A Lenten gathering on Zoom designed for lay people
Friday, April 1 (evening), and Saturday, April 2 (morning)
Join in these enrichment sessions from the comfort of your home
or with others in a gathering space at church.
Online retreat hosted by the Diocese of Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island
Feeling parched and spiritually dry? Are you weary and thirsty to have your soul refreshed? Come away with friends and soak in prayer, scripture, relaxed discussion and worship. Encounter Christ who offers the hope and revitalization of living water.
A Lenten gathering on Zoom designed for lay people - takes place Friday, April 1, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., and Saturday, April 2, from 9 a.m. to 12-noon. Join in these enrichment sessions from the comfort of your home or with others in a gathering space at church. Clergy are warmly welcomed to attend too.
Living Water includes a deep dive into several Bible passages, short talks, quiet reflection time, small group conversations and inspiring worship.
Hosted by the Diocese's Creating Missional Communities Team (VSST).
Got questions? Contact staff support, Lisa Vaughn (902) 789-4840 or <lvaughn at nspeidiocese.ca>.
Living Water Planning Team
Heather Carter, Cathedral Church of All Saints, Halifax, NS
Eva Evans, St. James, Brooklyn (Valley), NS
Kent Gregory, St. Mark's, Halifax, NS
Scott MacQuarrie, Christ the King/Resurrection, Sydney, NS
Ann Moore, Parish of Hatchet Lake & Terence Bay, NS
Tanya Moxley, St. Nicholas' Westwood Hills, NS
Janet Vieth Forbes, Parish of Summerside & St. Eleanors, PE
Joe Young, St. Francis by the Lakes, Lower Sackville, NS
This article about Taizé worship was originally written in 2018. Taizé is held weekly during Lent 2022, alternating between in-person at the Cathedral, and Zoom online sessions. Consult the Ad-LENT-ures schedule for details.
Candles flicker in the semi-darkness of the cathedral on a cold winter's evening as people seated in a circle begin to softly sing in Latin to piano accompaniment.
“Laudate omnes gentes, laudate dominum.” The two simple phrases, which mean “Sing praises, all you people, sing praises to the Lord,” are repeated many times by the singers. The effect is calming.
So begins a Taizé worship service. It includes liturgical readings from the psalms and gospels, a couple periods of silent reflection, meditative prayers, chant-like songs in English or Latin, but no sermon or eucharist. The service, which lasts less than 40 minutes, is offered on the third Thursday of the month at the cathedral.
Jim Morell attended recently for the first time.
“I enjoyed it,” Jim said. “It was a chance to be with God in a peaceful, prayerful, quiet environment at the end of an otherwise busy day. Taizé will be a priority on my calendar of events, especially during Lent.”
Cathedral member Ann Sherman led such services occasionally and, after she died in 2017, this quiet style of worship was revived by Kurt Schmidt, Director of Christian Formation at the cathedral.
“Response has been great,” Kurt said. “The words, music and silence invite people into a stillness where they can listen for the voice of God, which is very important in today's noisy, hectic world.”
READINESS – Director of Christian formation Kurt Schmidt lights candles in the cathedral to prepare for a recent Taizé service which is a short service of simple, meditative prayers and chant-like songs.
He explained that this style of contemplative worship stems from an ecumenical, monastic community founded in the 1940s in the village of Taizé, located in the Burgundy region of France. Thousands of people, especially youth, have attended annual international conferences to learn from the monastic brothers who hail from many nations and who devote themselves to service and community. Catholics and Protestants around the world have adopted the Taizé style.
Chris and Diane Stevenson frequently attend the Taizé services.
“I like the quiet and the meditative time,” Diane said. “The Holy Spirit's presence can be felt here.”
Chris agreed. “During the service, it seems like a thin place – a place where God is definitely here and very near,” he said.
Beverly Morell said she likes the peacefulness of the service and the opportunity to reflect on the messages in the scripture passages. She was pleased to hear there will be expanded opportunities to take part during Lent.
“I invite people to visit the cathedral during Lent to try this lovely way of praising and meeting God,” Kurt concluded.
More information about the Taizé community is available at www.taize.fr
Bishop and Chapter met 21 February 2022 by video conference with 11 of 13 members present. The Chapter welcomed new member Harry Palmer. A conversation focussing on the article “People Support What They Help to Create” - David McAllister (Lewis Centre for Church Leadership) framed issues around approaches to leadership. Several phrases helped to summarize the content including: “The many are smarter than the few,” “server leadership,” and language of “moving with the Spirit.” Minutes of the 15 November 2021 and 17 January meetings were adopted.
From the Dean
As a summary of activity since the November meeting:
• Farraline Place Communion
• Diocesan Finance Committee
• Several webinar opportunities attended
• CPR certification with Cathedral staff
• administrative issues with office file sharing and member information
Decision
Cathedral Advisory Committee - as per requirement following an annual meeting, the Bishop’s Advisory Committee was elected - T. Maston, S. Dibblee (chair), V. Hachey, C. MacDonald (secretary), C. Ferris.
Annual meeting elections - a motion carried to destroy ballots. Delegates to Synod in order of election: C. Schmidt, J. Macaulay, N Fetter (youth), J. Maston, R. Macaulay
Discussion
Cathedral Conditions and Issues - Heritage Standing has completed a draft of the pending report and met with members of the Chapter, Property and Finance & Administration committees and others providing a technical briefing on 17 February. The current version of the Report is a 125 page comprehensive detailed summary of investigation by Heritage Standing from previous work and more intensively over the last several months and since being engaged mid 2021. Recommendations are provided as to the urgency of restoration and renovation needed over the coming decade. Most critical and one of the most expensive components being the Cathedral roof which is currently failing and will need to be addressed at the front end of any planned extended restoration. The Chapter candidly discussed the reality that required funding is well outside of what the Cathedral congregation can raise internally. At the same time, the normal ministry needs to continue. Informally there was discussion of some possible options that will need to be explored, including determining the time line for the next several years. Some initial next step items were identified, including feedback to Heritage Standing as it attempts to finalize the Report.
Reports
Reports having been made to the Annual meeting, only a few additional items of note were offered by members.
Treasurer - January expenses exceeded revenue, resulting in a month to date and YTD (31 January 2022) deficit of approximately $8002. January offerings were down: $30,870 (budgeted $49,638). We finished 2021 with a surplus of $34,666 due to several one-time accounting factors
Property - during the abnormal thaw, water at the west door and on the green has been monitored over the past week with only a bit of seepage into the basement. Some expense has been required of late for fire safety infrastructure, some of which was deferred maintenance
Christian Formation - Lenten programming is being arranged with all encouraged to choose from a variety of possible formation opportunities
Upcoming
• Tentative meetings: 14 March, 16 May, 20 June
• Ash Wednesday - 02 March 2022
• Ad-LENT-ures 2022
There will be year-long Platinum Jubilee celebrations throughout the United Kingdom, the Commonwealth and around the world as communities come together to celebrate The Queen's historic reign. On 6th February this year Her Majesty The Queen will become the first British Monarch to celebrate a Platinum Jubilee, marking 70 years of service to the people of the United Kingdom, the Realms and the Commonwealth.
We approached year two of the COVID-19 Pandemic in 2021. It continues to be the hot topic of conversation even though many of us are growing considerably fatigued by it. It’s a circumstance unprecedented during my lifetime surely to be remembered as it shapes everyone’s perception of the world, perhaps especially younger generations. Many will not remember a world not restricted by pandemic precautions. It remains to be seen how long those same precautions will last and how this experience will affect the world in the longer term. Of this we can be sure, it will affect us.
The effects on the Church will be real too. Many are fearful to imagine how many of our faithful will simply not return post-pandemic. Others are reporting that numbers of engaged people of faith have actually shown modest increase during these times. Most sectors of society have identified the unexpected reality that these trying times are not without some positive spin-offs. “Ne’re there be a cloud without a silver lining” – most of us have learned a lot and we are definitely doing things differently these days. We’ve been forced to reconsider what is essential and how to do what we do in such a way as to benefit even those who can’t be physically present. The true count of any and all scenarios will come as we wait patiently for what we like to refer to as “normal.”
With all that said, planning for the near future is next to impossible, as it has been for the last 20 + months. My challenge has been not falling to the temptation of being busy preparing for that which will never be. On the other hand, we do need to be ready for what can and will be. Knowing the difference is what is difficult and among those who plan, there is significant disagreement over exactly which is which. There is also an evident level of anxiety among us over so much being undetermined. I regularly have someone break under the pressure and exclaim “Just tell us what it's going to be!” We would all like to find someone or something to blame. The COVID-19 pandemic is nobody’s fault. It just is.
Among the most valuable lessons are those that help us to live in pandemic times. Many leaders have suggested we should have been far better prepared than we were, living our lives as if nothing could bring disruption. The human race, the economies of the world, society and culture are far more fragile than most of us previously thought. That in itself should be a valuable lesson. An eventual breakage of the internet on a global scale, for however long it might last, not if but when, will have us all reflecting on the fact that the COVID pandemic was easy in comparison.
most of us have learned a lot and we are definitely doing things differently these days
Christ Church Cathedral is blessed, not because it is more righteous, better, more powerful or more intelligent. It’s mostly true when we remain faithful. Those blessings include our being well supported prayerfully, spiritually and financially during the darker days of pandemic. We were successful, with the help of government subsidy and reduced spending, to see an end to the year without deficit. We have seen none of our number fatally ill with COVID-19 which may assure us that our precautions and protocols served us in an attempt to stay as safe as possible especially among those vulnerable in our midst. We‘ve seen many transition to both worship and ministry engagement by way of technology and while far from ideal, it does help us stay somewhat more connected and continues to communicate the Gospel and further the call to proclamation potentially even beyond our own community.
The year has also brought to light some future needs that may make the majority tremble a bit. The Cathedral itself has maintenance (some of it deferred) and renovation requirements that will be costly. The numbers far exceed the capabilities of the congregation itself. The Cathedral is the diocesan mother church. Invitations and partnerships with the Diocesan Synod, the parishes of the Diocese, the City of Fredericton and the wider community will be critical. Sunday by Sunday we enjoy “our space.” Over the next many months it’s going to be necessary to humbly reevaluate and perhaps challenge perceptions about for whom the Cathedral really exists.
The future of the church proper is not our only challenge. The Memorial Hall continues to age, remains inaccessible to many and will require a significant investment if it is expected to continue to serve practical needs for space outside of worship. We began and continued this year to provide hospitality to our Diocesan Synod staff at the Memorial Hall. Perhaps these pandemic times have made some of that more possible than if all had been functioning as “normal.” Good decisions about efficient and cost-effective ways to manage our current assets and to preferably do that cooperatively will be needed in the nearer future. That issue is still very much at the forefront of our mutual agendas.
My thanks to members of the Cathedral Staff without whom the job before me would be utter impossibility. Sarah Ecker joined us in September as Parish Nurse (half-time).
As always our thanks to Cathedral officers and members of Bishop and Chapter. We said goodbye this year to Kevin Percy following a tenure as Treasurer and to Lynn Meehan as member of the Chapter. Bonnie Greenwood has been a steady guide acting as chair of Christian Formation for two full terms and we thank her for her commitment. To those who have continued to lead other committees and organizations, thank you for continuing to keep the lamps burning in your respective leadership ministries. Last but by no means least, all who maintain their affiliations with many and various groups and serve in both small and not so small ways that make the sum total of Cathedral influence of note to so many. The Lord bless us and keep us, now and always.
Respectfully submitted,
Geoffrey Hall
Dean of Fredericton
PHONE MINISTRY: 12 Things to Attend To in Phone Visits
So many of our parishioners and community members are suffering with isolation and loneliness right now. Making caring calls can make all the difference and brighten someone's day!
Held Wednesday, 26 January at 7 p.m., the session offered insights on some best practices related to phone ministry. The Rev. Bonnie Baird, Associate Priest at Christ Church, Dartmouth, shares, real-life examples and her passion for visiting with people over the phone. You'll be inspired and encouraged by her presentation.
This session is 1 hour and open to anyone.
Hosted by the Diocese's Creating Missional Communities Team (VSST).
Bishop and Chapter met 17 January 2022 by video conference with 11 of 13 members present. Considerations of an article entitled “Reimagining Church Buildings” - Dave Harder (Lewis Centre for Church Leadership) prompted discussion on what is necessary to see church buildings as assets instead of liabilities. What is the old narrative? How do we shape a new story? Who are church buildings for? How do we listen to the needs of the wider community? 15 November 2021 minutes were delayed and will be adopted at the next meeting. There was no meeting of the Chapter in December 2021.
From the Dean
As a summary of activity since the November meeting:
Farraline Place Communions (2) / Windsor Court - February 22
3 sessions of baptism preparation for 09 January 22 baptism
Christmas in-person attendance 175
Diocesan Finance Committee (2)
Health restrictions required ceasing singing on 28 December
New Years Day eucharist cancelled
Current Level 3 no in-person worship - Live stream continues
Decision
Future meetings - the future meeting schedule was discussed with considerations of upcoming needs including: Annual Meeting plans and the possibility of a joint meeting with the Finance and Administration and Property committees following receiving the Heritage Standing report. An agreed upon meeting schedule is listed as upcoming.
Annual Meeting - while it’s impossible to anticipate pandemic restrictions, 20 February 2022, 12:00 Noon was set for the 2022 Annual. Should in-person be possible, meeting at the Cathedral with video-conference option. If no in-person, we may consider virtual only or postponement until such time as we are able to meet
Discussion
Heritage Standing forthcoming report - Heritage Standing is coming close to completing the detailed report outlining Cathedral building needs. There was lengthy discussion to consider how that report can be used to inform our planning for the next several years. It is clear, there are costly repair and maintenance issues ahead, one of the most critical being the roof. Exact costing is impossible but renovations and restorations will be substantial. Organizing and executing a project of that size will be the challenge, recognizing that resources internal to the congregation are woefully insufficient. A proposed initial report reception includes a joint meeting between Heritage Standing, the Chapter and the Finance/Administration and Property committees is anticipated within the next 4-6 weeks
Reports
Treasurer - year-end reporting is always a challenge as we ensure that past year income and expenses are recorded properly. December was a good revenue month. We anticipate ending the year with a modest surplus with offerings slightly below budget, federal government subsidies and continuing consistent giving
Health and Pastoral Care - last meeting of health ministry in November. Continuing to stay in touch during changing restrictions
Mission and Outreach - Monday morning continues last Monday of the month in modified format
Property - Ongoing monitoring of Heritage Standing project assessing future Cathedral building needs
Christian Formation - online versions of most activities continue. Looking ahead to Lenten programming
Communications - draft annual report circulated to committee
Finance and Administration - January meeting updates on staff handbook, narrative budget, safe church officer, review of financials and report of envelope secretary. Summer tour guides for 2022
Upcoming
Tentative meetings: 21 February, 14 March, 16 May, 20 June
Annual Congregational Meeting: 20 February (27 snow)
New Brunswick Public Health has published the COVID-19 Winter Plan which informs all sectors of current restrictions and protocols. Visit the website for information about how the Plan will affect your activities.
Level 2 (revised) comes into effect at midnight, 27 December 2021. We continue watchful and will implement and communicate changes as needed. For faith venues, Level 2 introduces additional restrictions.
An appeal is being made to reduce the number in groups gathering in homes and elsewhere during the Christmas Season, reduced to a steady 10 in Level 2.
Most importantly, our capacity at worship gatherings is reduced to 50%, again requiring 2 metres of distance between bubbles and masks are required at all times. No corporate singing is allowed, which means that there will be no congregational singing but a soloist at 4 metres distance is allowed. We will continue to require proof of vaccination upon entry. Please be as understanding as possible with greeters as they are asking to see verifications in staying within Public Health requirements.
Groups and events at the Memorial Hall are also limited to 50% capacity, two metres of distance, masks at all times (except briefly when eating or drinking while seated), and proof of vaccination.
To review
Proof of double vaccination or medical exemption is currently required for anyone 12+ attending worship in the Cathedral or visiting Memorial Hall. Please remember to bring your vaccine record to worship and group events, and wear your mask. Leaders of groups holding meetings at Cathedral Memorial Hall will be responsible for checking proof of vaccination for those attending [details]. Individuals visiting during office hours please check-in at the Cathedral Office.
The current Sunday bulletin will continue to outline restrictions in place, including:
NO CORPORATE SINGING - the Omicron variant of the COVID-19 virus is proving to be quickly spread and readily airborne. Some studies have indicated that singing in groups can add an unnecessary risk of transmission if someone happens to be infected.
VACCINATION STATUS - Proof of full vaccination is required for all age 12 and up at the Cathedral. ID will be required for those not known to greeters. These requirements apply similarly to weddings, funerals, and events held in Cathedral Memorial Hall as per current direction by Public Health.
FACE MASKS - The Government of New Brunswick currently mandates wearing masks in gatherings.
As always thank you for your continuing cooperation as we care for ourselves and others.
Worship livestreams are available at worship times and as recorded on our YouTube channel. Audio podcasts are also available. Listen here. Get notification of new podcast episodes when you Subscribe here.
The Health Ministry Team is willing to assist members of the congregation with making appointments for vaccinations and answering health questions. Please contact Parish Nurse <nurse at christchurchcathedral.com>.
If you have questions or concerns, please contact the Cathedral Office <office at christchurchcathedral.com> or phone (506) 450-8500, or the Dean <dean at christchurchcathedral.com> or (506) 450-7761.
On a dark night, long, long ago, a little light shone from a place of humble beginning. A baby was born on the outskirts of a small, unimportant town, on the margins of society – in a feeding trough of stable animals. As the story goes, his bed was a manger because there was no room in the inn. From there shone a little light.
Perhaps this year, unlike many we have known, the message of a little light shining in the darkness will mean more because of where we have been. Some are finding darkness to be an apt description of the uncertainty and even the isolation that pandemic has forced upon us. Still, even in the darkness, the power and penetrability of even a little light makes it an effective metaphor for the message of the Christmas narrative.
In our context, whether it’s feeling loneliness or isolation, frustration or fear, annoyance or even just inconvenience, a little light can make all the difference. Light, especially in the darkness, as it pierces with precision, cuts through stark shadow, divides even black obscurity, reminds once again that there is hope, life. It’s not by chance that late December was chosen long ago as an ideal time to celebrate one of the best known of Christian messages: “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.” John 1:5
As cattle were lowing, meanwhile outside, an angel announced to shepherds: "Do not be afraid; for see, I am bringing you good news ... And suddenly, there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host." Many would come, from shepherd (the poorest), to Magi (the richest), to find the one born Messiah.
For the foreseeable future we’ll no doubt continue to live with some extent of uncertainty. If we’ve learned one thing, perhaps it’s the difficult lesson of vulnerability. It will be necessary to continue our watchfulness and to take action to be and to keep others as safe as possible. I fully expect we’ll have more decisions to make, some needed quickly, others difficult, as we continue to navigate this thing called pandemic. But in the midst, we can be assured that whoever and wherever we are, there is a little light shining to remind of the hope that is ours. God’s will it is to reach graciously in our direction and to bring us closer to him forever.
We’ll continue through Christmastide to video stream and podcast as much of our worship as possible with the hope that those still unable to be with us in person can share at least a part of our Christmas celebration. We hope precautions and restrictions in place then will continue to bring some assurance of safety, not regarded as unnecessary barriers and help facilitate in-person worship for as many as are able. You’ll find a schedule for Christmastide on the back or the next page. Home Communion is available where permitted. Please contact the Cathedral Office if you would like to make a request or arrangements.
May peace and joy be yours as this year ends. May God’s gracious favour be upon you and yours as yet another begins. May we know more and more: “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.”
The Sunday Paper is a new resource at the Cathedral as of the First of Advent 2021!
Each week, check the Quick Links of our regular weekly Friday email for links to current editions (or bookmark these in your web browser for quick access). The content will change each Friday, updated for the upcoming Sunday and prior to sending the email announcing the Sunday bulletin. These can be viewed or downloaded to a device or printed for use at home. (We'll plan on having a few paper copies at the Cathedral on Sundays.)
“The Sunday Paper is informal, whimsical, faithful to Scripture, and in dead earnest. It is not condescending or cute. It helps children to acquire a vocabulary of crucial Scriptural images, and to relate the Gospel to the Old Testament, the life of the Church, and their own lives.”
The original SUNDAY PAPER appeals to intermediate through junior high, and presents one lesson (usually the Gospel) as a two-line cartoon; the other readings, and the Psalm, are presented as single vignettes. The lessons are tied together with a short commentary.
THE SUNDAY PAPER JUNIOR is aimed at younger children (preschool through grade 3 or 4). The SUNDAY PAPER JUNIOR features one lesson only, usually the Gospel. THE SUNDAY PAPER JUNIOR offers big, bold artwork, a simple storyline, an activity page designed to stir children's imaginations and spirituality and that requires pencil or crayons only (no glue or scissors) and does not involve word games or other literacy-based activities. THE SUNDAY PAPER JUNIOR can be used in church, nursery, or classroom.
Visit the Sunday Paper website or Facebook page for more information and other resources from many sources for providing formation experiences, especially with children.
Living Water Planning Team
