Author Archive: Kirsten McKnight

Angels among us

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Thanks to the generosity of the Cathedral family, all of the Christmas Angel gifts requested for needy children were supplied on time. The value was approximately $1,150.

Forty paper angels were hung on a small tree in the Cathedral, each requesting a specific Christmas gift or stocking stuffers for a needy boy or girl in our city. The Fredericton Food Bank, Greener Village, coordinates the collection of names and wishes, and solicits local businesses and individuals to show kindness through gift giving.

Ann Deveau, with Charlotte and Claire McKnight, sorting gifts after worship.

The Cathedral has participated in the Angel Tree program for decades, and the food bank is appreciative of this consistent participation. The Outreach Committee currently co-ordinates the collection of toys and stocking stuffers although, in earlier years, the Anglican Church Women (ACW) capably led the effort.

Gifts were requested to be returned to the Cathedral by 17 November, which was earlier than in previous years.

“This was the food bank's deadline for our crop of angels, allowing them time to distribute gifts to the hundreds of families they serve,” explained Outreach Committee treasurer Doug Milander.

Some of the many gifts donated by members of our congregation.

Greener Village Angel Tree Project Coordinator, Alexa English, says that the community response has been extremely positive, and she expects all families to receive the gifts requested. Although group donations have been collected, individual angels are still available on an Angel Tree located in the Regent Mall. In addition to angel tags requesting a specific gift, the program also accepts monetary donations to purchase gifts and help families in need through other food bank programs.

Another option for Christmas giving

Cathedral members who would like to participate in another method of Christmas giving are encouraged to write a cheque payable to Christ Church Cathedral and indicate Christmas Outreach on the memo line. As in past years, these funds will be divided equally among the Fredericton Homeless Shelters, Women in Transition House Inc. and the Fredericton Community Kitchens. Cheques may be delivered to the Cathedral office by 17 December.

Clothing donations for those in need

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Cleaning out your closet and want to help Frederictonians in need?

The Cathedral Outreach Committee serves people in need who visit the steps of Cathedral Memorial Hall on the last Monday of each month. Those visitors are given a goodie bag of food items and a $10 gift card for a supermarket, and an opportunity to choose free items from a table of donated items. Currently, guests are in need of warm clothing, winter jackets, boots and gloves. Men’s items are especially needed, as most of the guests are men. Small-sized toiletries such as toothpaste, shampoo, shower gel and deodorant are also welcome. The Outreach Committee currently has plenty of scarves and hats, and does not need household items. Donations can be brought to the Cathedral Office during office hours, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon, Monday to Friday.

If you have items to donate that are not needed for the Monday Outreach program, consider donating to the Mission Thrift Store (387 Sunset Drive), the Salvation Army Thrift Store (275 Main Street), or  The Drive Baptist Church's Clothing Bank (150 Greenwood Drive).

The Drive Baptist Church's Clothing Bank is open to the public and serves those in need by providing free clothing, footwear, household items, Christmas decorations, food and hygiene products. The mission is run by retired seniors who volunteer their time.

If you would like to donate to the Clothing Bank, please place items in the orange donation boxes beside the church at 150 Greenwood Drive. No furniture or electronics, please. Donations can be made at any time.

If you know of someone in need who could benefit from the Clothing Bank, please share this information with them. Proof of vaccination and masks are required. Contact The Drive Baptist Church for more information.

Hours:

Wednesday, November 17, 9:00 am - 10:30 am
Thursday, November 18, 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm
Wednesday, November 24, 9:00 am - 10:30 am
Wednesday, December 1, 9:00 am - 10:30 am
Wednesday, December 8, 9:00 am - 10:30 am
Wednesday, December 15, 9:00 am - 10:30 am
Wednesday, January 5, 9:00 am - 10:30 am

Invest in communities with World of Gifts

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Whether planting seedlings in Uganda or breadfruit trees in Haiti, preparing gift bags for new babies in Lesotho or teaching gender rights in El Salvador, PWRDF partners are investing in their communities.

PWRDF’s World of Gifts makes it possible for you invest, too.

Supporting World of Gifts is an investment in a sustainable future for some of the world’s most vulnerable communities. This year’s guide supports 17 partners as they plan for a healthier and stronger future. Like any good investment, the return on World of Gifts is high: communities become stronger, healthier and more resilient, and we are able to live out Jesus’ commandment for us to love our neighbour, no matter where they may be.

Read the full article, written by Janice Biehn, and browse the gifts on the PWRDF website.

The gifts in this year's guide will bring new opportunities and hope for communities across the world as the Primate's World Relief and Development Fund partners strive to build a truly just, healthy and peaceful world. When you make a purchase, you can order a customizable gift card or e-card to send to your loved ones, so that they know a gift has been made in their honour.

Reflections from our Parish Nurse

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Our new Parish Nurse, Sarah Ecker, has shared some reflections about her time with us so far, lessons learned from her parish nursing course, and observations about life in a pandemic. Please feel free to reach out to Sarah if you'd like to connect.

Hello! I hope everyone is well as we move into the cooler, shorter days leading up to Advent! It has been a pleasure to start to meet some of you and get to know you. From a new person’s perspective, I am so humbled by your kindness and can see that a healthy, whole, and caring community is a shared goal among you all.

I wanted to let you know that I am currently working on my first Parish Nursing course through St. Peter’s Seminary in London, Ontario. It is an absolutely wonderful course and the leaders have done a great job at infusing the heart of Parish Nursing into a jam-packed course that is both practical and spiritually deep.

I have been learning and reflecting on the aging population this past couple weeks, and gaining even more of an appreciation for the stage of life and spirituality of this demographic. One key aspect in particular is the importance of spirituality in coping. We all have seen how the pandemic has impacted people, and the aging population is no exception. There is a lot of evidence to support it has been one of the most socially, mentally, physically, and spiritually impacted groups. There are some central challenges as we navigate the space between safety and connectedness. One such challenge a person could face is isolation; from family who live away, local restrictions, group-living arraignments, or personal decisions to maximize safety. Having contact with your support systems is crucial to your mental, emotional and spiritual well-being. Although it does not replace our ideal desires, there have been some creative ways to accommodate these road-blocks through connecting to online worship, using technology to use video to stay connected, social media, home communion. Please reach out to me if you are struggling.

Sometimes we start to acknowledge our loneliness when things are beginning to look up. This is a normal part of coping with the collective changes brought on by the last couple years, especially in combination with an already fast-changing life stage. Bring in chronic illness or acute medical challenges, and life can feel like it has been flipped over from everything we had hoped for and anticipated. Even when life begins to stabilize, it is very common to start processing the emotional and mental strain of the tumultuous season you just came through.

If you find yourself identifying with this, I would like to encourage you to spend some time to reflect on the challenges you have faced or are facing and recognize that when things do not go as planned; it is a very appropriate human response to feel sadness, grief, or a sense of loss. These emotions are important indicators. During a time when we have had to flex our resilience, dig deep, and be content - come what may; it is okay to take a deep breath, remember your humanity, accept the reality, and embrace care, encouragement and support. I would love to connect with anyone feeling the impact of this season and offer you compassion and encouragement.

I will leave you with this scripture from Matthew 11: 28-30:

“Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

Edith Nutter laid to rest

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The life of Edith Nutter, widow of former Archbishop Harold Nutter, was celebrated at Christ Church Cathedral September 17.

Edith, in her 98th year, died July 29 in Perth, Ont. where she had lived for 10 years. A small, intimate service for family and friends was held there in early August, but the family wanted to come home for a memorial service and her burial next to her husband, thus the September service.

Dean Geoffrey Hall presided, while the Rev. Keith Joyce, former dean of the Cathedral, preached. The Rev. Bruce Nutter, Edith’s son, presided at the Eucharist, assisted by Archbishop David Edwards and the Rev. Craig O’Brien. ...

[Continue reading below]

Read the full article, written by Gisele McKnight and published in the November 2021 edition of the NB Anglican.

Youth Group is back!

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Members of the Cathedral Youth Group (CYG) were happy to gather in-person on 17 October, after an extended summer break. About a dozen were in attendance; a combination of high schoolers, middle schoolers, and youth leaders, including three new members in Grade 6.

Returning members were very pleased to see one another again in the CYG circle after such a long time away. The group sang, prayed, played games, and discussed their goals, desires, and plans for the next few months.

Kurt Schmidt, Cathedral Director of Christian Formation, was pleased with the long-anticipated return, saying, "Thanks to all who helped make our Fall 2021 CYG Launch last Sunday such a lovely time together." He is especially appreciative of the assistance of several youth leaders, who have a great rapport with the kids.

CYG outdoor meetings earlier in the pandemic, distanced and bubbled.

At the gathering, he also unveiled a new feature... a location change! CYG has spent much of the pandemic meeting online, outside, in the Cathedral, and in the Main Hall. This fall, a decision was made to convert the Youth Room on the top floor of Memorial Hall into a workspace, allowing the Diocesan Synod Office to expand their daily operations. CYG is in the process of moving their materials to the ground floor and will be creating a gathering area on the stage. During their meetings, they will continue to use a variety of areas in the Cathedral and Hall that complement their activities, whether they be active, musical, prayerful, virtual, or culinary.

On 24 October, the youth returned to the Hall for pumpkin carving in the kitchen. They laughed and got messy, while making jack-o'-lanterns that won prizes for "(1) spookiest, (2) cleverest / creativest / wildest, and (3) youth-groupiest pumpkins."

CYG pumpkin carving in October 2021The Youth Group will break for Halloween, resuming in November. Any interested young people in middle or high school are welcome to attend CYG, and all are warmly and formally invited. Spread the word! Contact Kurt for details, via email or phone (506) 259-3711.

Please note that proof of double vaccination or medical exemption for ages 12+ is required for indoor gatherings in the Cathedral and Hall, and masks are mandatory. Thank you for your continued cooperation and compliance on these fronts.

2021 Christmas Angels ready for you

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Forty paper angels from Greener Village (the food bank) are waiting patiently to be chosen from a small tree in the cathedral. Each requests a specific Christmas gift or stocking stuffers for a needy boy or girl in our city.

Please print your name and telephone number on the clipboard to indicate which angel you are adopting. Bring your unwrapped gift, with the paper angel firmly attached, to the church on Sunday, November 14th. Drop-off boxes will be set up near the angel tree.

If you cannot bring your gift that Sunday, please bring it to the Cathedral Office no later than Wednesday, November 17th (office hours are 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon).

“This is the food bank's deadline for our crop of angels, allowing them time to distribute gifts to the hundreds of families they serve,” explained Outreach Committee treasurer Doug Milander. “The committee must purchase any gifts that arrive late or not at all.”

Another option for Christmas giving is to write a cheque payable to Christ Church Cathedral and indicate Christmas Outreach on the memo line. Deliver your cheque to the  church office by December 17th. As in past years, these funds will be divided equally among the Fredericton Homeless Shelters, Women in Transition House Inc. and the Fredericton Community Kitchens.

“The Outreach Committee thanks you warmly for your generous support in making Christmas special for people in our city who need help, especially in these difficult times of an ongoing pandemic and high inflation,” Doug concluded.

- by Ann Deveau

From Our Parish Nurse: Time for Flu Shots

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With the leaves quickly changing and fading, it is the time of year where we need to consider getting the flu shot!

The influenza vaccine is highly recommended this year by health care professionals. Last year we had no recorded cases of influenza in New Brunswick. This was likely due to pandemic measures -  like decreased travel, as well as minimizing close contacts, diligent hand hygiene, and mask wearing. Pandemic measures being opened up, and ever-changing in our province, brings an increased risk for a rampant flu season. We cannot be sure what this Fall and Winter season will bring, but receiving the influenza vaccine is a good first step, as it brings immunity within the first 14 days of receiving it (Government of New Brunswick Influenza Immunization, 2021).

Again this year, the influenza vaccine is free for all New Brunswick residents, and can be accessed by most healthcare providers. Public Health Offices, family physicians, and pharmacies are some of the easiest access points for your influenza vaccine, which are currently available. Pharmacists are able to give vaccines to those 2 years of age and up.  For those over 65 years of age, Public Health has recommended the high-dose vaccine (they are calling it the Cadillac) for added immunity in this population.

For those who are eligible for their COVID-19 booster (currently available - eligibility criteria is on the GNB website, or ask your health care provider or myself), the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) advised that it is safe for people to get both the COVID-19 vaccine and the influenza vaccine at the same time. This has been a hot topic question for those seeking both the COVID-19 booster and the influenza vaccines. If you have any questions surrounding COVID-19 or influenza vaccines and boosters, or need help accessing your vaccines, please reach out! I would love to assist you.

Point of Contact Testing kits for COVID-19 (rapid test kits to use at home) are available to the public at Exhibition Grounds, 361 Smythe St., Fredericton (10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday to Friday). Simply drive through the queue and staff will pass out a kit for each passenger over that age of 2 in the vehicle.

If you have any symptoms of COVID-19, Public Health recommends getting a PCR test at a testing centre.

- by Sarah Ecker, Cathedral Parish Nurse

Cathedral Parish Nurse Sarah Ecker can be reached by phone/text at (506) 476-8911 or by email.

‘Life Shared’ Series

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Join us in November for Life Shared, a 3-session series designed by the creators of Alpha. Through Biblical teaching from leading Christian voices and real stories of invitation, each session will encourage and equip us to live out God’s call to share our lives and our faith with friends, colleagues and neighbours.

All are welcome and invited to participate. The series will be held on Wednesdays, November 10, 17 and 24, from 7:00 - 8:30 pm, in-person at Cathedral Memorial Hall. Hosted by Cheryl Jacobs. To indicate your interest, email Cheryl or phone/text (506) 259-5748.

Life Shared is presented by the Christian Formation Team at Christ Church Cathedral. Sharing the Spirit together with you in 3D -- as Devoted Disciples Dancing.

A Message of Thanks from Isabel Cutler

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Dear Cathedral friends,

My family join me in saying:
Thank you so very much for all your letters, cards, condolences but more especially contained within them expressions of such love, care and support in every way. You truly are a Scriptural example of following Jesus' teaching on how to care for those who are in grief and mourning. Your action through words and prayer have sustained me during this time. I have known the Grace of the Holy Spirit daily manifested in the peace, courage, stamina to do what I needed to do. My prayers have been for you. Please keep praying, it is early days yet!!

Who would have ever thought my dear Nathan, whom so many of you knew would leave us all so quickly?

As a long time member of the Cathedral family, Nathan loved and delighted in being involved in the Cathedral life; he was looking forward to the time when we would return. Nathan loved life. "Life is wonderful, full of wonder" he would say. He has taken that with him, I am sure as he steps forward into the 'great mystery" that is God.

We have postponed a Memorial Service at the Cathedral until next spring/early summer due to our present COVID situation. God willing we can celebrate Nathan's life with tears and laughter with the hope that COVID restrictions are eased. A small group will be planning a rose garden in his memory in Fredericton over these winter months. Any suggestions will be very welcome.

I have waited a few weeks, on my return to Fredericton, to send this message of thanks for all of you. I do so now at this time of Thanksgiving when we give our thanks to God Our Father, Son and Holy Spirit who loves us and is with us amidst all that we have to face, and who is so willing to fill us with His Grace, His gifts to help, and sustain us always.

Thank you dear friends. I look forward to when I can meet you face to face and give my thanks to you personally.

In the meantime, be safe and above all let us appreciate each other for the very special people God has made us to be.

I ask God's blessings for us all.

Isabel

NOTE: If you would like to reach out to Isabel, please contact the Cathedral Office by phone (506) 450-8500 or email for more information.