Certificate in Stewardship 2025

The Certificate in Stewardship is a learning opportunity beginning in early 2025. The Dean of Fredericton invites individuals to join him in a local learning group for 7 or 8 sessions with the goal of exploring Time, Talent, Trust, Treasure, Terrain, Theology, and Thanks as it pertains to the topic of Christian Stewardship. A workbook and teaching videos will help guide the study. For those wishing to obtain the certificate, completion of a written or video assignment is required near the end of the sessions. Others may decide to audit and not submit the final assignment.

Offered through distance education at Atlantic School of Theology, the local learning group is welcome to pace itself with a recommendation of completion by Spring on 2025. AST has this to say about the program:

AST’s Certificate in Stewardship is available to anyone. People who work or volunteer in the charitable sector, non-profits, university, government, education, church, and other fields will benefit, as well as anyone who would simply like to do some learning and personal growth. As long as you have Internet access and a device that allows you to open a document, watch videos, and prepare a short final assignment, you can take this program.

Local Learning Groups may be organized and start at any time, according to the time frame determined by the designated leader.

For each of the seven components, there is a module that includes:

    • Pre-recorded video teaching materials (one hour per module)
    • A list of recommended materials for further learning
    • Reflection questions (or discussion questions for group settings)
    • A final integrative assignment (written or video)

For more information visit Atlantic School of Theology or specifically the Certificate in Stewardship information page.

Contact the Dean of Fredericton or the Cathedral Office if you would like to discuss participation.

Resignation of the Archbishop of Canterbury

Archbishop of CanterburyHaving sought the gracious permission of His Majesty The King, I have decided to resign as Archbishop of Canterbury.

The Makin Review has exposed the long-maintained conspiracy of silence about the heinous abuses of John Smyth.

When I was informed in 2013 and told that police had been notified, I believed wrongly that an appropriate resolution would follow.

It is very clear that I must take personal and institutional responsibility for the long and retraumatising period between 2013 and 2024.

It is my duty to honour my Constitutional and church responsibilities, so exact timings will be decided once a review of necessary obligations has been completed, including those in England and in the Anglican Communion.

I hope this decision makes clear how seriously the Church of England ... read more

Other useful links

Acting primate reiterates commitment to safe church after Welby resigns over handling of abuse scandal

A Statement from the Secretary General of the Anglican Communion

 

Continue reading

Preparation for Confirmation, Reaffirmation or Reception

We hope to put together a group that will begin prepartion for Confirmation, the Raffirmation of Faith or Reception later in November or early December 2024.

The Holy Spirit bestows seven gifts—wisdom, understanding, knowledge, fortitude, counsel, piety, and fear of the Lord—to assist us in our mission and witness. Confirmation is the opportunity for the baptized to deep our baptismal life calling us to be missionary witnesses of Jesus Christ in our families, neighborhoods, society, and the world. Confirmation is a personal, public confession of the Faith made especially by those who were baptized as as a child.

Read more about Confirmation, Reaffirmation and Reception or the other pages linked under Groups and Community > Sacaments / Services

A Reaffirmation of Faith is for those who have in the past been confirmed but wish to renew that commitment by walking with others in preparation and a review of the basics of the Christian faith. It is often significantly enlightening for those who may have studied the catechism earlier in their life but now, from yet another perspective, are able to take a fresh look at what it means to be Christian.

Reception refers to making a similar commitment before the Bishop having been confirmed in another Christian denomination. It is an opportunity to publically and "officially" be received into the Anglican Communion and while far from necessary to participate in the Anglican Church, can be a meaningful way to express one's faith and again, participate with others as they journey through study forward in faith.

Baptism is the sacrament (sign) of membership in the Body of Christ. All of the other Sacraments serve to strengthen us in the primary relationships we celebrate and recongnize in baptism. The baptismal covenant, commitments, vows and promises made at baptism are answers to fundamental questions about what we believe and are asked of those who proclaim Christian faith as disciples of Jesus Christ:

  • Do you renounce Satan and all the spiritual forces of wickedness that rebel against God?
  • Do you renounce the evil powers of this world which corrupt and destroy the creatures of God?
  • Do you renounce all sinful desires that draw you from the love of God?
  • Do you turn to Jesus Christ and accept him as your Saviour?
  • Do you put your whole trust in his grace and love?
  • Do you promise to obey him as your Lord?
  • Do you believe in God the Father?
  • Do you believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of God?
  • Do you believe in the Holy Spirit?
  • Will you continue in the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in the prayers?
  • Will you persevere in resisting evil and, whenever you fall into sin, repent and return to the Lord?
  • Will you proclaim by word and example the good news of God in Christ?
  • Will you seek and serve Christ in all persons, loving your neighbour as yourself?
  • Will you strive for justice and peace among all people, and respect the dignity of every human being?
  • Will you strive to safeguard the integrity of God’s creation and respect, sustain, and renew the life of the earth?

See the Book of Alternative Services (page 151 ff)

Read through the Catechism in the Book of Common Prayer (p. 554) or in a more contemporary form in the Episcopal Prayer Book (An Outline of the Faith on page 845)

 

Careless Walking by Brent White

This summer the Notable Acts Theatre Festival was 'Taking it to the Streets.'

"Careless Walking" by Brent White was one of six winners in "Street Scenes: Site Specific Plays," part of the 2024 Notable Acts Summer Theatre Festival.

Upper Canadian tourist and tech exec Evans Brockhurst, a man determined to disrupt all the paradigms with his new, cutting-edge technology, runs afoul of the local constabulary in the tech-averse Luddite haven of Fredericton, NB. His crime: walking while using his cellphone. Will his fancy devices and team of lawyers get him out of this jam, or will analogue rule (and digital rue) the day?

Directed by Len Falkenstein
Featuring Isaac Gilbert, Kaylee MacNeil, Esther Soucoup, and Kat Hall
Videographer Clarissa Andersen-White

Location: the SE corner of Church and King streets.

Careless Walking 1
Careless Walking 2

Writer's Note:

"Careless Walking" tackles a big issue we are facing in society: how do we deal with the extraordinary force and societal transformation stemming from the technology revolution?

From the rise of a handful of what we may well call monopolists - Amazon, Apple, Google, Facebook to the fears provoked, by the rapid developments in Artificial Intelligence and robotics, to our discussions of smartphones in the classroom, various observers have tried to motivate their readers about our need to control big tech, its billionaire class, and the internet, if we still can.

My short play portrays a fictional Fredericton that has formed an island of resistance, so to speak, against this sea of change.

Hopefully, this play will bring the audience a few smiles, while at the same time leaving it with something to think about.

Brent White

Bishop and Chapter News – October 2024

Bishop and Chapter met on 15 October 2024 with 8 of 12 members present. Minutes of 17 September 2024 were adopted with thanks to J. Hand. “The Facilitator” by R. Schulte (the Center for Parish Development) was circulated in advance and briefly discussed. The author explored ways a leader can help a team with their work and the benefits to team members of doing so

FROM THE DEAN

Cathedral

• the usual summary of meetings and ministry since the last meeting of Chapter was delivered. Legal documents clarifying land title for the Cathedral were signed. A fall donation to the Anglican Foundation will be sent as per our recent usual practice. The Dean reiterated that of our 17 or so +/- 10% givers we have lost at least three over the last two years

Diocesan

• meetings of Diocesan Council, Synod Finance Committee; Synod Planning

Up-coming

• Greater Chapter 16 October. Diocesan Synod is 02 November

CORRESPONDENCE

• Atlantic School of Theology - fall request for financial support

DECISION

Giving Policy Funds - Chapter concurs with removing the Parish Nurse Pledge Campaign from our current list of funds

Replacement of Cathedral Furnace - that we withdraw monies from investment (Mary L. Boyce bequest) to replace the Cathedral furnace ASAP (approx $70,000) and apply to saveenergyNB for a potential portion rebate. There may be one Sunday without heat

DISCUSSION

Clarification with Synod - needed to aid in budgeting, determining ongoing maintenance and requirements in the future.

REPORTS

Nominating - an additional member of Chapter required for membership. One current chapter vacancy in Christian Formation.

Finance and Administration - D. Lewis engaged as sexton 01 October; Parish Nurse Pledge Campaign no longer exists; continue finalizing the Cathedral staff handbook; stewardship team (subcommittee) has been inactive for over a year

Welcome and Hospitality - organizing Safe Church training for 17 October; working on risk management Safe Church documentation

Health / Pastoral Care - potential for a fall blood pressure clinic on a Sunday; places to assist with an Anglican Church Women fall event; discussion about the installation of an automated external defibrillator (AED) at the Hall - estimated cost $1800-2600

Mission / Outreach - food cupboard has been installed (NW) by Mothers’ Union; Belize student scholarships and support for St. Hilda’s School has been sent ($5000 plus wiring fees); Christmas Angels programme to be organized by Kirsten McKnight and Claudia Vargus; Drop-in on the last Monday of the month will change to 9:30 a.m.

Treasurer - several statements and reports submitted for consideration including offerings by month, investment fund summary and Revenue vs Expense. September: Year to date Income - $432,841 Expenses - $478,804 Total deficit year to date (-$45,243)

Fredericton Cathedral Foundation - continuing work on legal articles of incorporation, land title clarifications, application for charitable status and the church’s operational requirements. No further word from the City regarding involvement

UPCOMING

• Next meeting - 17 November 2024
• Diocesan Synod - 02 November 2024

GMH

 

5 Real Tips for Tired Couples — Prepare-Enrich

“I’m so tired.”

It can seem like being tired is just part of being an adult. You’ve got things to do, places to be, and only so much time for sleep. Sometimes your season of life dictates whether you’re getting enough of sleep, and it’s hard to change. Other times, you have more control over the situation.

While being tired is a normal part of life for many, the reality is that when you’re both exhausted, neither of you are at your best. You might be irritable, moody, overly sensitive, critical, or defensive. Your communication skills suffer, and you simply don’t have much left in the tank for each other. It goes without saying that this can be detrimental to your marriage over time. Want to avoid damage to your relationship? Grab a cup of coffee and check out these realistic tips.Prepare-Enrich

1. Assess the situation.

If you’re in agreement that tiredness is taking its toll, determine whether you’re able to make any lifestyle changes to better allocate your energy. It may be that you’re simply in an exhausting phase of life, whether it’s due to having young children, demanding jobs or schedules, caring for other family members, etc. However, if you find that you are able to tweak your daily commitments and activities to allow you to get more rest, that’s great. Come up with a plan to make those adjustments ...  read more at Prepare-Enrich

 

2024 Thanksgiving Pastoral Letter

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Thanksgiving 2024
Christ Church Cathedral, Fredericton NB

This is my Father’s world, and to my listening ears
all nature sings and round me rings the music of the spheres.
This is my Father’s world. I rest me in the thought
of rocks and trees, and skies and seas,
his hand the wonders wrought.

This is my Father’s world – O let me ne’re forget
that though the wrong seems oft so strong God is the Ruler yet.
This is my Father’s world! The battle is not done;
Jesus who died shall be satisfied,
And earth and heav’n be one.
M.D. Babcock

Dear Friends,

I remember singing those words in my youth. At one time I had named it my favourite hymn. I suppose initially it was the tune that held my attention but the meaning of the words has grown. We live in an awesome world, created by an awesome God. Beauty abounds. Complexity amazes. The glory of God shows through in creation. Recent events have proven some other words of that hymn too. The “wrong seems oft so strong.” We do need to remember, especially during misfortune, uncertain and trying times, “God is the Ruler yet.”

Human nature is such that we often fail to recognize the importance of what we take for granted until it’s removed. It is not until liberty is threatened that we begin to realize what it means to be free. We may not remember how wonderful it is to be fed until we are hungry. When death approaches we see life. The gifts freely given, especially in nature, are among those we too often overlook. It’s the purpose of celebrations of harvest and the Christian prayers which “round us ring” at this time of year that urge us to be mindful of just how glorious those gifts really are. God’s heart is pleased to hear expressions of thanksgiving in the midst of the bountiful creation.

The hymn also reminds me of just how in touch with reality our Christian practices of worship are when we celebrate the sacraments. All of the human senses are employed as the sacraments point to the most basic of God’s gifts, especially those we take most for granted. Water in baptism conveys the refreshing cleansing of the grace of God; bread and wine in the eucharist remind us of the nourishment which sustains; the sign of the cross in absolution should bring to mind the great price paid for us by the Saviour. There’s something very sacramental in sincere words of thanksgiving. Using the very things God has given, the stuff of the earth, we convey by their right and responsible use a kind of appreciation which is both pleasing to God and up-building for the community he calls into his presence.

For many, “Thanksgiving” is a day off work or school. Let the important symbols speak in your life as we gather to celebrate sacramentally the blessing of creation and our place in it. We’ll follow a regular schedule of worship (8 and 10:30 a.m.) on Sunday October 14th set in the context of harvest thanksgiving. You are invited and encouraged to make a special effort to join your church family to sing praises to the Maker of All. As always, if you are unable to be physically present and to make your Communion, remember us in your prayers, and please do not hesitate to contact me or the Cathedral Office to make arrangements to have it brought to wherever you may be.

Yours sincerely,

Give Now

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

 

Bishop and Chapter News – September 2024

Bishop and Chapter met on 17 September 2024 with 9 of 12 members present. Minutes of 18 June and 28 August 2024 were adopted. The meeting on 28 August was used to discuss initial work being done on the proposed Fredericton Cathedral Foundation. A “SWOT Analysis” was discussed identifying strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats identifying our reality in each category

FROM THE DEAN

Cathedral

• the Dean offered the usual summary of activity since the last regular meeting on 18 June. Vacation was 08 July - 04 August.

Diocesan

• meetings of Synod Finance Committee; Synod Planning

Up-coming

• 2 funerals upcoming; 30 September - Truth and Reconciliation

FOLLOW-UP on DECISION

Restoration Trust Fund - amended version posted

• Fredericton Cathedral Foundation

- R. Crowe continues work on a document describing a relationship with a Cathedral Foundation yet to be formed

• Safe Church - deadlines agreed upon

- 31 December - training for groups and committees, completion of risk assessments by all groups.

- 31 March: position profiles for volunteers, groups and committees, action plans resulting from the assessment of risk

DISCUSSION

Cathedral boiler requires attention. Several options, two of which were discussed: repair ($23,000) or replacement ($63,000). Further consideration and study, including funding possibilities required

REPORTS

Nominating - one chapter vacancy remains (Christian Formation)

Buildings and Property - 1) Cathedral boiler 2) Stairlift installation awaiting electrical upgrade 3) Floor tile scratches from Sprinkler maintenance being addressed 4) Hall janitor sink repair 5) Inquiry from Diabetes Canada about installing an outside clothing bin

Finance and Administration - Second round of Sexton interviews complete with hiring expected this week. Help on the Safe Church working group is needed. Need to clarify understandings re Synod and Bishop’s Offices

Welcome and Hospitality - corn boil 15 September. Future events in view. Sunday refreshments continue. Considering Safe Church commitments

Health / Pastoral Care - the chair inquired as to specific direction from the Chapter

Mission / Outreach - Food cupboard to be installed by Mothers’ Union; Monday morning outreach avg 60 attendees; mid-year funds sent to St. Hilda’s Belize - need to explore interest in a Belize mission trip; one request through Benevolence Policy processed; volunteers always needed

Worship - frequency of Sunday Evensong is being questioned

Treasurer - statements for June, July and August were presented. August: Year to date Income - $391,504 Expenses - $435,913 Total deficit year to date (-$44,409)

All committee chairs issue an invitation to become involved in ongoing activities and ministries. If you have an interest in becoming more engaged, please speak to a member of Bishop and Chapter

UPCOMING

GMH

New Worldwide President of Mothers’ Union

Congratulations to Kathleen Snow on the announcement of her election as the new President of the Worldwide Mother's Union. The announcement was made via the mothersunion.org on September 3rd.

Mothers' UnionThe new volunteer board, which will assume office in January 2025, remains women-led and reflects the diversity of our worldwide movement, with trustees from nine different countries. United they will continue to advance Mothers’ Union’s vision to end poverty, violence, and social injustice in communities worldwide.

Leading the new Board will be Worldwide President Elect, Kathleen Snow from Canada. Kathleen has served on the Board for six years as the Zonal Trustee for the Americas and has been a volunteer facilitator for the worldwide parenting programme and the Mothers’ Union Listens, Observes and Acts (MULOA) consultation, which engaged 200,000 members globally. She is also the Chair of the MU Development Committee, overseeing programmes like the transformational literacy initiative that empowers women and breaks the cycle of poverty.

Accepting the role, Kathleen commented “This is humbling, and a great honour. I look forward to working with members and staff to continue to build God’s Kingdom through Mothers’ Union. I am particularly excited that, as we carry forward the torch in January, we will be building on the firm foundations of our transformational programme work. Just this week we are starting a new campaign, speaking up to right the injustice which means that, still today, 765 million adults cannot read or write, 2/3rds of them women, meaning they are unable to read medicine bottles, register the birth of a child, vote or ensure they get the correct change in the market.

For the entire announcement visit mothersunion.org.

National Indigenous Bishop visits September 15th

Council of Indigenous PeoplesNational Indigenous Archbishop Chris Harper will visit the Diocese of Fredericton in September this year and will preach at the Cathedral at 10:30 a.m. on 15 September.

The Anglican Council of Indigenous Peoples of the Anglican Church of Canada began the search for the National Indigenous Anglican Bishop (NIAB) in 2005. appointing the first in the spring of 2007 with the installation held during the General Synod of 2007 in Winnipeg. The Elder’s of Indigenous Ministry gave the Archbishop five charges:

    1. To speak for Indigenous Anglican People in the Councils of the Church
    2. To interpret what the Councils of the Church are saying to Indigenous people
    3. To be a spokesperson for Mother Earth
    4. To act as a midwife for a self-determining Indigenous Church
    5. To represent the authority of Indigenous identity within the Anglican Church of Canada

The national Indigenous Anglican archbishop is the presiding elder of the Sacred Circle. Indigenous Ministries of the General Synod supports the Indigenous Peoples of Canada (First Nations, Inuit, and Métis) spiritually, socially, economically and politically recognizing that the purity of the land base provides for all our needs. As active participants in the life of the church, the Council of Indigenous Peoples strives for reconciliation with the Anglican Communion and works towards Indigenous self-determination.

At the announcement of his appointment in late 2022, Primate Linda Nichols said, “Archbishop-elect Chris Harper brings years of experience in ministry among and with Indigenous Anglicans, urban and on reserve,” she said. “He has a passion for walking together with respect that will be essential as the Sacred Circle within the Anglican Church of Canada establishes its way forward.”

Archbishop Harper is the son of a residential school survivor, a Plains Cree and worked as an emergency medical technician before earning his certificate of Indigenous Anglican theology from James Settee College in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan. He received his master’s of divinity degree from Wycliffe College in 2005 and was priested the same year. In 2016 Harper was appointed as Indigenous native priest for the diocese of Toronto, a role he held until his election as bishop of Saskatoon in 2018. He has served on numerous committees of the church including the Council of General Synod, and is a member of Sacred Circle.

Learn more about the role of the Indigenous Archbishop of the Anglican Church of Canada.