Author Archive: Geoffrey Hall

Bishop and Chapter News – January 2022

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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)

GMH

Level 2 Pandemic Restrictions 27 December

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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.

COVID-19 Winter Plan - Alert Level Measures

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.

Christmas Pastoral 2021

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The light shines

Advent 2021
Fredericton NB

Dear Friends,

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.”

Sincerely,

Geoffrey Hall
Dean of Fredericton
GMH

View as PDF

Christmas Worship 2021

Fourth Sunday of Advent (19 December)
8:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist (BCP)
10:30 a.m. Holy Eucharist (BAS)
4:00 p.m. Christmas Lessons and Carols

Christmas Eve (24 December)
4:00 p.m. Holy Eucharist(contemporary / family)
8:00 p.m. Eucharist (come worship)
11:00 p.m. Holy Eucharist(BCP)

Christmas Day (25 December)
10:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist (BAS)

First Sunday after Christmas (26 December)
8:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist (BCP)
10:30 a.m. Carols for Christmastide

New Years Day (01 January)
11:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist (BAS)

Please contact the Cathedral Office (506) 450 8500
to schedule a Home Communion.

The Sunday Paper and the Sunday Paper Junior

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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
The Sunday Paper Junior

“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.

What is Giving Tuesday?

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GivingTuesday - the world's largest generosity movement

GivingTuesday is a global generosity movement, taking place each year after Black Friday. The “Opening day of the giving season,” it’s a time when charities, companies and individuals join together and rally for favourite causes. In the same way that retailers take part in Black Friday, the giving community comes together for GivingTuesday.

GivingTuesday harnesses the potential of social media and the generosity of people around the world to bring about real change in their communities; it provides a platform for them to encourage the donation of time, resources and talents to address local challenges. It also brings together the collective power of a unique blend of partners - nonprofits, civic organizations, businesses and corporations, as well as families and individuals - to encourage and amplify small acts of kindness. Across Canada and around the world, GivingTuesday unites communities by sharing our capacity to care for and empower one another.

“We have two days that are good for the economy.

Now we have a day that is good for the community too.”

Visit the Giving Tuesday website

GIVE ONLINE NOW
Christ Church Cathedral

Project 2045 Report Update

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At its February 10, 2020, meeting, the Christ Church Cathedral Bishop and Chapter adopted the following recommendations of the 2045 Task Force, to:

  1. enter formal discussions with Diocesan Synod about the potential for constructing a new purpose-built facility between the former Bishop’s Court and former Synod Office. Discussions would focus on the concept of sharing ministry and administrative space, and space for most of the activities currently held in Memorial Hall.
  2. continue to pursue opportunities to enhance the flexibility of the existing space within the Cathedral footprint to better accommodate Cathedral and community activities.

The status of the Bishop and Chapter progress on this resolution is as follows:

  • With respect to replacing Memorial Hall with a new, shared ministry building with the Diocese, extensive exploratory discussions have been completed, and it is expected that there will be more definitive information in 2022.
  • With respect to the possible development of a more flexible Cathedral church space, the Bishop and Chapter will shortly receive a Cathedral Condition and Issues Report which will enable us to evaluate and prioritize the Cathedral restoration.
  • Complementary to a Cathedral restoration masterplan, we are investigating the possibility of replacing most pews with chairs that incorporate kneelers and book racks. This work, which includes the assessment of ecclesiastical chairs from at least two manufacturers, will be incorporated into the Heritage Standing Inc. Condition and Issues Report.

All three initiatives, regardless of their outcome, are significantly important for the future life and ministry of our congregation. The three initiatives also impact each other, both functionally and financially. Therefore, it is the intention of Bishop and Chapter that they be considered together, hopefully at some point in 2022.

Cathedral Bishop and Chapter
17 November 2021

Read the Project 2045 report here

Bishop and Chapter News – November 2021

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Bishop and Chapter met 15 November 2021 by video conference with 11 of 13 members present. The Chapter regrettably received the resignation of Lynn Meehan. The article “Moving Forward in Uncertain Times” (Susan Beaumont) was read in advance and discussed. We continue to live in liminal time learning through rather than planning through. How do organizations adopt new ideas? 18 October minutes adopted.

From the Dean

A summary of the time since the last meeting included:

•  training with administrators of Home Communion
•  Communion at Windsor Court (first since Feb 2020)
•  3 sessions of baptism preparation for 07 November
•  bi-weekly Sunday Choral Evensong continues
•  work with stewardship narrative budget team
•  Diocesan responsibilities/meetings

Items Arising

Sharing space with Diocesan Synod - discussion and planning continues with a next meeting scheduled next week. Renovations to the former youth room pending completion. Next on the agenda is arrangements for how the diocese will compensate the Cathedral for occupied space and consideration of a time line for future development and cooperation

Decision

Neighbourhood Home and School - a need identified for local outreach to students (winter clothing/food) identified. A grant to Montgomery Street School Home and School of $3000 was approved recognizing a possible over spend in the Cathedral Mission/Outreach 2021 budget

2022 Budget - initial draft proposing a slight increase including cost of living increases to stipend/salaries at the direction of Diocesan Synod

Discussion

Leadership vacancies - Notification to Nominating Committee on up-coming Bishop and Chapter vacancies, Synod delegates, Safe Church Officer and Chair of Stewardship Team
Project 2045- a draft document under consideration as communication about current status and follow-up on recommendations

Reports

Treasurer - income continues slightly ahead of expenses. Year to date we are 1.6% ahead of last year’s offering actuals. Work is nearing completion on new programmed capabilities to the current accounting software (Sage 50) which will result in clearer reporting. Canadian Employment Wage Subsidy applications up to date but we no longer qualify for further Federal Government subsidy

Health and Pastoral Care - Our parish nurse continues to make connections and become familiar with her role. Parish Nursing course in progress. Webinar 17 Nov (Wholistic Care and Wellness - IHMC) Training for Home Communions. Hospital remains closed to visitors

Mission and Outreach - Monday morning programme 41 recipients. Angels returned and complete. Potential school outreach

Property - Heritage Standing continues with engineering report and provided update

Christian Formation - Taizé, Godly Play, Youth Group, and Life Shared (November) continue. Advent opportunities TBA. Meeting this week

Communications - usual invitation for communications contributions. Christmas advertising discussed and direction given for 2021

Finance and Administration - work on a narrative budget continues. Contents of a new staff handbook outlined with plans in process for the drafting of content. Various financial management issues considered at the last meeting including the 2022 operating budget.

Upcoming

•  First of Advent - 28 November
•  Christmas Lessons and Carols 4:00 p.m. 19 December
•  Usual Christmas worship schedule anticipated
•  Next meeting - 13 December

GMH

What is reverential capitalization?

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Someone has asked: What is reverential capitalization?

Reverential capitalization refers to the practice of capitalizing words referring to the Divine in religious texts. Wikipedia defines it as “capitalizing religious words that refer to deities or divine beings in cases where the words would not otherwise have been capitalized.”

Interestingly, it was very popular in the last century, mostly in the 1960's and 70's and somewhat more so among Protestant Christian denominations but has fallen out of use in most formal publishing since then. We might note that most biblical translations do not employ reverential capitalization in their texts including the King James, the New International and the New Revised Standard (the preferred translation in most of the Anglican Church of Canada).

The Anglican Church of Canada 1938 Hymn Book did not utilize reverential capitalization for pronouns (eg he) or possessives (eg his) but often applied it to names referring to God (eg Master, Friend, the King, the Crucified). By the time of the publication of the current Canadian Anglican hymnal, Common Praise, 1998, the choice was quite obviously made not to reverentially capitalize and generally uses capitalization sparingly, more in line with the now more common practices of the bigger publishers.

... more does not necessarily mean better

The Book of Alternative Services (1985) has this to say:

The use of capitals in English sentences (except in the opening word) has diminished steadily during recent centuries, not least in words of sacred reference where the process has accelerated in the last few decades. In a compilation such as this, which draws on a number of sources representing different stages of linguistic development, some inconsistencies may appear. In general the following standards apply: the names of rites are not capitalized except in their titles and in references to their titles; in liturgical texts appropriate words in the titles of sections of liturgies are capitalized, but the functions they contain are not; Word is capitalized when it refers to Christ as the incarnate Logos, but usually not otherwise; traditional titles of Christ are capitalized, but metaphors applied to God, either as titles or attributes, usually are not, except in forms of address. Spelling in the Psalter has been adapted to the standard of the Concise Oxford Dictionary. (B.A.S page 928)

The logic behind not using it is that more does not necessarily mean better. The question should be: what results in more effective communication? Simpler style is often preferred for clarity. If half of a hymn or songtext, for example, is reverentially capitalized, the overuse of capital letters actually makes the text less readable and does little if anything to improve or make it more understandable. One author points out that “not using capitalization does indicate lack of reverence and that capitals do not mean respect in English anyway.

When the name of God is used, of course, it is still proper and preferred to use a capital letter as it is with any proper name. Many linguists and language scholars confirm that there are no firm rules in English and that it continues to be mostly a matter of style and primarily the preference of the writer.

My preference, if asked, is simpler style.

GMH

Halloween… All Hallows’ Eve — A Christian’s Choice

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One of the less understood festivals of the Church is celebrated in the public participation of our children. Halloween sees children and adults carving pumpkins and placing them in living room windows, lighted by a candle. Halloween sees children, younger children especially, rummaging through cardboard boxes of old cloths, or trying on their parents’ clothing. Imagination takes over and really quite remarkable creations take life!

All SaintsWith a pillowcase in hand (I always used a big pillowcase myself), and a mask or some make-up to obscure recognition, children escape into the dark of the street. Accompanied by a parent, or in the company of friends, they begin their exploration of their neighbourhood. Doorbells are rung. A door is opened. Perhaps the person who answers will call them by name. And it’s great fun not to have been recognized! Especially if they have called the occupant by name, and they still weren’t recognized! They retreat down the walkway and head up the street to find another doorbell. With good and generous neighbours, pillowcases might end up half full by the end of the evening. Enough sweets to last a week or even longer, with careful management!

Tired after the excursion, the sorting of sweets, and perhaps the shrewd trading with brothers and sisters for favourites, ghosts, ghouls and hobgoblins turn in for the night, thinking that it’s all over.

It isn’t all over.

All Hallows’ Eve is the beginning of the observance by the Church known as All Saints’ Day. As a community of faith, we remember those of our number who have died, and as Christians have given us a focus in what we know as the Communion of Saints. The Scriptures proclaim, and the Creeds affirm, and we believe that those who have died in the faith of Jesus Christ continue in the fellowship we enjoy with God. In the Communion, we say that we join the company of “angels, archangels and the whole company of heaven.” In the most ancient of Christian hymns, we join our voices to sing, “Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might, heaven and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna in the highest.” The Book of Alternative Services explains that the whole company of heaven means “all your saints who have served you in every age.”

It isn’t all over.

That includes the saints we know from early times, of course. But it also includes many more that remain unknown to us. There are, however, many saints who have served God in our age. They may include our grandparents, our parents, possibly our sisters and brothers. They may include our neighbours and our friends. Certainly, they include all that have been baptized and have died. Is it small wonder that they unwittingly wear their parents’ clothes? Is it small wonder that they search the trunk holding spats and dresses and wide lapel suit jackets; old felt hats and hats decorated with feathers? The joy and glee of costumed youngsters helps us reflect on our baptism and the special relationship and grace that are ours as God’s gift to us.

When we mistakenly limit the scope and the self-consciousness of Halloween and attribute the festival to the forces of darkness, we celebrate ignorance. Certainly, there are those who do not know the association of the Communion of Saints with the stealth of neighbourly visitation. It is our opportunity and responsibility to inform others that God’s grace fills our lives, and the lives of those who have gone before us, with the generosity and largesse mirrored by the pillowcases filled by neighbours.

We can choose to be superstitious. And that choice is made by many that wish to exalt the power of darkness. However, we have another choice: the recognition of the fellowship that is held up by Paul, when he wrote to the Church in Rome. “I am persuaded,” he wrote, “that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:38-40

Copyright © James T. Irvine
Used with permission

Canon Jim Irvine is a retired priest in the Diocese of Fredericton.