Author Archive: Geoffrey Hall

Canada matches gifts to PWRDF for world hunger

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PWRDF world hungerIn response to the hunger emergency unfolding around the world, including many countries in Sub-Saharan Africa, 12 leading Canadian aid agencies are joining forces as the Humanitarian Coalition to raise funds and rush assistance to people on the edge of famine.

One of those agencies is the Canadian Foodgrains Bank, itself a coalition of 15 Christian aid organizations working to end hunger around the world. PWRDF is participating in this appeal through its membership in the Foodgrains Bank.

The Canadian Government has committed $250 million to address the global food crisis, and announced last week it will match donations to the Humanitarian Coalition’s member charities 1:1, up to $5 million. Donations made by July 17, 2022 are eligible.

According to the World Food Programme, 50 million people are facing emergency levels of hunger and the number of severely food insecure people has more than doubled in the last two years. The reasons for this sudden increase include:

  • Extended drought and other climate shocks that are wreaking havoc on food supplies and livelihoods.
  • The COVID-19 pandemic has had severe economic consequences in many countries.
  • The conflict in Ukraine is having a direct impact on access to basic food supplies.

“This unprecedented global hunger crisis compels us to action,” says Richard Morgan, executive director of the Humanitarian Coalition. “Our member charities are rallying together to save lives, but we also need Canadians across the country to do their part. We are grateful to the federal government for matching the public’s donations. Together we can provide food, water and urgent care to families on the brink of starvation.”

PWRDF has been supporting programs in many of the countries where the situation is most dire, including Kenya. PWRDF is in partnership with Church World Service in an area of northern Kenya. “Children have already died because of hunger, millions of animals have died and women, children, the elderly and people with disabilities are having to fend for themselves,” says PWRDF Executive Director Will Postma. “Our support, your support, can help stop hunger and restore livelihoods.”

Read the post at PWRDF

How you can help

All donations made by individuals to PWRDF’s Humanitarian Coalition Hunger Relief Appeal by July 17 will be matched by the Government of Canada. To donate online, visit pwrdf.org/give-today then choose Humanitarian Coalition Appeal to End Hunger. You may also send a cheque payable to PWRDF to 80 Hayden Street, 3rd floor, Toronto, Ontario, M4Y 3G2 or used your boxed set blue envelopes. (Please note Appeal to End Hunger on the memo.) You can also donate by phone at 416-822-9083 or leave a voicemail toll-free at 1-866-308-7973 and we will return your call.

Bishop and Chapter News – June 2022

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Bishop and Chapter met 20 June 2022 in person with 10 of 13 members present. An article entitled “7 Ways to Re-engage Volunteers” (Lewis Centre for Leadership) was considered. Whether it’s due to post-pandemic fatigue, lingering health concerns, or broader cultural shifts, volunteerism hasn’t bounced back as readily as other aspects of congregational life. Susan Beaumont outlines seven ways to revitalize volunteer engagement. Minutes from February, March and May were adopted.

From the Dean

Since the May meeting:

•  Outside care facility Communions (1)
Thomas Hall Shannex booked 18 July
•  Committee meetings (3)
•  Monday lectionary studies concluded 30 May
•  Thy Kingdom Come Novena study weekdays
•  Several recent funerals
•  Baptism 05 June (1)
•  Pentecost celebrations - thanks from archbishop
•  Vacancies: Safe Church Officer; member of Chapter (Hospitality);
Synod substitute (16-35)
•  Diocesan Synod 05 November 2022 (Cathedral)
•  Staff reviews in process (1 complete)
•  Parish Nurse on medical leave since 16 May
•  Tour guide hiring in process
•  Usual diocesan commitments

Decision

Financial Campaign Planning Study - In order for the Cathedral to consider launching a financial campaign, professional assistance will be required. The Chapter Executive has explored four possible candidates to execute a study to determine the feasibility of a campaign. By motion, the Chapter approved preceding with negotiations with Source Alliance (Moncton) towards being engaged to conduct such a study.

Discussion

Items for Information - several documents were circulated for information including:

•  Update on progress on Cathedral and Memorial Hall network upgrades and security system installation project (Peter Jacobs)
•  Source Alliance Proposal
•  Cathedral Building Condition and Issues meeting (12 June) summary (thanks to Ann Deveau)

There was some discussion on the need to communicate with the congregation regarding our financial status and the timing of the same.

Reports

Treasurer - offerings are trending downward and not meeting budget predictions thus far in 2022. Reporting to the Synod re applications to Canadian Employment Wage Subsidy - the Cathedral has not qualified in 2022. $26,428 revenue deficit to 31 May. While compensation being received from Diocesan Synod was not anticipated to fund the 2022 budget, it has been needed to do so.

Property - meeting on 20 June for the purpose of review and prioritizing Conditions and Issues Report findings

Worship - attempts made to recruit for worship duties. Beginning refreshments following summer worship being considered

Health Ministry - Sarah Ecker continues on medical leave which began 16 May.

Finance and Administration - tour guide applicant interviews have been completed and decisions have been made. Contracts will be made this week with guides on duty 01 July. Hank Williams has graciously agreed to provide training

Upcoming

•   Staff vacations as reported in the bulletin
•   Dean vacation 25 July - 21 August
•   Sunday worship schedule continuing

•   Next meeting 19 September 2022                                                   GMH

Thanks from Archbishop Edwards

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A letter from Archbishop David Edwards regarding celebrations on the Day of Pentecost and the conclusion of his Pilgrimage through the Archdeaconry of the Fredericton.

10 June 2022

The Most Reverend David Edwards
Archbishop of Fredericton
168 Church Street, Fredericton NB E3B 4C9
Phone (506) 459-1801 • [email protected]

Christ Church Cathedral
168 Church Street, Fredericton NB  E38 4C9

Dear Friends,
I am writing to you to convey my thanks and appreciation for your generous welcome and hospitality while I visited you during my final walking pilgrimage, this year through the Archdeaconry of Fredericton.

Thank you that so many came to join us on the bridge for the final walk to the Cathedral. I'm particularly glad that we were able to have a service in our Mother Church to celebrate the end of the series of archdeaconry pilgrimages.

Thank you for the heartfelt welcome and your company; but also for praying for and with me. It was a privilege to be with you and to hear of the joys and challenges you face.

In Christ,

+David

Archbishop of Fredericton

Bishop and Chapter News – May 2022

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Bishop and Chapter met 16 May 2022 by video conference with 10 of 13 members present. There was discussion of an article by the Dean titled: “Looking back and forth.” Looking to the past is much easier than looking forward but the decisions we make today will influence the future. Adoption of minutes of the March meeting was deferred to the next meeting.

From the Dean

A brief summary of activity since the last meeting:

  • Two Communions at Farraline Place
  • Diocesan Finance Committee
  • leadership vacancies include Hospitality Committee, Safe Church Officer and Synod Substitute (16-35 yrs)
  • Monday lectionary studies continue through Easter
  • advertising currently for tour 2022 tour guides
  • Easter Day attendance at about 200
  • update on honorary clergy
  • issue with office file synchronization has been solved
  • in the process of a design refresh of the weekly email. A problem receiving mailings seems is being experienced by some.

Decision

Investment account - Creation of an Investors Edge account for the purpose of trading a specific block of stocks on behalf of a Cathedral group

Discussion

Future restoration - the recently received report on condition and issues regarding the Cathedral focuses on necessary work to be considered a priority, listing with advice on the urgency of those renovations and repairs. The Report will be shared with the congregation before summer with the hopes of accompanying it with some interpretation and an opportunity for informed discussion.

With the involvement of our Bishop, some consideration is being given to the kind of professional support needed for such a project and to date one informal interview has been conducted exploring those ends. Decision on if and when action will be taken will follow.

Reports

Treasurer - work continues as we fine-tune accounting now using new accounting software – modifying reporting templates and adjusting processes. Expenses over income was about $630 in the month of April. To 30 April expenses exceed revenue by $28,630 with offerings about $27,000 below what was budgeted / expected. Establishing the Investors Edge Trading account. Canada Employment Wage Subsidy diocesan surveys continue to be submitted each month but no additional payments are expected

Property - no Committee meeting to report. Several conversations and connections during the past several months

Christian Formation - a recent meeting dealt with some informal evaluation and review of Lenten programming. The Committee now looks ahead to Thy Kingdom Come and summer

Communications - a recent meeting discussed the issue of compensations for video live streaming for outside groups. Articles and items of interest are always needed for the website – writers welcome

Worship - a meeting is being planned conscious of some upcoming opportunities and continuing re-evaluation of our pandemic status

Health Ministry - Parish Nurse Sarah Ecker is currently on a medical leave. Specific circumstances not known at this time.

Administration and Finance - advertisement for tour guides. Work will continue on narrative budget and staff employee handbook.

Correspondence

  • That we convey our congratulations to Wayne Squibb on the occasion of his receiving an honorary doctorate of letters degree from the University of new Brunswick on 26 May 2022.
  • That we offer our thanks to the donor, whose wish is to remain anonymous, of $15,000 for the Cathedral sound system upgrade project.

Upcoming

  • Thy Kingdom Come - 26 May - 05 June
  • Day of Pentecost and conclusion of Bishop’s Pilgrimage 05 June
  • Tentative meetings: 20 June, 19 September

GMH

Great Canadian Giving Challenge 2022

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This June, join the Great Canadian Giving Challenge!

Your charity could WIN $20,000!
From June 1 – 30, every $1 donated through CanadaHelps gives your charity a chance to win $20,000.

It's a month-long initiative to help you drive donations during a slow time of the year for fundraising. Every June since 2015, we’ve given you a reason for donors to invite others,  and create the chance to win a major prize donation from CanadaHelps.Here’s how it works:

Every dollar donated to your charity in June, via CanadaHelps.org or CanadaHelps fundraising tools, is an entry for a chance to win $20,000. Every charity using CanadaHelps is automatically entered: all you have to do is fundraise. The more you raise, the more chances you have to win!

Read more about the Great Canadian Giving Challenge.

Looking back and forth – From the desk of the Dean

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Looking back is very easy for us. When we want to see the influence of God in our lives, looking back is the best direction. From our perspective of the present we can easily see the weaving road of our lives, its turns and curves and, see the sometimes gentle, sometimes powerful tugs and pulls that redirected us. We remember decisions along with the memories of just how difficult or easy they were for us at the time. Sometimes we remember why we went this way and not another but, sometimes it's not that clear. The believing soul will chalk those times up to the influence of the Divine.

Looking into the future, however, is quite a different story. Sometimes it's almost impossible to have the assurance that God will be present in the days to come in the same way as the days past. The future is completely unknown. Although we can have hopes, dreams and intentions, the final script has not yet been written. Our decisions now will without a doubt have an influence on where and how we will go there, but it's impossible to know all of the obstacles and helps we will encounter along the way. I know a fellow who buys a lottery ticket each week and claims it to be his best plan for his future. On the other hand, I never buy a lottery ticket and he promptly reminds me whenever possible about my lack of faith.

The Church also has this ability to comfortably look backward, seeing that God was indeed part of the journey and provided care, especially in the face of turmoil or adversity. For the Church as for us, looking ahead is quite a different matter and more of a struggle. We all have this sense that our context is changing rapidly. We readily see much with which we are so familiar being threatened, especially in the area of church life. Where a Sunday worship service and a long history of taken-for-granted ministry in our local community was considered a given, we suddenly find a lack of resources available for it to continue. People in church pews who have given seven dollars per week, every week for fifty-plus years, just as their parents had done before them, are shocked to learn that their beloved church just down the road is in danger of being closed. “One service a week is all I want,” said one life-long church member. It must be the fault of the Bishop? It must be the fault of expensive clergy? Something is not right! Indeed. Some skillfully divert the argument, shaming those who attempt to address the grassroots issues and blaming it on the fact that “all you talk about is money.” And things continue to keep changing all around us.

... Looking ahead is no easier than it has ever been

Looking ahead is no easier than it has ever been. Do we really look into the future with the kind of unwavering commitment of our ancestors? Is there really an expectation of the necessary place of sacrifice present in our commitments that comes close to that of those who went before us? I look at some of our beloved little rural church buildings and wonder how the people there over a century ago found the resources, let alone the wherewithal, to erect them from nothing when it is beyond us now to keep the roof on. Our beloved Cathedral, perhaps a similar example times 10! As we find it easy to look at younger generations and how differently they view the world, do we remember our own hand in passing on the values they have come to hold? What we value most is in fact what we pass on. Can we continue to look ahead and be willing to make the changes now in our own patterns of behaviour to see something of that which we say we value most live on?

All of those questions have answers I expect, even though it may take years for them to become evident. In any case, my suspicion is that being the church may be no more difficult now than it has ever been. What has changed is how well we take our view of the past and project it forward to shape the future with an assurance – that the God who has guided history will do the same for us when we earnestly pray for it to be so.

GMH

Life after Easter 2022

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Join the Dean for lectionary studies during the Easter Season beginning Monday, 18 April, 2-3:15 p.m.. Both online via Zoom or in-person are options. See the Dean for printed materials and please contact him by phone or email if you plan to attend. Everyone is welcome. No former biblical scholarship necessary!

Mary Magdalene’s encounter with Jesus at the tomb is a call to disciples everywhere to live in the power of the risen Christ and encourages us to continue to the story of Jesus. God’s love cannot be contained – in a tomb, closed rooms, or from the world. Stories of a spirit-filled community moving into the world lead us through the Easter season.

The story of Jesus continues through people like Peter who denied Jesus, Paul once a persecutor of Jesus’ disciples, Ananias who gives the gift of healing and reconciliation, Tabitha who lives in solidarity with the most vulnerable, and Lydia whose tenacity and hospitality facilitates a movement beyond boundaries and stereotypes.

We join our stories with these life-giving, liberating, boundary-breaking, resurrection stories and are challenged by the ever-present possibility of radical change and for the church to be a disruptive influence on the way things are.

This Easter season invites us into conversations for self-reflection and change on such things as anti-Semitism, diversity and inclusion, systemic injustice, anti-racism, multiculturism, chains of oppression.

2022 Easter Pastoral Letter

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Holy Week 2022
Fredericton NB

THE Passion, Death and Resurrection of Jesus is firmly rooted in historical events to which Christians have given witness throughout the centuries. The biblical witness is familiar to us. The historian Josephus writes in the first century about “all these things,” interestingly specifically, from an historical perspective not one of faith. The Early Church Fathers bore witness, arguing fiercely as the fundamentals of Christian faith were being drawn together and as the catholic creeds came into existence. Since those early days, many have died for Jesus but, far more have begun to live for him.

Christian faith is nothing to take lightly. The world continues to claim the great unlikelihood of gospel truth and perhaps more so the improbable validity of its tenants even if recorded in history. Yet holding or upholding a Christian perspective on the world is far more than simply agreeing with some historical facts. Confessing Christian faith is also taking a stand and holding a unique perspective on life and the meaning of it. To be Christian is to choose life even in the midst of the death all around us. St. Paul said that Christians are “always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be made visible ...” 2 Corinthians 4:10

By the power of God, Jesus rose from the cold dark reality of death. When the Gospel is proclaimed, it is not complete without the shouts of Alleluia! that confirm his final victory of Jesus. When we submit ourselves to a God who has the power to overcome death itself we obtain the promise of the realm of that same God’s eternity forever. When we truly lean into the fullness God intends and live like it’s true we make a difference.

Close to home and on the world stage, fear and death are all around. We’re gripped as we watch the horrors of war, now in 4k video. Having been through times of pandemic isolation, we’re still seeing its effects even now that it has ceased to be the death sentence it once was. Considerable uncertainty about the stability of our world, its politics and its economy continues. The need to witness to the power of life and the fact of Resurrection is as great now as it ever was. Alleluia! Christ is risen. Death does not have the final word.

Join us this season as we walk the way of the Cross through Holy Week, as we watch for the first glimmer of Paschal Light on the Eve of Easter and as we listen again to familiar words on Easter Day. In-person, if possible, but be reminded that a live stream and podcasts will be available for most of our worship events, your visible witness marked and of value even as a virtual attendee.

If you are unable to make your Easter Communion in person, contact the Cathedral Office to make an appointment for a home visit. We have a Team of administrators eager to respond to such requests. A schedule of our Holy Week and Easter worship follows. Alleluia! Christ is risen. The Lord is risen indeed. Alleluia!

Yours sincerely,Give a festival offering

Geoffrey Hall, Dean of Fredericton
GMH

Open or download in PDF

Holy Week and Easter 2022

Christ Church Cathedral, Fredericton NB

Monday - Thursday: 8:45 a.m. Morning Prayer and 4:45 p.m. Evening Prayer

The Holy Eucharist on 16 April is the first of Easter

 

Passion/Palm Sunday
(10 April 2022)
8:00 a.m. Liturgy of the Palms and Holy Eucharist
10:30 a.m. Liturgy of the Palms, Dramatic Passion and Holy Eucharist

Monday
5:15 p.m. Holy Eucharist

Tuesday
5:15 p.m. Holy Eucharist

Wednesday
10:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist
5:15 p.m. Holy Eucharist

Maundy Thursday
7:30 p.m. Holy Eucharist and Stripping of the Sanctuary

Good Friday
10:00 a.m. Celebration of the Lord's Passion

Easter Eve
(16 April 2022)
8:00 p.m. The Great Vigil of Easter, Renewal of Baptism and Eucharist

Easter Day
(17 April 2022)
8:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist
10:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist
11:45 a.m. Come Worship Eucharist

Bishop and Chapter News – March 2022

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Bishop and Chapter met 28 March 2022 by video conference with 10 of 13 members present. There was discussion of an article by David Odom (Faith and Leadership) titled: “How to rehabilitate in the midst of pandemics.” The author highlighted the need to tend integrity, mission and morale and we briefly discussed some of what we need to build into a time of rehabilitation. Adoption of minutes of the February meeting was deferred to the next meeting.

From the Dean

A brief summary of the time since the last meeting included:

•  March Farraline and Windsor Communions cancelled due to COVID
•  Diocesan Finance Committee
•  Diocesan online safe church training completed
•  Diocesan returns submitted by the 15 March deadline
•  informal staff review with S. Ecker following probationary 6 months
•  leadership vacancies include Hospitality Committee, Safe Church Officer and Synod Substitute (16-35 yrs)
•  arrangements for summer tour guides should begin soon

Decision

Report on Cathedral Conditions and Issues - Revision 1 (2022-03-21) of the report was accepted by the Chapter with plans underway to share it more widely

Discussion

Cathedral Conditions and Issues - A lengthy discussion on the report by Heritage Standing followed feedback and suggestions on the draft recently presented to the Chapter, Property, Administration and Finance Committees and Cathedral Staff. Significant consideration was given to the process of sharing the report including how and when and the supports necessary for effective communication of its content. The report provides a high level of detail, is very well done and outlines both short and longer-term priorities for Cathedral maintenance and restoration. All items identified are important, some critical while others could be postponed. The Chapter Executive was charged with considering the rollout in more detail soon.

Funding future restoration work - T. Maston provided a summary of recent contacts and research regarding approaches to fund-raising according to the magnitude detailed in the Conditions and Issues Report

Reports

Treasurer - Regarding recent revenues, we had a strong conclusion to 2021 with January below anticipated offerings. February seems to be ‘trending in the right direction’ with a February deficit of about $17,000. Finetuning of Sage Accounting software continues. The survey to determine eligibility for government subsidy (unlikely) was submitted. E-transfer has been set up especially for groups making donation or rental payments

Property - the Committee is considering maintenance prioritization based on issues having been documented by Heritage Standing.

Christian Formation - Lenten programming continues with many devotional and study options this year

Worship - the Committee met with items of the scheduling of lectors, intercessors and servers in the coming weeks. Having an overseer of the scheduling is very helpful for reminders and smoothly filling

Health Ministry - recent review of the calling list and looking forward to re-establishing social opportunities for many who feel isolated

Mission and Outreach - an inquiry about the possibility of erecting an outdoor food cupboard. Committee will explore re the proposal

Upcoming

•  Tentative meetings: 16 May, 20 June
•  Holy Week begins 10 April usual schedule
•  Easter 17 April: 8. 10. 11:45

GMH