ANGLICANLife
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November 2010
ANGLICANLife A Section of the Anglican Journal
in NEWFOUNDLAND & LABRADOR
November 2010
Igor’sImpact
Hurricane Igor. The wrath of Hurricane Igor was felt all over our province. Not even the histroic Anglican Cemetery on Forest Road in St. John’s was spared. A full report on the extent of the damage at the cemetery is found below. Photo submitted by A. King. Submitted by Arthur King
On Tuesday, September 21, 2010, during the height of Hurricane Igor, the Anglican Cemetery on Forest Road received considerable destruction of trees. The highest exposed parts of the cemetery, especially between the old Chapel site and the Forest Road entrance, received the most damage. We are thankful that flooding did not occur in the lower part of the cemetery near Quidi Vidi Lake. As shown in the above photos, uprooted trees and countless broken branches extend over roughly four acres. Fortunately, relatively few monuments were broken but a number were toppled and will eventually be replaced on their foundation by our staff. Our
two senior staff, assisted by three student assistants, has commenced cutting and removal of trees and branches. Our Cemetery Supervisor, Mr. Clarence Best, expects it will take at least three weeks to carry out this work. Newfoundland Power is removing tree debris from electrical wires above our fences on Forest and Empire Avenues. Parishioners and Parish offices should be aware of our circumstances. Our first priority is to clear all walkways so that burials can safely proceed. Unfortunately, personal requests for grave care and maintenance cannot be carried out during the next several weeks. Nevertheless, restoration of new and sunken gravesites will resume before frost conditions settle in.
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, I bring you greetings in the name of the One whom we serve together. It is with my deepest care and concern that I write to you as you struggle with the aftermath of Hurricane Igor. I am attending Provincial Council meetings in P.E.I this week and have been seeing pictures of and hearing from your representatives about the devastation that has afflicted you. I cannot imagine the turmoil you are experiencing. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. It is my hope that the faith we share will bring you some comfort as you face the challenges that lie ahead. These words are not simply lip service. God is indeed with you. It is in the days, weeks and months to come that you will be reminded of this as you rebuild your homes, communities and bring order back into your lives. God will be present through the help, support and encouragement of family, friends and strangers alike. It is also in the days, weeks and months to come that the rest of your Church family has the opportunity to minister to you as we uphold you in our prayers. In addition to our prayers, the Provincial Council has made a contribution to the Bishop’s Discretionary Fund in both the diocese of Eastern Newfoundland and Labrador and Central Newfoundland to aid in the Church’s work in this crisis. The Lord bless and keep you. The Lord make his face to shine on you and be gracious to you. The Lord look upon you with favour and grant you peace. Yours in Service, +Claude The Most Reverend Claude Miller Metroploitan of the Ecclesiastical Province of Canada
SERVING THE DIOCESES OF WESTERN NEWFOUNDLAND + CENTRAL NEWFOUNDLAND + EASTERN NEWFOUNDLAND & LABRADOR
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ANGLICANLife
Can you not see me? Submitted by Dorothy Westaway
Dear God As I start out today to minister to others in Your Name, Give me, please, your very special gifts and grace: Your insight to perceive the needs of the ill, Your wisdom to respond holistically, Your grace to listen with compassion, Your courage to endure, despite rebuffs and risks, Your insight into ways to help others help themselves, Above all, Lord, Let me be kind and caring, as you were. “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.” Author Unknown I came home one evening very pleased with myself and told my daughter (who was about 15 at the time) that I had helped a black lady with several children take her heavy laundry bags back to her apartment. My daughter asked very simply, “Why did you have to say a black lady, why not just a lady?” I met Daniel on the street one day. Daniel suffers from mental illness. I said “How are you doing?” He replied, “No one ever says, Hello Daniel”. I answered “Yes I did“. I said, “How are you doing?” “That is not the same thing,” he says, “you never said, hello Daniel, how are you doing?” He is correct, of course. One day in a down town street in Calgary, I gave a beggar some money and he ran off towards MacDonald’s. I did not ask him his name, nor if he was warm enough or when he had his last meal. I did not look
him in the eye but saw instead the dirty hands and torn woollen mittens. I sit beside a mother nursing her baby in Guatemala; the baby has a rag tied up with a string around his bottom. She is proud of her baby and tells me his name. His name is Emanuel. Emanuel meaning, God is with us. I say to myself, how can babies come in to the world in poverty such as this? I rebuke myself and ask who am I to judge or question, what/who gives me the right? We all have our stories when we know we have come up short. The question, of course, is do we just meet the need and not meet the person? Did I see, did I hear? As I continue with some of my outreach ministry which include the mentally challenged, I have often reminded myself of the events noted above. I struggle as most of our readers do about being present and being mindful when dealing with the lost, the lonely, the poor and those who suffer. I have learned, although not fully, that if I pay attention, look these folk in the eye, call them by name and develop a relationship, even if it is for only a few short moments, then I find a certain wholesomeness to the situation. This wholesomeness brings joy that often other relationships do not bring. When I pray with some of the mentally challenged people, they will often pray for lost loves, that they will get well, that a home will be
found, that Santa Claus will come. Hopes still kindle in the spirit of all of them; they have their dreams, the same color as ours. The interesting observation is that most
of them always pray for others. Many mentally ill patients have reduced intellectual capacity to express themselves so some speak with confusion, anger and some lovingly, of course. Many
have such simplicity of body and soul that you can see Christ more dearly and more clearly. However, there are others that are in a dark hole due to depression, addictions and other mental conditions. Some of the saddest people are those that have lost their hope and see no light. The professional people that care for them and make decisions for/with them are to be encouraged and supported. In addition we must do our part through prayer, and showing them kindness and unconditional love. The ministries and outreach in our parishes and community are tremendous. Within our diocese, the arm of outreach stretches into nursing homes, personal care homes, the prison, the food banks, the hospitals, and community. Through the PWRDF, Arms of Jesus Children’s Mission, Belize Mission, and Anglicans in Mission, to name a few; we have become citizens of the world and contribute globally to our sisters and brothers. I know of one senior who gave money for a mattress and skipped her hair cut for a while to pay for it, and an-
other who gave most of her small pension to buy books for a small school in Pampay, Guatemala. Although we should of course acknowledge and celebrate these achievements, we can not afford to puff ourselves up with importance, as we must also recognize that it is a blessing and a gift given to us that enable us to help others, that Christ is still the potter and we are the clay. There is a story that comes out of El Salvador. Following the civil war, when many churches were ruined, a group of people came upon a cross with a symbolic Christ nailed to it. However, his outstretched arms were missing, they were destroyed. One man said, “We may as well tear it all down.” Some one spoke up and said, “No, we shall leave it there, and we will be the Arms of Jesus.” When I am weary and feel I am not able to give any more, I envision the armless Jesus and it strengthens and encourages me. I grew up within the rich history/tradition of the Anglican Church with its doctrines, the creeds, liturgy, Continued on page 3 See “Outreach”
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November 2010
ANGLICANLife Letters to the Editor Outreach
let us pray
in NEWFOUNDLAND & LABRADOR
Continued from page 2
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: 23,058
Responses Word’
to
‘One
Dear Editor, In the September 2010 issue of the Anglican Life you asked for one word to describe the Anglican Church. The word came to mind after one minute of deliberation was esoteric esoteric. Much of my fifty-three years of instruction of who God, the Trinity, Transubstantiation, the Reformation, and Love were for the most part outsourced to other institutions. I struggled with the little instruction and ignorant answers to questions I had presented. My understanding is that God is all-knowing - omniscient and omnipotent therefore, in God’s image I too will understand and create. I can experience God in a real sense. The Church should more than share the message, and focus on making God real, instructing them in becoming a Trinitarian and partake in the most wonderful eternal experience. The real God is beyond the sacraments. Thanks for asking,
Graham Greeley Conception Bay South
* * * Dear Editor, One word to describe the Anglican Church? The word “community” comes to mind for me. A
community of people who share a lot of the same values and beliefs - belief in prayer, sharing what we have with others, volunteerism, a giving spirit, tolerance. We’re not necessarily like-minded individuals, but we come together to pray - for ourselves and for others all over the world. Thank you for inviting me, a reader of Anglican Life, to share my thoughts on this. Good luck with your mosaic!
Judy Rogers Sunday School Teacher Holy Innocents Anglican Church, Paradise
* * * Hurricane Igor Dear Editor, Like so many other Canadians we were quite concerned about the devastation left by Hurricane Igor on September 21. What did set us apart is that it affected many people we had come to know when we lived on the Burin Peninsula. As well our oldest daughter, son-in-law and two grandsons were visiting at the time in Fortune. We were very grateful that no one was injured!
Karen and Michael Li Cobourg, Ontario
prayers, articles, theologies, etc. I am thankful for that. However, I also feel and know that the structure of our churches can sometimes separate us from our real mission. That is to stand up to be counted, particularly for those that cannot stand up for them selves. It is one of our responsibilities as Christians to fulfill our Baptismal vows. It is more difficult for some of us if we do not have the constitution, the innate passion to get down at eye level with a man that just stares into space, has a runny nose, smells or has rotten teeth with bad breath. Whatever the personal struggle to respond, Jesus challenges us to go to places we do not know, and that may be to the house of a neighbour or to a family in some foreign country or engage in a conversation with the humblest of our brothers and sisters. I ask the question. The next time you and I are approached to give some money for a coffee or see a tin can by a homeless person, will we stop and meet the person? When we visit the elderly and they stutter over their words, will we stay and meet the person? The sad truth is that I have heard countless times from these folk that no one listens and no one hears and that is often interpreted that no one cares, which is not always true. The truth is that we have to be seen by the sick, the suffering and the poor that we are actually listening and we are actually hearing; they have to feel the love and the caring. We must practice the art of meeting the person in addition to the meeting the need, only then we will be able to see and to hear. The challenge, of course, is to love our neighbours as ourselves.
BISHOP’S MESSAGE
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ANGLICANLife
Lest we forget Bishop Percy Coffin Diocese of Western Newfoundland
A lesson that I learned in childhood was that there was no excuse for bad manners. Except for clinical conditions, neither is there an excuse for bad memories as far as Remembrance Day
is concerned. I recognize that as Newfoundlanders and Labradorians we mark July 1st with a degree of solemnity but formally November 11th is our Remembrance Day. The observance of this solemn occasions ranges from a full holiday to a brief hour-long recess from the daily routine to a moment of silence; sadly, in other places, there is no official act of remembrance. To be forgotten or to be rendered meaningless is an assault on the human soul. It is even a greater offence when the ones forgotten
willingly offered to serve in Her Majesty’s forces to preserve the values of family, home and the sense of belonging to a community; the ones who allows us to elect our governments, exercise our beliefs and live in safety. They are the ones who today travel afar to overcome oppressive regimes, chase away the horrors of darkness and in their place establish a peaceable kingdom. There are the ones who have never come home; the ones whose bodies have been repatriated and the ones who come home with
physical and emotional scars which for the rest of their lives define them and there are those who will prevail to serve in the military or civil community. Remember them! Remember them by making time and space for silence. Go to a war memorial. Stop driving. Close your business. Turn off your cell phone. Wear a poppy. Listen to The Last Post. Tell their story. Remember the ones who have made and are making the sacrifice for the hope of a better world. In your moment of silence
pray that the guns also be silent. In the name of the Prince of Peace,
STEWARDSHIP
We can’t take it with us
Kevin Smith
Suddenly, out in the hall, I heard an infant scream, followed by a quick “shhh!” presumably from its mother. The Rev heard it too. ”Now that child,”he said, “reminds me of something your sages taught.
When a baby comes into the world, its hands are clenched, right? Like this?” He made a fist. “Why? Because a baby, not knowing any better, wants to grab everything, to say, “The whole world is mine.” “But when an old person dies, how does he do so? With his hands open. Why? Because he has learned the lesson.” What lesson, I asked. He stretched open his empty hands. “We can take nothing with us.” This excerpt is from Have a Little Faith (Hyperion Books 2009) by
Mitch Albom. You may remember this author from The Five People You Meet in Heaven and For One More Day - both bestsellers. That little anecdote is a conversation between a rabbi and a writer he asked to do his eulogy – eight years before he died. The publisher says it is a book about a life’s purpose; about losing belief and finding it again; about the divine within us all. I commend the book for your reading. But, it was that last line which stood out for me – “We take nothing with us.” It reminds me of the words of St. Francis whom I have
quoted often before: Remember that when you leave this earth, you can take with you nothing that you have received – only what you have given: a full heart enriched by honest service, love, sacrifice and courage. Perhaps this packs an important message for all of us. We should keep this in mind as you look at your estate plan (no matter how big or small) and reflect on the role of the Church in your lives and how much it needs your continuing support – long after you are gone. A planned gift is one way to deal with this dilemma and I encourage you
to consider this possibility. After all, you can’t take it with you! Please feel free to contact me for more information.
Kevin Smith is the gift planning consultant for the Anglican Church of Canada. He can be contacted at 739-5667 or by email k_smith@nf.sympatico.ca
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ANGLICANLife
November 2010
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COLUMNIST
The “lowly” volunteers Ronald Clarke
“Great” people do “great” things. Premiers, Prime Ministers, Presidents, for example, make “Big Decisions” that affect the lives of thousands, millions of people. We tend to “idolize” them. God bless them, I say. But, what about the multitude of “ordinary” people who, day after day, unself-
ishly volunteer their time, and often money, to make life better for the unfortunate others? We don’t often see them in the news. These volunteers visit the sick, the elderly, in hospitals and in their own homes, bringing sympathy and cheer. They bring books, food etc. to seniors, take them to the doctor, the drugstore, the bank, the supermarket. They serve in food banks, hostels. They bring sunshine with their smiles, kind words and hugs. How important are these services to those in need? How much does all this mean to the public in gen-
eral? One very busy elderly lady I know wondered aloud if anybody, besides the people she serves, really knew or cared for her commitment. Lately, our government, and some other agencies, has been taking public notice of volunteers, especially senior volunteers. Awards are being handed out, would you believe? Some public recognition at last! Generally, though, recognition comes mostly to volunteers who have done “Big” things, prominent stuff. Despite what seems public indifference, however, those of us “lowly” volunteers are, in
fact, vastly rewarded. Yes, indeed, the people I serve notice me very much. They keenly anticipate my visits, welcome me warmly and affectionately. They worry about me when I miss occasionally. Their sincere thanks, hugs and kisses sometimes, are priceless, very rewarding. And, then, there’s always the greatest reward, the wonderful satisfaction of knowing that we are doing the work of Jesus Christ. “In as much as you have done it unto them”, he said, “You have done it unto me.” Imagine visiting Jesus personally, comforting him, helping him!
Marvelous! Wouldn’t it be nice, though, if more volunteers, especially senior volunteers got more public recognition, more gratitude? How about when Memorial University selects “special” people to receive honorary degrees, for example, shouldn’t they choose, once in a while at least, one of our “lowly” volunteers who have been doing so much good in the community? Why not? A good idea??? To all retired people who may be bored with inactivity; get up to your neck in volunteering. You’ll love it.
at the end it was always a daunting thing, and something I just wanted to get “over with”. Can it just be over, so I can graduate and get on with my life? Now however, my list is not just something to get done and over with and get out of the way so I can get on with the things that matter. These are the things that matter, the substance of life. Whether it is a “book bowling night” or “finish assignment” or “movie night with hubby” they’re all the things that make up my life. It really is a wonderful thing. What is on your to do
list? Everyone has one, whether you write it down or keep it in your head there are things you know you need to do each day, week, month and year. Will you embrace your to-do list and cherish the things you accomplish? Or do you just want to get it over with?
COLUMNIST
A life full of “To-Do’s” Allison Billard
As I mentioned in my last column, I have a new part time job at St. Mark’s Anglican Church. This is in addition to my full time work in communications. I’ve also started working towards an Associate in Theology (A.Th.) at Queen’s College. This semester I’m taking a correspondence course and an
in-class youth ministry course. Boy has life gotten hectic at my house! If I’m not planning my next youth event or Sunday lesson, I’m studying or writing a paper or attending a conference or, maybe, trying to spend some time with my husband and my cat - both of which are handling our constant separation admirably...well the husband is anyway. And sometimes I even try to get a little writing in. It is a good thing that I am a very organized person. I have an electronic calendar, a desk planner, a planner that fits in my purse and
a to-do list - all operating concurrently at all times. It’s how I get things done, and to be honest, I love it - especially my to-do list. Every time I get to cross something off that list is like a little victory (or a large victory, depending on the size of the “todo”). I get a great sense of satisfaction from completing the things on the list, even if it means I then add new things and it gets ever longer. I didn’t always feel this way of course. When I was in school my “to-do’s” consisted of papers to write and exams to study for. Despite the sense of accomplishment
CHURCH LIFE
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ANGLICANLife
They walked on Holy Ground
The trip of a lifetime! Father Mark Nichols (back row) is flanked by four youth from St. Peter’s Upper Gullies during a recent trip to The Holy Land (left to right) Kaylee Morgan, Ryan Dwyer, Charlotte Dawe and Victoria Dinham. Submitted by Jack Morgan
Christians consider it the most sacred place on earth, and four youths from St. Peter’s Anglican Church, Upper Gullies couldn’t agree more. Ryan Dwyer, Charlotte Dawe, Victoria Dinham and Kaylee Morgan, led by the parish rector, Fr. Mark Nichols headed for course study at St. George’s Anglican College in Israel this past July. It was a ten day tour and study of the grounds that Jesus once walked upon. In fact, most, if not all of the events in the New Testament takes place in this hotly contested corner of the world where religion and conflict are often intertwined. St. George’s College offers a youth course once a year that spans nine days. The young people are normally between 16-18 years of age; however the range is sometimes wider. Palestinian, Jordanian, American, Canadian and European teenagers have taken part over the years. The course focuses on providing an encounter with the Holy Land and its people through Bible studies in the college lecture room and at locations such as major archaeological
and holy sites with introduction to the history and traditions associated with the places, and meeting with local Palestinian youth. There is also a significant ‘physical’ side to the tours; a hike up Mount Tabor, while visiting Galilee; hikes at Gamla, and at Masada or swimming (or floating in the very salty water) in the Dead Sea. A major part of the course is getting to know other teenagers and learning something of the different cultural perspectives represented. Participants worship, pray and sing together as they travel the Holy Land—and that’s exactly what happened to the group from St. Peter’s. The youth of St. Peter’s were joined by four Israeli Arabs from Anglican Churches in the Nazareth area; and the remainder from three different parts of the USA including New York, Minnesota and from the Seattle area—about eighteen in total. They would learn each other’s culture, cares and concerns. They would pray together and sing together——and would form a friendship that will last a lifetime. The week continued with
visits throughout the Holy Lands, including; Herodion, the remains of a palace complex built by Herod the Great; Hara mesh-Sharif (the Noble Sanctuary), remains of the Second Temple in Jerusalem; Yad Vashem, the Holocaust Museum in Jerusalem ; Galilee region including Caesarea Martima–where Peter proclaimed the gospel to Cornelius the Centurion and Har Megiddo (Armageddon), the site of many ancient battles due to its strategic location; Capernaum, where Jesus visited a Synagogue that existed early in the first century; Mount Tabor, traditionally seen as the site of the Transfiguration and the Old City of Jerusalem where they carried out the Stations of the Cross and then knelt at the foot of a cross at the site of the Crucifixion. This was a special moment for all involved. During the eighth day of the tour, the delegation headed back to Pilgerhaus for a celebration of the Holy Eucharist, Renewal of Baptismal Vows, and a baptism of one of the youth from the US. A 19 year old woman, Emily, from the Seattle area had come to faith through their youth group and wanted to be
baptized during their pilgrimage to the Holy Land. She was baptized by immersion, in the Sea of Galilee within easy sight of the Mount of the Beatitudes, where Jesus preached his famous ‘Sermon on the Mount’. Fr. Mark had the honour of assisting in the baptism. All the youth were deeply touched by their experience in the Holy Land. Upper Gullies resident Charlotte Dawe will particularly remember her visit to Yad Vashem, the Jewish Holocaust museum. “Although we already knew about the Holocaust it was such a different experience than just reading about it.” said Charlotte. “Instead of just being about the facts of what happened, the museum had real stories and videos, from the actual people that this happened to.” Ryan Dwyer will always remember his trip on a boat on The Sea of Galilee. “The Sea of Galilee is the place where Simon Peter fished, where Jesus told Peter to let down his nets and where he caught all his fish,” explained Ryan. “The Sea Galilee is where we danced with our friends and it is where I had one of the greatest moments
on the trip.” “Doing the Stations of the Cross is one of my most vivid memories,” said Seal Cove resident Victoria Dinham. Just after 6:00 am the group set off for Herod’s Gate into the old city to begin their journey around the Stations. “At each Station, there was a scripture reading and prayers–we each got a turn to read and most people got a chance to carry the cross–I will remember that day forever,” concluded Victoria. Kaylee Morgan of Seal Cove said, “We had a great trip, met many new people, and learned a lot about the Holy Land. I will never forget the beautiful and historic places we visited and will continue to stay in touch with our new found friends—I would love to see them again sometime.” Fr. Mark was impressed by the relationship that St. Peter’s youth forged with the Israeli Arab and American youth. It seems a sure thing that somewhere, sometime, most if not all of these friendships will be rekindled in person. Who knows, maybe that could happen right here in Newfoundland and Labrador? Fr. Mark Nichols summed up the departure from Jerusalem, “The day no one wanted to think about arrived and it was time for goodbyes. The St. Peter’s group was the first to leave for the airport, but all the youth were out to say goodbye. After numerous hugs, as the St. Peter’s group headed to the waiting bus, all the American youth began to sing ‘O Canada’! I was amazed! They sang the whole thing with gusto! What an incredible sign of how close everyone had become in a very short period of time. Thanks to the magic of Facebook, these are lifelong friendships.” They walked on Holy Ground!
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CHURCH LIFE
Good news from Good Shepherd
Who says there is no such thing as a free lunch? Shepherd’s Cafe participants enjoy a complimentary meal. Submitted by Susan Haskell
Business is brisk at The Shepherd’s Cafe. That is where as many as eighty people go each Wednesday at noon to be fed. The complimentary weekly meal is drawing much attention and quite a crowd. It is just part of a new hospitality ministry at The Parish of the Good Shepherd in Mount Pearl. Since July, a small group of dedicated volunteers have been hosting a cafe from 10:00am – 2:00pm each Wednesday. Tea, coffee, and sweet treats
are available at no charge with a free meal also being served up over the lunch hour. Menu items are lovingly prepared and range from club sandwiches and homemade soup to fish chowder. Of course, smiles and conversation are also free. Perhaps this is why the Shepherd’s cafe has enjoyed such steady growth. It is a place where both body and soul are nurtured. Why not join us sometime to get your fill?
The Good Shepherd in Mount Pearl is a leader in bringing Godly Play to the province. Godly Play is based upon the recognition that children have an innate sense of the presence of God. All they lack is the appropriate language to help them identify and express it so it can be explored and strengthened. The Godly Play approach teaches classical Christian language in a way that enhances the child’s authentic experience of God so it can contribute to the creative life of the child and the world. Pictured above are participants at a recent training session offered by Archdeacon Geoff Peddle of the Good Shepherd parish.
The Primate of the Anglican Church of Canada, Archbishop Fred Hiltz, speaks to a full congregation at the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist on Sunday 17 October 2010. The occassion was the 118th Anniversary Parade of the Church Lad’s Brigade (CLB) in Newfoundland & Labrador. The CLB have been serving the youth of our province since 1892 and is the largest youth organization in the entire Anglican Church of Canada. In his message, the Primate spoke of the need for the Church to be Christ’s hands in the world. Last year the CLB launched a Mission to Belize to help in the construction of a new school for the children. Photo submitted by the CLB.
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Observations on showing God’s love Submitted by Debbie Kaba
Once upon a time there was a teen who was so astounded by God’s love that he wanted to share that love to others. He went on “Teen Mania” mission trips to a Central American country. His first year there he saw a young father with three children. The children were naked and the baby didn’t even wear a diaper. The father was trying to sell Chicklets chewing gum to tourists to provide for his family. The teen thought this situation was undignified and disgusting but bought a box of gum to help. The next year, the teen saw the same father on the same street corner trying to sell chewing gum only now with four young children. The teen was appalled to realize this was the man’s permanent job. His heart was touched and he emptied his pockets and gave all his money to the man. The third year the teen saved his money; he’d asked women of the church to donate children’s clothing. He removed the strings from his guitar and filled the empty space with children’s clothing. After arriving in the country, bought groceries and blankets with the money he’d saved. He brought clothing and other supplies to the man who was still selling gum on the corner. And thus, he tried to
show God’s love by meeting the man’s obvious need. Then the teen embraced him and said a prayer in his halting Spanish. Once upon a time there was a youngish pastor (age 40) who was so astounded by God’s love poured into his heart by Jesus Christ that he wanted to share that love to others. He went to an African country to see the magnitude of the needs there. Although they were prosperous Canadians, he and his five friends could only get one loaf of bread and one jar of peanut butter to share each day. When they saw the poverty of the starving people, they peanut buttered their bread and gave it away and fasted during their 10 days there. They were continually amazed that when they’d give a young mother and her two children one slice of bread; the woman would cut it in half and share it with her neighbour and her children. Each starving person got a tiny rectangle of the life-sustaining food. And thus, he
tried to show God’s love by meeting the man’s obvious need. Then he came back to Canada and encouraged others to show God’s love by giving to missions. Once upon a time there was a young couple who was so astounded by God’s love poured into their heart by Je-
sus Christ that they wanted to share that love to others. They majored in missions then moved to an Indian reservation in Southwest USA. The offerings of their native congregation seldom met their basic needs or the needs of their two small children. One day the man told his wife that he felt God wanted them to go to Kenneth Copeland’s motorcycle rally. She laughed because she knew it was too far to walk and they didn’t have a car. But she prayed with him. A few days
later they received an anonymous money order in the mail for the amount they needed to go to the rally. The wife wanted to save the money to help meet their needs and the needs of the people they served. The man insisted they go. They went and while there, Kenneth Copeland called them to the podium and said God had told him to give them his personal 9-person van then asked them a few questions about their mission. By the time they left the rally, Copeland ministries had agreed to support their work and bought them a bus so they could easily gather their mission church family together to worship God and do the work of the church. And thus, he tried to show God’s love by meeting the family’s obvious needs so they could meet the obvious needs of the people they served. Once upon a time there was a fortyish priest who was so astounded by God’s love poured into his heart by Jesus Christ that he wanted to share that love to others. He went to a women’s shelter to remind a middle-aged woman there about God’s
love and the care, tenderness and compassion of Christ. He didn’t say much but sat in attentive silence. When the priest left, the woman felt heard and validated; she cried and decided not to take her life. And thus, he tried to show God’s love by meeting the woman’s obvious need. Once upon a time there was a parish who was so astounded by God’s love poured into their corporate heart by Jesus Christ that they wanted to share that love to others. One of the women of the church wanted to share God’s love by bringing lunch. She managed to balance a crock pot; a bag of rolls with a cake pan balanced on top and kick her car door closed with her hip. Smiling she walked to the door of the building for the church. The men standing in front of the windows observed her walking to the door, possibly wondering what goodies would be served later in the day. She managed to open the heavy doors and come inside. A tall, soft-spoken sexton walked up to the woman and silently took the now precariously balanced cake and the crock pot and carried them into the kitchen; after the dinner was safely on the counter, they hugged with a smile of camaraderie. And thus, he tried to show God’s love by meeting the woman’s obvious need.
Are you aware of A.W.A.R.E.? Submitted by Olive Grunert
Have you heard about AWARE? In a nutshell, it is a weekend spiritual retreat for women of all faiths. We have had two retreats already and they were wonderful. AWARE takes place all over Canada and when I came back from living in Ontario ten years ago, I missed going to the conference. Look it up at www.awareconference.org. I decided to introduce it to Newfoundland and after getting the green light from Synod Office, and blessings from Archdeacon Geoff Peddle whom I saw there, we organized our first AWARE. It was wonderful. We are still in the growing
stages. What is AWARE? It is a chance for Anglican women from right across the Island, but also women of other faiths, to spend a weekend together in prayer, praise and fellowship once a year. We always have a speaker, an Anglican chaplain and a praise band. There are no other meetings
and we are strictly a retreat group. Another AWARE is in the making. We are having an organizational meeting for this retreat, to select our committee and make plans for the conference. This meeting will take place at: 72 duff’s road, Holyrood, Saturday November 27 from 1pm to 4 pm. Refresh-
ments will be served. Want to be part of the new committee? Call (709) 229 5378 or email aware@eastlink.ca. Look up aware at www.awareconference.org. The conference is planned for May 27-29th 2011 at the Lavrock Conference Centre Salmonier Line. The theme is “From
the woman at the well (St. John 4: 14) Come and join us, as we turn our eyes upon him and go back to our parishes Anglican Women Alive, Renewed and Enriched.
30 Roe Avenue, P.O. Box 348, Gander, NL A1V 1W7 Telephone: (709) 651-4100 Fax: (709) 256-2957 email: info@waltershoffe.com
ANGLICANLife
November 2010
OUR HISTORY
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Bishop Abraham’s memorable “Northern Voyage” In the summer of 1953, Bishop Abraham, accompanied by the Rev. A. G. Gibson, who was then Vice-Principal of Queen’s College, made a visitation to the Missions of White Bay, St. Anthony, Sandwich Bay, Battle Harbour, Cow Head and Flower’s Cove. They joined the M.V. Pedanaut at Hampden. Both crew members, Gus Noble (skipper) and Albert Thomas (cook) were from Green Bay. Over a six-week period they journeyed some 2000 miles. Mr. Gibson wrote an account of the remarkable voyage for the December issue (1953) of The Diocesan Magazine. Here are extracts from the Labrador portion of the visit. Archdeacon Francis Buckle
“After a three and one half hour trip [from Henley Harbour], we made Battle Hr., and tied up at the wharf. Scarcely had this been done, when we spotted the Mission boat coming towards us. From it emerged a suit of dungarees, surmounted by a broad smile - there was no mistaking the Rev. J. Reid, mission-priest of Battle Hr. We were only stopping here en route to Cartwright ... The rugged magnificence of the Labrador coast looked almost benign, as we made our way along the Domino Run. ... We arrived at Cartwright, where we were greeted by Mr. Massey [Massie] of the Hudson Bay Store. Apparently, we had missed the Mission priest, the Rev. A. Torraville. He had been waiting for us at Batteau, and we had sailed past in the fog. Mr. Torraville turned up safely the next day; hot in pursuit ... The next day being Sunday, morning services were held in church, near which a fine two-roomed school has just been built. After dinner, a boy proudly conveyed us across the harbour in his new motor-boat, taking us at quite a breathless speed. We landed safely, however, at the wharf of the Grenfell Mission and were met by Dr. Whittaker ... At 7.00 p.m. Confirmation was held at which one old gentleman of 77 years received the laying-on of hands. We left Cartwright the next day at the respectable hour of 9.00 a.m. A dull and foggy morning shortly improved and by afternoon, we were enjoying the warm sunshine and moving north across a sparkling and calm sea. After turning west into Hamilton Inlet, we eventually anchored in the sheltered waters of Conningham [Cunningham] Cove. ... The next morning the wind had abated, and the going along Lake Melville was good. This, I must confess, is mere hearsay, for we had started at 2.00 a.m.... We duly arrived at Goose and it seemed almost unbelievable to find a town of its proportions in the middle of the Labrador. ...After a more than adequate dinner at the Mess, we were taken by car to Happy Valley. Here we were met by Mr. Wilson Tibbo, a Queen’s College student, who had been working here as a Catechist during the summer, and who had prepared a number of candidates for Confirmation. We inspected a fine new two-roomed school which was being built and which by now is in use as a school and a church. At the home of Mr. T. Pardy, we did justice to a truly gargantuan meal which all thoroughly enjoyed. Confirmation was then held in the old community church, after which the Bishop met members of the Select Vestry and then returned to Goose. ... At Goose in the base Chapel the Bishop officiated at three services in one. The Baptism of an adult was followed by Confirmation and the Eucharist. This was undoubtedly a reversion to the practice of the Primitive Church, when Baptism and Confirmation together formed one rite of initiation. ... At North West River ... we were allowed to use a large room in the school for Confirmation. After service we returned on board to find that there had been an invasion by myriads of insects - the fly in the ointment, so to speak. The chaplain did great slaughter with a rolled-up newspaper, but some escaped the massacre and remained to buzz about during the night. ... In the afternoon we made Rigolet and went ashore to make inquiries about a prospective passenger. The enquiries proved unsuccessful, but we did see the one and only set of triplets [the Ways] on the Labrador, and very bonny they looked too. Pressing on, we made Conningham’s Cove about 5.00 p.m. and decided to anchor there for the night, there being no other harbour within range. While we were at tea, some young men came aboard to see the Parson. After some hesitation, it emerged that one of them wanted to be married that night, since it might be some time before he saw the Parson again. The arrangements were duly made, and at 10.00 p.m. we were rowed ashore in the darkness, greeted by volleys which echoed in the still night. Making our way to the tilt where the ceremony was to take place, we found all the relatives and friends gathered, including a little girl in her night-dress, who gazed
open-mouthed at the assembly.Atable was arranged altar-wise and soon the bridal party arrived. Although I officiated at a number of weddings, I have yet to take part in one which was so moving in its simplicity. Mr. Torraville took the first part of the service, and the Bishop the second and gave the Blessing. We then sat down to the breakfast, homely but ample, and afterwards were rowed back to the boat. Our next day’s run was uneventful and we arrived at Cartwright in time for tea and to hold Evensong. One feature of the Labrador I have not yet mentioned. This is the “Labrador Band.” Every night all the huskies in a settlement will start howling together. This eerie performance continues for a few minutes and then stops as abruptly as it started. Usually there is one that holds on after the others have finished - even packs have their individualists.” The Episcopal party continued to the southern part of the Battle Harbour Mission and called at Fishing Ship Hr., George’s Cove, St. Francis Hr., Battle Harbour and Mary’Harbour. At Mary’s Harbour, they met Nurse Stedman. “The I.G.A. is most resourceful in thinking up new ways of celebrating Episcopal visits,” Mr. Gibson wrote, “for we were greeted with the news that an infant had been born in a very short time before our arrival. Later in the day the Bishop visited mother and child and found both doing nicely. ... After an excellent dinner at the hospital the Bishop and his party set off to find a fishing stream. ... The Bishop exercised his wiles on the trout ... Disposing of his catch at the hospital, we returned to Battle Hr., enjoying a breezy run back. Here much ingenuity had been shown, for an arch of salmon boxes was erected to greet the Bishop. This novelty was much photographed and very fine it looked too. Confirmation was held that evening and after service, the entire congregation set out on a veritable route march to the cemetery, where an extension was to be consecrated.” The Pendanaut left Battle Harbour the next morning, and after a brief stay at Cape St. Charles moved on the Henley Harbour where Evensong was held, and the Bishop preached. “The weather next day was too foggy to cross the Straits, and had not cleared up the next morning. As it was Sunday, the Eucharist was celebrated ... We were having tea on board when a storm blew up and threatened to knock the boat against the wharf until one or the other disintegrated. To prevent this, it was decided to move to more sheltered spot, but in the process, the boat lodged between two large ‘sinkers.’ The men ashore rallied to help, and with a line off to the further shore, we were hauled away.As a high sea was now running, we decided to anchor in the bay for the night. The Bishop and Mr. Reid were all this time on shore while the Chaplain was stranded on board where he preached to himself the sermon he had hoped to deliver at Evensong. ... For two days we were held up at Henley Harbour where we enjoyed the constant hospitality of Mr. Evan Stone and his brother. We finally got away on the sixth day. It was a fine sunny morning, the wind having dropped to a mere 15. Not content with having entertained us ashore, the good people of Henley sent us off with a good supply of newly-baked bread and a delicious cake. After a brief call at Red Bay, we arrived at Flower’s Cove, where we were met by the Mission priest, the Rev. E. Leyte.” In 1955, the Rev.Alan Gibson married Janet Abraham, the Bishop’s daughter, and shortly afterwards moved to England. Sadly, later that year Bishop Abraham suffered a stroke and died.
STRAIGHT TALK
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November 2010
ANGLICANLife
Memorials vs. Thanksgivings The Rev. Greg Mercer
People sometimes ask me if I have any children. My response is: “Yes, I have three daughters, one of whom is deceased.” I do believe that this response best expresses my Christian faith. Allow me to be up front with you. I personally believe that it is a travesty that we memorialize our dead. Wouldn’t it be better to say, “In thanksgiv-
ing for the life and witness of...”. I can say to you quite frankly that my daughter is not a memorial; she is a thanksgiving, as are my parents who are also deceased. A memorial suggests past tense, a commemoration of what once was, and a recalling to memory of that which is dead and gone. Is that what our Christian faith teaches us? A thanksgiving, on the other hand, is a living testimony. My daughter may be deceased, but her witness, her legacy, her spirit still lives on in those whose lives have been affected by her witness. That is to say, we have been changed by her, forever, and the benefits of that whole experience mani-
fests itself in the exercise of our ministry to others. In the words of Henre Nowen, we have become wounded healers, i.e., God working in us the benefits of having a child with special needs and now deceased. Does that sound like past tense to you? This understanding also has implications on how we understand Holy Communion. Every time we enter into the Eucharistic celebration, it is not just to recall to memory the sacrifice of Christ, but to enter into the real presence of Christ in a sacramental way. The Easter message is that we celebrate with THANKSGIVING the living Christ. The English word “memorial” (or re-
membrance) in the BCP Prayer of Consecration does not do justice to the Greek work it translates, “anamnesis” which encompasses past, present, and future; Christ HAS died, Christ IS risen, Christ WILL come again. And so, if our deceased are nothing more than a memorial, then that makes mockery of the Eucharist. If our deceased are dead and gone forever, why do we even bother to come to the Altar Rail? Has Christ died for nothing? The Eucharist is a Great Thanksgiving in which we not only recall the wonderful act of Christ’s death and resurrection, but we enter into his living presence.
Every time we extend our hands and our lips to receive the body and blood of Christ, we are, at that moment, not only in COMMUNION with the living gathered around the Altar, but with ALL the saints in light, both your loved ones and mine. It is, after all, HOLY Communion. So where and what is this practice of memorializing the dead, placarding them as if they are nothing more than a memory? They are alive I tell you. They are alive because Christ is alive – Thanks be to God.
BOOK REVIEW
A WHOLE NEW REVIEW Advent and Christmas - Wisdom from St. Benedict Listen carefully, my child, thus starts the Rule of St. Benedict. This too is one of the themes of Advent and Christmas, Wisdom from St. Benedict. Judith Sutera has gathered together words of wisdom from a voice of centuries ago and woven them together with scripture, prayer and actions to help the reader slow down and see God in the ordinary moments of everyday life, especially in this busy, noisy time called Advent. As we move toward the time of Advent, our calendars fill with parties, concerts, baking extravaganzas and shopping! It is good to take a little time each day to prepare for the celebration of the birth of Jesus. This book begins on the first Sunday of Advent and continues through to the Advent and Christmas Wisdom from St. Benedict Compiled by Judith Sutera, OSB Missouri: Ligouri Publications, 2010 116pp. $12.99 978-0-7648-1883-7
end of the Christmas cycle and because it is not a dated product, it can be reused each year. The book is divided into three parts. Part I –Readings for Advent, contains twenty-eight daily readings. The readings help readers to slow down and prepare our hearts for the coming of the Christ child. Part II –Readings for the Christmas Season, is filled with scripture and actions that remind us of the joy of the season. The Prince of Peace has been born. This section encourages readers to remember the true reason for the celebration and to share the good news with others. In part III-Formats for Nightly Prayer and Reading, the author presents material in a liturgical format that can be used in
group or individual prayer settings. Advent and Christmas, Wisdom from St. Benedict provides readers with daily sacred reading. The Advent actions are a very practical way to apply the lessons and messages to everyday life, especially in this joyful Season. This book and many other Advent and Christmas meditations are currently available at THE DIOCESAN RESOURCE CENTRE, 19 King’s Bridge Road, St. John’s or by calling (709) 576-6051 Reviewed by Gail Brittain Resource Centre Manager
ANGLICANLife
November 2010
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COLUMNIST
Sex outside marriage The Rev. Michael Li
Ideally marriage is an exclusive relationship for humankind. A man and a woman “become one flesh” (Genesis 2:24). Sex is designed by God for uniting a couple in a loving marriage. The husband and wife live together in faithfulness. There is no room for casual sex outside God’s ideal marriage. Marriages existed before reliable recorded his-
tory, long before there were governments or churches. In the beginning a man and a woman lived together and produced children (like modern-day common-law relationships) without rituals or witnesses. The couple were recognized by the local community as husband and wife with no marriage licence or registration. The Ten Commandments were given for our benefit. They are found in the Koran, though not all in one place as a list. The seventh commandment “You shall not commit adultery” (Exodus 20:14) is understood differently from nation to nation. Most people in Canada believe that adultery means any kind of sexual intercourse outside a monogamous marriage.
But in the Arab world, it is not considered adultery for a Muslim man to take a second wife, or for him to have sex with a servant girl or a foreign woman. He only commits adultery when he has sex with an Arab woman (married or single). The exclusive nature of marriage was compromised by the Old Testament patriarchs who allowed one man to have more than one wife (Genesis 4:19; 29:2127). Later, David and Solomon had many wives. So people in the Old Testament did not pay attention to the seventh commandment. Like the Sabbath, the commandment about adultery is made for humans. Not for humans obeying rules, because simply obeying the seventh commandment
alone does not automatically make healthy marriages. To make your marriage healthy needs hard work and help from the Holy Spirit. The New Testament idea of marriage is based on a love expressed in a committed relationship of mutual submission. In light of I Timothy 3:2 and Titus 1:6, the New Testament practice seems to accept polygamists for baptism, but to require monogamy for church leadership. Jesus taught that the seventh commandment could be violated by thought (Matthew 5:28). Lustful thoughts can lead to physical adultery. Please note that there is a huge difference between looking at a man or woman and looking at him or her lustfully.
We must not forget that we humans are sinners. We cannot obey the Ten Commandments perfectly all the time. Even strong Christians are not automatically victorious over sexual sins. David, a man after God’s own heart (I Samuel 13:14), committed both adultery and murder. We, modern followers of Jesus, cannot avoid sexual temptations at all times. By the grace and power of the Holy Spirit, we will not turn our impure thoughts into outward actions. We should continue to pay attention to all God’s commandments. We should remain pure before marriage and faithful afterward.
Central Diocese ACW Annual Meeting Submitted by Trudy Collins
On the weekend of September 17th to 19th the Indian Bay Parish in the Diocese of Central Newfoundland hosted the 35th Annual Diocesan Meeting of the Anglican Church Women at the Lion’s Community Centre in Trinity, Bonavista Bay. Gifts of preserves for all in attendance were provided by the ladies of the Parishes of Badger’s Quay
and Newtown. The weekend began with a very spiritual service of Holy Eucharist at St. Albans Church, Trinity on Friday evening during which the Rector, the Reverend David Coffin sang a beautiful and very touching solo. The Reverend Betty Harbin from the Parish of Gambo preached a very positive and encouraging sermon to the ACW ladies with regard to the role they play and their work within
the church as women of God. Following the service those in attendance got to know each other over a cup of tea and lots of tasty goodies. Saturday was a busy day of worship, participation in the annual meeting which included the election of officers, small group sharing sessions, and a banquet followed by entertainment which was provided by parishioners of the Indian Bay Parish. Thank you and con-
gratulations to the newly elected ACW Diocesan Executive. On Sunday morning the ladies attended a Parish Holy Eucharist service at St Barnabas Church Centreville with Bishop David Torraville and Reverend David Coffin officiating. Ms. Karen Torraville, Honorary Diocesan ACW President was also in attendance. The Indian Bay youth choir sang two beautiful selections
Tour Ireland Irelands Charm & Heritage
May 17 – June 1, 2011
Tour Hosts & Detailed Brochures Canon William & Edith Noel St. John’s - 709-754-8720 wdknoel@nf.sympatico.ca Register early and save One all-inclusive cost! Book early and save! Call now to guarantee your place on the Tour!
they had learned at Vacation Bible School during the summer. They did an awesome job. Following the service everyone enjoyed a time of food and fellowship as they participated in a cold plate lunch with dessert before going their separate ways. Many thanks to all who helped in any way to help make this a successful weekend.
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November 2010
ANGLICANLife
You hLife
youth ministry in newfoundland & labrador
C.L.A.Y.
Labrador youth choirs unite
Submitted by Archdeacon Charlene Taylor
Church of Ascension Youth Attend CLAY Conference. Six youth (Left to right: Ian Thomas, Brent Foote, Bobbie Drover, Mackey Jensen, Amber Nash, Selina Bemister) along with three leaders (Maxine Drover, Susan Moore, Jared Pope) from the Church of Ascension, Mount Pearl, travelled to London, Ontario for a four-day Canadian Lutheran Anglican Youth (CLAY) conference. Through music, drama, and instruction based on the teachings of Jesus, the thousand participants learnt an ‘hands-on’ approach to bringing Jesus’ ministry to this present world by working together in loving communion, striving for peace and justice, and reaching out to help others. A special thank-you to all who in any way made this life-changing experience possible for them. Submitted by Jean Nash. Photo by Susan Moore.
On September 12th, 2010, a group of young people were confirmed at St. Thomas’ Anglican Church in Charleston. The candidates were confirmed by Bishop David Torraville, with the Reverend Jim Pollard in attendance. The Confirmation Candidates were: Shannon Fry, Caneisha Fry, Daniel Pike, Shane Pike, Alicia Gould, Tyler Gould, Alyx Gould, Hayley Prince, Megan Collins, Rebecca Ford. Submitted by Sandra Ford.
Sing a new song unto the Lord is exactly what happened in the Archdeaconry of Labrador during the weekend of September 2426, 2010. The Junior choir and members of the Senior choir from the Congregation of St. Mary the Virgin, Mary’s Harbour in the Parish of Southeast Labrador travelled to the Parish of Lake Melville to share in a weekend of music and fellowship. The choirs from Mary’s Harbour travelled the newly constructed highway which connects Labrador’s south coast to Goose Bay. The weekend began with a
junior choir music workshop on Saturday morning with the Junior Choir from St. Andrew’s, Happy Valley Goose Bay. This workshop was a time to share music and learn new music for the Sunday worship. The workshop was followed by a pizza lunch and a time of fun and fellowship with swimming at the pool. Sunday morning both junior choirs shared their gift of music at the 11 am liturgy and St. Mary the Virgin choir also sang at the evening worship at St. Francis, North West River. The availability of road travel is opening up new and possible ways of sharing ministry in the Big Land.
Now available at the DIOCESAN RESOURCE CENTRE 19 King’s Bridge Road, St. John’s Eco-Friendly Shopping Bags $2.00 each All proceeds go to PWRDF Primate’s World Relief Development Fund Purchase or Use in November and receive 10% discount off all Advent Books and Devotionals