2014 february

FEBRUARY 2014

Mount Pearl parish youth reach out to the Philippines

ANGLICANLIFE

NEWFOUNDLAND & LABRADOR

Helping our Brothers and Sisters in the Philippines. On December 1, 2013, members of the youth group and servers from the Parish of the Good Shepherd, Mount Pearl hosted Coffee Time for the Philippines. This event followed the 11 am service and parishioners received coffee, tea and treats. A donation box was made available for free-will donations. Our youth were very pleased to report to the parish on December 8th the grand total of $596.55. This money will be sent to Primates World Relief and Development Fund for the on-going disaster relief effort in the Philippines. Submitted by The Rev. Charlene Taylor.

PWRDF partners respond to Typhoon Haiyan

Article by Simon Chambers

Soon after Typhoon Haiyan struck the Visayas region of the Philippines on November 8, 2013, representatives of local NGOs, including the Central Visayas Farmers Development Center (FARDEC), Cebubohol Relief and Rehabilitation Center (CRRC) and Southern Partners Fair Trade Center (SPFTC) all long time partners of PWRDF based in Cebu, Philippines went to gather information and assess the situation in the communities where they work. They also brought with them relief supplies:
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food, water, clothes and medicine donated to them by local communities that were not affected by the typhoon. They found that 90% of the 60,000 residents of 16 settlements in the six municipalities they visited were affected. They identified 9,467 families who had not yet received any relief support from the government and private groups/individuals. Most of these families were either livingwith their relatives whose houses were not totally destroyed, under the houses of neighbors, or camping near their destroyed homes. Most of the families did not want to go to evacuation centers be-

cause they wanted to guard their properties, including animals. PWRDF has provided a grant of $20,532 to provide temporary shelter to a total of 525families in the municipalities of Bantayan and Sta. Fe on Bantayan island, as well as enough food and water for 5 days. Bantayan Island was chosen for their relief work because it is so far from mainland Cebu. Priority is being given to families who have lost their livelihood due to the typhoon, and to those whose houses were destroyed by the typhoon and who are now camping outside their homes. These families
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are already connected to PWRDFs partners, and are among the most vulnerable in their communities. In total, 8750kg of rice, 1,050 kg of dried fish, 3150 tins of Sardines, 525 litres of cooking oil, and 1050 packages of water purification tablets are being distributed to the families. In addition, each family will be provided with5 meters of plastic sheet for temporary shelter, and the poles and materials to tie the sheet will be arranged by the community members. All donations received from individual Canadian donors between Nov 9 and Dec 23, 2013 will be matched dollar for dollar by the Ca-

nadian government into the Typhoon Haiyan Relief Fund, which will be used by the government to partner with NGOs and international agencies to further relief efforts after the storm. Yo u c a n d o n a t e t o PWRDFs ongoing relief efforts in the wake of Typhoon Haiyan by visiting www.pwrdf.org or by phone1-866-308-7973 or by mail: please make cheques payable to PWRDF, mark them for Typhoon Haiyan and send them to: The Primates World Relief and Development Fund, The Anglican Church of Canada, 80 Hayden Street, Toronto, Ontario M4Y 3G2
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february 2014

DAMA recognizes ministry of its members

Article by Dean Churchill

On Sunday, October 20, 2013, All Saints Mens Fellowship Club, Foxtrap, hosted a dinner for Diocesan Anglican Mens Association (DAMA) members and their spouses to recognize the efforts and contributions made to the DAMA Belize Project. In April 2013 a team of men from DAMA went to Belize to help complete St. Marks Church, Hattieville, using the materials purchased from funds DAMA raised for the project. As the Belize Project is still ongoing, a free will offering was accepted with proceeds to be applied to the project. During the dinner, member clubs of DAMA presented their contributions towards the Belize Project.This augmented funds presented earlier by other member clubs. The DAMA Fall General Meeting followed the delicious meal. While the men were meeting, our spouses graciously helped with clean-up. The major topic on the agenda was the continuance of our Belize project. When the DAMA team that went to Belize were preparing to return home, the Bishop of Belize, Bishop Philip Wright, made three requests of DAMA: 1) That

DAMA provide 100 chairs for St. Marks Church, because they would not be putting pews in the church; 2) That DAMA purchase a public address system for the church; and 3) That DAMA adopt St. Marks, Hattieville for a period of five years to complete the church and parish hall and to build a rectory. The first two requests were addressed at DAMAs annual general meeting (AGM) at Lavrock in May 2013. To purchase the chairs individual members were asked to contribute $20.00 for a chair. For the PA system, DAMA clubs were asked to contribute $200 each. The third request was discussed at the AGM where it was decided to table the request so that member clubs could discuss it at the club level in preparation for a decision at the next general meeting. Reverend Edward Keeping, Chair of the DAMA Belize Committee and a member of the team that went to Belize, outlined for the gathering the history of the request and Bishop Philips objectives. It was estimated that it would cost approximately $25,000 to complete the work in the parish and provide the parish with a rectory. Taking all this into account, a motion was

passed unanimously that DAMA adopt St. Marks, Hattieville for five years and that each club would contribute $500 per year to the project for five years. In other business, Dean Churchill was added to the Executive as Director of Public Relations. St. Peters, Upper Gullies, offered to host the winter general meeting which will be in the new year; and, the 2014 DAMA Weekend for Men is scheduled for April 11-12, 2014 at Lavrock. We then moved to the

Church for worship led by Reverend Robin Trevors and All Saints Mens Fellowship Choir, Sons of Thunder, for a very uplifting service of gospel singing and praise. Instead of a sermon, members of the Belize Project Team who went to Belize gave a presentation on their experiences with the construction of St. Marks Church, Hattieville. During the service Rev. Keeping and Rev. Trevors installed the new DAMA Executive for the year 2013-2014.

Shown in the picture, left to right, are Rev. Robin Trevors, Associate Priest at All Saints; Dean Churchill, Director of Public Relations; Peter Stevenson, President; Herb Reid, Vice-President; Henry Thorne, Treasurer; Rev. Edward Keeping, Chaplain; Herb Dowden, Secretary; and Don Higgins, Past-President. Any mens groups, or parishes wishing to form a mens group, can contact DAMA through any member of the Executive or through Synod Office.

Advent Quiet Day with Bishop-Elect

Archdeaconry Quiet Day. On December 12th 2013, the clergy of the Archdeaconry of Trinity-Conception held their annual Advent Quiet Day. This year, meditations were given by Bishop-Elect, The Venerable Dr. Geoffrey Peddle. Clergy of the Archdeaconry, along with the Clinical Pastoral Education students of Dr. Peter Barnes, were led deeper into the meaning of the Advent season through a focus on the themes of watching, waiting, and hoping. Submitted by The Revd Paul Rideout.

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2014 february

Anglican Renewal Ministries

Turning the other cheek

taking revenge on someone who wrongs us. Jesus gave us an example to clarify His point. He said, If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also (Matthew 5:39). A man strikes another on the cheek, it is a gross insult. If a right-handThe Revd Michael Li ed person strikes someones Columnist right cheek, it is a slap by the back of the hand, considered The Sermon on the more insulting than a slap Mount (Matthew 5-7) is by the open palm. Turning probably the best-known the other cheek means to enpart of the teaching of Jesus. dure the same insult again. It talks about the nature of But, it should not mean to the kingdom of God. It tells be hit again literally. Turnus how we are to find new ing the other cheek will be life in Jesus. It tells us how fatal for battered women; we are to live as Gods new they could be hurt badly or even killed. The advice for humanity. In Matthew 5:38 Jesus them is to leave home, to cited the oldest law in the run away from danger. We world - an eye for an eye, must not let evil people run and a tooth for a tooth. all over us. Do not resist an evil That law was known as person can mean do not the principle of retribution. resist violently. Jesus is not The principle is simple - if a calling on us to be non-resisman has inflicted an injury tant. He is calling on us to be on any person, an equivanon-violent. We cannot take lent injury shall be inflicted Jesus command, Do not upon him. It was a law for resist an evil person, as an a judge and not for a private absolute prohibition of the individual.It defined justice and preventing revenge. No use of all force including the taking of the law into ones police. Of course, we must own hands by vengeance. not justify the violence of an The principle of retribution oppressive government. Dr. Martin Luther King, belongs to courts of law, not Jr. endured unjust sufferto personal relationships. ings before he was assassiPersonal relationships nated in 1968. He had no are not to be based on jusbitterness in his heart, no tice.Our duty to individuals revenge in his mind. He who wrong us is not retalipreached non-violence and ation, but the acceptance of injustice without revenge: the redemptive power of Do not resist an evil per- love. son (Matthew 5:39). No

Renewed Anglicans. Participants of the Central Dioceses Anglican Renewal Ministries Conference at Mint Brook.
Article by Trudy Collins

On October 22-23,2013 Anglican Renewal Ministries held a very Spiritual Retreat at Mint Brook Camp, Gambo. This Tuesday supper to Wednesday lunchtime event with worship, teaching, small group discussion and prayer ministry did much to enhance the Spiritual lives of the 39 persons in attendance . The Rev. Perry Cooper, Executive Officer of the Central Diocese of Newfoundland Labrador who was recently chosen as the National Director for Anglican Renewal Ministries of Canada, spoke on Waiting on the Spirit. He expressed the importance of asking Jesus to intercede for us through the power of the Holy Spirit,

then waiting patiently for the Spirits leading in our lives. Learning to listen for the still small voice is a spiritual exercise we should be willing to learn. The Rev. David Coffin, Rector of the Indian Bay Parish spoke on Walking in Obedience to the Holy Spirit. If we pray for the power of the Spirit in our lives then wait for its promptings, we must also learn to release our will to God, listen for the Spirits voice and use it in our daily lives. Learning to Obey the Holy Spirit is a very important stepping stone in the spiritual growth of every Christian. During the retreat Bishop Edward Marsh provided beautiful music for the singing of songs and choruses. The Rev. Daphne Parsons conducted a very spiritual Holy

Eucharist service followed by the laying on of hands and prayer. All in attendance enjoyed a wonderful time of spiritual learning, fun, food and fellowship in the presence of our Lord. All who participated in the organization and presentation of this retreat are to be commended for their caring hearts and hands as members of the body of Christ. Isaiah 6,v8 says, I heard the voice of the Lord saying, Whom shall I send, and who shall go for us? Then I said, Hear I am! Send me. Do you hear the Spirit of the Lord calling you? Obey the prompting of the spirit and answer the call now. Become the presence of Christ in your community and the world.

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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

God does not always agree with us

ment. We see what we want to see and interpret most things to support what we already believe. Just as this man used me to support his behavior, how often do I, how often do we, use God to support ours? I shudder to think how many times that I have assumed that God agrees with me. I have discovered that my God looks suspiciously like me, seldom disagrees with me and never frightens nor demands much of me that I am not already willing to give. I suspect that I am not alone in this, one who, as Peter Dunne said, does what we think the Lord would do if the Lord knew the facts of the case. The readings for the Feast of the Presentation, for Candlemas, include the story of the Presentation, (Luke 2.22-40) the story of Simeon who sees beyond the glory of the incarnation. He sees deeply into Jesus future as a sign that will be opposed and while she holds her infant in her arms Simeon speaks also of Marys future as he tells her, that a sword will pierce your soul too. When we walk the way of the cross which we will soon do as Lent approaches, we need also to walk with Mary, for we must be

february 2014

Bishops Message
open to the sword piercing our soul, as we come to realize that God does not always agree with us and that God is so much more than the sum of our good intent and best impulse. The God whom we worship does not require heedless compliance or uncritical faith but profound change in all of us, as we become more fully the Children of God, the Body of Christ. To be truly faithful, must we not, be called out of our traditional, progressive, evangelical, broad church, high church, BAS or BCP categories and be open to the sword piercing our soul and open to change in our congregational life and in our personal life, as God calls us where we may never have thought of going into lives of deepening faith, fuller commitment, profound prayer and selfless service. May we have the faith to discover the God who shocks, the God who frightens and the God who inspires and the courage to follow where God may lead.

The Rt. Revd David Torraville

Bishop Central Newfoundland

I arrived in the parish in mid-December and in February I was invited to lead a service for the Fishermens Lodge, on Candlemas. There was always a Service and then a Dinner and Dance. The Service over, my wife and I climbed the hill to the Fishermans Lodge. As we entered we were greeted by a very friendly man who asked me if I wanted a drink. I said yes and he bought me the drink, which I nursed throughout the evening. At the end of the evening, as we were leaving, my new friend, three sheets to the wind, dragging his poor wife, staggered toward us and in a slurred voice introduced me to her. Heres the new Parson, I like him. He drinks - just like I do. Well, perhaps not just like you, but over the years I have pondered that mo-

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2014 february

Rural life inviting for former inner-city minister

Article by Chantelle MacIsaac Courtesy of The Gulf News

Reverend Steven Maki is the new face many Anglican parishioners in St. Pauls Parish have been seeing at churches here on the southwest coast. He is returning to Newfoundland, the place he was ordained after several years working on the streets in Boston. Maki grew up in Lunenburg, Massachusetts, outside of Boston. He was raised as a Lutheran and a Congregationalist. He made the con version to the Anglican Church, being drawn to the traditional elements of the church, and considering his beliefs to be as sort of a bridge between his mothers and his fathers beliefs. Growing up in the church, he knew from a very young age that he had a calling to serve. Starting in college, he studied courses in pre-seminary before heading to seminary, and finished up his theological education at Episcopal Divinity School in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Bishop Leonard Whit-

ten of the Anglican Diocese for Western Newfoundland had travelled to Cambridge to recruit seminarians because of the lack of Anglican priests on the island. He was encouraged by friends to give Newfoundland a try and at that time Whitten was retiring and Percy Coffin had become the Bishop. Maki worked with Coffin, who had invited him to come and visit, to look around, and invited him to serve here on the island. He spent some time on the Northern Peninsula, in Flowers Cove and his first impression of Newfoundland was very positive. The people were incredibly warm and friendly, and so generous, said Maki. The churches are beautiful and I love the traditions here. He has found that Newfoundland has a lot of room for possibilities. He said the people want to grow, learn new music and worship styles, and people are excited to learn new prayer and meditation practices. Maki plans to learn and grow himself with his new position, saying that he will be here as long as there is a need for him.

He was ordained just 8 years ago and is perhaps one of the younger ministers on the southwest coast, although he has experiences that are out of the norm compared to other local ministers. Before moving here, Maki spent almost four years as a street minister o n N e wbury Street in Boston. Starting early in the mornings, he would walk the streets, parks, train stations, look down alleyways, visit areas he knew that homeless might congregate and speak with them. He said h e d i d n t so much as push himself on the people, but offered himself to them instead. It was unique and out of the box, said Maki. There was a variety of people: alcoholics, people with mental illness, substance abuse, prostitutes, ex convicts and more. Rather than them having to come into the church, Maki went to them. He said religious preferences didnt matter on the street. There was a mixed re-

action from people on the street, said Maki. Sometimes they welcomed me, but with a lot of mental illness, you have to be mindful of your own safety. During his four years on the street he had been threatened, assaulted, robbed and had a knife pulled on him during a

service. Despite the odds and all they might have been confronted with, said Maki, they still hold themselves together, and maintain their faith and hope. He considers Newfoundland to be sort of a home base, and so coming back felt like he was returning home in a lot of ways.

As much as I enjoyed my time as a street minister, I really missed and wanted the home feeling that comes along with a parish, he said. He was very glad to see how strong the Anglican community had been held together with a lack of a priest in the area and accredited the task to devoted members and the lay minister. It really says something about the strength of their faith, said Maki. I am so grateful to come into a place like that. He has noticed the love people have here, the musical talent, as well as fellowship and food. My goal and desire right now is just to build relations h i p s , s a i d Maki. There will be no major changes right now. I just want to listen to the people and find out what they want. He said people are starting to recognize him more now and he is receiving warm greetings from the public. With over 600 family units in his parish, he said it will take a while for him to be able to connect the names with the faces, but it is a task he is going to be working on. Maki is looking forward to the summer activities here: hiking, camping, sitting by the fire in the nighttime and looking at the stars. He loves music, has a good vinyl collection and loves photography. Although new in town, and his things havent arrived yet, one of the first things he did was adopt a cat through Scaredy Cat Rescue.

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Spirituality of tourists
alities coming ashore within the parish. The Rev. Gail Coley-MacDonald took part in a funeral where the cremated remains were inurned at Batteau. She also presided at a worship service at St. James the Great in Battle Harbour. This is the second time that Rev. Coley-MacDonald has gone to Battle Harbour. This worship service is arranged in conjunction with the Battle Harbour Historic Trust. Members from St. Mary the Virgin, Marys Harbour accompanied their priest to the historic site. Not only did they enjoy the best worship space but also to the hospitality of the staff of the site in a traditional meal of Sunday Dinner Labrador style. The Rev. Jeffrey Petten presided at the wedding of Mr. & Mrs. Bryan and Shelly Smith at St. James the Great in Battle Harbour. Bryan was the last infant baptized at St. James and was the latest person

february 2014

Article by The Revd Jeffrey Petten

Some may think that the Southeast Coast of Labrador may not be the prime example of a tourist destination. Some would consider it off the beaten path as it were. During the Summer of 2013, there were a lot of tourists within the boundaries of the Parish of South-

east Labrador. To give the readership of Anglican Life, a taste for the size of the parish: it is 264 km of gravel road from furthest points (Lodge Bay to Cartwright) with the communities of Norman Bay, Dominio/ Black Tickle and Williams Harbour accessible only by boat or a very expensive airplane ride. Within this boundary there are such re-

settled communities as Seal Islands, Spotted Islands, Batteau, Georges Cove, Rexons Cove, Indian Tickle and Battle Harbour, just to name a few. One of the things that the clergy of the parish are used to is tourists wanting to have such things as committals in the resettled areas, as well as weddings and people of other nation-

to be married there. Further to that in Cartwright there was the arrival of a cruise ship the Canadian Adventurer, the sister ship of the Orlav Orlobo which was in St. Johns Harbour for a long period of time. The crew and passengers attended the morning worship at St. Peters, Cartwright which was used as the central location for the beginning and ending of all tours within the community. The ACW of Cartwright provided, tea, coffee and local treats such as Red Berry (Partridgeberry) Punch, Bakeapple tarts and Blackberry cake. Sometimes we may complain about tourists and how they want to take pictures and look around. They do have a spiritual component to coming to our places of worship and when they take part in our worship they walk away more blessed compared to when they walked into our buildings.

Sheila Sceviour ordained

Article by Harvey Locke

November 30, 2013, the Feast of St. Andrew, was a joyous and auspicious occasion for the Parish of St. Mary the Virgin, Clarenville. At 7:00 pm the community of St. Marys along with clergy from many parts of the Diocese, Licenced Lay Ministers and representatives from the local Ministerial Association gathered to witness, to celebrate, and to affirm, the ordination of one of its own to the Diaconate. Sheila Sceviour under the hands and prayer of Bishop David Torraville, Bishop of Central Newfoundland, became the first person to be ordained deacon in the Parish of St. Mary the Virgin. While the ordination was a very happy and dramatic event in the life of the church, behind the ordination service were months, almost years, of discernment by the people of the Parish

through a discernment committee led by the Rector, Rev. Daphne Parsons, as well as equal parts of introspection and discernment on the part of the candidate. Sheilas call was part of her lifelong call to service to the community at large and to her Church. Sheila grew up in the town of Botwood under the guidance and nurture of St. James Anglican Church until as a young woman she moved to St. Johns to continue her education at Memorial University, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Education in 1971. Following her graduation she pursued the teaching profession spending most of her teaching career in the Clarenville Area. Ms. Sceviour was a dedicated teacher and insisted, even when it became unpopular to do so, that her pupils also receive nurturing in the faith. Her faith and commitment to her Lord drew her to give of herself

as a Eucharistic Minister, and later, on November 30, 2003 she became a Licenced Lay Minister. Later, her experience as a teacher, coupled with the Education for Ministry Program of the University of the South, encouraged her and affirmed her in taking up the role of Chaplain to G.B. Cross Memorial Hospital, the Dr. Albert OMahony Memorial Manor and the Clarenville Correctional Centre. The focus of Sheilas ministry will continue to be largely in the area of pastoral care to these institutions. Needless to say, the evening concluded with a time of fellowship downstairs in the Angus Drover Hall. There, over cups of tea and plates of cookies and sandwiches, provided by the good graces of St. Marys ACW, Sheila received many good wishes from the gathered clergy, friends and family members.

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2014 february

Parish News in Focus

Botwood Christmas

Members of the youth from St. James Churchin Botwoodrecently acted out the Christmas Story at the community Christmas Dinner. Also they sang Christmas Carols for the audience. Submitted by Marilyn Chatman.

Fogo Island Christmas

There was a Christmas Eve pageant at The Church Of The Holy Spirit, Fogo Island which had 54 children in attendance. Over 185 people were there to see the children perform the pageant. It was a great way to spend Christmas Eve celebrating the Birth of Jesus! Submitted by Donna Sibley.

Port Rexton Confirmation

Seven people were confirmed by Bishop David Torraville in the Parish of Port Rexton in the Fall of 2013. The newly confirmed were: Allison Fisher, Carrie Hookey, Erica Bailey, Tyler Hiscock, Jill White, Mason Ballett, and Sandra Cooper. Submitted by Carolyn Fowlow.

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Gods strength Advent Induction

how to eat healthy. So, as you can imagine, this has not been easy to live with. The resulting weight loss and severe anemia have at times crippled me to the point of having to give up on my career as a full-time classroom teacher. I tell you all of this not because I want sympathy, but because it is an example. The point that I am making here is that when someone has something challenging to live with on a daily basis, they cannot manage it on their own. You can insert any number of conditions or illnesses and change the persons name to get a similar, or worse, situation. Most of us have something in our life that weighs us down. What I have learned from my journey with these problems is that we must rely totally on God in everything. Im no different from anyone else. I have gone around the ring with God a few times about the unfairness of this, and I have thrown myself some pretty elaborate pity parties. But in the end, I need to turn to Gods strength every day to resist the foods that I love so much. And like all of us, it is hardest to do when I am feeling well. Just like the Israelites of the Old Testament, when times are good I have that same tendency to drift away from the God who created us. Thats when the trouble always starts. I feel good, I eat something I shouldnt, and then I pay the price. And of course that sends me running back to God like a willful and disobedient, but repentant child. I can only stay strong and resist temptation when I place myself in Gods hands and live according to His will. Only then can I be used as His instrument to bring glory to His name. Ephesians 6:10 - Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might.
Article by Cynthia Haines-Turner

february 2014

Columnist Stella Walsh

Philippians 4:13 - I can do all things through him who strengthens me. We went to visit my mother for Christmas. On Christmas Day, there was turkey, vegetables cooked with salt meat, peas pudding, blueberry pudding with sauce, gravy, cranberry sauce, bottled beets and various desserts. At least thats what everyone else had. I had vegetables, cooked in a little salt, cranberry sauce and beets, with two lowfat gluten-free cookies for dessert. You see, I suffer from severe Irritable Bowel Syndrome (I have been known to faint from it), with all kinds of intolerances thrown in for good measure, resulting in potentially damaging malabsorption issues. My entire physical make-up is hyper-sensitive to all manner of things; chemicals, additives, light, noise, crowds you name it; the list is long. This has resulted in me, very reluctantly, agreeing to take a low dose of a mild anti-depressant to reduce the pain and sensitivity. The idea of doing that annoys me because, when my diet is strict and I am well, I am by nature cheerful and positive. However, after several trial runs, and much prayerful consideration, I have done the sensible thing and given in to the obvious benefits and relief it brings. All of these conditions have combined to make for a rather handicapped lifestyle at times. And it certainly puts a damper on socializing. But the real difficulty is that I have always been a woman who loves food. In fact, I love everything about food; from cooking and trying new foods to reading about their origins and

Under the leadership of Bishop Percy Coffin, a large congregation celebrated the induction of the Rev Bryan Pearson as Rector of Pasadena/Cormack at St Davids Church, Pasadena, on Sunday December 8th. It is only rather more than a year since Rev Bryan, an American from the South, arrived in the parish as Lay Minister in Charge, and almost exactly a year since he was ordained to the priesthood. Since then he has become very much an essential part of the parish, a fact underlined by the warmth and support shown by the large numbers who shared in his induction. It was only appropriate that the Rite of New Ministry should occur early in Advent at a time when our minds turn to the awaken-

ing heralded by the message of John the Baptist. Both in his talk to the children and in his homily, Bishop Percy stressed the message of repentance, renewal, hope and the discovery of the nature of faith in the twenty-first century. For the children, he demonstrated the nature of sudden waking up by activating a

hand held fire alarm, which served to illustrate the urgent importance of awakening in a time of darkness. As a part of the service, Archdeacon John Meade read aloud the covenant binding the Bishop, the Reverend Bryan as Rector and the people of the parish.

Points of particular emphasis included the shared responsibility to nurture the spiritual life of the young adults and young families of the parish and to explore what a broader Youth Programme would entail. There was also a strong reference in the covenant to deepening the reciprocal relationship between the parish and the communities of Pasadena and Cormack (through their Mayors and Councils) in meeting common challenges. The wardens, a number of lay ministers and members of the congregation participated in the service, which was followed by a sit-down cold plate meal for over a hundred and twenty, a time of fellowship which was much enjoyed by all and which gave many people a chance to chat with the new Rector and his wife Erin.

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2014 february

Celtic Christianity
But Celtic spirituality never disappeared completely, its memory kept alive by some and also preserved in customs, rituals and writings. The 19th century saw a new interest in things Celtic, especially its literature, art and folklore. This led to a revival of Celtic spirituality, including its Christian expression. What is distinct in God and neighbour was penance and confession. Having a soul friend (anam cara) was considered essential for spiritual nurturing. Hospitality was key to welcoming everyone who came by and this included tolerance and inclusion of the stranger. Leadership could include women whose role was recognized and gifts used. Its theology gave particular attention to the Trinity and the Incarnation. The Roman version of the Church tended to be more authoritarian, hierarchical, male dominated, rational and legalistic. The Celtic teaching was more simple, neither discursive nor systematic, and avoiding dualism. Ian Bradley ( The Celtic Way) describes it as gentle, mystical, affirmative and holistic. Michael Mitton writes: I discovered a burning and evangelical love for the Bible . . . a depth of spiritual life and stillness . . . a radical commitment to the poor and to Gods creation; and the most attractive expression of the charismatic life I have encountered . . . I am in no doubt that the Spirit of God is reminding us of the first expression of the Faith in theses isles to give us inspiration for Christian ministry and mission today. The faith of these early Christians is seen in the missionary monks setting out in their fragile coracles without sail or oar , relying on God to guide them wherever he would.

The Revd Everett Hobbs

Columnist

The usage Celtic Christianity in its current form describes a modern revival of what is believed to be a more spiritual and unstructured form of Christianity which was practiced in the early Church in Britain and Ireland. It has gained popularity in some quarters in recent years. The word Celtic has a number of applications, including its early history and location, spirituality in general, its association with modern Scotts, Irish, Welsh and Bretons, and as a language. The Celts - identified by language more than race - came to the British Isles from Central Europe around 500 B.C. They came in contact with Christianityafter the Roman invasion of Britain (Christianity was establishedthere in the 2nd century) And later what is called Celtic Christianity was established in Ireland, Wales and Scotland, and among its pioneers was St Patrick. In 597 St Augustine was sent to Britain to revive the struggling Church and he brought the form of Christianity represented by Rome. This gave a different perspective than that held by Celtic Christians and for a time there seems to have been a struggle over this. Historians speculate that Roman Christianity gained the domination, which was confirmed. at the Synod of Whitby in 664.

Life in the Eucharist. Lucas Francis, and Cole Keeping completed Life in the Eucharist and took their first communion at Holy Spirit Church in Isle aux Morts. They are pictured here with The Rev. Maryrose Colbourne. Submitted by Dorothy Rector.

Celtic Christianity is its emphasis on certain teaching and practices. The sacredness of all creation and an appreciation of nature as Gods handiwork and revelation was a major component. The thin place was a belief that the natural and supernatural, the seen and unseen world, were very close to each other. Spirituality was expressed through the imagination, art, poetry and symbolism, such as in knot-work. Going on a pilgrimage to a holy place or a monastery emphasized the quest for holiness. The monasteries were seen as example of community which was lived out in the family and clan. Central to a relationship with

Trout River Confirmation. On September 29, 2013, the Sacrament of Confirmation was administered at St. Simon & St. Jude Anglican Church in Trout River by Bishop Percy Coffin. The confirmand was Griffin Crocker who was instructed by Millie Crocker. A cold plate and cake was presented after the liturgy and served by the parish ACW. Submitted by Melissa Crocker.

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february 2014

Gift of Stained Glass. The family of the late Dorothy (Dot) and Stanley Kettle donated two Stained Glass Windows in memory of their parents. Both Dot & Stanley were active members of St. Pauls Church, Grand Bay and it is so fitting to have these Stained Glass Windows in the choir area of our Sanctuary. It is there as a wonderful memorial of those two people who were so dedicated to St. Pauls Church. Submitted by Ernest Dowding.

Normans Cove Shoe-boxes. The Church of the Good Shepherd in Normans Cove were blessed to receive 88 Operation Christmas Child shoe-boxes from the youth and parents of the congregation. Submitted by Bonnie Newhook.

Where are all the children?

interested in Institutional Religion. They see no value in it. And what is even more puzzling is that they say that they respect the Church but at the same time and in many cases they are totally indifferent to it. What can be so wrong with Institutional Religion? What can be so wrong about teaching young people about God, about faith, hope, and love? What can be so wrong about teaching children about Jesus? What is wrong with being part of a community of faith where we learn the art of loving and learn from those who have modeled such faith and love over the years? In the Church is where you will find as many or more of the most loving, faithful, caring, and charitable people as you will find anywhere. These are our role models and mentors. What is wrong with that? What can be so wrong with being part of something bigger than yourself a community of believers whose way of life together is living proof of a loving God? Granted young families have a lot on their plate these days and with all the extracurricular activities it is amazing that some make it to Church at all. But they do, albeit a few. The point is that it is important to them; they realize the value in the story and hence will find ways to accommodate. In his book Why Religion Matters, author Huston Smith quotes a poem by Stephen Dunn entitled At the Smithville Methodist Church. Mr. Dunn and his wife allowed their little daughter to attend an Arts and Craft at the local church not realizing it was a religious fest. He decides, however, to keep his daughter in the one week program only to discover for himself the value of the biblical story. Here are a few verses from that poem: Jesus had been a good man, and putting faith in good men was what we had to do to stay this side of cynicism, that other sadness. O.K., we said, one week. But when she came home singing, Jesus, loves me... the Bible tells me so, it was time to talk. Could we say Jesus doesnt love you? Could I tell her the Bible is a great book certain people use to make you feel bad? We sent her back without a word. It had been so long since we believed, so long since we needed Jesus As our nemesis and friend that we thought he was sufficiently dead... Soon it became clear to us; you cant teach disbelief to a child, Only wonderful stories and we hadnt a story nearly as good... On parents night... the children sang a song about the Ark, and Hallelujah, And one in which she had to jump up and down for Jesus... I didnt have a wonderful story for my child and she was beaming. All the way home in the car she sang the songs, occasionally Standing up for Jesus. We hadnt a story nearly as good. The whole of the Bible is a story of Gods steadfast faith and love. It is the story of salvation. Putting our faith in Jesus and living the story of salvation is what we have to do to stay this side of cynicism, that other sadness. And thats just the beginning. It is easy to critic those who dont come to Church but let us put that aside and instead concentrate on ways to reach out to those young families and their children. We all know the value of the story, the need for faith, and the importance of community. These are the real treasures by which we must steer our lives.

The Revd Gregory Mercer

Columnist

This might be a dated question but why are we not seeing more children and young families in our churches? My wife and I try to attend all the activities of our grandchildren: recitals, school concerts, etc much the same as we did with our own children -- and we are amazed with the number of children involved. In and around the St. Johns Metropolitan area the schools are filled to capacity. They build new schools and within a year they are adding portable classrooms. Why are we not seeing the same numbers in our churches? And this is not just about Anglicans; it is about all the denominations. The disparity between the number of children attending our schools and those involved in our churches are huge, I mean there is no comparison. Why? What can be so wrong? Lets just call a spade a spade? Young people are not

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Grim reaper or advocate?

Whats the connection here? Well, Some people, I fear, regard me as a grim reaper of sorts Why? Because they feel I am always talking about death, Wills, and the need to have a Will. But, thats my job and I make no apology for it because I choose to be an advocate for the planning of ones estate regardless of size. There are those who would argue that if you start thinking about death and wills, then it will hasten your own demise. This, of course, is nonsense but it is held to be true by many people. Case in point, in Navajo culture, talking about death is thought to bring it about so it is not discussed. I have read and heard about far too many cases where people have died intestate a situation of someone dying without a legally valid will. Simply put, this means that the provincial government will decide how your assets will be divided and not you. Many people assume that if they were to die without a Will, their estate would simply pass to their spouse. However, this would only happen for assets that were held jointly with right of survivorship with the spouse. The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador has intestacy rules that define your estates beneficiaries and how much each is to receive. Usually that means your legal spouse and biological and adopted children will likely end up with your estates assets. These same rules do not taken into account any intentions you may have for distributing the assets. Even worse, intestacy can result in additional legal costs for your beneficiaries. This whole topic arose after I had an encounter with a parishioner over the Christmas holidays. When she saw me, her first reaction was, Every time I see you, I am reminded that I dont have my Will drafted and I always feel

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Columnist Kevin Smith

Wikipedia says death as a sentient entity has existed in many societies since the beginning of history. Death is often given the name Grim Reaper and ,from the 15th century onwards, came to be shown as a skeletal figure carrying a large scythe and clothed in a black cloak.

guilty. Grim Reaper hovering? Well, I am delighted to report that, regardless of the motivation, the lady finally has her estate in order and she has a Will. Isnt that marvelous! That kind of takes the edge off the characterization of me being the Grim Reaper, I think. If you would like a conversation about this very important issue, consult a lawyer or give me a call. Kevin Smith is a gift planning consultant for the Anglican Church of Canada. He can be contacted at 709 739-5667 or by email: kevinsmith709@gmail.com

Unto the least...

I see so many wonderful people in the hospitals and seniors homes I visit each week. Sick, lonely, aged people respond so warmly to a friendly visitor. Leaving them smiling is, I believe, a major achievement. Sometimes, often even, a visit to the sick can provide an unexpected spiritual experience. I have shared this one, privately, with many people. One afternoon, while visiting patients at the Waterford, I entered a small room where a middle-aged woman lay on a single bed. I had been told that this lady couldnt talk. I approached her smiling warmly, but, she staring straight ahead, gave no response. I spoke kindly; no response; held her hand, no response. After a while I decided to leave, to visit other wards. As I walked away, I had an urge to go back to her, so I did. Still no response. I left again. I got almost to the door when, it seemed to me, that a voice, in my head not my ear, strongly urged me to go back. I almost felt that I was wasting time, and I should be visiting the other wards now. But I went back. When I spoke this time the woman cried heavily. I tried to comfort her, almost as if she were a child. I embraced her. She sobbed. I wiped away her tears. Then she looked straight into me, it seemed. Those eyes bored into my soul. Then she licked her lips. I asked if she were thirsty. She nodded yes. On a small table nearby there was a glass of juice. I held it to her lips. She gulped it down. Then she looked at me with the most radiant smile, and her eyes glowed. I hugged her, and hurried towards the door, concerned that I must visit the other wards before closing time, my only thoughts were of the others I must see. Then the voice in my head stopped me in my tracks. In as much, it stated clearly, as you have done it unto one of the least of these, you have done it unto me. Jesus said that I thought. And I took his statement literally. Looking back at the woman I thought, oh my, I comforted Jesus when he was crying. I gave him drink when he was very thirsty. I was, you might say, transfixed. A feeling went through me that defies description and it stayed for a long time. Youve got a hyperactive imagination, you might think. Perhaps so. At the time, however, I wasnt really thinking about Jesus. I was anxious about being late to the other wards. Sharing a very personal experience like this is difficult. But it does clearly imply that visiting the needy is a godly thing to do. The rewards to the giver are truly substantial and very worthwhile. Some may think, Aw, I cant do that. You can! All you need is a genuine love for others. God, Im certain, will tell you what to say or do. Just show people that you love them.
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Ronald Clarke

Columnist

Retirement presents so many opportunities to enjoy service to others. Serving others, I discovered, brings as much pleasure to the server as to those served. I have had many amazing experiences myself. As a friendly visitor

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Parish News in Focus

february 2014

The Jelly Bean Group

This colourful group of young people are from Leading Tickles andthey range in ages 4 to 11 years old. They have a meeting every Wednesday night at the church where they have fellowship and Christian education. This group preforms for special services throughout the year. They are called theJelly Beans because they are so different and unique and they let people know that its OK to bedifferent. Submitted by Marilyn Chatman.

New Lay Minister

On Oct. 13, 2013 at the Thanksgiving Service at St. Aidans in Port Blandford in the Parish of Smith Sound, The Revd Robert Oldford held a service of Admission of Persons to the office of LicencedLay Ministers. June Holloway, a member of St. Aidans, was admitted to the office as a Licenced Lay Minister. Following the beautiful service a cup of tea was held at the hall by the ladies of the ACW for everyone. Pictured are The Revd Robert Oldford, June Holloway, and Fannie Oldford. Submitted by June Holloway.

Parish Dinner Theatre

The Stewardship committee of St. Augustines Church in Margaree - Fox Roost held their annual dinner theatre on November 9th and 16th and it was a great evening of fun and laughter. Participants included: Carol Ann Keough, Marie Farrell, Bernice Sweet and Lorna Lafosse, Mary Carroll, Judy Seymour, Millie Park, Jessie Meade, Mary Carter, Rowena Doyle, Rev. Mary Rose, Karen Simon, Don Gillam and Maggie Seymour. Submitted by Karen Simon.

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