2013 november

NOVEMBER 2013

Queens College On Being a Priest has Bright Future

Submitted by The Revd Mark Nichols

anglicanlife
We never had priests before, we always had ministers. I am taken aback by how often I hear this comment from lifelong Anglicans who wrongly view the priesthood as some recent development within our Church. The threefold ordained ministry of bishops, priests and deacons has been the practice within Anglicanism from the beginning. Therefore, in the Anglican Communion, when we speak of the ordained ministry we are speaking only of bishops, priests and deacons. The Preface to the Ordination Rites in The Book of Alternative Services of the Anglican Church of Canada provides the rationale for ordination: The Holy Scriptures and ancient Christian writers make it clear that from the apostles time there have been different ministries within the Church. In particular, since the time of the New Testament, three distinct orders of ordained ministers have been characteristic of Christs holy catholic Church. First, there is the order of bishops who carry on the apostolic work of leading, supervising, and uniting the Church. Secondly, associated with them are the presbyters, or ordained elders, in subsequent times generally known as priests. Together with the bishops, they take part in the governance of the Church, in the carrying out of its missionary and pastoral work, and in the preaching of the word of God and the administration of his holy sacraments. Thirdly, there are deacons who, in addition to assisting bishops and priests in all

NEWFOUNDLAND & LABRADOR

Successful Meeting. The Faculty and Staff along with members of the Corporation of Queens College. Submitted by Queens College
Submitted by Queens College

The Corporation of Queens College met at the College on the morning of September 25, 2013 for their twice-yearly meeting. The governing body reviewed all aspects of the Colleges life and ministry and joined with Students, Faculty, and Alumni Association members in a noontime Celebration of the Holy Eucharist before gathering for a shared lunch at the Parish of St Augustine where they continued their meeting into the afternoon. Over 40 persons attended both the Eucharist and the lunch. The Corporation expressed gratitude for the continued teaching ministry of Queens College with part-time and disfacebook.com/anglicanlife

tance programs such as the Associate in Theology and the Diploma in Theology and Ministry Programs continuing in 20132014. The members of Corporation gave thanks that the number of students studying at Queens College in the fall of 2013 is the highest for several years with 51 students registered. These numbers are expected to increase in January of 2014. Following its meeting the Corporation wishes to announce the following key decisions: Full-time residential training at Queens College will resume in September of 2014 following a one-year suspension to allow a comprehensive review of curriculum and programming. A report from the Committee for the Review and Renewal

of Curriculum will be given to the Corporation in the spring of 2014. Effective in January of 2014 all tuition costs at Queens College will be reduced significantly as follows: a three-credithour course will be $250 (from $420), a two-credithour course will be $170 (from $280), and tuition for the Diploma Program will be $200 per term (from $275). It is hoped that these reductions will make it easier for students to attend Queens College both part-time and fulltime. A search has begun for a Dean of Theology with the anticipated date of appointment of June 2014. The next meeting of the Queens College Corporation will take place at the College on March 12, 2014.
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this work, have a special responsibility to minister in Christs name to the poor, the sick, the suffering, and the helpless (BAS, 631). This is no innovation from earlier Anglican practice. The Preface to the ordination rites in The Book of Common Prayer (1962) Canada contains the same rationale for the ordination of bishops, priests and deacons (BCP, 637). Indeed, Articles XXXII and XXXVI of the Articles of Religion (BCP, 711, 713) explicitly speak of the ministry of bishops, priests and deacons. The Articles of Religion provide us with a snapshot of the belief and practice of the Anglican tradition when it came into being in the sixteenth century. So, the evidence speaks for itself. Contrary to the often uttered but clearly erroneous statement which I quoted at the beginning of this post, as Anglicans we always had priests (as well as bishops and deacons). The problem as I see it is that far too many Anglican clergy refer to themselves as ministers rather than as priests. This is likely because they see themselves and Anglicans in general as Protestants. In fact, the Anglican tradition never rejected Catholicism; rather, we rejected Rome. Thus, the Church of England legitimately declares itself to be An Ancient Church, catholic and reformed. However, Anglicans occupy a wide theological spectrum with Evangelical Protestants at one end and Anglo-Catholics at the other. Ones level of discomfort with priests is directly
Continued on Page 2 See: Priestly Ministry
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Total Mercy
Submitted by Michael A. Stares

november 2013

In support of Christian Universalism

C.S. Lewis called George Macdonald his greatest influence. Macdonald was a Christian universalist. Jaques Ellul a French protestant devotional writer well known in Anglican circles, was also a Christian universalist, as he wrote in What I Believe. William Law, author of A Serious Call, whod greatly influenced Wesley, Whitefield, Johnson, Venn, Newman and others - was himself a Christian universalist, as he wrote in The Spirit of Love. Rev. Sabine Baring-Gould, Anglican author of Onward Christian Soldiers, considered universalism the only view of human destiny that can satisfy the human heart. The Anglican Franciscans have written favourably of Russian Orthodox bishop, Ilarion Afaneyev: his biography of St. Isaac the Syrian fully endorses the saints universalism. Early Christian universalists include St. Gregory of Nyssa, a defender of Trinitarianism, St. Theodore of Mopsuestia, endorsed by the evangelical Zondervans Dictionary of the Church, and St. Clement of Alexandria, an early supporter of the orthodox canon of scripture. And these and other early universalists are people who understood and often spoke the original language of scripture, the basis of their universalism. In Isaiah 45:23, every tongue will swear allegiance to God. Inter-varsity Christian Fellowship calls this heartfelt conversion. This is not simply their opinion: the Hebrew word shba, is to seven or vow, as in a wedding, the bride vows to the groom, circling him seven times. In Is. 19:18 also, the verb is translated swear allegiance, it means commitment, and is explained as occurring in the Day of the Lord. respected evangelical versions of scripture): the definition that the RSV Greek lexicon gives of basanismon (torment), is interrogation (p. 596), and the Hebrew word Sheol does not simply mean the grave, it comes from the root shaal, to inquire, so that the Greek and Hebrew agree, it is the place of inquiry, God calls us to account (Dt. 18:19). God wants us to know the truth, whatever ordeal you have to go through as correction. The English word for the destination in judgement comes from pagan myth, helheim. In the original language Our Lord would have known, it was hinnom. This translates as grace; the Hebrew root is t[a]chinnah - grace, favour. Mt. 10:28 speaks of the destruction of the soul there (Greek, psuche). This is not the true soul (Greek pneuma); psuche is the earthly, error-filled nature. Strongs ExhausHe showed Himself to be, with the spirits in prison, in 1 Pet. 3:19 and 4:6. And this is not a special case: since the beginning of time no man has had any excuse, (Rom. 1:20). [There is a great deal more of the Lords ministry, that no record was made of (Jn. 21:25)]. Some interpret Mk. 10:27 as with man it is not possible, with God it is not guaranteed (...) [it is so hard to believe]. But God accomplishes all things within His firm intention (Eph. 1:11). My word will accomplish what I desire (Is. 55:11); God desires all people to be saved (1Tim. 2:4), and in 1 Cor. 15:2428, every former enemy of Christ will be katargaisai (disarmed), and they and every friend of Christ, at the End-Time is subject to Him; subjection cannot mean condemnation, or else Christ would be condemned [it is the same verb - everything is subjected (upotagai), as He will be subjected (upotagaisetai) v. 28]. The IVCF calls this time the perfectly acknowledged rule of the God of love over all His creatures. Michael A. Stares has a B.A. in Religious Studies, and a B. Ed. in Religious Education. He may be reached at SUN.TAU7915@gmail.com

All humanity in its entirety will see Gods salvation (Lk. 3:6), and shout for joy at it (Ps. 98:4). In Isaiah 24:21, 22, at the End-Times, the spiritual and earthly armies - enemies of God - will be gathered in a prison. The Hebrew interlinear of v. 22 then says: and after many days they will be visited (the Hebrew root here is paqad). In even the NIV margin note here we can read - they will be released (the NIV is one of the most

to realize it, and knowing the truth sets you free (Jn. 8:32). People speak of eternal life and eternal punishment. The scriptural Greek is zoe aionios, and kolasis aionios. Aionios includes the meaning of the age, and IVCF states that when zoe aionios is translated the life of that age, it conforms to the Hebrew the life of the age to come, (chaim ha-olam habba). The RSV Greek lexicon, p. 464, gives the interpretation of kolasis

tive Concordance, and Hal Lindsey, agree psuche is not the true soul. In Lk 15:4 the Lord says which of you would not leave the ninety and nine, and go after the one sheep that was lost - until he find it. The Good Shepherd commends something that He would not fail to be the first example of, as

Priestly Ministry
Continued from Page 1

related to where one is on this spectrum. Nonetheless, no matter where one is on this spectrum, as an ordained cleric one is a deacon, a priest or a bishop. To be clear, a priest is most certainly a minister. But anyone who

ministers in the name of Jesus Christ (lay readers, Sunday school teachers, etc.) is a minister. Which is why, when someone refers to me as a minister, I clarify that I am a priest. The term minister is very broad. I am a minister by virtue of my baptism. I am a priest by virtue of my ordina-

tion. So yes, as Anglicans, weve always had ministers ordained, if you will, at their baptism. But regarding the clergy, as Anglicans, weve always had priestsand bishops and deacons.

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Photo: Shutterstock - Andrea Crisante

2013 november

Submitted by Diana Swift

The Anglican Foundation of Canada may be the best-kept secret in the Canadian church. Few people realize that since 1957 this organization has disbursed more than $28 million in grants and loans. And the Foundation wants more Anglicans to benefit in more diverse ways. So its embarking on an exciting journey of renewal to ensure its funding has maximum impact. By making it easier to apply and increasing the impact of gifts, were able to help more people with a wider range of projects and programs across the country, says the Rev. Judy Rois, executive director. Four new funding initiatives will launch in 2014: Multiple-year funding for ministry projects of up to $10,000 a year for three years A proactive annual call for proposals to encourage innovative ministry A donor/project matching program A streamlined

twice-yearly application process for grants and loans Symbolizing the new focus is a redesigned maple leaf logo with the tag-line imagine more, which the Foundation hopes will start people dreaming about the endless possibilities its ready to support. Inspired by the fresh expressions of Vision 2019, its new initiatives include ecumenical youth strategies, hospice and elder care, theological education and projects in the performing and visual arts. Its all about giving life to people, parishes and visions, says Rois. No one knows better how ministry-enriching Foundation support can be than Justin Cheng, a postulant with the diocese of British Columbia, who received a grant to intern at St. Georges Cathedral in Jerusalem. The experience allowed me to get a glimpse of the churchs mission in the Middle East, he says. The Foundations financial support demonstrates the churchs commitment to future

ordained ministry. Traditional funding for church renovation continues. The Foundations generous support came at just the right time to raise our spirits and our hopes in the early days of our ambitious renovation project, says the Rev. Brian Pearson, rector of St. Stephens in Calgary. Archbishop Fred Hiltz, Foundation chair, calls the revamped strategy funding that matters and makes a difference in peoples lives. Ottawas Dean Shane Parker, strategic team leader, says the Foundations new direction will provide abundant resources for innovative ministries across the Canadian church. Every parish can become a Foundation member by making an annual donation. Become a catalyst for great things in your diocese. Imagine a project you could be passionate about, and let the Foundation know! To apply for funding or make donations, go to: anglicanfoundation.org

Enriching life across the dioceses

In every jurisdiction, the Anglican Foundation of Canada (AFC) is working to revitalize the Anglican experience by providing grants and loans for projects that enhance church life. Eligible initiatives range from physical-plant renovations, accessibility upgrades and new construction to diverse projects in the arts, Christian education and vocational development, history and heritage, healing and reconciliation and social welfare. Here are a few examples.

EASTERN NEWFOUNDLAND & LABRADOR

The Emmaus Project Summer Youth Event in St. Johns and an outreach project for new families in Paradise both received funding. In the parish of Bell Island, the new 8,000-square-foot church of St. Cyprians and St. Mary is expected to open before Christmas thanks to AFC support. The grant and loan from the Foundation was very important in putting us over the hump and securing the funds to complete the project, says the Rev. Ron Lee, parish priest-in-charge. The Rev. Dr. Alex Faseruk of St. Johns has served as chair of the finance committee.

CENTRAL NEWFOUNDLAND
Thanks to grant/loan support, the parish of Fogo Island East in Joe Batts Arm has combined four parishes into a new building, the Church of the Holy Spirit. Assistance from the Foundation enabled our vision of togetherness in worshipping the king of kings to become a reality, says the parishs rector, the Rev. Gail Thoms-Williams. St. Peters in McCallum has undertaken much-needed church repairs.

WESTERN NEWFOUNDLAND
Thanks to Foundation funding, the parish of Deer Lake was able to install a church elevator, make its washrooms wheelchair- accessible and add storage space. The elevator has made an amazing difference to the parish, says the Rt. Rev. Donald Young, former bishop of Central Newfoundland and pro-tem parish rector. Ive seen disabled people who havent come to church in years become regular attenders. The diocesan bishop, the Rt. Rev. Percy Coffin, has been an active member of the Foundations board for the past several years.

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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 publishes ten issues each calendar year with an independent editorial policy. Anglican Life is a section of the Anglican Journal Editor-in-Chief: The Revd 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) Letters to the Editor: Send to the Editor-in-Chief, Sam Rose (address as above). All letters must include the writers 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 by: Sam Rose Printed and Mailed by: Webnews Printing Inc. 8 High Meadow Place North York, ON, M9L 2Z5
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NEWFOUNDLAND & LABRADOR

An old VHS tape

really bothers anymore. I met a couple this week who want to get married in the Church and they said they wanted a wedding like their grandparents. No fuss. Just a traditional Christian Church Anglican wedding. I asked them, Why do you want a traditional Church wedding, when so many young couples want the latest trends? The bride simply replied, Because, after 51 years of marriage, my grandparents still deeply love each other and we want to start off the same way they did. I have been reading articles on how younger generations are seeking out churches that offer traditional services, like weddings and even Sunday Schools, essentially because they are looking for something that provides them with stability. I read an article from an Episcopal Church website that: We, as the first generation in the postmodern age, are dramatically different from those ahead of us -- Boomers and Builders they call them, wrote Karen Neudorf in Beyond, a magazine about God and life. We process information differently. We

november 2013

Editorial
no longer accept strictly linear lines of communication and thought. We often reject absolutes and can believe in mutually contradictory arguments. Many of us are from broken homes, and there would be more of us if the abortion rate wasnt so high. A whole lot of us have been physically or sexually abused and we are adjusting to a world where information flows faster than it can be absorbed. With so little to rely on, with marketing taking over so much of culture, the bottom line is that young adults look for certain values, a firmer foundation, before they will settle down for the long haul. If you dont have Authenticity, Honesty, and Community then you might as well kiss that young person goodbye. (http://arc. episcopalchurch.org/ episcopal-life/CLGenXLd.html) So, I guess the Church is not just like a VHS videotape, or even an old fashioned LP album. The Church has always been about the message, not the medium. It is about being authentic, honest, and providing a loving community for all people.

I found myself in a VHS video rental store on my vacation. It was a real trip down memory lane when I would always try to get the latest videos when they were released, even putting my name down a month or more before they came out. As I looked at the old VHS movies, I realized that no one would even bother to rent them since they had no way to watch them. I dont know who even has a VHS player in their home anymore. Also, with OnDemand, the latest movies come to you and not the other way around. This makes me think of the Church. The Church has always had a relevant message. But is the Church simply like the VHS videotape? Everyone still likes to watch movies, but the way they watch them has changed dramatically. Or is the Church like the VHS player? If you still have an old video, we can play it for you, but no one

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2013 november

Casting Lots
and stops at 43. The woman looks at the number and the young man, the smile fades and she faints. Thats gambling. Stewardship is safeguarding material and human resources and using them responsibly. Stewardship is also generous giving of time, talent and treasure. Christian stewardship adds a little more flavor. Christian stewards receive Gods gifts gratefully, cultivate them responsibly, share them lovingly in justice with others and return them with increase to the Giver of life and love. Casting lots is a wellworn Biblical phrase. The practice of casting lots appears seventy-seven times in scripture (this is not the source of lucky # 7). It was exercised for various

Bishops Message

Stewardship versus Gambling

purposes from discerning the will of God to dividing tribal land to seeking a disciple to replace Judas. Drawing the longest stick or straw was the standard form of selection. The practice takes a turn for redeems and sanctifies for the good of all. The practice of gambling furthermore exploits the poor. Even the operators of casinos, slot-machines in particular, admit that their income is sourced by lower income classes. Ultimately, children will become the most severely affected through abuse, neglect and addiction worse than drug use. A wise person once said, If is too good to be true then it probably is. God spoke through his prophet Isaiah (62:11-12) on the matter of gambling: As for you who forsake the Lord and forget my holy mountain, who spread a table for Fortune and fill bowls of mixed wine for Destiny. I will destine you for the sword and you will all bend down for the slaughter for I called but you did not answer. (*Fortune and Destiny were the pagan gods of fate who symbolized good and bad luck.) While there is no commandment saying, Thou shalt not gamble, nor a Beatitude saying, Blessed are those who obtain possession by unjust means, there are sufficient Biblical insights to say that gambling undermines good stewardship. Faith communities are called to trust in God whose promises are sure, not in blind fate. Stewardship recognizes God as the giver of life, the giver of freedom, the source of all they have, are and will be. Stewards are grateful for what they have received and eager to share to cultivate the gifts of God for Gods purposes. + Percy

The Rt. Revd Percy Coffin

Bishop Western Newfoundland

A woman is overwhelmed by the flashing lights, the clanging machines, and fancy tables on her first visit to the casino. Not knowing much about the process she approaches the roulette wheel to observe. The attendant invites her to play but she claims that she has no idea what number to play. She sits next to an attractive man who suggests that she play her age. She gives him a smile and bets on number 32. The dealer spins the wheel and it goes around and around

the worse when casting lots was practiced at the foot of the cross where soldiers gambled for the purpose of taking a poor mans clothing. This vile attempt to gain possessions perverts the generosity of God who creates,

A Lay Minister for 30 years

Submitted by The Revd Shaun OConnor

Doug Strickland was commissioned as a Licenced Lay Minister (LLM) in the Parish of Bonavista on Aug 8, 1983. This is his 30th anniversary as a LLM and he is retiring. I interviewed him about his experiences. How did you decide to become a LLM? It wasnt me at all. Rev. Green asked me one Sunday when Cyril [Sweetland] had the flu. I wasnt too good in front of people, but he said to give it a try. So I gave it a try. And got used to it. What was it like being a LLM thirty years ago? It was all different. Back then, we only had Morning Prayer and Evening Prayer. We knew what we had to do. The minister did things like Compline. I enjoyed it once I got used to it.
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What is it like being a LLM today? Its okay. Theres nothing wrong with it. Trying to get ready is my biggest concern. I dont mind it when Im ready. I really do like it. What was your favourite memory or occasion as a LLM? One memory is when we had 120 people at the night service when I was expecting only 30! I cant remember why they all came. Another time, Rev. Gillam called me at 20-after-six to ask me to do the service at 7! He had a bad throat. And the service was televised! I never did get to see it. How has serving as a LLM affected your faith? Oh, its made a big change! I became a different man. I cant explain it. I feel different. Everything I do now, I ask God from the beginning. Even when

Im gardening, putting in my potatoes, I ask for his strength. Hes been with me all the time since I became a Lay Minister. Growing up, I was out with the crowd, with the boys, you know. But once I found him, hed always been there. Its been interesting. What would you say to someone who is considering becoming a LLM now? I encourage them 100%! It is a wonderful, wonderful thing. An honour and a privilege. How many times did I thank the Lord, Ill never know. He really changed me. And I am thankful. I would carry on, but I dont see so good now and I dont have my nerve as much. Ill go out now while Im still doing good. I had dreams about it and felt it was time to finish. I came in quiet and I would like to go out quiet.
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Following in his Footsteps. Doug Strickland (left) with his grand-daughter, Victoria Strickland, who is a server in the Parish of Bonavista. Submitted by Shaun OConnor.
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Summer Camp
An Experience to Remember

Sir, I dont always have a dollar!

him to tell me about all the wonderful ministries made possible by the tithe, instead he replied, and I quote: We have become an elite group; we have turned away the poor. There is the problem with tithing! What I believe in is the New Testament teaching of giving by grace, which is by far a greater challenge than the tithe but much more accommodating for all. Giving by grace promotes and encourages generosity the hallmark of Christianity without placing people in the awkward position of conceding to some standard beyond their means. The Apostle

november 2013

The Revd Gregory Mercer

Columnist

Submitted by The Revd Jolene Peters

This summer I had the wonderful opportunity to spend three weeks as chaplain for the Lavrock summer camps. Each camp was different and run by dedicated volunteers who love the camp experience. I had the pleasure of leading quest for the first two weeks and helping the last week of camp. This could not have been a more rewarding experience. It amazed me at how these young people took part, how insightful they were to the world around them and their own Christian journey. Among swimming, camp fires, dances and fun activities we explored the bible in fun ways, exploring Gods love, grace and mercy in our lives as we learned about the ten commandments, the Holy Spirit, values and faith in ways that the children related to with hands on experiences. One of the most amazing experiences over the three weeks of camp was a prayer walk. Here the campers walked through prayer stations where they were given time to reflect and discover how

God is all over creation and in every part of our lives. The last station the campers met me in by the Cross that was used for lift high the cross that sits at Lavrock, here we prayed together and gave each camper a Cross as a reminder of their experience at camp and that God is with them where ever they go. Seeing how these young people reacted to this experience was truly inspiring, I learned more from these young people in three weeks than I ever could have imagined. If you ever get the chance to take part in one of the Lavrock Camps soak up the experience, it is one that will enrich your life and ministry in wonderful ways. These young people are the future of our church and this camp experience gives them a place to come and have fun, make new friends and memories and strengthen them on their own Christian walk as they continue to grow and discover. I am thankful for my experience at Lavrock Summer Camp and encourage you to consider taking part in one yourself next year!

This may come as a surprise to my colleagues and to those who know me best: I dont believe in tithing. There, I said it. And dare I say that most Anglicans dont tithe either. Tithing is an Old Testament concept of giving ten percent of your income to support some cause. The Hebrew Scriptures talks about tithing as a Temple Tax and other times as a means of charity. The tithe is certainly a standard all Christians should strive for if they are able. But the problem with the tithe is multifold. For starters, it puts the poor and the rich in the same category. That is to say, there are those who have been blessed with wealth and riches and who can easily give more than ten percent. But to expect a small household with an annual income of $30,000 to give $3,000 a year to their church is absolutely absurd. Where is the justice in that? And then there are people who cant give anything at all. In this case the Church gives to them. I have had conversations with clergy of other denominations who preach tithing to their congregations. And some of them have become friends over the years. I recall asking a Pentecostal Pastor one time, So what has tithing done for your congregation? His response caught me by surprise. Expecting

Paul says it best in his second letter to the Corinthians 9:7, Each of you must give as you have made up your mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. But this is not cheap grace and by no means lets us off the hook. As mentioned earlier, to give by grace is far more challenging than the tithe. To give by grace is to give until it hurts. Jesus made this quite clear in his story of the Poor Widows Offering (Mark 12:41-44). He used her as an example for all of us pointing out how she gave out of her poverty while others gave out of their abundance. For some people giving until it hurts might mean giving fifteen percent of their

income while for others it may mean giving only one percent. T h i s Ne w T e s t a ment concept of giving by grace also holds the church accountable, to its neighbourhood and its community, and more importantly, the poor. There are those who just do not have the means to give anything financially and the last thing we want to do is to place them in any kind of an awkward position to turn them away from the Church. In such circumstances the Church has a mandate and a responsibility to support them. As priests we always try to encourage people to be more faithful to worship. And when we notice a regular is missing, we will sometimes seek out that person probably it has to do with some illness or some personal matter that is keeping them away. Such was the case when I approached a gentleman who had been fairly regular to Sunday morning worship but whose attendance had become sporadic at best. And he was a man who had worked hard to provide for his family. Mr. Doe, I havent seen you at worship in the last few weeks. No sir, it has been a difficult time lately. Oh, how come? Work has been slow and money is tight. To be quite honest with you when they pass the offering plate and I have nothing to put in it I feel embarrassed, so I rather not go. Trying to offer some consolation and encourage him back to church I said, Sure even if you had only a dollar that will do. Sir, he said, I dont always have a dollar.

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Photo: Shutterstock - Chris Brignell

2013 november

Soul Searchers hit the road

Can of beans
the old man continued, we are all like cans of beans. There are a dozen or more brands of beans. Some have tomato sauce, others molasses, and so on. But, basically, they are all canned beans. I like one kind; you prefer another. God, he concluded, loves the taste of all of us! Makes sense, doesnt it? One thing for sure is, we are all Gods Family. And, we can be sure that God is not happy seeing his family not truly united and not really loving each other, not really working together. Instead, very often, too often, we are competing with each other, justifying our brand as being somehow better than the others. Are we ever going to become a family of God that truly, strongly loves him, and everyone else? United we stand; divided we fall is truly critical to all of Gods people. The Devil, and his earthly cohorts, love to see us disunited. As broken fragments we can much more easily be defeated and destroyed. Lets really consider ourselves as cans of beans, different in flavour, but basically delicious. So, then, for all of us, its Onward Christian Brothers and Sisters!

Ronald Clarke

Columnist

Soul Searchers youth group went on a weekend field trip in June. Soul Searchers fundraising over the past four years have paid off and some of the group went to St. Johns. Unfortunately, several of our Soul Searchers have graduated and moved on but the group this year enjoyed a weekend of fun. We arrived in St. Johns on Friday. After we settled into the hotel we headed to the mall for shopping and a late movie. Saturday we had a delicious breakfast of bacon, eggs and toast that Rev. Neal prepared. Then we went to Signal Hill and arrived time enough for the firing of the canon. After this excitement we headed to the Geo Centre for a fun afternoon. Time was going fast and everyone was hungry so we headed to Wendys for a late lunch. After this we participated in a couple games of bowling then ended the evening with a movie at empire theatres. Sunday morning we went to St. Marks for worship. After worship we ordered pizza because we had to drive out to Bay Bulls for our Zodiac boat ride. Here we were blessed with wonderful sunny, calm weather; although, we were all soaked with salt water by the time we got back to shore. We were definitely blessed when we saw a couple of whales; it was totally amazing and all enjoyed. We ate our pizza outside and headed for the four hour trip home. Happy, salty from the boat ride and tired. Submitted by Beverly Buffett

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Each one of us, a wise old man said to me recently, is gonna have to stand face-to-face before God Almighty, and be judged! And, you can be sure, he continued, that there are two questions that God is not gonna ask us. One is how much money have you left in your accounts down there? And the other is what religion are you? I believe hes right. Ju s t b e ing a Roman Catholic, or an Anglican, or a Pentecostal, is not going to get us to Heaven. There are, of course, very good, and very bad, people in every religion. What really matters to each of us, is our personal relationship with Jesus Christ, and through him, our relationship with God the Father. A very important part of our relationship is doing what Jesus commanded - baptism, for example, and Holy Communion. How can we not do what our Saviour commanded? You know what I say,

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An American in Newfoundland
Submitted by Cynthia Haines-Turner

november 2013

and dynamic ways ... our Parish is really living the Marks of Mission. I believe strongly in the Church building the Kingdom of Has it been a year already? God in its locale. Our parishioYup, we all say that once in a ners ... live out their Baptismal while as time passes faster than Covenant everyday and I find it we can ever keep track of it. inspiring and humbling. Hmm. And yet, what a year its been! If leadership involves bringing It has, in fact, been a year and a out the gifts in those you lead for bit since Bryan Pearson made his the good of the community, it is first ever trip to NL - but not as no coincidence that what Bryan a tourist. He was coming to the sees as the strengths of the Parish Parish of Pasadena/Cormack to reflect in some ways the qualities minister with us and to lead our with which God has Parish. That first gifted him. was just one of many. On a more personal Bryan, the lay minislevel, this is not the first ter-in-charge became time our Parish has Bryan, the deaconwelcomed someone in-charge became from another culture Bryan, the priest-innor the first time we charge. His first parhave been enriched by ish and now his first what they bring. Our year in the Parish. last rector, the Rev. EdWe got to share in mund Laldin, shared those firsts as well with us much from since it was the first his Pakistani culture. time ever for us to Bryan brings to us the have an ordination culture of the southern in our Parish and it United States and once was the first ordinaagain, it is refreshing tion for the Town of to have our eyes and Pasadena. hearts enlightened Some of Bryans by a glimpse into our firsts may have differences and simibeen somewhat less larities. Weve gotten auspicious than say, many a smile hearing his first Sunday yall instead of bys preaching or preor learning about how siding over his first the close-knit commuEucharist - for exnities of the American ample, his first Vestry meeting or his The Rev. Bryan Pearson (centre) with wife Erin and Bishop Percy Coffin. The first ever ordination to South resemble our own. When asked how first Parish Council take place in St. Davids Church in the Parish of Pasadena Cormack. Submitted by C. Haines-Turner. he was faring with the meeting or his first NL accent, his response Annual meeting. But neither Bryan Pearson, the Holy Spirit was somehow spur- in the Parish? When asked, they was its not so much the accent lay person nor the Rev. Bryan ring him on. He also believes it point as well to his sermons as the speed. Im not sure if he Pearson, deacon and priest, was was a leap of faith on the part of bringing the gospel to life along is helping us slow down a little to be daunted by any of it, for the Parish to accept an unknown, with his pastoral skills in visiting, or not, but I am certain Ive nowhile he may be new to those inexperienced, young American his compassion, his willingness ticed his southern drawl is just particular roles, he was not new but again, we believe it was the to try new things and his vision that tiny bit faster now than it to Churchland. In fact, he seems Holy Spirit at work that allowed for a greater involvement of the was. He influencing us or we Church in the wider community. influencing him? Or maybe its to have been born to take on this us to see the potential in him. It has been a year of both the That is what we believe Bry- just that a year on, we are both role - or was it that he has been well-equipped by God to take Parish and Bryan being bolstered an offers to us but what does the starting to get comfortable with on this role? Either way, we have by each others commitment Parish offer to his ministry? For each other, comfortable enough been the happy recipients as this to the ministry to which we that, I need to use Bryans words: actually for a productive and young man from Georgia, USA have been entrusted, building ... each of us brings a different God-filled ministry to unfold. has exercised his gifts of ministry on and affirming the strengths lens to the Gospel and those dif(or the fruits of the Spirit if you ferent lenses are now combining among us for the past year. So how does a man from prefer) that are present. Bry- for a new lens which I believe Georgia, via Tennessee, make ans strengths? I have my own is enriching all of our lives and his way to NL to lead the Parish thoughts - he has very much a presenting the Gospel in new

of Pasadena/Cormack anyway? Well, Bryan himself sees it as a series of leaps of faith. From the beginning of a discernment process in Tennessee, to taking a chance by enrolling in the Episcopal Divinity School in Cambridge, MA, to contacting the Rev. James Pratt, a priest who also made his way from the US to serve in the Diocese of Western Newfoundland, Bryan took each step not knowing exactly where it would lead but believing the

collaborative approach to ministry and is not afraid to incorporate the gifts and leadership abilities of others in the Parish for the building up of the Body of Christ while at the same time having a strong vision of where he would like to see us go as a Parish and exercising the leadership necessary to carry through on that vision. He is well versed in Church history which lends an educational component to his sermons. But what of others

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2013 november

22 Tonnes elize B r o f
Submitted by The Revd Canon William Strong

The Archdeaconry of Trinity Conceptions 22 Tonnes for Belize project has moved into its second phase with the departure of a container filled with 750 boxes of materials along with 50 bicycles for the people of Belize. The container actually contains 22 tonnes of materials that were completely donated by the people of Eastern Newfoundland and Labrador. The materials include books for both children and adults along with school supplies, first aid supplies, toys, clothing for children and adults, shoes, bedding, some house wares, toiletries, a computer, some school furniture, and over 50 bicycles. Our plan is to purchase another container from Belize and to make a library from the two containers for St. Agnes School in Mahogany Heights. We have also sent plywood, doors, windows, and tools to help in the conversion. A team of 15 volunteers will travel to Belize at their own expense from November 15 to 24 to carry out the conversion as well as other activities. The team will bring a wide array of experience and expertise and will be made up of: two engineers, a construction foreman, a housing inspector, retired teachers, a public health nurse, church volunteers, and two clergy. The objective is to be with our friends of the Anglican Diocese of Belize and to begin a long term relationship for our mutual benefit. A wide variety of activities are planned from spending time with children, to public health activities, to working with teachers, to social activities with the people of Mahogany Heights. The Team estimates the project will cost about $30,000 besides individual travel costs. We have raised about $20,000 to date and hope to raise the remaining amount before the team leaves in November. Our plan is leave all the proceeds in Belize. Revd. Canon Bill Strong reports that the Project has already realized many benefits for the Archdeaconry by bringing people together for a worthwhile cause and showing that the
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work of the Church goes beyond our congregational boarders. The response of the public, the business community, as well as volunteers from our parishes to help with packing has been outstanding. Tax deductible donations can still be made through participating Parishes of the Trinity Conception Deanery or by mail to: 22 Tonnes for Belize Project c/o The Parish of Upper Island Cove, P.O. Box 29, Upper Island Cove, A0A 4E0. Please keep us in your prayers and add our Mission Prayer to your daily devotions: Loving God, you have called us to share in the gifts of your Kingdom. Strengthen and enlighten us as we strive to assist our companions in Belize, as they nurture education and development within their people. Enable us to bring forth our hearts, minds, and hands in your service; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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10

Lessons from the Blueberry Patch

Cynthia Haines-Turner Columnist

november 2013

The Radical Welcome of All

make people welcome, there is healing. When we accept people even in the mess that they may be in, there is healing. There is healing in the embrace of the saint. There is healing in the embrace of the sinner. Once we come to know the Risen Christ ourselves, His Love and acceptance, then we will have a desire to love and embrace not only every human being, but especially those who are marginalized for whatever reason. The leaper, after being loved, accepted, and healed, cannot contain himself. There is enthusiasm after the encounter with the divine love revealed in Christ. There is enthusiasm after encountering love and relationship. There is an enthusiasm that wants to tell everyone about the power of Jesus Christ to heal and set free. The truth is that if we know the Christ Life, we will be enthusiastic and committed to the mission of making that Life known to others. As we come to know more and more the power of the Love of Christ in our own lives, let us do our part in inviting and welcoming into the life of the Church those around us who are most in need. And let us embrace one another with Christs love and real relationship. And let us continue on the healing journey together with Him.

Every August, we engage in that most typical of Newfoundland activities we head into the blueberry fields to enjoy the current crop and to replenish our freezers. What I enjoy about picking blueberries, apart from having a good supply of that succulent, sweet and delicious berry that nutritionists have labeled a super food and which I call the perfect berry, is that it provides time for reflection. One can learn a lot from the blueberry patch - about people and about life. There are those, for example, who wont divulge where they pick (as if there were ever any secrets in Newfoundland when it comes to blueberries!) and

there are those who share willingly where they find the best berries. Of course, its easy enough to think that with all the people in on the fields, the berries will be all picked. Yet every year, theres always more than enough. Even in the so-called picked over areas, there is always that one spot, when you lift up the branch and there they are - big and beautiful and plentiful, just for the taking. And when

winter comes, thousands upon thousands of berries still remain unpicked, no matter how many pickers there are. Which led me to muse this year on what the blueberry patch teaches us about the theology of abundance versus the theology of scarcity.

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Many times, in Church meetings when we are discussing how to live within our means (something I consider extremely important) someone will inevitably say what we need is a theology of abundance and not a theology of scarcity as though the resources we need, both human and financial, are there to do all the ministry we wish and a simple change in outlook on our part is what is required for it all to fall in our laps. I have always found this a difficult point against which to argue as I happen to believe that our God is a god of abundance and does provide us with everything we need. At the same time, something always nags at me. Is a change in attitude really all we need? Enter my aha moment from the blueberry patch. Because, I thought, as my bones and muscles ached and I leaned down to pick, come February when I go to make a blueberry pie, I wont be making it with those blueberries that are on left on the bushes. For unless I have put in the hard work of picking them, instead of a pie, I may have to content myself with a few muffins. So yes, God has blessed us in our churches with everything we need - and more, but without us being prepared to do the hard work of sharing the good news of Gods love, of serving others, of living the Marks of Mission, then we will continue to scramble for those resources when we need them and have to make do with what we have. At least thats what the blueberry patch seems to be telling me.

Archdeacon Gerald Westcott

Columnist

We are created to be fully alive, and every human being yearns to be free from that which keeps us from being in life giving relationship with others and with the Divine Life. There is a story in the Gospel of a person sick with leprosy and therefore a rejected social outcast who hears of Jesus and comes to Him for healing. This is not only a story of a physical illness, it is a story about social rejection. All of the so-called socially diseased are invited and welcome to come to Jesus Christ. Not just the person with leprosy, but the alcoholic, the person addicted to narcotics, the spouse beater, the thief, the person suffering from depression, the mentally challenged, and the list goes on. People who are socially difficult to be around and may make many folk uncomfortable are invited and welcome to come to Jesus, to hopefully come to loving relationships within the church. There is healing in relationship. When we

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2013 november

11

Painless Giving
Columnist Kevin Smith

A growing number of parishes are encouraging their congregations to use pre-authorized giving as another way to contribute regularly to their church. Credit card payments also tend to be popular with parishioners often because of various travel

point programs that are on the go. Pre-authorized gifts, also called E Giving, are just pledges for which the parishioner authorizes the parish to automatically collect from your bank account a specific amount each month. The authorization could be for a specific length of time but normally this is not the case. This method of payment has been used by cable, telephone and power companies for eons and can be described as a painless form of giving. The benefits of participating in this means of giving are numerous: 1.It is a convenient

way of giving. The offering is received automatically every month.. 2.It allows for continual support of the church while the parishioner is away. One rector told me that the first year that his parish used this method was the first summer in its history that they didnt have to secure a bank loan to get through the lean months. 3.This also allows for continual support of the churchs ministries and programs. A f t e r a l l , many ministries carry on for the twelve months of the year and do not shut down during the summer when many parishioners

are on holidays. 4.Changes may be made at any time with written notification. 5.Finally, there is the decreased environmental impact by the reduced envelope use. Our friends in the United Church have been using this method since the late 70s and report that its use is growing by about 15% per year. Its average monthly donation is $121.91. One wonders how this compares with our giving. A leading authority on pre-authorized giving, Harvey McKinnon, suggests that this process will dramatically

increase annual income, lower your fundraising costs and provides a more predictable monthly revenue. He also feels that this option has much untapped potential and income will definitely grow over time. Kevin Smith is a gift planning consultant with the Anglican Church of Canada and can be reached at (709) 739-5667 or by email: kevinsmith709@gmail.com

The Present Moment

The Revd Everett Hobbs Columnist

In 1741 a book was published called Self-Abandonment to Divine Providence.The author was Jean Pierre de Caussade and he drew on the wisdom of past spiritual guides, such as St. Augustine and St. Teresa of Avila. It was published after his death from notes of talks he gave to sisters at a convent. Its message is that we can experience every moment as a holy sacrament and that God is at work in every circumstance of life, whether good or bad by our judgment. We just need to cease from frantic striving for holiness and rest in the Light of Christ.In 1981 this book was published with the title The Sacrament of the Present Moment. Why live in the present moment? We can only be fully alive in the here and now. The past cannot be
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taken back and the future is outside our reach. We can only encounter God right now: The past is gone and the future is not here. We need to remember that now is when God is present.To live in the present moment is surrendering to Gods will. We serve God by totally surrendering to his will right now. . This requires trusting God to guide us.Abandon your self to God now and trust everything to him. You are then in the present moment and in the presence of God. Brother Lawrence makes the same point in The Practice of the Presence of God. It means just to be. Thoreau tells us to find eternity in every moment. De Caussade emphasizes paying attention and keeping our eyes open for God. He tells us to look for God in the ordinary and the mundane, rather than the extraordinary and spectacular. God reveals himself to the humble in small things. Also we are to embrace with delight everything that happens to us, including what others dread and avoid. He writes, The only condition necessary

for the state of self-surrender is the present moment in which the soul, light as a feather, fluid as water, innocent as a child, responds to every movement of grace like a floating balloon. The present moment is never unbearable if you live it fully. What is unbearable is to have your body here at 10 A.M. And your mind at 6 P.M. (Anthony de Mello) At the same time we need to plan for the future and learn from the past. We do only what is

required and not use the past and future as means of escape and alternatives to the present. We tend to spend too much time engrossed in the past and dreaming about the future, regretting the one and worrying about the other.Life is not hurrying on to a receding future, nor hankering after an imaged past.It is turning aside like Moses to the miracle of the lit bush. (S. Thomas) Leo Tolstoys short story The Three Questions is about a search for answers to: What is the best time to

do anything? Who is the most important person to work with? What is the most important thing to do at all times? The most important time is now. The most important person is the one you are with. The most important thing to do is to do good to that person. Now is the acceptable time, now is the time of Salvation. (2 Corinthians 6)

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12

Technology & Faith

Allison Billard Columnist

november 2013

Ive always found the royals to be an interesting lot. I will admit I was watching in anticipation for the newest little fellow to arrive, and I honestly did hope they didnt give him a name that I was hoping to bestow upon my son who had yet to arrive. I certainly felt for the Duchess when news of her morning sickness was included in every paper in the free world. Of all the reasons to make headlines, that was perhaps an unfortunate one. No one wants to talk about how sick they feel, much less see it all over the

news. To have what must have felt like the entire world watching when she got married and again upon news that the babys arrival was imminent she must find it exhausting. Constantly under scrutiny, constantly questioning herself, her actions, her clothes, pretty much everything. Then again, maybe we all feel over scrutinized these days. Communication is constant. Thanks to email, Facebook, Twitter and goodness knows what else we are all in constant contact, sharing perhaps more than anyone really wants to know, and have available to us more information (and misinformation) than anyone ever has. The time is fast approaching for us to need training in proper cell phone/technology etiquette. The technology is advancing faster than

our understanding of it, and it often seems we are not doing a very good job of integrating it into our

starting to catch on; and I know in our home we will have rules governing when and how technolo-

lives. I am as guilty as anyone of spending more time staring at my smart phone than conversing with people in the room. Schools already have rules around the use of cell phones; boardrooms around the world are also

gy can be used to ensure it is enriching our lives and not limiting them. I find myself wondering what God wants us to do with all of this technology. How can we integrate it into our faith (both our beliefs and ac-

tions) in a way that enhances it rather than detracting and distracting us from it? Can this technology help us be better Christians? Can we use it in a way to spread the Good News farther? I think we can, and I think some people are already starting to do just that. Ive seen a number of blogs and websites dedicated to sharing the Good News, reaching out to those in need, places to join in prayer and praise. It may take some getting used to but the technology is here to stay so we may as well make the best of it. How will you use technology to live your faith?

90th Birthday Visit. St. James ACW, Pools Island, held its first meeting at the home of Mrs. Jessie Kelloway. The meeting was followed by the ACW celebrating Jessies 90th birthday. (Jessie is second from the left seated on the chesterfield.) Submitted by The Revd John Nicolle.

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2013 november

13

Laying the Stone, Part 1

Columnist David Davis

This article is the first part of a longer article which will follow in Anglican Life . It speaks of the visit of the governor of Newfoundland, Henry Prescott, to the laying of the cornerstone (beginning of construction) of St Pauls church, Harbour Grace, in 1835. Readers will know about the great fire of 1832 which caused the destruction of the church and other buildings in Harbour Grace. In a March article of this year of Anglican Life we introduced the first part of Tuesday July 26 th 1835 when Governor Prescott arrived at Harbour Grace in his yacht and marched with the crowd of onlookers to the court house at Harbour Grace where the religious services connected with the laying of the corner stone took place. This brings us to the beginning of the current article when the people who marched to the court house reformed and proceeded to the churchyard for the second half of the days proceedings the actual laying of the corner stone and the appropriate speeches. It was an exceptional honour for the governor to be present for the days celebrations so the people of

Harbour Grace and those from other communities such as Carbonear made the trip to Harbour Grace, mostly on foot. From the report of the day it is obvious members of other religious denominations were present as it was a local event of importance not just an Anglican event. Henry Prescott was a career officer in the Royal Navy and was also the last naval governor of Newfoundland. The period when he was governor was on the verge of the introduction of local self-government, called Representative Government. Political factions were developing to represent the political, religious, and economic interests in Newfoundland and soon the Governor found himself embroiled in the controversies that ensued. The event described here seems to be a more peaceful happening at this time. A number of worthies and clergy were present for the ceremonies, of interest was the Rev T.F.H. Bridge from St Johns who came to Newfoundland with Governor Cockrane in 1832.He was chief assistant to both Bishops Spencer and Feild and was active in almost all church activities for the rest of his life. Part 2 of this article will appear in a future issue of Anglican Life.

The Document

The document appeared in The Times newspaper of St. Johns on August 5, 1835. It was reprinted from The Conception Mercury on July 31, 1815. The symbol ... indicates missing or indecipherable words.

The procession then reformed in the same order....to the church yard....of laying the Corner Stone was performed by His Excellency, assisted by the two Operative Masons.-His Excellency, having applied the plumb, the line, the square, and the compass to the stone, pronounced all right, when the copy of the Scroll deposited in the bottle was read with an audible voice by John Stark, Esq., (Chairman of the building committee) as follows: Here stood St Pauls Church which was burnt to the ground by the great fire at Harbour Grace, on the 18 th August, 1832, erected on the site of the first Church built on the same spot in the year 1764. And the Corner Stone of this new Stone Church is now laid by His Excellency Henry Prescott, Esq., Companion of the Most Honourable Military Order of the Bath, Governor and Commander-in-Chief in and over the Island of Newfoundland and its Dependencies, and Vice Admiral of the same, on Tuesday the twenty-eighth day of July, in the year of our Lord One Thousand, Eight Hundred and Thirty-five, and in the Sixth Year of the Reign of His Majesty William the Fourth of Great Britain and Ireland, King. Present His Excellency Governor Henry Prescott. The Hon. James Crowdy, Colonial Secretary. Fort Major Griffiths, St Johns. The Rev John Burt, Episcopal Minister of Harbour Grace. The Rev Charles Blackman, Episcopal Minister of Port-de-Grace. And the following Members of the Building Committee:Thomas Ridley, Esq. , Churchwarden; Alfred Mayne, Esq., Churchwarden; John Stark, Eaq., Chairman of the Committee; Mr John Kingwell, W. Stirling, Esq., Mr Thomas Godden, Mr Jacob Moore, Mr Samuel Bennett, Mr Manuel Allcock, Mr William Andrews.Also, Peter Brown Esq. Member of the Hon. the House of Assembly; besides a large concourse of the parishioners, merchants, magistrates, children of the Newfoundland School, the Benevolent Irish Society, the Fishermen and Shoremens Association, the Mechanics Society and other inhabitants. Dated at Harbour Grace, on the day and year and above written. Robert Lee Whiting, Contractors Thomas Kitchen, Builders Upon the proclamation of God Save the King and His Excellency the Governor three hearty cheers were given for His Excellency. Profound silence having been obtained , an anthem, accompanied by the band was sung by the children, when the Rev Mr Bridge delivered a most pathetic prayer composed by him for the occasion. His Excellency the Governor having obtained an eminence upon some of the building stones, addressed the assembled multitude with great energy, perspicuity, and dignity, in nearly the following words: The solemn ceremony, at which we have been ,,,,,cannot but have been highly interesting to everyone present. I have experienced in my share of it the greatest gratification, and shall ever look back with pride and pleasure to the sacred office I have this day been called on to perform. While I live I shall feel an unceasing anxiety for the prosperity of Church at Harbour Grace, and that it shall be impressed upon the minds of my children that one of the most delightful events in the life of their parent was his having laid the Corner Stone of the holy edifice about to be reared in honour of the Almighty, and devoted to His service. May the lessons of piety and good morals...to be delivered in this place and sink deep into the heads of the hearers, producing their best fruits in the,,,, exhibition of true Christian charity and brotherly love. The liberality manifested on this occasion which converted a great calamity into a public benefit by the proposed erection of a church, now happily commenced to be constructed of solid and durable instead of frail and perishable materials is a pleasing evidence of the religious spirit of this community. The Society for the Propagation of the Gospel has, as usual, afforded its generous aid, and bountiful contributions have been .... in furtherance of the good work. Both in the...and in the capital of this island. I congratulate you all on the auspicious circumstances and trust that such of you as are to form the future congregation, may, in health and prosperity, long....here to return humble and hearty thanks to God ...the blessings He bestows. The Rev Burt then pronounced the blessing of the Church upon all present, when the procession again formed in the same order, and conducted His Excellency back to the Court-house, where upon His Excellency taking leave, nine tremendous cheers were given for him. The procession then dispersed.
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Parish News in Focus

november 2013

Lewisporte Craft Project

In 2013, St. Pauls ACW of Lewisporte undertook a craft project in which the ladies of the ACW could use their gifts and skills to produce a variety of items. Some of the ladies made quilts for Ronald MacDonald House at St. Johns. Other members of the ACW knitted hats for newborns for the Janeway Hospital. Other ladies knitted hats for the Newfoundland Cancer Clinic at St. Johns. The items were blessed by Rev. Bruce Vallis before being forwarded to the various institutions. Submitted by Cora Vallis.

Burning of the Relics

Submitted by The Revd Raymond Brett

The Mens Fellowship in the Parish of Twillingate held a closing banquet on June 23 with spouses and partners in attendance. The group undertook to erect a cabin at Mint Brook in memory of their founding President, Charles Pretty. The Fellowship served breakfast on July 26 at the Fish, Fun, and Folk Festival and raised over $3000 for the project. On the Feast of St. Peter, June 29, the congregation scheduled a special service called the Burning of the Relics which would consume by fire all the linens, cloths and books that had become unusable. All items that had been blessed were decently disposed of by this method. The Bishop gave his approval and the ashes were buried in the cemetery. The Revd Raymond Brett composed a hymn for the occasion. This Rite of the Burning of the Relics may be the first for the Church in this Province.

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Parish News in Focus

Last Supper Artwork

15

On February 10, 2013, a beautiful picture of the Last Supper was received and blessed at Holy Redeemer Church, Spaniards Bay. This picture is a cross-stitch piece which was made by the late Evelyn Pauls who was a member of the choir in the Church. The framed picture hangs in the Sanctuary, just behind where Evelyn sat for many years. It was donated by her family in her memory. Submitted by Betty Crane.

Slow Down! Youre Moving Too Fast!

Recently, I began to wonder whether my speeding was merely Apparently the folks a product of having a at the Calgary Police de- lead foot, or where there partment like my car. I could be an underlying know this because they spiritual issue at play. send me pictures of it Did my speeding speak fairly often. to the manner in which I Yes, I am a fast driver. spiritually approach life I know that about myself. around me? Could my I have often viewed the racing through the streets Estimated Time of Arriv- of Calgary be a symptom al display on my GPS as of the manner in which a challenge to overcome. I try to race through the I have relished at my activities and duties of ability do a 7 hour road- my day?Could the desire trip in a little less than 6 to get to my destination hours. I have joked that as quickly as possible acspeed limits are mere tually create an inability suggestions and that if to acknowledge the presyoure not going to drive ence of God in the beauty fast, why drive at all? of the moment?
Submitted by The Revd Kyle Norman

So I tried slowing down, and to my surprise, I didnt get bored. In fact I got fascinated by the scenery around me.I felt I had time to acknowledge the people on the streets. I had time to reflect on who they might be, and what God might be doing in their lives. I felt I had the ability to soak in the blue skies of the day, and gaze at the contours of the snow-capped mountains in the distance. Driving became a sort of spiritual exercise in which I began to be aware of the myriad of ways God makes his presence known. You see, the act of slowing down allowed

me to remove myself from the expectations and deadlines to which I am constantly racing towards. That internal clock that continually tells me I am not being as quick as I can be, as productive as I should be, or as effective as I must be, was silenced as I engaged my life with God in the intricacy of the present moment.Slowing down allowed me to recognize the great spiritual truth, that God rarely calls us to go faster. Instead He calls us to be still; to consider the lilies of the field, and to wait for the Lord. We live in a face paced world and it is

easy to get caught up with the quickness of it. Yet the call of God on our lives is not one in which we are called to rush toward a perceived goal. We are called to acknowledge that God is alive and present in this moment. God does not call us to rush to him, as some destination held out for us in the future, but to realize and enter into his presence and activity as it is presently. God is active in us and through us, and his blessings are bountiful. We risk missing all of this when we speed through our lives. So the next time you are in your car, try slowing down. Slow down not just your speed, but also your perceptions and attitudes as it relates to how you interact with the tapestry of life around you. As you make your way through the streets, attempt to be still and wait for the Lord. Who knows, you just might find your car to be a place of powerful communion with God. Reverend Kyle Norman is an Anglican Priest in the Diocese of Calgary. He is also a writer for The Community on matters related to Popular Culture.

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16

Parish News in Focus

Milk Bag Sleeping Mats

november 2013

The mat presentation and workshop at Killdevil was a smashing success. The great hall was transformed into a sleeping mat factory with over 80 women cutting, making balls, crocheting and teaching. It was a madhouse, wonderful fun and fellowship, all with the little ones in South Africa and Haiti in mind, the ones for whom the mats are being made. As well, schools are being supplied with mats; each child is given a mat that then belongs to he or she alone. They are delighted with that. As I have been told, the children are so happy and so very pleased with the smallest gift or act of kindness. Article by Revd Marlene Harvey and photos by Anne Keating.

New Lay Ministers

June 23, 2013 was an occasion to celebrate at St. Edwards Church, Glovertown as two individuals answered Gods call to serve as Licensed Lay Ministers in the parish of Gambo. Betty Brenton and Randy Kelloway , shown with the Rector, the Revd Betty Harbin, were joined by members of their families for the service of worship and the potluck meal which followed. Submitted by Linda Churchill.

ACW Breakfast
On Valentines Day, St. Pauls ACW of Lewisporte continued a tradition they began several years ago. The ACW issued an invitation to ladies of the town of Lewisporte and surrounding communities to join them for a Valentines Breakfast at the Richard G. Walters Church Hall. More than 100 ladies accepted the invitation and attended the breakfast. Submitted by Cora Vallis

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