nurse-Dicks as Associate Deacon in the Parish of Southeast Labrador.

The Rev. Nancy March as Associate Deacon in the Parish of the Holy Trinity.

The Rev. Wayne Parsons as Priest in Charge of the Parish of Labrador West.

The Rev. Byron Barter as Priest in Charge of the Parish of Pouch Cove / Torbay.

The Rev. Julie Hiscock to the position of Priest in Charge of the cluster ministry in Churchill Falls and Rigolet for a one-year term.

St Michael and All Angels former servers will be celebrating the passage of 50 years since the Guild’s formation in 1959. This celebration will be observed on Sunday September 27, 2009, as part of the parish’s Patronal festival service. In the afternoon, existing and former guild members will hold a social at Quintana’s Restaurant (upstairs), on Rowan Street in Churchill Park from 2:00 to 5:00pm. Those former servers wishing to attend should contact either of the following no later than September 13: Wayne Green753-9438 o r Harold Laite 722-8076. (Parish of St. Michael & All Angels, St. John’s)

Rev. Dawn Barrett was on the hot-seat when Sandra Nipperal’s grade five class paid a halfhour visit to St. Augustine’s. The nineteen children had carefully prepared their questions in advance, and they asked some interesting ones. Here are some examples: What is the most powerful prayer? How old is the church? Why do all the clergy wear that white thing on their necks? Where does the word “church” come from? Do you really all drink wine here and then drive home? Do ministers have to work hard? (Parish of St. Augustine, Stephenville) St. Augustine’s has, at different times, been present for significant moments in people’s lives. Within the four walls of our church building, we have helped celebrate the birth of your children – baptisms, coming of age – confirmations, two becoming as one – weddings, and we have been present to celebrate a person’s life – funerals.

As a church congregation, we have rejoiced together and we have wept together – all in God’s presence.

On Sunday, May 31 st, a Memorial Hymn Sing was held to help celebrate some of these milestone moments in our lives.

(Parish of St. Augustine, St. John’s) On Sunday May 31, 2009 a Joint Parish Worship was held to celebrate Pentecost Sunday at St. Augustine’s church in New Perlican. It was very uplifting to celebrate with our fellow congregations within the Parish and to feel the work of the Holy Spirit being stirred up inside of us. It was so good to see representation from each of our church families. Many thanks to the Venerable Sandra Tilley for joining us and preaching the sermon. She did a superb

job and made us aware of some issues that we deal with each day within our Parish. (Parish of Heart’s Content) Queen’s College Student.

Holy Trinity will be having a Queen’s College student intern this fall. The student is Madonna Boone from La Scie in the Diocese of Western Newfoundland. Madonna, a retired school teacher, is now entering her last year at Queen’s and was just endorsed by A.C.P.O. Madonna will be with us from September - December.

(Parish of Grand FallsWindsor) Long and Green: We are now in that long and green Church season, called in the BCP “Sundays after Trinity: and in the BAS “Sundays after Pentecost.

The length of it depends on whether Easter is early or late.

Green symbolizes spiritual growth in Christ. (Parish of Fortune-Lamaline) Our Confirmation Candidates need a person in the parish to be a prayer partner for them, someone to uphold them over the summer and fall in prayer.

(Parish of New Hope) This summer we welcomed two visiting choirs: The Gallery Choir of St. Mary Magdalene, Toronto, who are in St. John’s for the Festival 500 celebrations. This choir will be singing at the 11:00 a.m. service on July 12th. St. Matthew’s Men and Boys’ Choir, Ottawa, who are visiting the province to sing in several churches including St. Michael and all Angels, the Cathedral and a number of others in early August.

(Cathedral Parish of St. John the Baptist, St. John’s) As a faith community we recognize and understand that life can be hectic. If you are interested in a time for relaxation and creativity, as a family; if you are interested in thinking about the things that matter to us and to God… Messy Church at All Saints may be for you!

Beginning this fall we will be introducing an alternative worship opportunity for your family. It’s time for a Fresh Expression of Worship. (Parish of All Saints, Conception Bay South) Labrador Anglican Youth Camp: Plans are underway for “Camp Awesome” which will be held at the Labrador Christian See NEWS Continued on Page 5

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September 2009

Canadian Church NEWS BRIEFS Canadian, South African dioceses renew faith covenant

On Palm Sunday, St. Martin’s Cathedral, Gander held a rice brunch to commemorate 50 years of the Primate’s World Relief and Development Fund (PWRDF). Members of the congregation gave a free-will gift and ate a dish of rice, which was prepared by Mr. Claude Brown.

Shown above, Emily Laite enjoys the fellowship and her meal. Photo credit: Stella Walsh.

Activities in Deer Lake Parish Article by The Rev. Canon John Meade Rector

To date, 2009 has been a busy year for parishioners in Deer Lake with our many fellowship and fund-raising events.

It all started in February with the annual ACW Shrove Tuesday Luncheon, a feast of pancakes, sausage and beans.

The ladies followed this up in March with their annual Winter Carnival Fish-n-Brewis Supper. Once again, it was the talk of the town! As well, in March, the Fellowship Committee hosted a Sunday Brunch. The turn out for this event exceeded all expectations.

The Outreach Committee hosted a PWRDF Focus Sunday in April inviting our Dioc-

esan Coordinator to address us during worship followed by a coffee hour. And, the ACW gathered again for their annual Lenten Quiet Day, with Major Oxford as guest speaker, and the Easter Sale & Tea. To wrap up the month of April, Vestry held an old-fashioned Variety Concert comprised of skits and individual and group musical performances. A great time was had by all!

In May, the Outreach Committee treated all our seniors (70+) to a Hot Turkey Dinner and musical entertainment by Gus Adams. Also in May, Vestry held its first Silent Auction. This was a very successful endeavor organized

by Ada Norris and her team of volunteers.

As June came upon us, it seemed time to wind down for

the summer break. But before we could do that, in conjunction with the closing of our Sunday School, the Fellowship Committee hosted a Parish Barbeque. Again, the response exceeded all expectations and a great time was had by all, especially the children.

Also, as this half of the year drew to a close, Vestry held its annual Lasagna Luncheon.

Once again, everyone went away more than satisfied and praising the cooks.

On behalf of the Vestry and Wardens, I gratefully acknowledge the contributions of countless individuals which have made these events such a great success, and sincerely thank them for sharing their gifts and talents and giving their time in support of our ministry here in this place.

The dioceses of Huron and Mthatha, South Africa, have renewed their covenant to continue their “journey together in faith” for another five years.

The diocesan bishop of Huron, Robert Bennett, recently signed the covenant renewal document in the presence of members of the Huron Companionship committee; his South African counterpart, Bishop Sitembele Tobela Mzamane, was to affix his signature when the new suffragan bishop of Huron, Terry Dance, visited Mthatha in June.

The companion relationship between the Huron and Mthatha dioceses began in 2002. The partnership has resulted in projects in the areas of clean water and HIV-AIDS. Exchange visits have also given these Anglicans who come from different continents and cultures a chance “to get to know one another and to better understand each other,” according to Huron Church News, the diocesan newspaper.

The visits have given Huron Anglicans the opportunity to see how the people of Mthatha live their faith, it added. “We have witnessed their joy of worship and thanksgiving that seems primary in the midst of a life that is one of struggle and need.” Prayer support for the people of Mthatha is offered every Sunday morning in Huron congregations.

N.B. parish helps community clean up with buck-abag laundry service Don’t raise an eyebrow when you visit Fredericton, N.B., and someone says, “I’m going to church to do my laundry.”

For a buck-a-bag (big garbage bag), the neighbourhood of Saint John’s now has access to affordable and decent laundry facilities at the basement of Stone (Anglican) Church; soap is provided free of charge. The church decided to open The Stone Laundry after it realized that the neighbourhood has more than its share of low-income apartment buildings without laundry facilities. The parish decided to refit an old kitchen space and opened the laundry facility. The Stone Laundry, which is open three times a week, gets between 60 and 70 clients each week. A volunteer, Capt. Margo Goguen, runs the laundry program and has inspired many others to get involved. Local hotels and motels now donate their used beddings, which the Stone Laundry passes on to its clients.

Anglican Church Women (ACW) members also donate personal hygiene items that are put in packs and made available to anyone who wants one. Next on Capt. Goguen’s list is a plan to offer sewing and mending classes.

The New Brunswick Anglican

Environment-friendly St. Hilda’s gets “green parish” accreditation St. Hilda’s Anglican Church in Sechelt, B.C., has become the first church to become accredited by the diocese of New Westminster as a “green parish.”

The Green Parish Accreditation (GPA) is a new diocesan program that recognizes churches that have demonstrated “a commitment to environmental stewardship.” At its 2006 synod, the diocese had urged its churches to set targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions as part of its commitment to the environment.

“St. Hilda’s has taken several steps to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. These include energy efficient light bulbs, weather stripping on outside doors, insulating hot water pipes and a commitment to replace the old fuel oil furnace with electric heaters,” reported Topic, the diocesan newspaper. The church also practices recycling and water conservation. Other initiatives include the installation of a bike rack to encourage “emissions-free” transportation and planting of native plants. St. Hilda’s has also incorporated environmental themes into its worship and liturgy and dedicated “creation spirituality” Sundays several times a year.

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ANGLICANLife in NEWFOUNDLAND & LABRADOR ANGLICAN LIFE in Newfoundland and Labrador is the newspaper of the Anglican Church in the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador. A co-operative effort of the three Dioceses in Newfoundland and Labrador, it is published monthly, except July and August, with an independent editorial policy.

A section of the Anglican Journal Editor-in-Chief: The Rev’d Sam Rose 45 Tildacane Place Conception Bay South, NL A1X 3C7 (709) 834-9190 (h) Email: samrose@nl.rogers.com Advertising Rates and other information may be obtained from: Bishop Donald Young 34 Fraser Road, Gander, NL, A1V 2E8 Phone: (709) 256-7701 Email: jointcommittee@nfld.net Subscription Rates: Newfoundland and Labrador: $15.00 Outside the province: $20.00 International: $25.00 New subscriptions, cancellations, & changes of address should be sent to: Circulation The Anglican Journal (attn. Bev Murphy) 80 Hayden Street, Toronto, ON, M4Y 3G2 (416) 924-9192 (O) (416) 925-8811 (fax) Email: circulation@national.anglican.ca Each parish is responsible for maintaining its own subscription list - please notify your parish office of any changes. Changes sent to parish offices may take months to take effect. Please also send your updated information to Circulation at the Anglican Journal (above) or to Don Young at 34 Fraser Road, Gander NL A1V 2E8.

Articles and photographs: Send to the Editor-in-Chief (above) Parish Bulletins and Letters to the Editor: Send to the Editor-in-Chief, Sam Rose (address as above). All letters must include the writer’s name, address, and telephone number. Telephone numbers will not be published.

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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.

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Circulation: 22,961

Does size matter?

editorial

There is a little church in ing the institution than on misVictoria, British Columbia sion and reaching new people named St. Saviour’s. It has with the Gospel.

What would happen to the only 40 parishioners and like every church, they struggle to Anglican Church in Newfoundpay the bills while proclaiming land & Labrador if (God forThe Rev. Sam Rose the Gospel. Its diminutive size bid) every building we owned however is vastly overshad- suddenly collapsed tomorrow? owed by a bountiful generos- Would there still be an Angliity. You see, St. Saviour’s can Church in this province?

Church of Canada to be in In the June issue of this 2019. operates the Rainbow Kitchen five days a week, serving hot newspaper, I invited all readSadly, Anglican Life did & nutritious lunches to not receive one single those in need of a helpresponse to that invitaing hand. People tion! Not one letter come to the Rainbow from any lay person or Kitchen to feel supclergy or vestry was ported, included, and sent to this paper. Perto be surrounded by haps we are too people that genuinely scared to dream into care. As their website the future? Maybe we states, between 100 are more worried and 140 people in Vicabout keeping things toria rely on the afloat in our parishes kitchen. Many of than to imagine a these are homeless or church a decade living below the povaway? erty line, and some sufWhich brings me fer from drug addicback to St. Saviour’s tions. in Victoria – the “little Here is an examchurch that could.” ple of how a tiny Here is an example of church can make a a small faith community huge difference. Stathat knows what its tistics say that the avpurpose is. Despite its erage number of peosize, this church has ple in an Anglican gone beyond its means Church on a Sunday and relied completely morning in this country The Rainbow Kitchen of St. Saviour’s on God’s bounty to is 40 people. That Anglican Church in Victoria, BC. Photo by Art reach out and help the makes St. Saviour’s Babych. poor and the an average Anglican marginalized. Instead parish reaching out in above ers to submit their vision for the of worrying about paying the Anglican Church in the next 10 heating bill, St. Saviour’s has average ways.

There is a constant lament years. Our Primate has asked been warmed by the loving that local congregations are all Anglicans two simple ques- presence of God who has igshrinking in size. It is getting tions, “Where is your church nited the hearts of their parishmore difficult to maintain now, and where do you want ioners to respond to the divine buildings and church structures the Anglican Church of call to help bring peace and with fewer people. Perhaps Canada to be in 2019?” Vi- justice to God’s creation. this is the right What is the time for all averamount of age Anglicans to money that think about your church downsizing on spends on itself maintenance and not on the and upsizing on world? Are we mission and so addicted to ministry. Right maintaining the now in Newinstitutional foundland & church that we Labrador there have lost sight are over 280 of why the Anglican church even Church buildexists? ings, not countIn spite of ing parish halls, our sinful ways, rectories, and Young students from Christ Church Cathedral School God will make other facilities. I volunteer at the Rainbow Kitchen one day each week as a way to anwonder how part of their outreach. Photo by Art Babych. nounce His much money Kingdom on goes into the preservation and sion 2019 is a church-wide earth. He can’t wait for us to upkeep of these structures. I exercise to discern, dream, worry about our buildings and expect far more financial re- and decide where we think our own needs, when so many sources are spent on maintain- God wants the Anglican others need Him right now.

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September 2009

bishop’s letter

Calm sea “A calm sea does not make a skilled sailor” –African proverbI have been told too often that men are generally not good at making or keeping doctor’s appointments. The tendency is to ignore a problem in the hope that it will go away. That approach may work for a heat rash but not so for strokes, heart disease or tumours. It becomes more and more difficult to ignore the signs and symptoms and the pain does not go away. There comes a point where decisive steps must be taken to move us from where we thought we were comfortable.

This experience speaks to the dilemma of the Anglican Church of Canada. For years we have been embroiled in

painful contentious issues while at times denying that intervention is necessary. I mean divine intervention wherein only the Creator can cure the creature (the Humpty Dumpty syndrome).

“God moves in a mysterious way his wonders to perform; He plants his footsteps in the sea and rides upon the storm.”

A man found a cocoon of a butterfly. One day as a small opening appeared in the cocoon he sat and watched the butterfly as it struggled to force its body through the little hole.

Then it seemed to stop making any progress. It appeared as if it could go no farther. The man decided to help the butterfly so he took a pair of scissors and snipped off the re-

maining part of the cocoon.

The butterfly emerged easily but it had a swollen body and small shrivelled wings. The man watched the butterfly because he expected that at any moment the wings would enlarge and expand to support the body which would eventually shrink. Neither happened! The butterfly spent the rest of its life crawling around with a swollen body and small wings never being able to fly.

In his kindness and haste the man did not understand that the restricting cocoon and the struggle required for the butterfly to get through the tiny opening was the Creator’s way of forcing fluid from the body of the butterfly into its wings so that it would be ready for flight once it achieved its

freedom from the cocoon.

As ‘our beloved church’ struggles through the ages and all they bring, we are called not necessarily to fix it but to become better disciples, better skilled as the agents of God’s love to a wounded world.

Sometimes struggles are exactly what we need in life. If God allowed us to go through life without obstacles we would be crippled by complacency. We would not be as strong as we are with the challenges. And we would never fly.

I would not suggest that we pray for tough times nor am I saying that what does not kill us can only make us stronger but I do believe that the tough times are where we test our faith and prove our-

New columbarium dedicated Article and Photo by Arthur King

On 23 June 2009, the Right Reverend Cyrus Pitman, Bishop of Eastern Newfoundland and Labrador, dedicated a new columbarium at Forest Road Anglican Cemetery. The ceremony was attended by members and staff of the Anglican Cemetery Committee, representatives of funeral homes, and guests.

Foundation preparation and installation of the 6-ton columbarium was carried out

by Muir’s Marble Works Limited. The Cemetery Committee and staff were responsible for the initial site design, excavation work and landscaping.

Dedication of columbarium June 23,2009: Bishop Cyrus Pitman (center) with Cemetery Committee members (l-r) Doug French , Don Barter, Arthur King ,Harvey Young and Cemetery Supervisor, Clarence Best.

This is the fourth columbarium to be installed at Forest Road Cemetery since October 2000. These granite

structures have 48 enclosed compartments called niches, each of which is designed for above ground interment of

two cremated human remains.

The columbaria, as well as cremation plots in both Forest Road and Kenmount Road cemeteries, meet the increasing need of cremation interment spaces.

Columbarium niches are available for purchase from St. John’s and Mount Pearl funeral homes, or by contacting the Cemetery Supervisor, Clarence Best, at our cemetery offices on Forest Road (phone 576-6150) and Kenmount Road (phone:3646706).

Bishop Percy Coffin Diocese of Western Newfoundland

selves.

“Blind unbelief is sure to err and scan his work in vain;God is his own interpreter and he will make it plain.” Common Praise #546, vv1 and 6.

News Continued from Page 2

Youth Camp from Wednesday, August 19th to Sunday, August 23rd. This year we will be looking at our Patron Saints (those saints our church buildings have been named after an identify who we are as congregations). These lessons combined with swimming, canoeing, camp fires, shopping and other activities make for a great weekend.

There is no cost for this camp (Yes, it is free!) (Parish of Labrador West) Vision 2019: On Sunday, Sept.

13, our parish will be participating in the Primate’s Vision 2019 program. This program looks at where our church has been, where it is now, and where we want it to be in ten years. As part of the celebration we will be having a special thanksgiving for all those who have worked on the Programme Committee in past years as this group comes to an end. (Parish of St. Thomas, St. John’s) 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 and we will offer it here for children 4 to 12 years of age. (Parish of the Good Shepherd, Mount Pearl)

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New church opened on Fogo Island

Celebrating ministry in the Church of God

Celebrating Ministry: The Rev. Joan Coles (right) and Mrs Nina Baldwin (left) preparing to serve the celebration cake.

Article and Photo by Millicent Park

The new Church of the Holy Spirit now serves the people of the Parish of Fogo Island East.

Article and Photo by Benson Hewitt

A loose paraphrase of the opening line of Dickens’s Tale of Two Cities might be ‘It was the saddest of times; it was the happiest of times.’ Such, indeed, might describe the emotions of the parishioners of the Parish of Fogo Island East as they attended the last Eucharist and deconsecration of their churches during the week of 24 May 2009, and the dedication of their new church, the Church of the Holy Spirit, on 31 May. Less than five years ago, under the leadership of the Rev. David Hewitt, and mindful of the Christian’s obligation with respect to stewardship toward our earth’s declining resources, the congregation of Fogo Island East decided, with hardly a naysayer, to close the four churches that made up the parish: St. John the Evangelist, St. Simon’s, St. Augustine’s, and St. Peter’s, and to build a new church in a central location. (It should be noted that the congregation of St. Paul’s, Island Harbour, hitherto and a part of the Parish of Fogo Island West also decided to become a part of the Church of the Holy Spirit.)

The final Eucharist in each of the churches, in which the Bishop, the Rt. Rev. David Torraville attended was an emotional service. People were, it seemed, unusually attentive, and toward the end there were some who wept.

For most, their particular church was full of personal memories. Children had been baptized there, couples had

exchanged marriage vows, there had been burial and requiem services for loved ones And although the celebration was like an ordinary Sunday Eucharist, the congregations in each of the churches were introduced to the unfamiliar – saying goodbye, and thanking God for the ministry of their various churches, and then the final act by their bishop, as he placed his miter on his head and in proper canonical words declared that the churches had reverted to secular status. And yet, as people lingered before departing, there was little doubt that the parishioners of Fogo Island East were a people of faith and hope and had the courage inside each of them to carry on and find a new home in the new Church of the Holy Spirit. Excepting St. Paul’s at Island Harbour, the four churches that formerly made up the Parish of Fogo Island East have been purchased by the Shorefast Foundation, and it seems to be their mandate that these churches will have another life in interesting and innovative ways.

Sunday, May 31st, and the Feast of the Pentecost, was truly a joyous occasion. An overflow congregation gathered for the Morning Eucharist and the dedication of their new church. Taking part in this happy celebration besides their Bishop, Rt. Reverend David Torraville, and their priest, Reverend David Hewitt, were the Right Reverend Percy Coffin, Bishop of the Western Diocese, the Venerable Edward King, Archdeacon of the Western Dio-

cese, and Canon Harold Brown, who in recent years had been Priest – in – charge of this parish. In attendance, but not taking part in the service were Canon James Coffin, and Reverend Perry Cooper, Executive Administer for the Central diocese. It is significant to note that Reverends Hewitt, Coffin, Brown, Archdeacon King, and Bishop Coffin were baptized, confirmed, and received their first communion at the Church of St. John the Evangelist, Barr’d Islands-Joe Batt’s Arm. (Another significant fact worth mentioning was that at the opening of the Church of the Holy Spirit several Sundays previous, the organist at this service was Mrs. Lucy Newman Rowe, who will be celebrating her 99th birthday in October.) During the dedication service, while the congregation sang the hymn, ‘We Love the Place O God,’ the Bishop read appropriate prayers from the chancel, the font, the pulpit, and the altar.

For all present, it was a moving experience.

The service ended with the recessional hymn, ‘The Church’s One Foundation’ and the rafters of this new church vibrated as it might have ‘in days of yore’ as the full choir and congregation lifted their voices in this wellloved hymn, based on that well-known verse of St. Paul’s Epistle to the Ephesians in which he wrote “having been See: New Church for Fogo continued on page 7

On 31 May 31 2009, the Day of Pentecost, a celebration of various ministries took place at St. Nicholas Church, Cox’s Cove. The evening began with a Congregational Dinner followed by a Celebration of Holy Eucharist. The serv-

ice was a huge success with over 100 people receiving recognition for their dedication and commitment to a variety of ministries of the Church. It was an evening of fellowship with delicious food and great music supplied by the two music groups and the St. Nicholas Choir, very much enjoyed by all who attended.

New rector for Grand Bay

May 21, 2009 was a very exciting day for the Parish of Grand Bay. The Rev. Peter Boote was inducted as Rector of the Parish which serves the churches of St. Paul’s Grand Bay, St. John the Evangelist Cape Ray and Holy Trinity, Codroy. During the service of induction, Bishop Coffin, the Rev. Boote, and wardens of the three churches signed the Covenant in Ministry. Pictured (left to right) Front row: Rev. Mary Ann Boote, Rev. Peter Boote, Bishop Coffin. Back row: Archdeacon Ed King and Canon Roberta Woodman. Submitted by Eileen Keeping.

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September 2009

Easter brings new life St. Augustine’s craft

group have fun Article by The Rev. David Pilling Rector

St. Augustine’s Anglican Church on Westerland Road in St. John’s has a very vibrant, happy and productive Craft Group.

Article by Jean Nash Photo by Georgina Short

Rev’d David Burrows, Rector of the Church of the Ascension, gently holds a basket of newly-hatched chicks as he delivers the Easter message of ‘new life” in Christ. As usual, Rev. Burrows has chosen a delightful and memorable way to explain to the eager children that Easter re-

minds us that a new life is being offered to us through Jesus’ Resurrection. Since Easter closely parallels the ‘beginning of springtime’, evidence of new beginnings and new life can be found throughout God’s creation. The Rev’d David went to the barnyard again this year to find his ‘symbol’ and much to the delight of the children, as well as the congregation, he chose the downy chicks.

These ladies meet every Thursday, starting with morning prayers led by Rose Anderson, which includes a devotional reading. They work on crafts until lunchtime, and then enjoy a “Brown Bag Lunch” together. Once a month, they feast on a Pot Luck Meal!

Placemats, Runners, and Casserole Carriers as well as many other items are made,

especially floral arrangements and wreaths for the fall and Christmas. They also do knitting, lots and lots of knitting.

These items are sold at the various Church events on our Craft Tables.

One area of ministry that we are especially pleased with is a Prayer Shawl Ministry that

we started about three years ago. Since its inception, we have knit over one hundred Prayer Shawls and Lap Rugs.

These Shawls are dedicated during the Sunday Morning Service, and then are given to people of the parish as well as any friends who are ill or going through difficult times. The Prayer Shawls and Lap Rugs are given to bring hope, comfort, warmth and a blessing from the church and our church family to each of the recipients.

Shawls and Lap Rugs have also been given to the H. Bliss Murphy Cancer Center and work continues on others for Daffodil Place, as well as continuing this ministry in the Church.

As a Craft Group we have also accepted the ministry of decoration for a variety of Church events.

The fun and fellowship these ladies all share at the Craft Group, as well as the amount of items produced and their outreach ministry is remarkable and a true blessing to our Parish.

New Church for Fogo Continued from page 6

built on the foundations of the apostles and the prophets, Jesus Christ, Himself being the chief cornerstone.” It was a reminder to all present that the church building, however historic or beautiful, that its furnishings and artifacts however personal they might be to some, or memories, however poignant, joyful, or sorrowful, are not the real church.

Alfred, Lord Tennyson in his Idylls of the King wrote, “The old order changeth yielding place to new, and God fulfills Himself in many ways.”

He was saying that the world of nature and man is constantly passing through changes and that change is ever present; such being God’s ruling. Particular systems or states of things pass away and in its place comes something new and it is beyond the power of man to check this change.

Unless we bury our heads in the sand, we are aware that we are living in a period of immense change where powerful new tools are available to even the church which requires new talents and a willingness to accept newer methods of performing our work. Such is the mandate of the Church of the Holy Spirit on Fogo Island.

The Apostle Paul wrote his first letter to the Corinthians in an attempt to restore the Corinthians church to its foundation Jesus Christ. His words seem so applicable to the newly formed congregation of the Holy Spirit on Fogo Island: “You are, I know eager for the gifts of the Spirit; then aspire above all to excel in those which build up the Church.” (I Cor. 14:12)

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Cursillo news

PWRDF outreach at St. Michael’s in Corner Brook

Cursillo 44: Participants gather at the Lavrock Centre for a short course in Christian living Article and Photo by Jouce Bryant & Archdeacon Sandra Tilley

We give God thanks for the Cursillo Movement which just celebrated its 20th anniversary (2008) in the Diocese of Eastern Newfoundland and Labrador. The 44th Cursillo weekend was held at the Lavrock Camp & Conference Center April 30th-May 3rd, 2009. The theme of the weekend was “Less of me”.

The Cursillo community welcomed 15 new Cursillastas bringing the total to 1095 who have completed this short course in Christian living in our Diocese.

The 44th Cursillo weekend certainly proved to be a spirit filled weekend with all of us having the opportunity to grow in our faith. We may very well ask ourselves “why do we

have Cursillo weekends anyway”? The booklet entitled “The Authentic Three Day Weekend” explains it quite effectively: “…The weekend is part of the method which supports active Christian witness. It is summed up in these words: ‘the living out of what is fundamental for being a Christian’. Another way to say this is that Cursillo seeks to enable us to live out our baptismal (and confirmation) vows. As important as the Weekend is, it must never be looked at in isolation.” (p.2) The Anglican Church of Canada offers Cursillo Weekends for active church participants “…to focus on how the resources of our Church invite, strengthen and support our apostleship.” (p. 3) This same booklet says, “…Cursillistas seek more to

serve Christ and His Church, and less the Cursillo Movement.” (p. 18) It is very encouraging as I travel around the Diocese to see so many Cursillistas living out their faith in leadership roles on the parish level. As one of the three spiritual directors of our last weekend (along with Bishop Pitman and Iliffe Shepherd) I witnessed many leaders who live a life of piety, study and action in the Cursillo movement, in parish ministry and throughout the Diocese. I pray that each one of us will continue to live out our Baptismal Covenant at home, at work, in church, in Cursillo and throughout our community and world. May we never forget the words of Jesus “go therefore and make disciples of all nations … and remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

Three new deacons were ordainined at the Cathedral of St. John the baptist in St. John’s by Bishop Cyrus Pitman on 2 July 2009. All three deacons will be serving in parishes in the Diocese of Eastern Newfoundland & Labrador. Pictured (l to r) are: Juliet Nurse-Dicks, Bishop Pitman, Nancy March, and Irene Sutton. Photo by the Editor.

Cindy Turner, standing next to the 50th Anniversary PWRDF banner which was handmade by Linda Temple of Reidville.

Article and Photo by Debbie Ford

The parishioners at St. Michael and All Angels have always graciously responded to the needs of others when called upon to do so, and this Lenten season was no different. Our Outreach Committee and its chair Deanna Renouf designated each Sunday in Lent for a specific cause. Our parish groups (the ACW, Men’s Fellowship, Outreach Committee) hosted very simple, yet have no doubt very delicious luncheons each week. Parishioners give a free will offering in aid of the charity being highlighted on that particular Sunday.

One such charity was the Primate’s World Relief and Development Fund. Cindy Turner, the representative of the PWRDF for the Western Newfoundland Diocese, was guest speaker. The fund is

celebrating its 50th Anniversary this year - a phenomenal achievement made possible by the generosity and compassion of Anglicans all across Canada. The theme of this special anniversary is PWRDF in the World - In Faith. Join Hands. Inspire Hope. Cindy spoke with the children before they proceeded to Sunday School.

Each one eagerly took a PWRDF coin box to fill. She addressed the Congregation with success stories and stories highlighting the need to continue with our contributions and prayers.

Before the service began, we were blessed with the musical talents of our recently formed Guitar Group consisting of Barry Torraville, Andrew Normore, Donna Druggett, and Larry Renouf.

We thank them for sharing their God given gifts with us!

All articles and photos for the November issue of Anglican Life are due to the Editor by:

October 1, 2009

ANGLICANLife

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September 2009

St. Mary’s in the Park Clarenville church takes worship outside

The Rev. Daphne Parsons leads worship for parishioners of St. Mary’s, Clarenville who gathered outdoors at the local park. Photos by Harvey Locke.

Article by Tom Northcott

flies away A few younger children from the congregation played quietly near the shelter. Several well-used walking trails are found in and around the Park. On a number of occasions throughout the service, particularly during the singing, some walkers stopped briefly,

Phillips, a long-time member of St. Mary’s Parish and a choir member, received a liIn July and August, the cence from the Diocese of Clarenville Elizabeth Swan Central Newfoundland to minPark is home to Arts under the ister as a Eucharistic Assistant.

Stars, a series of seven ThursIris was warmly welcomed day evening free arts performinto her new ministry by the ances. On Sunday, 28 June gathered community. Iris was 2009, the park accompanied by her was home to Rev. husband, Weeden Daphne Parsons and her daughter, and the congregaAlexandra. tion of St. Mary’s The fellowship (Clarenville) for continued after the the 11:00 a.m. service with a picnic Service of Holy and games. Tables, Eucharist. taken into the shelter Willing hands earlier, were brought and a little innovaout again as picnic tion made it poslunches magically apsible. Some old peared. Balloons pews were taken were blown up, only out of storage, to be burst soon after brought to the as part of the fun.

Park and set up Most of the games, inside the opengames for children of sided cooking “all ages”, seemed to shelter. Several require lots of running picnic table/bench around. Some old units were also bones hadn’t had moved into the such a workout in shelter. A folding years! table from the It was a wonderchurch functioned ful day. We were a as the altar with Church Family, ensmall stones Three-legged race: Two young girls have fun at the joying our worship, keeping the altar Elizabeth Swan Park in Clarenville. Photos by Harvey enjoying being tocloth and papers Locke. gether. It may have from fluttering been a bit rustic, but around in the little breeze. The listened, and then continued that’s how it all began over choir was there. A member of on. The readings and Rev. 2,000 years ago. the music team from St. Daphne’s brief message, called Mary’s provided the music on attention to the beauty and her piano-accordion. A step- wonder of God’s world - the ladder became a music stand. music did also. Led by the Everything fell into place. choir, the singing was marvelThe shelter was filled to lously robust as it passed out overflowing. Some were even of the shelter and across the sitting in folding camp chairs Park. just outside on the grass. It Rev. Daphne took advanwas a beautiful warm, sunny tage of the beautiful setting to day, and the light wind kept the welcome a new ministry. Iris

New Eucharistic Assistant: Rev. Daphne Parsons presents Iris Phillips with her new licence. (Left to right): Rev. Parsons, Alexandra Phillips, Iris Phillips, and Weeden Phillips. Photos by Harvey Locke.

Saying good-bye to a faithful friend

On Tuesday 14 April 2009, the members of the Ascension A.C.W in Morrisville gathered at the Fire Hall to say goodbye to a long time friend and member Irene Taylor. Irene was a member of the A.C.W. for 67 years. She recently moved to Ontario to live with her daughter. Irene will be greatly missed and we wish her well. Pictured (left to right): First Row: Selina Kendell, Irene Taylor, Harriett Fudge, Reynette.

Second Row: Nettie Kendell, Darlene Brushett, Della Kearley, Ruby Ball, Lucy Ball, Helen Kendell, Kristen Kendell & Audrey Kendell. Photo by Kristen Kendell.

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Happy Retirement Rogation Sunday celebrated

Sonia Leaman (left) and Deacon Jean Janes (right) are retiring after many years of serving the Waterford Hospital.

Article and Photo by The Rev. John Courage

On Trinity Sunday, 7 June 2009 a service of thanksgiving was offered for the ministry of Deacon Jean Janes and Ms Sonya Leaman who have retired after several years at the Waterford Hospital. Rev. Jean and Sonya were faithful the 1st Sunday of each month as worship leaders as well as being faithful in a once a week visitation ministry for

the Anglican Chaplaincy. An appreciation gift was presented to both by Sue Cummings, Manager of Pastoral Care at the Waterford Hospital. The worship was led

by Deacon Dave Cook who has assumed the leadership role in this ministry. Waterford Chaplain, the Rev. Jean Smith and Co-ordinating Chaplain, Father John Courage were also present. A reception for the residents and guests followed.

Article and Photo by Sarah Sharpe

The Church of St. Alban the Martyr at Gooseberry Cove celebrated Rogation Sunday on 24 May 2009.

The service, which was entitled “The Cross and the Net,”

had a fair number of the congregation in attendance. The fisher folk of the community came forward with a flat, their nets, crab traps and some of their fishing gear to receive a special blessing for the day and to celebrate this year’s fishing season.

stewardship

Donor care 101 Earlier this summer, I came across an article by Douglas Flanders, a Director of Major and Planned Gifts for the United Church of Canada, who wrote an article in “Canadian Fundraising & Philanthropy entitled “Donor care 101 for Faith Communities. I’d like to share a brief summary of his thoughts because I felt they were also relevant to us in the Anglican Church. Both the author and the editor have given me permission to do so.

Douglas began by suggesting that Faith communities often neglect their donors. This is not done intentionally. Lack of resources, including administrative support, a lack of organizational focus on good fund raising methodology, a strong sense of privacy about giving, and a low emphasis on donor recognition all play a role.

But he goes on to offer simple ideas that faith communities may do to cultivate better relationships with their donors and still respect cultural norms related to fundraising under which many such groups function.

Database management He suggests that you keep your donor data base up to date and accurate. Include all those who are associated with your group, whether they be active members, occasional participants or those who would look to your group only in times of need.

Follow up with new people and respond to their requests. If someone has attended your place of worship for the first time and given a gift that may be receipted, telephone your thanks. Integrate new people into your database. If you receive new members, ask them

30 Roe Avenue, P.O. Box 348, Gander, NL A1V 1W7 Telephone: (709) 651-4100 Fax: (709) 256-2957 email: info@waltershoffe.com

The Reverend Nelson Chatman delivered a wonderful homily. Assisting him were Reverend Myrna Vey, Deaconess, and Licensed Lay Minister Mr. Jimmy Peddle.

Fisher folk in attendance were Fred and Brenda Smith, Raymond and Mandy Spurrell, and Mr. Joseph Smith who is currently retired from the fishery.

The Gooseberry Cove Women’s Choir was in attendance and accompanied by the organist, Mrs. Vida Chatman. Everyone enjoyed a very moving and memorable occasion.

to indicate how they will support you both financially and otherwise. Do not assume they will do this on their own.

Make it easy for people to give - Many faith groups use weekly offering envelopes. Do you also provide opportunities for automatic bank withdrawals? Post-dated cheques? Credit cards? Tribute gifts? Gifts of publicly listed securities? Online donations?

Weekly envelopes assume weekly attendance, which is no longer the norm for many faith group participants. To use them as your exclusive or primary gift vehicle may preclude other donations.

Develop a “Friends” list for your group - Include people such as non-resident members, former members, children of members, and nonmember volunteers in your community outreach programs.

A personal invitation seeking financial support for a program or project on special occasions or holy days may generate gifts. Thank donors of all gifts by letter; include information on how their gift has been used to effect change.

Consider establishing a bequest giving program Encourage members and friends to remember your

group with a gift through their estate plans. Bequest giving can become a part of your group’s culture through regular communication about the merits of such gifts and the process for making them.

Share information with your donors - Use orders of service, newsletters, annual reports or other forms of internal communication to talk about fundraising and tell your stories: “Because of your gifts, we have been able to do ...” Do not assume supporters know how their gifts are used. Share information with your Vestry about your parish income, its success, and your work in donor cultivation and thanking.

Does every member of your Vestry support you financially?

Encourage gifts in kind.

Does your group need equipment or supplies? Let your donors know; let them know the process to give such gifts and how they may be receipted.

Remember to thank donors - Telephone parishioners to thank them for gift intentions (pledges), for new intentions that come in through the year.

Send a special letter for individual gifts over a certain amount; to local businesses who may support you and to those who for whatever rea-

Kevin Smith

son may not be renewing their financial support. And do not include another ask in your thank you for their most recent gift. Make sure your donors know that you have received their gifts, that you appreciate them and that you have used them wisely for the betterment of your mission.

Mr. Flanders points out that not every suggestion will apply to every situation and some of you are using some of these ideas at present. However, implementing even a few of these suggestions over time should improve your faith group’s level of support.

Some food for thought.

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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September 2009

youth voice

Pop culture & faith

Allison Boone

Part one - Body image Disclaimer: This piece appeared in its original form at http:// generation.anglican.ca It has been modified for length, audience and medium.

Welcome to the first of two articles that will explore the phenomenon of pop culture and how it distracts us from our faith. This first commentary will deal exclusively with pop culture and how it impacts our body image. Next month, I will look at how contemporary idol worship is getting in the way of faith and relationship development.

Ever since Jacob fell in love with Rachel in the Book of Genesis (chapter 29), the battle of beauty over wits has raged on and on. Jacob ended up marrying Leah, but the writer of Genesis says that it was Rachel who was more beautiful. We read that Jacob was deceived by the girls’ fa-

ther into first marrying Leah.

Of course, in Biblical times it wasn’t unusual for a man to have several wives and Jacob was eventually married to Rachel as well. But that is a debate for another time.

The emphasis put on a person’s physical appearance has unfortunately always been immense.

Negative body image has long been a battle fought by women and girls, and many will admit to frequently trying radical methods of weight loss just to look like the people they see in magazines and on television. Pop culture has done nothing to help us in this respect, until fairly recently. In a new ad campaign, Dove Soap

has been making an effort to show what “real” women of the world look like. It emphasizes that wrinkles and folds are okay, even natural and

beautiful.

Of all the people to say something that inspired me, it was Oprah Winfrey! She said

something that really made me think. Oprah has spent a lot of time learning to love the body that God gave her. He gave her the gift of that body, and her body has never stopped working for her, no matter how she’s abused it, with food, with heart and blood pressure medication, or not enough exercise. It has never mattered because her body kept on working for her and for that she is thankful.

In theory, it’s pretty simple: we need to love the bodies we were given - not the ones we wish we had or the ones we think we ought to have. Take care of it. Feel good inside and out. Find the balance in your life that allows for that. Perhaps it is not as

let us pray...

Praying with St. Augustine St. Augustine of Hippo (354-430) is regarded as a remarkable Christian, one of the Church’s leading theologians. His writings have helped shape Western Christianity more than any other, apart from the Bible. In this regard, he is seen as having a negative and damaging influence on the Church, as well as the positive and good.

Augustine spent the latter

part of his life as a monk. In the years following his death, those who wanted to imitate him and keep his spirituality alive formed monastic communities. In time many of them came together as The Order of St Augustine (Augustinians) which continues into the present. The Rule of St Augustine is derived from his teaching and writings.

The ethos behind the Rule reflects the spirituality of St. Augustine and at the centre is an emphasis on love. His constant prayer was “My God, let me know and love you.”

He believed in the pursuit of truth through learning, balanced with the injunction to behave with love towards one another. As he wrote, “nothing conquers except truth and the victory of truth is love.”

For Augustine beauty was paramount and a wonderful virtue of God. His most fa-

easy as it seems.

However, if we ignore all the hype about how skinny some starlet is, or how much weight that singer just put on, we’d be off to a good start.

Celebrities are just people, with their own set of body image issues. Plus there is the added bonus of having it reported all over the planet anytime they overindulge in holiday sweets or handle a breakup by eating to excess.

It was an issue in biblical times, and it’s an issue today, but God is with us now just like he was with Leah when she went unloved by Jacob, so he is with you and me as we struggle to find ourselves amid the pop culture madness. He loves us and wants us to take good care of ourselves. Let Him help you. Our health and our bodies are gifts from God. I think it’s time we treated them that way.

The Rev. Everett Hobbs mous prayer begins, “Late have I loved you, beauty so ancient and so new.” And it goes on, “...you touched me and I burnt for your peace ... on your exceeding great mercy and that alone, rests my hope.” An important expression of beauty was music and he made the observation, “To sing once is to pray twice.”

St. Augustine did not write a particular treatise on prayer but there are many references in his writings to the subject. In one comment on the question, “Why petition

God, as he already knows our needs,” he reflected that prayer helps sort out and clarify our desires to put us in tune with God who is always ready to give but we need a heart to discern.

He was also a great composer of prayers. Another familiar one goes, “Love and do what you like. If you keep silent, keep silent by love ... Let love be rooted in you and from that root nothing but good can grow.”

The best way to pray with St Augustine is to read some of his writings, and the most accessible is The Confessions.

There are a number of books along the line “St Augustine on prayer’, and a number of anthologies with short selections from his writings.

“O Lord, the Light of the minds that know you, the Life of the souls that love you, and the Strength of the hearts that love you: Help us, following the example of your servant. Augustine of Hippo, so to know you that we may truly love you, and so to love you that we may truly serve you, who to serve is perfect freedom.”

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Reaching out to young families in Port de Grave

New lay minister commissioned in Fortune - Lamaline

The Family Life Department of St. Luke’s ACW in Port de Grave held a Little Helper’s Party for children age 5 and under that were baptized in our Church. The children take part in a variety of activities including coloring pictures, playing basketball, and jumping in a bouncy castle. While the children are having fun, it gives the moms and grandmas an opportunity to socialize and mingle with each other. After the playing and socializing, all gathered together to have lunch prepared by the A.C.W. ladies. This year there was nuggets and fries for the children and sandwiches and cookies for the adults. There was a Graduation cake for eight children that were moving on to Kindergarten in the fall. This is only one way that our A.C.W. looks after the youth in our Parish. Article by Stephanie Mercer. Photo by Joyce Morgan.

On Easter Sunday, 12 April 2009, Beverly Buffett was commissioned a Lay Minister and Eucharistic Assistant at All Saints’ Church in the Parish of Fortune-Lamaline. It was a beautiful service and a wonderful way to start a new ministry for the Lord. The Rev. Lochleigh Fiander, who spent time with Beverly preparing her for Lay Ministry, presented her to Rev. Neal Buffett. Then Nicole, Nathan and Nicholas Buffett put the Lay Minster’s stole on their mom. Submitted by the Rev. Neal Buffett.

Straight Talk on church, community, and puddings

On Sunday, 21 June 2009, I attended a Memorial Service and the “Hallowing of Ground” in Upper Island Cove for our nephew, Ryan Coombs, and his friend, Max Antle. It was six months to the day from when both of them fell to their watery grave in a freak ATV accident along the rugged shoreline just beyond the houses.

For six weeks prior to the service my brother-in-law with the help of some friends worked extremely hard to

erect a monument and a memorial garden on top of the cliff overlooking the gulch where the boys went down. To the side is a picture of a cross that has been anchored to the “point” of land that forms one side of the gulch. In another picture you will notice the local fisherman using their small boats to form a cross just beneath the memorial garden.

They also placed a wreath in the water as part of the ceremony. It was a beautiful service led by the Rector of

Upper Island Cove, The Reverend Bill Strong, with about 250 people in attendance.

For close family it was a difficult service since it marked the spot where no bodies have been found. The fact that it was Father’s Day made it no easier on my brother-in-lawsince he raised Ryan as a single parent.

However, this is a story about community. It is not only the story of two families and their loss. It is about a community and a church that

stood behind two of their own.

But by now you are wondering what this has to do with “puddings.” The biggest criticism of the church today is not hypocrisy, but irrelevance (although with careful reflection the two are not all that much separated). Today the Church has to “prove itself.” As the old saying goes, “Proof is in the pudding.”

Here was a service and a need that was met by a community in grief that continues to feel the pain of two of their own. As one of the local fisherman said to another, “We can’t let Terry (my brother-inlaw) down,” – and from that evolved a wonderful service of thanksgiving and commemoration with both the local community and the church standing together in solidarity.

columnist

The Rev. Greg Mercer

That, my dear folks is the nature of the Church. One of the best definitions for church that I have came across in recent years goes something like this: “The Church is a community of BELIEVERS whose way of life TOGETHER is LIVING PROOF of a LOVING God.” We can all tell the difference between a good pudding and a bad pudding. Expect people to judge the Church in the same way.

ANGLICANLife

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September 2009

Parson Jackson - part one Our History David Davis

The document which is included with this and next 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.

The defenses of the fort at St John’s were questionable and the state of the soldier’s discipline was poor. This led to a French attack from Placentia taking the fort with hardly a shot fired in defense.

This humiliation aggravated the bad feelings among the principal people of St John’s such as Thomas Lloyd sometime military command and Parson John Jackson, the fort chaplain who is the author of the document below: a scapegoat was needed for the state of St John’s.

These were days when people spoke in extremes both in public and private and Major Lloyd was a person who aroused the strongest feelings among people. This was an age when leadership saw it as their right to exploit their subordinates for their own benefit, i.e. have them work in the fishery for Mr. Lloyd or be rented to others at Lloyd’s profit. In a sense they were viewed as serfs.

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.

Mr. Jackson’s accusers have hit him hard in questioning his relations with women during the French attack: the term: ‘to the victors belong the spoils’ (of battle) tended to be permission for all sorts of abuses by all sides in combat and after. While Mr. Jackson attempts to refute the accusations and bring forward the husband’s of the women in his defense, his was a difficult situation to deal with. He tries to insert Lloyd in this situation but it just adds to the milling and shouting. If the women thought they would only be safe in the soldier’s barrack then the situation must have been extreme.

The cattle mentioned below cost money and were valuable so who killed them?

Friend or foe, Jackson or Lloyd, etc. was a sore point.

A lot of people had to be fed and some meat was a prized part of the diet.

The Document As usual, the few words in text that could not be transcribed are indicated with the symbol: (?). Some obsolete spellings are also found in the text and confusion of titles: Lieutenant or Captain or Major Lloyd in the same time frame.

An Answer to some certain Accusations of the Inhabitants of St John’s Harbor in Newfoundland against me John Jackson their late Minister & laid before ye Right Hon the Lords Commissioner of Trade and Plantations &c.

My Lords, I am very much concerned (?) I am obliged thus to trouble yr Lordships with answers in Vindication of my Innocency agt. ye Accusations of those I never gave any occasion to be my Enemies. But since I know that Capt. Lloyd leads those people whose Ascendent over them is Such that he frightens them into compliance as he shall direct or even to contradict what they have in compliance formerly attempted, it is no wonder to me to see those poor Wretches prevailed on to do as they have done but this Satisfaction I have that this comes before your Lordships who will impartially judge of all matters: as I never had any Quarrel with any Master of ship, nor with any Inhabitant, no, not an angry word with any of them during all the time I lived with them, so I have just reason to bring what they have alleged agst me is hatched, promoted & carried on by ye good major and his Party &c.

1. As to the Inhumanity & ill usage they charge me with to the Women when they came into the fort during the siege. I Solemnly take God to witness & I was so far from during any uncharitable act to them, that no one commiserated their Condition more than myself being too sensible of their sad treatment by ye Enemy whereupon I took four families into my home and entertained them with all the freedom of my Soul with all sorts of necessarys as I had and with as much as was convenient or sufficient for them, and as long as they dared to stay with me, wch was about 3 weeks, for ye Enemy fired so frequently & thick through ye chambers where they lay that some of them thought convenient to remove into ye Soldiers Barracks for Security and Some Stay’d & to those ye went from me, I frequently sent several quantities of Liquors as Wine, Brandy & Rum as I could spare, they having of the Queen’s provisions to subsist on: in short, I ackwed them with all sorts of necessarys for their backs as linen & clothes, and with all manner of necessarys for their bellys to that degree wthout grudging, that I had not left me to subsist my own family till supply came, that I was obliged to live upon the Queen’s allowance for provisions as well as they, and this is so apparently true that Capt Moody was daily an Eye witness to, and can attest the Same. As to the Womans bed my wife borrowed, the woman and her children lay upon it often as they came into my house, and all ye time they were there and when they went away from us she took her bed along with her, wthout the least interruption. And besides ws very observable that those very women with many more I had relieved came after ye Siege, and in their manner gave me Thanks for my kindnesses to them in relieving them in their distress; and likewise their Husbands, those very men who have put their hands to those Accusations agst me with many more came in a body to my house and gratefully acknowledged my charity and Christian civility I shewed to their Wives during the Siege and told me they would recompense me the next fishing season wch I believe they would have done, had not the Report of Capt Lloyd returning to the country been verified by letters that came before him wch put a stop to all their intended kindnesses towards me and it is not that I demanded, but the Quantity of fish they subscribed to pay me Yearly, wch is now refused me.

2. As to my consenting to kill their cattle after the Siege & sharing in them, I do Solemnly protest, I never knew the Enemy left them any and if the Soldiers did kill any of them, tis more then I was acquainted with directly and indirectly, for as I never knew of, slaughter of any, so never one bit of them came into my house, nor way I’ve partaken of any of them, any other way &c.

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News from Parish of White Bay Gospel Singspiration

First Photo: Daphne Pinksen (left) receiving her eucharistic assistant license from Rev. Hannah Dicks.

Second Photo: (left to right) Rev. Hannah Dicks, Robert Osmond, Robert’s grandfather 99 year old Mr. Hubert Osmond (The oldest member of the Parish), and Robert’s grandmother Mrs. Doris Osmond. Pictures by Tanya Pinksen.

On 23 April 2009, the ACW of St. Michael & All Angels Church, Pollard’s Point, held its first prayer breakfast with each member inviting a friend from the community. The fellowship time and prayer, offering prayer concerns for people and situations in the community, as well as a song and devotion led by Hannah, was so enjoyed and appreciated by all

who came, that another was immediately planned for the next month, with plans to have the prayer breakfast on a more regular basis in the fall.

On May 24th the Parish of White Bay licensed two new Eucharistic Assistants.

Daphne Pinksen, longtime member with the Church of the Transfiguration, Sop’s Arm, was licensed as with that congregation. And Robert

Osmond, a youth from Hampden who has been very active in ministry there as a server since he was 11years old, was licensed as Eucharistic assistant at the Church of the Epiphany, Hampden. The Rev. Dicks and the parish are very pleased that Daphne and Robert have answered this call to new ministry.

On 23 April 2009, the three music groups of St. George’s Anglican Church, Cormack sponsored a ‘Gospel Singspiration’ to raise funds for Daffodil Place in St. John’s. The event was organized by the Wildwood Singers, The Sheppards (Doug & Peggy), and Double Vision. People from Cormack, Howley, Deer Lake, Corner Brook and Cox’s Cove gave of their time, talents and treasures for this worthwhile cause. To date approximately one thousand dollars has been donated. We wish a special thank you to the Town of Cormack for the use of the community centre. In the picture abive, the musical grou[p, The Sheppards (Doug & Peggy) perform. Submitted by Mona Edwards.

columnist

Growing old If you are under 80, don’t bother to read any further!

At last I’ve become and Octogenarian (80 year-old person). Wow! How does one cope with being “old?”

First, you realize that “old age” is truly relative. Eighty years ago people were “old” at fifty, quite “old” at sixty, near the end at 70. Very few lived to be 80 or 90.

Today, thanks to good nutrition, very good medication, and specialized senior’s homes, 80 year-olds are plentiful, 90 year-olds numerous, 100 year-olds all over the place. And, many of these “oldsters” are so alive and active! Being “old” today is not the frightening situation it used to be.

Because I visit several

A NGLICANLife Old L is Lis istting

senior’s homes every week I’m not too concerned about being 80. There are, of course, disadvantages to being “old.” Physical strength lessens and senses dull. “Fun” isn’t as much fun as it used to be. The old memory can become tricky too: you can remember every detail of your youth, but forget what you ate an hour ago. Slow motion is

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Please send this form to: The Circulation Manager, Anglican Journal, 80 Hayden Street, Toronto, Ontario,Canada, M4Y 3G2, attention Beverley Murphy, or send changes to circulation@national.anglican.ca. Please notify your parish of these changes. You may also send changes to Donald Young at the Anglican Life business office, 34 Fraser Road, Gander, NL A1V 2E8.

the way to go!

But, there are definite advantages too. For most of us the long years have brought us to wisdom. We cope with our difficulties because we understand “why” they occur, “how” we can handle them, and “how” to grow stronger because of them.

Blessed are we seniors who believe in Jesus Christ, as so many of us do. Jesus empowers us to evaluate our long lives: to be thankful for our multitude of blessings, to accept our final days, and, above all, to look forward with confidence to our death.

Death for the true believer becomes a “promotion to glory,” as shedding of our weakened bodies, in exchange for that heavenly, spiritual body that lives forever in the presence of God, in the

Ronald Clarke

peace and love and bliss – FOREVERMORE. Being 80 is only another step towards glorious eternity. Wow!

ANGLICANLife

15

September 2009

Labrador women’s fellowship Confirmation in Article and Photo by The Rev. Doreen Penny

This fellowship was a long time coming. As an Anglican community and as members of the church here on coastal Labrador, the time of isolation and separation has long passed for all of us. I think it is very important that we share our gifts, our knowledge and our faith. The seeds have b e e n planted, now we have to nurture them.

John 15 says, “I am the true vine, and my Father is the vine grower ... Every branch that bears fruit he prunes it to make more fruit. I am the Vine, you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing ...

And I appointed you to go and bear fruit, fruit that will last, so that the Father will give you

whatever you ask him in my name. I am giving you these commands so that you may love one another.”

The fellowship was held in Port Hope Simpson, Labrador on 9 May 2009. There were 29 women in all, from the communities of Cartwright, Port Hope Simpson and St. Lewis. The

entire event was uplifting, but especially true regarding the singing. When we sang “How Great Thou Art” and held hands, it was an empowering moment that all of us will take with us on our journeys.

I want to thank the ladies from Cartwright, especially Wanda Cabot, Irene Holwell,

Olive Davis, Judy Pardy, Charlotte Dyson, Linda Pardy and all other ladies who organized and facilitated this event. They really are a wonderful group truly an inspiration! I also want to thank the ladies of St. Lewis and Port Hope Simpson for attending the Women’s fellowship. Thank you to all who brought the wonderful food. We are so grateful.

T h e Ministry Plan put forth by the Anglican Diocese of Eastern Newfoundland and Labrador is entitled “Living our Faith in Action.”

I believe in the Plan and I believe as a group we have to come together to share in hope that it will bear fruit. I want to close with Bishop Pittman’s words from the Ministry Plan: “As we work together to build the Kingdom of God, let us continue to journey, pray and serve together, as we live out our faith in action”

Stephenville

The Parish of St. Augustine’s, Stephenville celebrated the sacrament of confirmation on Sunday 2 November 2008.

Fourteen young people receiving the sacrament were: Sarah Bartlett, Carter Childs, Jeffery Froude, Julia Greenham, Scott Hann, Riersten Harnett, Mark Murrin, Jodi Pike, Kyle Roberts, Shani Smith, Heather Tiller, Brandon Parsons- White. Their companions were: Wally Childs, John Framp and Truman Greenham. The ceremony was officiated by the Rt. Rev. Bishop Percy Coffin and the Rev. Edmond Laldin. We would like to express our sincere thanks to them both. Submitted by Caren Noseworthy.

columnist

Serving others God told Adam not to eat of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil (Genesis 2:16-17). He did not give him the freedom to choose his own way according to his own will.

Adam was not called to choose between two possibilities. God’s command is a command of life, which did not leave Adam to a choice.

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There is only one way for him, the way of obedience to God. Unfortunately Adam chose to disobey God. He lost what he once possessed. He lost the powers of a free will through sin. We, descendants of Adam, need to return to God. Only God can liberate us from our slavery to sin.

In his encounter with the risen Christ, the apostle Paul goes from slavery to freedom.

“It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me” (Galatians 2:20). Thus he speaks of being truly free (Galatians 5:13; 4:4-7). The Christian is free from the guilt of sin because he has experienced God’s forgiveness. He is free from the penalty of sin

because Jesus died for him on the cross. He is free to love others. He is free to serve others.

The night before His crucifixion Jesus washed His disciples’ feet. Jesus, the Master and the Teacher, took the task of a household servant.

Such a humble task told the story of His life and summarized His entire mission. Jesus came to serve; He came to be a slave. We, modern followers of Jesus, are no supermen. We are called to imitate Jesus; we are called to be servants of Jesus.

We are children of God. We should be God’s obedient servants. We should be what God wills us to be. We

are free from the world for God alone. We are free to serve our neighbours. God wants us to live - really live, not just exist and vegetate. We are called to point men and women, boys and girls to the sovereign God who is Lord of history. To point people to God, whether by word or deed, is to serve.

We have been liberated not in order to save ourselves in a non-Christian world, but in order to devote ourselves in serving others. We render people the service of Jesus, which focuses on those who suffer, the underprivileged, the oppressed, those who are handicapped and hindered from living a fully human life.

The Rev. Michael Li

By the grace of God, we are free from our slavery to sin. By the power of God, we are free to obey God. We, drawn out of the darkness to the light, are prepared for every good work in the world. Our Christian calling is constantly tested by our practical concern for our neighbours.

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www.anglicanlife.blogspot.com

Mime youth group tell story without words

Article and Photo by Debbie Ryder

As part of Youth Ministry at Christ Church in Bonavista we have tried to reach out to the community in ways that will attract young people. A Mime Group was formed and over the past year or so have been meeting regularly to practice.

During these meetings we have also had the opportunity to share our trials and joys and also pray for our needs with

each other.

On March 13, the people of Bonavista experienced a unique service presented by the youth and their leaders. The service entitled “Step into the Light” told a story through music of how we are torn between the darkness of the world and the light of Christ.

The characters were mime....some being light mimes (representing Christ) and others were dark mimes (being held by the ways of the

world).

The service was realistic.

We know there are so many temptations to keep us from Christ or draw us away from Christ. It also encouraged those who walk in the light to step out and share it with others. The Lord wants us to go out and “be a light for the whole world” (Matthew 5:14). We pray that our message will reach the hearts of many.

Bishop receives new ring Article by The Very Rev’d Josiah Noel Dean & Rector

On 21 June 2009, the Cathedral Parish of St. John the Baptist in St. John’s, NL presented Bishop C y r u s Pitman with a new ring to replace the one he recently lost.

The gold cabochon amethyst was designed and made by Terrence George of The Golden Tulip in St. John’s.

Amethyst is the traditional stone worn in a bishop’s ring.

There are two engravings on the ring. One side has a spruce twig to represent the Archdeaconry of Labrador.

The spruce twig is the one thing that is common to all geographic areas of Labrador. It

has provided for shelter, transport, fuel, and in an indirect way, food and clothing since the spruce forests became the environment for the wildlife. It was from the spruce that was sawed planks and

timber for canoes, komatiks and houses. The three branches of the spruce twig represent the three races: the Inuit, the Innu, Metis, and the European settlers. The twig is in two sections, or year’s growths. The outer growth is longer than the inner growth. This occurs because in the good growing

years the twig grows longer than in the poor years. Thus, the inner and shorter sprig reminds us of times past, while the longer sprig represents our hope for the future.

The opposite side of the ring has a cod fish engraving to represent the heritage of the Avalon. The harvesting of the cod fish provided the incentive for settlement in early Newfoundland history and was the staple for our economy for centuries. The symbol of the fish was a secret sign used by the early persecuted Christians to designate themselves as believers in Jesus.

The initial letters for the Greek words for “Jesus Christ, God’s Son, Saviour”, spell the Greek word for fish.

Confirmations in Parish of Seal Cove

First Photo at St. Peter’s Wesport, Bishop Coffin confirmed (left to right) Alycia Jacobs, Shania Tywne, and Felisha Pittman. Second Photo at St. Swithun’s Seal Cove (White Bay), (left to right) Ryan Osborne and Joshua Haggstrom were confirmed and Jada Osborne was received into the Anglican Communion from the Roman Catholic Church. Photo credits: Angela Jacobs and Nova Haggstrom.

The Rev. Hubert Coombs Article & Photo by Caren Noseworthy

On Friday 13 February 2009, St Augustine’s Church in Stephenville hosted a celebration dinner (catered by The United Church Group) in honor of the Reverend Hubert Coombs. In attendance were several clergy from the area Mrs. Annie Coombs and husband the Rev. and abroad, including Hubert Coombs Pastor Shawn & Mary Bowers, the Rev. Alexan- was involved in the Bay St. der Daley, the Rev. Gwen But- George area ministering in the ler, Sister Rona O’Gorman, Sis- Correctional Centre, visiting pater Ellen Sullivan, Sister Gladys tients at the Sir Roderick ThoBozec and the Rev. Kathryn mas Hospital as well as the residents of the seniors home in the Eddy.

The Reverend Hubert Stephenville Crossing. He was Coombs was born on 3 August also a part of the local Food 1925 in Head of Bay D’Espoir. Bank. We wish to thank the His first career was a school Rev. Hubert Coombs and his teacher which lasted for thirty- wife, Annie, for their friendship six years and he retired in 1981. and commitment. It was a priviIn 1983 he took up a new lege serving with him during his calling, the priesthood, and was ministry. We wish them good ordained on 29 June 1983. He health and God’s blessings. He returned to Stephenville in 1997 will be greatly missed. and became Honorary Assistant for St. Augustine Parish. He