Bishop and Chapter News – June 2025

Bishop and Chapter met on the evening of 17 June 2025 with 7 of 13 present. The Chapter discussed an article “Five Pitfalls of Strategic Thinking” (Susan Erdey - Episcopal Church Foundation) provided material and an opportunity for conversation pertaining to the task of strategic planning. Minutes of 20 May 2025 had been circulated and were received and approved.

FROM THE DEAN

• a summary of usual items on the Dean’s past month’s calendar
• 2 Cathedral Staff reviews completed, 2 remaining
deacons’ annual assessment process
• video conference with Canadian Deans on 05 June
• 2 funerals, 3 committals
• expect to take vacation during August

Up-coming

Summer Music Series
Poetry on the Lawn

ARISING

War memorials - from Memorial Hall have been collected by Oromocto NB Military Museum

Advisory Committee on Appointments - B. Greenwood lead a reading of the Diocesan Guide

DECISION

Harry Palmer bequest - remaining $12,298 be internally restricted for Christian formation/education and be moved to investment

Banking - move operating accounts and VISAs to Omnista Credit Union, conditional on application process

REPORTS

Treasurer - May financials: Revenue $60,743 (all sources). Expense $67,095. Offering is behind its budget -$38,912 to date. Celtic Spirituality event income $5,205, $2,702 required and applied from Palmer bequest

Nominating - leadership vacancies: stewardship, safe church officer, addition member of Chapter to Nominating

Administration and Finance - summer tour guide interviews complete with hiring pending reference checks

Christian Formation - brief reports on Art and Faith, Poetry on the Lawn, Godly Play, Thy Kingdom Come, and Celtic Spirituality event. Consideration re resiliency of programming

Health / Pastoral Care - First Aid training on 03 October and if interested contact J. Hand or the Office. Blood pressure clinic held 25 May

Mission / Outreach - Monday outreach guests in May - 73, continuing to express appreciation to A. Deveau and D. Milander and others for their dedication to that programme. Belize Mission information session following 10:30 a.m. worship 22 June. 1 benevolence request processed

Property - meeting with PhD student researching heritage buildings using new 3D measurement technology with our agreement to be involved at no cost. Active items on agenda: Cathedral driveway, south choir room steps, sprinkler maintenance completed, residual invoices paid re Cathedral boiler replacement, south aisle light switch installed at west door. Pointing and roofing deficiencies discovered in April and determining the scope of repair possible continue to be a concern

Welcome and Hospitality - work continues on new member materials; invitations to worship refreshment teams; meeting of worship greeters 12 June with procedure review and discussion;

Fredericton Cathedral Foundation - progress is slow awaiting extent of participation by the City of Fredericton

UPCOMING

Bishop and Chapter: 16 September 2025                             GMH

 

 

Thy Kingdom Come 2025

This year marks the tenth anniversary of Thy Kingdom Come – a worldwide prayer movement inviting Christians around the world to intentional prayer from Ascension to Pentecost.

Since it began in May 2016, God has grown TKC from a dream of possibility into a movement which unites more than a million Christians in prayer, in nearly 90% of countries worldwide, across 85 different denominations and traditions ‐ so that friends and family, neighbours and colleagues might come to faith in Jesus Christ. Every person, household and church are encouraged to pray during the 11 days in their own way.

It is our hope and prayer, that those who have not yet heard the Good News of Jesus Christ and his love for the world, will hear it for themselves and respond and follow him.

Specifically, we again invite each and every Christian across the globe to pray that God’s Spirit might work in the lives of 5 people who have not responded with their ‘Yes’ to God’s call.

Whether you have joined in ‘Thy Kingdom Come’ before or not, you are invited to take part and join in. All resources are downloadable.

Daily prayer. Commit to attending all or some of the daily offices (morning and evening prayer) at the Cathedral, Monday ‐ Friday or say the offices at home.
It takes about 15 minutes each day.

2025 NOVENA ‐ Join us on weekdays during Thy Kingdom Come for a local discussion (45 min) about the series of reflections on the Lord’s Prayer by Stephen Cottrell, Archbishop of York. We begin at 5:15 p.m. Friday 30 May at Memorial Hall boardroom or via Video Conference. Visit the calendar event for online access or to download the resource.

2025 Digital Detox ‐ Resources to help you to undertake a digital detox during Thy Kingdom Come. Prayer Journals and Session outlines in both youth and adult versions. Visit the website to download the resources. Follow them by yourself or invite your family or small group to join you. Use these guides in any way that will help you best. But do make sure that you read them fully before you’re face‐to‐face with a young person! Some of the content is there just for you leaders. You’ll also realize that during small group segments, there may be more questions than you’ll need. You don’t need to use them all! Use as many as you have time for, pick and choose the best ones for your setting, and don’t worry if conversation strays away from them.

Family resources ‐ praying for young disciples, prayer beads and dozens of ideas about how to actively engage in the wave of prayer. Videos from “The Way” for teens, new Cheeky Panda videos for younger children on “Ways to Pray,” and more.

Pray for 5 ‐ At the heart of Thy Kingdom Come, is praying for friends, family and neighbours who donʹt yet know Jesus. Each year, we’re encouraged to choose 5 people to commit to pray for during the 11 days and beyond. Visit thykingdomcome.global for little prompts that might be helpful as a reminder throughout the day.

Prayer Journal ‐ Download this resource. Each day’s reflection will focus on a line of the Lord’s Prayer and include a time to pause and pray for your five, in keeping with that day’s theme with space each day for your own notes. What has God been saying to you in your reading and your prayers? Download the Prayer Journal

 

Thy Kingdom Come at Christ Church Cathedral

 

 

Bishop and Chapter News – May 2025

Bishop and Chapter met in the evening of 20 May 2025 with 11 of 13 present. The Chapter discussed an article “A Letter to Churches Seeking New Members” outlining 8 messages a visitor might want a congregation to hear from a prospective member. Minutes of 11 March 2025 and 08 April were received and approved.

FROM THE DEAN

A summary of usual items from the Dean's calendar was offered

• Easter lectionary study on Tuesdays, 2:30 p.m. will conclude 03 June
• Chapter orientation was on Saturday, 05 April
• video conference with Canadian Deans
• Easter worship attendance 341

Up-coming

• Ascension Day is 29 May and “Thy Kingdom Come” begins
• Day of Pentecost is 09 June 2025

CORRESPONDENCE

Cathedral 3D mapping - through Heritage Standing, offer by a Toronto PhD student

Montgomery Street School - note of thanks from for supporting home and school ($2,000) from 2024 Giving Tuesday

Appointment - Bishop’s letter, Tom Fetter to the Chapter

ARISING

War memorials - recommendation that plaques stored at memorial hall given on loan to the Oromocto Military History Museum

Advisory Committee on Appointments - follow-up on recent changes to the process for clergy appointments

DECISION

Honorary assistant clergy - permission granted for the Dean to make a request an appointment of Harley Clowater

Formation chair - Tom Fetter to Christian Formation Committee

REPORTS

Treasurer - April financials: Revenue $63,526 (including $16,381 energy rebate). Expense $51,799. April offering $4,137 below budget. Easter offering fell short of expectations. Offering is behind its budget -$32,924 year to date. Continue to investigate a change in bank for better service. Celtic Spirituality event income $4,795, expense $7,827 – $2,822 to be applied from Palmer bequest

Nominating - appointment of T. Fetter to Chapter

Administration and Finance - successful Chapter orientation 10 May. Gathering safe church documents. Summer tour guide position posted. Leadership in Safe Church and stewardship needed

Christian Formation - Celtic Spirituality 07 May. Future lectures/events? Godly Play leaders training. Future consideration of ways to strengthen resilience of formational ministries

Communications - planning a print piece to highlight website content. Request for feedback regarding effectiveness of efforts

Health / Pastoral Care - Health Ministries met 20 April, Medley Tea (36) 06 May, Hospital visitors 15 May. Target fall First Aid training.

Mission / Outreach - Monday outreach guests 28 April - 66. Awaiting word on 2026 Belize mission organization. J. Griffiths to represent Anglican Church Women

Property - spire tile wind damage repair 15 May ($2500 deductible), further roof stone and mortar repair identified – water is ingressing. Recommendation re memorial plaques and 3D modelling

Welcome and Hospitality - Soup supper on Maundy Thursday

Worship - youth choir? Canterbury cross framed info replaced. Inquiry re souvenirs. Larry Dickinson video

Fredericton Cathedral Foundation - appointed board members await word from the City of Fredericton regarding participation

UPCOMING

• Ascension Day, Thy Kingdom Come, Pentecost - 29 May-09 June

GMH

 

2025 Easter Pastoral

He is risen. Alleluia! - Easter 2025View in PDF Format

Christ Church Cathedral, Fredericton NB
Lent 2025

Dear Friends,

Each year somber days of lengthening (the season of Lent) turn to the glory of the celebration of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ from the clutches of the last enemy, death. The Ash Wednesday address describes the season of Lent as the time to “prepare for this celebration and to renew our life in the paschal mystery.” Each year we are invited to join once again by rejoicing in the victory signed by our baptism. Our baptism symbolizes a death to an old way of life and a resurrection to a new risen life in Christ. When we proclaim—“Christ is risen indeed!” we celebrate because we have a personal stake in the claim. We share the risen eternal life with our Lord.

Without faith in the Resurrection there would be no Church. Without the new reality of eternal life there would be no need to be Christian. It’s the promise of life that makes the Christian faith unique and powerful. Our faith is a faith to live by but, with the promises of resurrection it is also even a faith by which to die.

It is certain that the celebration will have the most meaning for those who best prepare. That preparation began on Ash Wednesday and continues through the Lenten season to Good Friday. I would encourage you to take a full part in the pre-Easter worship as opportunities to make ready your own heart for the wonderful joy of new life. Every confirmed Christian is directed by the Prayer Book (p. 66) to “partake of the holy Communion frequently, and particularly on the greater Holy-days, of which Easter is the chief.” Included here is a schedule of Holy Week and Easter worship at Christ Church Cathedral. If for some reason you are unable to make your Communion because of illness or other cause, I urge you to contact me or the Cathedral Office to arrange a home visit. Communion at home is always only a request away.

St. Paul writes in the fifth chapter of his first letter to the Corinthians,

... our paschal lamb, Christ, has been sacrificed. Therefore, let us celebrate the festival ...

In the spirit of the Apostle's instruction, I pray we meet in Christian fellowship and Easter celebration. Have a blessed and holy Easter.

Sincerely,

 

 

 

 

Geoffrey Hall (The Very Rev’d)
Dean of Fredericton
GMH

 

Bishop and Chapter News – April 2025

Bishop and Chapter met in the evening of 08 April 2025 with 9 of 12 present. An article “7 Trends Impacting Church Leadership for 2025" was discussed noting ways in which we see evidence in our own church and ministry. Minutes of 16 March 2025 were adopted. Consideration of minutes of 11 March 2025 delayed to next meeting.

FROM THE DEAN

• the usual summary of Cathedral and Diocesan ministry engagement since the last meeting was provided

• Lenten lectionary study concluded with plans for a similar study programme during the Easter season, Tuesdays, 2:30 p.m.

Certificate in Stewardship study concludes Wednesday, 09 April

workshop for church officers Saturday, 05 April. Notes provided on items that warrant our attention. A presentation on the Camp Medley pool replacement project

Up-coming

• Holy Week and Easter worship planning in progress

CORRESPONDENCE

Safe Church Officer resignation - from Dianne Wilkins, 12 March

ARISING

• Chapter Orientation - will be held Saturday, 08 May 2025, 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

DECISION

2026 Belize Mission - endorsement of plans for trip March of 2026

Chapter member - recommend the Bishop appoint Tom Fetter

2024 Financials - finalized version accepted (Annual Report revised)

REPORTS

Fredericton Cathedral Foundation - process exploring the possibility of a public foundation to support the Cathedral into the future continues. Nothing specific to report with next steps by the City of Fredericton awaited

Nominating - Tom Fetter has agreed to have his name stand for appointment to Bishop and Chapter filling one vacancy

Welcome and Hospitality - two projects in process: name tag Sunday and newcomer’s package. The customary Simple Soup Supper on Maundy Thursday, 17 April, 5:30 p.m.

Health / Pastoral Care - Some interest has been expressed in First Aid training (Fall 2025?) with minimum of 10 required. Medley Tea - 06 May, 2:00 p.m.. Signage placed for Automatic External Defibrillators (AED’s). Hospital visitors met 20 March.

Property - digital thermostats have been installed in Cathedral. Plan to work toward safe church requirements. Consideration of memorial artifacts pending. Meeting with the Sexton with recommendation of extending initial employment probation period for an additional three months as we work on expectations

Mission / Outreach - Monthly Monday outreach guest numbers continue to increase. Good news that several have expressed interest in a Belize mission trip for next year. Safe Church position descriptions and risk assessments submitted for three areas of oversight

Treasurer - March financials: Revenue $55,290 - Expenses $49,606. To 31 March expense exceeds income (-$6,120). Final financials for 2024 now included in the revised 2025 Annual Report. Receipt of several income sources, including green energy rebate from 2024 furnace installation, HST rebate, anticipated grant income and unanticipated gifts. Investigating a possible change in financial institution in order to provide improved services. Continue to pursue change in current VISA cards

UPCOMING

• Holy Week and Easter - 13-21 April 2025

GMH

 

Discipleship and Vocation – Archbishop David Edwards

What is a vocation? Where does discipleship and faith formation fit within the Church today? Archbishop David explores these topics in this study series, intended for both individuals and groups.

Its purpose is to give an opportunity for time to reflect on the nature of discipleship and vocation. These topics are more than merely an academic study, they are to do with the whole of life.

As you or your group progress through this series, watching each video and engaging with the selected scriptures, two things will happen: you will understand the word vocation more deeply and a vision for the mission and ministry of your church will begin to form.

View the Youtube playlist

Visit the Diocesan website for supporting materials for study.

 

 

Bishop and Chapter News – March 2025

Bishop and Chapter met in the evening of 11 March 2025 with 10 of 12 members present. Notes were circulated from the article “10 Ways to Turn Off Your Donors” discussed in February. Members made suggestions as to positive action to address some of the ideas presented. The article “Can Your Approach to Church Finances be both Spiritual and Practical?” (Ann A. Michel) was used to prompt further discussion. Minutes of 18 February 2025 were adopted with one correction.

FROM THE DEAN

Cathedral

• a summary of ministry over the past three weeks was provided. The Dean mentioned in particular regular communions at Windsor Court and Farraline Place; Diocesan meetings attended; the beginning with a group studying the Sunday lectionary in Lent; continuation of the Stewardship Certificate learning group this week on Module 4 of 7; Annual Report completed, published and available.

Up-coming

• Annual Meeting 16 March 2025

ARISING

Chapter By-Law - dated 25 February 2025

Diocesan Consolidated Investment Fund - the Lay Chair reported having reviewed history and details of Cathedral invested funds

Safe Church - 31 March deadline for risk assessments and position profiles with many committees reporting completion

Committee report status - the 2025 Annual Report (for 2024) has been completed with thanks to all who providing reporting

DISCUSSION

Chapter Orientation - dates were discussed for a half day orientation of Chapter to further understanding of routines and processes. 02 April or 08 May possible

Appointments - discussed the need to attend to appointments: Bishop’s Advisory Committee and Chapter Secretary at the brief meeting following the Annual

REPORTS

Fredericton Cathedral Foundation - nothing additional to report beyond what was shared at the February meeting of Chapter

Nominating - one Chapter position remains vacant (Bishop’s appointment). Minimum of 5 nominees (2 youth) needed for election by the annual meeting

Finance and Administration - proposal under consideration re office photocopier contract. Planning required for upcoming orientation

Communications - continue to work through safe church documents

Welcome and Hospitality - aware of Mothers’ Union desire to host a luncheon following worship on Mothering Sunday. Nametag Sunday and newcomer package on-going projects. Safe Church complete

Health / Pastoral Care - Automatic External Defibrillator installed in the Hall, training complete (video). Medley Tea May 6th. Bulletin notices being prepared. First Aid training targeted for Fall 25.

Property - committee continues to track a lengthy list of items needing attention on the timeline

Mission / Outreach - Monday outreach programme served 81 in February. Several have expressed interest in a 26 or 27 mission trip to Belize. Working through Safe Church risk assessment and profiles

Christian Formation - committee continues to be convened by the Director of Formation. Lenten lineup of opportunities underway

Treasurer - February financials: Revenue - $35,180 Expenses - $48,895 To 28 February expense exceeds income (-$13,316) Draft financials for 2024 included in the Annual Report. Some adjustments are needed prior to acceptance. Continue to pursue change in VISAS

UPCOMING

• Annual Meeting - 16 March 2025

GMH

 

Bishop and Chapter News – February 2025

Bishop and Chapter met on 18 February 2025 with 10 of 12 members present. An article from the Lewis Center for Church Leadership by Ken Sloane - “10 Ways to Turn Off Your Donors” was discussed. Examples of each of the ways were considered and a follow-up next to identify some positive steps that could be taken towards change. Minutes of 22 January 2025 were adopted as circulated.

FROM THE DEAN

Cathedral

  • a usual summary was provided. Highlighted were attendance at a pastor’s luncheon hosted by JoyFM; Conference of North American Deans in May; staff breakfast on 03 February; stewardship learning group continues on selected Wednesdays with completion by early April; submission of Cathedral statistical return to Synod completed. An invitation to Kathleen’s Snow’s installation as Worldwide President of Mothers’ Union has been received

Up-coming

  • Annual Meeting 16 March 2025

ARISING

  • Chapter By-Law revision re Secretary - one last signature and Bishop’s approval before coming into force
  • Safe Church - 31 March deadline for risk assessments and position profiles
  • Annual reports - waiting on budget and financials

DECISION

  • 2025 Draft Budget - adoption of the current draft to be presented to the Annual Meeting: Revenue $690,008 / Expenses $689,734
  • 2025 Conference of North American Deans - a decision to provide funds necessary for attendance. (Note: not included in the current 2025 draft budget)

REPORTS

Fredericton Cathedral Foundation - City Council virtual Cathedral tour held 10 February. Next steps will include decisions by the City and Diocese, appointment of the Board, visioning and negotiated agreements

Nominating - one nomination of a needed 6 for Synod delegates; one Chapter position open for nomination; two offers for nomination for a second Chapter term

Finance and Administration - recent meetings unsuccessful with conflicting schedules. Monitoring safe church deadlines

Communications - “Not just on Sundays“ article. Welcome package

Welcome and Hospitality - current projects: welcome package, name tag Sunday, safe church training completed by all but two

Health / Pastoral Care - Automatic Electronic Defibrilator purchased and being installed in the Hall. First Aid training being considered

Worship - sacristy guild has replaced communion cruets due to a crack in the handle of one

Property - progress on to do’s continues. Considerable adjustments needed on Cathedral new furnace setup, so far cost covered by installation. New heating circulation pump failed/replaced

Mission / Outreach - Monday programme reached 86 individuals served in January. $1000 from New Maryland United. 120 bus tickets from Fredericton Transit ($300). Invitation to express interest in a future mission trip to Belize made on 16 February

Christian Formation - committee continues to meet without a chair

Treasurer - Process of replacing current VISA cards for online access continues with difficulty. January financials: Revenue: $47,767 Expenses: $46,098. Awaiting review by LeBlanc Scott CPA

UPCOMING

• Next meeting - 11 March 2025
• Pancake Supper - 04 March 2025
• Annual Meeting - 16 March 2025                                                  GMH

 

 

Relics of the Fire of 1911 – Christ Church Cathedral

Relics of fire, July 3, 1911, Christ Church Cathedral, Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada
Post on Flickr by Bill Jarvis.

On July 3, 1911, lightning struck the south-west cormer of Christ Church Cathedral in Fredericton. The resulting fire spread through the roof to the steeple which was also destroyed, along with the chancel. The Cathedral bells fell, and were also destroyed.

The remains of the bells were melted down, and made into dinner bells, which were sold to help raise funds for repairing the damage. These bells have an exceptionally clear and pleasant tone.

Shown here are two of them. They have differences in the cross which serves as the handle. The one on the left is cast in one piece, with the date stamped vertically. The one on the right is cast in two pieces, with the date stamped horizontally. The bells are 53 mm in diameter, and are 80 mm tall.

The bell on the right has been handed down through my family. I believe it was purchased originally by my great grandfather, William Munson Jarvis of Saint John NB. He was prominent in church and diocesan affairs for many years.

Gerry Curry commented:
I have one of these bells too, like the one on the left. It was handed down through my mother's family. My grandmother was born and raised in River John, NS. She married an Anglican minister, but they would have still been teenagers in 1911, so I'm not sure how they got the bell unless there was a general fundraising campaign throughout Maritime churches.

From Fredericton Heritage Trust - Christ Church Cathedral

When Anglican Bishop John Medley (1804-1892) arrived from Exeter, England in 1845, he immediately set upon construction of Christ Church Cathedral. Along with his devotion to the Medieval Gothic style, he brought with him the young English architect, Frank Wills, who modeled the Cathedral as a virtual likeness of the late Medieval Church of St. Mary at Snettisham, Norfolk. The Cathedral was the first Canadian building to follow closely the ideals of the Ecclesiological Society, a reformist Anglican movement that sought a return to the architecture of the Middle Ages. Wills left Fredericton for New York in 1849, so the task of final design was given to the celebrated English Architect, William Butterfield (1814-1900). The tower of the Cathedral was the last major part to be constructed, original plans calling for twin towers, but soaring costs led to the choice of a single tower. The building was completed in 1853, and is universally regarded as the most important Gothic Revival building in North America. On July 3, 1911, lightning struck the Cathedral and the resulting fire gutted the spire and destroyed the choir when the bells melted and fell to earth. It took over a year and $100,000 to rebuild the Cathedral, which was administered by New York City architect Cass Gilbert (of Woolworth Building fame). Christ Church Cathedral was declared a National Historic Site in 1983.

Visit Fredericton Heritage Trust on Facebook

Bishop and Chapter News – January 2025

Bishop and Chapter met on 22 January 2025 with 9 of 12 members present. A brief study on reflections on 1 Corinthians 12:1-11 by Charisse R Tucker (Christian Century) entitled “Group Work: How to serve faithfully and for the long term?” The Dean provided some questions to help focus a discussion on the issue that “groups tend to function such that a few people do the bulk of the work.” Minutes of 17 December 2024 were adopted.

FROM THE DEAN

Cathedral
• summary of ministry over the previous month included: Christmas worship [Eve 4:00 (238) 8:00 (80) 11:00 (87) Day 10:00 (57)], 1 funeral, communions at Windsor Court and Farraline Place, conclusion of Advent study. Certificate in Stewardship begins soon. One meeting of Synod Finance Committee

Up-coming
• Confirmation, Reaffirmation and Reception preparation continues, Annual Reports will be due on 03 February

DECISION

• Automatic Electronic Defibrillator - purchase for Memorial Hall at a cost of $3006 (updated cost)

National Trust Next Great Save - information was received

• Chapter Secretary - motions to cover member status of secretary

DISCUSSION

2025 Budget - discussion of the current draft. Offering revenue in 2024 was at 85.85% of budget, an impact of about $82,000 making budgeting for 2025 a significant challenge

REPORTS

Fredericton Cathedral Foundation - progress is being made on consultation with proposed partners and appointments to the board of directors

Nominating - no progress on a nomination for Chapter (Christian Formation). In addition, nominations will be needed for delegates to Diocesan Synod

Finance and Administration - January meeting was cancelled due to unavailability of members. Two Safe Church December deadlines (training and risk assessments) for Chapter. Follow-up on completion

Welcome and Hospitality - chair plans to meet with Communications to discuss a welcome package for newcomers. Safe Church training (awaiting certificates) and risk assessment completed

Health / Pastoral Care - “Listen, Love Pray” grief and loss support continues. Blood pressure clinic served 19 on 19 January

Worship - thanks to Sarah Petite for repair of frontals. Gift of 25 BCP’s from the Parish of Grand Manan with thanks

Property - Plan for 2025 with progress made setting timing delegating responsibilities for action on solid list of about 25 active items including new additions: Cathedral outside lighting; miscellaneous items from new furnace installation. Scope to be determined on much of the list in the coming months

Mission / Outreach - Monday morning Outreach (last Monday of the month beginning 9:30 a.m.) guests and costs still on the rise. Thanks to Carriage Place Dental for generous donation of dental items

Christian Formation - committee continues to meet without a chair

Treasurer - Investigation on current VISA card situation and current needs. Expecting payout on ACW shares. December total Revenue $85,729, but expense and deficit waiting on a print VISA statement by mail

UPCOMING

• Next meeting - 18 February 2025
• Annual reports - due 03 February 2025
• Annual Meeting - 16 March 2025

GMH