May 2012

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May2012

a section of the ANGLICAN JOURNAL 1

May2012

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40 YEARS OF FAITHFUL MINISTRY

annual appeal

PAGE 11 THE REV’D ROBERT PEDDLE Article & Photo submitted by Gordon Abbott

“We will give ourselves continuously to prayer and to the ministry of the Word” – Acts 6: 4 On Sunday, February 26, 2012, the Rev’d Robert Max Peddle, (known to most as Bob) officiated his final worship service as a full-time Anglican Priest in the Diocese of Central Newfoundland, after forty plus years of faithful service to the Lord.

Bob’s journey of ministry began while still a teenager at Hodge’s Cove. He was inspired by a United Church Lay Reader and Sunday School Superintendent, Mr. Tom Baker, who became a

great influence and role model in his spiritual awakening and Christian formation.

In 1965, with encouragement and support of his clergy and mentor, The Rev’d Gordon Ethridge, and while in Grade 10, Bob became a Lay Reader for his home congregation of St. Mary’s. In 1967, during the incumbency of the Rev’d Morley Boutcher, he was issued a license for the Mission of Random.

Out of high school ,Bob taught one year as “emergency supply” and following Teacher’s Summer School, he taught one year as “probationer” but knew he didn’t want to pursue a teaching

career.

Bob answered a heartfelt call to ministry by attending the Anglican Church Army Training College in Toronto from 1968 to 1970 and began living the Church Army motto – “Fight the Good Fight”.

During the summers of 1969 and 1970, Bob served in the Parish of Elmvale, Diocese of Toronto. On May 8, 1970, he was commissioned a Church Army Officer and Lay Evangelist into the ministry of evangelism and Christian social service.

See Thank you, Bob Continued on Page 2

May is the official Leave a Legacy month throughout Canada and the Anglican Church has once again signed on as a partner. The purpose of this program is to raise awareness about the need to have a will and to leave something in that will for your favourite charity. I appreciate the support that Anglican Life has afforded me in the promotion of gift planning.

This year, I have recruited some of my colleagues across the country to contribute to this Legacy insert. I trust you will find these articles information.

Kevin Smith Planned Giving Consultant

PAGES 8-9

May2012

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THANK YOU, BOB

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Continued from Page 1

From 1970 to 1973, he was appointed Assistant to the Rector and Parish/Youth Worker at St. John the Evangelist in Thunder Bay, Ontario, Diocese of Algoma.

During the academic year of 1973-74, Bob was on staff at the Church Army Training College, and served at St. Paul’s, Bloor Street, Toronto, introducing a new Christian Education curriculum to the parish.

In the fall of 1973, Bob met his soul mate and life partner, Judi Lewis, a Newfoundlander from Curling, Corner Brook, beginning her training at the college.

Shocker – two Newfoundlanders meet in Toronto!

When Judi completed her training, they took their first leap of faith together, and married on July 5, 1975 at Judi’s home church of St. Mary’s the Virgin in Curling.

Now it was no longer just Bob’s ministry, but a ministry he shared with his wife.

Moving to Montreal, Bob served as Assistant to the Rector at St. George’s Church from 1974-1977, and became Co-Director of Tyndale –St. George’s Inner city community centre. This was a joint ministry of the Montreal Presbytry of the Presbyterian Church and Anglican Diocese of Montreal, with Bob responsible for the Anglican share of this outreach program.

At the invitation of Bishop Mark Genge, Bob and Judi moved back to the Rock, and to the Diocese of

Central Newfoundland.

From November 1977 until August 1978, he was appointed Lay Evangelist in charge of the Parish of Catalina.

In August 1978, Bob and Judi moved to the Parish of Bay L’Argent, where they got their first taste of the Burin Peninsula. Until 1979, he served as Lay Evangelist and Assistant to the Rector.

From 1979-1981 they moved to St. John’s, where Bob enrolled in studies focused on preparation for ordination. Traveling back to the Burin Peninsula, Bob was ordained a Deacon at Holy Trinity Church, Ship Cove, in the Parish of Burin on May 17, 1981. On October 21, 1981, he was ordained an Anglican Priest at St. Mary’s Church in Hodge’s Cove, Trinity Bay. This date held significant meaning for him, as it was at St. Mary’s where he first received his Call to Ministry.

Following 11 years as a Church Army Officer Bob served the next 31 years in ordained ministry in the Diocese of Central Newfoundland. Included were the Parishes of Buchans (19811984); Brooklyn (19841989), and Twillingate (19891994).

In August 1994, Bob found himself back on the Burin Peninsula, and the Parish of Marystown. It was here that Bob spent his longest term of 11 years, until August of 2005. During his ministry in the Marystown parish, Bob served as Chaplain for the Royal Canadian Legion,

Branch 29 offering spiritual support to his comrades. In 1996, he and Judi became strong Supporters of Samaritan’s Purse “Operation Christmas Child” sponsored by the Burin North Ministerial Association, of which he was a member.

In September 2005, Bob and his family, moved to the Parish of Port Rexton.

Still, the Burin Peninsula kept calling them back, because in September 2008, Bob and Judi returned to “the Boot”, serving as Rector of the Parish of Burin, (St. Andrew – Port au Bras; Holy Trinity – Burin Proper: St. Matthew – St. Lawrence).

Again, he served as Regional Dean, as well as Examining Chaplain to the Bishop. Bob and Judi served the spiritual needs of the residents at the U.S. Memorial Hospital and Mount Margaret Manor in St. Lawrence. It was in the Parish of Burin on May 8, 2010, that Bob celebrated the 40th Anniversary of his Ministry in the Anglican Church of Canada.

Sadly, in January 2012, after four years in the Burin Parish, Bob (heavy-hearted) announced his retirement, to take effect in February. On Sunday, February 26, 2012, the Rev’d Robert Max Peddle officiated his last official service as an active Priest, in the same church where he was ordained in 1981. This was indeed a sad occasion, but also a happy one. They say that as one door closes, another opens; and so it was that this opened the door to a new chapter in both Bob’s

and Judi’s lives, and in their continued faith journey together. And where did they plant their new roots, Burin or Marystown? – Being fair to both, they dropped the welcome mat in Lewins Cove!

Life sometimes has a funny way of tricking you in to doing things you don’t want to. At the beginning of this article, it states that Bob answered his calling to ministry because he didn’t want a teaching career. Yet in spite of that, he spent his entire life teaching the Word of God – Life’s most important subject for Christians.

Over these 40 plus years, Bob and Judi have experienced sad times when having to move, leaving friends behind, and through the deaths in the parishes in which he served. But as our faith teaches us as an Easter People, they have likewise experienced many happy and joyful times, in making new and life-long friends, and through countless marriages and baptisms.

Amongst these marriages, was his own with his soul-mate Judi, who has so faithfully been by his side, and remains by his side today, and is a pillar of love and support.

Just as memorable, were the births of their children …

Jeremy (1981), and Laura (1987) – and two weddings the proud father shared in.

Then there are the baptisms, too many to count, but still there is one that will always be a most memorable and cherished moment for Bob and Judi, when he bap-

tized their first grandson – Max. As you can see, Bob has lived a full and rewarding Christian Journey, dedicating his entire life to the Ministry of God’s Word, Sacraments and Pastoral Care.

Bob has done many things, he has been many things to those he has met, and he is many things to those around him. He has been a Lay Reader, Lay Evangelist, Church Army Officer, Youth/Sunday School Director, Deacon, Priest, Rector, Examining Chaplain, Regional Dean.

He is a faithful husband, loving father, proud grandfather, inspiring mentor and a true friend.

Bob, on behalf of EVERYONE you have met, and ALL the lives you have touched during your ministry, I say THANK YOU; and wish both you and Judi a long, happy and peaceful retirement, as you embark on this new chapter in your faith journey together, with your family.

I will close this article the same way it started – with scripture. And I direct this scripture passage to the Rev’d Robert Max Peddle, with the words from St. Matthew’s Gospel 25: 21 …“Well done, thou good and faithful servant.”

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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May2012

3

I WOULD HAVE BEEN A PIETIST

let us pray

Allison Billard Columnist

Before taking the church history course I’ve been enjoying this semester, I would never have used the term “pietism” to describe my religious inclinations. The word has a

negative connotation these days, associated with hypocrisy and self-righteousness.

But when the Pietistic movement began it was simply an effort to recover the personal dimension of faith, to bring their hearts and emotions into the church and into their faith. The Pietists needed to feel religion deeply and strongly. The Church of their day was killing the Spirit rather than setting it ablaze.

So I think I would have been a Pietist. The movement helped launch the concept of the Social Gospel. They believed in religious tolerance, giving responsibility to lay people, and living a practical

faith rather than focusing on doctrine exclusively. And the emphasis in preaching was on teaching and instruction rather than on propagating dogma. I’m in!

I’ve long held that we as Christians should focus less on the differences within our structures and more on living our faith in the world. Just because the church doesn’t seem to have a lot of influence on our modern, secular society doesn’t mean it can’t make a difference. We do make a difference, every day.

In each issue of this paper, and others like it, we hear stories about how we are making a difference in the world

through outreach, social justice, fellowship, missions, you name it.

Just imagine the good we could do if we let go of some of the fears and misgivings we have within the Christian church. If we could band together as Christians, not just Anglicans or Roman Catholics or United Church people, but as the body of Christ and go out into the world with the good news on our lips and God’s love in our hearts? If we went to work tomorrow not thinking about how much we’d rather stay in bed but about how much God loves us? If we were looking for ways to show His love to

others, not just our words, but our actions? What a difference it would make. And not just to others, but to ourselves.

You know how a smile can change your day? When you’re in a funk and someone random on the street smiles at you? Maybe the girl handing you your coffee, or the man holding the door open behind him so it doesn’t smash you in the face. Every day could be like that. We could be the random person to make some else’s day better. It’s all in your attitude.

How will you show God’s love tomorrow?

CANNING’S COVE TURNS 100

1912

2012

This year 2012, marks the one hundredth anniversary of St. John the Divine. Over its 100 year history it has seen two church buildings. The first opened in 1912 and the second in 1971. Prior to the first church, worship and schooling was conducted in a small school chapel from the mid 1880’s to 1912. Before that, religious activities such as marriages would take place in a dwelling house. One such house which was mentioned on the church register at King’s Cove (Cannings Cove which is in Brooklyn Parish and was under the King’s Cove charge prior to 1879) was that of Richard Pitt. To commemorate this event a book has been written which is a compilation of historical facts, photographs and information about the church and church activities. As well it contains information of a genealogical nature for anyone tracing their family history. Books are available for sale from the author, Arthur Penney by calling (709)467-5289 or email art.penney@hotmail.com. Submitted by Art Penney

ATTENTION ALL CLERGY!!!

Clergy are invited to call (902) 962-3511 to reserve a Cabin in Iris, PEI (6 miles from the Woods Island Ferry).

A donation of $20 per day is requested.

To ensure a smooth transition between tenants, “check out” is 10:00 a.m. and “check in” time is after 3:00 p.m.

(Please NO PETS) Clergy can also contact Western Diocese Synod Office

(709) 639-8712

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

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E-GIVING

May2012

on the rise in churches

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 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.

These policies were adopted by the Anglican Life Committee.

Layout & Design: Sam Rose Printed by: Signal Star Publishing, A Division of Bowes Publishers Limited, Industrial Park, 120 Huckins Street, Goderich, Ontario, N7A 4B6

Circulation: 21,777

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Giving to your church via the Internet is loosely referred to as E-Giving and the practice is catching on in Canada.

A number of parishes as well as St. Luke’s Homes (Anglican Homes Inc) , PWRDF, and Anglican Appeal already have the provision where you can go to a site on the Internet and using your credit or debit card, make a donation to your parish. You then receive an instant Tax Receipt and the donation, less a small percentage, makes its way into the bank account of the parish.

One organization that facilitates this type of giving is CanadaHelps.org. This is a registered charity with a goal to make giving simple.

Their website says that through CanadaHelps.org anyone can donate online to any registered Canadian charity. They claim they have fa-

cilitated over $100 million in charitable donations through their website since it was launched in 2000.

They suggest that for the donors, this is one-stop shopping for giving. They have made donating online easy and secure. For charities it is an online fundraising solution that allows charities to accept donations over the internet. They say they make online fundraising affordable, easy and secure.

A recent survey indicated that the overall frequency of E-Giving donations to charitable organizations registered with Canada Helps has increased during the past ten years. In 2001, the average donation frequency was 1.9 donations per charity while in 2010, that same average donation f requency had increased to 48 donations per charity. Not surprising, online

donors are significantly younger and tend to have higher house incomes than mail acquired donors.

The Rector of St. Michael and All Angels in St. John’s, The Rev’d Sam Rose, is pleased with the results he has has witnessed from using Canada Helps on the parish’s website www.michaelmas.ca. He said, “E-Giving has allowed for members of our parish who have pledged toward our capital campaign to make a regular offering. It has also enabled gifts to the Building Fund in memory of departed loved ones at the time of a funeral, especially for those out of province.

There is a little cost of 3.9% on every dollar that goes to administration but the ease with which people can access giving to the parish makes up for it. So far, we have received $4364.96 in online donations since January 2011.”

The Rev’d Robert Cooke of the Parish of St. Mark’s (which also uses Canada Helps), added a final footnote, “ In these days of iPhones, iPads, Twitter, and instant messaging, it is important that the Church keep up with the times and embrace these new technologies.”

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May2012

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Dear Editor, In reading the first three Letters to the Editor in the April 2012 Anglican Life, ironically the Easter edition, I was saddened, but was compelled to follow the advice of one of the writers, and “get off the fence” to address such misguided simplicity.

The suggestion is: if we returned to traditional values, traditional biblical interpretation, traditional ways of living the faith, we would prosper. I take no comfort in pointing out the obvious that our fundamentalist sister churches, as well as our Roman Catholic and Orthodox friends; those who have “held fast”are faring little better than we. What is happening to traditional faith communities is much more complicated and will require much more thoughtful consideration than to prophesy that “the sky is falling.”

Not to deny the problems, but my experience of the Church is an experience of faithfulness; it is an experience of the Good News of Jesus Christ, an experience of lay and clerical leaders trying to reach out in their communities to build and strengthen faith communities. The Church that I love and serve is filled with people of faith. They are struggling to deepen that faith and are no longer satisfied with formulaic answers and simple solutions.

It is filled with people struggling to discover what justice might look like for people who do not look like them. It is filled with people struggling with patterns

of worship, with expressions of music which inspire the soul of some but alienate others. As a church member sometimes I agree with decisions, but sometimes I do not. However, the discussion continues as it always has. Sadly, the April 2012 Letters to the Editor ignore all of this and look for the simple explanation, espousing a gospel of judgement and hopelessness.

I have struggled to discern a single phrase in either Letter that seeks to build up the body for the common good. Rather, each in its own way ignores all that is good in the Church - the Marks of Mission, the countless Partnerships among Dioceses in the Communion, the work of Primate’s Fund, support for the Church in the North, work among refugees and the homeless in cities and communities throughout Canada, support for Bible translation into aboriginal languages. The Letters ignore those faithful members of ACW’s and Men’s Groups exercising faith by bringing flowers and small gifts at Easter.

They ignore all those clergy who will be bringing the sacrament at Easter to those unable to attend church, but looking forward to that visit and to the sacrament. The Letters to the Editor ignore the countless hours of quiet conversation and prayer said beside hospital beds by lay and clergy visitors.

There is a call for vision and strong leadership, but the Letters ignore all that is happening in parishes, and on the National and Communion levels to build faith

and relationships, to build schools and hospitals and bridges among Christians, and with people of other faiths. Indeed, it is my experience that a call for vision and strong leadership in the Church is seldom a call for either - rather it is usually a call for the imposition of a particular, usually narrow, vision upon the Church.

There was a longing to look backward to a more faithful time - a less ‘apostate’ time. However, it is my experience that when we look longingly to that past to a time we better upheld Christian values - we are often very selective in what we recall. While then, as now, there were people of great devotion and faith, I wonder, when we look back, do we notice the people who were in our pews because their position as teacher, or banker, or police officer all but demanded they be there? I wonder, when we look back, do we feel satisfied that values were upheld but women were married at the back of the Church and denied a blessing at the front because their pregnancy showed? I wonder when we look back do we pride ourselves in the infants buried outside the fence, in defence of the Word? I wonder, when we look back, are we pleased by children disowned because they married someone of the wrong denomination?

When we look back, are we satisfied that we upheld Christian values and sent young girls away, condemning them to lives of guilt and shame because they got pregnant before marriage?

While there is much that is glorious and wonderful in our past, there are also many dark and shameful corners, built by what our forebears felt were Christian values and obedience of the Word. Thus, a simplistic call to return to those days is a call that I cannot leave unanswered.

We are a sinful Church; we are a frail Church, beset with disagreement and discord. We are a Church increasingly on the fringe of a changing society, but we are also God’s Church. We are still a Church called to go into the world and make disciples. We are a Church called to bear the fruit of the Spirit: “love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.

Against such things there is no law.” (Galatians 5.22-23).

I pray for the continuing guidance of the Holy Spirit for we are frail and sinful people, that now, as always, we might rise above despair into the light of hope and service.

From the cowardice that dare not face new truth From laziness that is content with half truth From the arrogance that thinks it knows all truth, Good Lord, deliver us.

The Rt. Rev. David Torraville Gander, NL

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BUILDING BRIDGES WITH BELIZE

Ministr oad. Archdeacon Gerald Westcott (left), Rector of the Parish of the Resurrection, visited Belize in January 2012. He is inistryy abr abroad. pictured here at the Cathedral in Belize City. Submitted by The Venerable G. Westcott.

Submitted by Archdeacon Gerald Westcott

The Diocese of Eastern Newfoundland and Labrador and the Diocese of Belize are currently in the process of developing a Companionship that we hope will be built on intentional relationships and mutual support. The Rev’d Canon David Pilling, who is the Chairperson for SAMS Canada (South American Mission Society), has played an important role in this endeavour. In the last number of years, the CLB has been to Belize on a mission, both Bishop Cyrus Pitman and Bishop Phillip Wright have visited each other’s diocese, and they have been encouraging our clergy and people to do the same. It is in this context that I also have recently been to Belize.

From the moment I was greeted at the airport in Belize City by Father Eric, until the time I was returned from Corozol in the north of Belize by David and Graham, I was welcomed and fully embraced by Bishop Phillip and the people of the Diocese of Belize.

The population of Belize is approximately 300,000.

Most of the country is rural and undeveloped. It has a

high unemployment rate. It has significant English and Colonial influence. It speaks mostly English, but has its own unique or native language. And many of its people move out in order to find work and a better living for their families. Sounds like Newfoundland and Labrador at a glance! But of course Belize is not Newfoundland and Labrador. It is a very poor and fairly new democratic country that is trying to find its way forward in making a better society for its entire people.

Although Belize is a developing country with many needs and challenges, it is also a country that has a lot to offer. One such area is its witness to human diversity.

Belizean population is made up of indigenous Aztec and Mayan. It also has strong and deep African and Spanish ancestries. And now with modern mobility globally, other cultures are also finding a home in Belize.

Such cultural diversity has evolved over the centuries to a more open acceptance and normalcy. In every gathering I participated in, I was amazed at the very obvious differences in ancestral backgrounds of the people. Yet they are all “Belizean.” What

amplifies this sense of unity is the common use of Creole - a unique form of broken English that most Belizeans use.

After attending a lunch meeting with the diocesan administrator and the manager of Anglican Schools, Cecile and Debra, I began to have a better understanding of how the diocese of Belize operates, and what some of its many challenges are. An immediate concern for the diocese is its need for priests.

There are not enough priests to do all the work required in the Anglican Church throughout the country. And with very limited and lacking resources, both human and material, the diocese is also trying to discern new ways to re-connect with the people of the country. Although there may be differences, these are some of the same challenges that we are facing in our own diocese and province.

After this meeting, I also got a better sense of how closely the schools of Belize are connected with the various churches. What an opportunity for the church to positively influence the young people of Belize. The government is of course involved in the funding and operating of all schools, but it is in part-

nership with the churches.

Although we in Newfoundland and Labrador will never again know this kind of relationship between church and school, is there something we can learn from Belize about how the church can recover maybe some degree of relationship with local schools that can positively influence students and families?

I had the privilege of joining the Bishop at a church liturgy for the re-opening of the cathedral school after the Christmas holidays. Five hundred students were in attendance, and I had the opportunity of being able to share a homily with them. What a joy to see so many young high school students engaged in worship. And what an opportunity to share the Good News of Life!

I was inspired by a number of experiences while in Belize. One such experience was an evening social gathering with Bishop Phillip and some of his friends. The topic of discussion was the role of the church in the continued transformation of Belize society. This was not a sedate conversation. It was a passionate debate. What inspired me was their conviction of the Church’s important and absolutely necessary

place in Belize society.

On another evening the Bishop and I traveled to the capital city, Belmopan, about an hours drive west of Belize City. There we met with the local church committee on some issues of how they are to move forward in a period of leadership transition. It was very much like a vestry meeting in our own diocese, and the issues are very similar.

Growing and enabling leadership and better connecting with the city were of the concerns.

One of my jobs to do while in Belize was to meet with a variety of groups from around the diocese, and to give conferences around leadership and spirituality. I was given the opportunity to hear the stories from the people who are the church of Belize.

I was given the privilege to have been exposed to the people, culture and country in meaningful ways.

As I mentioned earlier, the diocese of Belize is in desperate need for more priests.

We need to pray for more vocations to priesthood in both of our dioceses. What the church in Belize does have is a laity that is gifted and that loves the church. While praying for vocations to priesthood, the diocese needs to better enable, equip and empower lay ministry and leadership. Similarly, this is another area of ministry that we can both encourage and support one another on.

One of the many aspects that I like about developing this relationship with the Diocese of Belize is that we are equal partners. There are various and worthwhile forms of mission opportunities happening in our Church. But what makes this opportunity a little different and worth giving some attention to, is that it is mutual, and it will work both ways. It is about the Anglican Church in two different parts of the world, supporting one another in trying to make a difference in the lives of the people they serve.

My visit to the diocese and country has been rich in many ways, and I am thankful for the experiences, the hospitality, and the new friends. It is my prayer and hope that we will continue to find ways to partner with the people of Belize that will be mutually beneficial to both our dioceses and the work of the church in the transformation of our societies.

anglicanlife

May2012

ST. LUKE’S SPRINGDALE Submitted by The Rev’d Madonna Boone

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parish profile

St. Luke’s Anglican Church in Springdale is also known as The Parish of Springdale because it has only one church building. However, there are members from surrounding communities like Coffee Cove, King’s Point and recently Miles Cove. There are fifty plus families who attend one weekly worship at 11 a.m. every Sunday. Every third week the Rector, The Rev’d Madonna Boone, has a worship service in either the Valley Vista or the Springdale Retirement Centre Seniors’ Home.

We are very thankful to have two organists and one pianist. We have an active ACW and presently we have three confirmands. Our choir is very small. However, when the need arises they do come together for worship. We have an active altar guild, social concern committee, a worship committee and other volunteers that can be called upon when needed.

We are very thankful to God that He continues to bless us as we travel on our earthly journey.

Dresses for Haiti

The ACW in Springdale had a successful Quiet Day with devotions, a bag lunch, and the completion of several dresses for Haiti which were presented to Karen Huxter.

Ms. Huxter delivered them to Haiti as she is a worker there from Springdale. The people involved in making the dresses were: Jean Tilley, June Samways, Shirley Snow, Val Combdon, Joan MacNeil, Daphne Thompson, and The Rev. Madonna Boone.

May2012

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MAKING A BEQUESTS

know the facts

A parish recently returned a bequest of $35,000 to the Executor of a Will for a number of wrong reasons.

Apparently, the rector and vestry felt that Canada Revenue Agency would not permit parishes to invest funds from bequests but instead required them to use 80% of that amount in the year of its receipt and only 20% of the funds can be invested or Kevin Smith stored into GIC’s etc. In adPlanned Giving Consultant dition, they felt that if a church holds an accumulation in accounts, the federal government would claw back 3.5% each year.

Paul Nazareth, manager of Philanthropic Advisory Services with Scotia McLeod, writes that the reasons given are highly unusual and wrong. He says, “The 2010 Federal Budget changes eliminated this issue (the 80/20 split) and unless the local church is registered as a foundation, the disbursement quota rules have changed and this isn’t even an issue anymore.”

Our national planned giving consultant, Archdeacon John Robertson, adds, “That even before the disbursement quota was eliminated, the Dioceses have other ways that Churches could have dealt with this issue.”

An article in the Globe and Mail in March 2010 quoted Malcolm Burrows of Scotia McLeod as stating that the elimination of the 80/20 rule is “a great gift for the charities and the communities that they serve.”

The Globe also quotes Marcel Lauziere of Imagine Canada who suggests that the end of this requirement “means a lot more flexibility and less red tape.”

This misunderstanding was most unfortunate and flies in the face of attempts by Dioceses and parishes to establish endowment funds where bequests and other gifts are invested and only the interest (or a portion of it) is used on an annual basis.

There is much sense in that old adage about not looking a gift horse in the mouth. If someone makes a gift to your parish or congregation, have the grace to accept it. If you are not sure, consult a tax advisor. Churches need to let their faithful know that we need bequests and welcome them wholeheartedly. If you don’t know a tax advisor, give me a call and I will direct you in the right direction if I don’t know the answer.

By the way, there is a good end to this story. The executor essentially gave the money back to the church for various projects.

Finally, I would like to dedicate this centrefold to my aunt, Elsie Thorne of New Harbour, Trinity Bay, who passed away in March at the age of 104. She left a legacy of love for her church, pride in her family, a veritable boatload of memories and an impish twinkle in her eye.

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

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DIFFER IN THE

GIFT PLANNING

view from church house

“The best preparation for tomorrow is to do today’s work superbly well.” Sir William Osler’s memorable quote provides considerable encouragement and impetus to those responsible in our parishes and dioceses for the ministry of gift planning. The incredible opportunities offered today through gift planning ought to mean we should all be taking this work seriously — if we are to be responsible stewards or trustees of our accumulated assets. Careful and thorough preparation for tomorrow’s life and ministry is a serious responsibility if we are to be faithful and responsive to God’s generosity.

Another helpful quotation is from St. Catherine of Siena, writing in the 14th century. This may help focus our attention on the urgency of taking gift planning seriously – “Consider your possessions loaned to you by God.” Of course, the best quotation of all is found in our Lord’s parable of the rich fool (Luke 12.13-21). It’s in the Archdeacon John Robertson form of a question on which all of us need to ponder Senior Gift Planning Officer carefully: “And the things you have prepared, whose will General Synod of they be?”

Anglican Church of Canada Parishes and dioceses all across the country are beginning to take the opportunities and challenges provided through gift planning quite seriously. The ones which have the most success in catching potential donors’ attention are those which have a carefully articulated vision, a strategic plan, with concrete, reasonable and measurable goals and action plans. To quote Dr. Kennon Callahan, they “have a rich, full, abiding compassion for mission. They are motivated by a theology of service, not a theology of survival.

Their compelling, driving spirit is one of striving, serving, loving mission.”

In other words, they have a strong case for support. This is an essential ingredient, given the persistent requests from over 80,000 charities in Canada, many of which are doing superb work with very compelling purposes, wonderful print resources and large staffs of experienced development officers.

We need to find a way of helping parishes (and dioceses) to focus attention on gift planning, along with a greater emphasis on stewardship education which is more than just fund-raising. This whole subject needs to be a year-round priority in our life and work, permanently, not just the flavour of a particular month or an optional programme which we focus on briefly in between various crises.

This means challenging lay leaders and clergy to participate in regional or national workshops, to do some serious reading and study, and to take the initiative at the local level to organize for action. Does your parish have a pro-active stewardship education task force? Do you have a parish gift planning lay representative? What leadership is your diocese providing in terms of financial development? How are you preparing for tomorrow’s work – while giving appropriate attention to today’s?

Bishop Charles Gore once said, “God does not want us to do extraordinary things; He wants us to do ordinary things extraordinarily well.” Stewardship education, gift planning, financial development are all ordinary things. They need to be done well if we are to do today’s work well, let alone tomorrow’s.

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May2012

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RENCE LIVES THAT FOLLOW

LEGAL OPINION

PLANNED GIVING

an ancient practice

Planned giving seems like a relatively new concept in the church, but it is actually as old as the church itself. Acts 4:36-37 tells the story of a man named Joseph, a native of Cyprus, selling a field that belonged to him and giving the proceeds to the apostles for them to distribute the money as needed. The gift of land from Joseph’s assets is what we would call a planned gift today. The apostles gave Joseph a new name, Barnabas, which means “son of encouragement” in Hebrew.

VACATION AHEAD?

update your estate

Before you set off on that long-planned vacation or holiday, it is a good idea to make sure your will is up to date .The will is a dynamic document that should reflect your wishes and your current situation relative to family, assets, friends and legacies. Take a few minutes to telephone your executor so that she or he knows what you are planning to do. One should also execute a Power of Attorney (PA) so that should something happen to you, your PA has legal authority to act for you. Should you end up in hospital for a period of time, there will be regular expenses to be paid and knowing that your PA can look after that for you will set your mind at rest.

The other big problem that many wish they had avoided is to travel abroad (or to the United States) without extra health insurance coverage. US data shows that the median cost of treating a patient with a heart attack is more than $20,000.

Without health insurance, requiring medical services abroad can seriously impact your financial situation. I know that adGlen Mitchell ditional health insurance is relatively inexpensive to purchase Diocese of because I do it every year for the church-related business trips New Westminister I make. At a cost of $75.00 annually, it is well worth it.

Another suggestion is to file a “cruise-plan” - especially if you are travelling to dangerous places. When I go sailing each summer I take the advice of the Canadian Coast Guard and file a “cruise-plan”. It requires me to check in from time to time to confirm that everything is fine. If I don’t, they start inquiries based on my last known position.

With email and cheap international calling cards, these days, checking in with your “cruisedirector” is a low-cost, good idea. This person could be one of your children, a neighbour or friend or your parish church. After all, as part of our Anglican faith community, we care about each other—and we want to know you are having a good time!

I prepared a Will twentyfive years ago when our last child was born. Isn’t that enough?

No. You should regularly review your Will to ensure that it meets your current family and financial situation. A Will can be changed at any time by adding a “Codicil”, which is an addition or an amendment to your existing Will, or by simply making a new Will. Some circumstances that could require you to change your Will include: Glen Roebothan, QC a) a change in marital staRoebothan, McKay, Marshall tus; if you marry, your Will is automatically revoked; b)the death of a beneficiary; c) the death of an executor or trustee; d)an executor or trustee becomes unwilling or unable to act; e) a change in family circumstances; for example a friend or family member may have a special need that you may wish to provide for; I saved in legal expenses by writing up my own Will. Will this pose any problems?

You should contact a lawyer to prepare your Will in order to avoid errors that could invalidate all or parts of your Will. It is easy to make a mistake or write your Will in a way that is unclear or confusing to others. A Will can be very technical.

For example, if you leave something to someone in your Will, then that person cannot witness your signature when you sign.

Unfortunately, errors in Wills are often not discovered until after a person dies when it is too late. Many lawyers charge a set fee for preparing a straightforward Will but you can consult with different lawyers to find out about fees before hiring one.

I want to learn more about Leave a Legacy Please send me: o A free brochure on writing a will o A quote on a Gift Plus Annuity o Information on other ways of giving o I have already remembered my church in my will

Name ______________________________________ Address ______________________________________ ____________________________________________ Postal Code __________ Telephone ________________ Dates of Birth (for annuity quote) If you are Male ________________________________ If you are Female _______________________________

Mr. Kevin Smith Gift Planning Consultant 10 Strawberry Marsh Rd St. John’s, NL, A1B 2V4

May2012

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OUR DYING INDIAN BAY QUIET DAY CHURCH Ron Clarke Columnist

After church services one lovely Sunday morning, I joined a group of seniors “gabbing” outside a lovely old outport church, a building badly needing a paint job. All these dear, faithful people were grieving the decline of their beloved, life-long “House of God”.

“Where are all the young people today?” Aunt Lucy wondered.

“Where are all the middle-age people?” Uncle Tom demanded, “and there are lots of people our age not here either, that’s for sure!”

With tears in her eyes, Aunt Susie voiced the question on everyone’s mind by now: “What’s going to happen to the church?”

Aunt Lucy broke the ensuing dramatic silence. “It’s God’s church after all, isn’t it?

So won’t He take care of it?”

A middle-aged teacher, at this point, shocked us all when she said, “Maybe God wants our churches- the way they are now, anyway- to die out altogether.”

“Why do we need elaborate very expensive church buildings, anyway?” she continued. “Jesus Christ didn’t have a church, did he? The apostles didn’t have churches, did they? They went out to where the people were- to their homes, work places; to the streets, to their places of “pleasure”.

“Today,” the teacher stated, “Christians have thousands of churches, all over the world. Some small, like this one. Others fabulously ornate and expensive like Westminster Abby in London and St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome.

How many millions, yes even billions, of dollars are tied up in these thousands of buildings, and in maintaining them all?”

We were dead silent at this point, so the lady continued: “What would all these billions of dollars do”, she asked, “to care for all the starving multitudes in Africa, Asia and South America? And how about the millions dying from AIDS in these countries? And the millions of orphans left alone in those places?”

Nobody said a word, so she “floored” us with her next big question: “Would Jesus Christ rather we spent his money on people or on buildings?”

What could we say to that? Will Jesus allow the church to die- so that he can resurrect it- to be the way he wants it to be? In the mean time, does it really make sense to wait in nearly empty churches for indifferent people to come to us- or will the church (us) march out to meet the people-wherever they may be- and bring to them the Gospel of Christ?

Moving among our brothers and sisters, we must show them by our words, our deeds- our very special way of living- what glorious things the Gospel brings to all.

Christians, all, let ’s “launch out into the deep!”

The Rev’d Perry Cooper On Saturday 3 March 2012, The Rev’d David Coffin, Rector of the Parish of Indian Bay, led a very spiritual Quiet Day at St. John the Baptist Parish Hall, Wareham. The event began with a hymn and Service of Morning Prayer which was conducted by Rev‘d David.

The Guest Speaker was The Rev’d Perry Cooper, Executive Officer of the Central Diocese of Newfoundland.

He delivered three interesting, informative, and inspira-

tional talks based on The Book of Genesis , Chapter six -the story of Noah and the Ark. Following each talk those in attendance were each given a list of questions that were discussed by the individual groups. Each group’s thoughts were then shared with everyone and discussion ensued.

A delicious lunch of soup, sandwiches and cookies was provided and we enjoyed the fellowship of dining together as Jesus did with His disciples

more than two thousand years ago.

Rev’d Perry’s final talk was delivered after lunch break again followed by a discussion period. Rev’d David then led a hymn and Service of Evening Prayer to end our Quiet Day. We all went back to our busy lives feeling rejuvenated and refreshed having spent this wonderful time of worship, praise and learning in the presence of the Lord.

Submitted by Trudy Collins.

ISLE AUX MORTS BIBLE STUDY

Holy SSpirit pirit Chur ch B ible SStudy tudy G Church Bible Grroup: (Left to right): Louise LeFrense, Percy Billard, Anne Bateman, Duncan Granter, Alonzo Hurley,Elsie LeFrense, Elsie Coleman, Marina Hurley, Sharon Billard. Submitted by Karen Simon.

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Please support your

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annual appeal Dear Friends, As your Bishops, and as publishers of Anglican Life in Newfoundland & Labrador, we want to thank you for your continued support of our beloved church paper.

Anglican Life (as did the former Newfoundland Churchman) has a long history of telling the Good News of what God is doing in our province. Anglicans have many great stories to share. We are blessed that Anglican Life is the means by which we can share our stories with one another and with the wider church.

As we begin our 2012 Annual Appeal, we once again respectively ask for your financial support. Your financial commitment ensures that Anglican Life will continue to tell God’s story in our three dioceses for future years to come.

We give God thanks for your support of Anglican Life!

Yours in Christ,

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The Rt. Rev’d Percy Coffin Western Newfoundland

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JOHN HILLYARD, 1812 David Davis Columnist

One of the aspects of looking into the history of the church in the early years of the nineteenth century is the very limited quantity of information available, and the fact that the information was concentrated on very few people. For example, it is almost impossible to find information concerning most of the people who served the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel (SPG), the main body funding missionary work. The writer has made notes on the main source of this information and that information is concentrated on the priests who directed the missionary work. Those who worked at a lower level such as school masters were mostly invisible.

At the same time, it was likely that the people working in the church and education would wish to be inside the SPG system where annual stipends were available to support staff and their families. There were people who started outside the SPG system and with the support of local people moved inside it.

Often it appears that the

our history

acquisition of a priest or school master or catechist was initiated by the leading citizens of an area, inhabitants they were called, with one or two merchants acting for the whole community and taking responsibility for the collection of the contributions for the support of these persons.

The SPG expected the local people to contribute to the upkeep of missionaries.

This seems to be the idea with the recruitment of Mr. Hillyard. But here there is no mention of the SPG. Such an approach would have been in keeping with what we have mentioned previously, bringing him on board first, then petitioning the SPG for financial assistance.

We don’t know what was promised to Mr. Hillyard by the people of Burin via their merchant. First a note was written to Governor Duckworth to gain his approval and probably his support for their application to the SPG. This letter would have been wise, to gain the support of the governor as it was wartime and he was the supreme ruler of Newfoundland: not much could be done without his approval.

We don’t know anything about Mr. Hillyard. A search

of SPG records for the period around 1812 yields no references to him by way of appointment or remuneration.

This fact only means that he was not on the SPG pay lists at this time. At this point, David Rowland was the priest at St John’s, on the SPG list and the person that Mr. Hillyard directed the governor to for further references about his suitability to go to Burin. Does, this mean Hillyard may have been unsuccessful getting the position?

We can assume that John Hillyard was in St John’s at this time as that was where Mr. Rowland and the governor were. There is a lack of information of what Hillyard’s qualifications were, what his previous experience had been and what position he was seeking. It is highly unlikely that Governor Duckworth would have been happy to have Mr. Hillyard carried off to Burin unless he had the proper qualifications, if he was to be a priest. It was probably as a catechist or teacher or lay-reader or someone occupying all these position that was in his mind.

However one needs to notice that John Clinch was made a priest at Trinity after years of

THE DOCUMENT May it please your Excellency Having received an invitation from Mr. Bishope(?), a Merchant of Burin to accompany him thither in order to officiate in a living(?) Church of England Service &c. there as he informed me, the inhabitants are entirely destitute and very desirous of obtaining a person to act in that capacity.

I therefore take the liberty humbly to solicit the sanction of your Excellency to my going to there and as I wish not to over reach too much on your time, I beg leave to the Reverend Mr. Rowland for other particulars respecting me.

And your Excellency’s Humble servant John Hillyard August 13 1812 doing other thing he was doing some priestly functions so he was accepted by the SPG. This circumstance would have been many years off for Mr. Hillyard, if he got to Burin.

If the word ‘living’ is correct in the text then the people were thinking of having a priest but the text is so faded it is difficult to be sure what is the correct reading of the word. It is unfortunate that

the two words in the text that are most uncertain in spelling are the names of the merchant from Burin (Bishope), and the word ”living.” they are important in understanding the text.

It is important to find and publish these short notes that identify people who might be interesting for church history and family history.

LET US PRAY Praying with St. Francis

The Rev’d Everett Hobbs Columnist

St. Francis of Assisi is among the best known Christian saints. He was born in Assisi in 1182. After a care-free youth, he turned his back on his inherited wealth and committed his life to God. He lived a very simple life of poverty, attracting others to him which led to the formation of the Order of St Francis (Franciscans). He died in 1226, aged 44.

It seems Francis did little writing and we know little about his teaching on prayer.

We know more about his life as it was portrayed in several biographies of the time and a collection of stories called The Little Flowers of St Francis.

What we call Franciscan spirituality is found in the life of Francis himself and in the lives of Franciscans over the

centuries. The foundation of this is the Rule which was the work of Francis and the first friars.

One feature of this spirituality is the place of peace in our lives.

This is found in the Peace Prayer which is associated with Francis, although he did not write it. The prayer first appeared around 1910 in France with the title A Beautiful Prayer to Say during Mass. In 1920 the prayer was printed on the back on an image of Francis with title Prayer of Peace. When it was later translated into English (1936) it was attributed to Francis. What is important is that it contains the spirit

and thinking of Francis.

We also associate Francis with nature and animals. He treated all parts of

creation as coming from God and saw his relationship to all things as ‘brothers and sisters.’

He is now regarded as a

model in our efforts to care for the environment.

To pray like St. Francis is to see life as a prayer. We express our prayer in work and action as well as formal prayer. In particular, acts of loving service can be seen as prayer. Francis is portrayed as a freeflowing spirit who engaged with life fully and giving himself to God joyfully. In touch with creation, he looked for God everywhere.

Francis put great emphasis on the Incarnation and Jesus as the example of one who emptied himself in order to serve others. As a disciple of Christ, his life was marked by humility, poverty, and service. There is an emphasis on

Christ in creation, in the crib, on the cross, and in the Eucharist. One way of understanding Franciscan spirituality is in the context of the Three Pillars of Minority, Fraternity, and Penance. Minority calls for humility and poverty. Fraternity refers to the fellowship of Christians. Penance is about ongoing conversion.

You can learn more about Francis by searching online for ‘St Francis’ or “Franciscans’. For those wanting to attach themselves to the Franciscan, there is the Third Order which is for anyone wanting to follow the Rule in their own lives. There are Anglican Franciscans.

Just Google ‘Anglican Franciscans’ for more information.

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GLADIATOR SPORTS The Rev’d Greg Mercer Columnist

A gladiator (Latin: “swordsman”) is an armed combatant who entertained audiences in the Roman Republic and Roman Empire in violent confrontations with other gladiators, wild animals, and condemned criminals.

Gladiators offered audiences an example of Rome’s martial ethics and, in fighting or dying well; they could inspire admiration and popular acclaim and was highly valued as entertainers throughout the Roman world

(Wikipedia).

During the early Roman Empire gladiator games and sports were more than fair competition for the growing Christian Church, it often posed a threat. In the early 3rd century, the Christian writer Tertullian had acknowledged their power over the Christian flock, and was compelled to be blunt: “The combats were murder, their witnessing spiritually and morally harmful and the gladiator an instrument of pagan human sacrifice” (Wikipedia).

However, it was not until the fourth century when Christianity became the official religion of the state that Gladiator games and sports started to decline.

Fast forward to the twenty-first century, some would say that things haven’t changed all that much. That is to say, Christianity is still competing with sports and

games that some would be quite willing to label, ‘Gladiator Sports.’ Sunday morning sports are the biggest threat, possibly endangering the life of the congregation.

And it is not just their appeal and popularity. I mean, what are parents to do? I have spoken to parents and said to them, “we’re missing you at worship,” or “I haven’t seen you for a while.” “Sorry Reverend Greg but my daughter (son) is involved in basketball (or some other sport) and they have this tournament or that tournament, and now they are on the provincial finals,” and so on. To be fair, there is also a threat to them because in some situations and circumstances if they miss a number of games they will be pulled from the team. Like Tertullian in the third century we have to acknowledge the power of these games over the Christian flock. They do ad-

AFP LENTEN RETREAT Nancy French

Article & Photo submitted by Ruby Lockhart

Our retreat was held at St. Catherine’s Renewal Centre in Grand Falls on Feb. 28 – March 1, 2012, with 28 participating. Nancy French, retreat leader, has a Masters Degree in Religious Education and is a lay Associate of the Anglican Sisterhood of St. John the Divine. She chose the theme, “Finding Our Way in the Wilderness”.

Our first thought of wilderness is a barren, isolated,

versely affect the number of young people at worship on Sunday mornings, and they do affect the church’s ability to reach out to many young families who find themselves in this rather awkward dilemma. Calling them what they are, ‘Gladiator Sports’ at least acknowledges the competitive nature of the situation.

Is there any resolve? Not much point of speaking out, that’s for sure. We can always join them, i.e., we can go where our kids are, to cheer them on, to be a pastoral presence, but that would take a whole lot of money and resources we just do not have.

There is the option of offering alternative forms of worship on alternate days/nights of the week, but then people are so busy with other activities, including sports, that church is not always a priority.

The decline of the Roman Gladiator Sports happened because the Empire changed and part of that change was the introduction of Christianity. Things have changed again and that change demands that we, the church, have to look at ways in which we can reach this particular generation of young people. We have to work with people, be sensitive to their family life and circumstances. The day is gone when we can DEMAND of people our schedules, be it confirmation, marriage preparation, Bible studies, etc.

Call it what it is, ‘Gladiator Sports,’ but let our first thought be, “Now, how can we work around that?” Who knows, probably we will win a few.

desert place. A wilderness can be a situation in our life such as unemployment, illness, or loss.

Wilderness can be within, as a state of being, like depression, anxiety or guilt.Our spirit is inter-playing with where we are and the life circumstances we are going through. We looked into how God is at work in our lives.

Jesus used the ordinary things around him to teach us spiritual things: the lily of the field, the shepherd and his sheep, the white washed tombs, the sower and his seed. It is in our daily experiences that Jesus still

teaches us.

We walked through a wilderness experience with Moses who led him to a deeper perception, a heightened awareness and a wider openness. We asked, “What is God calling each of us to do in light of our own realities”? We looked at tools of discernment and at our inner landscape through four phases of the sea. We know changes are made in times of turbulence, and not in the calm.

We looked at Jesus’ experience in the wilderness after his baptism and the temptations he went through in that barren place. Jesus said, “No” to them all. We, too, have a choice when we are tempted. God asks us, “Do you love me?” Here we touched on A Rule of Life.

Lastly we approached communal wilderness experiences in our church and what would make fertile ground in which to raise up leadership, both lay and ordained.

Bishop David celebrated Eucharist. We all gathered in a circle around the altar to receive the bread and wine – a wonderful way to end our retreat.

Thank God for these two days of listening, sharing, quiet times and worship in a beautiful setting led by a lovely spiritual leader. Lent is such a time to find our way, our redemption, in the wilderness.

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HOLY ORDINARY

May2012

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bishop’s message

The Rt. Rev’d David Torraville Bishop of Central Newfoundland

The month of May is, for me, an exciting time, a time to celebrate both the sacred and the profane - the holy and the ordinary.

In May, the liturgical season of Easter comes to an end and we celebrate Pentecost Sunday.

Also, of course, this month contains the 24th of May which, for many of us, marks the beginning of summer and remains a milestone of the trouting season for those of us who fish. May then is a mixture of the sacred and mystical as we cel-

ebrate Pentecost, and of the wholly ordinary, as we move into summer, as we move out of our houses into the gardens and to the ponds and lakes.

However, for those who would see, the wholly ordinary is truly holy ordinary, the distinction between holy and profane fades and is replaced by the awareness that the gift of Pentecost, the gift of the Spirit, is the gift in which, once again, the breath of God moves over all creation.

Part of the spiritual tradition of aboriginal peoples being reintroduced into ‘mainstream’ Christian spirituality is in breaking down distinctions between sacred and profane. This is certainly a tradition of our Jewish heritage and of our Early Church experience, but as modern people we build barriers between worship, prayer and the study of scripture which is sacred, and the rest of our life, which we see as profane, calling it ‘secular’, be it the care for our young children or elderly par-

ents, shopping for groceries or walking a road or sidewalk to relax.

As the gift of the Holy Spirit bursts into lives and into Creation may we come to see all that we do and experience in the light of God, whom we worship, and in the light of God’s people, whom we serve.

May the God who touches us in worship and prayer and study, inspire us in service, and fill us with joy in the beauty of creation.

Your Will is a key document in your estate plan providing instructions about what you want done with your property after your death. A Will can be thought of in two parts: the “testament” or story of your life, and the actual legal document distributing your estate.In modern times we seem to have lost the testament part altogether and are left with the dry legal document. Our “story” is left out.

One way to put the testament back in your “last Will and testament” is to include a simple faith statement. Here is an example: I have always been deeply impressed by an old Jewish proverb which says, ”What you give for the cause of charity in health is gold; what you give in sickness is silver; traus (1848what you leave after death is lead.” Nathan SStraus 1931) First paragraph in his last will and testament.

Charles Gearing, a church financial development consultant in the Episcopal Church, says that our Will is arguably the most important document we will ever sign. He suggests using it to bear witness to the most important thing about us – our Christian faith. He says, “just remember that your Will is the final statement you will ever make to this world.”

HEAVENWARD OR EARTHWARD The Rev. Michael Li Columnist

The Anglican Church of Canada has been on decline since 1966. This is not good news. Are we afraid for the future of our church?

Long time ago, Jesus said to His disciples: “Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom” (Luke 12:32). “Little flock” is an unusual form of address, found only here in the New Testament. It speaks of the small number of genuine disciples. Jesus told His disciples not to be afraid about the circumstances of life.

Today, Jesus is saying the same thing to us. God is our

Shepherd; we will not lack anything we really need.

“Shepherd” connotes protection and provision. God is our Father; we are His children.

“Father” connotes love, tenderness, authority, provision and guidance. God is our King. “King” connotes power, sovereignty and wealth. God is generous because He gives us the kingdom. The kingdom is a gift, not a purchase.

It is God’s pleasure to give us the kingdom. Indeed, He has given the kingdom to those who seek it. In principle we already possess it. At the end of the age we will receive it in fullness. In the meantime, we can trust God as our Father

through the reconciling work of Jesus.

It is important for us to depend on God to supply what is best for us. We should not be dominated by our possessions. We should trust God, not our possessions. We should live a simple life-style.

Regular down-sizing of our material stuff should be a worthy goal in life. It is not wrong to own things so long as things do not own us. God should be the only source of our security. The source of our security determines the direction of our life - heavenward or earthward.

Let me share with the readers of Anglican Life this

interesting story. At one time in its past, Corpus Christi Roman Catholic Church in Rochester, N.Y. had 5,000 worshippers each Sunday morning. Church attendance declined to about 200 in 1976.

The diocese was talking about closing the Parish. Then Father James Callan became the new pastor. He immediately made three major changes. The Parish gave away ten percent of every offering to help the poor in the inner city. It eliminated all its investments and gave the money to the needy. It also turned its attention to reaching out personally to those in need. The church was reborn.

Church attendance grew until in 1998 it averaged about 3,000 members. Father Callan had made other changes including unorthodox ones. Because of too many innovations, he was reassigned to another Parish in September 1998. Five months later Father Callan left the Catholic Church and joined a Community church.

This story did not have a happy ending. But we can all learn from this story the important lesson of depending on God. Let us continue to trust and depend on God in all things!

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LABRADOR DIARY PART 2

1927 Winter Journal of Rev’d Sidney Lawton From Battle Harbour to Cartwright

chdeacon F rancis B uckle was working Before his death, Ar Archdeacon Francis Buckle on an article for Anglican Life regarding the diary of The Rev’d Sidney Lawton and his ministry on the Labrador Coast in the early 20th century. We are pleased to publish Archdeacon Buckle’s transcript of Lawton’s diary in his memory. Rest in Peace,my dear friend Francis.

- The Editor Submitted by Archdeacon Francis Buckle

Southern Trip Return from Battle Harbour to Cartwright.

January 24th, Monday Travelling was a little better today, the snow having been pressed down and hardened by yesterday’s high wind. Considering the weight of our load, the condition of our dogs we made fairly good time to Wreck’s Cove. They were getting quite a lot of ducks here until the stormy weather came. Quite a fair congregation at the evening service.

There were quite a few foxes caught here in the early part of the winter and I had the opportunity of seeing a fairly good and varied collection at Jacob Penny’s house, about $500 worth. We turned in rather early as we hoped to make a fairly good run to Bluff Head Tilt and start early in the morning.

January 25th, Tuesday We were up long before daylight this morning and made an early start at sunrise. We should have left earlier but as the temperature was at 15 degrees

below zero, with a slight breeze we decided to wait until it was a little less keen. On our way we saw the fresh footing of a fox and two or three places where it had tried to dig in. John, my driver, performed excavations in the hope of capturing it but all in vain. At 11 a.m. we reached Gilbert’s tilt and delayed an hour while we boiled the kettle and indulged in tinned soup and pork and beans.

Across Bluff Head to the tilt seemed an awful long way but the dogs, while very slow, seemed to enjoy the improved going. Arriving at the tilt at 4 p.m. we had plenty of time to settle in, prepare a good meal, feed the dogs, cut wood and turn in early.

January 26th, Wednesday During the night we, especially John, found the tilt miserably cold. At 2:45 a.m. I was awake and hearing John move and mouth some incoherent words about cold feet, not knowing why fellows couldn’t build a small snug tilt instead of a large tilt like this, and lots of other things. I suggested a “mug up”. He arose, put in a good fire, thawed ourselves out, both inside and out, and then turned in again. This time our efforts were rewarded as we slept soundly until 7:00 a.m.

Getting off, after an excellent breakfast of tinned sausages, we made short run to Norman Bay. I intended going to Long Pond for the night but was met here by a bridal party. George William Gibbenhuck and Ella May Laing. Poor George had been in a terrible way. Two days previous a fresh komatik track was seen going in the direction of Hawk’s Harbour, thinking it was me he gave chase at 9 p.m. that nigh so as to catch me there.

I heard later that there was some good natured chaff at Hawk’s Harbour that night. The wedding took place at 7:30 pm. In a crowded house. A terrible cold day. Temperature 29 degrees below zero.

January 27th, Thursday My driver again made some remarks about draughty houses when we arose this morning. I

let the remark pass in silence – but “silence gives consent” – they say! About noon we reached Long Pond where I held service. From here to Partridge Bay we had an excellent well beaten path owing to the large number of teams going to the whaling station at Hawk’s Harbour for dog food. There are quite a number of families at Partridge Bay. There was a good congregation for the service and christening in the evening. After service I had a medical call. One meets some very fine people in some of these places and Partridge Bay has some to be proud of. I superintended the making of cocoa tonight, to the great satisfaction of John and myself.

January 28th, Friday In the morning, 7:45 a.m. there were 10 present for Holy Communion. Today’s run brings me back into my own Mission, Porcupine; a place at which I did not call when on my way south. We just called in at Open Bay to give notice of Evening Service at Porcupine, as we were about to leave Will Martin, our mail man arrived on his way to Long Pond for the mail. I was delighted to hear that men in Sandwich Bay had shot 29 deer. Truly a blessing in these times when so many are short of food, especially in the case of sick people needing nourishment. Sorry to hear that Mrs. Thomas Davis in Cartwright is very ill – weak heart, 73 years of age. As my own team is about done up I have decided to get Alec Turnbull’s team to take me on to Sandhills tomorrow. I received 6 infants tonight at Evensong! On the whole, they were very good, much to everyone’s relief. Uncle Tom Sircum, aged about 93 begins to fail and has intestinal haemorrhages. The people are very short of food here.

January 29th, Saturday At 8:00 a.m. celebration there were 16 communicants.

Such observances and services are really most encouraging and one begins to realize where the small seed – sown perhaps many years ago – is capable of becoming in a group of people living together. It is pitiable to hear people speaking of their shortage of food and anxieties for their families – people, many of them who have never been in need before in their lives. It is due to the lack of supplies in most cases, and in a few to the

poor catch of fish and fur during the past eight months.

Starting away at 10:00 a.m. with John Turnbull and a new team of dogs we fairly rushed along – “randying” is the local term. Certainly this is the best komatik run I have ever made.

Calling in at Mussel Brook. I had a baby to Christen. In very good time we reached Reid Pond. I saw the only Church of England family there and performed my duties as a mail man as well as a clergyman. In a short time, early afternoon, we came to George’s Parr’s at Roaches Brook. After a “mug up” and visitation at the houses, we held service and a reception in George’s house amidst leaks.

The room is large, 25 or 30 feet by 15 feet, but I don’t think there was a square foot in the floor dry. I gave up trying to dodge the droppings from the roof and bore it bravely. It isn’t easy to concentrate on the service or sermon when icy cold water goes drip – drip- drip on the upper terminus of one’s spinal column!

Just before dawn we left for Sandhills. The “going” because quite heavy and slow so that it was 6:10 p.m. when we arrived.

Mrs. Holwell made me feel quite at home in her usual manner, and one was glad to know that there was a good comfortable bed for the night. During the day, John my driver and his team plodded along. This place, Sandhills, is his home and there was joy in his home at his safe return (after all, wives do worry – even in Labrador!) and the dogs showed their joy in the usual way – a “Labrador band”.

I was glad to hear that my medical advice and pills – when I came south – had done wonders!!??

January 30th, Sunday There was a celebration of Holy Communion at 8:00 a.m.

The morning Matins at 10:30 a.m. and Evensong at 7:00 p.m.

John seems to be enjoying his rest at home, while I enjoyed a day without any travelling to be

done, even tho Sunday does not prove to be the clergyman’s easiest. During the day, I visited the people in their homes.

Very glad indeed to retire early. We have decided to make an end of our trip by getting home tomorrow on our own team. John Turnbull returned to Porcupine with the other team this afternoon. This has been a beautiful warm day.

January 31st, Thursday I was astir before 6 a.m. this morning as we hoped to get off early, snowing quite fast – worse back! As our dogs are tired enough now without having more snow. We left a 7 a.m. and for part of the way had “good going” on the “young” ice.

Soon after, it got miserable thick and the “going”very bad so that we had a use our snow shoes.

We pulled up at John Reeves, Otter Brook, had prayers, a light meal and resumed our journey.

Travelling was so slow that we couldn’t spare time to call at Table Bay. We were glad, however, that two teams had left Table Bay just ahead of us on their way to Cartwright so the path was broken for us. We stopped an hour at Goose Cove, the weather cleared as we arrived home at 6 pm.To find a meal of fresh venison and a few other little luxuries awaiting us – what luxuries!

Among them a mail of 30 letters – most of which needed to be answered during the week!

So ended a trip (though Incumbent of the Sandwich Bay Division, none the worse and far happier than every before!)

Distance travelled on this trip by dog team – 400 miles, 21 days.

May2012

16

GANDER CONFIRMATION

anglicanlife

St. M ar tin Mar artin tin’’s Cathedral Youth ar aree Confirmed and Challenged. On March 25, 2012, fourteen young people of St. Martin’s Cathedral, Gander were confirmed by Bishop David Torraville. Earlier in the Lenten season, during one of their classes, the young people had a discussion with Reverend John Watton about Christian love in the form of giving to the less fortunate. As a result of their discussions, they planned to hold a Parish Brunch on March 11 as part of the St. Martin’s Youth Challenge 2012. The brunch was not intended to be a fundraiser, but rather an opportunity for people to give alms to the poor in the form of a donation to support medical aid for children affected by the Chernobyl Nuclear Disaster. The Confirmation class, supported by their families and the St. Martin’s congregational family, worked hard to prepare food, set up the Parish Hall, serve the meal and clean up. They were very enthusiastic about learning the value of “hands on” Christian service and raised over eight hundred dollars to support this worthy cause. “If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth.” 1 John 3:17-18. Article by Stella Walsh. Photo by Terry Saunders.

CONFIRMING OUR ANGLICAN FAITH Submitted by Donald James Sparkes

The title of this article is the title of the Confirmation course developed at St. John the Evangelist in Topsail. It was chosen because it is basically confirming the Baptismal Vows that were made for each Confirmand at his or her Baptism. The development of this course began in 2009 when the author of this article was made a Catechist by Archdeacon John Dinn to prepare a group of young Anglicans for Confirmation by the Bishop of the Diocese. It required quite some research as to the content and what would be necessary to begin to develop in these young Anglicans an appreciation of the Anglican expression of the Christian Faith.

After much deliberation the following outline began to appear: 1) What is Confirmation?

2) Our Basic Beliefs 3) The Church Year 4) The Holy Communion 5) The Church Vestments and Furniture 6) Our Anglican Customs and Manners 7) Living My Anglican Faith.

After the class has been registered there is an admission ceremony held in Church and each

person is given a cross to wear during the course. Classes are held each Sunday during the Church year. There is a Fall term up to mid-December (7 weeks) followed by a Winter term after Epiphany up to Easter (11 weeks). The Spring term follows Easter up to Confirmation in late May or early June (5 weeks).

The Confirmands go to the class shortly after the service begins and they return to Church during the Communion to be with their families to receive a blessing.

The first unit looks at the Biblical basis and meaning of the Confirmation and gives each Confirmand the experience of taking his or her Baptismal Vows. This gives them the opportunity to examine the vows so that each person understands what must be confirmed before the Bishop.

The second unit goes back to the Book of Common Prayer and reviews the Catechism in total. During this period of study emphasis is placed on reciting the Lord’s Prayer, the Creed, and learning the 10 Commandments. For the duration of the course these three are frequently repeated and re-

hearsed. The old method of memorization of answers is not followed. Instead discussion of the answers is used to promote understanding of our Anglican Faith. In this unit we also look at the format of the Bible to prepare all Confirmands to find and locate key portions of Scripture related to the course. There is also a review of the Book of Common Prayer and Alternative Services to familiarize the Confirmands with the services and ceremonies of the Church.

The unit on the Church year studies our four major doctrines that are experienced by us all on a yearly basis. They are as follows: The Incarnation Christmas; The Atonement Lent; The Resurrection -Easter; The Holy Trinity-Pentecost.

This unit proves to be most informative to them because the various feast days are examined and explained.

The Unit on the Holy Communion looks at the institution of the Sacrament and what both God and man does in it. This is generally followed by a class in Church during a service of Holy Communion where the Catechist explains to both Confirmands and congregation every aspect of the serv-

ice. This includes the vestments of the priest, the various prayers used, the readings used, the sermon, the prayer of consecration, the use of the Sanctus Bells, the charge that is given to us as we go back to our weekly routines and how we should act with our fellow Christians. This instructed communion is generally well received by the Confirmands and congregation.

The unit on the Vestments and furniture is given with illustrations and drawings. This gives each of the Confirmands an opportunity to familiarize themselves with the Church building as well as the dressings, vessels and other related items used in our ceremonies.

The unit on Anglican Customs and Manners looks at such practices as kneeling, standing and sitting. The practices of genuflecting, bowing and facing East are also explained. Finally, the sign of the Cross is explained as well as when it is used. This brings the course to its conclusion with a unit on how we might live our faith.

Various rules of life are addressed such as being a regular communicant, supporting your church and its’ work and practicing your faith on a daily

basis. It concludes with encouraging all Confirmands to be loyal to the Anglican Church but co-operate with all people in building a Christian Canada.

This course has proven to be a blessing for its author and with able assistants in the Parish it has the potential to bring our young Anglican adults into a more active role in the Church.

As a final comment on this course it may be of interest to note that each Confirmand has a text in a loose-leaf format and regular comprehension assignments are give to evaluate understanding of the content. As was stated above, the emphasis is on understanding and not memorization. There are opportunities for activities during the course such as a visit to the Anglican Cathedral for the unit on the furnishings of a Church.

Another useful experience is to have the class witness a Baptism Service where they may better understand what Confirmation demands of them. Such experiences will help Confirmands to better understand what Christian living demands of us all.