Beginning in the Fall of 2017 we are scheduling, with the help of the Bishop and Chapter Communications Committee, Sunday 2 minute presentations from groups and ministries actively working in our midst. We'll hear from various sectors of our Cathedral community about what is happening in the ministries to which they are called. For the congregation, this sharing can and should be an insight on what we are doing as a Christian community and offer a view of ways in which we can all be involved.
"2 Minutes for Cathedral Ministry" will be collectively posted to the Cathedral "Ministries and Groups Description" page of the Cathedral web site. Visit there to listen to the presentations as they have been delivered on Sundays.
All of our ministry initiatives are in need of the support and the contribution of members of the congregation. How might you be involved?
Mary Allwood lives in a comfortable Fredericton home and approaching (October 2017) it is decorated for Fall with beautiful wreaths on the doors, flowers and bunches of Autumn leaves in a container.
Mary is well known at the Cathedral as she is often the one who organizes or helps to cater the many receptions held in the hall for clergy, funerals, or special events. Mary is famous for her roast beef and Yorkshire pudding which she has served the Cathedral Guild of St. Joseph (Holy Joes) and guests for many years. One can always depend of having crustless sandwiches at receptions, especially rolled asparagus ones, when Mary is involved!
Mary comes from Woodstock, NB. After four years at Mount Allison University, Mary studied to be a Medical Technologist in Saint John, and worked at the Saint John General Hospital. While there she met Bill while playing badminton, and they were married in 1951. Together, they have lived in Fredericton (with a period of seven years in Moncton), and raised a daughter. Mary is now the proud grandmother of two wonderful grandchildren, and one great granddaughter, Zoe, now three years old. Fortunately, all live in Fredericton, and they get together once a week for a family dinner.
Mary assists at the Cathedral in more than the kitchen – she is a member of the Cathedral Matters, and has beautiful handwork to show for it. For many years, Mary led a group of Brownies at the Cathedral Hall, and happily recalls some of the group who have now grown up.
This charming, remarkable lady was also inducted into the City of Fredericton Sports Wall of Fame last year at the Delta Hotel. Her photo still graces the walls there. This special honour recognizes Mary’s contribution to the game of Curling over 64 years. At the age of 92, Mary continues to curl. Now she calls it ‘stick curling’ where one pushes the rock with a stick, but it is tricky, because no brooms are used. She has represented NB many years at the National Senior Curling Championships and twice brought home the bronze medal. She was a Charter member of the Capital Winter Club and acted for several years as President of the Ladies section. In 2003, her rink won an “eight ender,” something not many curlers can boast about.
Mary has owned a beautiful cottage at Maquapit Lake in New Brunswick for many years, and annually helps to host a BBQ breakfast and also an auction to raise money for the local fire department. She frequently entertains large numbers both at her cottage and in her home.
Mary is always ‘on the go,’ works in her garden, plays bridge, does some travelling with the Cathedral Rug Hooking group and enjoys her family. When asked if she has ‘words of wisdom,’ she says, “Just keep busy.” She certainly takes her own advice.
Bishop David Edwards issued a challenge to people who attended the annual diocesan stewardship day this fall.
“Stewardship is not just about money,” the bishop said. “It is using the gifts that God has given us wisely to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ and to advance the Kingdom of God. This means using your talent and time as well as treasure.”
He paused, and people leaned forward to listen.
“We all have different gifts and will use them in different ways,” he continued. “So exactly how are you going to share your time, talent and treasure? How?”
Another pause as people pondered this important challenge. It was certainly a key message to take back to their parishes and to respond to personally.
As stewardship day unfolded at St. John the Evangelist Church, speakers offered many meaningful examples of the bishop's suggested course of action. The theme was sharing in mission.
Stewardship is not just about money
Anglican Church Women (ACW) President Rosemarie Kingston showed pictures and described fund-raising done over the years to assist the Rev'd Canon Paul Jeffries and students at Bishop McAllister College in Uganda. In addition to finding sponsors for orphaned students, Rosemarie has gone to Uganda many times to work side-by-side with Paul and his staff. Sometimes her husband and grandson have accompanied her, giving their time and talent at the school.
The Rev'd Kevin McAllister from the Parish of Marysville and the parish of Minto and Chipman hatched the idea of a golf tournament to raise funds for a library at the school in Uganda. It turned out to be the wrong idea, but he helped as parishioners enthusiastically launched a bowling tournament instead. They urged other parishes to get involved, and people had huge amounts of fun as they worked hard together to exceed their fund-raising goal and to provide a celebratory meal.
Money is always needed when supporting remote ministries under the umbrella of the Council of the North. However, the Rev'd Tom Stradwick and the Rev'd Dana Dean said fellowship can be the real blessing. For example, it didn't take money but rather time and talent to visit the family of each baptized child. Considerable interest was stirred in the room when photos were shown of people from one nursing home who were taken to visit their old but seldom seen friends in another nursing home. A lovely tea party!
Doug Milander and Ann Deveau from Christ Church Cathedral talked about the recent refugee sponsorship project which included several parishes. They said raising thousands of dollars was the easiest part. It was harder to find people willing to spend time helping the Liberian family adjust to Canada, especially when huge health challenges arose during the year. They noted they had met fine people from the other parishes whom they might not otherwise have encountered, and this aspect was an unexpected reward.
A most innovative community ministry was described by the Rev'd Jasmine Chandra from Saint John. Her work to help struggling people in need in the inner city takes a great deal of patience, compassion and persistence. It requires plenty of creativity to overcome the uncertainties of difficult situations faced, but her presentation was much more optimistic than one might have guessed.
The bishop had savvy advice: find people of goodwill in the community and work with them, giving them an opportunity to say thanks to God. He and other speakers tossed out some specific ideas: community gardens near the church, act as chaplain to the local hockey team, build a playground outside the church, advocate for affordable housing, make soup for the hungry, offer an English conversation circle for newcomers, honour your parish volunteers, ask the youth group for ideas, repeat that bowling tournament.
Specific opportunities to share time, talent and treasure abound. How will you respond to the challenge?
Subscribe to our Question of the Week: Question: “Why is church attendance / going to church important?” Answer: The Bible tells us we need to attend church so we can worship God with other believers and be taught His Word for our spiritual growth.
Bishop and Chapter met on Monday, 16 October 2017 with twelve of thirteen members present. Minutes of 18 September 2017 were adopted. The Dean led a brief study of the Gospel from the previous Sunday lectionary (Matthew 22:1-14). Those invited to the wedding banquet rejected the gracious invitation. Others took it lightly. Many are called, few are chosen.
Cathedral / Diocesan Properties Update
Bishop Edwards offered a concise update on progress with ongoing deliberations of the ad hoc Committee. To date, several meetings with City officials, several meetings of the ad hoc group and others. Next steps include verifying that a project as envisioned is viable and executing an engagement process with “the community” (congregation, neighbourhood, City and Diocese) with the goal of obtaining support, input and guidance. Our location makes this a sensitive endeavour.
Business Arising
• Cathedral Trust Funds/Endowments - Justice Ron Stevenson, with the assistance of Bruce Eddy QC, were engaged by Administration and Finance Committee to review the history and current status. An exhaustive and extensive report was returned in September with sincere thanks. Report received for the Chapter’s consideration. Recommendations arising to be discussed at next meeting. • Cathedral By-Laws - a 3rd draft of proposed changes circulated • Financial Audit - Decision item below • Stipend of the Dean - to be addressed prior to 2018 • Chapter Vacancy - Hospitality/Welcoming. A committee chair is currently a high priority need
Items for Decision
1. Financial Audit- motion carried to engage the firm of Bringloe Feeney LLP to conduct a review engagement on 2017 financials, 22-26 January 2018 with report to the Chapter and the Annual Meeting
From the Dean
• Normal - 8 home visits, 4 visits to hospital, 1 funeral, 16 diocesan and Cathedral meetings • Hospitality/Welcoming - our lack of protocol and process for welcoming new-comers and their assimilation needs to be of concern. The lack of an individual to lead this ministry as a member of the Chapter is significant to congregational health and growth
Reports
• Treasurer - financials to 30 September presented and considered. Income and expenses are both below amounts budgeted. If we continue close to budget on both, a year-end deficit is unlikely • Communications - 2 minutes for Cathedral ministry being scheduled. Lawn sign replacement in progress. • Health and Pastoral Care - up-coming events include a health information session, Fit Club restart • Worship - Reading Scripture in Public - 28 October • Christian Formation - Godly Play, Life in the Eucharist, Taize worship • Property - considering options for restoration of Cathedral south doors. Insulation over choir room and sacristy pending • Mission Outreach - mission to Belize a current emphasis. Monday outreach continues • Administration and Finance - Safe Church volunteer position descriptions and forms for volunteers to be tabled for the Chapter’s approval in November. Records management review continues
October 1 2017 - Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost 10.00: Choral Eucharist (BAS) Lord, for thy tender mercy’s sake - Hilton German Mass - Schubert Psalm 78: 1-4, 12-16 Sacerdotes Domini - Byrd 388(433), 386, 624, 79, 491 A Trumpet Minuet - Hollins
4.00: Choral Evensong (BCP) Smith Responses Psalms 19 and 46 Sumsion in G O how amiable are thy dwellings - Vaughan Williams 17, 455, 22 Prelude on Bryn Calfaria - Vaughan Williams
October 8 2017 - Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost - Harvest Thanksgiving 10.00: Choral Eucharist (BCP) O sing joyfully - Batten Missa Sancti Joannes de Deo - Haydn Psalm 65 262, 398, 258, 54, 399 Final (1st Symphony) - Vierne
October 15 2017 - Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost 10.00: Choral Eucharist (BAS) Cantate Domino - Pitoni Festive Eucharist - Rawsthorne Psalm 106:1-6, 19-23 Ave verum - Mozart 379, 98, 43, 62, 598(276) The Giant Fugue BWV 542 - Bach
October 22 - Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost Choral Eucharist (BCP) O come, ye servants of the Lord - Tye Missa Brevis - Murray Psalm 99 Exsultate justi - Viadana 350, 496, 328, 52, 505 Introduction and Passacaglia in E minor - Rheinberger
October 29 2017 - Twenty-first Sunday after Pentecost 10.00: Choral Matins (BCP) Deliver us, O Lord our God - Batten Drinkell Responses Psalm 90: 1-6, 14-18 Ireland in F 347, 507(439), 446, 101 Alla Marcia - Ireland
In the past we’ve touched on the delicate balance that churches must maintain while appealing to millennials without pandering or changing theology. But what if we’re focusing our efforts in the wrong places? What if the loud music and fog machines are actually clouding the Holy Spirit and preventing people from connecting with God?
Christ Church Cathedral, Fredericton NB Thanksgiving 2017
Dear Friends,
Listening to the news over the last several months is not for the faint of heart. Wildfires to the west, flooding in Central Canada, the impact of hurricanes and tropical storms in the Caribbean and the southern United States, perhaps even a personal tragedy or hardship – all easily prompt the question: What is God doing here?
The question is not new. The People of God in the Church of God, the nation of Israel and the Hebrew people before them often asked that question. In the midst of the hardships of life, how can we be assured we worship a loving, caring God? Why would an all-powerful God allow bad things happen to good people? Human logic takes us quickly to the conclusion that either God is not all-powerful or we are not “good” people. Sometimes we’re even tempted to believe, if God for a day, we could do the better job.
Scripture invites us to an alternative perspective. We live in a creation fallen from perfection. God didn’t make it that way, it went its own way. While God wills the best for us and for all that was made, for a return to perfection we must patiently wait. God’s people are reminded throughout the Old and New Testaments that what is required of us is thanksgiving. Even in the face of disaster, there is much for which to be thankful. “Give thanks always and in everything,” St. Paul tells churches in his letters to them.
I sometimes find myself feeling a bit guilty that we live in a little corner of the world mostly blessed by temperate weather, beautiful landscape and abundance. We have much for which to be thankful. Still, personal tragedy strikes, we are acquainted with illness and grief, people not so far away are without work, shelter or food. In the midst of the bad, God calls those who are his to a humility and an attitude that makes them lights in a world often far too dark. We live not fearful of scarcity but rather celebrate the abundance. God does provide.
You’re invited to gather with us at Christ Church Cathedral as we offer the sacrifice of thanksgiving and pay our vows to the Most High. On the weekend of Sunday, 08 October 2017, we’ll follow the normal schedule of worship times. If you are unable to join us but wish to make Communion where you are, please contact the Cathedral Office (506) 450-8500.
Have a blessed thanksgiving.
Geoffrey Hall (The Very Rev’d) Dean of Fredericton
