March 2011

ANGLICANLife

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March 2011

Almighty and merciful God, you hate nothing that you have made and forgive the sins of all who are penitent; create in us new and contrite hearts, so that when we turn to you and confess our sins we may receive your full and perfect forgiveness; through Jesus Christ our Redeemer who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God now and for ever. Amen.

ANGLICANLife A Section of the Anglican Journal

in NEWFOUNDLAND & LABRADOR

March 2011

A Lenten low-carbon diet Bishop Percy Coffin Diocese of Western Newfoundland

Among the many things I like about the Anglican way is the regard it holds for science. Biblical writings took place long before the age of natural science. The writers of these ancient texts may take some credit for the star that pointed to Bethlehem but they lay no claim to discoveries in physics, chemistry or geology or genetics. I like to think of the Bible and science in this manner: Scientist will speak of lunar dust; solar wind and cosmic ray; Of quarks, recessive and dominant genes; vast black hole and DNA. By parable, psalm and miracle; God in Christ resists the foe.

The Bible teaches how to go to heaven; not how the heavens go.

The writers of Holy Scripture likely did not know how the heavens go but they understood the ways of the earth particularly in the way in which the sower plants a seed, waits for it to grow and then reaps the harvest. Our faith ancestors knew how to grow olive trees and grapes

so that they would “have wine to gladden the heart and oil to make a cheerful countenance”. (Psalm 104:15) They knew the need to let the land lie fallow on Sabbath.

They knew enough to preserve a safe place between farm land and flowing streams. Abraham and Lot allowed their flocks to go far afield because the land could not sustain both. They never spent a day in the agricultural college but they knew ecology when they saw it.

Ecology is the interdependence of living organisms and their environment (humans in nature, for example).

We maintain a wholesome balance in this relationship only if we do it right. Insights from Hebrew Scripture might

help us here. We need that help because our current ecological crisis gives testimony to the fact that we have an inability to cope with our own relations to nature and our natural resources.

What can you do about it? Go on a diet...a low-carbon diet. A low-carbon diet means making lifestyle choices that reduce greenhouse gas emissions resulting from energy use. A low carbon diet minimizes the emissions released from the production, packaging, processing, transport, preparation and disposal of food. To reduce your carbon output eat less industrial meat and dairy, eat less industry-produced food in general, eat seasonal, locally grown food, eat less

process and packaged foods and reduce waste from food by selecting smaller portions, recycling and composting.

A steward is one who takes cares of what has been entrusted to him/her. Take care of the earth because it belongs to the Lord. Lent is a time to focus on our relationship with God and all that God provides. Here’s our chance to reflect on how we can care for the environment and our bodies while sacrificing a few comforts. Drive less.

Try a media fast! It can be rewarding to turn off the TV, the computer, the Blackberry etc in favour of a board game with the family. Give up texting in order to detoxify from the virtual world and join the real one. Back off from

Facebook and other forms of social networking for the sake of having time to pray and meditate or do service.

Say “thank you” to the scientist because they hold before us the sad realities that result from our poor sense of stewardship. That’s part of their job. The Bible is about keeping our earthly existence divine, godly or at least human, even humane; using code words like holiness, righteousness and love.

Take care (of the earth).

SERVI NG THE DIO CE SE S OF WEST ERN NEWFO UNDL AND + CENTRAL NEWFO UNDL AND + EAST ERN NEWFO UNDL AND & LABR AD OR VING IOCE CESE SES STE WFOUNDL UNDLAND WFOUNDL UNDLAND ASTE WFOUNDL UNDLAND ABRAD ADOR

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March 2011

ANGLICANLife

The Rev’d George Gardner - part two Founder of the Society of United Fisherman, 1873 Submitted by Norman Hiscock

The Society of Fishermen continually petitioned the government with respect to roads, health care, social benefits, improvement of education, and any other issues that affected the life of the people. It was a leader in this respect and made a difference in the lives of the people.

The focus of the Order as a “benefit’ society has changed in recent years because of the advent of government social programs, improved health care, greater educational opportunities, a vastly improved standard of living, and cultural changes. No longer do members need the historical benefits of money or extensive living support. They do receive support, financially and otherwise, in any emergency, or death. It is worthy to note that the Order has extended its benevolence to the community in terms of financial help to local scholarships in schools, recreation activities, fire departments, churches, local hospitals, community projects, etc. The Order has donated, in recent years, approximately three hundred thousand dollars ($300,000.00) to the Janeway Children’s Hospital Foundation.

During his tenure as Rector of the Mission he traveled thousands of miles by walking, or by horse and carriage in Summer and sleigh in Winter to the four communities in the Mission, where he held meetings, church services, visited the sick and distressed, and worked to establish schools whereby children could learn to read and write.

In addition to his regular duties as a Minister in the Church, he saw to the construction of church buildings at Scilly Cove (Winterton) and New Perlican in 1863, and the following year, one at Heart’s Delight. A new church building was also constructed at Heart’s Content. Realizing the value and the importance of women in the life and welfare of the church, he organized the ladies into an organization called, ‘The Church of England Women’s Association’.

The first such group was organized at Scilly Cove (Winterton) that held its first meeting in May 1876. This was the beginning of what is now called the Anglican Church Women. He was a dedicated priest, who cared deeply about the physical and spiritual welfare of the people.

His parishioners were shocked in 1878 when he tendered his resignation to take up ministerial duties in Canada. One

can but speculate on the reasons for his resignation. Perhaps he just wanted a change, a new environment. Maybe it was to satisfy a thirst for new challenges, or to give vent to an adventurous spirit or just to experience life in a new country. In any event, Rev. George Gardner, his wife, Frances, and their daughter, Isabelle, departed Newfoundland for Canada on July 27, 1878.

Few details are known about the life of Rev. George Gardner after his departure from Newfoundland, because the early records of Lodge No. 1 were lost, the records of the parish at Heart’s Content were lost in a fire, and early Grand Lodge records were destroyed in the great St. John’s fire of 1892. One letter and a few references to him are all that can be found in the records of the Order.

In Canada he first served in a parish in Hampton, New Brunswick. It is known that he was the Rector of a parish in Morris, Manitoba, in 1880, and that he served at Trinity Church, Colbourne, Ontario, from November 14, 1880 to August 31, 1881, and the following year at Thomasburg in the Parish of Roslin. He seems to have vanished after this. In the summer of 1881, the Society, as a testimonial to their founder, sent him thirty-four pounds, twelve shillings and eight pence, with a letter that expressed the high esteem in which he was held. A letter dated June 27, 1881, was duly received from Rev. Gardner, the only correspondence from him known to exist, and as such it is printed here in full.

The minutes of Grand Lodge of March 22, 1891, records that S.U.F. Lodge No. 1 had received a letter from Frances, the wife of Rev. Gardner, advising that he had suffered a stroke the year before, and that they were in needy circumstances. [This letter in all probability was received in mid 1890 but did not get recorded in the Grand Lodge records before its March 1891 meeting.] Grand Lodge sent one hundred dollars. There is no record of where the letter came from, and no other reference of Rev. George can be found in Grand Lodge records. Where he traveled, where he died and where he is buried remains a mystery. Grand Lodge is indebted to Mr. Wallace Pinhorn, who with his colleagues, Doris Gates (Mrs. Peter) Trope, Jim King and Bill

Gardner, continue to work without charge, to seek the solution to that mystery.

It is possible, but inconclusive, that Rev. George Gardner, his wife Frances and daughter Isabelle immigrated to California about 1887 and that they settled in Los Angeles no later than the first half of 1889.

Can one reasonably assume that that is where he died and is buried? If so, when did he die and where is he buried?

Isabelle’s death and burial records have been found, but none for Frances or George.

Why? Were they buried elsewhere? And so the search continues.

Rev. Gardner left a legacy in Newfoundland, a place he loved, and a place he hoped to ‘some day to return’. That was never to be. His legacy lives on in the Society of United Fishermen, in the Anglican Parish of Heart’s Content, in the

Church of England Women’s Association, now the Anglican Church Women, in his work in the relief of poverty, destitution and suffering of the people, his achievements in education, roads, and his Christian work in the Anglican Mission of Heart’s Content. He was a man of great compassion, firm and steady in his principles, a devoted and caring minister of his church, who was loved and respected by all.

In 1973, the 100th Anniversary of the Society of United Fishermen, the Supreme Grand Lodge erected a bronze plaque to honour the legacy of Rev. George Gardner, its founder, and for his Christian work in the Mission. It was installed and dedicated in St. Mary’s Church Anglican Church, Heart’s Content. In 1985 it was destroyed by fire, when the church burned. Also, one thousand dollars

($1,000.00) was donated to Queen’s Theological College in his memory. On November 20, 2010, a replacement granite plaque was unveiled and dedicated by the Rt. Rev. Cyrus Pitman, Bishop of Eastern Newfoundland and Labrador, in the new St. Mary’s Church building. The new plaque contained the same wording as the original. Rev. Frank King, Priest In Charge, conducted the service and the Bishop preached the sermon. A large contingent of the members of the Order, were in attendance.

The plaque was unveiled

by Mr. Frank Piercey, P.M. Lodge No. 1, Mrs. Beverly Canning, Superior Council Vice President, and the Grand Master, Mr. Herman Sooley. It was dedicated by Rt. Rev. Cyrus Pitman, Bishop of Eastern Newfoundland and Labrador.

A donation was made to the Seafarer’s Mission Fund.

Colbourne, Ontario June 27, 1881 My Dear Mr. James, Your letter containing the testimonial and the subscriptions from the Members of the Society of United Fishermen came duly to hand.

Words cannot convey my feelings of thankfulness and gratitude to them for such an unexpected expression of regard accompanied by a handsome sum of money as a tangible proof of the sincerity and good feelings of the donors towards me and while I feel that no services of mine rendered to the Society or any of its members could in any way deserve such recognition for whatever I may have done was only a duty and a pleasure. I appreciate, however, most cordially and thankfully their kind remembrance of an absent Brother.

Will you kindly convey to the members of the Grand Lodge and to the Brethren of all Lodges my sincere thanks and assure them that in all my travels from New Brunswick to the banks of the Red River in the far north west I have never forgotten my old association with the flag of the triangle and the many happy gatherings with the Brethren I enjoyed in dear old Newfoundland. I live in hope that some day I may in God’s good providence, be permitted to meet with you again. In the meantime, I sincerely trust that our Noble Society may flourish and prosper and that our members everywhere will maintain, Faith, Hope and Charity and Religion and that God may shower the blessings of Unity, Peace and Prosperity upon all our Brethren in this world and at last provide them a hopeful retiring place in the Grand and Glorious Lodge above, shall ever be the prayer of yours, Thankful and Faithful Brother George Gardner.

ANGLICANLife

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March 2011

Harbour Grace church gives to women’s shelter Submitted by Robert Lynch

As part of the mission and outreach ministry of St. Paul’s Anglican Church of Harbour Grace members of the St. Paul’s Church family sought a way to contribute to the new women’s shelter in Carbonear.

Vestry discussed ways to contribute and it was decided to have a walk-a-thon in October with a view to raising $1000 to furnish a bedroom. The proceeds from this walk amounted to $2400, this combined with funds from Spiritfest rounded the total amount to $3000.00 The cheque was presented to Krista Foote, shelter supervi-

sor at O’Shaughnessy House, by treasurer Tom Caines at a Christmas Candlelight service held at St. Paul’s Church.

Along with the cheque there was also a framed print presented to be hung in O’Shaughnessy house. The print was donated by a local artist, Pete Sampson, and the framing was donated by Don Regular of Frame It. Both are members of the congregation joining others in this venture.

This presentation is part of the continued support of the shelter for battered women and the vital ministry offered to the women and children of our communities.

Reverend Shirley said, “I would like to acknowledge those who walked for their

efforts, concern and kindness given to this fundraiser. It is only through their caring and the caring of the community at large that we were so successful.”

Gail Tobin Executive Director, Iris Kirby House/ O’Shaughnessy House said “On behalf of the women and children who avail of the critical programs and services offered by O’Shaughnessy House, I would like to extend our deepest appreciation for your recent donation. Reaching out a hand to warm a heart is the spirit that helps grow healthy communities. I thank you most sincerely for your kindness and generosity.”

Reaching our into the Community. On hand for the presentation of a framed print and cheque are (left to right) Krista Foote, shelter supervisor: Reverend Shirley Noseworthy and Parish Treasurer Tom Caines

Bishop of Egypt sends message of hope, appreciation Article by Matthew Davies

[Episcopal News Service] Bishop Mouneer Anis of the Diocese of Egypt has written a letter of appreciation for all the prayers and messages sent from around the world in light of the recent instability and anti-government protests in that country.

“In the midst of the turmoil which Egypt is going through, we have felt that the Lord is very near to us. We have experienced his peace, and we were assured of his protection,” he said, noting that all the churches in the diocese are safe even though the governmentprovided security was withdrawn Jan. 28.

“This assured us that the one who protects the churches is the Lord of the church.”

For just over a week, demonstrators have been protesting the 30-year rule of Egypt’s President Hosni Mubarak who had appeared determined to cling onto power until he announced Feb. 1 that he would not seek re-election when his term ends in November.

With his announcement, Mubarak appointed Ibrahim Soliman as vice president, Anis said. “He has a good reputation among Egyptians,” said Anis in the statement released by the Anglican Communion News Service. “This appointment ruled out the possibility of appointing the president’s son as a successor.”

Mubarak also appointed

Egyptian Bishop Mouneer Anis

Ahmed Shafiq as new prime minister. “He is a very good man and has done a lot of improvement in his previous ministry” as minister of civil aviation, said Anis. “President Mubarak also called for a review for the constitution to allow democracy; he also assured the people that those who were responsible for the violence, destructions, looting, escape of prisoners, etc… will be brought to judgment.”

But Anis’ statement was soon followed by news that violence between thousands of Mubarak supporters and opponents had erupted in Cairo’s Tahrir Square.

Several thousand prisoners have escaped since the protests began on Jan. 25; looters have robbed and set fire to several stores and some hotels have been completely ransacked.

“I was touched to see young adults, Muslims and Christians, guarding the streets, homes, and our churches,” said

Anis. “They did not allow any thieves or looters to come near the area. They also arrested some of those and handed them over to the Army. I applaud our local Egyptian clergy and people who joined the youth in the streets in guarding homes and churches.”

Anis, president bishop of the Episcopal/Anglican Province of Jerusalem and the Middle East, said he “admired all our expatriate clergy and diocesan staff who refused to leave Egypt in order to stay in the midst of the people who decided not to go, even when their embassies encouraged them to leave and provided

airplanes to do so.”

One priest who decided to remain in the country is the Rev. Paul-Gordon Chandler, an Episcopal Church mission partner who has served since 2003 as rector of an international Episcopal church. He told ENS on Jan. 31, “If ever I’ve had a role to play, it’s right now.”

Chandler said he and his wife Lynne are needed as a point of contact for his community in the Maadi district of Cairo and to stand in solidarity with Egyptians friends and colleagues, both Christian and Muslim.

Meanwhile, in Yemen, where similar protests have

been underway, President Ali Abdullah Saleh has said he will step down in 2013 when he completes his current term.

“Egypt is a very important country in the whole of the Middle East, and whatever happens in Egypt affects the rest of the countries,” said Anis, commenting on Saleh’s announcement. “We pray that we can set a good example to the surrounding countries.”

— Matthew Davies is editor and international correspondent for the Episcopal News Service.

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EDITORIAL

ANGLICANLife in NEWFOUNDLAND & LABRADOR

Editor-in-Chief: The Rev’d Sam Rose 8 Croydon Street Paradise, NL A1L 1P7 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.

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ANGLICANLife

Lenten renovation

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

March 2011

Father Sam Rose Editor

I am a huge fan of home renovation shows that you find on television. I have some favorites – “Real Renos” and “Holmes on Homes.” On Holmes on Homes, there is a contractor named Mike Holmes who is hired by clients to fix renovation projects gone wrong.

He comes in and inspects all that other contractors have done wrong in the home and promises to fix their mistakes. His signature catch phrase is “Make it Right.” He often has to tear out all the mistakes made in the building’s structure and start over from the beginning. At the end of the show you see how he has fixed the mistakes and completely renovated the home in order to make it right, as it should have been in the first place.

Renovation is hard work.

It often means having to take what we don’t like and replace it with something bet-

ter. Sometimes it is easier to just build a new home instead of renovating an older one it is often more costly to renovate than starting from scratch.

The Bible speaks of renovation. In Exodus we read of God giving His people the Ten Commandments. Having guided the people under Moses’ leadership out of slavery, into the wilderness, and to the foot of Mount Sinai, God summoned Moses to the top of the mountain.

There God spoke Ten Commandments. We are to have no other God than the Lord God who delivered the Israelites out of slavery. We are not to misuse God’s name.

We are to observe the Sabbath day. We are to honour parents. We are not to kill; not to commit adultery; not to steal; not to tell lies, slander, or speak ill of a neighbour; not to desire or try to take away a neighbour’s house; and not to desire or try to take away a neighbour’s family or possessions.

When God gave these commandments to his people, they were just set free from hundreds of years of captivity in Egypt. If you have been a slave your whole life, when you are granted freedom you often can misuse it. God offered these Ten

Commandments as guidelines for remaining faithful.

They are guideposts for life.

They are God’s recipe for how we can live together in freedom. They are God’s offering in love to people who God knows will wander.

They are the promise that a life of freedom is possible with God. Sometimes we can misuse the Ten Commandments.

Too often they are used to beat people over the head and to pronounce everything that’s wrong with a person or a group or a society. I once heard a famous American televangelist say that because America had abandoned the Ten Commandments, the September 11 terrorist attacks were God’s punishment upon a faithless society. I think that is a gross misuse of the Ten Commandments.

I see the Ten Commandments more of God’s gift to us for helping renovate our lives. When you renovate a home, you need a set of plans or blueprints to make sure the job is done right. The Ten Commandments are a lot like that. They offer us guidelines to live together as faithful members of God’s Continued on page 6 See ‘Renovation’

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March 2011

A very special Anglican Church Women (ACW) installation took place at the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist, Corner Brook on Sunday 6 February 2011.

The National President of the ACW, Mrs. Terri Parrill was present for the installation and presented the new executive with bookmarks and the newly designed ACW pin. Photo – Front left to right – Millicent Sheppard, Connie Lamswood, Terri Parrill, Nellie LeMessurier, Helen Hall; 2 nd row – Barbara Hughes, Greta Barrett, Norma House, Eileen Churchill; 3rd row – Mary Hardy and Dean Michael Rice. Missing – Elaine Thorne, Muriel Randell, Elaine Watton. Submitted

by Patty George.

What is A.W.A.R.E.?

Submitted by Olive Grunert

AWARE stands for Anglican Women, Alive, Renewed and Enriched. At an AWARE event in 2009 a beautiful weekend was held under direction of Emma Marsh. The attendees explored this beautiful story of Mary and Martha with Jesus.

Emma touched our very souls again with her teachings of this wonderful story.

Twenty five beautiful Christian women spent the weekend realizing that in this MARTHA world we most

definitely should become MARYS but we realized that we have to be a little of both.

Sometimes, in our rushed worlds as women, with our own families, aging parents, our jobs and our own spiritual journeys and with trying to function in our parishes we must remember that there is more expected of us than to be fund raising and that we need time for fellowship and learning together.

This is what Jesus would want us to do.

Rev. Dana Mellis used beautiful little tulips planted in separate pots, growing at

different stages to show us that we are not all “at the same place” in our faiths.

Duncan, the Lavrock caretaker, had planted tulip bulbs in pots in the ground, and had just dug them up and laid them on the front steps in this cold May weather. Rev. Dana in her contemplative way, brought these inside and showed us with her teaching that we are all like the plants, some at different stages of our faith, not quite blooming yet, while others are showing color, but then again others are really young yet and explained to us it is alright

that we are at different stages of our faith’s journey and demonstrated the beauty of each one. It was most heart warming and comfortable.

Our workshops were productive as women brought forth their different ideas and questions, we all learned much from that. The prayer time was most sacred and the music lifted our souls in that beautiful country. As we received communion on Sunday morning we had an altar cloth that was inscribed by each woman, most beautiful.

Lavrock offered us, as usual, wonderful meals and

caring and the staff have become precious to us.

Come join us on 4 June 2011 at the Church of the Good Shepherd in Mount Pearl for a one day AWARE event from 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. Women of all faiths are welcome. Lunch will be served.

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

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STEWARDSHIP

Gift of securities Kevin Smith

There are many ways to make a planned gift to your church. One that has grown in significance in recent years is the gift of shares or securities.

When you donate listed securities to your church, you get a tax receipt for the full market value of the gift and pay NO tax on the gain derived from gifting the securities. It is the most tax effective way to make a donation.

One such gift was received in the closing days of 2010. It was a gift of securities from a parishioner of St. Michaels and All Angels in St. John’s. You may

family. It is not so much about not breaking them, but as living faithfully by them.

So instead of having many small gods in our life – the god of money, the god of pleasure, the god of selfishness - we have the freedom of worshipping the one true Lord God Almighty.

Instead of working our fingers to the bone, we have the freedom of a Sabbath rest.

Instead of always comparing

our possessions against our neighbour’s (keeping up with the Jones’ as the expression says), we have the freedom to be content and happy with what we have been blessed with.

Through the Ten Commandments, God is renovating you and me – He allows us to remove the things that are barriers to Him – and offers us the freedom of true worship, true faithfulness, and a true relationship with Him. In short, God is offer-

ing us a better life - a life of blessed freedom. It’s a renovation of our lives and of our relationship with God. Lent is a great time for a personal renovation. What needs renovating in your life?

What are the barriers that keep you from worshipping the Lord your God with your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength?

What would Christ renovate in you?

ANGLICANLife

Kevin Smith is a gift planning consultant for the Anglican Church of Canada. He can be contacted at 739-5667 or k_smith@nf.sympatico.ca

or may not know that St. why would he and his wife sup- people who have devoted their Michael’s is in the process of port the parish at this time? time, talent and treasure to mould St. Michael’s to be the raising $400,000 as part of a George replied: unique parish that it is today. capital campaign to build a With the direction of long new church building. The doterm dedicated rectors, tranor – let’s call him George – ditions were established that for he wants their gift to be continue today and are the anonymous - gave a number reason that many of our paof securities totalling approxirishioners travel long dismately $25,000. Why would tances to worship and find he do that? Because, in his comfort in our midst doing words, it’s a win-win situaGod’s work. Having been a tion. Here’s what he said: member of the parish for “Upon reviewing my most of my life, I recognize various options for payment the value of this ministry. listed in the campaign mateWhen I think about the conrial, I chose Publicly Traded tribution of all the people Securities. This payment type that have come before me, I for anyone who holds shares have a real sense of a reis a win / win situation. Revsponsibility that has been enue Canada some time ago passed to me to carry on into changed the income tax act such that any capital gain Father Sam Rose receives a gift of the future.” from a parishioner through a The current Rector of St. accrued on shares is not sub- $25,000 Planned Gift of Securities Michael & All Angels, Father ject to tax if they are transSam Rose, was obviously deferred to a registered charita“The year 2010 was the lighted. He said: ble organization. The donor “St. Michael’s has been wins (not having to pay tax) 125th anniversary of the Parand the church wins (it will get ish of St. Michael and All An- blessed with innovative leadthe full value of the shares).” gels. Through all those years ership who have, since 1885, I pressed him further. But, there have been thousands of realized that our parish is a

Renovation Continued from page 4

March 2011

unique expression of the Catholic faith. Parishioners consider St. Michael & All Angels not just a church to attend but a family in which they belong. The relocation of our parish family to a new area is our response to God’s call to mission. Our family have been generous in making this transition a reality. This planned gift is one way in which God’s mission can be achieved.”

What a wonderful legacy that George and his wife have left for their parish. Their act of generosity and stewardship is indeed remarkable.

I leave the final words to George: “We need to spread the word of our ministry to new areas and new people and this will happen with the relocation of our new church. I am committed to contribute in any way to make this happen. I have given this contribution at the start of the campaign as it may serve as an encouragement or incentive to others.”

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March 2011

Letter to the Editor The Rev’d Greg Mercer recently (Anglican Life February 2011) presented his impassioned displeasure of a Biblical literalist publication dropped into many mailboxes throughout the Province, that denounced Christmas as Biblically unjustifiable and even pagan in origins: thus true Christians should not celebrate it. I couldn’t help but to connect the whole affair with the recent celebration of Groundhog Day. That might seem to be a strange twist, but hear me out.

Many of our parents would be able to relate to us this old poem, or some closely related version of it: If Candlemas Day is cold and glum, the rest of Winter is yet to come.

If Candlemas Day is fair and fine, the worst of Winter is left behind.

Not that long ago, Candlemas day was what today’s Groundhog Day is, but that the day, in folklore had become a predictor of the weather is not important.

What needs to be noted is that February 2 was known in the mind of the people as Candlemas Day, NOT Groundhog Day. In other words, the day was rooted in Christian memory. Now it has been ‘paganized,’ for no good purposes than a silly news story and mid-winter humor.

Candlemas, in its origins, is rooted in the development of the Church Year. It is exactly forty days after Christmas, and celebrates the Presentation of Christ in the Temple and the Purification of the Virgin Mary. The feast became known as Candlemas after the development of the Blessing of the Candles to be used in the Church for the coming year. This arose from the Gospel reading for the Feast Day where St. Simeon says that Jesus would be, “…a Light to lighten the Gentiles.” Celebrating such an event is of far greater benefit to those of the Christian faith than wondering if a groundhog in the United States will cast a shadow.

I agree with the Biblical Literalists that Christmas is not established by the Scriptures, but because they do not have a developed understanding of the living witness of the Body of Christ, His Church, they cannot understand the validity and importance of the Nativity Feast in the Life of the Church and Christian formation. Any

brief research of the origins of Christmas will reveal that it was a very deliberate placement by the Church of the celebration of the Nativity of Christ at the same time of the Roman Pagan festival of the Sun. Thus Christmas is not a feast of Pagan origins: it is a supreme example of how a Christian Feast can and did replace a pagan feast. The Church Year with its rhythms of Feasts and Fasts developed very quickly throughout Christianity, and for the express purpose of keeping Christ and the Biblical witness in the minds and hearts of those who would come to Christ in and through His Church. Let us understand that when we forget God and His Christ we become pagans, or worst, but when we remember Him we are transformed. Knowing this the Church very deliberately overshadowed a pagan festival with a Christian Festival, and good on the Church!

That being said, the Biblical Literalists are making a good point in noting that Christmas is very quickly becoming pagan, not unlike Candlemas Day is now Groundhog Day. And this is because we are forgetting Christ as revealed in the Church and the Bible. As Anglicans, I believe we must return to the roots of our Biblical and Liturgical witness, to deliberately engage in the Feasts and Fasts of the Church because they help us to remember Christ, and thus be transformed into His likeness, and light.

Rev’d Brian Candow Gander

NEWS FROM ACROSS THE ANGLICAN CHURCH OF CANADA Churches support food co-op

Christian leaders from nine denominations, including Anglican, and one faith-based group have signed a letter of support for a co-operative that will offer local, fresh, low-cost and healthy food in an inner city area in Saskatoon that has not had a grocery store for over a decade.

The church leaders have asked their parishioners to raise $650,000 to build and equip the Good Food Junction co-operative grocery store, which will be located at Station 20 West. “…In Jesus’ ministry, we see his profound concern for those who were in need. He gave dignity to those who were poor, suffering or oppressed,” the leaders said in their letter to parishioners. “He identified himself with those who were hungry or thirsty, saying that whatever we do for those most in need, we do for him…. As his disciples, we have a moral imperative to follow his example.”

They noted that staying healthy is “a challenge for many in the area whose needs are high and whose resources are limited.” The absence of a grocery store, they said, has meant residents in the city’s core neighbourhoods have had no access to healthy, affordable food.

Aside from the Anglican Church of Canada, the other signatories are: Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of Saskatoon, Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon, Mennonite Church Saskatchewan, Religious Society of Friends (Quakers), Presbyterian Church in Canada, Mennonite Central Committee, Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada, United Church of Canada, and Evangelical Ministers Fellowship.

—The Saskatchewan Anglican

Investing in religious heritage

The Anglican diocese of Quebec’s Cathedral of the Holy Trinity and St. James, Hatley, have been granted almost $400,000 through the provincial government’s religious heritage restoration program.

The cathedral will receive $114,446—70 per cent of the amount needed ($163,494) to restore its doors, windows, entrance and masonry work. St. James, Hatley, will receive $280,000— 70 per cent of the amount required to restore its parish hall ($400,000).

The Cathedral of the Holy Trinity, built from 1799 to 1804, is the first Anglican Cathedral to have been built outside the British Isles, and is located near the Chateau Frontenac and the Place d’Armes.

St. James hall, originally built in 1831 as a school house, is the last remaining two-storey wooden school building in Quebec. For 44 years, it has been used as a parish hall, and from 1990 until last summer, its second floor housed the municipal library, in what once were Sunday school classrooms.

The grant will help cover costs of a new roof, restoration of the building’s windows and exterior, and updating of electrical wiring to comply with building code.

Since 1995, the Quebec government, through its Ministry of Culture, Communications and the Status of Women, has invested $6 million in the diocese of Quebec, out of $240 million overall for religious heritage restoration.

—Quebec Diocesan Gazette

Milestone for Inuit community

The Inuit community marked a milestone recently when Aigah Attagutsiak received a license authorizing her to serve as a lay reader in the Anglican diocese of Ottawa.

For the first time, a member of the Inuit community may now serve in a ministry outside the diocese of the Arctic. The hope is that Attagutsiak, rector’s warden for St. Margaret’s Church, Vanier, eventually will be ordained to the diaconate for the diocese of the Arctic and commissioned to serve in the diocese of Ottawa. Ottawa, particularly the Vanier area, is home to the largest settlement of Inuit people outside Nunavut and Nunavik. In 2009, St. Margaret’s Church introduced a regular monthly Inuit service.

—Crosstalk

CHURCH LIFE

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March 2011

ANGLICANLife

Candlemas celebrated on Bell Island Article and Photo by Donna King

To commemorate the Feast of The Presentation of Our Lord in the Temple, also referred to as Candlemas, the Parish of Bell Island held a celebratory weekend. On Friday 28 January 2011, there was a Dinner and Dance at St. Michael’s Parish Hall with a guest speaker in the person of Dr. Myrle Vokey.

Dr. Vokey, who grew up on Bell Island and was a parishioner of St. Cyprian’s Church, reminisced of his childhood days which had the audience rolling in laughter. This was immediately followed by a dance that saw the floor constantly full. There was no doubt in anyone’s mind that a good time was had by all!

On Saturday evening, the parish held a Pot Luck Supper at the Masonic Lodge, which included a “Jail and Bail” activity. Four mem-

bers of the parish were arrested and handcuffed by the local RCMP detachment and put on trial. The judge placed a condition on each of their bail - they had to raise a certain amount of money. In the end, the parish realized a wonderful donation from this fundraising venture. This activity was followed by a delicious meal that was thoroughly enjoyed by everyone.

The parish concluded this wonderful weekend with our weekly Sunday worship service. During the service, candles that were to be used in the church and at home were blessed and the Holy Eucharist celebrated. It was a fitting conclusion to a fantastic weekend of fellowship and friendship. We look forward to participating in similar events in the near future as our parish continues to grow.

Special thanks go to our Priest-in Charge, Father Mark Janes.

Order in the court! Convicted Parishioners of the Parish of Bell Island listen to their sentence handed down by the Judge ‘Hop Sing.’ This was one of many festivities over the Candlemas weekend in which the Parish came together to celebrate the Light of Christ that shines in the world.

A very ‘special’ delivery!

Good Shepherd Parish delivers 4379 diapers to children’s centre Article by Susan Haskell Photo by Leslie Hardy

Christmas came early at the Daybreak Parent Child Centre this year. On December 23, Archdeacon Geoff Peddle, Christopher Fowler, and servers of the Parish of the Good Shepherd made a sizable contribution to the Centre’s Programs.

The collection of 4379 diapers that were delivered that day began in response to the parishes’ recent awareness of diaper need in the community.

A Telegram article inadvertently sparked the outreach initiative when it presented the stark facts on nappy need in this country. Nearly 1 in 5 Canadian mothers report struggling

Happy Bottoms! As part of their outreach in the community, the Parish of the Good Shepherd donated 4379 diapers to the Daybreak Parent & Children Centre. The motivation for this act was a report that said many parents in the St. John’s/Mount Pearl area actually cannot afford diapers for their children resulting in having to re-use soiled diapers.

to provide clean diapers for their babies and have had to cut back on basics such as food, electricity, and child care in order to afford them. Some parents said they have had to resort to using more diaper cream or let their child go without a diaper and prepare for accidents. 29% of moms in diaper need said they let their baby stay in a soiled diaper for a longer period of time and 4% reported cleaning out soiled diapers for reuse.

Daybreak personnel were very appreciative of the pampers and echoed the needs captured in The Telegram report.

The Parish of the Good Shepherd continues to help make happy endings for Moms and Babes with an ongoing collection of diapers at the parish.

Send Anglican Life your parish stories and photos

samrose@nl .rogers.com

ANGLICANLife

March 2011

CHURCH LIFE

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Onward in Mission St. Michael & All Angels launch $400,000 campaign Article by Fr. Sam Rose Photo by Joan Dawe

There have been many significant moments in the history of the Parish of St. Michael & All Angels in St. John’s when members of the parish have ventured to move, to build, to change or to enhance their church buildings and worship space in an effort to shape their facilities to serve the needs of mission. St. Michael’s is in the midst of one of those moments right now. Having sold their former Church and Hall facility last year that has served well for over 50 years, the parish is now embarking on re-locating their Parish Family to a growing new area in the St. John’s/Mount Pearl/Paradise region.

This is being done for the mission that God has given to His Church - to “go into the world and preach the Gospel to the whole creation.” (St. Mark 16.15) Now, more than ever, God is calling His Church to be faithful to this mission.

The estimated budget for this re-location is $2.5 mil-

lion. Some members of the ment of the mortgage and the proximately 3,000 residents Park in Paradise, a commuparish have already pledged maintenance costs. The Dio- in the Mount Carson area and nity of 5000 people, continor donated to this great cese and Cathedral has shown has approved expansion of an ues to expand eastward with project and now they are their support by providing additional 350 homes which plans for additional growth. ready to widen this appeal to the land on Kenmount Road. will accommodate 1000 resi- The parish is walking boldly ahead having recognized the whole parish family. that their destination Therefore the Campaign church in downtown St. “Onward in Mission” was John’s could not meet the launched in January 2011 goal of mission as our at the CLB Armoury in St. congregation aged withJohn’s. Over 125 parishout the vitality of new and ioners came to the special younger families. In addilaunch dinner to learn tion to regular Sunday more about the plans for worship, the new location rebuilding St. Michael’s in will provide opportunia new neighbourhood. In ties to reach out to this addition music was propopulation in new and invided by the CLB Reginovative ways. mental Band and St. The purpose of St. Michael’s Choir.

Michael & All Angels is A campaign goal of to Worship God, Love $400,000 has been estabPeople, and Serve the lished based on a FeasibilWorld. This three-fold ity Study conducted by commitment to worship, Ministry & Money International, a fundraising Onward in Mission. Bishop Cyrus Pitman (left) and Campaign fellowship and outreach firm from Toronto, On- Committee Chairperson Mr. Adrian Heffernan (right) at the launch of has permeated the mission of St. Michael’s since tario.

St. Michael & All Angels Capital Campaign at the CLB Armoury.

1885. It is vital that the The Campaign Comchurch’s ministry grow mittee has carefully considered the costs and potenThe new neighbourhood dents. The City of St. John’s and expand along with the tial revenues including fi- will be an exciting place for is in the process of develop- community it serves. It is fitnancing to make this vision growth and renewal. The ing Kenmount Terrace, a new ting that the parish is reacha reality that is affordable for new church will be sur- sub-division within a half ing out in mission on their the current and future parish- rounded by existing homes kilometre of the new church 125th Anniversary of service ioners of St. Michael & All and new development within location containing 2700 new to God’s world.

Angels. The parish will be three municipalities. The homes, one-third of which actively pursuing additional City of Mount Pearl has de- have already been comrevenue towards the pay- veloped Pearlview with ap- pleted. Finally, Elizabeth

Thank you Dave & Sally Saunders Article & Photo by The Rev’d Betty Harbin

On 23 January 2011, friends and family of Dave and Sally Saunders gathered at St. Edward’s Church in Glovertown to celebrate fifty years of licensed lay ministry for Dave and more than forty years for Sally as church organist.

Diocesan bishop, David Torraville officiated at the service of Holy Eucharist and Mr. Saunders gave a reflection of his call to ministry which began on Flat Island with a birthday gift of a Bible from his sister, Kate.

The Glovertown Community Choir sang two anthems and Dave and Sally’s nieces sang a duet. Their two sons, David and Jason accompanied

their mother on guitar.

The elements for Communion were brought forward by their daughter Paulette and their grandchildren, Jack, Emma, and Nicholas. The scripture readings and the prayers were led by Licensed Lay Ministers of the other congregations of the parish. The congregation was led in the reading of the psalm by Clarence Riggs, himself a Licensed Lay Minister of 65 years. Mr. Riggs also led in the saying of the table grace at the meal which followed. Presentations were made by the Licensed Lay Ministers Association, the Congregation, the ACW and the Choir.

Dave & Sally Saunders are honoured for their longstanding ministry in Glovertown.

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March 2011

ANGLICANLife

Hodges Cove churches thank Igor volunteers Submitted by Sarah Sharpe

On 23 January 2011, St. Mary the Virgin Church in Hodges Cove hosted an Ecumenical Service of Recognition and Prayer for the area churches to thank the groups who volunteered their time during the aftermath of Hurricane Igor.

The service was led by The Rev. Jessie Broaders, on behalf of the Anglican Church and Deacon The Rev. Myrna Vey was also in attendance. The Reverend Robert Tuck represented the United Church. The church was filled to capacity and special quests included the Honorable Ross Wiseman (representing the Government of Newfoundland & Labrador), the Southwest Arm Fire Department and Firettes, the

Hodges Cove Local Service District, the Southwest Arm Lions Club, and a representative of the Clarenville area Coop Supermarket .

Each group and or individual was asked to stand while words of praise and thanksgiving on behalf of the entire community was bestowed. A fireman’s helmet and a wreath were laid in memory of deceased firefighters. The service ended with the blessings of the new fire truck. A social was held at the Lions Club at which attendance was great!

The Hon. Ross Wiseman delivered a wonderful message on behalf of the Government, while Rev. Broaders and Rev. Tuck also praised the fire department and the Lions club for their continued support in the Southwest Arm area.

The Honourable Ross Wiseman (centre), with Fire chiefs David Spurrell (left) and Randell Meadus (right) at the Ecumenical Service St. Mary’s Church, Hodges Cove.

Great Expectations Submitted by Michael Harvey

Across the Anglican Communion on Back to Church Sunday 100,000 Christians had 100,000 invitations accepted but only twenty percent of our congregations actually plucked up the courage to invite. What happened at your church? Do those statistics of 80% not inviting relate to your church?

Here is a learning tool (adapted from the 12 steps of becoming an inviting church) any church leadership team could use to assess how they did in mobilising their congregation to invite and adding those who were invited to our normal congregation on subsequent weeks.

Step One Did you as the church leader manage to get the vision of doubling your congregation across as a compelling vision?

Step Two Did you as the church leader model invitation by inviting someone?

Step Three Did every member of the congregation get a personal invitation from you as the church leader or the leadership team to invite?

Step Four Did we explain the spirituality of friendship?

Step Five Did we use the Power of Story?

Step Six Did we ask God

who He might want us to invite?

Step Seven Did we practice the question would you like to come to church with me?

Step Eight Did we pray as a church?

Step Nine Did the congregation courageously make invitations?

Step Ten Did we walk or drive with our guests to church?

Step Eleven Did we introduce our invited guests to our friends at church?

Step Twelve Did we invite them again the following week?

On scale of 1 to 10 with 1 being poor and 10 being excellent evaluate how things went.

Out of 120 how did you do?

This tool gives you an opportunity to understand the areas in which you can improve in terms of leadership. These twelve questions give us the feedback we need in order to work out a better plan of ac-

The Rev’d Graham M. Hill Nov 12, 1947 – Feb.28, 2010

tion for the next time you attempt a big invitation Sunday.

On your next Invitation Sunday or for Back to Church Sunday in September 2011, I would suggest that you set a very high expectation of actually doubling your congregation and retaining every single invited guest. Now I know you might be thinking that is not going to happen but….“The higher goal has more to do with who you have to become, what your church has to become, how many more people you will have to serve and invite. Everything has to change when you are trying to have a higher goal than a lower goal.”

Set your goals for God high.

If you have a goal for God’s work that is small that may be the result. One of the problems Continued on page 14 See ‘Expectations’

A man so true to God Rev. Graham was a man so true to God Who was faithful and wise I can say this for a fact my friend Because I seen it with my own eyes He truly inspired so many of us As he spoke of God in powerful ways And his congregation listened to his words As he gave God’s name so much praise He would serve God’s people in God’s holy home And he would smile to bring light on God’s word It was his passion and his pride Like nothing I ever heard Holy Communion he loved to perform To show that Jesus is true He done this through the guidance of God For all people like me and you He was always there for all of us Right from the very start His love he has shown all was truly strong Because God’s love filled his heart Poem by Charlotte Dyson

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

ANGLICANLife

March 2011

170th anniversary Article by Clayton Hunt The Coaster

The Anglican Parish of Harbour Breton will celebrate its 170th anniversary in 2011. Doug Wells is the chair of a committee that has been formed to organize several activities that will be held later this year to celebrate the special year for the parish.

Wells said that it is through the writings of Reverend Phillip Tocque (18141899) that the committee was able to obtain details on the first Anglican Church in Harbour Breton and the early clergy. The first church built in the community in 1841 was 45 feet by 25 feet and could seat 250 people. This church was referred to as the ‘Cathedral Church’ of Fortune Bay. The Harbour Breton Parish at this time included communities all along the Fortune Bay North shore area.

The parish was reduced in size in 1872 when Belleoram became a separate charge.

Further restructuring of the parish occurred over the years and before resettlement the communities of Jersey Harbour, Sagona Island, Little Bay West, Red Cove, Great Harbour, Brunette Island and Bay D’ Leau Island were a part of the Harbour Breton Parish. Today only four communities are included in the Harbour Breton Parish - Harbour Breton, Wreck Cove, Boxey and Coomb’s Cove.

Each community in the parish has its own church St. Bartholomew’s, Harbour Breton; All Saints, Wreck Cove; St. John the Evangelist,

Boxey and Holy Trinity, Coomb’s Cove. The oldest church in the parish is Holy Trinity, which is over 100 years old. The present church at Boxey was brought to the community in 1971 from the resettled community of Jersey Harbour.

Approximately 30 ministers have served the parish since the early 1840s.Two of the longest serving ministers were Rev. William K. White who served from1854 to 1886 and Rev H. MacKay who was the minister from1923 to 1947. The current minister serving the parish is Rev. Juanita Freeman who began her ministry with the parish in 2010.

Rev. Juanita said, “We’re certainly looking forward to learning about who we were and in celebrating who we are today.

“Our history is so rich and there are so many places that have been a part of this great parish. Although those places were lost because of the resettlement program we still see the names being carried forward here today because the names, even though they are from other places, are still with us.

“This anniversary is very special in the way it will help us acknowledge those people and the strong efforts they put into building the parish as a whole.”

While details of the celebrations to mark the special year for the parish have to be finalized, Wells said that there will be special services and activities held in the parish throughout the year with the main celebration being held in Harbour Breton from August 19 to 22, 2011.

Anglican Fellowship of Prayer Diocese of Central Newfoundland is sponsoring a

LENTEN RETREAT at St. Catherine Renewal Centre Grand Falls-Windsor

APRIL 5 TO 7, 2011 Retreat Leader: Rev. John Watton Rector St. Martin’s Cathedral

COST: $75.00 (Includes meals from noon on 5th to noon on 7th) Apply to: Synod Office: Rev. Perry Cooper 34 Fraser Road Gander, NL A1V 2E8 email: executive@nfld.net

11

St. Luke’s Home volunteers honoured

Meryl and Marilyn Vokey were recognized by Anglican Homes Inc. for their volunteer contributions to Saint Luke’s Homes. The Vokeys have organized and performed in ten annual “Old Fashion Christmas” concerts. The proceeds from these concerts, about $100,000, helped purchase buses in 2001 and 2010. Robert Sexty (right), Anglican Homes Board chair, is pictured with the Vokeys who were presented with a DVD of concert appearances. Photo credit: Sandra Piercey. Submitted by Robert W. Sexty.

OUR HISTORY

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March 2011

John Leigh, 1822 (part two) John Leigh is well known in Newfoundland, on the positive side, for his vocabulary of the Beothuk aboriginal people and his reconstruction of the parish registers of Twillingate which are found in the same correspondence file as the document in this article comes from. On the negative side, he was presiding with Captain David Buchan in the Surrogate Court when the notorious Butler and Landrigan cases came before the court. By subjecting these people to severe corporal punishment Mr. Leigh and Captain Buchan sank into the emerging Newfoundland political environment and found a question mark placed after their names. Any reader interested in the Beothuk vocabulary can look at the article on John Leigh in the Dictionary of Canadian Biography on the internet by doing a Google search naming the dictionary and then follow the links offered. Mr. Leigh appeared in two previous articles in this series: in April 2008 (the price of provisions in Newfoundland) and February 2008 (life in Twillingate). We will see a theme from this last article repeated later in this article.

Readers should have the usual warning that because some words in the text of the article are missing due mainly to damage to the microfilm on which document is available in Newfoundland and Mr. Leigh’s habit of jumping from one topic to another with little connections in his letter, it is not always easy to follow his thread of his thought. However, this document is one of the largest from a missionary in Newfoundland discussing issues of importance to the church so the writer will devote three articles to it. Readers might want to save the previous articles to help make sense of the current one(s).

The church in Newfoundland had laboured under a severe disability for many years; the lack of any oversight or leadership position to make the church operations more effective. Also, it was exceedingly difficult to find missionaries and to hold them, for any length of time. The first step in this process was appointing a visiting missionary as is noted in the text. This position would be a traveling supervisory position such as was used for many years in education in Newfoundland, a combination of an inspector of work and a resource person for improved work.

When we began the first part of this document in the last article, we found Mr. Leigh had

been appointed Ecclesiastical Commissary for Newfoundland; the somewhat vague “visiting missionary” has been given more substance. He has been made a sort of an assistant bishop reporting to the Bishop of Nova Scotia. But as one would expect, the appointment has made him none too popular among his colleagues in the church. Accusations are being hurled at Mr. Leigh, or maybe he thinks they are being cast at him. Now with the prospect of higher positions being created, there is space in the church in Newfoundland for clerical advancement. However, his appointment was one small step that led to Aubrey Spencer’s appointment as Bishop of Newfoundland later.

A very interesting historical note is the statement by Mr. Leigh that there were three Catholic priests stationed at Harbour Grace at this time. He was feeling out gunned and so he raises the need for another priest to support him; one to travel and one to stay home in turns. The church was often too dependent on/too close to the government both in London and St John’s: the results on the ground did not make for a vibrant church.

Another aspect of the same issue is the incident of Mr. Williams and the funeral. Mr. Leigh is getting hammered from all sides. The issues of Mr. Pickavant being an ordained minister and Mr. Williams’ being something like a lay reader, ordained vs. not ordained has always been a problem. John Pickavant was twenty years a Methodist missionary and one of the leaders of the Methodist church in Newfoundland. The note about Methodist missionaries being ordained by the Bishop of London probably comes from Laurence Coughlin.

He came to Conception Bay in the previous century, was a follower of the Wesley brothers and had been ordained by the Bishop of London and sent to Newfoundland at the request of John Wesley who probably had lots of contacts in the Church of England.

At the end of this part of his report Mr. Leigh summarizes the persons who need the support of the society such as Mrs. Lampen who might be indigent without her husband’s salary but usually the society was reluctant to do this. Also noted are the needs of school masters and catechists and their situation with the lack of priests and signs of church and school development in Conception Bay.

ANGLICANLife

David Davis

The Document Due to the missing word(s) the symbol “. . .” has been used to mark the gaps.

Harbor Grace 12 January 1822 My Dear Sir: (Continued from the last issue) July 30 1819 / more . . . has been inserted .beyond necessity my reason was ill health and the want of all medical assistance. I was extremely sorry to have been obliged to trespass so long on your time, but under the present impressions in some people’s that I have been the sole cause of Mr. Carrington’s not getting the same addition as the rest, that I have been putting myself to the Society for the purpose of assuming the office of Rural Dean, by stating that I had established a National School, that I have made an improper use of . . . to . . . , any assertions to be. must be in a great measure abortive - and until some reproduction of the two first accusations reaches me, that I will give publicity to, and a statement also that I recommended the person living at St John’s for the office of rural dean, is in vain for me to attempt calling a public meeting at St John’s for the . . . Society for . . . knowledge - I ask for nothing, but what you will I think allow, I am entitled to - The Catholics too are not over pleased with my remarking their advantages from the residence of their ordinaries in the Country - no communication relative to them from any missionary should ever be published in the Report, particularly in a Country like this, where they are few to one protestant, and scarce ever let any rematch that they may imagine has a tendency to infringe upon, and counteract their very overwhelming power to . . . by with impunity - in future, I will take your advice and draw up my report myself when you can always curtail it as much as you please, and if I have anything I wish to communicate to you privately, I can do it by letter accompanying the Report - Mr. Williams made a report to me on his having met with considerable . . . in preforming the Services of the Church, and in one case when he was about to bury a corpse on Sunday the 29th Octr, I lament that this should be the second complaint of this kind that I have been obliged to mention I have not put it into the report because I wish first to sift it & examine some people who attended the funeral I will then send you an official report on it - Mr. Williams states this “he attended the funeral at the request of, and with the Grandfather of the deceased, who had the management of the funeral - that he had finished the evening Service of the Church, when Mr. Pickavant, a dissenting Minister entered, and ordered him to desist, that he Mr. P asked him if he would think of hindering a useful extempore sermon, to his Mr. Williams reading one, Mr. P preached the Sermon, & Mr. W was about to inter the corpse, when Mr. P said he would do it, as Mr. W was no ordained Minister, but that he was - and did therefore inter the corpse - the Grandfather in consequence would not go to the . . . I have since heard Mr. Pickavant’s conduct was very reprehensible indeed - I will sift it thoroughly & let you know in the Spring, the Dissenters oppose us, and interfere with our flocks more than the Catholics for the mean time something might be said, with effect too. relative to their not only being blessed by the Bishop, but as to their being ordained by the Bishop of London which some have asserted - I would very strongly recommend the Society to appoint two missionaries in this bay altho’ the inhabitants of Carbonear failed in some measure in complying the terms entered in by them - There are many individuals amongst them whose spirited and zealous conduct in the cause cannot be too highly eulogised, & they should not be entirely deserted, besides two . . . together of course much cheaper, than separately, and be more careful, and one can always be home whilst the other is visiting but then only one in each case should be a married man - All three Catholic Priests live here together, and visit the different outharbors in the Bay - I...missionary out that all the Catechists & Schoolmasters expect that they are to keep the Sunday School gratis, therefore the 4th Resolution proposed by me should be altered, and instead of the words “instruct three poor children at least gratis” the following should be inserted “we teach the children gratis.” - because if the resolutions should come out & that resolution appear, those Catechists already employed, will discontinue what they without hesitation now perform - The Catholics I hear have a school master appointed for this place with a salary of £80 p, a. house fuel. I have been induced to ask for a donation for the widow of Mr. Lampen in consideration of his long service & in case the Society could not grant such, may she draw for the whole year’s Salary, her husband having died in August after the commencement of the last half year - His family have given up a number of useful things in the Schoolroom which were private property.

By reference to Louis’s Map you will find Bay Roberts lays about so from Harbor Grace 12 Miles, and Bareneed lays about 4 miles thence Southward, it is not drawn on the Map, but it is close to Port de Grave - Brigus lies about 6 Miles to the So. of that - I believed I marked all the places on the Map. I left with you as having places of worship built - At Bearneed there is a very neat Church built by the inhabitants - James Miner Harris has been performing the duties of a School master and Catechist at Brigus the last 12 months under the promise that if he behaved well he would be adopted & I understand he was, . . . within the Report, he has been dead some years - . . . Mr. Harris has drawn for his salary before I discovered his name was not in the Report, I hope it will be paid as he will be distressed without it -

ANGLICANLife

March 2011

STRAIGHT TALK

13

The loss of a child The Rev. Greg Mercer

It has often been said that life is full of losses, one after another. From the time we are born until the time we die, life is more or less perpetual grief with an equal proportion of joy and laughter mixed in to keep us this side of sanity. It begins with the loss of infancy, childhood and then the devastating news that Santa Clause isn’t real.

Then we lose our friends and probably a job. Moving away from family isn’t easy either – homesick for some, empty nest syndrome for others.

Divorce is a difficult loss and for others it might be the loss of mobility or some other bodily function: hearing, eyesight, etc. The death of a sibling or a parent is particularly

difficult, especially when they die young leaving a young family behind. But professionals tell us that none is so great as losing a child, no matter if that child is one year old or 50 years old, or if the child dies because of natural causes or some tragedy. Circumstances may complicate matters but it is still your child and your children are not supposed to die before you.

There is something unnatural about that, isn’t it? But then again life can be terribly unfair sometimes.

I speak as one who has lost a child. She was born with an incurable genetic disease and a prognosis of just a few years to live. Oh, the tears that flowed and the gutwrenching sickness that hit us when we first heard the news.

And may I add stayed with us for quite some time. For many years if we smiled at all it was often pretence. She was also a special needs child which complicated things. It has been almost twenty years now since we laid her to rest.

She was a beautiful little blond only 7 years and 8 months

old.

You are terribly alone during those years. It seems like the world just carries on while you remain stuck in your grief.

At times you just feel like hollowing out, “Does anyone care?” Friends are great and they try their best but they don’t always know what to say and sometimes in their effort to be kind and comforting often say the wrong thing. “I lost my husband last year and I know what you are going through.” With all due respect, and I realize that the loss of a spouse or a parent is not easy, but it just doesn’t compare to losing a child. I have spoken with and counselled others who have lost children, some stuck in perpetual grief and their horror sometimes is what others say to them, things like, “It’s time to get on with your life”, or, “you have other children.”

Now folks let’s STOP there for a moment because I have to say a word in defence of those who have lost a child. First of all you don’t tell them to get on with their life.

And secondly, they don’t need

to be reminded that they have other children as if to say they are being neglected or that focusing on them will help the pain. Moreover, regardless of how many other children you have, or how much you love them, it doesn’t replace the one you have lost.

Grief is very individualistic. It varies from person to person, and how one person responds to tragedy is natural for that person regardless of what others may think. In fact, grief is so personal I wouldn’t be able to say to another parent who has lost a child, “I know what you are going through.” The best that I can do, having been through the experience, is to be an empathetic listener and to offer some hope, and then probably to suggest some small steps as a means of dealing with the hurdles that stand in their way. And we have to stop trying to get back to being normal again, whatever that may have been. Grief will eventually lead you to a new norm but it will be a rocky road ahead.

For those of you who are

What is the Christingale?

reading this and have lost a child I encourage you to work on keeping the faith because if you lose your faith then you are dealing with a double tragedy. It is not easy; I attest to that. More than once God was at the runt of my anger.

But I can truly say that it was faith that bore the load and through the whole grief process have blossomed into a much more mature faith. And so be patient with yourself and keep praying. And seek out the support of a faith community. It will be difficult at times, singing those old hymns while still feeling empty inside.

You can be sure it will resurrect a few uncomfortable feelings and probably sprout a fountain of tears — but it will be worth it. The wonderful thing about a faith community is that everyone has experienced loss to some degree or another, even if it is not your loss.

Grief is God’s mechanism for coping with loss. The faith community is but a means to offer that grief back to God through a shared response.

Article by Susan Haskell

Christingle simply means “Christ light.” Many churches all over the world make christingles as a reminder that Christ is the light who came into the world at Christmas. Families gathered at the Church of the Good Shepherd on January 16th were also treated to the tasty and symbolic message of the Christingle during a special morning service.

Having its origins in the Moravian Church, the Christingle service is a fun, inspiring, and unique way to express the Christian message to children and families.

The Christingle orange represents the world and the red

Photo by Joe O’ Quinn

ribbon tied around it represents the blood of Jesus which was shed for us so that our sins may be forgiven. The fruits and sweets on the four skewers represent God’s gifts to us, the fruits of the earth, and the four seasons. The lighted candle in the centre represents Christ – the light of the world.

Round orange, round orange, you serve as a sign , That God made the round world with purpose divine.

Red ribbon, you tell of the bloodshed and pain. Which led to forgiveness when Jesus was slain.

Ripe fruits, freely given, this truth you recall, When God hands out presents they’re meant for us all.

Bright candle, the message you carry is clear, The true light from God found a home with us here.

Christingle, Christingle, shine out in the night To kindle among us the marvellous light.

The power of love is always the same: Be glad, give thanks, rejoice in God’s name.

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A kind of ministry Ronald Clarke

In the early 1970’s (about 40 years ago), I was asked to write a column for our church paper, then called, and now fondly remembered as, The Churchman.

As a university graduate, though, I didn’t consider myself a particularly good writer.

I honestly didn’t believe I could produce material that would interest people all over Newfoundland and Labrador. So, I declined.

A good priest, however, put me on the spot. He solemnly reminded me that this could be a real ministry for Jesus Christ.

“Try it,” he urged, “and with

God’s grace you can do more than you can ask or imagine.”

So I did try.

Eventually I discovered he was right. By God’s grace the column reached thousands of homes in Newfoundland and Labrador. Kindly people assured me that the column helped, and sometimes inspired, them.

Without a whit of false modesty I must give all the credit and the “glory to God.” Every month I’ve prayed for inspiration, and God always gives it. I am only the medium through which he works.

Recently, Bishop Pitman presented me with a Diocesan Award of Merit. Am I that “good”? Not at all!

Anybody, everybody can do great things to the glory of God. All we have to do is to be willing to do work for him.

We listen; he guides, and provides. With God’s help success is completely assured!

God bless you all!

Award of Merit. Canon Gerald Brown (left) and Mr. Ronald Clarke (right) recently received the Diocesan Award of Merit from Bishop Pitman at the Anglican Cathedral of St. John the Baptist on 16 January 2010. Photo by the Editor.

Expectations

Be a rebel Allison Billard

I always wanted to the rebellious type. As a child, I wished with all my might to have the courage to do something “wild”. Looking back I don’t really know what that might have been, but I really wanted to be bad.

But, alas, I just didn’t have it in me. I was too afraid of the consequences to try and break the rules. I saw other kids around me doing things I thought were so cool (probably not so cool in the rational light of semi-adulthood) and I just wanted to be like them. But that wasn’t their point, right? They were rebelling against authority to stand out and be unique. They didn’t want anyone copying

them.

That’s not to say I didn’t behave inappropriately at times and get myself in trouble because all children do at some point. But I wasn’t very courageous, and when I got in trouble I more often than not started to cry and apologize profusely.

But now I know where this desire to rebel comes from.

As Christians we’re called to rebel: against unjust social norms, against hate, against anything that pulls us away from our relationship with God. Now, I’m not trying to start my own crusade or anything. But if you look at Jesus and his life and teachings you’ll see that he was a rebel. He turned people’s

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accepted social norms upside down telling the wealthy they would never get into heaven until they gave away everything they had, and that the poor had a VIP backstage pass just for being poor.

T h e things he valued were totally different than what people in his time (and ours!) valued.

H e called his followers, and he calls us, to be rebels too. It’s hard, it’s scary, but it’s right. and it’s exciting. It can be the greatest adventure. If we stand up against things that we know are unjust, like hunger and poverty, and share our wealth to lessen the burdens of others, and love our

neighbours and share the gospel and do it all in Christ’s name, we will be rebels. In this secular society that prizes wealth and beauty above love and honour we can stage a rebellion.

We will tell people about God, about how he loves us and wants to be a part of our lives. And we will pick up our crosses and follow Jesus and do as he did. It’s not so different now than it was back then, the poor are still poor, the hungry still hunger, and outcasts slowly fade into the background. But we can change it, we just have to embrace the rebel inside.

of the church today is that our goals are too low and we meet them. If you want to achieve great things for God, we must have much bigger goals. If you mind says “I am sure we can make this goal”, then it is perhaps not high enough. If our goals are higher we will need to think in a different way.

Nothing is impossible for our God, but God allows us to play our part. But remember success is one person inviting one person, the response is God’s!

Michael Harvey is the Founder of Back to Church Sunday in Canada and is on a Seminar Tour of Canada April 27th through to May 7th.

ANGLICANLife

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Fasting, anyone?

The Rev. Michael Li

Ash Wednesday falls on March 9 this year. Once a year the celebrant addresses the Ash Wednesday congregation, saying, “I invite you ... to observe a holy Lent by self-examination, penitence, prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, and by reading and meditating on the Word of God” (The Book of Alternative Services, p. 282).

Should we fast during Lent? Because each Province in the Anglican Communion sets its own calendar, there is no universal rule for which days are fast

days. Generally Lent and Fridays are set aside as fast days. Individual Anglicans are free to determine for themselves what particular measures of fasting. Fasting in the Bible usually means no food and drink for a period. A fast was often for one day from sunrise to sunset, and after sundown food would be taken.

Fasting is mentioned first at Mount Sinai when Moses refrained from eating forty days and nights.

Moses returned to the mountain to receive the tablets of stone after the people had sinned with the golden calf (Exodus 34:28). The Jewish law ordained fasting only on the annual Day of Atone-

ment - the tenth of the seventh month (Leviticus 23:27-32). After the destruction of Jerusalem in 587 B.C. four fast-days were

laid down as days of remembrance (Zechariah 7:35; 8:19). Also fasting is practised in Israel as a preparation for converse with God (Daniel 9:3).

In the course of time, fasting came to be regarded as a pious achievement.

Some strict Pharisees, in Jesus’ time, fasted every Monday and Thursday (Luke 18:12).

John the Baptist taught his disciples to fast often (Mark 2:18). It is interesting to note that Jesus did not stress fasting.

He did not lay down any rules concerning its observance.

The early church did not emphasize fasting but observed it when missionaries (Acts 13:23) and elders (Acts 14:23) were chosen. Fasting and prayer were often linked together.

From the second century on, only two intensive fast days were observed in preparation for Easter. In the fourth

century, the two-day fast became a Lenten observance of forty fast days.

Today, many of us believe that Jesus did not command us to fast. Fasting can symbolize repentance for those who fast. It is not a virtue in itself. It can increase our sense of humility and dependence on God. Our hunger reminds us how we need God. Fasting can allow us to give more attention to prayer. It can be a good exercise in self-discipline. It can heighten a sense of God’s presence as we focus less on the material things of this world.

It is not wrong for Christians to fast during Lent. We must not fast for the wrong motives. We must not use fasting as a means of getting things from God, or as a substitute for genuine repentance. We must not use fasting to impress each other or God. Let us continue to walk with God.

A WHOLE NEW REVIEW “The Naked Now: Learning to See as the Mystics See” by Richard Rohr Reviewed by The Rev’d Everett Hobbs

Richard Rohr is a Franciscan and founder of the Center for Action and Contemplation in the USA. He is well known as a speaker and author.

This book is about how we see the world spiritually.

Broadly speaking, there are two ways of seeing, namely, the dualistic and the non-dualistic. In this book, Rohr is pleading for the second, which is largely neglected in the West.

He presents the case for the “both/and” way of seeing as a complement to the “either/or” way of seeing.

Dualism is our dominant way of thinking. It is a neces-

sary way of thinking but when it is the only way we look at reality, it turns into a closed system, which limits and distorts how we see. Dualism in itself demands certainty and security, resulting in lives controlled by belief systems and rules. It often results in division and conflict – hatred, violence, war, prejudice, damage to the earth and so on – and its marks are success, possession, power and status. Too often its outcome is right or wrong, true or false, them, for or against, and us win or lose.

The non-dualistic mind is more comprehensive and inclusive. It can live with contradiction and paradox, ambiguity and uncertainty. It is nonjudgemental., searches for truth

as well as answers, values experience as well as ideas. It nurtures interdependence over individualism, freedom over control, and humility over pride.

Rohr identifies the mystics as those who can see non-dualistic. He describes a mystic as one who has moved from mere belief or belonging systems to actual inner experiences. Hugh of St Victor called it the third eye. He realizes most of will not become mystics but he claims we can learn how to see how they see. The book is an attempt to teach us how.

The example he uses is Jesus himself. He claims that the teaching about the Kingdom of God is mainly non-dualistic, especially the Sermon on the Mount. We tend to read the Bible with dualistic minds, which can lead to division and conflict among Christians. Rohr contends that reading scripture with ‘the mind of Christ’ gives a non-dualistic understanding.

It is about seeing through the ‘eye of the heart’ and the ‘gifts of the Spirit’.

The ‘naked now’ refers to contemplative prayer, a way of seeing used by the mystics. In

contemplation we remain in the present moment and experience the power of the now: we come empty (naked) and open to what is there. We come without preconceptions or expectations. Simply waiting for a future given by God and grace.

The Naked Now is available at the Diocesan Book Room, 19 King’s Bridge Road, St. John’s.

The Naked Now: Learning to See as the Mystics See

by Richard Rohr ISBN 978-0824554-34 Crossroad Publishing 2009

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ANGLICANLife

YouthLife

youth ministry in newfoundland & labrador

Mary’s Harbour youth evangelize

The students and teachers of St. Mary the Virgin (Mary’s Harbour, Labrador) along with parent volunteers were busy discipling during the week before Christmas. Every home in Mary’s Harbour and Lodge Bay received a Good News package delivered by the discipling team. This package was a wonderful evangelistic tool which contained a New Testament, some devotional reading and a personal invitation to our church services on Christmas Eve. All services were very well attended and we have received some wonderful feedback! Sometimes in our busy lives coming out to church gets neglected often making it difficult to return. We wanted to send the message that all are welcome and encouraged to come regardless if you are a regular, an occasional or a non attendee. We are now confident that each home has a copy of God’s Word. These Good News packages were purchased at the Diocese Resource Centre and I would certainly recommend them to others as we are still “reaping what we have sown”…..Galatians 6:7. Submitted by Rev. Irene Sutton.

Stephenville Sunday School St Augustine’s, Stephenville Annual Sunday school Christmas Concert. The Sunday school children did their presentation of “Love Came Down at Christmas.” The little ones were all very excited as the older children did their readings. The children playing the various roles of little angels, shepherds, wise men, Mary, Joseph and the most important one of all baby Jesus, did a wonderful job. The Teachers made banners which hung from the ceiling hanging above the Altar and at the appropriate time during the concert the older children released each banner to show the four important elements of the Christmas Season being Peace, Hope, Love and Joy. This is what God wants for us all. Submitted by Caren Noseworthy.