Author Archive: Geoffrey Hall

What is Choral Evensong?

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Choral Evensong is held monthly at 4:00 p.m. in the Cathedral. Check our calendar to confirm dates.

The article below, written in 2018 by former Cathedral Organist and Director of Music David Drinkell, answers the question, "What is Evensong?" Evensong is often livestreamed on our YouTube channel.

The Daily Offices are an important, but perhaps little-known, part of the Cathedral’s ministry. At Morning and Evening Prayer, each parish and organisation in the Diocese is remembered in the Mother Church, and prayer is offered for the wider Church and for the world.

Evening Prayer is one of the most balanced, logical and simple of our Anglican liturgies and is based on the monastic offices of Vespers and Compline. There is a penitential opening and a set of Responses to set the scene. The core of the Office lays out God’s Promise in the Psalms and Old Testament, the Wonder of God’s Coming to Earth in the Magnificat, Christ’s Life on Earth or the Holy Spirit working through the disciples in the New Testament, and the recognition and joyful acceptance of the Messiah in the Nunc Dimittis. This Faith is summed up in the Creed, and is followed by specific and general prayer.

Evening Prayer is a powerful devotion, even when read simply in private or quietly in the Cathedral alone or with a few people present. But one of the glories of Anglican worship is that, over nearly five centuries since it came into use, the Office has been sung in choral foundations in England and later throughout the world, clothed in some of the finest music ever inspired for worship. Choral Evensong sung in the Cathedral is an opportunity to experience this music-clothed service as a meditation on the mysteries of faith.

“Evensong is a very tiny fragment of something else: it is a fragment of the worship which is offered to God by Christian people every hour in every part of the world. When you come to Evensong it is as if you were dropping in on a conversation already in progress — a conversation between God and people which began long before we were born and will go on long after we are dead.”

-- by David Drinkell

Bishop and Chapter News – September 2018

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Bishop and Chapter met on Monday, 17 September with twelve of twelve usual members present. Minutes of the 18 June 2018 meeting were adopted. The Dean provided an article entitled “Forming an Effective Nominating Committee.” Members of the Chapter discussed our current practices and considered potential improvements.

Business Arising

  • Ending Homelessness in Fredericton - a follow up meeting was held on 15 September with updates on the status of the Project. A small group from the Cathedral will be gathered to consider next steps
  • Mission and Outreach Belize Budget - at this time, it appears the 2018 budget may cover anticipated expense

From the Dean
The Dean reviewed usual items of commitment since June noting that summer seemed unusually busy. Items of note included:

  • pending appointment of Caroline Vanicek as head server
  • first Sunday of October being Thanksgiving, evensong on 14 October
  • up-coming this fall one individual wishing to enter discernment leading to ordination. Discernment committee will be needed
  • 11 November is on Sunday. 10 a.m. worship moved to 9:45 a.m.
  • clergy conference with Hugh Halter attended in August on “Your Church in the Future.” Will share with Chapter in the future

For Decision

Hall usage - after determining that the downstairs hall floor is unsafe, it was decided to inform Scouts Canada to seek other meeting space

Discussion
Property (re) development - a lengthy discussion about status of the conversation regarding Cathedral and Diocesan properties. Bishop’s consultant currently working with the Cathedral on a “future mission plan.” A congregational meeting has been recommended by R. Goodfellow (October). National Trust Conference 18-20 October to focus on religious heritage buildings - diocesan/Cathedral participation

Reports

  • Treasurer - to date, expenses exceed revenue in the amount of approximately $80,000. Compared to last year to date, revenue is down by about $47,000. Considerable concern expressed by members of the Chapter. No conclusions were drawn as to specific causes. Suggestions, including encouraging e-offering and a Sunday presentation by the Treasurer, were made and discussed.
  • Christian Formation - programme in Fall startup: Godly Play, Taizé worship, ALPHA (19 September), Family Faith Fiesta, Youth Groups. A brief overview of our experience with Godly Play was shared
  • Administration and Finance - Odell House and Cathedral Hall properties being migrated this week to land titles. On-going communication with the Diocese regarding creating a policy on giving. Manual being reviewed to re-establish policy for staff
  • Health and Pastoral Care - Programmes resuming. Interest in Fit Club is down. Support group for care givers of those with dementia being created. Brochure in production
  • Communications - Summer projects included neighbourhood invitations to corn boil and other event promotion
  • Property - South door repair still being investigated; investigation of potential a memorial tree planting on the green; lower hall floor has been assessed as unsafe; asphalt repair at west door should happen this month
  • Worship - will call a meeting next month
  • Hospitality, Welcoming and Membership - committee bing formed and will first address terms of reference. Meeting 20 September. Suggestion for larger freezer at the hall to be considered

Up-coming
Bishop’s Town Hall, Fredericton (Canon XXI) 27 September 7:00 p.m.
Archdeaconry Greater Chapter - 18 October
Diocesan Synod - 03 November 2018

Next meeting: 15 October 2018

GMH

Canadian Church Calendar 2019 – Interview with Carol Ann Melvin

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2019 Canadian Church Calendar reflects life of the church 'inside and out' - The Anglican Church of Canada

In 2019, the new Canadian Church Calendar brings together the best of both worlds: a reflection of our beautiful Anglican tradition in twelve Canadian cathedrals, and the ministry that each cathedral community leads inside and outside the walls of its church buildings. The calendar deftly weaves together photographs of Anglican cathedrals with the church's ministry ...

Music Monthly – September 2018

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2 September 2018 - Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost

10.00: Choral Eucharist (BAS)
Call to remembrance - Farrant
Festive Eucharist - Rawsthorne
Psalm 45:1-2, 7-10
View me, Lord, a work of thine - Lloyd
1, 605, 624, 76, 393
Exurgat Deus - Hurford

9 September 2018 - Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost

10.30: Eucharist on the Green (BAS)
Missa Brevis XIII (Holy Cross) - Willan
O taste and see - Vaughan Williams
O sing joyfully - Batten
Hymns on Ordo

16 September 2018 - Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost

10.00: Choral Eucharist (BAS)
Jesu, the very thought is sweet - Wood
Wood in C minor
Psalm 19
O thou, the central orb - Wood
2, 271, 466, 450, 602
Sonata No. 3 (1st movement) - Mendelssohn

23 September 2018 - Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost

10.00: Choral Eucharist (BCP)
For Guds folk er hvilen tilbake - Sløgedal
Short Service - Ayleward
Psalm 1
Sacerdotes Domini - Byrd
649, 506, 500,61, 576
Sinfonia (Cantata 29) - Bach

30 September 2018 - Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost

10.00: Choral Matins (BCP)
God be in my head - Murray
Smith Responses
Venite
Psalm 124
Ireland in F
7, 97, 592, 379
Prelude on Darwall - Whitlock

Summer outreach a success

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The joy of giving was obvious this summer among people who took part in three Monday morning drop-ins for people in need.

“Usually, the Outreach Committee operates weekly drop-ins from mid-September until mid-May and takes the summer off to give our dedicated volunteers a chance to rest and relax,” committee chair Penny Ericson explained. “This year we decided to offer one gathering monthly because, as some of our guests have often reminded us, they're still poor in the summer!”

Penny said the event was popular and successful. On average, 45 people attended the sessions in June, July and August.

Parish nurse Kathleen Snow was one of the driving forces behind continuation of the program.

On average, 45 people attended the sessions in June, July and August.

“It was wonderful to see our clients over the summer months,” Kathleen said, adding that the need for this type of outreach is there for the full 12 months of the year. “The sense of community between these individuals and our volunteers is so heartwarming to witness; the goodwill and friendships are tangible.”

She provided blood pressure monitoring and blood glucose readings. “It has been a blessing to develop relationships with my clients and share with them in their concern for their health and well-being,” she said.

Summer Outreach 2018

STEPPING UP – John Dos Santos (left) and Doug Milander distributed bottled water, granola bars and either city bus tickets or grocery store gift cards to people who lined up Aug. 13th at Cathedral Memorial Hall. Doug is a longtime volunteer with the outreach program.

Volunteer musicians played and sang during two of the three sessions. Plenty of used clothing was available for browsing. New Maryland United Church and St. Margaret's Anglican Church participated throughout the summer which was an unexpected bonus for event organizers.

“We were inspired by studying Michael Frost's book, "Surprise the World," and learning about the importance of blessing, eating, listening,” said committee member Ann Deveau. “People at the cathedral took it to heart because we received wonderful donations of food, time or effort from people who have not previously been involved. We are grateful for the interest and support.”

Gratitude was also expressed by many of the guests who attended to eat sandwiches and muffins, drink juice and coffee, and to receive four city transit tickets or a $10 gift card from a local supermarket.

“It's really nice of you to give up some of your summer vacation to be here,” smiled one young man. “Every little bit helps.”

Another accepted a free bottle of water and a granola bar with her voucher. She said: “Thank you! The other churches in town all closed their programs for the whole summer, so this is great.”

Penny noted that St. Paul advised the church in Thessalonica to build up its faith by helping the weak and encouraging the disheartened.

“Paul's message is just as relevant in Fredericton 2000 years later, and it is still just as gratifying to give as to receive,” she said. “We will resume our weekly gatherings September 10th and hope that some people who assisted during the summer will want to continue.”

Ann Deveau

Music Monthly – August 2018

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Sunday 5 August - Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost

10.00: Choral Eucharist (BAS)
Lord, for thy tender mercy’s sake - Hilton
Missa Secunda - Hassler
Psalm 51:1-13
Ave verum corpus - Byrd
282, 447, 10, 83, 529
Psalm Prelude, Set 2, No. 3 - Howells

Sunday 12 August - Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost

10.00: Choral Eucharist (BCP)
God so loved the world - Goss
Harris in F
Psalm 130
Tantum ergo sacramentum - Séverac
355, 431, 645, 49, 565
Toccata on Lasst uns erfreuen - Choveaux

Sunday 19 August - Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost

10.00: Choral Eucharist (BAS)
Hide not thou thy face - Farrant
Missa Brevis XIII (Holy Cross) - Willan
Psalm 111
From the rising of the sun - Ouseley
381, 561, 84, 72, 438
Prelude and Fugue in G BWV 541 - Bach

Sunday 26 August - Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost

10:00: Choral Eucharist (BCP)
O sacrum convivium - Mudd
Wood in the Phrygian Mode
Psalm 84
Rejoice in the Lord alway - Anon. 16th cent.
364, 496, 497, 70, 461
Marche aux Flambeaux - Scotson Clark

The Season of Creation 2018

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Season of Creation 2018 - 01 September - 04 October

Season of Creation 2018What is the “Season of Creation”?

Every year, from September 1st to October 4th, churches are called to participate in the “Season of Creation.” The World Council of Churches has been promoting this theme since 2008. This special time of year has gained popularity in Europe, and the United Church of Canada was the first to celebrate it here in Canada. Since 2017, all churches in Canada are invited to celebrate the “Season of Creation” in their faith community. The Green Churches Network is happy to offer a “box” of resources designed to make creation care more relevant and “doable” for your church. The Anglican Communion Environmental Network encourages Anglican churches worldwide to participate.

Why September 1st to October 4th?

In 1989, Demetrios I, Patriarch of Constantinople decided to dedicate the first day of the Orthodox liturgical year (September 1) to the protection of the environment. He then invited the whole Christian world to join in so that “every year on this day, we raise prayers of thanks for the great gift of the created world, prayers of supplication for its protection and salvation.” In 2015, Pope Francis named September 1st the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation.

October 4th is the feast of Saint Francis of Assisi. He is the patron saint of ecology in the Catholic tradition since 1979. He is a model of integral ecology, demonstrating that the love for the poor, the sick and for all creatures comes from the same Source.

What to do during the “Season of Creation?”

Christian communities are invited to organize various activities on the theme of Creation Care between September 1st and October 4th: prayer services, intergenerational activities, conferences, activities for children and young people, fund raising, etc.

The Green Churches Network has created the “Season of Creation in a Box” to help inspire educational, action-centered and spirituality-themed activities in your faith community.

Resources

Bishop’s bike ride event a success

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Bishop Rob Hardwick of the Diocese of Qu'Appelle rode into Fredericton on Sunday just after 2:30 p.m. on Sunday July 15th. His partner on the pilgrimage has been his wife Lorraine who drives the support vehicle. The Cathedral was so pleased to welcome them, and right on schedule for the planned event.

About a hundred were in attendance, from the congregation and the wider community. A 4:00 p.m. informal evening prayer was followed by a BBQ on the cathedral green.

"We so much appreciate the support of our partners," said Dean Geoffrey Hall. Christ Church (Parish) Church has been involved. We also value the contributions of Joy FM, and others named on the promotional flyer.

 

It was an uplifting afternoon of music, prayer and food. During worship, Bishop Hardwick shared some reflections on the meaning of his journey "to lay a foundation of prayer for unity, healing and reconciliation." "There is so much need in this broken world of ours," said Bishop Rob. "It seems we talk a lot about prayer but its another thing to do it."

Visit the Cathedral Podcast page to listen to the 4:00 p.m. worship with the Bishop's address.

To lay a foundation of prayer for unity, healing and reconciliation ...

Bishop Hardwick and bears

Bishop Hardwick on King Street with the Anglican Foundation Hope Bears

The Bishop and Lorraine invite others to join them in their effort in at least three ways:

  1. Use the Prayer Diary to follow along day by day as the ride comes to its conclusion on 01 August in St. John's Newfoundland. There are special prayer intentions listed for each day and a schedule for the stops along the way. You can be a prayer partner wherever you are.
  2. Follow the Ride on Facebook or the Bishop's Ride blog to get updates and reports on progress
  3. Make a contribution to the Living the Mission Financial Campaign. Find information in the Prayer Diary for sending a cheque or money order or click the donate button on the Facebook page or the Bishops Ride web page
  4. Ride with the Bishop as he leaves from the North Side Tim Horton's (534 Union Street) at 7:30 a.m. on Tuesday, 17 July.

On Monday morning, Bishop Hardwick was the feature interview during the Joy Ride, 7:30 - 8:30 a.m. on Joy FM. Later that morning, a pit stop at Savage's Bicycle Centre got the cycle in for a tune up to prepare for the final leg of the pilgrimage.

More information on the Bishop's Bike Ride can be found easily by searching "Bishop's Bike Ride Living the Mission" or from the previous post on the Cathedral web site.

Hardwick and Joy

Bishop Rob Hardwick interviewed by Aaron and Derek of Joy FM

Harwick and Hadleys

Bishop Rob Hardwick and Jane and Eric Hadley on 17 July 2018