Housing First project taking shape November 2019 update
If all goes well, three homeless people will have roofs over their heads next summer in a three-unit townhouse owned by Christ Church Cathedral.
Penny Ericson, chair of the cathedral's Outreach Committee, said the cathedral's project on Albert Street and a four-unit townhouse on Jaffrey Street, owned by Smythe Street Church, were approved at a recent meeting of the city's planning advisory committee.
... homeless people are provided with a place to live and support services
"No one spoke in opposition to the projects at the PAC meeting,” she was pleased to report. “Rezoning is required, and next steps are taking place at upcoming City Council meetings. I anticipate that it will be accepted because the City wishes the program to move forward, and the land that they are donating is not useful for them in any other way.”
The small houses fall under a concept called Housing First in which homeless people are provided with a place to live and support services. The goal is to make their lives healthier and more stable by removing the anxiety of chronic homelessness. One four-unit townhouse, operated by the John Howard Society, opened a few months ago on the north side.
“It's taken a community effort to get these projects going, but fund-raising has gone well, building designs are in place, and it's exciting to be moving ahead,” she said.
The land is hilly and will need to be graded in the spring before the three-unit townhouse can be placed on the plot. This work will be weather-dependent, but Bill Jones will have the three houses ready. The PAC was told construction should be finished by late summer.
“I plan to call a meeting for those at the cathedral interested in assisting with the houses and their tenants in February 2020,” Penny said. “I will keep everyone aware of the council's decisions and any changes that occur. It has been a long wait, but it will all be worth it."
Bishop and Chapter met on Monday, 18 November 2019 with nine of a usual twelve members present. Minutes of the 16 September 2019 were adopted. A lack of a quorum in October resulted in information sharing and discussion with no official business. A short discussion about the Growing in Giving stewardship initiative and a review of the fourth circulation: “Top ten truths of biblical giving”
• Calithumpians - memorandum of understanding and rental agreement for two rooms at Memorial Hall was completed and occupancy began in early November
• August gift - temporarily restricted to be invested
• Greater Chapter - prior to Synod 2019. Several changes to diocesan canons including direction about corporations retaining copies of insurance policies and requirements on reporting restricted funds
Decision
• Green request - by consensus it was agreed to permit use of the green on the north side of Queen Street by the Royal New Brunswick RegimentFROSTival event 25 January 2020. Inquiry about a potential contribution to Cathedral ministry and public recognition suggested
• 2019 Review engagement - that Bringloe Feeney LLP accountants be asked to perform the third party review of 2019 financials.
Discussion
• 2020 Budget - Chapter committees and the groups and organizations under their purview are asked to give consideration to budget requirements for the coming year. A preliminary budget was discussed with an early forecast provided by the Treasurer. There was discussion about the challenges that arise due available resources, especially in areas where we may need or should make changes in our level of investment in ministry initiatives to better reach into communities
• Sunday Refreshments - suggested investigation about possibility with 10:00 a.m. Sunday
Reports
• Treasurer - While a deficit still exists, Tithing Sunday (03 November) will have had a positive impact on year end. The Treasurer offered a mid November report which helped capture some of the offering activity early in November
• Hospitality and Welcome - There continues to be need for commitments for welcomers during Sunday worship. The goal is to have at least one individual scheduled at each time
• Administration and Finance - work continues to implement the policy on records management. The Committee will work with the Treasurer over the next several weeks as we continue to clarify reporting and prepare next year’s budget
• Christian Formation - Confirmation, Reaffirmation and Reception preparation will begin in early December. Expressions of interest still being accepted. A work plan for the coming year will be on the agenda this month
• Communications - working with Worship on the possibility of a Carol Sing in December. Weekly Gleaner ad has been stopped by parishes of the Fredericton and York deaneries. Christmas promotions being considered. Content for website is requested Mission and Outreach - City approvals for Housing First homes in process. Cathedral’s project expected to be complete by late spring, early summer Worship - offer of employment made to a new Director of Music with verbal acceptance to begin 03 January 2020.
Up-coming
• Lessons and Carols - 01 December (Advent), 22 December (Christmas)
• 29 December - 10:00 a.m. Carols for Christmas
• 01 January - 11:00 a.m. New Years Day with the Bishop
• 04 January - 11:00 a.m. Our Bishop’s wedding
Next meetings: 16 December, 13 January; 10 February
19 December UPDATE - The new shelter is open at 332 Brunswick Street with 20-30 beds and they still need many items to function this winter. Donations to Wilmot United Church, Monday to Saturday 10 am-1 pm. An up to date list of needs is posted at the back of the Cathedral. Former and new volunteers are needed to help with cleaning, time with the community, and as helping hands for staff and residents. Shift times: Evening: 7 -11 pm / Night: 11 pm.-6am / Morning: 6-8 am. Cleaning shifts: Mondays / Wednesdays / Fridays, 8:30 - 10:30am. <ootcshelter at gmail.com> To volunteer <connectfredericton.ca>
Help Needed - St. Paul's United Church, corner of York and George, has issued an urgent and immediate call for volunteers to help at its overnight warming space for homeless people, which will fill a gap in services until the planned, new, out-of-the-cold shelter is up and running. Volunteers would need to stay overnight in the church from 8 p.m. until 7 a.m., working in a team of three or four people, one of whom would be an employee of the John Howard Society or the provincial Department of Social Development. Currently, the warming space is averaging seven guests nightly, but the demand is predicted to increase sharply as the cold weather worsens. People willing and able to serve in this ministry to vulnerable people are asked to contact Shelby at (506) 467-6034 with their name, phone number and email address.
1. The Tithe Is the First 10 Percent
"Set apart a tithe of all the yield of your seed that is brought in yearly from the field." (Deuteronomy 14:22) Few of us bring in a yield from the field these days. But a "yield" we do possess.
Wondering how to calculate your tithe? It's easy! The tithe is the first 10 percent of your gross income—before any expenses or obligations, including taxes. Find out that number for the year, month or weeks and move the decimal point one place to the left. How do we know? God says, "Honour the Lord with your substance and with the first fruits of all your produce." (Proverbs 3:9). The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines firstfruits as "the earliest gathered fruits offered to God in acknowledgment of the gift of fruitfulness" (See also Genesis 28:22; Leviticus 27:32; Hebrews 7:2, 4).
There's something spiritually significant about giving God our first and best, rather than the leftovers. And it means something to him, too. In Malachi 1:6-12, some of the priests at the Temple got a bright idea. Instead of offering unblemished animals as sacrifices to the Lord, they decided to make sacrificing more convenient and cost-effective. So, they began encouraging people to give their blind and lame animals, instead of the best of the bunch. The priests were giving God the leftovers instead of the first and best. In response, God said, "Where is the honour due to me? And if I am a master, where is the respect due to me? says the Lord of hosts." (Malachi 1:6). God viewed the practice as dishonouring him—because it was!
When God gave his first and only Son as a sacrifice for our sins, he gave his first and best. He deserves nothing less from us.
2. The Tithe Belongs to God
"Give therefore to the emperor the things that are the emperor's, and to God the things that are God's." (Matthew 22:21)
Some people get very defensive when a church leader talks about the tithe. "All they want is my money!" they'll say. That kind of attitude comes from a spirit of fear and judgment, and it is outside of the walk of love we are called by God to make our way of living. Most pastors are trying to help others understand the principle of tithing for their own benefit! But the real question isn't about whether or not a pastor is trying to get your money—it's whether we understand that the tithe belongs to God.
Is God really of first importance in our lives? If he is, there won't be such strong opposition to the idea of giving him our first and best. Scripture says, "All tithes from the land, whether the seed from the ground or the fruit from the tree, are the Lord's; they are holy to the Lord." (Leviticus 27:30).
In other words, when we tithe, we aren't giving our money to a pastor or a church—we're giving it to God. Certainly, it's important to be sure we are giving into good soil, but once we make that determination, our heart needs to release the tithe into God's hands for his purposes. If we don't, release it, there's no way around it—we're robbing God (Malachi 3:8). There is no blessing in robbing.
3. We Present Our Tithes to Jesus
"In the one case, tithes are received by those who are mortal; in the other, by one of whom it is testified that he lives." (Hebrews 7:8)
In the Old Covenant, the people presented their tithes to the high priest. Today, Jesus is the High Priest, so we present our tithes to him (Hebrews 4:14-16). That's why tithing isn't about money—it's about honour. We honour God with our tithe when we present our tithes to Jesus. How do we do this? First, we do it joyfully—we don't murmur. "God loves a cheerful giver." (2 Corinthians 9:7) Then, it becomes a deliberate act of worship.
"Honour the Lord with your substance and with the first fruits of all your produce; then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting with wine." (Proverbs 3:9-10) So, every time we give—we present our tithe to the Lord with honour. That's the heart that leads to increase; that is the heart with which we tithe.
4. We Give Our Tithes in Faith
"And without faith it is impossible to please God, for whoever would approach him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him." (Hebrews 11:6)
If we tithe in fear—fear that we won't have enough left over, fear that we won't be able to make ends meet, fear that we won't get a return, fear that it won’t be used properly—we're not tithing in faith. And if we're not tithing in faith, we're not eligible to receive the benefits.
So, don't just tithe—tithe in faith! Do it believing that God will rebuke the evil one for your sake (Malachi 3:11) and that he'll open the windows of heaven over your life (Malachi 3:10). If we aren't tithing faithfully, our priorities are in the wrong place. Our priorities are in the temporal realm instead of the spiritual realm. And it's what's in the spiritual realm that will always bring us out of trouble and bring about abundant blessing.
Faith says, "We're going to tithe first." And faith knows God will take care of us in the meantime.
5. We Tithe Using Words
At harvest thanksgiving this year we read from Deuteronomy 26:2 "Take some of the firstfruits…. and say to the priest ...”
If we approach our giving as a matter of the heart, rather than just bucket-plunking, we'll not only begin to see it as an act of honour and worship, but an act of faith. Part of that act of faith is that we give using words.
In the Old Covenant, God's people would place the firstfruits of their increase—in a basket, present it to the high priest, and say to him, "Today I declare to the Lord your God that I have come into the land that the Lord swore to our ancestors to give us." (Deuteronomy 26:3). Redemption was being spoken.
For the Christian, Jesus is the High Priest. When we present our tithe to him, we should do so with our words, declaring the benefits and protections. Say out loud, "As I give, I believe the evil one is rebuked in my life, and the windows of heaven are opening up over every part of my life. As you give, it "... it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap; for the measure you give will be the measure you get back." (Luke 6:38) And it is!
6. Giving the Tenth Protects the Other 90 Percent
"I will rebuke the locust for you, so that it will not destroy the produce of your soil; and your vine in the field shall not be barren, says the Lord of hosts." (Malachi 3:11)
Isn't it "the locust," which threatens to destroy, for no good purpose, that which we hold dear?
"I can't afford to tithe." Have you ever heard or said those words? You may have even thought, “When I can afford it, I'll tithe. “ Some of us may have been thinking that for 10 years, and we still don't think we can afford it. That should tell us something. What we're doing is not working.
Here's a simple truth about giving the 10 percent: Give God what is his, and he will protect what is yours. As you honour God with the 10 percent that belongs to him, he'll get involved with the rest. The other 90 percent will go further than ever before because you've got the generous heart God wants you to have when making financial decisions. Good financial decisions is what stewardship is all about. The majority of us don't make them. It’s the witness of every tither that the tithe given is never missed.
The tithe of our income belongs to God. It lays the foundation of our financial success and abundance. There’s a protection plan attached to the tithe.
If you're not a tither, you can look back in your life, and you can see where your fruit was destroyed, where your situation didn't work out, where your job didn't come to full fruition, where you weren't able to do what you intended to do. What's missing in all of that is assurance that we have invested in what really matters. Of one thing we can be assured, what we invest in the work of God matters and it is blessed. With that blessing also comes enormous blessing for us.
7. Tithing Is the Only Area of Life Where God Says "Test Me!"
"Put me to the test!" (Malachi 3:10)
This is God himself speaking, and God is saying, "Prove me in this." This is the only time in the whole of the Bible where God instructs us to test him, and it is the one area where most people have withdrawn from proving God. He tells us the evil one will be rebuked. "See if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you an overflowing blessing." (Malachi 3:10-11) Have you ever tried to test God? Have you experienced a result? Why not?
Tithing is a lifestyle choice, not a hobby. A tither is a giver from the heart. So, don't just toss some money in a bucket and wait to see what happens. It is necessary to test the Lord with the giver's heart. That's when harvest comes. If we're not sowers we're not entitled to the harvest. Harsh reality. Vivid truth.
8. Tithing Is a Covenant Connection
"They have transgressed my covenant that I imposed on them. They have taken some of the devoted things; they have stolen, they have acted deceitfully, and they have put them among their own belongings. Therefore the Israelites are unable to stand before their enemies; they turn their backs to their enemies, because they have become a thing devoted for destruction themselves. I will be with you no more, unless you destroy the devoted things from among you." (Joshua 7:11-12)
Refusing to give based on Scripture's direction, disconnects us from the Covenant which blesses. When we tithe, we give God the legal right to intervene in our affairs, to bless us richly, and to defend us against the destruction the evil one brings.
Why should we wait until our back is against the wall? Why not begin now? Meditate on the blessings God's Word promises. Learn to act on the Word now, and when Satan tries to put you in a financial corner, failure will result. Live into the covenant of God and there will be little which can ultimately prevail.
9. God Created the Giving Heart for Our Benefit
"Honour the Lord with your substance and with the first fruits of all your produce; then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting with wine." (Proverbs 3:9-10) Has that been quoted before?
Tithing isn't sowing—it's giving back to God what belongs to him. As a result, we will live in the overflow! That's the harvest. A good harvester is one who plans to give back what is already owned.
10. Our Giving Only Opens the Door to Blessing
"Then you ... with the aliens who reside among you, shall celebrate with all the bounty that the Lord your God has given to you and to your house." (Deuteronomy 26:11)
Being a wise and obedient steward of what God has given us is the least and the most that God requires of us. Perhaps it all begins with the proper handling of what belongs to God—the tithe. Tithing is an open door to the blessing that God set forth to bless us and keep us.
In Deuteronomy 28, God spoke to the Israelites about the curse and the blessing. But just prior to that, in Deuteronomy 26, he spoke to them about letting him in on their finances—through the tithe. Why? Not because God needed the money, but because they needed the help. They were going into the Promised Land where there would be many challenges. He told them about tithing, the curse and the blessing ... and in that order.
It's still the same for us today. If you've been thinking, “I believe in tithing but, I just can't afford it,” you're going backward. Because if you don't invite the blessing, you invite the curse.
These are 10 truths about giving. Is any of this magic or empty promises? Put these truths to work in your life—perceive them as the revelation they are—and just see if the result of God's promises don't increase. Are you hesitant to walk the life of a tither—take the plunge. Read the verses in scripture about giving, its central role in the walk of faith and, act on them. Start to tithe! Then, buckle your seatbelt and get ready for a truly exciting journey!
UPDATE - all angels have flown! Thanks to all for your adoptions.
Sixty paper angels from Greener Village (the food bank) wait to be chosen from small trees in the cathedral and in the hall. Each requests a specific Christmas gift or stocking stuffers for a needy child in our city.
**NEW THIS YEAR** Please print your name and telephone number on the clipboard to indicate which angel you are adopting. Bring back your unwrapped gift, with the paper angel firmly attached, to the church or the hall on Sunday, Dec. 1st. Drop-off boxes will be set up near the angel trees.
If you cannot bring your gift Sunday, please take it to the drop-off box in the hall no later than Monday, Dec. 2nd . This is Greener Village's deadline for our 60 angels, allowing them time to distribute the gifts to the families they serve.
** Please don't be late! The committee must purchase any gifts that arrive late or not at all.
If you prefer to donate in a different way, please write a cheque payable to Christ Church Cathedral and indicate Christmas Outreach on the memo line. Deliver your cheque to the church office by Dec. 17th. These funds will be divided equally among the Fredericton Homeless Shelters, Women in Transition House Inc. and the Fredericton Community Kitchen.
The Outreach Committee thanks you warmly for your generous support in making Christmas special for people in our city who need help.
Be Proactive, Take initiative and Act with Integrity – PTAI. This was the message from the Rev. Michael Elliott at the Church of the Holy Spirit in the Portmore Deanery in Cumberland, Jamaica.
Alice Kennedy, Lilian Ketch, and I were recently invited to attend the 120th Anniversary of the Mothers’ Union in the Diocese of Jamaica and the Cayman Islands. It was an honour and privilege to be present and share with our Mothers’ Union sisters and brothers in celebrating the work of the Mothers’ Union in their diocese.
Sadie - young woman who now makes jewelry and sells at local markets as a result of MU Skills Training
We attended worship on the Sunday morning at Michael’s church in Cumberland, Jamaica. The reading for that day was from Luke 16:1-13 about the rich man and his manager who was dishonest. Michael called the man a ‘scammer.’ He was currying favour and trying to be proactive in a time of crisis. Michael shared that Jesus was suggesting that here was a man in crisis who was focusing on what he had to do, and he did it. Jesus wants us to be proactive disciples who take the initiative and act responsibly in our relationships with him and the world around us (adapted from here)
Michael stated that nothing focuses us in life like a crisis and that the challenge for us is how we respond. Our initial prayer is “Lord, have mercy.” And rightly so – we must be proactive; first and foremost we must give that control over to our Lord in any situation.
He then went on to speak about taking the initiative. We heard about the Mothers’ Union in Cumberland who ran a Children’s Home for HIV Children. He shared how the Mothers’ Union members run the home, managing the staff and providing food daily for the children in that Home - an example of taking initiative and acting with integrity.
Helping Other People Endure – HOPE
We are called to be proactive and to act with integrity. We are meant to do the right thing, and quite often without anyone seeing us. Michael spoke about how we become a people of HOPE when we do the right thing and act with integrity. Helping Other People Endure – HOPE. We need to listen and be clear about what God is saying to us.
Kathleen Snow with Mrs. Louise Bailey (Aunt Lou) and Mrs. Sheran Harper (Worldwide President)
During that worship there were many Mothers’ Union members in attendance. The congregation was a sea of blue and white - the Mothers’ Union uniform colours. I had the privilege of meeting Mrs. Louise Bailey, or Aunt Lou as she was affectionately called. Aunt Lou was 103 years of age and had been a Mothers’ Union member for over 60 years! What a joy to meet this lovely lady who had worked most of her life supporting the work of Mothers’ Union in her diocese. She recently died just two weeks ago and is sadly missed. Helping Other People Endure – HOPE.
Ephena Matthew (Diocesan President of NECA - North East Caribbean and Aruba), Tony Patel and Kathleen Snow at "Think on These Things"
On our first day in Jamaica I was asked to speak about Mothers’ Union on the local radio station program called "Think on These Things." Ephena Matthew (Diocesan President of North East Caribbean and Aruba) and I were interviewed by Tony Patel, a broadcaster on the program. Tony was a distinguished-looking soft-spoken man with a broadcaster’s voice. I noticed when we first met that his hair was long and braided down his back.
When I later spoke with him, I asked him about his children. He mentioned that he had a son who had been missing for over two years. He continued to search for him and had not cut his hair since his son had gone missing. He and his son had always gone to the barber together, and he was not planning on cutting it until he found his son. There was suffering and hope in his eyes. Helping Other People Endure – HOPE.
Alice, Lilian and I visited a number of Mothers’ Union projects in the different deaneries. We visited a Kingston Deanery project called the Parent Place at St. Mary the Virgin Church and Elementary School. The school was run by the local Mothers’ Union branch and was also funded by local government. As a result of the Parenting Program, which was facilitated by Mothers’ Union members, a building was attached to the school called the Parent Place, where parents would meet to support one another and participate in the Parenting Program - a very successful parents support group which encourages stable family relationships.
Selling wares at Skills Training and Income Generating project visit in Clarendon Deanery in Jamaica
Lilian and I also visited the Clarendon Deanery where we viewed a Skills Training and Income Generating project which the St. Paul’s Mothers’ Union members supported and facilitated. Here I met Sadie and Kemesha, two young women who were encouraged to think about what items they could produce themselves to sell at local markets. Sadie was making jewelry and Kemesha crocheting clothing. Kemesha stated that she was hoping to open up her own shop one day and Sadie stated, “I am an entrepreneur!” Helping Other People Endure – HOPE.
Lilian and I were also privileged to attend the Women’s Conference in Mandeville where I was asked to speak on Women’s Health. Many women from all over the diocese shared in this day and celebrated health and healing of body, mind and spirit.
Our Worldwide President Mrs. Sheran Harper was in attendance as well, and it was it was a pleasure to be with her at the Celebration Banquet and share in the work of the Mothers’ Union. We met many other members from St. Jude’s in St. Andrew Deanery and YS Falls in St. Elizabeth Deanery. I learned how to speak patois (com mek me hol yu han, man) and Lilian and I even took a dip in the YS Falls.
Kemesha - young woman who now has her own business selling crocheted items at local markets as a result of MU Skills Training
Throughout this trip it was the people we met and the relationships shared that were most meaningful. I will remember the stories from the Rev'd Michael Elliott, Aunt Lou, Tony Patel, the Parent Place, Sadie and Kemesha. It is heartwarming to experience and realize how Mothers’ Union members are proactive, take initiative and act with integrity around the world. They give HOPE - helping other people endure, by the grace of the Holy Spirit. To God be the glory!
The Bible is much clearer about our giving than many of us realize or are willing to admit.
Read each passage and circle the choice or choices you think best answer the question. Don't look at the answers until you've completed all the questions!
1. What promises does God make to givers according to his direction in these verses:
a. an overwhelming blessing
b. no suffering
c. protection against losses due to "circumstances"
d. a better job
e. material riches
2. How does God look on those Israelites who withheld their tithe?
a. as shrewd financial planners
b. as robbers
c. as good people just trying to do the right thing
3. How does God decide whether to use a big scoop or a small scoop when he blesses us?
a. he uses the same size scoop for everyone
b. if we use our big scoop, he uses his big scoop. If we use our small scoop, he uses his small scoop
4. Principles of “sowing” and “reaping” include:
a. a single seed planted produces a plant bearing many seeds
b. sowing lawn seeds sparingly produces a full rich lawn
c. sowing lawn seeds generously means you'll have to mow a lot
8. Why does God withhold blessings from his people?
a. just to watch them squirm
b. to be faithful to his principle of sowing and reaping
c. to teach them to put giving to God first
9. How can a person tell whether he or she is serving God rather than money?
a. by the size of the VISA bill at the end of the month.
b. by the size of the paycheck
c. by the amount of the gift to the church
d. by the ratio of the paycheck total to the gift to the church
e. by the number of cars in the driveway
10. The lessons of this passage are:
a. the poor are being exploited in giving to God more than they can afford
b. God is pleased with the love represented by the widow's gift
c. two tiny copper coins given out of sacrifice are worth more to God than a bundle of cash given without sacrifice
Answers: 1. a and c; 2. b; 3. b; 4. a and c; 5. b; 6. b and c; 7. a; 8. b and c; 9. d; 10. b and c
HOW DO YOU RATE?
3 to 5 wrong–look more carefully. 1 to 2 wrong– good. All correct–no excuses.
Christ Church Cathedral
Esteemed Scholarship Sponsor:
RE: SCHOLARSHIP SPONSOR 2018-2019 SCHOOL YEAR
Dear Sponsor
As I sit around my computer wondering what words I can write to say thank you to someone as instrumental and deserving as you are in being a contributing member of the success of Eden High school, so much comes to mind but foremost, this small prayer: "Lord, thank you so much for your blessings on Eden High school through all our sponsors. Thank you for the love they have for our school and their commitment to making the lives of these students better through education. I pray that you will shower them with your love and. blessings as they have showered us with love and blessings and support. Amen."
Kind greetings from Eden High. This year was amazing. Yes it had its challenges but we were able to see and feel God's blessings. So what's new? What made it amazing? Well our school year started out with 618 students and approximately 45 persons employed in many different capacities all equipped and ready to serve with love. This was our biggest enrollment ever in 30 years and our biggest staff as well. Do you realize that all this growth is possible because of your continued support? This year our graduating class is 140 strong, again our biggest ever. We rejoice in the great work and development we have seen in these students throughout their 4 years at Eden. You were there all along. Thank you. Together we all made it happen.
During this school year we have been blessed with many opportunities for students to shine. Our choir participated in the Opening ceremony for National festival of arts and several other events nationally and at district level, our sports teams did an excellent job in the various inter schools sports meet, many of our students were awarded by the police department in the Do the right thing program, our 1st formers graduated from the GREAT program in a wonderful ceremony on campus, 2 of our students were chosen to participate in an international program Youth ambassadors program, several students participated and won prizes in the voice of the west competition, several of our students participated in national cycling activities and so much more. We are proud of all our students and all they do to enhance their lives.
Furthermore our school was blessed to continue offering its support services to students in need through the book lending program, uniform program, feeding program, school supplies program, and printing program. These are just a few of the great things that we have been able to do because you continue to support us and pray for us. Words will never be enough to say thank you. If you could open our hearts you would see how filled it is with thankfulness and appreciation. We know that we have a big job to do in taking care of the precious students who you have entrusted to our care and we pray that God will continue to guide us as we do our part. Thank you for being there for us in 2018-2019. Your support was a vital part of our success. We invite you to reach out to us with your concerns, advice, recommendations and prayers always. We thank God for you and wish you a wonderful and successful rest of this year.
Welcome to PWRDF’s 2019 World of Gifts. The items in this guide have been selected based on the needs of people participating in the many programs supported by PWRDF. Whether it be clean water, climate adaptation and food security, health or Indigenous programs, your gift is an opportunity to make a world of difference.
We began on 27 November with training for mentors and parents. The first "class" was Wednesday, 04 December beginning with supper at 5:30 p.m.. A schedule of classes and sessions is available on the Faith Alive! page. Any and all are welcome to join in classes that may be of interest beginning on the scheduled Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m.
Faith Alive is built on the foundational approach of mentorship. "It takes a church to make a disciple." All participants are encouraged to have a mentor or "friend in faith" to walk along this journey with them.
Have you ever questioned what you really believe? Have you ever wondered how what you believe compares to the teaching of the Church and its traditions? Are you concerned about our ability to pass on the Faith to coming generations and the community where we live?
Early in December, with the advent of a new Church year, Christ Church Cathedral will embark on an exciting opportunity for the whole Cathedral Family.
Confirmation is the sacrament in which the Bishop lays hands on a candidate to confirm and reaffirm the vows of Baptism especially praying for the strengthening and guiding Spirit of God their lives.
Reaffirmation is for any and all who have been confirmed but wish they had an opportunity to refresh their understanding of the faith now that a few (or many) years have passed since confirmation. The Bishop will pray with them for the strengthening power of God.
Reception (not the refreshments after worship!) is for those who have come to the Anglican Church from another faith tradition, have been confirmed there by a Bishop, but wish to be more officially received into the Anglican Church (Communion).
As you can see, there is something for everyone, but there’s even more! What will facilitate the preparation for these individuals includes pairing each participant with a friend in faith (a mentor) who walks along side candidates to help where they can and assure that no one is walking alone.
Unit 1: Faith Alive in Scripture and Worship
Discover again how the Bible is the Word of God, our sacred story, and the authoritative basis for all that we preach and teach. Rediscover some of the depth of meaning behind and within Christian worship and prayer traditions
Unit 2: Faith Alive in Doctrine
Review the most basic Christian teachings on creation, who is God?, how are we to live as followers of Jesus Christ and inheritors of the Kingdom of Heaven? We’ll explore how the church is structured and why, referring throughout to the Word that guides us.
Unit 3: Faith Alive in Law and Sign
Learn more about how the sacraments of the Church have for centuries been the physical signs of God’s great love and grace. We’ll discuss some of the spiritual tools readily available to the Christian, and have a guided tour of our Cathedral to explore how the faith is embedded there.
From now until Easter 2020, about every other Wednesday, we’ll meet (beginning with a meal) for teaching, presentations and discussion; alternating weeks are reserved for participants and mentors to meet one-on-one or in smaller groups to follow the session guides provided. Any of the “classes” are open to anyone to join for that or any combination of topics.
Are you interested in being confirmed? Would you like to reaffirm your faith or be officially received into the Anglican Church? Would you consider being a mentor?
Housing First project taking shape
If you cannot bring your gift Sunday, please take it to the drop-off box in the hall no later than Monday, Dec. 2nd . This is Greener Village's deadline for our 60 angels, allowing them time to distribute the gifts to the families they serve.
