ANGLICANLife
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October 2008
ANGLICANLife October 2008
in NEWFOUNDLAND
&
LABRADOR
Building homes and lives in Guatemala
and within 10 years they had gone from one church to eighteen churches, each with their own Priest or Lay Pastor. Our Mission Partner left that parish in 2002. The parish has now developed into two separate deaneries, staffed solely by Hondurans. SAMS Canada, through our sponsors, provides financial support for 2 priests, 2 deacons and 3 lay ministers/seminarians in Churches that Canadians helped to start. We also send two people down every year to work within the Diocese, providing logistical support and offer(Continued on page 3)
(Continued on page2 )
SAMS Canada to hold annual meeting in Province Anglicana do Brasil, Iglesia Anglicana de la Region Central de America, Iglesia Anglicana del Cono Sur de America, The Church in the Province of the West Indies. SAMS works solely at the initiative and invitation of the local bishop, reporting directly to the local Bishop. A successful example of our work has been in the El Paraiso Deanery in the Diocese of Honduras. In 1990, SAMS Canada sent a mission partner down to southern Honduras to start a new church. He was working under the Honduran Bishop of that time. The mission partner’s method of operation was to invite
churches from Canada (including a group from Newfoundland) and the USA down to help with the evangelism of the area –
Youth leaders gather at Generations 2008 There is nothing more refreshing than to be surrounded by people who want to make a difference in the life of the Church. For more than 150 youth leaders from across the country, including eleven from Newfoundland and Labrador, Generation 2008 allowed for that refreshment. From June 10 to June 15 representatives from most Canadian dioceses travelled to London, Ontario where they were part of a conference unlike any other in our Canadian Church’s history. Youth leaders of every variety gathered to network, empower, and equip one another for youth ministry in the Church. The delegates at the conference came together with differing theological and liturgical backgrounds, however all of us were united in a common taskto discuss ways in which we could integrate meaningful youth ministry into the full life of the Church. While we did discuss many of the challenges facing youth ministry nationwide, more importantly we listened to one another and brainstormed ways in which we could take youth ministry into the future. Throughout the week we heard from a variety of speakers ranging from scholars in the field of youth ministry to the young people themselves. As people who work with the youth of our country, and in consultation with them, two things became abundantly clear as the week progressed. First, youth ministry must be incorporated into the full life of the Church and second, youth ministry must be mission minded. Young
Members from the parishes of St. Mary the Virgin in St. John’s and St. Peter’s, Upper Gullies went to Guatemala in June on a mission project to help construct housing for local families. Pictured above is a young child named Chrisian in the arms of Jack Morgan. Chrisian is sponsored by St. Peter’s parish. He was malnourished when the parish sponsored him, now he is able to go to school and get proper education and nourishment. For FULL STORY See page 7. Photo submitted by the Rev’d Greg Mercer.
The South American Missionary Society (SAMS) in Canada is holding its annual meeting in November at St. Augustine’s Church in St. John’s. SAMS has been in existence for the past 160 years and is a mission support agency, which recruits, trains and financially supports people in a wide assortment of occupations who wish to work within the Anglican Communion somewhere in Latin America (Central and South America). Latin America has 5 separate Provinces within the Anglican Communion, including La Iglesia Anglicana de Mexico, Igreja Episcopal
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ANGLICANLife
October 2008
News From Parish Bulletins and Elsewhere The Cathedral of St. John the Baptist in St. John’s held its annual Blessing of the Animals service on October 4th. Bishop Pitman is pleased to announce a new cooperative venture in ministry between the Diocese of Eastern Newfoundland & Labrador and the Moravian Church. Since the 18th Century the Moravian Church has served the northern communities in Labrador but has for the first time invited an Anglican Priest to work among them in the historic community of
Hopedale. Bishop Pitman is pleased to make the following appointments: The Rev. Marilyn Moore has been appointed Priest in Charge of the Parish of Spaniard’s Bay effective October 1, 2008. The Rev. Robin Barrett has been appointed Priest in Charge of the newly formed Parish combining the parishes of St. Paul, Goulds/Kilbride and Petty Harbour effective November 1, 2008.
Bishop Torraville is pleased to announce that The Rev. Gail Williams has accepted a position in the Central Diocese as Rector of the Parish of Twillingate effective September 1, 2008. Cursillo celebrated its 20th year in the Diocese of Eastern Newfoundland & Labrador on September 24th. There was a hot turkey dinner at the Lavrock and an Ultreya followed. The Rev’d Robin Barrett is currently on
sabbatical and you can read about his experiences online at his blog: robinsabbatical.blogspot.com/ Summer Beacon Bible Studies Burn Brightly. Throughout the summer, the Parish of St. Thomas’ in St. John’s held short Wednesday morning Bible study. Fr. John Paul Westin led a study in Paul’s 2nd letter to Timothy “Lessons to a Fellow Christ-Follower” The study was intended to help people grasp and live out the vision of being enduring beacons for Christ.
Do you want to see news items from your parish included here? Then send along your parish news to the Editor-in-Chief via email: anglicanlife@nl.rogers.com
or by snail mail at the address listed on page 4 of Anglican Life.
Generations 2008 - ready to get on with the mission of the church (Continued from page 1)
people today, (and, might I add, not just youth), are not into ‘maintenance’ models of ministry. Nor are they into meaningless games and “pop-style” worship seeking to entertain them. They are, however, into things that are real and authentic. In fact, young people today are more enthusiastic about the mission of the Church than the Church realizes. They are educated and interested in social justice and environmental issues. All they want is for the Church to meet them where they are, to listen to them, to take them seriously, and to allow them to be partners in equipping others to be the hands and feet of Christ in a broken and hurting world. If we are to fully include youth in our Church and listen to what they have
to teach us, it will involve risk. We must be willing to engage the fresh ideas that young people bring, moving out of our comfort zones and into unchartered waters. So, based on the com-
...young people today are more enthusiastic about the mission of the Church than the Church realizes. bined wisdom of over 150 youth leaders assembled at Generation 2008 youth ministry is not about finding the “right” program or about filling the pews with young people on Sunday mornings. Youth ministry is all about working together to put the Gospel of Jesus Christ into action.
Young Anglicans all around the country are ready and willing to engage in the mission of the Church- to feed the hungry, clothe the naked, bring good news to the poor and care for the creation that has been entrusted to us. Youth and those who are interested in working with them have spoken. Are we, as the rest of the Church, ready to hear them? Submitted by the Rev’d Amanda Taylor Parish of Port de Grave
Generations delegates from the three Newfoundland & Labrador dioceses: Back Row (L-R): Irene Hewitt, Reuban Bonnell Middle Row (L-R): The Rev. Jim Pratt, Dana Pearce, the Rev. Yvonne Thistle, the Rev. Roberta Woodman Front Row (L-R): Margaret Jenniex, Susan Moore, Jennifer Renouf, the Rev. Amanda Taylor, Kim Fagan, Teri Slade Missing: The Rev. David Burrows
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ANGLICANLife
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October 2008
POSITION AVAILABLE: EDITOR-IN-CHIEF The Joint Committee seeks applications for the position of the Editor-in-Chief (EIC) for Anglican Life in Newfoundland & Labrador. Anglican Life in Newfoundland and Labrador is the newspaper of the Anglican Church in the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador. A co-operative effort of the three Dioceses in Newfoundland and Labrador, it is published monthly, except July and August, with an independent editorial policy. The EIC has responsibility for all final decisions pertaining to the design, layout, content and quality of each issue of Anglican Life. Duties of the EIC include: · To be responsible for the overall editorial content of Anglican Life; · To write editorials or share with the Associate Editors (AE); · To be responsible for receiving material from the AE; · To prepare the layout and design of the paper; · To edit material where necessary after consultation with AE; · To work in conjunction with the Joint Committee Officer in matters of advertizing and finances; · To be a liaison with regular columnists and contributors; · To meet regularly with the Anglican Life Committee and the AE to do long term planning around the context and ministry of the paper; The successful candidate should possess computer skills which include a working knowledge of publishing software (Adobe PageMaker, InDesign, Photoshop, and Adobe Acrobat) as well as have flexibility to work with hard copy articles. Applicant must be able to provide own computer equipment. Applications should include: · A short letter of application, including brief introduction of applicant’s life and faith; · A complete curriculum vitae, including publications and editorial experience with references; · A hard copy sample(s) of a past publication(s) created by applicant (no more than two); Please mail completed applications by November 1, 2008 to:
The Rt. Rev’d David Torraville, Chairperson Joint Committee, 34 Fraser Road, Gander, NL, A1V 2E8 For further questions please contact Bishop Don Young, Joint Committee Officer at jointcommittee@nfld.net or phone (709) 256-7701
SAMS to hold annual meeting (Continued from page 1)
ing their services as educators. SAMS Canada maintains an excellent relationship with the National Church of Canada. We attend the National Church’s annual Mission Agency meetings in May and have often had Church House staff attending our meetings. As one of our former Primates stated, SAMS Canada is able to facilitate an area of ministry that the National Church let slip from their hands about 35 years ago, that is sending long term mission personal to work in local churches in Latin America. At present SAMS International (which includes national organizations in Great Britain, Ireland, United States, Australia, New Zealand and
Canada, actively supports about 140 mission partners. In addition we financially support about 300 local ministers throughout Latin America and support about 50 local personnel in projects jointly funded by ourselves and the local Diocese. SAMS Canada has mission workers in Lima, Peru, and Roatan, Honduras. We fund a local initiative in Santiago, Chile where we built a Youth Center in a parish we helped start. We continue to fund the Chilean Priest who replaced our Missionary after 10 years of service in this parish. We subsidize the salaries of 7 Honduran Priests in parishes one of our Mission Partners helped to start over a ten year commitment to the Diocese of Honduras.
SAMS facilitates a number of short term mission teams that go mainly to Central America, to work with the local churches on initiatives the Diocese has requested assistance on. SAMS Canada is actively supporting the CLB Mission Trip to Belize in June ’09. SAMS Canada is presently looking for people to work in the following areas: Health Care: Nurse for a clinic in Paraguay and the Dominican Republic; Medical personnel for rural clinics in Belize and Honduras; Social or pastoral worker for AIDS Clinic in Uruguay. Education: Teachers – English, Sports, Art, Science, Math in Paraguay, Chile, Dominican Republic, Honduras; Principal – for a bilingual school in Honduras.
Clergy: Short-term Mission Coordinator in Venezuela; Short-term Mission Logistics coordinators in Honduras; Clergy for Church Development in Belize; Chaplain (with modest stipend) in Chile; Pastor in Ecuador. Evangelism and Church Growth: Evangelism and Construction workers in Belize; Children and Youth Ministry in Argentina and Bolivia; Bible Teacher/ Trainer in Chile; Camp Developer in Northern Argentina; Music Ministers in Bolivia; Church Planters and Developers (Clergy and Lay) in Brazil, Bolivia, Chile, Honduras and Uruguay Our Annual Meeting will be held on Friday, November 7th at St. Augustine’s Church in St. John’s, starting at 7:30
pm. All are welcome to attend. SAMS Canada will be running three mission workshops on Saturday, November 8th starting at 2:00 pm. These workshops will be at St. Paul’s in Lewisporte, St. Peter’s in Upper Island Cove and St. Augustine’s in St. John’s. In addition, our members will be preaching at a number of churches in and around St. John’s on Sunday, November 9th. For further information on SAMS Canada and its ministry within the Anglican Church of Canada and to Latin America, please check our Website at www.samscanada.ca This article was written by the Rev’d David Pilling, who serves as Rector of St. Augustine’s in St. John’s and is the Vice Chairperson for SAMS Canada.
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ANGLICANLife in N EWFOUNDLAND & LABRADOR
Will I ever have to wonder?
October 2008
editorial Karen Bennett
Advertising Rates and other information may be obtained from: Donald Young 34 Fraser Road, Gander, NL, A1V 2E8 Phone: (709) 256-7701 Email: jointcommittee@nfld.net
These days we hear from many voices - meditation experts, practitioners of yoga, in some cases medical doctors - that in such a fast-paced society, we should endeavour to live as much as we can in the present moment. There is a need for taking time out just for ourselves, whether through forms of mediation, exercise, reading, getting really caught up in one of our passions, etc. We are not to dwell on the past with its mistakes and longings, as this is not beneficial to our health and well being. Few will doubt that this philosophy, when applied, is all for the good; less emphasis on the past, more on today. So what about the future? By nature we cannot help considering what may happen tomorrow. And one of the big questions for some folks, is, “Will I have made a difference?” Put another way, “Did it matter that I was born?” This may happen as a matter of course as we get older and look back on the things we have experienced. It seems we cannot entirely escape those glances into the past. Those of us who realize there is a choice would wish to leave a
Subscription Rates: Newfoundland and Labrador: $15.00 Outside the province: $20.00 International: $25.00
Relay for Life at St. Michael’s, Corner Brook
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 (Interim): The Rev’d Sam Rose 45 Tildacane Place Conception Bay South, NL A1X 3C7 (709) 834-9190 (h) Email: anglicanlife@nl.rogers.com Diocesan Associate Editors: Diocese of Eastern Newfoundland and Labrador: The Rev’d Sam Rose 45 Tildacane Place Conception Bay South, NL A1X 3C7 (709) 834-9190 (h) Email: samrose@nl.rogers.com Diocese of Central Newfoundland: Margaret Jenniex 34 Fraser Road, Gander, NL A1V 2E8 Phone: (709) 256-2372 Fax: (709) 256-2396 Email: mcjenniex@nfld.net Diocese of Western Newfoundland: Vacant Please send all articles to the Editor-in-Chief (above)
legacy of interesting lives and contributions to humanity as our gift to the future. From time to time individuals might ponder how far each has come on that pathway. So today, right at this moment, how would you answer the question, “Has my life made a difference?” Do you know the answer right away, or does this question leave you wondering? Certainly, if you have parented a child, you can say that without you that child would not have existed. If the child deeply loves you and God, and his or her life reflects this, then you have been a positive influence and did make a difference. What about your personal contribution to the Christian community? Are the people in your congregation, parish and province, perhaps even the world, in some way better off because of the things you do? If your response is YES, it should reflect your humility rather than your ego at being of service to your Creator. An “I DON’T KNOW” reply merits some changes in your life! While we are healthy or fairly so, and thus able, we should make it a priority, not just an in-
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 your Diocesan Editor (listed 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: 25,702
The team of “Angels” from St. Michael & All Angels, Corner Brook. Photo by Debbie Ford
St. Michael and All Angels’ Parish in Corner Brook has always been very enthusiastic when we feel God’s ‘nudge’ to answer the call to an outreach project. On June 14th, 2008 the Corner Brook division of the Canadian Cancer Society held its annual cancer Relay for Life. For the sixth year in a row, St. Michael’s was very blessed to be able to enter a team! In fact we were doubly blessed with two Angel
teams! Through many fund raising projects from selling copies of the Newfoundland “Cooking for Life” cookbooks, to a flea market, a card game, a coffee hour sponsored by the church and from soliciting pledges, the St. Michael’s Angels were very proud to present $4,532 to the Canadian Cancer Society! The 12 Hour Relay was filled with much reflection and remembrances as well as a good measure of fun!
cidental happening, to do what we can for others and for God. We don’t need a long list, with dates and events, to show St. Peter upon our arrival at the Pearly Gates. (Chances are he will already have that!) But those we leave to meet God after us should see in us, long before our demise, that we are attempting to make the best use of our God-given lives that we can. Maybe it’s through musical talent, taking up collection, greeting visitors to your church, that you’re making a mark. Big contributions or small, they all add up to make this planet a finer place, more like God, I think, originally intended it to be. Chip in while you can. Wonder no more. This is Karen’s last editorial for Anglican Life. We thank her for her contribution as Associate Editor and we pray God’s blessings for her and her family.
The St. Michael participants proved that we were up for many challenges! Mona Davis even after 52 years of marriage agreed to be our blushing bride for the “Newspaper Fashion Show”! Our efforts there garnered us first place. Myra Shears, team captain, had no problem showing she would and could take one for the team during the “Pie Throwing Contest”! Many, many heartfelt thanks go out to one and all for the tremendous financial and prayerful support given to this very worthwhile Outreach effort. We look forward to next year when we can again answer God’s call to action. Submitted By Debbie Ford St. Michael and All Angels Corner Brook, NL
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October 2008
bishop’s letter
The Bishop writes...on Lambeth 2008 The 14th Lambeth Conference took place July 16 – August 4, 2008 on the Campus of the University of Kent in Canterbury, England. The Archbishop of Canterbury invited us to gather to consider the two themes of “Equipping Bishops for Mission” and “Strengthening Anglican Identity”. We began our time together in prayer and reflection as the Archbishop of Canterbury led us in a three day retreat. In the addresses, based mostly on passages from the letters of Paul, the Archbishop invited us to think about what it meant for a bishop to be a person in whom God revealed Jesus. During the period of retreat
there was opportunity for silence, for building friendships and for people to pray together in small groups. Worship was at the heart of our time together. We shared in the Eucharist each morning. Evening Prayer each evening incorporating each day liturgical and musical material from different parts of the Communion. In addition, at the Centre of the Campus has been the Prayer Place staffed by a chaplaincy team. In his Presidential Address, Archbishop Williams set the Fourteenth Lambeth Conference in the context of previous gatherings. He called for transformed relationships with one another and new hab-
its of respect, patience and understanding. Bible Study was one of the most enriching parts of the Conference. Each morning the same eight bishops met to study the Gospel of John. These times together around Scripture have been the life giving force of the Conference and will become the basis on ongoing commitment to one another. The Bible Studies centered in particular around the “I Am” sayings of Jesus. During the coming months there will be opportunity to report more fully on the experience of the Lambeth Conference. For me there were many highlights:
1. The Opening Service at Canterbury Cathedral: The three Bishops from Newfoundland and Labrador were privileged to be seated just a few feet from the High Altar and the Chair of St. Augustine gathered with Bishops from all over the World. I felt as one Bishop said out loud, “Ah, this is the Anglican Communion!! I was very thankful to be here.” 2. The worship along with the music was amazing each day. 3. The Bishop Study Group I was part of had one bishop from the UK, one from the US, and five from different parts of Africa. 4. Conversations with bishops working in very difficult contexts.
dle the official documents if necessary and the estate pays the fees; name a guardian for children under the age of 18, if you have any. Your Will is a document that gives you control over your property at the time when you are not available to give instructions. It can also identify specific sentimental property to be left to specific people. This property may not have major cash value, but it will be important to you for the right person to have it. If you do not have a Will when you die, your estate will be distributed according to the Wills Act. That does not automatically mean that the government gets all of your estate. But, it could happen, depending on your situation when you die. Invariably someone will ask about using a Wills Kit that you can buy in most stores. My recommendation is to see a lawyer and do it right. Why? Because a Will is a legal document and the wording is very important. After you die, you will not be around to explain what you meant when someone is interpreting your Will. If you prepare your own Will and it is invalid because it has not been properly prepared, your estate will be treated as if you never made a Will. Your property may then be distributed in accordance with the Wills Act. That means that it will cost more
for your family to deal with the Will and your property might not be given to the people you want to get it. Getting legal advice to make your Will helps you to consider all likely possibilities in deciding how you want your property given out after your death. If you have children under the age of 19 (minor children) or you have complex business partnerships, etc. a lawyer can assist in determining what property will
5. The March through London to bring attention to the need to eradicate poverty in the world as quickly as possible. 6. The genuine desire on the part of most bishops to work at ways to strengthen the Communion and stay together for the sake of the Church. (Continued on page 12)
stewardship
The importance of having a Will I am continually amazed at the large number of people who tell me that they don’t have a Last Will and Testament yet. Sometimes they do so with a sheepish look while others assure me that they mean to have one but procrastination plays a major role. Regardless, this is an important item that should be on the top of your priority list. Ask yourself, what would happen if you were to die suddenly without a Will? Your Will provides instructions on what to do with your estate (all of your possessions, especially all your property and debts) after your death. It is important that you make a Will for the following reasons: To prevent your estate from going to the provincial government; To make sure that the people you want to leave specific things to get them; To avoid leaving your relatives with costly issues after your death; To allow you to choose people to act as your child(ren)’s adoptive parents or guardians. A Will should include: how your assets are to be divided; name the person to manage your estate (the Executor), someone you trust whom you know will act in your best interests. An Executor should be chosen who has the skills, ability and desire to carry out the duties. The trustee can hire a professional to han-
Bishop Cyrus Pitman
Kevin Smith form part of your estate. As mentioned above, your Will can help you to make sure that people get what you want to give them. A lawyer can make sure that your Will is clear. Certainly, a lot of food for thought. Kevin Smith is a Gift Planning Consultant with the Anglican Church of Canada.
Kevin can be contacted at 709 739-5667 or by email at: k_smith@nf.sympatico.ca
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ANGLICANLife
EMMAUS YOUTH CONFERENCE 2008
October 2008
St. Mark’s, Norris Arm North celebrates 50 years
Submitted by Bishop Don Young
Youth participants and leaders of the first Emmaus Diocesan Youth Conference held at the Lavrock Centre in July and August 2008
The inaugural Emmaus Youth Leadership Conference, entitled “iLive, iLead, iAm” was held at the Lavrock Centre from July 28 to August 2, 2008. A small but enthusiastic group of 12-15 year olds, representing a wide spectrum of the diocese, participated in the gathering. The young people, including two from Labrador, spent the week immersed in leadership training, worship, community building, and fun! A typical day at the conference included morning and evening worship, where participants were engrossed in the rich tradition of Anglican liturgy. Music preparation was also a part of the day’s activities, to ensure that the conference attendees could take active leadership roles in the music offered during worship. Formal sessions on learning, leadership and service resulted in excellent, thought-provoking discussions on a range of theological topics. From
the Gospel according to the Simpsons to a presentation on Guatemala mission work, the participants (and their leaders!) engaged in conversations that challenged and enlightened at every turn. Not your average week in the summer life of a teenager! The week was not all about work though. The advantages of a small group were realized when a tight knit community was formed. Through recreational activities like swimming, skits, sports and a dance, the youth built relationships and support networks that have staying power. A highlight of the week was certainly the field trip to St. John’s, where the group was divided for two service activities. One group toured Synod Office and volunteered with the Diocesan Archives, while the other group offered their time at the Emmaus Food Bank. The activities provided a real sense of history and insight into the
outreach happening daily in our church. A tour of the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist concluded the trip with a view into what makes our Cathedral special. By providing opportunities to see our faith community in action, the outing highlighted how the Church’s mission is being realized through individual Anglicans fulfilling their Baptismal Covenant. I am pleased to report that the first Emmaus Conference was a resounding success. It was a true blessing to watch these young leaders explore their faith, enhance their knowledge, and challenge themselves. To close the conference, a video submission was prepared for the Amazing Grace Project by this special group of young people. I pray for them and for your support as we strive to build on the foundation now established. Submitted by Angela Morgan on behalf of the Emmaus Project
On August 17th, a large congregation assembled in “The Church by the road”, St. Mark’s, Norris Arm North, to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the official opening of the Church. The celebrant was the Rt. Rev. Donald Young and the sermon was preached by the Rev. Perry Cooper, former Rector of the Parish and newly appointed Executive Officer of The Diocese of Central Newfound-
land. The Church was built by Thomas Freake, a resident of Norris Arm North. The Rt. Rev. Robert L.
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Seaborn was present for the official opening which took place on September 7th, 1958. The Parish Priest at the time was the Rev. A.W. Fudge. The building was later consecrated by the Rt. Rev. W. Gordon Legge. Millicent Winsor and Kathleen Haynes, co-chairs of the Organizing Committee, cut the Anniversary Cake. As well as the local
congregation, there were many former parishioners visiting both from the province and from other parts of Canada. Donald Beaton, a former parishioner who lives in Bathurst, New Brunswick and now resides part time in Norris Arm North attended the celebrations. Also, James Freake, the son of the builder of St. Mark’s Thomas Freake, visited from Berwick, Nova Scotia. (Above photo): A number of former rectors and visiting clergy attended the 50th Anniversary Service. Among those present were (left to right) the Rev. Walter Hammond, the Rt. Rev. Donald Young, the Rev. Perry Cooper, the Rev. Munden Waye, the Rev. Calvin Coates, the Rev. David Pilling & Pastor Vera Mencenton.
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October 2008
Guatemala mission trip changes lives
plies. The nursing clinic, until our arrival, was down to a small supply of over the counter medications. Our contribution over-filled the shelves. The time spent by the team in Guatemala was hectic. Each day began with prayer on the roof of the compound we were staying in. Team member, Robyn Harvey followed with an inspirational reading. Fr. Mercer then stimulated discussion which included input by the entire group. We arrived at the school in Parramos on Monday morning, complete with a truck load of goods for the students, teachers, medical clinic and others. All bags were unloaded and brought to the school chapel. In the The new house that the St. Peter’s team built for Fransisca and her family. The team are holding afternoon the team successfully built two houses. The the legal certificate which contains the sponsor and title to the property. homes constructed were Fr. Greg Mercer, Jack Various groups within sionary suggested that we 12 feet by 16 feet, consistMorgan and Dennis St. Peter’s Church sup- probably exceeded the ing of two rooms. Quite a Morgan, three members of ported the project by norm when it came to suphome for a family St. Peter’s Anglican fundraising, donating (ranging from 5 Church, Upper Gullies, left toys, material for sewing, 10 members) that the confines of their parish medication, and monetary were used to living to assist residents in the contributions. “The rein a 6 ft. by 8 ft. poverty stricken land of sponse was overwhelmcorn stalk hut. Guatemala. Their trek be- ing, more than we could One of the six gan last fall, when the Par- ever dream of,” said Fr. houses was paid ish of St. Mary the Virgin Greg. for by the parishin St. John’s invited St. PeThe Men’s Service ioners of St. Peter’s. ter’s to become a part of a Club at St. Peter’s played The team also do14 member team. the official role of collectnated bedding and The mission is known ing and distributing of all toys to the chilas the “Arms of Jesus Chil- monies. Parishioners Bob dren. Various gifts dren’s Mission.” The pri- Hilliard and Walter Hynes by individual mary goal of the group constructed in excess of members were was to build houses, work 300 crosses to be distribgiven to the parwith the children, and as- uted to the citizens of Guaents and kids—a sist in any other way pos- temala. In total, 1400 sort of “housesible. The team was under pounds of goods were warming” gift. the capable guidance of taken and a small amount The following Guatemalan missionaries, of personal supplies—just day, the team conRaphael and Claudia as enough to get the team This is a picture of Carma. Notice that structed a total of well as two Canadian mis- through the eight-day she is not wearing any shoes. Most of four additional sionaries. stay. Upon arrival, a mis- the children walk around barefoot in the houses, complete dirt with the chickens and dogs because with basic furnishshoes are not something they can ings and gifts. The afford.
Picture of Fransisca’s former home. It was pieced together out of scrap metal. It is approximately 6 feet by 8 feet and had no utilities whatsoever. She lived there with her three children.
work was carried out in over 30 degree temperatures. Needless to say, all members were very tired, very hungry and very dirty at the end of the day. Wednesday was a special day when Fr. Greg would pray God’s blessing on each new home. The service was concluded with the singing of “Holy Ground”—now a hymn dearly loved by all team members. Fr. Greg held a Communion service at the hotel court yard later in the evening. It was a dimly lit room with an open roof enabling us to see the stars and moon—a magical atmosphere. During the week, we spent a full afternoon with the children at the mission school in Parramos and also travelled to Pompay, a government run school. Some of the team visited a centre for the children and adults stricken by Multiple Sclerosis. The facility is well kept and has a variety of professionals on staff including a doctor, dentist, nurses and personal care attendants. It seemed that the week was over in the blink of an eye. We all couldn’t believe that we had accomplished so much is such little time. The team felt gratified for God’s blessing in helping these people. Moreover, we felt that we learned and received more from the people of Guatemala than they did from us. We worked in the villages alongside the poor; we talked, played and, in a way, lived with the children—the ‘children who are children’ no matter where they live. Poverty was present everywhere, children with torn clothing and no shoes, obviously malnourished with raw sewage running in the backyard. God is a part of everyday life in Guatemala and at home. Their national holiday is Holy Week. To put this in perspective, the big holiday in Newfoundland is Regatta Day! God richly blessed us all by calling us to this important role in the beautiful country of Guatemala. As Fr. Greg said, “You build a man a house and he comes to Christ.” Submitted by Jack Morgan St. Peter’s, Upper Gullies, CBS
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ANGLICANLife
our history
William Tulk, 1827 In 1827, William Tulk’s health has been failing for some time. Many people, who lived in cold wet climates (especially in this period), were vulnerable to illnesses such as asthma and influenza. These were difficult to treat, even if medical persons were present. It was rare to have medical staff in rural Newfoundland, certainly not in Great St Lawrence. It appears that Mr. Tulk had a prolonged asthma problem which limited his ability to conduct his work. The shortage of priests in Newfoundland meant that the few were resident on the island. Most would be stationed in the largest communities and there
might be a priest based in the region such as Conception Bay to serve the whole area. There was little hope that the smaller communities in remote bays would ever be visited by a missionary. Mr. Tulk was the only SPG person, priest or schoolmaster on the whole south coast of Newfoundland. The name of the disease which caused Mr. Tulk not to open his school was probably influenza. The description from the letter is similar to one the writer found for an influenza outbreak in the Labrador straits at Forteau and Spotted Islands in 1891. In that case there were only a few clusters of houses infected,
October 2008
David Davis but at Great St Lawrence all the homes were affected. By the time of the Labrador outbreak there were coastal steamers and more physicians to help but there were still none at Labrador straits. This situation led to the arrival of the Deep Sea Mission and Dr. Wilfred Grenfell the next year. As with many schools at this time, they only opened in the warmer months. This schedule was common in Newfoundland well into the twentieth century; it saved fuel and money. Mr. Charles Blackman and Mr. John Burt, SPG missionaries from Conception Bay had visited Mr. Tulk and brought or sent
books. Mr. Burt examined Tulk’s students and praised their work. He advised Tulk to write the Bishop of Nova Scotia whose diocese included Newfoundland to ask for help for his poverty and health challenges. It would have been difficult to support a wife and five children on his £15 salary without supplements and with his bad health. Mr. Tulk had the misfortune to miss the Bishop of Nova Scotia who was at Burin, due to his health; a meeting with the bishop would have helped Tulk’s case for additional support. This visit of Bishop Inglis of Nova Scotia to Newfoundland in 1827 lasted six weeks. The diary
of his tour is very long but sections will be included in this series in the future. Bishop Inglis summarized the conditions in Newfoundland as: almost all the schools were small, teachers skills were weak, except Mr. Bray at Harbour Grace, missionaries were few, the people were on their own most of the time, yet there was a strong attachment to the church: more needed to be done. It seems an extremely precarious way to make a living, school teaching in Newfoundland and was to remain so for many years when small schools were the rule in rural areas.
this Month of April I was better I again gave you notice of opening my School Fifteen had entered for the Summer Season from Burin several had sent to me to take their Children which I calculated upwards of Thirty when an alarming (malady) made its appearance amongst us, from two to fives and six was taken down in one House which caused the school to be stopt for a long time. My Family being also taken down, my dear Partner and five Children. No medical Assistance to be got in this place at such (?) seasons. At this critical time I used although myself but very feeble to visit the Sick, to read to our Protestant Friends and to assist those Children that did not attend school, one Adult a Respectable Inhabitant which was hurried into another World by the disease was I was the only Visiter the day of his departure, he sincerely thanked me for my attendance, This place contains Two hundred and Sixty individuals but not one family escaped. The Rev Mr. J Burt one of the Venerable Society Mission-
aries visited me, and examined some of my Scholars which was in attendance at School his Reverence replied after the Examination that the Proficiency of the Children according to their Age was worthy of credit. His Reverence finding me in such as weak state of Health, and in such embarrassed circumstances deemed it Necessary for me Petition The Lord Bishop of Nova Scotia for his Lordships assistance as Sickness and also of but little from any other quarter, this year but the Venerable Societys Salary has unavoidable brought me deficient of paying my expenses of the Year. I have not received an Answer as yet from his Lordship. I beg leave to subscribe myselfYour Obedient Humble Servant William Tulk
the state of the School in Great St Lawrence Newfoundland by me William Tulk Society’s Schoolmaster. Attendance daily given School Hours commence eight in the Morning until 12 from 2 until 5. Numbers of Children taught 30 male an Female but owing to Sickness 13 the greatest Number assembled. Other Schools in or near the place None in the (?) Excepting a few small Children taught by a Young (Woman) at Burin which received her Education at my School. Other employment of the schoolmaster- none Sabbath days employed viz reading Divine service, (?) , catechizing children, &c. Books furnished for distribution and use of the School by the Rev Mr. C. Blackman: Bibles, Testaments, Common Prayers, Introductions to the Christian Religion, Introduction to Lord’s (Summon) Catechism, &c By the Rev J Burt: Spelling books, Chief Truths of the Christian Religion, Walls Divine (Songs), Histories of our Savior, Parables of our Saviors, Discourses of our Savior, History of the Bible, Church Catechisms, (?) Cards, Pastoral Addresses on confirmation, Homilies, Articles and Tracts.
The Document Where the word(s) in the document is unknown the symbol (?) is used, where the writer is inserting a word which fits the document then the word is enclosed in round brackets ( ).
Great St Lawrence, Newfoundland, 17th Nov 1827 Reverend Sir; I beg leave to lay before you the state of myself and also of the School under my charge. I caught about two years ago a severe cold which (brought) on me an Ashtmadic disorder at the commencement of this Year. I was taken in such a manner that for two Months I could scarcely walk across the house this heavy stroke continued until the Month of April it would be necessary (to) remark that on the Sabbath when I used to endeavor to read the Prayers of our Venerable Church (?)
have been obliged to sit down and not being able to perform but a part of the Divine service. I have exerted myself the more owing to no Protestant Minister ever attending this place. Revd Mr. Charles Blackman being the only Clergyman for Thirty Years that had Preached a Sermon in this place. This Rev Gentlemans advice to me at the time of his presence and also by letter since has of course made me exert myself in the way of duty to the utmost of my feeble powers which at present is but feeble as I can but at times breath with great uneasiness having a Violent Cough which deprives me of rest the greatest part of the Night. If the Lord of His Infinite Mercy should be pleased to continue a little longer for the sake of my Helpless Family as it is desirable. If not the Will of the Lord be done on Earth as it is in Heaven As I had (assumed) that
To: Rev Anthony Hamilton Secretary, Society for the Propagation of the Gospel in Foreign Parts Reverend SirSome Remarks respecting
PS: I was very sorry that I could not attend at Burin owing to my (?) state of (?) at the time. The lord bishop of Nova Scotia was there. I had some of my People prepared for Confirmation. which was an ordnance they deserve to receive.
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October 2008
Generous gift for Gooseberry Cove church Former member of the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Dr. Nathaniel George Lundrigan, Ph.D. of Tallahassee, Florida, donated a Lowrey Organ to St. Alban the Martyr Anglican Church at Gooseberry Cove, Trinity Bay, NL in anticipation of its 80th Anniversary held on September 6, 2008. Dr. Lundrigan spent his summers growing up in Gooseberry Cove. “My mother would send to Gooseberry Cove every summer to get me off the dirty, dusty
streets of St. John’s.” He thought of my Aunt Lil goes on to say “I loved and Uncle Isaac and despending cided to time with donate my Aunt t h e “St. Alban’s Church Lillian funds to was an important part ( n e e have the of our lives and we Hiscock) Lowrey and Uncle Organ would attend church I s a a c p u r every Sunday.” Langor chased who lived i n on the beach area.” “I memory of my dear enjoyed going out fish- Aunt Lil and Isaac ing with my uncle and Langor. St. Alban’s cousins”. “I miss the Church was an imporsmell of the salt water tant part of our lives and the ruggedness of and we would attend that place”. church every Sunday.” “When I heard St. “It became an important Alban’s was trying to part of my life in Gooseraise funds to purchase berry Cove, and when I an organ, I immediately heard their organ
Straight talk on prayer If we are honest with ourselves we will have to admit that prayer is often difficult and frustrating. It begins with a number of questions that all of us have asked at one time or another. Is God really listening or are they just empty words? Why should God care about me? If God knows everything, and knows even what I am about to ask, what’s the point of prayer? I must admit that many times I have been troubled by requests for me to include someone with a desperate physical health problem in a prayer chain. My difficulty comes, not with the request for
prayer, but with the prayer chain itself. Does a person with many praying friends have a better chance of physical healing than the one who has only a few people praying for them? Should a loving God be just as attentive to a single desperate prayer? Why does it seem like God is sometimes very close and other times quite distant? Does prayer change the mind of God or is prayer really about changing me? To complicate things, most people will admit that they are seldom satisfied with the time they spend in prayer. Prayer becomes a labourious act, even bor-
needed replacement I decided to go for it.” St. Alban’s is the oldest Anglican Church in Southwest Arm and serves the communities of Little Hearts Ease, Butter Cove, Gooseberry Cove, and
Submitted by Sarah Sharpe St. Alban the Martyr Anglican Church Anniversray Committee
Dr. N. George Lundrigan
Anglican Life welcomes new columnist the Rev’d Greg Mercer, Rector of the Parish of St. Mary the Virgin, St. John’s.
ing. Most people get discouraged with prayer at some time or another. They pray and pray and pray for some miracle or for God’s intervention in a particular situation only to be discouraged time after time. Why does God seem to answer some prayers and not others? Why is it that when something turns out to our satisfaction we are quick to say things like: “There must have been someone looking over you” or “God is good.” But what do we say when things doesn’t work out? In practice prayer is often confusing and fraught with frustration, and yet we
Southport, and is under the auspices of the Parish of the Holy Spirit.
keep doing it. Why? Why does prayer for most people rank so high on theoretical importance and so low on actual satisfaction? Prayer is not only a Christian practice but is in fact a universal phenomenon. In theory prayer is the essential human act, a priceless point of contact with the God of the universe. In spite of the endless frustration that many have with prayer, to the believer it represents the most important use of time. Perhaps it has to do, not with the repetition of endless requests, but with the relationship itself. It is the point of contact with the
A NGLICANLife Old L is Lis istting
columnist The Rev. Greg Mercer
Creator and Redeemer of the world. Jesus never ever questioned prayer, he just did it. Moreover, he addressed God as “Daddy” and instructed us to pray to his “Father” in heaven. Prayer is about a trusting, loving relationship.
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Please send this form to: The Circulation Manager, Anglican Journal, 80 Hayden Street, Toronto, Ontario,Canada, M4Y 3G2, attention Beverley Murphy, or send changes to circulation@national.anglican.ca. Please notify your parish of these changes. You may also send changes to Donald Young at the Anglican Life business office, 34 Fraser Road, Gander, NL A1V 2E8.
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ANGLICANLife
spirituality
The courage to pray By Bishop Eddie Marsh The effectiveness of our prayers is gauged not by our words, but by our sincerity. In a moment of closeness to God we might pray, “Lord, I want to be holy.” If God took us at our word we would be left screaming in pain, crying stop! Stop! I can’t take any more! You are hurting me! Please don’t take that away it’s my prize possession. Before long we would realize that what we really wanted was to feel holy, rather than to be holy. To attempt to change God in prayer, to draw his attention to something He might be missing, is really not a stance of faith in God. When people discern that
it is not God, but we ourselves who are changed by prayer, many soon give up praying. We would rather change God than be changed ourselves. How different are the prayers of Jesus - “Father, I know that you always listen to what I have to say.” “Father everything that is yours is mine.” Can we not pray in trust and confidence like this? When Jesus shares his thoughts, his fears, his wants, with the Father, the prayer always ends by acknowledging that nothing could be better than what the Father wills for us. In the Garden Jesus prays “let this cup pass from me,” but adds, “not my will but thine be done.” The prayer “Father, save me from this hour” is
October 2008
followed by “Father, glorify our mind is a healthy practhy name.” The Lord’s tice, but what follows is the Prayer begins with the de- key to effective prayer. sire for God’s name to be When we reflect in his presence, hallowed and listen to and His will To attempt to God as he done. When places his we persist in change God in words on prayer as Je- prayer, to draw his our heart, sus encour- attention to the relationaged us ship deepwhose will something He might ens. It is do you think be missing, is really then we beis being bro- not a stance of faith gin to disken down? cern and In this way in God. accept only God is perwhat he suading us to receive. Jesus taught “Ask wants us to know. The true and you shall receive”. We service of God is allowing always receive because the him to serve us, just as Pevery best for us has already ter was pressed to allow Jebeen given. All that is sus to wash his feet. The purpose of prayer needed to affect the gift is is to allow God to work in a willingness to receive. Telling God what is on us and through us for per-
sonal and for societal change. In prayer, listening to God speak to us is more important than our speaking to God. The essence of prayer is God encouraging us to receive his love and grace for transformation and service. God longs for us to be open to receive his love and to share his love with others. I strongly encourage you to try this approach to prayer when you finish reading this article. Delay often leads to disregard. This is the last entry in the series “Lord, teach us to pray” co-ordinated by Mrs. Trudy Harvey. Anglican Life wishes to thank Mrs. Harvey for her contribution through this column over the years.
Dancing Priests hope to raise $100,000 for local charity In 2007, several priests of the Anglican Church Diocese of Eastern Newfoundland & Labrador were looking for an opportunity to bring their parishes together and achieve a common goal of helping their communities. Wanting to reach a large audience and create a meaningful impact, Dancing with the
Priests was born. The idea is an interesting spin on Dancing with the Stars pairing local priests with skillful dancers. On May 9, 2009, twelve Anglican priests and their dance partners will take to the stage looking to wow the judges with their fancy footwork and colourful personalities. The pur-
pose of the event is to raise $100,000 for Vibrant Communities St. John’s. This organization aims to ensure individuals and families in St. John’s neighbourhoods have adequate resources to maintain a decent standard of living and to participate fully in the life of our community. Vibrant Community St. John’s involves partners from the public, private, faith and community-based sectors as well as community leaders who have experience living with low income and poverty. The dance community has stepped in to help in this event a big way. The priests’ dance
partners are volunteers from dance studios from St. John’s and surrounding areas. Over the next nine months, they will turn two left feet into a spectacular dance routine....and its up to you to select the winner!
The event is arranged to start early in the day with a showcase that is open to the public. The dance pairs will present their first routine to up to 2,000 guests, who will vote for their favourite pair. That evening , the Dancing with the Priests Gala Performance and Banquet will take place. Dance pairs will perform before a panel of judges whose results, combined with the afternoon audience vote, will determine the winner. Over 1,000 guests will be invited to attend the event, which will include a meal catered by Roary McPherson, head chef of the Fairmont Hotel. The night will end with a bang as all audience members are encouraged to twist, shout, and shake to the musical stylings of Dancing with the Priests very own brass band. So grab your dancing shoes, and join us for an evening of fun, food and incredible dancing you will not soon forget. To get involved with Dancing with the Priests, please call Wanda Lee Walters at 709.368.5693. We need many partners and an abundance of helping hands to reach our fundraising goal, so please, join us! Submitted by Merissa Wiseman Parish of the Ascension Mount Pearl
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October 2008
What does spirituality have to do with higher education?
This is a new feature in Anglican Life written by the Anglican chaplains of the various institutions across the Church.
Good question. At first thought many people believe that there is no place on a secular campus for a Christian chaplain. Canadian universities are becoming more international, which means more nonChristians. University students, like the rest of society, are still skeptical of anything organized, especially organized religion. Students are extremely busy, so who has time for spirituality? Well, believe it or not, we’ve just listed three opportunities for chaplaincy at a place like Memorial University. First, it’s true that Memorial is becoming more and more international. All you have to do is take a quick walk through the University and you see people from around the world.
Though cultural differences can arise, the opportunities to learn from each other are endless. Interfaith events help us see that we’re really not that different and definitely not the crackpots and extremists that the media make us out to be. Chaplains play an important role in making sure that international students have access to prayer space and other important student services. The church’s forays into missions have produced mixed, if not devastating results. We used to put a lot of resources into missionary work, but now the world is coming here to us. Let’s learn from our mistakes and try to get it right this time. Second, there is a lot of skepticism when it comes
to the church on campus. Oftentimes I describe my job as the church’s PR person on campus. But there is a bigger issue at work here. Students are suspicious of any institutional organization, from big business to political parties to the church. But what does it say about the church when we’re lumped in with multi-national corporations and politicians???? Why the disconnect? I believe it’s because we’re not engaging the culture. People have a need, a desire to explore spirituality, and search for God. The church has all the tools and expertise, now we just need to learn a new language; the language of pop culture. We need to learn how to proclaim the gospel to a culture that is satu-
rated in Facebook, Halo 3, Robot Chicken, and Kanye West (if you’re thinking “What???” then you prove my point). Finally, ask any postsecondary student how things are going and the standard response will most likely be a whimper, a moan, or a scream. Students are busy. University chaplaincy provides an avenue for students to refocus on what matters in life. It provides opportunities for students to explore the ancient spiritual disciplines. These are not things that the church has done a good job of promoting when it comes to youth ministry. We fall into “the bigger, better, more” syndrome that is such a part of western society. But if you can tap into students’ desire to
ought to be different. In the preface of his book “Authority, Leadership and Conflict in the Church”, Paul Avis makes some suggestions as to what authority and leadership might look like in a church. He calls for an authority “that brings out its root meaning of enabling rather than dominating, and finds its justification in spiritual and theological competence that invites voluntary acknowledgment rather than hierarchical or bureaucratic demands for acquiescence
He calls for leadership ”that transcends mere management...and which instead of feeding on people’s dependence... enables individuals and groups to take responsibility for themselves while being sustained and affirmed by a leadership that has not abdicated its own responsibilities.” We need to be leaders, who continually proclaim the vision, who do not get bogged down in the current troubles of an immediate situation, but who can see the “wider vision”,
30 Roe Avenue, P.O. Box 348, Gander, NL A1V 1W7 Telephone: (709) 651-4100 Fax: (709) 256-2957 email: info@waltershoffe.com
University Chaplain Robert Cooke
encounter God and explore their faith by giving them opportunities to talk, pray, be silent, and put faith into action, then you have succeeded. That’s not flashy or the latest fad, but it is ministry. Next month, Fr. John Courage will be our columnist for “Chaplain’s Corner.” Fr. John is the Chaplain to the Health Sciences Centre and the Janeway Hospital.
guest columnist
Some thoughts...on Leadership Bishops, Clergy, Vestries Wardens; we are all called to offer leadership and yet what do we understand leadership to be? Are we enforcers of constitutions, or administrators? Are we creators and enforcers of policy? Are we merely bureaucrats ensuring the continuation of the structure of church buildings and church services in our communities? There are many expectations of leadership. Almost daily before Lambeth and quite often since that, the Archbishop of Canterbury is called upon to make definitive pronouncements - as long as the pronouncements agree with the person calling for them. Leaders on the local level have the same expectations placed upon them and yet we are the church and it ought not to be the same among us. “Also a dispute arose among them as to which of them was considered to be greatest. Jesus said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those who exercise authority over them call themselves Benefactors. But you are not to be like that. Instead, the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who rules like the one who serves. Luke 22:24-26 (NIV) Christian leadership
chaplain’s corner
Bishop David Torraville and can articulate the glorious future that God has promised for his people. We are, after all, called to proclaim the “Good News of Jesus Christ. We need to be a leadership that can identify the grace and the presence of our “Living Lord” in every situation, who can call people out of limited vision and self interest into a vibrant, self giving, servant hood. The Lord’s people need to be encouraged, and led into excitement about the witness and the faith and the life which is encour-
aged and nurtured in their Christian Community; their congregation, parish, diocese and national church.
This is the first in a series of articles written exclusively for Anglican Life by Bishop David Torraville of the Diocese of Central Newfoundland.
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October 2008
Western Cathedral helps cancer Bishop Pitman on Lambeth hospice (Continued from page 5)
For weeks the news media in and around Corner Brook featured stories about fund raising events to aid Daffodil Place. On Friday May 9, the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist joined the trend. The Cathedral’s vestry organized a soup luncheon to raise funds to support the effort. What effort? By now, many Newfoundlanders are all aware of what Daffodil Place is all about. They know that, “the Canadian Cancer Society is constructing a 24 suite residence in St. John’s. ... it will be a vital centre for many people who must travel for cancer treatment to St. John’s. Daffodil Place will help to ease the financial burden of a cancer diagnosis for people who live in Newfoundland and Labrador but must travel to St. John’s for treatment. … In addition to the 24 private and semi-private suites, the people who stay here will find the practical services and emotional support that will make Daffodil Place a home away from home for cancer patients when they need it the most. The Canadian Cancer Society’s community programs will be delivered on site.” [Canadian Cancer Society] The Daffodil Place Campaign aims to raise $7
Bishop Percy Coffin (left), his wife Monica (seated centre), and volunteer Winnie Miller enjoy their soup lunch in aid of Daffodil Place. Photo submitted by the Very Rev’d Michael
million over the next three years. According to Leslie Earle, Community Resource Coordinator for the Canadian Cancer Society in Corner Brook, $4.7 million has been raised to date. On May 9, through the soup luncheon, the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist succeeded in collecting over $1100 toward that target. Claude Wilton of the Cathedral Vestry headed up the effort. The ACW and the Men’s Service Club at St. John the Evangelist joined in. Twenty-five volunteers cooked and served up a lunch of soup (three kinds), bread, pie, coffee and tea.
The food and labour were donated, so all the proceeds went to the Daffodil Place Campaign. Claude Wilton expressed great satisfaction at the work of the volunteers and the success of the event. The luncheon attracted over 220 paying customers. With the incidence of cancer in Newfoundland and Labrador on the rise since 1986, the volunteers at St. John the Evangelist have the satisfaction of knowing they have helped make the pain and cost of cancer treatment a little easier to bear.
7. A renewed appreciation of the gifts that the Anglican Communion brings to the Church in the World. The Archbishop of Canterbury in his reflections of August 8, 2008 says “a strong majority of bishops present agreed that a moratoria on same sex blessings and on cross-provincial interventions were necessary.” How that will
unfold is yet to be revealed. In general Lambeth 2008 was a memorable experience for most who attended. I am thankful that I was given the privilege to be there. Bishop Cyrus Pitman is the Bishop of Eastern Newfoundland & Labrador
Happy Thanksgiving
Submitted by John Lubar
Bishop Jones Hostel reunion a great success The vision of Bishop Llewellyn Jones in 1917 to build a “first class college for girls” has had farreaching effects over the almost one hundred years since its inception. The effects of that educational dream were evident as the “girls” of Bishop Jones Memorial Hostel and Spencer Lodge held a Reunion on July 18- 20, 2008. Exactly 274 women from all over North America travelled to St. John’s to renew friendships, relive memories and give thanks for the role that the Hostel and Lodge played in their lives. That was a vital role in providing “a home away from home” while they obtained an education not available in outports and communities from which they came. These women
were representative of the 1,348 women who lived, for varying periods of time, at the residence over the years from 19271968. At the “Registration and Meet and Greet” on Friday evening, St. Augustine’s Hall was filled with cries of delight as women met for the first time after living together decades ago. There were tears of joy over recalled events and tears of sorry for those who have passed away. That first event set the stage for the weekend of: a tour of the city which included the now private home which was formerly the Lodge and Hostel, a VIP luncheon, the Reunion Banquet held at the Holiday Inn, and, in the tradition of Hostel life, Holy Communion at the Cathedral
of St. John the Baptist at 8am on Sunday morning. The service was followed by perhaps the saddest event, the “Farewell Breakfast.” The impact that these hundreds of educated women had on the Church of England (Anglican Church) in particular and their communities in general was evidenced by some of the stories of their professional, social and domestic lives. There were artists and authors, professors and teachers, homemakers and nurses and many in the world of business. One of the two Anglican priests who are former residents, celebrated at the service and the oldest attendee, who at ninety-three years old, is still a contributing member of her parish, offered the grace at the banquet. Another, daughter
BJH/Spencer Lodge residents after Church service on the steps of the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist. Photo by Erica Forward.
of Mrs. Gosse, a former matron travelled, at age 83, from California. A fitting legacy of Bishop Jones Hostel is the establishment of a formal group to network with Hostel and Lodge
residents and to continue the efforts of the Reunion Committee to raise funds for an in perpetuity scholarship to Memorial University for a female from outside St. John’s. Submitted by Helen Evans