THE ANCHOR
APRIL 2016
NEWSLETTER
ST BARTHOLOMEW’S ANGLICAN CHURCH ST BARTH, FWI
Welcome/Bienvenue
Parish Letter
This is the April 2016 edition of The Anchor – the monthly bulletin that we hope will help you to stay anchored to our community at St Bartholomew’s Anglican Church.
We have just witnessed the glorious celebration of the Risen Christ that is Easter. We had a Church that was overflowing, not only with people, who filled the pews, the aisles and the garden, but also with friendship and joy. We enjoyed a baptism, La Chorale singing, an egg hunt for the children, and many stayed to share in the fellowship of the garden party afterwards. There is probably no better time to be at our Church!
This edition contains an insight into our own Diocese of the North East Caribbean & Aruba, including a short history and details of our Diocese Cathedral in Antigua and our own Bishop.
Weekly Groups & Services Sunday Eucharist 9 – 10am Sundays A contemporary service, filled with music and prayer
Taizé Service 7 – 7.30pm Tuesdays Contemplative music and candles in the Church
Spirituality Group 10 – 11am Wednesdays
We also have an article about one of our new visiting clergy who will be here in April, in addition to Father Sandy Zabriskie.
A topical discussion group – all welcome
Meditation Group 7 – 8pm Thursdays
On page 3 we have details of a poll that we are going to be running over the next few months, so people can vote for their favourite hymns that they would like to hear in Church during High Season. If our readers have any suggestions of what they would like to read about in future editions of The Anchor – please drop us a line! Do contact us if you would like to receive The Anchor each month by email: info.stbartholomews@gmail.com A Definition from the Oxford Dictionary
A bilingual group, with a focus on tranquil reflection
We are very fortunate to have a number of wonderful photographs sent to us from time to time from people visiting our Church – and two of these are published on page four. These photographs were the inspiration behind this month’s Back Page Spirituality column: Finding your reflection in the Bible. It shows us how easy it can be to use the Bible to help our own prayer or meditation, or just to find some quiet time. Do try it!
Morning Prayer 9 – 9.30am Fridays An informal prayer service, held in the Church Centre Editor & Parish Administrator: Philip Trangmar Phone: 0690 54 17 99 Email: info.stbartholomews@gmail.com Website: www.stbartholomewsanglicanchurch.com
Inside this issue: Page 2 – About our Diocese: a bit of History (and a lot of Geography!)
ANCHOR Noun
Page 3 – Clergy Corner: from Skis & Snow to Sun & Sand
(2) A person or thing which provides stability or confidence in an otherwise uncertain situation.
Page 3 – Let us know your favourite Hymns Page 4 – Back Page Spirituality: Finding your reflection in the Bible Page 4 – SBH Prayer Chain: join us in prayer or have a prayer said for you
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About Our Own Diocese - a bit of History (and a lot of Geography!) Many of our readers may not know that our church falls under the direction of a diocese that has one of the largest number of countries and/or territories within its jurisdiction – nine in total. The Diocese of the North East Caribbean & Aruba consists of over 40 churches that form, more of less, the English speaking ‘Leeward Islands’ – the name given to the Northern Caribbean former British Colonies. This is in contrast to the Southern ‘Windward Islands’, named because of their position in relation to the trade winds – just like a boat/island having a leeward (protected) side and windward (windy) side.
two countries in Central and South America, namely Belize (formerly British Honduras, population 350k) and Guyana (formerly British Guiana, population 740k). The other six are made up of island nations and archipelagoes: Jamaica (population 2.9million); Trinidad & Tobago (pop 1.2million); Barbados (pop 275k); the Bahamas, including the Turks & Caicos Islands (pop 275k); and the other English speaking Windward Islands (comprising St Lucia, St Vincent & the Grenadines and Grenada, with a population of 400k).
Our Cathedral The diocesan cathedral is called St John’s, and is located in the town named after the building in Antigua. The present building is in the same location where two other churches existed. The first St John’s Anglican Church, built in 1681, was a simple wooden structure, which was severely damaged in a major earthquake in 1745. The second, much larger church, was built in 1746 of bricks brought over from England. When the Diocese of Antigua was established in 1842, St John's was designated its Cathedral. However, soon thereafter, in February 1843, an earthquake caused serious damage to the church.
The twin bell towers of St John’s Cathedral, Antigua
Background The whole area of the Anglican Church in the Caribbean comes under ‘the Province of the West Indies’, which is one of the 38 member provinces in the worldwide Anglican Communion, which also incorporates the Church of England in the UK and the Episcopal Church in the United Sates. The term “West Indies’ has been used historically by most British people to describe the Caribbean region since is was discovered 400+ years ago (to distinguish it from Britain’s other island colonies, those of the ‘East Indies’ in and around South East Asia); and the term West Indies is still in use today in the UK. It is best known here in its abbreviated form: F.W.I. – which stands for French West Indies, of which St Barth is probably the best known, but also includes Guadeloupe and Martinique! Eight Different Areas Our Province of the West Indies comprises eight separate dioceses spread around the Caribbean. The present head, who is given the title of Archbishop, is the Most Revd John Holder. These eight dioceses consist of
Then there is our diocese, which originally just covered Antigua, but then expanded to include 12 islands: Antigua, Anguilla, Montserrat, St Kitts & Nevis, St Maarten, Saba, Statia and St Barth, with an aggregate population of approximately 300k. What about Aruba? Then there is, of course, Aruba, some 600 miles from St Barth! So why is it included in the North East group when it is in the South West! To answer that you have to remember that Aruba, which has a significant Anglican presence, was once a Dutch Colony, like the nearby “3 S’s” (St Maarten, Statia & Saba) – so it made more sense historically to keep the Dutch Islands together, rather than split them up between dioceses!
Hence, a new Cathedral was planned; and construction began in 1845 and was finished just three years later. It has a large wooden two-tier interior, and is able to accommodate a congregation of over 2,000! A unique feature in the Cathedral is the pitchpine interior structure and cladding to provide lateral reinforcing for protection against earthquakes or hurricanes. As a result, the Cathedral is known by the epithet “a building within a building”. The interior of the Cathedral is 160 feet long and over 50 feet wide. The length of the aisle is 104 feet and it has two 70 feet high towers built in a baroque style with cupolas.
The dark pine interior of St John’s
The Diocesan Coat of Arms Motto: Wise as a serpent, harmless as a dove
Sadly, in 2008 it was discovered that the Cathedral was found to be in a poor state of repair, and it had to close its doors for safety reasons – under the wooden floor was termite ridden! It is currently undergoing a renovation; and a link for more details of the fundraising and project work being carried out can be found at the end of this article.
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Clergy Corner – from Skis & Snow to Sun & Sand The Revd Ken Brannon, who joins us in April, is the Rector of St Thomas in Sun Valley, Idaho – a parish that has a winter high season just like ours, but for very different reasons … see the photo of St Thomas’ church below!
Father Ken was born in Colorado, but moved to Louisiana at an early age and spent the first thirteen years of his childhood enjoying small town life, including picking pecans from the big tree outside his home. His life changed when his father took a job at a teaching hospital in Saudi Arabia, and he found himself attending an international boarding school in Southern India. Once the shock of living in India wore off, he found himself enjoying a mountaintop oasis, living and learning with children from over fifty different countries, and developing an abiding respect for views and practices different from his own. Father Ken first discovered the Episcopal Church at Wheaton Collage, where he majored in psychology and graduated in 1990. Following college, Father Ken spent two years working with the homeless in Washington, DC, and was active in outreach to those living on the margins of society.
In 1993, Reverend Ken studied drama therapy at New York University and graduated in 1997, following which he continued working with children and adults in the city, ranging from therapeutic schools, psychiatric hospitals, homeless shelters and prisons. In 2000, Father Ken was called to holy orders while helping to coordinate the children’s program at The Church of the Holy Trinity in New York. He attended Virginia Theological Seminary and graduated in 2003.
He served as Associate Rector at The Church of St. Barnabas in Irvington, New York, before moving in 2007 to one of the foremost ski centres in the United States: Sun Valley, Idaho. Father Ken has been married to Rachel a clinical social worker, for twenty years and they have two teenagers. As we also have here on the island, Father Ken offers weekly Taizé services at his Church during their high season, which is from December to March, so we are sure he will feel right at home with us during his stay. Let’s offer him a ‘warm’ Caribbean welcome!
A lesson in Caribbean history & geography! Our Bishop Our Diocesan Bishop is the Right Reverend L. Errol Brooks, who hails from Anguilla. In fact, since he was created Bishop, he has chosen to keep his place as a Parish Priest on Anguilla and commutes to his seat on Antigua when needed. He is a firm friend of St Bartholomew’s Anglican Church, and has made several visits here, the last one being for dear Miss Alice Romney’s funeral.
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The Worldwide Communion Our Diocese also shares the life of the Worldwide Anglican Communion through its companion diocesan relationships with the Diocese of St Albans in England, comprising the historic counties of Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire; and the Diocese of Easton in the US Episcopal Church, which includes one-third of Maryland, the entire state of Delaware and part of Virginia, comprising nine counties from the Chesapeake to Delaware; from Pennsylvania to Virginia.
Your Favourite Hymns We like to make sure that we are ‘in tune’ with our congregation’s likes, so we thought we would ask our congregation and readers to vote for their favourite Hymns! You can vote for your top five hymns (excluding Christmas Carols), either in the Church by placing a card in the box or by sending an email to: info.stbartholomews@gmail.com Below are some suggestions … These hymns always seem to be popular: Amazing Grace I, the Lord of Sea and Sky Standing in the Need of Prayer The Lord of the Dance As the Deer Pants for the Water Make Me a Channel of your Peace Break Bread Together Father, We love You Guide me, O thou great Redeemer And these are sung regularly as well: Abide With Me Morning Has Broken Praise my Soul, the King of Heaven Immortal Invisible Colours of Day Shine, Jesus Shine The Lord’s My Shepherd Seek ye first the Kingdom of God Or how about these lesser sung tunes: To be a Pilgrim Stand Up, Stand Up for Jesus Crown Him with many Crowns All People that on Earth do Dwell We Plough the Fields and Scatter O God, our Help in Ages Past Dear Lord and Father of Mankind Lord Jesus Christ Let us with a Gladsome Mind At the Name of Jesus Love divine, All loves excelling But remember, you can suggest any Hymns that you would like to hear: old and new alike (so long as we can find them in our Hymnal). And then we will have our fabulous musicians play those Hymns that top the poll!
Hence, we can quite rightly feel that we are part of the Church of England family and, as Archbishop Justin Welby states: “the church starts in hospitality, in welcome, in arms opened wide to all and everyone.” And that is our creed here at St Bartholomew’s Anglican Church.
Bishop Errol, with Bishop Ted
For more information about the renovation project at St John’s Cathedral, you can visit: www.thestjohnscathedral.com
Ombeline and Lloyd are waiting to play
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The Anchor
APRIL 2016
Back Page Spirituality - Finding your reflection in the Bible! There are many different ways of spending quiet time to allow us to get in touch with our spiritual side. One method is reading a passage from the Bible. This can be considered prayer, meditation, lectio divina (Latin for divine reading) or just some time for reflection – the name really doesn’t matter! We will look in another issue at some suggested texts – but for now why not choose your favourite passage, or any chapter which ‘speaks to you’ or that you enjoy reading! e.g. one of the parables in the Gospels; a passage from the Letters in the New Testament; one of the Psalms or just open the Bible at a random page and point to a section and start reading – you may be surprised at how poignant it might be! Find a place were you will not be disturbed (put your phone on silent!) and fix a time period (perhaps set a timer, so you will not be disturbed wondering how long to go!) … then follow these simple directions:
Reflections in a puddle
4. Conversation: enter into a short conversation with God about how you are feeling; speak heart-to-heart, as if conversing with a close friend. 5. Closing Prayer: conclude by saying the Lord’s Prayer or any other favourite prayer or words. Afterwards, think briefly about what you experienced during this time (maybe keep a journal), and then plan when you might next be able to have another prayerful encounter with God. Reflections in a window
1. Start: make sure you are seated comfortably; then close your eyes and try to become aware of being in God’s presence. 2. Prepare: offer to God your open mind and heart, and ask God for peace, hope or consolation – anything which you think might help you right now. 3. Turn to your chosen text: ◦ Read the Bible words through slowly, pausing from time to time. ◦ Think about the meaning of each sentence or phrase. ◦ Focus on one or two points (words, phrases, images, ideas) that stand out to you. ◦ Reflect on what the words are trying to tell you. ◦ Notice what is going on inside you as you read/pray: joy, sorrow, peace, confusion, love, anger, etc. ◦ Embrace what you are thinking/hearing; let your heart be moved in a particular direction. If you get distracted or your mind wanders, gently return to reading your text and reflecting on your focus points.
Notice It is with great sadness that we share the news that Henri Freyss passed away two weeks ago in New York City.
Henri-Paul was a faithful member of Saint Bartholomew's Church since the 1990s. He was born to French parents in Vienna, Austria, and lived in many parts of the world from Paris, to Buenos Aires, to Houston, Texas; until finally choosing St Barth and Switzerland as his main residences. He loved to snorkel, windsurf, ski and hike; and was an active member of our community. He will be much missed and we pass on our condolences to his two daughters, Christina and Laura.
Donations:
SBH Prayer Chain
We are an entirely self-funded church and dependent on your generosity and regular giving. Do please talk to one of the Church’s leadership about how to most effectively support the Church. Donations to our US Non-profit are tax deductible for US tax payers.
St Bartholomew’s has a prayer chain to offer the support of prayer for those in need. If you think this may be helpful for you or someone you know; or if you wish to join our prayer chain and include other people in your own prayers, please send an email (in confidence) to this address:
prayer.stbartholomews@gmail.com
Images and thanks:
AA Group Meetings
Thanks to Rick (page 4, reflection images), Spirit of St Barth (cover photograph), Mandie Vere Nicoll and Philip Trangmar for the use of their photographs. All are copyrighted. Thanks also to www.catholic-resources.org for their helpful article on Reflective Reading.
Open Meetings in English are held every Tuesday and Friday at 6pm in the Church Centre. Please telephone ahead to make sure a meeting will be taking place. Meetings at other times can also be arranged. For more information call: 0690 65 61 22 or 0690 54 17 99.
Published by:
Bishop: The Rt Revd Errol Brooks, Bishop of the N.E. Caribbean & Aruba Vicar: The Revd Charlie Vere Nicoll Parish Administrator: Philip Trangmar Tel: 0690 54 17 99 Email: info.stbartholomews@gmail.com Parish Office: Mondays, Wednesday & Fridays: 9am to 12noon Church Wardens: Marjorie Romney, Trinette Wellesley-Wesley and Rachel Barrett-Trangmar Vestry: The Wardens, Clarion Romney, Dawn Drouant, Lloyd Younger, Nancy Swann, Dr Richard Lester and Philip Trangmar Treasurer: Alex Harbord Music Director: Ombeline Collin
La Société d’Eglise Anglicane de St Barthelemy, Gustavia, St Barth 97133, FWI
US Non-profit 501(c)(3): The Friends of St Bartholomew’s Anglican Church Chairman: Bill Barrett, Secretary: Ann Green Address: P.O. Box 6199, Fair Haven, New Jersey 07704, United States Tel: (from the US) 1-732-741-1500 Email: anncwgreen@aol.com