Author Archive: Geoffrey Hall

Greetings from Caledonia

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The Dean of the Diocese of Caledonia sent greetings for the week of 16 October 2022 on behalf of St. Andrew's Cathedral, Prince Rupert.

View the card.

St. Andrew's, Prince RupertDear Mr. Dean,

Greetings and peace to you, your family and your congregation, and continual blessings on the ministries you all undertake at Christ Church Cathedral.

I am writing to let you know that you all are being remembered and lifted up in prayer by members of this cathedral's congregation at St. Andrew's, Prince Rupert, during the week beginning October 16th.

May you and your ministries and your fellowship continue to be blessed and to be a blessing to those around you.

Kind regards

S. Paul Williams
Dean of Caledonia

Bishop and Chapter News – October 2022

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Bishop and Chapter met 17 October 2022 in person with video conference participation with 8 of 13 members present. An article “7 Ways to Make it Easier to Talk About Money” by Ann A. Michel was discussed. The Dean shared his three guiding principles for communication about money: consistency, transparency and removal of emotion. Minutes from 26 September 2022 were adopted with thanks to the Secretary.

Correspondence

•   resignation of Sam Mayo as member of Bishop and Chapter

From the Dean

•   outside Communions (Farraline Place and Windsor Court) (2)
•   committee meetings (3)
•   1 funeral
•   worship for Truth and Reconciliation 30 Sept
•   Farraline fund-raising dinner
•   following legal counsel, final termination letter to Parish Nurse
•   Worship customs under review
•   Life in the Eucharist continues
•   Weekends with Evensong are “full”
•   Baptism preparation underway for one adult on 06 Nov
•   Vacancies
Safe Church Officer, Synod substitute (16-35), Assistant(s) to the Verger

Diocesan
•   Diocesan Finance Committee (1)
•   Synod Planning (1)
•   Bishop’s Counsel (1)
•   Fredericton and York Deanery Clericus (1)

Information and Discussion

Potential Restoration Project - In response to the Conditions and Issues report, Source Alliance is engaged to prepare a “case for support” by mid- November. Interviews will follow to gauge support and possibility. Final report by Spring. We are reminded that such a project will require considerable internal resources and effort. The challenge will be to determine if we have what’s required to launch such an endeavour and if not, what that means for the Cathedral and perhaps, even more importantly, for the Diocese.

Nominating Committee - proposal to be circulated for modification of the Chapter By-Law regarding function of the Nominating Committee

Governance - some initial discussion of “board” vs “ad-hoc” models

Reports

Treasurer - there was some progress made on our deficit in September. We continue to be $37,000 + in expenses over revenue. October thus far appears to be a stronger income month especially with Thanksgiving. We’re hopeful we can continue to make progress to the end of year

Property - the retainer with Carmichael as mechanical contractor has been secured. Batteries for Cathedral emergency lighting have been replaced. Several technical manuals have been digitized.

Finance and Administration - clarification on status of Sarah Ecker as Parish Nurse. Hopes to convene our Stewardship Team. Progress on the Staff Handbook (employment policies). Exploring concerns about third-party liability insurance of users of our facilities

Welcome and Hospitality - working toward building committee membership. Considering worship refreshments

Christian Formation - Life in the Eucharist with six participants - First Communion 20 November, Dante’s Inferno study group, Godly Play and virtual Taize on-going. Advent planning in progress

Upcoming

•   Diocesan Synod 05 November 2022 (Cathedral)
•   First Communions - 20 November 2022
•   Ordination 20 November 2022
•   Advent Procession (Lessons and Carols) - 27 November 2022
•   Christmas Lessons and Carols - 18 December 2022

GMH

Building on the Past to Sustain the Future

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From Sonya at Heritage Standing ...

Read the CAHP Green Paper

"Building on the Past to Sustain the Future: Recommendations and observations from the Canadian Association of Heritage Professionals Workroom series (2021) on building reuse for climate action."

It is a great advocacy and communication tool that provides clear information on why old buildings are necessary for fighting climate change.  The paper also contains excellent resources should you wish to delve into this topic further.

it takes between 10 and 80 years

Here is just one of many important notes to take away from the green paper:

CHAP Green Paper"[…] it takes between 10 and 80 years for a new building that is 30% more efficient than an average-performing existing building to overcome, through efficient operations, the negative climate change impacts related to the construction process. (Preservation Leadership Forum, 2016)"

We need positive climate action now, not in 10-80 years.  The next question also becomes clear... is the lifespan of a new material or building long enough to overcome the negative climate impacts of production and construction (embodied carbon)?

We hope you find the paper thought-provoking and encouraging.  If you have any questions or would like to discuss this topic further, please feel free to get in touch.

Warm regards,

Sonya
Heritage Standing Inc

Learning Resources at CAHP

2022 Thanksgiving Pastoral Letter

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22 Thanksgiving Pastoral

22 Thanksgiving Pastoral

Download or view the PDF

Dear Friends,

Thanksgiving 2022

This time of year offers a particularly noticeable display of the handiwork of God. As leaves turn brilliant, even as lush greens turn to earth tones, we’re reminded that we’ve come to another end of the growing season and that it’s time to capture as much of God’s goodness as possible as winter marches ever closer.

Those capturings by making pickles, bagging potatoes, freezing tomatoes and grabbing a hamper of squash for later have all become habits for many of us and, at least some of them have been woven into family custom and tradition. The year just isn’t the same without them!

It’s helpful habits that assure healthy life-giving attitudes. Habits help bolster those “steadfast wills” spoken of in the collect for Harvest Thanksgiving. We’re living in a culture where the familiar customs and once taken for granted emphases are falling by the wayside. As church attendance continues its decline so doesn’t participation in community service organizations. In the church we sometimes feel as if its only the Christian body of the faithful being impacted by the changes afoot. In fact, it’s far bigger and reaches far beyond just the Church. Our culture is transforming before our eyes. It’s no surprise that those of us who have lived it longest are the first to detect the danger that lurks in the sometimes gradual, sometimes speedier, habitual change.

With the loss of focus and even, disturbing to those who believe, the growing lack of belief in God at all, what is lost is far from only where we may happen to be on Sunday mornings. Sadly, the tides of faithfulness are receding. With them is the maintenance of age-old commitments to worship God as the Body of his Son in the Spirit. That retreat is evidence of a far greater loss for everybody – what we’ve come to take for granted may one day be no more. There is a false promise of abundance in a world without God. It requires no thanksgiving since it is no more than what we deserve. It requires no acknowledgment of the Source of it all. It mocks the reality of grace and perhaps even denies life itself.

You’re invited to join the Cathedral congregation as we continue the tradition of thankfulness on October 9th, 2022, 8:00 or 10:30 a.m. when we gather around the table of Christian thanksgiving. If the pandemic or a distraction has prevented you from being in community over the last several months, know that regardless of any of that, your friends will be ever so pleased to see you. If you’re unable to be present but would like to make your Communion, please contact the Cathedral Office and an appointment to visit can be arranged.

Yours most sincerely,

Geoffrey Hall
Dean of Fredericton
GMH

 

2022 Fall Financial Update

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2022 Fall Financial Update

The following is an update of Cathedral financial information as of 31 August 2022. A brief presentation was offered on Sunday, 02 October to congregations at 8:00 and 10:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m..

If you have questions, feel free to contact a member of Bishop and Chapter or get in touch through the Cathedral Office.

Download / View the update here.

 

Bishop and Chapter News – September 2022

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Bishop and Chapter met 26 September 2022 in person with 10 of 14 members present. The article Post-pandemic Church Growth Accelerators by Carey Nieuwhof was discussed. Focus on core mission, community and connection, online worship and agility were among the indicators of church health. Minutes from 20 June 2022 were adopted.

From the Dean

  • outside care facility Communions (3)
  • committee meetings (3)
  • 3 funerals
  • 1 committal
  • 2 memorials (N. Cutler and Elizabeth II)
  • 1 wedding
  • attended 1 funeral out of town
  • Vacancies
    Safe Church Officer
    Synod substitute (16-35)
  • vacation 25 July - 21 August
  • Staff reviews completed
  • Diocesan Finance Committee (2)
  • Synod Planning (1)

Decision

  • Property committee membership - a revised list of committee members was adopted
  • Mechanical retainer - establish an agreement with Carmichael for mechanical contractor services including 2 yearly maintenance visits
  • Vote of thanks - to those involved in the execution of the commemoration of her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II
  • Financial update - That an update be delivered on Sunday, 02 October

Information and Discussion

Funds for restoration - Source Alliance has begun preparing the case for support for a campaign addressing the results of the Building Conditions and Issues Report. We should expect a completion of the feasibility study by early spring 2023.

Reports

Treasurer - offerings are down and expenses are up as we move out of pandemic restrictions. Deficit of about $42,000 Total income is $60,047 behind budget target. Finance and Administration recommending providing congregation with more detailed information

Property - lightning protection system repaired ($7000); 2 trees removed due to disease, shed break in with theft of equipment ($200)

Health and Pastoral Care - Health Ministry is attempting to stay on top of issues, Health Ministry will meet in the near future

Finance and Administration - successful tour guide season, work on Cathedral staffing policies and current employment challenges,, chair of Stewardship Team and safe church officer still vacant, considering issues of third party liability insurance for groups using facilities

Welcome and Hospitality - new chair with committee to be built. Corn boil was on 11 September

Communications - $400 collected for souvenirs over the summer. Souvenirs available to view at Cathedral purchased at the office

Christian Formation - Life in the Eucharist with six participants - First Communion 20 November, Dante’s Inferno study group, Godly Play resumed 25 September.

Upcoming

GMH

Season of Creation 2022

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Christians around the world are invited to give particular attention to praying and caring for God's creation as part of the global Season of Creation, observed from September 1st to October 4th every year. General Synod 2019 passed a resolution adopting the Season of Creation in the Anglican Church of Canada as a time of prayer, education, and action and encouraging dioceses and parishes to participate. Resources and events related to Season of Creation may be found on the Anglican Church of Canada website to help you plan, at anglican.ca/seasonofcreation. Note: To avoid confusion it is worth noting that the Season of Creation is not a liturgical season like Advent or Easter but rather a time of intentional prayer and reflection. from McCausland's Order of Divine Service, Anglican Church of Canada p. 136

During the COVID-19 pandemic, many have become familiar with the concept of being muted in conversations. Many voices are muted in public discourse around climate change and the ethics of Earth-keeping.

These are voices of those who suffer the impacts of climate change. These are voices of people who hold generational wisdom about how to live gratefully within the limits of the land. These are voices of a diminishing diversity of more-than-human species. It is the voice of the Earth. seasonofcreation.org

The burning bush is the Symbol for the Season of Creation 2022. Today, the prevalence of unnatural fires are a sign of the devastating effects that climate change has on the most vulnerable of our planet. Creation cries out as forests crackle, animals flee, and people are forced to migrate due to the fires of injustice. On the contrary, the fire that called to Moses as he tended the flock on Mount Horeb did not consume or destroy the bush. This flame of the Spirit revealed God’s presence. This holy fire affirmed that God heard the cries of all who suffered, and promised to be with us as we followed in faith to our deliverance from injustice. In this Season of Creation, this symbol of God’s Spirit calls us to listen to the voice of creation.

House of Bishops Statement on Lambeth Conference

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Lambeth 2022: Statement from the Canadian House of Bishops

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This message was received from the Canadian House of Bishops this morning during the 2022 Lambeth Conference.

Once you were not a people,
but now you are God’s people;
once you had not received mercy,
but now you have received mercy. 1 Peter 2:10

We are writing to you to share our experience of this 15th Lambeth Conference.

The meeting is a holy and transforming gift to meet and to make friends and hear the stories of witness and mission across the whole world. Our experience has been one of joy, friendship, vibrant worship, deep listening, empathy with those parts of the church who experience profound suffering and expanding understandings as we bear one another’s burdens.

We will be returning to our dioceses with a renewed commitment to the Lambeth Calls for Mission and Evangelism, Safe Church, Reconciliation, Human Dignity and Climate Justice as well as those Calls that will be discussed on Hospitality (Christian Unity and Interfaith relationships), and Discipleship.

The Bishops have spent a significant amount of time discussing and sharing these calls in light of our contexts. They have been at the core of the Bible studies as well as the discussions at our table groups. There has been much written in media with regard to the discussion on human dignity in particular. Read the whole statement.

Life in the Eucharist 2022

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In the Anglican Church of Canada, baptized children may be admitted to Holy Communion as provided in the August 1977 Memorial to the House of Bishops. In our diocese, Bishop’s Directive 3.1.2 outlines the process and requirements.

We’ll be offering “Life in the Eucharist” in the fall of 2022 for children (aged 7 and older) and parents of those who wish to participate. Children making Communion is an option and by no means required. Read the Pastoral Vision for “Life in the Eucharist.” An information meeting is scheduled for Sunday, 18 September following worship. Programme sessions are tentatively scheduled on six Sundays, 1-2:30 p.m. beginning 25 September 2022. Questions? speak to Kurt Schmidt <formation at christchurchcathedral.com> or the Dean <dean at christchurchcathedral.com>.

Information session for parents – 18 September 2022, following 10:30 worship, the Cathedral

“Life in the Eucharist” Six Sessions beginning Sunday, 25 September 2022, 1:00 - 2:30 p.m.

Other information:

2022 Lambeth Call to Prayer

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The fifteenth Lambeth Conference will meet on 26 July – 08 August in Canterbury.

As the conference draws closer, the Archbishop of Canterbury has shared a call to prayer with the conference delegates and their wider church communities.

The call to prayer invites people to devote a day to prayer on Trinity Sunday – 12th June and to pray for the event in the weeks ahead.

The Archbishop of Canterbury says: “The Lambeth Conference theme of ‘God’s Church for God’s World’, reminds us that we are called upon as Christians to pray for the needs of the world. There are many calls upon our prayers at this time: World peace, the global climate crisis, the effects of the pandemic – to name but a few.

“I invite you to call all those in your care to pray for the Lambeth Conference. Please pray that as we meet and consider our shared mission and ministry, that we may hear the call from God. In turn, that we might add our voices to call others to make a difference for Christ in the world.”

A prayer guide has been developed by Brother Christopher John, who is part of the Chaplaincy team at the event.

Visit the Lambeth prayer resources page