Author Archive: Geoffrey Hall

Bishop and Chapter News – March 2023

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Bishop and Chapter met on 20 March with members in person and by way of video conference. 12 of 13 members present. Members were asked to read in advance an article from Alban at Duke Divinity School “Putting the How Before the What,” Stephen Chapin Garner. Discussion about one church’s experience with a “call-based” approach to leadership, passion and energy for leadership and the importance of putting relationships/community as first priority. What could be identified as a crisis of organizational structure might rather be a crisis of faith. Minutes from a short meeting on 13 February 2023 dealing with the 2023 Budget were adopted.

FROM THE DEAN

Cathedral
•   outside Communions (2)
•   committee/group meetings (4)
•   Monday Lenten book study / dropping in on Lenten programs
•   weekly staff meetings
•   Narrative Budget completed and circulated
•   Vacancies
Chapter Property Committee
Diocesan
•   Diocesan Finance Committee (2)
•   Diocesan Council (1)
Up-coming
•   Vacation 11-25 April

FOR DECISION

• Appointments

- Vice-Chair - nomination to the Bishop needed- Advisory Committee on Appointments - appointed
- Nominating Committee - inquiries for appointment to be made
- Safe Church Officer - Diane Wilkins appointed
- Property Committee - nomination needed for Bishop’s appointment

[for more information see the current Chapter By-Law]

• 2023 Budget - slight discrepancy between Annual Report and Chapter-approved not affecting the bottom line. Motion to correct

REPORTS

  • Treasurer - Financials show a slight surplus having received the grant from the City for summer tour guides. Offerings in January and February slightly below budget. Parish Financial Return due 15 March now submitted.
  • Administration and Finance - helpful update from Envelope Secretary; noted difference in Chapter Budget and Annual adopted version; needs for 23 tour guide programme in view
  • Property - Unexpected Cathedral furnace repairs needed. Early estimated cost $12,000
  • Health and Pastoral Care - Health Ministry has several projects in process: health information session, Medley Tea; on-going: dementia support, Yoga, prayer shawls
  • Mission Outreach - reviewing annual reports and making contact with mission sub-groups and committees (Monday Morning, Belize Missions, Cathedral Missions) Monday Morning Outreach continues monthly with some new support for food contributions
  • Communications - nothing to report
  • Christian Formation - Review of Lenten programming, looking ahead to future. Considering future events on racism, indigenous reconciliation, anti-Semitism
  • Welcome and Hospitality - a committee meeting pending
  • Worship - contacting potential members for servers’ guild

UPCOMING

•   Palm Sunday (02 April) Easter (09 April)
•   29 April Diocesan Mothers’ Union Rally / 30 April Ordination

NEXT MEETING

Monday, 15 May 2023                                                                               GMH

Mothers’ Union at a glance

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Mothers' Union is an international Christian membership charity of 4 million members living in over 80 countries, who share one heartfelt vision — to bring about a world where God's love is shown through loving, respectful and flourishing relationships. Members actively pursue this vision through community programs, advocacy campaigns and a committed prayer life.

View / download the Canadian Mothers' Union information brochure

Mothering Sunday, not to be confused with Canadian Mother's Day, is celebrated in Anglican Churches on the Fourth Sunday in Lent. Learn more about Mothering Sunday, and get the recipe for Simnel Cake, a traditional Mothering Sunday treat!

AST 2023 Grad Projects

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AST Graduate Project Presentations 2023

Atlantic School of Theology has some of the brightest students around!

In Halifax or online on March 14 & 15 celebrating their work and cutting-edge research as part of graduate projects

​ Click here to register

Tuesday March 14, 2023

Compassion - 1:00-2:30 ADT

Stephanie Rose - Bridging the Gap: Practicing Infant Baptism in a Post-Christian Society

Catherine Ann Dickson - Who Do You Say I Am? Stories Women in Recovery Tell About Their Experiences of Church

Stacey Mortson - Remembering Whose We Are: Faith in the Face of Dementia

Relationship - 3:00-4:30 ADT

Michelle Robichaud - An Emptiness in My Belly: The Relationship Between Loneliness and Spirituality

Caitlin Smithers - Error 404 (building not found): Experiencing Christian Community Online

Jessie Crabtree - Kindred in the Spirit: Experiences of Friendship in Church Life

Wednesday, March 15

Justice - 1:00-2:30 ADT

Rhonda Schofield - Outside In: Exploring the Inner Workings of Outward-Facing Congregations

Damber Khadka - A Song for Everyone: Exploring Music for Worship in an Intercultural Church

Sarah Giles - Stepping Stones: Taking Indigenous Reconciliation from the Pews to the People

Pandemic - 3:00-4:30 ADT

Laura Rousseau - Unvaxxed and Uninvited: Christians Whose Communities Worshipped Without Them During a Pandemic

Kirsten Evenden - We've Never Done It That Way: Anglican Worship in Virtual Spaces

 

Cathedral Podcasts – Did You Know?

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You might not be so interested, but maybe your parents or grandparents would be. Why not show them how easy it can be? Did you know we podcast both worship and sermons each Sunday and there are many ways to listen?

1) Amazon Alexa, Google Home or Siri enables devices. If you have an Amazon Alexa device, for example, simply saying: "Alexa, play Christ Church Cathedral Audio" will play the latest Sunday podcast. Listen to up to two months of recorded worship and sermon podcasts for free.

2) On the Cathedral website, click the Watch and Listen tab and the most recent podcasts are listed on the left. Click "see more" for the whole list.

3) If you use Apple or Google podcasts, TuneIn Radio, Podchaser or Spotify podcasts, you can subscribe to receive new episodes when they become available or listen from those platforms on the web or on an Apple or Android app.

Cathedral Audio Podcasts

OR for worship video, visit our YouTube Channel.

2023 Narrative Budget: Turning resources into grace

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Telling our story.
Line item budgets are boring. Not only that, but seldom do they tell the real story. It’s too easy for us to make assumptions about how the dollar we give is used or not used on what we specifically consider important. However, no facet of church ministry operates in a vacuum. For instance, music may be one’s own personal focus, but music cannot happen without a warm, dry and lighted space. In fact, if we think deeply, we begin to realize that in a very real way everything depends on everything else.

The 2023 Narrative Budget

Bishop and Chapter News – January 2023

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Bishop and Chapter met 0n 16 January 2023 by video conference 11 of 13 members present. Members were asked to read in advance “5 Ideas for Managing Your Church Budget in the New ‘Normal’” by Ken Sloane (Discipleship Ministries - United Methodist Church). The “ideas” included: quarterly planning, approaches to past comparisons, recognizing “inflation dollars,” use of technology to making funding the budget more efficient and, study of building assets. Minutes from 12 December 2022 were adopted.

CORRESPONDENCE

•   a note of thanks was received from Sexton Ashley Swim

FROM THE DEAN

•   funerals (2); outside Communions (1)
•   committee/group meetings (3); nominating committee (2); Narrative Budget Team (2); Chapter Executive (1)
•   usual staff meetings weekly
•   Christmas worship attendance: Eve: 187/70/81; Day 16/39
•   Vacancies

Safe Church Officer
Synod substitute (16-35)
Assistant(s) to the Verger
Mission Outreach

•   Diocesan Finance Committee
•   Vacation 11-25 April 2023

FOR INFORMATION

Planning Study - Meeting of Bishop and Chapter, diocesan officers and Source Alliance regarding the planning study being conducted over the next several months to determine potential renovation fund-raising

FOR DECISION

Amendment - minor correction for accuracy to November 2021 minutes
Reception of report - Cathedral Conditions and Issues Report official acceptance
2023 Budget - several issues pertaining to the 2023 budget were discussed and decided. Larger projects can complicate clear communication about giving targets and progress. Consideration of simplifying weekly bulletin updates in 2023 was discussed and may help continue to keep the most important information before us
Annual Meeting - Sunday, 26 February 2023
Investment - movement of some funds for year-end

REPORTS

Treasurer - December was a strong month for offerings with $84,047 enabling us to finish December in a surplus position ($40,368 offering over expenses). Overall offerings year over year down by $38,000. Underspending on maintenance and staffing, finishes 2022 in a slight surplus position
Administration and Finance - work on 2023 budget with the Stewardship Team working on a narrative version; intend return to staff handbook task; thanks to a retiring offering counter team; new team appointed
Property - continuing to deal with critical issues while minimizing expense where possible
Health and Pastoral Care - Health Ministry struggling to determine what events are appropriate under changing circumstances
Nominating - challenges exist regarding nominations for Chapter

UPCOMING

•   24 January - Source Alliance, Chapter and Diocese
•   21 February - Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper
•   22 February - Ash Wednesday
•   26 February - Annual Meeting
•   02 April - Palm Sunday

NEXT MEETING

Monday, 13 February 2023                                                                       GMH

2022 Christmas Pastoral

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Advent 2022
Fredericton NB

Read or download in PDF

Dear Friends,

Once the lights are connected and the musical favourites begin to play, many again will get that warm holiday feeling and snuggle in for yet another Christmas. Memories of Christmas past may help to enhance those positive vibes while for others, there’s much well worth forgetting. Either way, Christmas comes once more.

The difficulty with this time of year is that it can sometimes only magnify what already has been. If we’ve had a year to remember, Christmas easily becomes a time to do the same. Still others have encountered once only life occurrences which have changed lives forever and looking back to happier times doesn’t necessarily facilitate Christmas cheer. But there is a way to assure that Christmas is all it can and should be and it has to do with avoiding being caught up in all that surrounds it. We need go deeper to what is sometimes called “the reason for the season.”

The problem for me is that I’ve gazed upon this familiar scene at the manger so long that I’ve become numb to it. I’ve heard the story so often that I’ve stopped thinking about it. But when I do think about it I begin to realize again that this is no ordinary story. The “scene” that is Christmas is not a card, a present wrapped in bright red, a lighted tree or even a particular song. It’s the announcement of the entrance of the eternal, omnipotent, omniscient, omnipresent, all-righteous, all-holy, and glorious God into our world in a physical, tangible, yet entirely unexpected way. Four words in the story of the first Christmas should challenge us, regardless of our circumstance, to see through the trappings to the real Christmas. “You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Lying in a manger!

No fancy lights, dinners, candies or parties to be seen. A little child lying in a dirty manger is where the God of the ages chooses to reveal himself. God entered into all of our misfortune to transform it and herald hope even in the midst of it. Jesus not only defeated darkness and death on the Cross but also in the manger, by entering into human struggle and sharing human pain. If we listen carefully to the Christmas carols, songs and hymns in a fresh way, that’s the message we’ll find there, over and over again. Sharing the hope makes us more hopeful. The true gift is often found in giving.

Whatever your situation this year, may you take the time to listen again to the messages of Christmas and find in them Christmas joy both in the midst of the celebration of blessings as well as in the misfortunes. The hope in the Saviour is that the day is surely coming when all will be made right in the world – a time when heaven and nature will be singing the same song. Emmanuel, God with us, is what Christmas is about. May you experience the true blessing of, and reason for, the season. I remain,

Or use the envelope in your boxed set

Yours sincerely,

Geoffrey Hall
Dean of Fredericton
GMH

Worship Schedule

8:45 a.m. Morning Prayer; 4:45 p.m. Evening Prayer (Monday to Friday)
Except civic holidays

The Fourth Sunday of Advent (Sunday, 18 December 2022)
8:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist (Book of Common Prayer)
10:30 a.m. Holy Eucharist (Book of Common Prayer)
4:00 p.m. Christmas Lessons and Carols

Wednesday (Wednesday, 21 December 2022)
10:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist (Book of Common Prayer)

The Eve of Christmas (Saturday, 24 December 2022)
4:00 p.m. Holy Eucharist (Contemporary)
8:00 p.m. Come Worship Eucharist (Informal)
11:00 p.m. Holy Eucharist (Traditional / Book of Common Prayer)

Christmas Day (Sunday, 25 December 2022)
8:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist (Book of Common Prayer)
10:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist (Book of Common Prayer)

Wednesday (Wednesday, 28 December 2022)
10:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist (Book of Common Prayer)

New Year’s Day / The Naming of Jesus (Sunday, 01 January 2023)
8:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist (Book of Common Prayer)
10:30 a.m. Holy Eucharist (Book of Alternative Services with our Bishop’s New Year Reception)

The Epiphany of the Lord (Wednesday, 04 January 2023)
10:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist (Book of Common Prayer)

First Sunday after Epiphany - The Baptism of the Lord (Sunday, 08 January 2023)
8:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist (with the Renewal of Baptism Vows)
10:30 a.m. Come Worship Eucharist (with the Renewal of Baptism Vows)
4:00 p.m. Choral Evensong (Book of Common Prayer) 09 December 2022

Visit our YouTube Channel for Live Streams and video-recorded worship

Contact us

 

 

Bishop and Chapter News – December 2022

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Bishop and Chapter met 12 December 2022 in person and with video conference participation, 7 of 13 members present. A short discussion on an article entitled “One Invitation Away from Returning” by Rebekah Simon-Peter (LeadingIdeas - Lewis Center for Christian Leadership). One premise included is similar to that of the “Back to Church”/ Season of Invitation movement: that personal invitation is the one most effective tool for building congregations. The reminder is significant, especially as we move into post-pandemic times when many changed worship attendance patterns. Minutes from 21 November 2022 were adopted.

Correspondence

•   letter of thanks was sent to Vice-Chancellor Kelly VanBuskirk following legal advice requested and received during the Fall

From the Dean

•   outside Communions (1)
•   committee/group meetings (4)
•   usual staff meetings weekly
•   Giving Tuesday successful campaign
•   meeting with Source Alliance
•   Narrative Budget Team (1)
•   Staff dinner at Lexington
•   Funeral out of town (1)
•   Nominating Committee (1)
•   Guild of St. Joseph social
•   Mothers' Union dinner and social
•   Vacancies: Safe Church; Synod substitute (16-35); Assistant(s) to the Verger; Chapter Mission/Outreach
•   Diocesan Finance Committee (1) / Diocesan Council (1) / Synod Planning (1)

For Information

Feasibility Study - Source Alliance continues to work towards the community interview stage of a study to explore wider support for a project to address Cathedral needs summarized in the 2022 Building Conditions and Issues Report. Over a hundred individuals have been identified. A case for support document is nearing completion for use during interviews and to share information about a potential campaign. Funding for the Study accessed from non-restricted invested funds. A meeting of Chapter and Diocesan executive representatives tentatively set for mid-January

For Decision

Stipend and Staff salaries 2023 - cost of living increase of 4% on the 2023 scale of minimum stipends. Dean’s stipend in 2023 $61,324 ($16,414 above minimum). Regulation 7-2 Remuneration and Compensation. A 4.5 % cost of living increase to 2022 budgeted amounts for staff salaries in 2023. In addition, the Sexton’s salary was increased by $3,000. Details will be in the proposed budget for 2023.

Reports

Treasurer - deficit position has improved, largely due to no unexpected expenses and lower than expected fuel costs (milder weather.) We continue showing a consistent decline/under performance in offerings year-to-date at about -10%. With revenue counted from unplanned sources, including from the Diocesan Synod, the deficit stands at $6,685.

Miscellaneous - Giving Tuesday campaign in support of school lunch programme exceeded the initial goal and the total of $2000. Some insulation of Cathedral basement doorway/conversion of choir room lights to led. Nominating Committee is exploring possible nominations for 2023. Formation and Welcome may be collaborating on an event for new congregational members in the new year.

Upcoming

•   Christmas Lessons and Carols, 4:00 p.m. (18 December)
•   Christmas Worship (Christmas and New Year’s on Sunday)

GMH

Bishop and Chapter News – November 2022

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Bishop and Chapter met 21 November 2022 in person and with video conference participation, 9 of 13 members present. The Dean led some discussion about governance structure referring specifically to the board model now in place for Bishop and Chapter since 2015. The goal is that all Cathedral ministries fall under one of eight Chapter committees which improves communication, the Chapter being elected for the purpose of making decisions not solving problems. A simple schematic was referenced. Minutes from 17 October 2022 were adopted.

Correspondence

•   request for funding from Montgomery Street School Home and School Association

From the Dean

•  Cathedral: outside Communions (1); committee/group meetings (6); baptism preparation concluded; Greater Chapter and Diocesan Synod; usual staff meetings weekly; opening of the legislature; Remembrance Day and Campus Ministry Event; First Communions; 20 November; Deanery Clericus (1)
•  Role Vacancies: Safe Church Officer; Synod substitute (16-35); Assistant(s) to the Verger; Mission Outreach
•  Diocesan: Diocesan Finance Committee (1); Synod Planning (2); Ordination 20 November; Fredericton and York Deanery Clericus (1)

For Information

Potential Restoration Project - Facilitated by Source Alliance, the draft of a Case for Support of a project responding to the Building Conditions and Issues Report is nearing final stages. In the next several weeks meetings of both Chapter and Diocesan executives will be scheduled with the goal of interviews beginning in the new year.

Nominating Committee - a motion to amend the Bishop and Chapter By-Law regarding appointment, membership, and function of the Nominating Committee was adopted unanimously and will be finalized by Archbishop Edwards.

For Decision

Electrical Contractor - Dobbelsteyn S&M retained as contracter

School Lunch Programme Support - that we support Montgomery Street School lunch programme in the amount of $2000

Transfer of Funds - that $9,669 be transferred to the investment fund having been given and restricted for special purposes

Reports

Treasurer - some significant progress was made in revenue during October with Thanksgiving and a five-Sunday month. October expenses under budget but YTD expenditures are $26,838 over. Year-to-date revenue deficit $15,019. Decline in regular offerings continues during 2022. Preparing the 2023 budget will be challenging

Communications - 2 Minutes for Ministry presentations encouraged. Christmas advertising budget to be used on Facebook

Property - moving to complete the smaller possible projects. Northside Cathedral basement doors have been identified

Finance and Administration - work on a Narrative Budget, staff policy handbook and consideration of third-party insurance continue

Welcome and Hospitality - refreshments following worship are slowly resuming. Interest is being expressed and will support a new committee

Health and Pastoral Care - Health Ministry met 10 November. Assessing possible programming under current circumstances

Christian Formation - one baptism on 05 November, six first communions 20 November. ADVENT-ures programming underway.

Upcoming

•   Advent Lessons and Carols, 4:00 pm (27 November)
•   Giving Tuesday 29 November
•   Christmas Lessons and Carols, 4:00 p.m. (18 December)
•   Usual Christmas Schedule (Christmas and New Year’s on Sunday)

GMH

Online Workshop: Building Genuine Community Online

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AST Continuing Education presents:

Dawn Léger

Dawn Léger (AST '06)

Not Just a Stopgap: Building Genuine Community Online

A workshop with AST Alumna Dawn Léger - Monday, November 28, 2022, via Zoom 8:00 pm Atlantic | 7:00 pm Eastern - Free of charge

About the Speaker 

Dawn Léger (AST '06) is co-pastor of Harbor Online Community, an international, fully online church ministering to a wide array of Jesus followers. You can find Harbor Online at www.onlineharbor.org.

In 2020, most churches in North America made investments in online technology to minister to their people during lockdown. A surprising result was meeting visitors from all over the world. Dawn will share the story of her online church, Harbor Online Community, from its start as a house church, to making the transition online, and why it stayed there. You will hear what is being learned about ministry and leadership and about opportunities for building more online ministries using existing investments.

This workshop is for all clergy or lay leaders who wish to begin an online ministry or to continue online ministries that started during the pandemic.

This event will take place online-only, via Zoom. Please register using the link below, and the Zoom link will be sent to you.

www.eventbrite.ca/e/not-just-a-stopgap-building-genuine-community-online-tickets-450554820597