Questions? Contact the Project Chair Jamie Yeamans at <jamieyeamans at gmail.com>
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Why is it important that we have a visitation? There are five reasons:
Spread the good news: all the positive things going on in our church. So SHARING is the first reason
SEEK FEEDBACK from our congregation on our services, programs and congregational life and have this information documented via a questionnaire
CONNECT with recent newcomers and non-regulars and invite them to fully participate in our worship and programs
STEWARDSHIP – We want to make everyone aware of where our money comes from, where it is spent and the need for increased giving in order for us to be able to do God’s work more effectively
INVITE PARTICIPATION and others into the life of our church family
We ask for your prayers and support to make this project a success. Thank you.
The Annual Holocaust Memorial Observance Sunday April 10, 2016 at 3:00 pm. Sgoolai Israel Synagogue 168 Westmorland Street, Fredericton
The keynote speaker is Faigie Schmidt Libman.
Faigie Schmidt, an only child, was born into an affluent family in Kaunas, Lithuania in 1934. Her mother Batia was a surgical nurse and her father Faiva owned a successful bookstore. The Nazis invaded Lithuania in the summer of 1941 just before her seventh birthday. They confined the Kaunas Jewish community into a crowded ghetto. In October 1941 Helmut Rauca the SS Master Sergeant of the ghetto ordered everyone to assemble. He divided families into two groups. One group of families was machine-gunned over open pits that became their mass graves. Rauca’s killing unit murdered more than 10,500 Lithuanian Jews that day. Miraculously, Faigie and her family were not selected. They survived to live three more years of forced labour, hunger and turmoil in the ghetto. In 1944 as they were losing the war, the Nazis sent the remaining Kaunas Jews to concentration camps. Faigie’s father went to Dachau in Germany. She and her mother went to Stutthof in Poland.
Children were routinely murdered upon arrival at the camps, but the day Faigie arrived at Stutthof the ovens were not working. This unforeseen event gave Faigie’s mother a chance to save her daughter. It would be the second time she deceived the Nazis and saved her daughter’s life. Faigie and her mother worked digging trenches at Stutthof and three smaller labour camps. In January 1945 they were forced on a death march where for days faltering meant death. The Soviet army liberated them from the death march near Danzig. They later learned that Faigie’s father had been killed during a death march from Dachau.
While living in an Austrian displaced persons camp, Faigie’s mother located her sister in Montreal. In 1948 they immigrated to a new life in Canada. Faigie married her loving husband Benny Libman in 1952. They had four children and many grandchildren together. Faigie became a kindergarten teacher. Her mother remarried, obtained her Canadian nursing certification and worked in Montreal for many years.
In June 1982 Faigie learned that Helmut Rauca had been arrested by the RCMP for the murder of 11,500 Lithuanian Jews. To her horror he had been living a few blocks from her North York home. It was a turning point for Faigie. She resolved to tell her story and teach about the dangers of hatred and intolerance. “I owe my survival to my belief in God, my mother’s courage and heroic actions and unforeseen miracles,” she said.
Sincerely,
Israel Unger
Chair Holocaust Commemoration Committee
Luke’s gospel refers to a house being swept and put in good order, but it doesn’t say anything about cleaning grease from the vent above a stove.
“It’s a really dirty job, but it’s one of the necessary tasks to be done during the seasonal cleaning of the kitchen at the church hall,” said David Crowe of the Guild of St. Joseph.
A six-member team from the “Holy Joes” recently tackled not only the greasy vent but also they defrosted the freezer; cleaned the refrigerator, microwave, and two ovens; scrubbed three sinks; wiped down the cupboard faces; washed the windows; tidied the drawers and cupboards; checked the dishwasher, and disinfected the counter tops.
“Our kitchen is a big, beautiful space which is used frequently for shared meals such as the Saturday breakfast and spaghetti Tuesdays, funeral receptions, the Monday drop-in for people in need, teas, luncheons associated with meetings, and so on,” David explained. “Users are good about keeping it tidy from one event to the other, but a thorough cleaning is needed a few times a year.”
The cathedral’s Kitchen Committee, on which David serves, manages the kitchen jointly and shares the workload. The ACW takes a turn doing the “big clean,” as does the Outreach Committee, which operates the Monday morning gathering. The volunteers who work at the Saturday morning community breakfast are also assigned a season.
It’s a case of many hands make light work.
“It’s a case of many hands make light work, and each group’s turn comes up once a year, but the kitchen sparkles at least four times annually,” David said. “The Kitchen Committee is diligent about running a clean, safe, efficient kitchen for everyone to enjoy.”
Groups that use the kitchen regularly are asked to fill out a departure checklist located in a pink binder in the kitchen. This binder is reviewed a couple times a month so that problems, such as a leaky faucet or a lack of vinyl gloves, can be addressed promptly.
With the cleaning chores behind him, thanks to a solid effort by his team, David has a suggestion. “If you left a container, platter, pie plate, cookie tin or whatnot at the hall when donating food for an event, please come back and get it,” he said. “We wash, dry and stack these items on the window sill in the kitchen for a few months, but unclaimed items are given away eventually.”
The committee meets on the third Wednesday of each month. Committee chair Lois Baker welcomes questions at any time.
Members of Bishop and Chapter met this past Monday evening, 14 March, with 9 of 13 members present. A short discussion on Philippians 2:5-11: “let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus …” What was important about the kind of death Jesus died? What nonnegotiable Christian teaching is contained? Minutes from the 15 and 21 February meetings were adopted.
Janet Mahar was appointed Chapter Recording Secretary with the Chapter’s sincere thanks.
Business Arising
• Advisory Committee to the Bishop was appointed on 21 February. Chair and Secretary need to be appointed. Nominated C. Schmidt, secretary, J. Morell, chair. Other members will be contacted for concurrence.
• Hall Starlift parts on order with repair pending.
• Space for Scouts – B. Garland has communicated the available space for use by the Scouts.
• Music Director Search committee reported that initial interviews have been conducted and second interviews are pending. Sharon Pond has graciously agreed to act as interim organist.
• Chapter Vacancy of one member remains with a chair for the committee on Christian Formation needed.
• Every Member Visitation is planned for the last week of April/First week of May. Information package being developed. Training 16 April. Visitors needed.
From the Dean
Monthly special care facility Communions, hospitals visits, one meeting of the deaneries clericus, four diocesan meetings. Two Lenten Study groups on-going with about 12 participants. Confirmation preparation began 27 February partnering with the Parish of New Maryland. Baptism preparation for Easter complete. Efforts of home visitation impeded by time limitations over the last several weeks. Vacation 07 – 21 April with Canon Smith as supply. Have serious concern about ministries of Christian formation. Sunday School is struggling with lack of leaders/teachers.
Items for Decision
• Parish Nurse Staff Position – That Bishop and Chapter approve the hiring of a part-time permanent Parish Nurse, subject to the Parish Nursing Support Group being able to secure pledges, over and above regular offerings, totalling $11,000/year over the next 5 years.
• Arborist Request – International Society of Arboriculture to prune trees on the Cathedral green 04 June. Permission granted with assurances regarding liability received.
• Signing Officers – That Chapter signing officers be Bishop David Edwards, Dean Geoffrey Hall, Chair Jim Morell, Treasurer Carol Dixon and Secretary Janet Mahar.
For information
• Refugee Sponsorship – Guest Ann Deveau visited with updates from the Missions Committee regarding progress on the sponsorship of a refugee family. 10 parishes and the Cathedral initially working together to sponsor one family. Expect a May or June arrival. Several individuals from the Cathedral have joined the action team. Some storage space for collected donated articles was identified for use.
Up-coming
Easter Sunday (27 March) combined worship at 10:30 a.m.
The Day of Pentecost (15 May) worship and luncheon at 10:30 a.m.
Proclamation is the reading of God’s word aloud in public and in its entirety from beginning to end traditionally over a 10 day period. Reading schedules have been developed integrating Old Testament readings with Psalms, Proverbs and New Testament readings.
For many Canadians, both those who listen and read it is a remarkable new experience. But the roots are as old as the book of Nehemiah, where in the eighth chapter, Ezra and the priest reads the law aloud to the whole assembly of Israel from beginning to end and spiritual renewal follows.
As well as reinvigorating the church, Proclamation is a public witness. The events bring together many different congregations, parishes from many denominations and confessions. This co-operative spirit makes a powerful statement of unity to the community. (from “Proclamation” on the Canadian Bible Society web site)
For many Canadians, both those who listen and read it is a remarkable new experience
In Fredericton, Proclamation 2016 is an event during which all are invited to hear the reading of God’s word aloud in public and in its entirety from beginning to end over a 10 day period. Reading schedules have been developed integrating Old Testament readings with Psalms & Proverbs and New Testament readings.
More than an event, it is an opportunity to experience the bible read as it was intended, aloud. In Nehemiah 8, Ezra engages this process with the priest and together they read the bible aloud to the whole assembly of Israel from beginning to end. The story bears witness to spiritual renewal in those who hear this proclaimed word.
As well as reinvigorating the church, Proclamation is a public witness. The events bring together many different congregations, parishes from many denominations and confessions. This co-operative spirit makes a powerful statement of unity to the community.
Ten years ago, during Proclamation 2006, 40 Churches and 6 groups participated. More than 1300 voices proclaimed the Word of God. Plan to join us this year to be a part of this experience of Christian unity!
Proclamation will be held in Fredericton from May 4 – May 13, 2016 at St. Anne’s Chapel of Ease at Christ Church Parish Church, 201 Westmorland Street.
May 4 – May 13, 2016
All neighbouring Christian churches, regardless of denomination, are invited to participate, and to be part of the Proclamation event. All group and religious organizations are encouraged to sign up.
Want to help out?? We are currently seeking readers and hospitality volunteers from each participating community. Please call Rev Priscilla Geisterfer <geisterferp at hotmail.com> (506) 260-7637, for interest in Reading, and Gladys Lacey-House, <lhouse at nb.sympatico.ca> (506) 454-3381 for interest in Hospitality.
Help bring Proclamation to life here in Fredericton!
With the dawn of Easter the Christian Church once again realizes anew the greatest joy of faith. The preparation of Lent and the horror of Holy Week breaks with the celebration of new life — the Saviour is risen!
We celebrate the newness of life at Easter. Jesus’ Resurrection is the climax of the Christian year and represents the way God would have us be. It is the rising again of our Lord that is the foundation of faith giving meaning to our past and hope for our future as individuals and as the People of God.
At Christ Church Cathedral, we join in celebration with the whole Church of the Risen Christ at this most important time. The schedule of worship and other events for Palm Sunday, Holy Week and Easter follows or check our Calendar.
Passion/Palm Sunday (20 March)
8:00 a.m. Liturgy of the Palms and Holy Eucharist
10:00 a.m. Liturgy of the Palms, Holy Eucharist and Dramatic Passion
11:45 a.m. Blessing of Palms and Come Worship Eucharist
Maundy Thursday
11:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist, Renewal of Ministry Vows and Blessing of Oils
5:45 p.m. Maundy Thursday Shared Meal (Memorial Hall) Please sign up
7:30 p.m. Holy Eucharist and the Stripping of the Sanctuary
Good Friday
10:00 a.m. Celebration of the Lord’s Passion
Easter Eve
8:00 p.m. The Great Vigil of Easter
Easter Day
10:30 a.m. Holy Baptism and Eucharist
* The 5:30 p.m. Eucharist on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday of Holy week will be preceded by said evening prayer beginning at 5:00 p.m.. Please feel free to enter and join in the saying of the Office as you arrive.
My hope and prayer is that during this holy time you find blessing and meaning in walking the way of the Cross, more conscious of time with family and friends and, making this season a true celebration of the joy of our salvation and the Resurrection that brings life to the world.
Sincerely and faithfully yours,
Geoffrey Hall (The Very Rev’d), Dean of Fredericton
“Stones Across the Water” is the name of the Youth and Intergenerational Ministries team of Diocesan Council’s upcoming youth mission conference at Camp MedleyHAS BEEN POSTPONED. New date TBA.
The conference name, “Stones Across the Water,” comes from the Mother Teresa quote, “I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples.” This quote inspires our youth that by working together in mission and following Jesus’ plan that they too can make a difference.
I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples. Mother Teresa
It is YIG’s goal and responsibility to create and develop disciples of our youth through both traditional and innovative ways. The YIG team believes the time is right for a youth-centered event that will draw on these themes. Last summer there were over 700 children and youth who took part in at least one youth-related diocesan — camping ministry at Medley or Brookwood; St. Michael’s Youth Conference, TEC and Diocesan Choir School.
Often they are pumped up and ready to take on the world in the name of Jesus, but after returning to their normal lives and communities, the opportunity to plug into mission may be lost or misused. We have to seek out these opportunities when our youth return and allow them to flourish in their communities.
Stones Across the Water is hoping to bridge that gap and find ways for our youth to plug into mission in their communities.
Postponed – New date TBA
The conference is open to any youth ages 13-18 from the diocese. Through speakers and various workshops, the youth will learn how to be missional. There will be an emphasis on local mission opportunities but internationally as well.
The cost for the weekend is $25. Registration is available on the Diocese of Fredericton website. The YIG team is encouraging parishes to encourage their youth to participate.
If any adults who would like to volunteer, contact the YIG team. We could use your skills and assistance. Further information can be found in eNews, the YIG Facebook page or via email: <yigfton at gmail.com>.
The big wicker basket near the baptismal font is seldom empty. People arriving for worship each Sunday drop off a box of cereal, canned soup, toothpaste, pasta sauce, tea and more.
“It’s a small but quiet ministry at the cathedral,” says Doug Milander from the Outreach Committee. “We provide the basket to make it easy for people to help the hungry. We deliver a few bags of donations every week to the Greener Village Community Food Centre.”
Better known locally as the food bank, Greener Village currently serves more than 1,100 families monthly. Incredibly, 39 per cent of the clients are children.
“From September until June, they particularly need items for school lunches and other little snacks for children,” Doug said. “Examples include puddings, fruit cups, peanut-free granola bars, raisin boxes and juice boxes.”
Registrants receive a food box once a month. The box contains enough food for three to five days – not the entire month.
“Food is a basic human right, but inflation and the low Canadian dollar are taking a toll on our purchasing power,” Doug said. “It’s depressing to think of people struggling and going hungry. The Outreach Committee is pleased that the congregation responds to the need by filling the food bank basket. We appreciate the support.”
It’s depressing to think of people struggling and going hungry … Doug Milander
Greener Village accepts all kinds of non-perishable items, but it does ask that nothing be dented, opened, expired or unlabelled.
The items in highest demand are pasta, pasta sauce, peanut butter, canned vegetables, macaroni and cheese, and condiments such as ketchup, mustard and salad dressings.
Other ideas include gluten-free products, powdered milk, canned beans, infant cereal, canned fruit, Mr. Noodles, dish detergent, shampoo, cooking oil and many more items to be found on a wish list at http://www.greenervillage.org/food-bank/current-wish-list
“Many people tell us that it’s hard to remember to bring a bag of groceries to church on Sunday, so there is also an option to donate money through your offering envelope,” Doug added. “Greener Village does bulk buying with financial donations, which means they can sometimes add meat, frozen food or fresh milk to the food boxes.”
One last item, which probably everyone can easily contribute to the wicker basket, is clean plastic bags. Greener Village needs thousands of these grocery bags when packing food boxes.
Choral Evensong 06 March 2016 Featuring the music of John Medley, first Bishop of Fredericton
The first Bishop of Fredericton is perhaps best known for the establishment of the Anglican Diocese of Fredericton, the building of its Cathedral of Christ Church and many other churches throughout New Brunswick. Medley supported free pews, free-will offerings and the development of diocesan synods. He was the author of Hymns for Public Worship in the Diocese of Fredericton (1855, 1863, 1870).
It may be unknown to some that Bishop Medley’s interests and skills reached far beyond being a recognized scholar, gifted preacher, priest and Bishop. Among the skills that would reach deeply into other areas of church life were his musical abilities. During the early years of the Fredericton Cathedral, Bishop Medley was the primary preacher, director of music and chief pastor. His contribution to church music during the later half of the 19th century was significant.
“…undoubtedly [Medley was] the most prolific and talented anthem composer of post-confederation 19th century Canada,” Dr. Willis Noble, Director of Music and Organist at Christ Church Cathedral said. He is credited with several chant tune compositions, anthems and responsible for the introduction of the first Diocesan Hymnal in 1855. 1
…undoubtedly [Medley was] the most prolific and talented anthem composer of post-confederation 19th century Canada
Prior to his becoming Bishop, several tragic domestic occurrences included the death of his second son in 1839, his wife in 1841, his oldest daughter in 1843 and his mother in a carriage accident in 1844 in which Medley himself was involved but survived with injuries. It was in the fall of 1844, that the then Archbishop of Canterbury wrote to the Rev’d John Medley, then prebendary of Exeter cathedral:
REVEREND Sir, It has been determined to separate the Province of New Brunswick from the Bishopric of Nova Scotia, of which it now forms part, and to erect it into an independent Bishopric. It is most desirable that this important station should be filled by a clergyman well qualified by learning and ability, by temper and judgment, by piety and soundness of doctrine, to discharge its arduous duties. I have been informed by competent judges that you possess these qualifications in no ordinary degree, and their report has been fully confirmed by the answer of the Bishop of Exeter to my inquiries. I therefore request your permission to mention your name to Lord Stanley as Bishop. The office is not to be coveted on account of its emoluments … 2
Among the Medley selections scheduled to be sung on 06 March are:
“They Shall Hunger No More”
“Shew Me Thy Ways”
“O Praise the Lord”
A verbal presentation on the life, theology and music of Bishop Medley will precede Evensong at about 3:30 p.m..
This year at the Cathedral, we’re offering preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation, the Laying on of Hands by the Bishop. The programme outline is here. The goal is age-old, to bring those who seek strengthening in the Faith by the Holy Spirit into closer relationship with God and with the rest of the Church. But the approach this year is different. Recognizing what Confirmation really means in our Anglican tradition, we’ll be employing a mentor model which should add an exciting dimension to what may have been in the past a somewhat mundane attempt at enlivening faith. Making disciples will be our primary goal.
The goal is age-old … But the approach this year is different.
Archbishop Fred Hiltz
We’ll recognize that those who are preparing for confirmation are members of the “Catechumenate.” The process will include various components:
“classes” where all gather for a time of instruction and discussion;
“sessions” where confirmands and mentors will meet for a more one on one experience of conversation on topics reinforcing some of the class material;
supplementary activities like an “instructed” eucharist, a Cathedral tour, or mission field trip(s) to explore what it means to put faith into action.
What is the Catechumenate?
The teaching customarily part of confirmation preparation (or confirmation classes) is the Catechism (page 544-555 Book of Common Prayer). In times past, this “instruction” has been minimally a simple memorization of the contents of Catechism. In contemporary times, we’ve come to understand traditional methods of “learning” are less than effective and would look now to other educational methods that better lend themselves to deeper learning experiences. No area of our lives could benefit more from these newer ways than our knowledge and understanding of our faith.
What is Confirmation?
Confirmation is one of the rites of Christian initiation. Once thought of as a completion of Baptism, we now more commonly look to Confirmation as representing the event at the age of discretion when we make a profession of the faith that was made for us at Baptism, probably as an infant. Confirmation does not complete our Baptism, as we become full members of the Church when we are baptized. Confirmation is an opportunity to confess the faith personally. Confirmation is but one more step in the life-long process of becoming disciples.
Will you who witness these vows being made do all in your power to support these persons in their life in Christ?
2015 Confirmation in the Parish of the Nerepis and St. John
What’s our part in this process?
At the time of a baptism, the congregation is asked a very pointed question: “Will you who witness these vows being made do all in your power to support these persons in their life in Christ?” We answer: “We will.” Unfortunately, for many of us, that’s the last time we think of the answer. But the community of faith has a responsibility of nurture and support for those individuals. That will be expressed through the participation of mentors this year, who will carry a burden of that support on behalf of the congregation. We all also have a responsibility to pray regularly for those who are part of the Catechumenate. On Sunday, 28 February we’ll officially admit confirmands, parents and mentors to the Catechumenate.
If you would like to explore more fully what a renewed emphasis on the Catechumenate could mean for the life and faith of the Church or have been lead simply to be asking what this is all about, several articles are available, all on the Anglican Church of Canada website:
congregational life and have this information documented via a questionnaire
