Author Archive: Geoffrey Hall

Community Kitchen volunteers needed

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Volunteers needed in 2020

Can you spare a little time to help at the Fredericton Community Kitchen?

Christ Church Cathedral supplies teams of volunteers who work at the kitchen on Saturdays year-round to help the cook at supper time. Duties include serving food, doing dishes, and cleaning up after the evening meal.

The time commitment is a mere two hours – from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m. –  and each team is assigned 13 Saturdays annually. Depending on the size of your team, you will not have to take part every time.

Jason Parsons is co-ordinating the Cathedral's efforts for this worthwhile cause. If anyone is interested in joining a team, Jason can be reached < jayparsons at rogers.com>

“I'm busy with my day job, my three children and verger duties, but it's a small commitment of time to volunteer,” he said. “It really gives all of us a chance to be the hands and feet of God in our city, and the people who come for supper are so grateful for the work we do.”

Experience isn't necessary, and the work isn't hard.

Experience isn't necessary, and the work isn't hard. You might be peeling potatoes, buttering rolls, making juice, cutting pieces of pie, scrubbing pots, or putting away clean dishes.

“One of our longtime volunteers told me that, too often, church can be about money and politics, not about helping people. He likes giving back in this way as a form of mission,” Jason said.

He also wanted to heartily thank team members who volunteered during 2019. “Some people have been faithfully helping out for many years,” he said. “It's greatly appreciated.”

Ann Deveau

Growing in Giving 2019 What is a Tithing “demonstration” Sunday?

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What is a Tithing Sunday?

Many church congregations have found value in creating an opportunity to physically see and experience what tithing would mean for the church community and its individual members.

You’ll remember the Chair of our Stewardship Team, Mike Toole, talked about a stewardship initiative this Fall at Christ Church Cathedral. During the time between now and the end of the Church Year, we’ll try to focus in specific ways to learn and grow in stewardship understanding and practice both personally and as a congregation to the glory of God.

Holy Scripture is much more clear regarding God’s expectations about our giving than many of us realize or are often willing to admit. In Malachi 3, God, speaking directly, invites his people to “test him” ... test him to see if by rendering to him what rightly belongs to him we don’t see the windows of heaven open and pour down overflowing blessing!

Will anyone rob God? Yet you are robbing me! But you say, ‘How are we robbing you?’ In your tithes and offerings! You are cursed with a curse, for you are robbing me—the whole nation of you! Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, so that there may be food in my house, and thus put me to the test, says the Lord of hosts; see if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you an overflowing blessing. (Malachi 3:8-10)

The Cathedral Stewardship Team has named 03 November 2019 Tithing (“demonstration”) Sunday. On that day, everyone is encouraged to tithe (give one tenth or 10% of) that one week’s income.

You may have specific questions about Tithing Sunday:

1. What if I’m already tithing?
If you already tithe, please give as you usually do on that Sunday. If you use e-offering and give once per month, please write that on a note and place on the offering plate that Sunday to alert us.

2. How do I calculate what a tithe would be for me?
A “tithe” is 10%. It’s never about the total or even about whether we calculate on gross or net income, but about the “proportion” of what we have that the Bible says already belongs to God. It’s impossible to be too poor to tithe. Tithing is for everyone since its not based on what we think we should have, what we think we should give or even what the total amount of that might be. It’s the proportion of what we have, and that number is one we need to discover if we are to tithe.

First, determine your usual income for a week:

• If your income is received every two weeks, divide that amount by 2
• If income is received once a month, divide it by 4
• If you wish, divide the income from your last income tax return by 52

Second, multiply that number (weekly income) by 1/10, 0.10 (that is, simply move the decimal point one place to the left )

Examples:
$ 180.06 - a tithe is $18.00
$ 345.56 - a tithe is $34.55
$1245.50 - a tithe is $124.55

3. What if I can’t afford to tithe that Sunday?
Please do your best. Giving should never be compulsory or cause undo hardship. If the number you write on your cheque or the cash you put in your envelope fails to bring a smile to your face, its not the right number! It is, however, always a sacrifice. Focusing a bit in advance might make it possible to prepare by putting enough aside over the next few weeks to participate. The hope is that everyone will have an experience of what it feel’s like to tithe. It will give our community an experience of what a tithing congregation could mean for our ministry together. It’s an opportunity to see what blessing God has in store for those who bless him and his Church. One thing is for certain, God always blesses what we give.

We’ll report the results, with some historical data on weekly giving on the following Sunday, 10 November.

If you use e-offering, an envelope with that date is in the boxed set you received at the beginning of the year. Every participant in the convenient e-offering method of giving is issued a boxed set of envelopes for use occasionally, for giving to the Primate’s World Relief and Development Fund and for Festival offerings at Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas. There are also extra envelopes on church pews on which you can write your name and envelope number, assuring those amounts are added to your yearly income tax receipt.

While the money is needed and will be put to very good use, especially since we are running a growing deficit this year, the main goal is not the money – it’s the experience. Follow what God commands and then watch for the blessings you might not have expected in the days and weeks to follow.

Still not able to participate? Why not take a step towards what a tithe would be for you. Increase what you do give by 1 or 2%. Depending on where you start, if you continue, in a few years you’ll be tithing!

Will you participate on 03 November 2019?

Growing in Giving ... #1 - A Giving FAQ - What about stewardship? What about the tithe?
Growing in Giving ... #2 - What is a tithing (“demonstration”) Sunday?
Growing in Giving ... #3 - Principles of Giving Quiz - how do you rate?
Growing in Giving ... #4 - Ten Truths of Biblical Giving

Anglican Cathedral Musician Opportunity

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Christ Church Cathedral, in the Anglican Diocese of Fredericton, is seeking an experienced half-time Director of Music to continue its program facilitating a balance of vibrant traditional and contemporary Anglican worship. As the Cathedral is a centre of excellence in the musical arts in the community of Fredericton, New Brunswick, an RCCO level five or above, organist qualifications and experience are preferred.

Instruments available include a four manual Casavant organ, handbells, a small grand piano and instruments / audio equipment used for contemporary music. The application deadline is November 2nd, 2019. Résumé and covering letter detailing qualifications should be forwarded to the Selection Committee Chairperson, Christ Church Cathedral, 168 Church Street, Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada E3B 4C9 or [email protected]. Questions to [email protected].

For the information of applicants regarding additional employment: St. Thomas University is in close proximity and has a well established fine arts programme. The University of New Brunswick also identifies itself as a centre for the musical arts. Ample opportunity exists in Fredericton for private students in music education.

2019 Thanksgiving Pastoral Letter

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Christ Church Cathedral, Fredericton, Thanksgiving 2019

Dear Friends in Christ,

The natural rhythm of the seasons brings us to the Church's celebration at Harvest time. Christians are encouraged to give thanks at all times and in all circumstances, but the harvest brings that emphasis especially into focus as we recognize the many gifts of God's created order.

During a difficult time in my life, I had asked a Christian acquaintance for advice. What I received was not what I expected. This person said to me, "Say thank you." At that time, my response was one prompted by the suspicion that the other had not really heard my hardship. I was given assurance that I had been heard and was repeated, "Say thank you." "Thanks for what?" was my response. The answer returned, "Thanks for all you do have and for all the things that are not wrong that could be." As I look back, I realize that advice was directly from the words of Scripture. St. Paul tells the Ephesians in his letter to them that they should

... give thanks to God the Father at all times and for everything in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. (Ephesians 5:20)

That which seemed not so helpful at the time was very good advice, both then and now, even though putting it into practice is often a challenge.

If we strive to look at the world and all that comes to us, good or bad, with an attitude of thanksgiving, it looks very different to us. What if I don't happen to feel thankful right at the moment? "Say thank you." Expressing thanks, saying "thank you," is the first step towards "being" thankful. If we make outward efforts to express thanks, we find we become more thankful and we please God who, scripture tells us, wishes only for us to be mindful of what we receive. A world seen through thankful eyes is a very different place.

While we all have been tried, suffered significant life losses, illnesses and many circumstances beyond our control during the past 12 months, we all also have much for which to be thankful. For the Christian, every day is Thanksgiving Day, but on Sunday, 13 October 2019, during our regular schedule of worship, we'll try to focus that thanksgiving at a time when God's abundance is especially evident in the Harvest.

Join us in saying “Thank you.” Why not bring a friend or family member? Have a blessed Thanksgiving!

View this letter as a pdf

Or use the envelope in your boxed set

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

Growing in Giving 2019 – A Giving FAQ

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1. A Giving FAQ

What about stewardship?

What is stewardship and why is giving important?
God is the source of all we have. Making a portion of what God has given in time, talent and treasure is pleasing to God. Stewardship refers especially to the teaching of Jesus where the steward is the one who manages what the Master has given. Stewardship is simply what we do, with all that we have, after we say, "We believe." Using the gifts God has given us, to do the work God is calling us to do. Healthy stewardship is based primarily on our need to give rather than the church’s need to receive.

Isn’t stewardship just fund-raising – the way the Church compels members to give?
The stewardship practiced by church members definitely impacts the church, but its “our church.” We are the church and the church’s expenses are our expenses. Most of us would never consider not paying our bills. The ministry our church family is able to maintain (much of it in service to our own membership) is closely dependant on the stewardship of the membership in its community.

What about the tithe?

What does it mean to tithe?
The word “tithe” comes from the word tenth. A tithe is the practice of giving the first tenth (10%) of our income to God’s work in the world through his Church. A tithe is not just what we give to the church ie a “2% tithe” is a contradiction in terms. Many see the practice of giving a tenth extending also to time and talents.

Isn’t tithing just an outdated idea from the Old Testament (Covenant)? Hasn’t the New Covenant superceded the Old?
The practice of tithing is a discipline understood by, and taught in, the Hebrew Scriptures. Jesus speaks powerfully about the tithe in Matthew 23:23 and Luke 11:42. Anglican Christians don’t tend to assign degrees of importance to specific verses of the Bible. All of Scripture is the Word of God and everything necessary for salvation is found there. Those who fight the tithe need to fight the Bible.

Is tithing law?
Tithing is a good choice not a rule. The word “tithe” appears 67 times in Holy Scripture. The irony may be that most who submit themselves to the discipline find it enormously rewarding and uplifting.

Are we suggesting that we will magically receive more if we give more?
No. But we are challenged by these New Testament words: “The one who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and the one who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each of you must give as you have made up your mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to provide you with every blessing in abundance, so that by always having enough of everything, you may share abundantly in every good work.” (2 Corinthians 9:6-8)

We aren't saved because we give money to God’s work. Salvation is a gift of God's grace that comes through faith (itself a gift from God). We enter life in grace through Baptism, claiming Jesus as Saviour and our submission to his Lordship. We grow in grace through steady participation in worship and ministry. Giving will not affect your salvation. Salvation will definitely affect your giving.

Don’t the taxes we pay in our times equal a good portion of what used to be considered part of the tithe?
Governments have always used taxation to fund public benefit. A tithe is not a tax. If it were, it would be 17% or even 30%. Modern taxes provide the lifestyle and standard of living we enjoy – the medical care we receive, the roads we drive on, the schools our children attend, the street lights we walk by, the public buildings we use. The church has never been just a provider of public services.

What is the difference between a tithe and an offering?
The Bible uses both terms, often together as in “tithes and offerings.” In Scripture, baseline and regular giving is the tenth (tithe). Offerings are additional giving as we are able and desire a special expression of thanks to God: at church festivals, in remembrance of a loved one, for a special achievement, event or other blessing for which we are thankful. We might consider the tithe as what we should give, the offering as the additional we are able to give at special times.

Doesn’t giving to other charities count as God’s work? God doesn’t just work within the church.
While there are many good causes and many opportunities to give charitable dollars, we may need to re-assess why we give what we do and to what causes. We should ask ourselves why we feel the need to support charitable work outside of our faith community and the commitments we have already made while our church family struggles financially.

Why should I tithe?
“Will anyone rob God? Yet you are robbing me! But you say, ‘How are we robbing you?’ In your tithes and offerings! You are cursed with a curse, for you are robbing me—the whole nation of you! Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, so that there may be food in my house, and thus put me to the test, says the Lord of hosts; see if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you an overflowing blessing.” (Malachi 3:8-10 - NRSV)

The Lord of hosts dares us to test him. For people of faith, the tithe does not belong to us, it belongs to God. When we give to God that which is his, his response is to bless us with what is ours and more!

Growing in Giving ... #1 - A Giving FAQ - What about stewardship? What about the tithe?
Growing in Giving ... #2 - What is a tithing (“demonstration”) Sunday?
Growing in Giving ... #3 - Principles of Giving Quiz - how do you rate?
Growing in Giving ... #4 - Ten Truths of Biblical Giving

 

In Memoriam – David Drinkell

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In Memoriam - David Drinkell

The church family at Christ Church Cathedral continues to mourn the death of organist and director music David Drinkell.

Notes of sympathy and condolences, literally from all over the world, continue to flow in. David was very well known and regarded in the music community. Among the communications are those from Brunswick Street Baptist Church, Fredericton,  the Organ Club (UK) and Belfast Cathedral where they have posted a memorial to David. David's previous post was as organist at the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, Diocese of Eastern Newfoundland and Labrador in St. John's. The Fredericton Daily Gleaner, published a story about David this week. A tribute in the November edition of Anglican Life (Newfoundland Dioceses') by Ashley Ruby, page 11 -- "An Increased Richness in Heaven."

David made the music in Cathedral worship seamless

As a Cathedral member put it this week, "David made the music in Cathedral worship seamless." Indeed, he did. His knowledge of traditional Anglican worship and its music often baffled the best of us, yet he met the challenges of more contemporary musical styles in leading the 11:45 a.m. worship group each Sunday with grace and proficiency. Let us give thanks for his confidence in Christian faith. We are indebited to him, perhaps most for his friendship, but also for his faithful, yet far too short, ministry of music among us.

Later in the day on Thursday, 26 September 2019, the Dean wrote to the Cathedral congregation by way of email:

Subject: News shared with a heavy heart
Date: 26 September 2019

It is with sorrow and a heavy heart that I write with very sad news.

You’ll remember that David Drinkell had, what we all considered, a successful emergency surgery last week. Early in the day on Sunday, it was becoming more apparent that complications from the surgery were developing and Sunday afternoon, David underwent a second surgery to address those difficulties.

Since Sunday, David had been in ICU, on life support and, his condition continued to worsen. Medical tests and scans on Wednesday were not revealing good news about his chances for recovery. Earlier today (Thursday) it was determined that chance had become very slim, if not non-existent. At about 5:30 p.m., life support was removed and David died peacefully at about 7:20 p.m..

It was my privilege that Elspeth allowed me to be present. Kathleen Snow and Janet Mahar were also with us. The care David received from the whole health team at the Everett Chalmer’s Hospital was outstanding and we are all thankful for them. Everything possible was done. Thanksgiving is also due for all who have helped in any way over the last several difficult days, perhaps most especially Marilyn Lewell who has been a rock for Elspeth through much of this ordeal.

Most of us are very conscious of the precarious financial position this creates for Elspeth. There may be opportunities, for those whom are able, to offer support in a financial, as well as other many ways, in the days ahead. We’ll try to coordinate that as best we can and further direction should be forthcoming.

Please pray for David, Elspeth, other members of David’s family and friends who will be hearing this news shortly.

"Lord, now lettest thy servants depart in peace, according to thy word."

God's blessing.

Dean Geoffrey Hall
GMH

David's funeral will be at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, 08 October 2019, at Christ Church Cathedral, Fredericton. There will be no visitation prior to the funeral. Long time friend, Anglican priest and Rector of the Parish of Rothesay, the Rev'd Paul Rideout, will be the preacher. Friend of the Cathedral and former director of music, Dr. Willis Noble, will be the organist. A reception at the Cathedral Memorial Hall will follow.

Read David's obituary on the McAdam's Funeral Home website

Bishop and Chapter News – September 2019

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Bishop and Chapter met on Monday, 16 September 2019 with ten of a usual twelve members present. Minutes of the 17 June were adopted with two explanatory addenda. The Dean led a brief conversation on the article “How I lead from the middle” by Natasha Jamison Gadson (Faith and Leadership).

Correspondence - letter of thanks from Hank Williams

Business Arising

• Letters - of appreciation were sent to Hank Williams, Norma Jean Belyea and Nathan Cutler

From the Dean

A usual report of activities and commitments including attendance at General Synod, 09-17 July and two weeks of vacation in August.

Decision

• Records Management Policy - a final draft presented with thanks to Marion Beyea and others who have worked on this project. The policy and its schedules create a framework and direction to staff and leaders regarding records retention and filing

• August gift - a gift of $41,670 has been received. $15,000 directed to organ restoration. The remaining $26,670 to be held as investment until a decision is made on its use at year end. Letter of thanks to be sent.

• Steeple repair - Property Committee to pursue a potentially costly repair on the steeple (could be up to $20,000)

• Stewardship - initiative during October/November including a Tithing “demonstration” Sunday, 03 November was endorsed by the Chapter

Discussion

Calathumpians partnership - the Cathedral has been approached about rental of space in the lower floor of the Hall. Memorandum of Understanding will be prepared for consideration in October. With general agreement to the idea, a variety of details was discussed, including the need to consult with our Safe Church Officer. J. Morell and S. Dibblee will meet with Peter Pacey to move this forward

Reports

• Treasurer - June to August income for operations: $124.191. Expenses: $144,108 increasing our operating deficit to 31 August to $73,986.

• Health and Pastoral Care - several regular programmes have begun the fall. Health information session up=coming in October. K. Snow will be away 19 September - 03 October.

• Property - Odell House sale complete, funds to be invested with interest towards clergy accomodation costs. On our green, two trees need to be removed and others to be trimmed the City. Steeple repair pending could be a significant cost but will be executed

• Hospitality and Welcome - June Picnic and Pies and September corn boil were successful events. Thanks to all who assisted. Scheduled welcomers at Sunday worship times still needed. Training available

• Administration and Finance - Records Management Policy presented and adopted. Stewardship Team (Mike Toole, Chair) proposing an emphasis on stewardship education during October and November.

• Christian Formation - the recent meeting reviewed start-up dates for programmes. ALPHA begins 25 September. Godly Play 22 September

• Communications - the usual communications plan to invite our neighbours was followed for the June and September events. Items of interest to tourists were sold again during the summer with some profit realized. Writers and photographers always welcome to cover cathedral activities and events

Mission and Outreach - Monday drop-ins resumed following specific summer dates. Housing First home construction anticipated by spring. The Cathedral is represented on the new CivicTech Caring Calendar

Up-coming

• 21 September - 8:30 a.m. Breakfast
• 23 October - 7:00 p.m. Fredericton Greater Chapter
• 03 November - Tithing “demonstration” Sunday

Next meetings:    21 October; 18 November; 16 December                 GMH

Music Monthly – September 2019

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1 September 2019 - Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost

10.00: Choral Eucharist (BAS)
Cantate Domino - Pitoni
Missa Secunda - Hassler
Psalm 81:1, 10-16
O sing joyfully - Batten
631, 319, 10, 60, 306
Homage to Perotin - Roberts

8 September 2019 - Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost

10.30: Eucharist on the Green (BAS)
Fredericton Missa Brevis - Murray
Teach me, O Lord - Byrd
Hymns on Order of Service

15 September 2019 - Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost

10.00: Choral Eucharist (BAS)
God be in my head - Rutter
Stanford in B flat
Psalm 14
O for a closer walk with God - Stanford
8, 594, 116, 611, 628
Postlude in D minor - Stanford

22 September 2019 - Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost

10.00: Choral Eucharist (BCP)
Oculi omnium - Wood
Darke in F
Psalm 79:1-9
Expectans expectavi - Wood
574(Old 124th), 521, 445, 87, 576
Fantasia and Fugue in G minor BWV 542 - Bach

29 September 2019 - Saint Michael and All Angels

10.00: Choral Matins (BCP)
Give almes of thy goods - Tye
Smith Responses
Venite
Psalm 91:1-6, 14-end
Ireland in F
380, 501, 351, 577
Toccata - Mushel

Season of Creation 2019 Scripture Notes

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Season of Creation Scripture Notes

The Sundays during the Season of Creation, 01 September – 04 October 2019 will help us to focus on this year’s theme: “The Web of Life.”

01 September | 08 September | 15 September | 22 September | 29 September

Sunday, 01 September 2019

Jeremiah 2:4-13
The passage speaks of God protecting Israel during their wandering in the desert and how they forgot God and put their trust in ‘cracked cisterns that can hold no water.’ – Parallel with today’s global idolatry of materialism and economic growth and how we are reaping what we have sown through climate change, biodiversity loss, and soil pollution.

Psalm 81:1, 10-16
Parallel to Jeremiah 2. Note how God’s blessing is seen in creation’s bounty v.16 of the “finest wheat and … honey from the rock”

Hebrews 13:1-8, 15-16
‘Mutual love’ includes: – hospitality to the stranger (v.2) such as migrants and climate refugees. – keeping our lives free of the love of money (v.5) in a world where inequality is growing and materialism is a root cause of many of the ecological problems we face – v.16 the sacrifice God wants is sharing what we have!

Luke 14: 1, 7-14
This parable is about generosity to the outsider and stranger, not just looking after our own but seeking to love those on the margins. These include the victims of climate injustice and food insecurity.

Sunday, 08 September 2019

Jeremiah 18:1-11
God as the potter can break down and rebuild nations. – What is God doing today in a world of human-caused ecological chaos? Where do our nations need to be broken and remoulded?

Psalm 139:1-5, 12-18
God’s personal care and knowledge for each of us are described using the vivid language of knitting and weaving. – We need to take this truth for ourselves but also apply it to all who are the victims of climate change, water and food scarcity etc.

Philemon 1-21

Luke 14:25-33
To follow Jesus means ‘carrying the cross’ (v.27) and ‘giving up all our possessions’ (v.33). – What does it mean to us living in consumer cultures where worth is measured in possessions to give up all this to Jesus? Is it to be taken literally, or is it about changing our relationship with material things and learning to live lightly, simply and generously, recognizing that all we have is God’s gift, to be shared with others, and not to be acquired in ways that damage creation’s thriving?

Sunday, 15 September 2019

Jeremiah 4:11-12, 22-28
God’s judgement on human sin, seen now in creation’s groaning (Romans 8.22), causing biodiversity loss and desertification (v.23-26) – Should we see today’s crises as God’s judgment, or simply as the Earth reaping what we have sown in overconsumption, waste and greed? – Note v.27 promises hope beyond judgment, as always in scripture. This is important today when many have lost hope for the Earth.

Psalm 14

In the context of practical atheism, where people live as if there is no God (v.1) – which we can apply to today’s idols of hedonism and consumer materialism, note how God’s heart is towards the poor (v.6). How can we show the reality of God in how we care for those on the margins?

1 Timothy 1:12-17

Luke 15:1-12
Jesus’ joy and heaven’s joy over one sinner who repents. The celebration (especially for the lost coin) is out of all proportion to what’s been recovered, but reflects the theme of God’s Kingdom as a feast or party. – in our rightful passion for the poor and the planet, we must not lose sight of the heart of the Gospel, that we each need the transforming acceptance and forgiveness that God in Christ offers.

Sunday 22 September 2019

Jeremiah 8:18-9.1
A heartfelt lament on behalf of God’s people. – v.20 sums up how many victims of climate change might feel: ‘The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved.’ – if we are to be moved to change our ways in response to God’s call and today’s crises, we need to recover how to lament, to feel godly sorrow and to experience the Spirit’s groaning through creation’s groaning (Romans 8,22,26)

Psalm 79:1-9

1 Timothy 2:1-7
In the context of summing up the centrality of Christ in God’s purposes (vs.4-7) we are called to pray especially for rulers and authorities (although next week’s Psalm 146.3-4 tells us not to trust our rulers!) – in the context of massive injustice, inequality and continuing destruction of God’s creation, how should this affect how we pray for our leaders? – if we can vote to choose our leaders, what kinds of priorities does the Gospel suggest we should base that choice upon?

Luke 16:1-13
The parable of the shrewd (or dishonest!) steward is a difficult one and commentators differ on the details of interpretation. – what is much clearer is Jesus’ application in vs.9-13: – ‘You cannot serve God and wealth’ (v.13) is a huge challenge to a world where the richest 20% consume 16 times as much of the Earth’s resources as the poorest 20%. – Being faithful stewards of what belongs to another (v.12) surely applies to our use of natural resources, because the whole Earth belongs to God (Psalm. 24.1).

Sunday, 29 September 2019

Jeremiah 32:1-3a, 6-15
Jeremiah buys a field as a prophetic act that, despite a chaotic context, there would be a hopeful future (Jeremiah 29.11) where land would be bought and sold again. – This challenges those otherworldly spiritualities that suggest we should focus on heaven and forget all the problems affecting Earth. – We are called to invest our time, work and money in the land (the social and ecological context) where God has planted us – to seek the shalom – the peace and well-being of the city / town / village (Jeremiah
29.7)

Psalm 91:1-6, 14-end
A psalm of hope written in the context of despair. – How might these words fit our current situation of climate refugees, biodiversity loss and injustice? – v.4 describes God as a protective bird hiding us under its wings. If God made the incredible diversity of wildlife we see, what creatures speak to you of God’s character, and how?

1 Timothy 6:6-19
Powerful reminders not to place our security in money and possessions (vs.6-10), but in godly virtues (v.11) reflected in our core relationships – with God, each other, and creation – and in the gift of eternal life (v.12). – note it is the love of money and the desire to be rich that are the root of the problem (vs.9-10), but today’s media and the politics of endless economic growth feed us with lies that money and wealth will solve our needs. – Can we, as churches, learn to be counter-cultural in cultivating content with enough (v.8) rather than always wanting more? – Can the perspective that we bring nothing into the world and can take nothing out (v.7), and that it is God (not our work or the economy) that provides us with what we need (v.17) help us live more sustainably?

Luke 16:19-end
The story of the rich man and Lazarus is another powerful warning that ignoring injustice and poverty is a form of practical atheism. Our faith in God has to be reflected in generosity and justice or it is meaningless. – How does this parable come alive in today’s situation of a globalized world where the poorest are on our doorstep, and the lifestyles of rich nations are exacerbating the impacts of climate change, deforestation, food and water stress and waste upon the world’s poorest?

Thomas Gonder in Concert August 3rd

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Saturday 3 August 2019
7.30pm

Marche Nuptiale - J. Thomas D. Gonder
Mouvement - Jean Berveiller
Toccata and Fugue "Dorian" - J. S. Bach
Fugue pour St. Sulpice - David Briggs
Marche Episcopale - David Briggs
Prelude in e - Gerald Bales
Scherzetto - Joseph Jongen
Acclamations Carolingiennes - Jean Langlais
Ezpata Dantza - Naji Hakim

J. Thomas D. Gonder, born in Cayuga, Ontario in 1971, exhibited musical gifts at an extremely early age. He spent most of his life in London, Ontario, his family having relocated there in 1981. Immediately becoming involved in the musical life of St. Paul's Cathedral, he spent many years there as a chorister, Organ Scholar, Assistant Organist, and Organist and Master of the Choristers. Thomas quickly rose to the forefront of the Canadian Organ scene as one of its brightest young performers shortly after his public debut at the age of 15 under the tutelage of D. Mervyn Games. His teachers, mentors and greatest influences also include David Palmer, Ian Sadler, William McArton, Catherine Crozier, Simon Preston, Gerald Bales, Naji Hakim and David Briggs.

Thomas Gonder

J. THOMAS D. GONDER

Thomas has developed a wide-ranging career as organist, accompanist, church musician, singer and composer. Naji Hakim (Paris, France) has described him as "a deeply feeling and emotional player," Simon Preston (Great Britain), "an amazing talent," and the esteemed Canadian musician Gerald Bales, OC, (1919 - 2002) proclaimed him the foremost interpreter of his organ works. Thomas has earned himself a reputation as an exciting, virtuoso performer of distinction in command of a vast repertoire, most notably with the French Romantic and Post-Romantic repertoire, having twice performed the complete Organ Symphonies of Louis Vierne. Thomas is internationally recognized as a leading interpreter of the organ works of Naji Hakim of Paris, France, the most prolific composer of organ music in the world today. Thomas has premiered much of Mr. Hakim’s work in Canada. In 1995 he gave the Canadian Premiere of 'Vexilla Regis Prodeunt' at the Jack Singer Concert Hall, Calgary, Alberta. 1997 saw the World Premiere of Gerald Bales' 'Impromptu-Toccata' at the closing concert of the Royal Canadian College of Organists National Convention. Thomas has also had numerous works composed for him and recent years have seen two world premieres of works by Parisian composer, Nicolas Chevereau and "Elegie Canadienne" by David Briggs.

Thomas is extremely active - and immersed in - all facets of the music scene in Toronto and is also in his sixth year as Organist, Music Director and Artist in Residence at St. Matthew's Anglican Church, Islington.

When I listen to your playing I say to myself "Here is an artist who understands the very spirit of my music!

~ Naji Hakim, 19 September 2013

St. Matthew's Anglican Church, Islington
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