ANGLICANLife
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October 2011
ANGLICANLife A Section of the Anglican Journal
in NEWFOUNDLAND & LABRADOR
October 2011
Priest peddles for parish
The Rev’d Edward Keeping bicycles 88 km for parish
Submitted by Allison Billard
Submitted by Wendy Decker
Saturday, June 18 th, may have dawned grey and overcast in the St. Philip’s area but at Whitbourne it was sunny side up! Or perhaps it was over easy, as Team Keeping loaded up on carbohy-
drates at that famous local eatery called “Monty’s.” It was a delicious way to prepare for what has become an annual fund-raising event for our parish. One needs to fuel up before such an arduous journey and what better repast than a good Newfoundland breakfast!
The Reverend Edward Keeping was bicycling from Whitbourne to St. Philip’s Church in St. Philips to generate extra money for our parish. Cycling is also an excellent form on aerobic exercisegood for body (especially after eating a breakfast special) and soul. The ride was not with-
out a few mishaps. A couple of flat tires and a skinned knee didn’t daunt the spirit of the Peddling Priest! He cycled gamely on to the goal of reaching the Parish Centre by lunchtime. Even the moose cooperated by staying well clear of our intrepid rider. Pledge sheets had
been circulated and filled in until almost $2000.00 was raised for the church coffers. Congratulations to Rev. Ed our victorious ‘Vicar of the Velocipede’.
SERVI NG THE DIO CE SE S OF WEST ERN NEWFO UNDL AND + CENTRAL NEWFO UNDL AND + EAST ERN NEWFO UNDL AND & LABR AD OR VING IOCE CESE SES STE WFOUNDL UNDLAND WFOUNDL UNDLAND ASTE WFOUNDL UNDLAND ABRAD ADOR
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October 2011
ANGLICANLife
My walk to Emmaus Submitted by The Rev. Commander Baxter Park Formation Chaplain Anglican Canon Recruiter
One of the gifts that I received this year was an opportunity to be one of the chaplains selected for a mini-sabbatical. I travelled to St. George’s College in Jerusalem and along with about 20 others from a variety of countries participated in a course called Jesus of Palestine. There were visits to holy sites in Jerusalem, the Galilee region and the area under the control of the Palestinian authority. I had the wonderful experience of celebrating the Eucharist in a small outdoor chapel by the Sea of Galilee. We were given many opportunities to discuss the history of the region, the current political uncertainty and to reflect on the wonder of this place that had been the genesis of the religions of Abraham. We were also encouraged to make time for silence and prayer. I want to share with you some of my thoughts on one of the reflective exercises. In the 24th chapter of Luke’s gospel there is the wonderful post-resurrection story of Cleopas and another disciple of Jesus walking on the road from Jerusalem to Emmaus. They are joined on the road by a stranger who walks and talks with them. Of course, we all know the stranger is invited at the end of the day to stay and dine when them. When he takes, blesses, breaks and distributes the bread, the eyes of Cleopas and the other disciple are opened and they realize that they have been in the company of the resurrected Jesus. Their fatigue is forgotten and they begin the journey all the way back to Jerusalem so that
they can tell the other follow- Lands that things are not al- the journey and rush to the ways clear about the exact lo- meaning and the symbolism of ers the good news. This Emmaus story has al- cations of the Holy sites. the breaking of the bread. How wonderful it was to ways been very meaningful to Nasser, our guide said, “There me. Its parallel to the ecuharistic are a number of traditions, have a conversation with Jesus. meal has always reminded me many, many stories and a few I am pretty deliberate about that the eucharist is not just a facts.” Emmaus is not on the maintaining a consistent prayer remembrance of Christ’ death map today and there are at least life but being able to walk that but also a celebration of his res- 4 sites that biblical scholars road with Jesus gave me an immediate urrection. sense that my My curious heart was nature has burning always had within me. In me wonderthe beginning, ing though I was able to about the revisit with identity of Jesus some of the unnamed the most comdisciple. pelling of our Luke was an conversahistorian and tions. I was in many transformed parts of his into that gospel he is lonely little very precise boy missing compared to his deceased the other father, that Synoptics. confirmand of Why the 12 trying to evasiveness tell his family here? Some The Rev. Commander Baxter Park celebrates the Holy Eucharist and commuhave sugin Galilee nity of his vogested that the other disciple was a secret contend could be Emmaus. One cation. I was once again that follower, whose name was not of the more probable sites is the young parish priest of 22 acused for the sake of his safety town of Abu Ghosh. There is companying an even younger and the protection of his posi- an unexcavated Roman road RCMP Officer to support famition. Subsequently, it was lost called the Maza Road that fol- lies visited by tragedy. I was to history. Others have sug- lows the direction from Abu that inexperienced chaplain acgested it was the wife of Ghosh to Jerusalem. We were companying the crew of the Cleopas and there was no need given the opportunity to walk HMCS PROTECTEUR to the to name her because she was an hour in silence on that road, Persian Gulf. Then I was that only a woman, after all. This is reflecting on the journey of young man preparing to ask a sad commentary on the place Cleopas, the other disciple and Nancy to marry me. I was that and value of women in 1st cen- Jesus. We were also encour- chaplain in Bosnia trying to share tury Judaism but a theme that aged in our own silence to have Christ message of reconciliation many Christians continued to a conversation with Jesus and to those who ought to have perpetuate. A kinder view of to ask him the questions that known it well. There were the chats with Jesus of a few years this is that Luke has left room were resting on our hearts. How wonderful it was to ago when I was trying to help for us in this story. In not naming the other disciple, Luke al- walk with Jesus. That was my patients and families of those lows us to insert our own first learning. These disciples wounded or killed in Afghaninames and walk on the road to and Jesus walked all day to- stan to find comfort and hope. gether. Yet, most of the time There were other conversaEmmaus with Jesus. You will find in the Holy when I read this story I forget tions recalled too. Conversa-
tions about times when we Anglicans of BCP vintage would say I had done things that I ought not to have done and had left things undone that I ought to have done. Even in these times our talks were full of assurance and forgiveness. God still loved me and Jesus still redeemed me. Finally, there was the conversation about the future. What are the things that I need to do to be fulfilled in my life and faithful in my vocation? After this wonderful walk we continued by bus to Abu Ghosh where we met together for the Eucharist. The next day I wrote in my journal: “This is my last day in Jerusalem and I am ready to come home. This may be a holy place but it is not the only holy place. It has taken me 48 years to have the opportunity to walk the paths of the historic Jesus, but thankfully I did not have to come here to meet Him. He came first to meet me. In his sermon yesterday in Abu Ghosh our chaplain Rod asked, “Why are you looking for Jesus in the graves of the dead? Why are you looking for the living among the dead? Jesus has gone out in front of us.” It is very reassuring to know as we return to our ministry that Jesus has gone out before us and is awaiting our arrival.” It has been my practice to end Eucharistic celebrations with an incarnational blessing that begins: May the Lord Jesus Christ, who walked with wounded feet, walk with you along the road. May you all continue to experience the joy and the comfort of walking and talking with Jesus.
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ANGLICANLife
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October 2011
Central Cursillo Weekend Looking at the
let us pray
waves
The Anglican Diocese of Central Newfoundland Cursillo held a Weekend at Mint Brook on May 2023, 2011. It was a busy, Spirit-led event, with twenty-four new Cursillistas attending. (In Spanish, Cursillo means a short course in Christianity.) The presence of the Holy Spirit was evident at all times, resulting in life-changing and joyful experiences for the newest participants, as well as a time of renewal for all who attended. Some of the words and phrases that the new Cursillistas used to describe their weekend experience include, “spiritual stimulation,” “more than I could have imagined,” “positive impact,” “life-changing,” “absolutely marvelous,” “amazing and wonderful,” “so uplifting,” “I have grown in my Christian faith,” “a weekend I will never forget,” “filled with love,” and “a stronger feeling of the Holy Spirit in my life.” The Anglican Diocese of Central Newfoundland covers a large area geographically and it is encouraging to see so many communities represented at events such as this weekend. It demonstrates the tremendous commitment that Christians in Central Newfoundland feel for this Christ-centered movement. And it is a blessing that the support starts at the top with Bishop David Torraville, who always makes time for Cursillo. For anyone who is interested in attending a Cursillo Weekend, the Central Newfoundland Cursillo offers the choice of either a May Weekend or an October Weekend. Information about attending a Cursillo Weekend can be obtained from parish clergy or any Cursillista. Photo by Kent Froding. Article by Stella Walsh.
The Anglican Parish of Fortune-Lamaline All Saints Church Fortune, NL, A0E 1P0 The Rector, Churchwardens & Vestry of All Saints Church Cordially Invite You To Celebrate the Fiftieth Anniversary Of The Laying of the Cornerstone of the Church Anniversary Banquet - November 5, 2011 - 7:00 p.m. Anniversary Service - November 6, 2011 - 11:00 a.m. RSVP-September 30, 2011
30 Roe Avenue, P.O. Box 348, Gander, NL A1V 1W7 Telephone: (709) 651-4100 Fax: (709) 256-2957 email: info@waltershoffe.com
After Jesus had fed the five thousand, He sent the disciples to the other side of the Lake of Galilee. The disciples probably started across the lake at about sunset. Their boat was out towards the middle of the lake when Jesus walked across the water to it. Peter had sufficient faith to ask to come to Jesus, walking on the water himself. He was enabled to do so by Jesus (Matthew 14:29). He had faith. He believed that Jesus had power to hold him up as he walked toward Him. Peter walked on the water to Jesus. Then, when Peter saw the strong wind and waves, he became afraid and started to sink. His faith faltered at the point. But his faith did not fail utterly. He still trusted Jesus at some level since he called out to Jesus for help. Jesus rebuked Peter by saying, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?” (Matthew 14:31). Jesus did not rebuke him for having no faith at all but for having little faith. People have more or less of faith. There are degrees of certainty. Faith can increase and grow. People can become “more certain”. If faith means absolute certainty, how could it become greater? Peter produced his own doubts by looking at the waves. Logically one either believes or doubts. But, doubt is not unbelief. It is something midway between faith and unbelief. If Christians always saw things clearly, doubt could not occur. But, we do not always see things clearly, doubt occurs. Our thinking is often clouded by our physical condition or circumstances. We continually believe in Jesus, but we may occasionally doubt. We are ignorant of many things. We cannot be certain about everything. Perfect certainty is impossible. Degrees of certainty is possible even
The Rev. Michael Li Columnist
where “perfect” certainty is not. A slight possibility that a person jumping out of an airplane without a parachute will not die. But, few people would consider the outcome uncertain enough to warrant a test. Rather than talking about perfect certainty, we can talk about being “sure enough” to act upon a proposition. The man who sold all he had to buy a pearl (Matthew 13:45-46) may not have known “perfectly” that the pearl was not fake. Yet he had enough confidence to take this dramatic action. Peter’s faith had not gone, but because it was weak, doubt mastered him for a moment. He cried for help and Jesus caught him. We will not need to cry out like that if we only keep on looking at Jesus. Peter was nearer Jesus when he was sinking than when he was walking on the water. When he was walking on the water, Peter might think he was on the top of the world, congratulating himself that he was the only disciple who dared to walk on the water. When he was in trouble, Peter was driven to Jesus. In times of trouble, faith in Jesus can grow strong. Stop looking at the waves and look to Jesus. Jesus is the Lord of all circumstances. Jesus is the source of our faith. In this life, we cannot resolve all of our doubts. The key to victorious Christian living is not to have all our questions answered, but to learn to live successfully with unanswered questions. We can trust Jesus. We can depend on Him. Keep our eyes on Jesus, not the waves.
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October 2011
ANGLICANLife
ANGLICANLife
Politics and religion
in NEWFOUNDLAND & LABRADOR
ANGLICAN LIFE in Newfoundland and Labrador is the newspaper of the Anglican Church in the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador. A co-operative effort of the three Dioceses in Newfoundland and Labrador, it is published monthly, except July and August, with an independent editorial policy. A section of the Anglican Journal Editor-in-Chief: The Rev’d Sam Rose 8 Croydon Street Paradise, NL A1L 1P7 Email: samrose@nl.rogers.com Advertising Rates and other information may be obtained from: Bishop Donald Young 34 Fraser Road, Gander, NL, A1V 2E8 Phone: (709) 256-7701 Email: jointcommittee@nfld.net Subscription Rates: Newfoundland and Labrador: $15.00 Outside the province: $20.00 International: $25.00 New subscriptions, cancellations, & changes of address should be sent to: Circulation The Anglican Journal (attn. Bev Murphy) 80 Hayden Street, Toronto, ON, M4Y 3G2 (416) 924-9192 (O) (416) 925-8811 (fax) Email: circulation@national.anglican.ca Each parish is responsible for maintaining its own subscription list - please notify your parish office of any changes. Changes sent to parish offices may take months to take effect. Please also send your updated information to Circulation at the Anglican Journal (above) or to Don Young at 34 Fraser Road, Gander NL A1V 2E8. Articles and photographs: Send to the Editor-in-Chief (above) Parish Bulletins and Letters to the Editor: Send to the Editor-in-Chief, Sam Rose (address as above). All letters must include the writer’s name, address, and telephone number. Telephone numbers will not be published. Anglican Life does not publish letters under nom de plume. Letters should not exceed 300 words (one double spaced typewritten page), and are subject to editing at the discretion of the editor. These policies were adopted by the Anglican Life Committee. Layout & Design: Sam Rose Printed by: Signal Star Publishing, A Division of Bowes Publishers Limited, Industrial Park, 120 Huckins Street, Goderich, Ontario, N7A 4B6
Circulation: 21,777
Does your faith influence how you vote in elections? For many Christians, especially in the United States, the faith of the candidate determines if they will vote for them or not. The Religious Right in America has, for many years, rallied to put “God’s man or woman” in positions of influence in government. They are a dominant lobby group when it comes to policy making. There is an old expression which says that politics and religion should not be discussed at the dinner table. However, both are powerful instruments which, when played together, can provide a loud voice in benefitting the common good of all humanity. One such instrument is the Religious Social Action Committee in our province. According to their website, “The Religious Social Action Coalition of Newfoundland and Labrador is a nonpartisan group from a broad array of religions – Christians, Muslims, Jews, Hindus and others – united in our religious commitment to call on society to abolish poverty at home and abroad. The sad fact is that economic inequality is growing, and human beings are suffering needlessly. It is the goal of
our coalition to call upon all candidates to pledge to move our society toward greater economic fairness. And it is our goal to get citizens talking about poverty – and to make Ending Poverty a voting issue.” (source: http:// candidatesagainstpoverty.ca/ about ) One way in which this group has made its voice heard is by asking all candidates to take the following promise: I pledge to work to close the growing gap between rich and poor in Newfoundland and Labrador. Their website allows voters in all 48 ridings to see which candidates have made this pledge. The website also includes the questionnaire we sent to the leaders of all three parties – and lets you see their answers. The fact remains, according to statistics on their website, that, “Thanks to oil and other resource industries, Newfoundland [and Labrador]’s GDP per capita is high. Along with Alberta and Saskatchewan, it is one of Canada’s three “have” provinces. Yet hourly wages are lower than the Canadian average. And personal incomes, shockingly, are still the second-lowest in the country – $5,000 per person per year less than the Cana-
Father Sam Rose Editor
dian average. Workers’ share of provincial GDP (captured in wages and benefits) is lower than anywhere else.” As their website further states, “The religious leaders and worshippers who make up the Religious Social Action Coalition of Newfoundland and Labrador are deeply troubled by the growing gap between rich and poor in our province. And we call on all candidates for the House of Assembly to work to close that gap.” Perhaps when a political candidate visits your doorstep, you could exercise your right, as a concerned Christian, to ask if they have taken this pledge and if not, why? Visit http:// candidatesagainstpoverty.ca/ to learn more.
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October 2011
The Eulogy Kevin Smith Planned Giving Consultant
A senior lady friend of mine recently asked me to do her eulogy at the service upon her death. While this lady is not likely to die soon, I felt a little like the author Mitch Albom who in his book, “Have a Little Faith”, writes that he was asked by his Rabbi to do the same thing. His reaction: “It stopped me in my tracks. I had never been asked this before.” My first reaction to her was: “Well, you should write it for me.” She replied, “No, you will find the words.” How would you react? I had never been asked to do such a thing in my life but I just couldn’t say no. After some thought, I said yes. I have known this lady a long time and I am perhaps a natural one to do it. But, how does one write a eulogy. An internet site suggests: “Giving a eulogy while coping with the loss of a loved one could be a very difficult challenge. However, giving a eulogy is also like giving a tribute to the person who has passed away.” It goes on to suggest different types of eulogy could incorporate giving details about the deceased life his-
tory, shared memories, tribute, and legacy. Regardless, the purpose of giving a eulogy is sharing a person’s life in one single speech. I hope I can indeed find the words when the time comes. One good example of finding the right words was the homily delivered by The Rev. Canon Reuben Hatcher at the funeral for Roy Ash recently. Roy was a friend of the CLB, his parish and the Anglican Church in general as well as many charities and people in need. While Canon Reuben talked about Roy’s generosity, he also explained things about his remarkable humanity. And, that’s not easy to do. Thanks to Canon Reuben for his marvellous words and eloquence in talking about a wonderful Newfoundlander and Anglican. Someone has written that writing a eulogy may seem like a daunting task but it can be one of the most rewarding and healing experiences you may have in your life. I trust this will be my experience too. Kevin Smith is a gift planning consultant for the Anglican Church of Canada. He can be contacted at 739-5667 or k_smith@nf.sympatico.ca
&Outreach
MISSION
sharing stories from the diocese of western newfoundland
Family Camp Submitted by Irma Moores imoores@yahoo.ca
about cars...It gives children a chance to socialize with other children... The kids are phenomenal. There is less pressure from their peers and it is more positive here than in Dunfield Park. People always feel better when they leave than when they came – more relaxed. We
forward to. All through the year you talk about it. We couldn’t wait till this year to come again. As the kids get For many of us, family older they do more... it’s relaxcamping is a fun, but routine ing, too.”, “Kids connect here and taken-for-granted part of summer. But for many resiand when they go back home they continue to look out to dents of Dunfield Park in Coreach other.” ner Brook Family Camp refers And what did to a camping exthe children have to perience that is in say? “It’s so much a class of its own. For four days fun!” “Enjoyed it!” The seeds of each summer, theFamilyCampinifamilies from the tiative came from neighbourhood are St. John the Evangiven the opportugelist Cathedral, nity to escape the pressures and conwhere there was strong leadership cerns of their life in with an interest in the city and retreat providing meaningto the natural seful, effective renity and open outreach, where the space freedom of K i l l d e v i l men’s club included residents from the Campground in DunfieldParkneighGros Morne Nabourhood, and tional Park. Intergenerational fun at Family Camp. where the then new And families Photo by Cathy Anderson respond – with Dean, Michael Rice, numbers increasing every year love it. We look forward to was familiar with the family camp concept from his time in since the initial two day camp it.” Cathy Anderson, a third British Columbia. four years ago. For this year’s Dean Rice and Eileen camp when the applications time camper, in describing her came in there was a waiting list experience, confirms both the Churchill of the Cathedral but in the end, all fifty campers value and the appreciation of Outreach Committee worked who were able to go, including Family Camp. “It’s something in partnership with Ben thirty-one children, attended for my family to get Fitzgerald and Steve Huxter of the camp on August 2-5, 2011. together...Watching my grand- the Dunfield Park Community Kayla Matchim, of the Tenant’s children and children having lots Centre and later added the Association, explained the in- of fun and experiences... it’s Tenants Association to turn the terest, “A lot like the experi- amazing to watch their faces. ence. They get away from the Kids are able to run around and Continued on page 9 city. Children have freedom to be free, ...having campfires... It See: Family Camp run around without worry gives families something to look
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October 2011
ANGLICANLife
Father & daughter ministry team Submitted by Marina Pitcher Resident Care Manager Saint Luke’s Home
All in the family: (Left to right): Vera Clarke, Peter Clarke, Melanie Clarke, Ron Clarke, Sarah Clarke, Jennifer Clarke and Bradley Clarke - three generations of Clarkes minister at Saint Luke’s Home. Photo by Ruby Cluett Kocurko
Fun at the beach Submitted by Jean Nash
The Parish of the Ascension in Mount Pearl holds ‘family, fun and fellowship’ event! On the evening of September 1, a group of parishioners and friends of the Church of the Ascension met on Topsail Beach for a bonfire coupled with a ‘corn boil.’ With summer days fleeting, it was a great opportunity to meet for family, fun and fellowship. Once the idea was planted, contact was made by way of the Ascension e-news, Facebook , Twitter, and from the pulpit; and, at six o’clock on Thursday evening we gathered with pots, firewood, chairs, blankets, sweet treats and of course cobs of corn. Stories of summer adventures were shared between bites of butter-drenched corn. We were also treated with a glimpse of God’s handiwork - a glorious, breathtaking sunset over Conception Bay.
On July 31, 2011, Ronald Clarke, a Layreader for 64 years and his daughter, Melanie in her first year of Layreading, participated in a service of Matins together at Saint Luke’s Chapel. This was Melanie’s first time giving the reflection as a Layreader. Melanie has been a Eucharistic Minister at Saint Luke’s Chapel for 20 years. Melanie’s mother, Vera, is also a volunteer at Saint Luke’s Chapel as a member of the Altar Guild. The community of Saint Luke’s Homes would like to thank all the Clergy and Lay People for their efforts at the chapel, who give generously of their time for regular weekly services to the residents at the home and the tenants of the cottages and Bishop Meaden Manor. Our best wishes go to Melanie as she pursues her new role in church work. This is truly a family affair as the Clarke family continue to support the ministry at Saint Luke’s Chapel.
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October 2011
CONFIRMATION
The three congregations of St. Luke’s (Port-de-Grave), St. Mark’s (Bareneed) and St. George’s (North River) in the Parish of Port-de-Grave celebrated a momentous occasion on May 8th 2011. Seventeen children were confirmed by Bishop Cyrus Pitman, Bishop of Eastern Newfoundland and Labrador. St. Mark’s Church was filled to capacity with over 300 people in attendance. Bishop Pitman addressed the confirmands with perennial questions of faith, and guided them to answers contained in scripture and the Apostles’ Creed. The questions and answers were the essential facts that are going to guide and sustain them through their journey of faith. It was a joyous service with servers, readers, choir members, element bearers, family and congregational members all participating in the confirmation of four children from St. George’s, three from St. Mark’s, and ten from St. Luke’s. Many thanks to our priest, the Rev’d Paul Rideout, assisted by our lay reader, Mr. John Sparkes, who prepared our young people for the Sacrament of Confirmation. Thanks also to the Wardens, organists, photographer, and two traffic control persons who helped the Confirmation Eucharist run smoothly and successfully. It was yet another milestone in the 195-year journey of faith at St. Mark’s. Submitted by Marguerite Boone On Sunday 5 June 2011, the Rt. Rev’d Percy Coffin, Bishop of the Dicoese of Western Newfoundland, visited the Parish of Bonne Bay South for the service of Confirmation. There were six candidates confirmed from the Church of the Epiphany. They were supported by the gathering of a large number of parishioners, family, and friends. Following the service a potluck dinner was served in the Church Hall. The Confirmation Cake was cut by the newly confirmed and the Bishop. The Rector, the rev’d Charlene Laing, presented each candidate with their Confirmation Certificate and a gift. We are blessed to have our six newly confirmed members taking an active role in our worship and faith community. It was a wonderful time of worship and fellowship. Submitted by Florence Critch.
BISHOP’S MESSAGE
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October 2011
ANGLICANLife
Making our Church a safer place Bishop Percy Coffin Diocese of Western Newfoundland
Theology sir is a fortress; no crack in a fortress may be accounted small. Arthur Miller, The Crucible By the time you receive this edition Anglican Life the Diocese of Western Newfoundland will have hosted its annual Fall Clergy Conference at Killdevil Camp. A significant block of time was to be dedicated to introduce and familiarize clergy and designated lay persons with a document entitled: A PROTOCOL on SAFE
CHURCHES and PROMOTION of RESPECTFUL RELATIONSHIPS . Those so equipped will then continue to conduct similar exercises in the congregations. In essence the policy states that misconduct, sexual or otherwise, involving pastoral care by any member of the clergy, staff person or volunteer will not be tolerated. In particular clergy, and those responsible for parish, educational or recreational activities are expected to maintain the highest ethical standards in all their relationships with those for whom they have responsibility. Pastoral counselling and care create a special relationship of trust and power. Exploitation or abuse of this trust and power through misconduct, as defined by the policy, will not be tolerated. Abuse, in any form, constitutes a profound violation of trust in human relation-
ships. Anything that disrespects the dignity of every human being has the potential to cause devastating pain and damage for the abused and their families. In the closely knit out-ports, towns and cities in which we operate the community is likewise affected. Ultimately when one of Christ’s own is hurt then the church, the Body of Christ, is broken; ‘there is a crack in the fortress’. In Chapter, 18 St. Matthew calls for the church to be a safe haven for children but a highly unsafe place for abusers. It calls for a church structure that is vigilant. Be on the watch for misconduct; misconduct that includes, but is not limited to, abuse, harassment and exploitation of children and whoever else that might be deemed vulnerable. Children particularly require strong gatekeepers. Keep in mind that while we
may introduce codes of conduct and protocols to help clarify boundaries we require the courage to confront. The incidence of abuse is often the result of the failure of many of the key players in the life of the vulnerable whether in institutional or familial settings. Parents especially must be vigilant; parents need to seek God’s help to properly discern and confront situations in which their children could be a target for abuse. Parents are foremost the first teachers and protectors of their children. The implementation of this protocol on the parish/ congregation level may at first be seen as a nuisance; it may be inconvenient for a person in a position of leadership or trust to submit to security checks by police; others may be offended because their integrity is questioned. All things considered,
these requirements are a small price to pay in the defence of children. While much remains to be said about the offended and the offender, the church and the community, theology and law, it will have to be in another context and time. To prove that we have heard the Gospel is to maintain the conviction that abuse is an intimate terrorism that strikes into the heart of the vulnerable. Our response to the Gospel is to uphold it. “See that you do not look down on one of these little ones. For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven.” Matthew 18:10.
change our fishery and agricultural resources. This all sounds frightening! And the list goes on! So, what is there to be truly thankful for? God, that’s what! In these scary times, how wonderful to realize that we surely have an omnipotent God! A God with complete control over everything. Nothing is too big, too evil, too destructive, too widespread for our God to handle and fix.
And of course, all true believers know that our God is a God of love. That God truly loves everybody. Certainly everything will, in God’s own time, be made perfect. Eventually, the Scriptures assure us that God will wipe out all evil, and establish His new heaven and earth. This will be a perfect, eternal Kingdom of Light, Love, Peace, and Joy. Isn’t that something to really thankful for? May all of us completely trust our Almighty God this year. If we do, than every day, for us, will be Thanksgiving Day.
Thanksgiving Ronald Clarke Columnist
It is that time again – Thanksgiving. Many people, including me, ask: “What’s there today to be really thankful for?” At first glance, there seems to be a whole lot not to be thankful for. So let’s examine the world situation at this moment. First, what about the financial situations of most countries today? Things seem very uncertain indeed. Possible, even probable, recession, and dare we say a Depression threatens the United States and much of Europe. Their economies are vital to our world structure. If these fail, the whole world economy will surely fail too. Everyone suffers in a depression – just think back to the 1930s. Second, what about the worldwide political condi-
tions? Unrest and turmoil prevails nearly everywhere. Uprisings, civil wars, and rebellions impact the Middle East. Many other nations inevitably become embroiled in conflict. Terrorist elements pose very real threats to the Western world. When, and where, will the next 9-11, or worse, occur? Many countries, including Canada, are on edge today. Third, what about our Climate? Global Warming is certainly our most serious threat. Many negative changes have already occurred. Higher temperatures
have changed wind and rainfall patterns causing drought and flooding. Melting polar
ice has changed our ocean temperatures and has raised our ocean levels. Climate Change will drastically
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October 2011
Our History - Canon Fletcher David Davis Columnist
The writer of the following article chose this subject as a sample of the lives of many of the missionaries of all faith groups who left their homes, principally in the British Isles, to serve the needs of the people of Newfoundland and Labrador. Most of the missionaries that have appeared in this series of articles lived in a much earlier period of time; however, we should remember that missionary activities are not limited to the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. Canon Edgar Henry Fletcher seems to have been one of the later missionaries with work experience on the sparsely settled southwest coast of Newfoundland in the early twentieth century. In this area almost all traveling would have been by boat. He served for a period in St John’s where he appears to have met his wife Elsie Kinsman, an adopted daughter of George Davey who with his brother Edward Henry was a prominent builder in St John’s, especially in the repairs to the Cathedral in St John’s, seriously damaged in the city wide fire of 1892. When they returned to England in 1921, he became the curate at Bourne in Lincolnshire, in central England, on the edge of the Fens, touching the North Sea. As a curate Mr. Fletcher was starting at a subordinate position (assistant priest) in the Diocese of Lincoln. The other positions Mr. Fletcher served in were in the area of Lincolnshire which includes farm land and the great area of fens on the east coast of England which runs roughly north-south until it comes to the Wash which is a broad inlet in the coast, a favourite landing for invaders of England. Lincoln has been an agricultural county of England right up to the present day as can be found in any reference work. However, a good way to see the county is to use the online utility Google Earth (www.earthgoogle.com) which will fly you to Lincolnshire and show you the green fields. Of course you can use a paper atlas for the purpose, but finding the many features of Lincolnshire is simpler once you have mastered the online utility, especially zooming onto individual villages.
There are other utilities such as www.british-towns.net which do this work, but a caution, no utility will do everything for every request for information and it is not always easy to find the right utility for your need, but a good one like Google Earth is very attractive. In this rural environment many of the communities were parts of a collective parish much as occurs in Newfoundland. Three of the places mentioned in the text: Bilsby, Marky and Farlesthorpe were parts of such a parish and the Deanery of Calcewaith and Candleshoe included the same three places plus many more. Some of these places and parishes were connected to Canon Fletcher’s career in Lincolnshire. His connection with Lincoln Cathedral is unclear, was he a canon of the cathedral as his title would suggest? And was he Rector of the Cathedral? The current website of the Cathedral does not register such a position. It could be that the titles in the Diocese of Lincoln have changed since the days of Canon Fletcher; this causes some confusion for the writer. But we can see the progress of his career from curate to a deanery with a wide responsibility.
The Document When readers are looking at an old newspaper some caution should be exercised as the newspaper staff had to depend on the contributor of the article for the accuracy of information appearing in the newspaper. The author wishes to thank Ms Gladys Benson for bringing this item to his attention. Evening Telegram, May 23, 1967(used with permission) An Anglican priest, ordained in Newfoundland in 1909, who later became the Vicar of Bilsby, and Farlesthorpe, England, died recently at Lough County Hospital, England Canon Edgar Henry Fletcher was 80 years old. For 13 years after his ordination, Canon Fletcher served was pastor to a number of Newfoundland communities, mainly on the south west coast of the province. In 1919, he became acting rector of St Mary’s Anglican Church in St John’s upon the resignation of the Rev Henry Uphill. Later, Canon Fletcher became superintendent of the Church of England Orphanage and taught at Bishop Feild Collage. He returned to England in 1921to become curate at Bourne, a post he held for five years. In 1926, Doctor Fletcher, was appointed to Bilsby. From1921 until his death, he served at a number of parishes. He was Dean of Calcewaith from 1951 to 1964 and Rector of Lincoln Cathedral. He also served as chaplain to the Territorial Army for 21 years and as officiating chaplain during the war to the army camp at Bilsby and the RAF at Shendleby. Canon Fletcher has left behind in England many memorials, for he made it his life’s work to restore every one of his five churches which came into his charge in sad need of repair. One of the churches was the famous little thatcher church of Markby, a major attraction for pilgrims to Lincolnshire. Born in Walsall, Staffordshire, Canon Fletcher married Elsie Kinsman, adopted daughter of George A. and Charlotte Davey of St John’s in 1911. They had one son George. His wife predeceased him in 1959.
Family Camp Continued from Page 5
vision of the Family Camp into reality. The planned activities initially included programming for parents, including engaging them in letter-writing to politicians in support of the tireless efforts of Ben Fitzgerald in seeking funding for a new community centre. Currently the planned program includes crafts, swimming, canoeing, and a campfire, but stays loose enough for families and friends to relax and enjoy just being together in such a beautiful, peaceful place.
The camp is made possible by the financial support of the Anglican Charitable Foundation for Children, which covers the cost of the children who attend. The expenses associated with the parents have been borne by the Cathedral. Three years ago a one- time donation from the Bank of Nova Scotia allowed a third night to be added and this continued with support from and a bequest from a deceased parishioner of St. John the Evangelist. When we first met to talk about the initiative, Eileen Churchill explained, “We wanted to give a place for sense of community and time
apart, a safe place that would be really special for them. A place where children can play freely, parents relax and intermingle and people care for each other — like the African saying, “it takes a village to raise a child”.” What a wonderful shared vision, and from the evidence I saw, heard, and felt when I visited the camp during the past two years, the Family Camp is that vision in reality! It is also an example of what can happen when caring people work together to achieve their vision, believing they can make a difference.
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October 2011
ANGLICANLife
Mottos The Rev. Greg Mercer Columnist
In August of this year I made my very first trip to “The Wonderful World of Disney,” Orlando, Florida. I must admit that I was a kid all over again. It is amazing, the empire that has evolved from what started out as a single cartoon character, ‘Mickey Mouse,’ back in the mid-nineteen hundreds. Walt Disney was more than just a dreamer, he lived by what he believed, and from the start he envisioned ‘The
Magic Kingdom’ to be the ‘Happiest Place on Earth.’ Essentially, his motto, his vision, his purpose – call it what you like – was to MAKE PEOPLE HAPPY. From that simple statement of belief we now have one of the largest empires in the world employing over 600,000 people in Florida alone. Are mottos important? They sure are! By now my brain has kicked into high gear and I’m reflecting some of this thought onto the church. I think in the area of psychoanalysis they call that ‘transference.’ Over the years the church, too, has on occasion engaged in the process of defining itself. Who are we? What are we about? Why do we exist? From one generation to another we have written ‘Mission Statements,’ ‘Vi-
sion Statements,’ lists of ‘Core Values,’ ‘Statements of Purpose’ and so on, only to be stored away somewhere on a shelf gathering dust. And then we wonder why we are struggling? Probably we can learn a thing or two from Walt Disney. And I’m not implying that the church exists to ‘make people happy.’ But in a culture that seems to have lost its way and in most cases totally indifferent to the institutional church, probably we too have lost our way. We react by toeing the line and resign ourselves to chaplaincy – a “give up” mentality – or we look for the next available gimmick or guru that will maybe attract a few bystanders. Why does the church exist? I suppose the simplest answer to that would be ‘to Glorify Christ.” True
enough, but what does that mean? Probably we just make things too complicated for people with all of our religious jargon. Keep it simple, that’s what I would say. Back to the issue of mottos again – at Disney, and in keeping with the Walt Disney motto, everything has been carefully planned, built, and executed so that people will WANT to return. And they do! Can we say the same thing about the Church? Why would anyone want to seek out the church? Is there but one simple motto? I mean the role of education has been taken from us. When once upon a time the church played a major role in health care, it has now been reduced to chaplaincy – and even that has been stifled by the new legislation about confidentiality. There are few nursing
homes left in the province that can be labelled ‘faith’ homes. Food Banks are becoming less and less the domain of churches. Most weddings today are performed outside the church (at least in the city of St. John’s). We still have a fairly strong hold on funerals but even that is slipping. Why? What is it that we stand for anymore that people want? And can it be presented in a few simple words, yet, words strong enough that they compel us to work hard enough to make it a reality and powerful enough to catch the attention of seekers? Why are you involved in church? What does church mean to you? What is it about the church that drives you? Say it! Define it if you can! HOPE!
Spiritual vs. Religious Allison Billard Columnist
Courtesy of a number of friends on Facebook, I recently read a column by a minister who was bemoaning having to listen to all these “spiritual but not religious” people who feel the need to explain themselves to her when they find out she’s a minister. While I’m not a member of the clergy, I’ve had similar experiences. So when she says “Spiritual but not religious? Please stop boring me” I have to admit I chuckled. I’ve had the same reaction. I re-posted the article on my own Facebook page for others to read and form their own opinions. I had a very interesting conversation with someone after she had read it also. She joked that she wanted to reply to my post by saying she was “religious but not spiritual.” In my mind, it is quite difficult to identify as Christian (which this woman
does) and not be spiritual. It is the very foundation of our faith - we profess the wonder of the Trinity and believe that the Holy Spirit resides within all of us. However, I let that go as this was not the topic of our conversation. First my friend expressed her dismay at a minister sneering at someone else’s expression of faith choices. I hadn’t really thought about it that way and that is a fair point – of all the people to judge another’s choices, you wouldn’t think a minister would be the first in line. The other point that came up was a general query as to why some folks feel the need to explain themselves and especially why they would get into a spiritual vs. religious discussion with a minister at all. Now, I’m all for a good debate and I know others out there who feel the same way, but from what I gathered from
the column I read was that this wasn’t so much a debate or friendly exchange of per-
I’ve heard the “I don’t go to church but that doesn’t mean I’m not spiritual/reli-
spectives. The writer felt that this person was trying to justify their own actions because they recognized them to be different and perhaps not accepted by the minister in question.
gious” conversation, particularly those who have recently learned of my involvement in the faith community. It’s like they need me to accept that they’re still good people, that I need to see their choices as
legitimate, that they need to defend their actions. It’s a bit silly really; I certainly don’t spend my time justifying why I do go to church and why I consider myself both spiritual and religious. Whether or not you go to church or participate in the faith community is up to you, that’s the beauty of free will. You don’t answer to me, or the priest at the local church, or the pastor who’s sitting next to you on the plane or bus. Our responsibility, as Christians, is to spread the Good News and welcome others into the community – but whether or not they accept the invitation is ultimately up to them, and God. Maybe that’s what the writer was getting at - make your choice and live it, just like we are doing. Have you made your choice?
ANGLICANLife
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October 2011
Thank You! Since 2006, through the gracious generosity of readers like you, the Anglican Life Appeal has raised over $190,000! This overwhelming response means that we can continue to provide Anglican Life as a source of good news to the Anglican Church in Newfoundland & Labrador and beyond. Anglicans have many great stories to share. We are blessed that Anglican Life is the means by which we can share our stories with one another and with the wider church. Once again, we respectively ask you consider a financial gift toward Anglican Life. No gift is too small or too large. Your financial commitment ensures that our beloved church newspaper will continue to tell God’s story in our three dioceses for future years to come. We give God thanks for your support! Bishop David Torraville Diocese of Central Newfoundland
Bishop Percy Coffin Diocese of Western Newfoundland
Bishop Cyrus Pitman Diocese of Eastern Newfoundland & Labrador
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October 2011
ANGLICANLife
YouthLife
anglican youth stories from newfoundland & labrador
God’s Awesome Creation
The race is on! Central Boys’ Camp 2011
Submitted by The Venerable Charlene Taylor Archdeacon of Labrador
The Ministry Plan for the Diocese of Eastern Newfoundland includes the 5 Marks of Mission. The fifth mark of mission is; to strive to safe guard the integrity of creation and sustain and renew the life of the earth. It is from this Mark of Mission that the 9th annual Camp Awesome in the Archdeaconry of Labrador took its theme. The camp was held August 31-September 4 at the Labrador Christian Youth Camp at Gosling Lake, 25 minutes from Happy Valley Goose Bay. The clergy, adult chaperones and youth of the Archdeaconry of Labrador explored how God’s word calls each of us to be good stewards of creation. The
areas of learning focused on recycling, water, littering and air. In the process of sharing in the fun camping activities like worship, swimming, and camp fires, the youth of the Archdeaconry compiled their knowledge of creation stewardship into bulletin blurbs that will be shared with the Diocese. The youth of Labrador feel it is part of their mission as followers of Jesus Christ to care for creation and to spread the word to others. As the familiar hymn says, This is my Father’s World, and for all participants of Camp Awesome 2011, it will be something they will not soon forget.
Submitted by The Rev’d Shaun O’Connor
What do you get when you combine the Christian faith with a lot of testosterone? The Diocese of Central Newfoundland’s Boys Camp 2011 at Mint Brook, that’s what! When they weren’t thundering across the field in a horse race, or canoeing up the Brook to the falls, or pulling back on a bowstring to shoot an arrow, or skulking through the woods during a night game, or hauling on a rope during tug-o-war, the boys and young men were exploring the miracles of Jesus on expeditions to the Antarctica, Egyptian desert, Brazilian jungle, Mount Everest, and Pacific Ocean. And when they weren’t either helping with dishes, leading chapel, organizing campfire, making crafts, spooning chocolate during pudding races, or just plain hanging out, the young bucks were filling their faces with leftovers during a late night kitchen raid. Those guys could eat! The cooks never saw anything like it! We sure had a lot of fun with the kids this year. We really hope that, if you’re a guy, between the ages of 8 and 14, and got a lot of energy to burn, you’ll come to Camp next year. We’ll even save you a spot over by the ‘Wild Baloney’.