Christ Church Cathedral is thankful to God for the opportunity to hold in-person worship once again. We'll be celebrating the Holy Eucharist at 8 and 10:30 am this Sunday.
At the outset, your participation is completely at your discretion. If you are uncomfortable with attendance, please do not feel apologetic. We will be doing our best to reduce risks.
Please note that according to the Cathedral Operational Plan, reservations are required to attend worship. Our maximum capacity, within physical distancing requirements, is about 60 bubbles (+/- 80 individuals). Please use the signup, if at all possible, to reserve your "bubble." Alternatively, you can call (506) 406-2548 and leave a message.
A "bubble" is an individual or a group considered "close friends and family" as defined by the NB Provincial Department of Health Recovery Plan. Reservation is necessary due to our capacity and the current requirement that religious gatherings maintain accurate attendance logs for contact tracing should that become necessary. Thanks for your cooperation even in the face of what we might consider inconvenience. Let’s stay safe!
View "When We Gather" -- the ten things you need to know for in-person worship at Christ Church Cathedral.
Sunday, 05 July 8:00 am Holy Eucharist (BCP) Sunday, 05 July 10:30 am Holy Eucharist (BAS) Wednesday, 08 July 10:00 am Holy Eucharist (BCP)
Sunday, 12 July 8:00 am Holy Eucharist (BCP) Sunday, 12 July 10:30 am Come Worship Eucharist
Sunday, 19 July 8:00 am Holy Eucharist (BCP) Sunday, 19 July 10:30 am Holy Eucharist (BCP) Wednesday, 22 July 10:00 am Holy Eucharist (BCP)
Sunday, 29 July 8:00 am Holy Eucharist (BCP) Sunday, 29 July 10:30 am Come Worship Eucharist
The schedule will follow the July pattern in August, should circumstances remain the same.
Please visit the Worship Signup to reserve attendance or to schedule for worship duties. It's not necessary to do both.
At some point, we may need some volunteers to attend to cleaning requirements between gatherings. Those needs will be listed in the signup if / when they arise.
If Signup.com proves to be difficult for too many, we'll investigate other online reservation possibilities. Automating this process is significant in our ability to efficiently create the required attendance check lists / logs.
Find the Cathedral Operational Plan here: (cccath.ca ➙ Groups and Community tab ➙ Documents and Forms ➙ Cathedral Pandemic Operational Plan). Refresh your browser tab or window to assure you have the most current version.
Links to the Cathedral Calendar and Cathedral Signups - are in the top right corner of our website.
Beginning in-person worship
Christ Church Cathedral, Fredericton NB
19 June 2020
A joke has gone somewhat “viral” on social media in Christian circles over the last few weeks. The Dean’s version follows.
A young Christian man, relatively new to the faith, was approached by the “father of lies,” Satan himself, just after the onset of the announcement of a pandemic caused by the nova coronavirus leading to lock down in early 2020. “Take that!” said the devil. “I’ve singlehandedly closed all of your churches with one tiny virus!” “On the contrary,” replied the young man. “You’ve singlehandedly opened churches in every home of every one who calls themselves a Christian!”
Many are asking, “When can we return?” All of us long for what was. We took our normal all too much for granted when it was ours and we suddenly find ourselves in a different world. That’s not to suggest with any certainty that “things” won’t one day return to what we remember. But we have been called to alert. The possibility and even likelihood of pandemic has always been nearer than most are willing to admit. With the particular illness of the current pandemic our health, especially the health of our most vulnerable, is at stake and that we need to continue to take it very seriously.
A Cathedral task group has been hard at work to examine information available to us including from public health officials and our own local situation to determine our best and safest response to the current circumstance. We need to minimize risk while at the same time be conscious of the spiritual needs of the Cathedral and the wider community and continue to be who we are. We can not officially be out of step with what is recommended and required by public health, knowingly or unthinkingly puting any at risk.
We have lots of advice and good information about how we can begin to gather safely. Initially there is no suggestion that, nor can we, simply return to what most of us consider “normal.”
As of this writing, the Bishop and Chapter has concurred with recommendations of the Task Group that we begin with celebrations of the Holy Eucharist, every other Wednesday, beginning on 24 June (The Feast of St. John the Baptist). This or any future gatherings will need to adhere to direction found in the then current “Operational Plan.” The Plan is a requirement of the NB Department of Health and will guide us as we gather safely. Modifications to it will be made as appropriate and necessary.
We all need to be aware – in-person worship is not going to look or feel like what we remember, at least not initially. What will be different?
• anyone with a symptom of any illness needs to stay home
• total participant limits assured by a system of reservation for worship
• face masks will be worn by members of the congregation at all times
• strict screening before entry
• physical distancing (2 metres) maintained at all times
• frequent hand washing, use of hand sanitizer and not touching surfaces unnecessarily
• strict protocols in the administration of the Sacrament
• no food or refreshments served or shared
• socializing only from a distance and preferably outside
Hoping to offer as much clarity as possible, the following step by step guide may be of help. If your wish and intention is to attend worship at Christ Church Cathedral, these are 10 things you need to know:
1. Self-monitor. If you have any reason whatsoever to believe that you have an illness, stay at home, even if you have successfully reserved as a participant
2. Reserve. Visit the Cathedral Worship Sign-up (Cathedral website – top right corner “Cathedral Signups” Signup as “Worship Participant” for the desired event. If you haven’t signed up before you’ll be asked for your email address. If you’re signing up for more than one person, please leave a comment with the details. There is a maximum number.
OR telephone (506) 406-2548 and leave a voicemail message indicating:
1) your name 2) your telephone number 3) the service you wish to attend
Reservations should be made before 8:00 p.m. on the previous day and telephone requests will be confirmed by phone.
Reservations are on a first-come, first-served basis. Consideration will be given to those who have not been able to attend due to limitations
3. Enter. Greeters will answer questions and instruct you about what you need to know
4. Face mask. If at all possible, it is preferred that you bring your own non-medical face mask and begin wearing it before you enter the Cathedral. Face masks cannot be worn by some. Be accommodating of those without them
5. Screening. Read the posted screening questions. If you answer “yes” to any of the questions, please do not enter. A greeter will ask for confirmation
6. Seating. Follow the direction of Greeters regarding seating beginning to fill pews from the front
7. Materials. There will be no prayer books or hymn books in the pews. If materials are considered required, they will be available for pickup upon entry. Please take them home with you
8. Communion. At Communion, approach in one line in the centre aisle, observing physical distance markings. Return to your pew by way of the side aisles. The host will be safely delivered in your hands
9. Exit. After worship, Greeters will direct exit beginning from pews at the back
10. Socializing. Outdoors only and observe physical distancing (2 metres)
As we make our first attempts to organize in-person gatherings, we’ll continue to monitor public health protocols, what works and what does not and adjust our Plan and processes accordingly.
At least some of the volunteer needs we’ll have as we begin are listed here. As we progress, these are likely to increase. Training will be provided. Please contact a member of the Operational Plan Task Group, leave your offer at the worship reservation phone number or watch Cathedral Signups for opportunities to help.
Special tasks Cleaning and sanitation
Reservation administration
The Task Group
Wayne Burley (506) 440-8663
Thomas Gonder (506) 230-4968
Geoffrey Hall (506) 450-7761
Catherine MacDonald (506) 209-1226
Kathleen Snow (506) 461-8201
Mike Toole (506) 455-4530
Bishop and Chapter met 15 June 2020 by video conference with 11 of 14 members present. The Dean lead a devotional (Get Moving! “In the matter of drudgery,”) by Oswald Chambers with associated scripture. Minutes of 20 April 2020 were adopted.
Business Arising
10 am refreshments (Worship and Hospitality) - no development
Project 2045 - pandemic isolation preventing progress but cooperation with the Diocesan Synod is noted
Housing First land transfer - transfer documentation complete
Committee detailed budgets - some committees confirmed
Corporate worship - Operational Plan Task Group presented a current version of the Plan. Beginning 24 June, every other Wednesday, 10:00 a.m. Eucharist proposed for now. Information and update to congregation will be circulated soon
From the Dean
Activities and ministry according to the “new normal” with more and more happening by video conference. During the last month: weekly staff meetings, daily offices, Sunday worship by YouTube, audio podcasts and various committee meetings both Cathedral and diocesan. Six meetings of the Operational Plan Task Group. One committal, one grave-side funeral, continuing contacts as possible.
Decision
Property Committee - terms of reference and membership adopted
Reports
Treasurer - To 31 May we have stepped up to the appeal for offerings. Wage subsidy received from Federal Government $23,580. Funds held as designated: $39,602. To date, expenses exceed income by $4,319. The request continues for financial support and to maintain offerings. Thanks to all for the response and exceptional effort made thus far.
Property - work plan well defined with a number of issues pending: steeple roof repair, water leaks in the nave, choir door steps, bishop’s graves, windows, 10 year repair plan to be refreshed
Health and Pastoral Care - telephone network calls continue. Health Ministry committee met 27 May.
Worship - 11:45 music recording this week. Continuing with YouTube worship on Sundays. Mostly focussed on requirements of our Operational Plan. Consultation regarding video equipment needed
Christian Formation - Faith Alive! Class 27 May. “Faith Forward” will coordinate various opportunities for Cathedral members to become involved in a faith building/faith formation series of activities. Taizé worship continues Thursdays at 5:30 p.m. God Is Indestructible study during Thy Kingdom Come with about 12 attendees.
Mission and Outreach - Community Kitchen teams cannot serve during pandemic protocols. Student Scholarships ($4000) and St. Hilda’s School support ($1000) scheduled for September. Outreach vouchers next on 29 June, Hall steps only.
Finance and Administration - Cathedral and office phones now on VOIP (voice over Internet protocol) system. Photocopier is operational. Continue to attempt establishing e-transfer as a giving option. About 60 letters encouraging giving were sent and response was very positive. 2019 year end financial review engagement included several recommendations requiring followup. Stewardship Team has a narrative budget for 2021 on its agenda.
Upcoming
24 June 2020 - 10:00 a.m. Wednesday Holy Eucharist with Operational Plan protocols in place
Someone recently asked a church member when they expected their church to "re-open." They responded with, "I didn't know it was closed!"
Just because doors of a building are locked doesn't mean we're closed. Over the days of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have been forcefully reminded that "the Church" is not the building.
"The response of the Cathedral to the reminder that our financial commitments remain, even during a pandemic, is very encouraging and to be commended," said Dean Hall. "Many if not most of our usual ministries continue and there are many in new forms and disguises. We continue to be the Church and the financial support of our membership to the on-going ministry of the Cathedral needs to be recognized."
"While ceasing corporate worship and bringing in-person gatherings to a halt at Christ Church Cathedral was challenging," said Dean Geoffrey Hall, "re-opening and meeting new safety requirements is going to be the far more difficult task. We've learned many lessons along the way about how to be the Church even when not physically present to one another, and there are many lessons left to learn as we move towards what's often referred to as the new normal."
Following NB Health guidelines and implementing requirements and restrictions is going to need the co-operation of everybody. Summing up most of those requirements as they apply to the Cathedral is a detailed "operational plan" describing how we will proceed with gathering. The organization and the safeguards that will be in place need to be documented and understood.
What might be most challenging for us all is what the "new normal" is going to look like. Some of us are eager to return to gathering but at the same time, we need to be very conscious of keeping everyone as safe as possible. Physical distance and number maximums are going to introduce challenging aspects needing our full attention. No corporate singing, sharing of food (or hugs), or socializing, is going to make "church" look and feel very different. And, it's all still changing rapidly making the need to stay in step with what health authorities are telling us imperative.
We're not in any rush to open things up.
Among the changes we can expect are: the need to reserve for worship attendance, screening procedures upon entrance, directed seating, face masks, no corporate singing, and closely followed protocols around the administration and making of Communion.
"None of this is outside of our capability," said Dean Hall. "It's just going to need to be well planned, administered and maintained. We're not in any rush to open things up. We'll do it when we're ready, when we're confident we can minimize risk and can assure the safety of all."
Part of that process is creating the detailed "operational plan" required to be on-site should the gathering be monitored by Provincial officials. We need to be able to illustrate that we have carefully planned and be able to account for the circumstances under which we gather, the implementation of safeguards, procedures and restrictions.
"The current lifting of restrictions for religious gatherings by NB Health (up to 50 indoors) is very generous," said the Dean. "We need to receive that gift with all manner of seriousness."
A task group has been at work over the last several weeks considering the details of the "operational plan." That group includes Wayne Burley, Catherine MacDonald, Kathleen Snow, Thomas Gonder, Mike Tool and the Dean of Fredericton. It's a document that will be ever-changing and adjusted. The most recent version will be at the same link on the Cathedral website.
"We need to express our thanks to these individuals so willing to put the time and effort into the planning needed on our behalf," said the Dean. "There will be need for volunteers for all sorts and descriptions of the new and necessary. Even what we've "always done" may need to be done differently. Please consider saying 'yes' to requests for help."
The operational plan is very close to completion (current version here) but decisions are still being considered and nothing is carved in stone. Information should be available this week regarding our way forward.
It was the story of a community choir rehearsal in Mount Vernon, Washington, that sent shockwaves through the choral community. Sixty-one members of the choir met for their rehearsal on March 10, 2020, as they had every Tuesday: one of the choristers had experienced cold-like symptoms for a few days and was later diagnosed with [...]
Bishop and Chapter met 20 April 2020 by video conference with 11 of 14 members present. The Dean shared chapter summaries from “God Is Indestructible: 12 Responses to the Relevance Crisis of Christianity” (Christian Schwarz -Natural Church Development). One of the most common claims is that Christianity has become “irrelevant.” Invitation to virtual group study with the Dean during Thy Kingdom Come (21-31 May 2020). Minutes of 20 April 2020 were adopted.
Business Arising
10 am refreshments (Worship and Hospitality) - no development
Project 2045 - pandemic isolation has prevented progress
Housing First land transfer - moving toward completion
Committee detailed budgets - discussion regarding how much “detail” - current coded line items in the financial statement
Staff payroll - to continue, monitored by Executive
From the Dean
Staff continues to work as possible remotely with the exception of Fran and Lou who are engaging in some work on-site and behind locked doors. The Dean regretfully received a letter from Fran Miles notifying of her intention to retire as of 30 June 2020. VOIP phone and photocopier installed. The need for an operational plan for re-opening will require a task group. Phone visits, Sunday worship and sermons streamed and podcasted, daily offices, meetings of staff and several committees have met virtually. Diocesan work continues including meetings of bishop and clergy regarding reopening plans. Invitation to the congregation to study “God Is Indestructible.”
Decision
Restoration Fund By-law - adopted. Directs the purpose and use of funds given in trust for the purpose of Cathedral “restoration.”
Pandemic Operational Plan -Using a diocesan template and guided by NB Public Health a working group to be assembled (membership recommended) to consider the many aspects of a gradual reopening.
Insurance - May renewal on the Diocesan programme (25% savings)
Office Administrator - group to consider process, timing and details re staff vacancy. Need to organize thanks to Fran for many years of faithful ministry and service was recognized
Reports
Treasurer - Offerings holding up, but need continued encouragement. Expenses lower. Waiting word on our application for Apr-May-June federal wage subsidy. Monthly projections to end of July look OK. Cashflow needs to be closely monitored. Decisions may be needed
Property - recent contact with members addressing needs ad hoc including securing the outside mail slot. Waxing of floors in process
Welcome and Hospitality - potentially a role in planning our formal thanks to Fran Miles. Activities considered during re-opening
Health and Pastoral Care - the ministry continues with regular contact with isolated individuals and support where possible. The Dean visits by phone. Communion not yet available
Worship - will contribute to operational plan regarding re-opening from pandemic restrictions. Music Group recording session last week.
Christian Formation - virtual Taizé continues to end of May. Some virtual fatigue may be realized. Faith Alive planning a last teaching session
Mission and Outreach - S. Mayo announced military deployment July-December. Others will oversee areas of ministry while he is away. Outreach vouchers distributed on the last Monday of the month.
Finance and Administration - Phone and photocopier. Restoration by-law. Insurance review. Future agenda - staff vacancy, narrative budget, 2020 financial review engagement recommendation follow up
Upcoming
Ascension Day (21 May) Thy Kingdom Come (21-31 May), Pentecost
Thursday (21 May) Ascension of the Lord
Morning Psalm 8, 47; Ezekiel 1:1–14, 24–28b; Hebrews 2:5–18
Evening Psalm 24, 96; Daniel 7:9–14; Matthew 28:16–20
Saturday (30 May) Roberta Elizabeth Tilton, Women’s Auxiliary, 1925 /
Eve of Pentecost
Morning Psalm 107:33-43, 108:1-6, (7-13); Ezekiel 36:22-27; Eph 6:10-24
Evening Psalm 33; Exodus 19:3–8a, 16–20; 1 Peter 2:4–10
Sunday (31 May) Day of Pentecost
Morning Psalm 118; Deuteronomy 16:9-12; Acts 4:18-21, 23-33
Evening Psalm Ps 145; Isaiah 11:1-9; John 4:19-26
DAILY SHORT READINGS
FRIDAY AFTER ASCENSION
As it is, we do not yet see everything in subjection to human beings, but we do see Jesus, who for a little while was made lower than the angels, now crowned with glory and honour because of the suffering of death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone. It was fitting that God, for whom and through whom all things exist, in bringing many children to glory, should make the pioneer of their salvation perfect through sufferings. Hebrews 2.8b-10
SATURDAY AFTER ASCENSION
I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8.38,39
SUNDAY AFTER ASCENSION
On the last day of the festival, the great day, while Jesus was standing there, he cried out, ‘Let anyone who is thirsty come to me, and let the one who believes in me drink. As the scripture has said, “Out of the believer’s heart shall flow rivers of living water.”’ Now he said this about the Spirit, which believers in him were to receive. John 7.37-39a
MONDAY
Have you not known? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable. He gives power to the faint, and strengthens the powerless. Isaiah 40.28,29
TUESDAY
Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of services, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who activates all of them in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. 1 Corinthians 12.4-7
WEDNESDAY
I will pour out my spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, and your young men shall see visions. Even on the male and female slaves, in those days, I will pour out my spirit. Joel 2.28,29
THURSDAY
Jesus said, ‘Ask, and it will be given to you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened for you. For everyone who asks receives, and everyone who searches finds, and for everyone who knocks, the door will be opened. Is there anyone among you who, if your child asks for a fish, will give a snake instead of a fish? Or if the child asks for an egg, will give a scorpion? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!’ Luke 11.9-13
FRIDAY
In Christ every one of God’s promises is a ‘Yes.’ For this reason it is through him that we say the ‘Amen’, to the glory of God. But it is God who establishes us with you in Christ and has anointed us, by putting his seal on us and giving us his Spirit in our hearts as a first instalment. 2 Corinthians 1.20-22
SATURDAY
The Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And all of us, with unveiled faces, seeing the glory of the Lord as though reflected in a mirror, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another; for this comes from the Lord, the Spirit. 2 Corinthians 3.17,18
Daily Prayer Intentions
Thy Kingdom Come encourages every Christian to pray for 5 individuals so that they would know God's love for them in Christ
ASCENSION DAY The call to share our faith
For all Christians to have the confidence to share the good news of Jesus Christ.
FRIDAY AFTER ASCENSION Know God better
For all those who have lost sight of God, that they would see His love revealed in their lives.
SATURDAY AFTER ASCENSION Trust
For those who feel isolated and alone, that they will develop meaningful relationships through a childlike trust in God.
SUNDAY AFTER ASCENSION Forgiveness
For those in need of God’s mercy, that they will know the joy of his forgiveness.
MONDAY Openness
For the hearts of those we know and love to be more open to Christ who waits to be invited in.
TUESDAY Curiosity
For all those who are beginning to show an interest in matters of faith, that their curiosity will grow into a desire for the living God.
WEDNESDAY Seek
For those who seek God, that their search may lead them to find their heart’s desire.
THURSDAY Encounter
For us all to encounter the person of Jesus Christ and experience life lived to the full.
FRIDAY Freedom
For those who are held down by past experiences, hurt or pain, that they may know the freedom that Christ brings when we follow him.
SATURDAY Faith
For those who want to grow in faith, that we may all be filled with the hope of what is to come.
THE DAY OF PENTECOST Filled with the Holy Spirit
For the whole Church to be filled with the Holy Spirit ‘as by a new Pentecost.’
READINGS ON DISCIPLESHIP AND EVANGELISM
And now the Lord says, who formed me in the womb to be his servant, to bring Jacob back to him, and that Israel might be gathered to him, for I am honoured in the sight of the Lord, and my God has become my strength – he says, ‘It is too light a thing that you should be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob and to restore the survivors of Israel; I will give you as a light to the nations, that my salvation may reach to the end of the earth.’ Isaiah 49.5-6
Listen! Your sentinels lift up their voices, together they sing for joy; for in plain sight they see the return of the Lord to Zion. Break forth together into singing, you ruins of Jerusalem; for the Lord has comforted his people, he has redeemed Jerusalem. Isaiah 52.8-9
Many nations shall come and say: ‘Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob; that he may teach us his ways and that we may walk in his paths.’ For out of Zion shall go forth instruction, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem. He shall judge between many peoples, and shall arbitrate between strong nations far away; they shall beat their swords into ploughshares, and their spears into pruning-hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more. Micah 4.2-3
‘While God has overlooked the times of human ignorance, now he commands all people everywhere to repent, because he has fixed a day on which he will have the world judged in righteousness by a man whom he has appointed, and of this he has given assurance to all by raising him from the dead.’ Acts 17.30-31
From now on, therefore, we regard no one from a human point of view; even though we once knew Christ from a human point of view, we know him no longer in that way. So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new! 2 Corinthians 5.16-17
So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are citizens with the saints and also members of the household of God, built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the cornerstone. In him the whole structure is joined together and grows into a holy temple in the Lord. Ephesians 2.19-21
Jesus said, ‘You are the salt of the earth; but if salt has lost its taste, how can its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything, but is thrown out and trampled under foot. You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hidden. No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.’ Matthew 5.13-16
Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. When they saw him, they worshipped him; but some doubted. And Jesus came and said to them, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.’ Matthew 28.16-end
God Is Indestructible
12 Responses to the Relevance Crisis of Christianity (Christian A. Schwarz) Daily studies, weekdays at 4:00 p.m., during Thy Kingdom Come
New research from churches in eighty-six countries around the worldreveals that, throughout the last few years, there have been dramatic shiftsin Christianity. In this book, Christian A. Schwarz not only presents thesefindings for the first time, but also pleads for twelve practical reforms thatcould unshackle the relevancy of the Christian faith, restoring it as afascinating, transformative pursuit for people in our time.
Three main benefits:
Understand the background of the relevance crisis of Christianity
Learn 12 practical responses to dramatically increase the relevance of your church
Apply new ways of interaction between Christians and non-Christians
Introduction: Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s wake-up call
Chapter 1: Face the challenges of the global participation shift
Chapter 2: Re-define leadership
Chapter 3: Learn from both Eastern and Western Christianity
Chapter 4: Reclaim the New Testament reality of God’s energy
Chapter 5: Encounter the transpersonal dimension of God
Chapter 6: Acknowledge different spiritual styles
Chapter 7: Abandon the us/ them divide
Chapter 8: Communicate at eye level
Chapter 9: Defuse fundamentalist tendencies
Chapter 10: Update outdated notions about science and faith
Chapter 11: Embrace the 10/90 reality
Chapter 12: Pursue ongoing growth
We’ll gather by video conference for 7 sessions (considering two chapters each day) ending by 5:00 p.m.
Sign up for the sessions, preferably before 21 May 2020.
You’ll need the book!
“God Is Indestructible” is available in print format from Natural Church Development (NCD) Canada
OR
Upon sign up in the study classroom, the e-book will be available at a 10% discount in Kindle, .epub or .pdf formats.Arrangements for payment can be madethrough the Christ Church Cathedral. See the email to sign up.
WHO
Christian Schwarz is the leader of Natural Church Development, now a worldwide organization offering tools to help Christian church congregations toward greater health “naturally.”
WHAT and WHEN
On weekdays, 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., during Thy Kingdom Come (Thursday, 21 May to 31 May 2020) the Dean of Fredericton invites you to read and study “God Is Indestructible.” In seven “virtual” sessions, we’ll discuss two chapters per day. Ideally, join us using a device with a microphone and camera, but we can also call you by telephone or, you might just choose to read along and discuss with others in your own time and according to your own schedule.
Getting the Book You’ll need a copy of “God is Indestructible.”
WHERE and HOW
Using your internet web browser, sign up for the class via Google Classroom. If you already have a Google account, you’ll be all set. If not, you can create one at no cost or obligation when you sign up. For joining the virtual meetings, you shouldn’t need any additional software or logins.
Refer to recent emails from the Dean for the Class Code
Use the class code to sign up and sign in to the Classroom.
At the top centre: “Stream” is a log of our interactions; “Classwork” is material organized according to each session; “People” are the members of the group. So you’ll find the reading assignments for each session, links to other materials you might wish to explore, the opportunity to chat or message other members of the group and at the top left, the link to the meeting space for the sessions.
Once logged in to Classroom, in “Classwork” see GET THE E-BOOK at the very top of the list. One of three formats available (.mobi; .pdf; .epub). The one you’ll need depends on your device (Kindle, Kobo or Nook readers, tablet, smartphone, PC etc.). [See below for more information about using these files.] The cost of the e-book is $20. Payment please through the Cathedral HERE, mail or drop off in the secure mail slot at the Cathedral Hall or, add to your next offering.
If it’s impossible for you to read the e-book, or you wish to join us by telephone, please contact me <dean at christchurchcathedral.com> (506) 450-7761. We can arrange to call you and/or have a printed copy of the e-book for you at the same cost. You can also purchase the e-book or print online at NCD Canada (without the 10% discounted bulk pricing being made available by NCD).
Come back to the classroom or have us call you each day just before 4:00 p.m. and join the discussion.
More about the e-book: Amazon Kindle. Use the .mobi file. Visit your Amazon account page and view “Content and Devices.” Find your Kindle device and the unique email address to send files to your Kindle. Attach the .mobi to a message and send to that address. Your book will appear in your library. PDF. This is a normal document file that can be read using any PDF reader or most web browsers these days on a desktop PC, Mac, tablet or smartphone. Other. epub is a generic e-book format used by Kobo, Nook, Calibre and other apps and devices. Adding the file to any of these will enable your reading in the way you usually do.
Visit the Classroom, sign up and sign in. We’ll do everything possible to end by 5:00 p.m. each day but feel free to come and go as you need to do!
Feel free to contact me if you have unanswered questions.
12 Responses to the Relevance Crisis of Christianity Christian A. Schwarz Daily studies with the Dean
Weekdays at 4:00 p.m., during Thy Kingdom Come (21-31 May 2020)
New research from churches in eighty-six countries around the world reveals that, throughout the last few years, there have been dramatic shifts in Christianity. In this book, Christian A. Schwarz not only presents these findings for the first time, but also pleads for twelve practical reforms that could unshackle the relevancy of the Christian faith, restoring it as a fascinating, transformative pursuit for people in our time.
Three main benefits:
Understand the background of the relevance crisis of Christianity
Learn 12 practical responses to dramatically increase the relevance of your church
Apply new ways of interaction between Christians and non-Christians
Introduction: Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s wake-up call
In his letters from prison, Dietrich Bonhoeffer formulated a vision for the church of the future, a time when “the world has come of age.” This vision was about Christianity’s spiritual and theological compass. Bonhoeffer’s message has gained urgency in this time of unparalleled shifts in the way both religious and non-religious people process reality.
Chapter 1: Face the challenges of the global participation shift
The research presented in this chapter reveals that participation in Christianity around the world has gone through a massive shift during the last decade. Approaches that were celebrated as innovative until a few years ago, don’t seem to work any longer. While many Christians might feel threatened by these changes, this chapter shows how the global shifts open up new possibilities for living out what church is all about.
Chapter 2: Re-define leadership
In recent years, the public has been shocked by a never-ending series of leadership scandals in churches around the world, involving spiritual, emotional and physical abuse. In discussions on the topic, it is widely overlooked that the vast majority of these scandals are rooted in disempowering leadership paradigms. This chapter introduces a leadership approach that results in the systematic increase of people’s freedom, maturity, and sense of responsibility.
Chapter 3: Learn from both Eastern and Western Christianity
Alienation between the Eastern and the Western wings of the church has led to two amputated forms of Christianity that are becoming increasingly irrelevant in their respective cultural contexts. The surprising discovery is that the very elements that are lacking in the West can be found in the East, and vice versa. This chapter shows how this insight can lay the foundation for a vital and inspiring spirituality that contains the very elements that are so lacking today.
Chapter 4: Reclaim the New Testament reality of God’s energy
As unlikely as it may seem, there is a reality in the texts of the New Testament that is virtually unknown in Western Christianity -- God’s energy. This chapter shows what the results are when people discover this reality and relate it to the daily challenges of their lives. The outcome will be a fundamentally deeper connectedness with God, and new spiritual experiences to which both Christians and non-Christians can relate.
Chapter 5: Encounter the transpersonal dimension of God
Throughout history, Christianity has rightfully stressed the personhood of God, as this is a central feature of both the Old and New Testaments. However, the transpersonal aspect of God that is also found in the Bible (transpersonal = not less than a person, but more than a person) has been neglected. This chapter demonstrates how a biblical understanding of God’s energy can open the door to experiencing the God of the Bible in ways that an increasing number of people are longing for.
Chapter 6: Acknowledge different spiritual styles
One of the major reasons for dissatisfaction within existing churches is an insensitivity to people’s spiritual styles— the ways they best connect with God. Research reveals that churches typically appeal to an extremely limited spectrum of styles, thereby creating a situation in which people who have a different “spiritual antenna” are expected to express their spirituality in ways that feel unnatural to them. This chapter shows how a higher appreciation of various spiritual styles would increase the relevance of Christianity dramatically.
Chapter 7: Abandon the us/ them divide
Whenever people groups stress an “us,” they tend to position it against a “them.” People placed in the “them” category are usually very sensitive about this “us versus them” mindset, since it makes them feel that they are in the wrong place. This chapter suggests alternative forms of interaction between people of different persuasions— processes of mutual learning that provide new perspectives to the most diverse of dialogue partners.
Chapter 8: Communicate at eye level
Even if you may not agree with another person’s position, you can usually learn something from it. Such mutual learning exercises should not be targeted primarily at changing others, but at becoming stronger yourself. This chapter presents four examples of mutual learning processes, initiated by atheists, that can serve as an inspiration to Christians.
Chapter 9: Defuse fundamentalist tendencies
The past few years have seen an unprecedented increase in fundamentalism, both religious and atheistic. The research findings presented in this chapter reveal that fundamentalism is not the problem of a select few; rather, fundamentalist tendencies exist in all kinds of groups, though to varying degrees. This chapter demonstrates how Christian fundamentalism can be reduced, while at the same time increasing people’s commitment both to the Bible and to sharing the gospel.
Chapter 10: Update outdated notions about science and faith
Many people have the impression that there is an irreconcilable contradiction between science and faith. However, in most cases that notion is the result of a phenomenon called “category confusion,” comparable to the question: Is a pear green or a fruit? This chapter shows how science and Christian faith can be related to each other in such a way that both science and faith benefit.
Chapter 11: Embrace the 10/90 reality
Given the fact that even the most active church members seldom spend more than 10% of their waking hours in church-organized activities, the remaining 90% of their time needs to become the focus of attention. How can people support each other to be change agents in their sphere of influence? This chapter shows how acknowledging the 10/90 reality helps Christianity rediscover its unique purpose and, in doing so, increases its relevance to those who have not yet experienced the Christian faith.
Chapter 12: Pursue ongoing growth
One of the hallmarks of Christianity should be the pursuit of ongoing growth. However, research reveals that the very opposite is true: The longer people are Christians (and church members), the more likely they are to regress in their Christian journey. This chapter pleads for processes of continuous growth that take people from where they presently are, and help them start and sustain a never-ending journey with God.
We’ll gather by video conference for 7 sessions (considering two chapters each day) ending by 5:00 p.m. Sign up for the sessions, preferably before 21 May 2020.
Upon sign up in the classroom, (refer to recent emails from the Dean for the Class Code or contact the Dean) the e-book is available immediately at a 10% discount in Kindle, .epub or .pdf formats. Arrangements for payment can be made through the Christ Church Cathedral.
Rectors Newsletter May 6th, 2020 Dear Friends, Greetings from Uganda! A quick update from the school. First of all, thank you so much for all your inquiries and prayers for our well being. I’m happy to report we are all fine. All schools were closed almost 7 weeks ago, and Uganda has been under lockdown…
Understand the background of the relevance crisis of Christianity
Once 