Cathedral Mothers' Union member Susan Watson has created a 5 day devotional which acknowledges the struggles of the past months and the hope of God's plan for us. This wonderful resource, available on the worldwide Mothers' Union website, also includes space for you to observe gratitude daily.
Mothers’ Union is a Christian organisation that has been supporting families worldwide for over 140 years. Started by our founder Mary Sumner in 1876 in her local parish, we have grown into an international charity with over 4 million members in 84 countries.
As a Christian membership charity, we demonstrate our faith in action. This happens as we work towards stopping poverty, stopping inequality and stopping injustice. Our members work at grassroots level around the world. They bring hope and practical support to millions of people every year through parenting, literacy and community development programmes.
by Isabel Cutler, former Parish Nurse of Christ Church Cathedral
In 2003 I held a meeting in the lounge and asked some health care professionals to attend to look at the possibility of starting a Cathedral health ministry.
Thirty people attended to listen to what seemed a very unstructured dream, but from that meeting to this year of 2021 (18 yrs) the health ministry and parish nurse ministries have grown at Christ Church Cathedral with the support of our Church, the Clergy and Laity.
At first its growth was one step at a time, through the spearheading by a Parish Nursing Ministry which we began in 2005. With an enormous team of congregational members with every kind of unique skills (not only health related but lawyers, accountants etc, offering their support; while others drive a car to appointments and other knit a prayer shawl), the Parish Nurse has provided invaluable expertise as afforded by her Registered Nurse status to support and direct those who are not well in our church community and beyond. So often we were told, "I do not need you now but it is such a comfort to know you are there.” Of course there are plenty who need us, and much to do.
I am writing this as Kathleen prepares to step back after 5 years. She has built on the legacy left for her so that the Health and Parish Nursing ministries today are vibrant, relevant to Cathedral life and the world as it stands today.
We have a great deal to be grateful to her for. I, for one say: thank you Kathleen you are a good and faithful servant of the Lord and you have followed His direction to accomplish His work at the Cathedral.
We see with COVID-19 the enormous physical and mental health toll this pandemic has brought, and as we come through it there will be much to do to support so many, in body, mind and spirit.
Now that I am no longer a Parish Nurse, nor a current member of the Cathedral family, from where I sit (on the edge of the world in Newfoundland in a different but similar role) I so appreciate the blessing we were given by God to provide this ministry for others.
It is only on God's call for this ministry that it has flourished. Now at this time of transition, we await his direction for another Parish Nurse if that is meant to be, whether from New Brunswick or farther afield. All God’s work has a season but I pray that this work, this ministry will continue according to His plan and in His care.
Meanwhile, gratitude and love outpouring for Kathleen as she begins another part of her own journey. Well done and if it were not for COVID, big hugs, and sending of all God’s blessings for the future.
The Reverend Deacon Isabel Cutler
Parish of Isle aux Morts, NL
You'll note that as of midnight tonight (Tuesday) the Province of New Brunswick announced that Zone 3 (Fredericton Region) is being moved to the Red Level of pandemic restriction.
Dr. Jennifer Russell, the province's chief medical officer of health, says Zones 1, 2, and 3 – Moncton, Saint John, and Fredericton -- will move to the red phase as of midnight on Tuesday. Zone 4 will also remain in the red phase, meaning more than half of the province will be in the highest level of pandemic restrictions.CTV News
We continue to pray for all in leadership and especially for those who work in the health care professions. Remember also those who will feel the impact of these restrictions. Reach out to and communicate with others in safe ways and let's move through these current challenges with the knowledge that the Holy One is with us, that there is light and that this crisis will end.
What does the Red Level of Alert mean for us?
1. The Red Alert Level does not permit public, in-person worship. Holy Eucharist tomorrow (Wednesday at 10:00 a.m.) and Sunday at 8:00 and 10:30 a.m. are cancelled. We will live stream from the Cathedral beginning at 10:30 a.m. on Sunday, 24 January (the Third Sunday after Epiphany). Visit our YouTube Channel. 10:30 a.m. Sunday worship will continue as a live stream until the level of alert changes. If you know of someone who does not receive e-mail, please communicate this information to them as best you can.
3. Please note that during both the Red and Orange Alert Levels, visitations at hospital are not possible, with the exception of special circumstances. Returning to the yellow level will make visits possible again with restrictions. At all times It is important that you let us know if you or a family member is or is going to be admitted to hospital. The hospital no longer routinely shares information about patients with the clergy or our hospital visitors.
Watch the Cathedral website and your email for updates when they are available.
Chris Robinson is a familiar face around the Cathedral. He loves serving any way he can at church: reading and leading prayers during services, serving as assistant Verger, singing in the choir, playing in the Praise band, assisting with the Youth Group, Alpha, and helping wherever needed.
Chris is proud 6th generation Frederictonian. His Great(x6) Grandfather was Ira Ingraham, whose house is located at Kings Landing. Chris’s great grandmother, Addie Hanson (Williams), was even custodian of our Cathedral in the 1920s. Chris is very proud of his storied history with the Cathedral.
Chris is an only child – his parents were interviewed by CBC on what it was like to have a child at the age of 39! He has yet another connection with the Cathedral. His “honorary Grandfather” was long time Cathedral member Phil Lyons. Phil was a close friend of Chris’s parents, and when Chris was born, Phil was given the baby to hold. It transformed his life, and he promised to be a good example to the young child all his life. Phil taught Chris important lessons from the Bible, the importance of putting God first, and staying close to God even in difficult circumstances. Chris misses Phil every day, but holds fast to God’s promise that he will see him again.
Chris spent his first semester at Crandall University, but transferred to St. Thomas University to complete his degree in Journalism with a minor in Gerontology. An example of his work can be seen on YouTube. It is a wonderful video, narrated by him. Last spring, Chris completed his first M.Div course at Wycliffe College at the University of Toronto.
Chris now works full time as a Kindergarten educator at Kingsclear Consolidated School and volunteers every Sunday night as a youth leader at Christ Church Cathedral. He tries to walk outdoors daily, and can often be seen at Starbucks, riding his bike, or playing his guitar.
Living in this age of COVID, it is difficult to make long term plans. Although he has been offered a job as a Youth Pastor at a church (Baptist!) in Mississauga, he is enjoying his time in Fredericton. He says he takes life a day at a time, and trusts God to direct him. Chris feels extremely blessed to have the Cathedral family, as we are to have him, for as long as God directs. Thank you for all you do, Chris.
The Cathedral's Monday Outreach is a longstanding program which aims to provide comfort and support to individuals in our community who are financially disadvantaged. Dean Geoffrey Hall was recently interviewed about the program by Terry Seguin, host of CBC Information Morning. He was joined by Jane Blakely from St. Paul’s United Church and Lynn McKinnon from Wilmot United Church. Together, they all spoke of the challenges and blessings of running outreach programs during the COVID-19 pandemic.
A look back at Monday Outreach during the pandemic
December 2020: Normally, the Cathedral Outreach Committee stages a big, colourful Christmas party for upwards of 65 people in need, complete with a Bible reading about the birth of Jesus, a decorated tree, live music, abundant food and coffee, and gift bags for all. By necessity, the 2020 version was much quieter. Forty-three people filed past to receive a $20 grocery voucher and a small gift bag containing homemade cookies, fruit, chocolates, candy canes, granola bars, hot chocolate packets, tissues, toothbrushes, toothpaste, and a Christmas card. Children got an extra little gift, and adults could choose from items such as scarves, socks and soap. One visitor said: "Thanks for doing what you can to help us when so many others have pulled back in fear of the virus." The next voucher distribution, assuming health regulations allow, will take place outdoors at Cathedral Memorial Hall on Monday, January 25, 2021.
November 2020: Volunteer Sandy Robb poses with cookies she baked as well as fruit, juice, muffins, cookies and other treats to be packed into goodie bags for Monday Morning Outreach guests. November was the ninth month that the Outreach Committee has distributed goodie bags and bus tickets or $10 gift cards for supermarkets to people in need outdoors at Cathedral Memorial Hall. The pandemic has prevented the usual weekly indoor gatherings which featured a buffet of food items, a used clothing bank, live music, a Bible study, and services of the parish nurse. Average monthly attendance had been 45 people, but 55 turned up Nov. 30th including a dozen who were new to the program. The committee, which hopes to continue its efforts throughout the winter, thanks the congregation for its ongoing support.
October 2020: “DC,” one of 48 guests, picks up his voucher and goodie bag at Cathedral Memorial Hall on Monday morning, Oct. 26th. The Outreach Committee thanks the cathedral family for baking cookies and muffins and for donating chocolate, chips and other treats. St. Margaret's Anglican Church donated bananas and citrus fruit. The Outreach budget paid for city transit tickets and $10 gift cards to supermarkets. Another guest said: “Thank you for the special effort you put out every month. I really like coming here.”
September 2020: Bill Turney from the cathedral congregation adds to a big bowl of treats to be packed into goodie bags for people in need. Bill and his wife Carolyn are among the frequent contributors to the Monday morning outreach program, baking delicious cookies for the guests. On Sept. 28th, 48 people received goodie bags, plus either city bus tickets or a $10 gift card for a local supermarket. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, distribution is done outdoors on the steps at the hall with social distancing. This method has been used since March and will be repeated again Oct. 26th. The outreach team thanks the congregation for its support.
Here are a few comments from our guests to help you realize how important your contribution is to these folks:
"This is like gold to me!" - B.W., looking in his goodie bag; he had eaten nothing except Mr. Noodle for a week
"Oh wow, I never get fruit!" - M.B., reaching immediately into the bag for a banana
"Thank you so much for helping us out!" - H.C., who has four young children
This was the Outreach Committee's seventh month distributing gift cards and bus tickets outdoors since the pandemic started. The average attendance over that period has been 44 guests per month.
August 2020:Fran Miles, recently retired Office Administrator at the cathedral, made a big batch of her famous "healthy cookies" for the goodie bags handed out to people in need on Aug. 31st. Due to the pandemic, the weekly drop-in, featuring self-serve food and coffee, live music, a used clothing bank and the services of the parish nurse, has not been held since mid-March. However, supermarket gift cards are distributed outdoors at Cathedral Memorial Hall on the last Monday of the month. This time 38 people received a $10 gift card or bus tickets, plus a goodie bag containing bananas, homemade muffins, cookies, a cheese sandwich, a cereal bar, and bottled water.
July 2020:Canon Patricia Drummond packs goodie bags as part of the cathedral's summer outreach efforts. Due to the pandemic, the weekly drop-in for people in need has not been held since mid-March, but supermarket gift cards are distributed outdoors on the last Monday of the month. On July 27th, 50 people received a gift card or bus tickets plus a bar of soap and a goodie bag containing bananas, homemade muffins, cookies, a sandwich, a granola bar, and bottled water. Food items were donated by members of the cathedral family.
June 2020:Before the pandemic, St. Margaret's Anglican parish in Fredericton helped monthly with outreach drop-ins at Christ Church Cathedral. That event has not been held indoors in the normal way since mid-March, but grocery store gift cards are distributed outdoors to people in need on the last Monday of the month. Penny Ericson (left), chair of the outreach committee, was delighted to receive a large donation of bananas delivered by Wendy and Rick Chase from St. Margaret's to help with the June 29th session. On that date 48 people received a gift card or some bus tickets plus a bar of soap and a goodie bag containing bananas, homemade muffins and cookies, and bottled water - all donated by members of the cathedral family.
May 2020:This morning, forty-five outreach guests received goodie bags, along with a $10 gift card for a local supermarket, at Cathedral Memorial Hall. Despite the recent provincial move into the less restrictive yellow zone during the pandemic, an indoor, sit-down drop-in with self-serve food and beverages is not permitted at this time. People were pleased with the surprise treats, the warmer weather, and news that a similar outdoor distribution of vouchers will be done again next month.
April 2020:Due to COVID-19, the Outreach Committee can't operate its Monday morning drop-ins in the usual way, i.e., refreshments, used clothing bank, live music, Bible study, and services of the parish nurse. However, on the last Monday morning of the month, people in need can stop by Cathedral Memorial Hall to get a $10 gift card for a local supermarket. Outreach Committee treasurer Doug Milander distributed the gift cards outdoors to 40 people on April 27th. Appropriate social distancing was followed.
March 30, 2020: Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the Outreach Committee can't operate its normal Monday morning drop-in for people in need at this time, but its volunteers did hand out $10 gift cards for local supermarkets on March 30th. The vouchers were distributed outdoors at Cathedral Memorial Hall to 32 people. Brent Wheaton (standing by the sign) and Danny Brewer were among those who really appreciated the help with groceries at this challenging time.
March 16, 2020:Volunteers wearing gloves served food and beverages to outreach drop-in guests, rather than the usual buffet-style format. Seating was carefully arranged to ensure social distancing. Our parish nurse gave a short talk about ways to avoid COVID-19, and the minister from New Maryland United Church offered a beautiful prayer. There will be no gathering March 23rd. On March 30th the plan is to quickly distribute vouchers on the front steps of the church hall, but no drop-in will be held. Plans for April will be formulated based on the situation at the time and advice from the health department. Please keep these vulnerable members of our community in your prayers at this challenging time.
This January, Cathedral Organist and Director of Music Thomas Gonder is celebrating the one year anniversary of his arrival in Fredericton. As we reflect on the blessing of his music ministry during this most unusual year, we thought it appropriate to look back on this interview originally published in the NB Anglican shortly after Thomas' arrival in our city.
[Photos and text by Gisele McKnight, 2/18/2020]
Cathedral welcomes new music director
Some call it happenstance. Others call it God’s hand.
Thomas Gonder believes it was definitely God’s hand that brought him to Fredericton — specifically to Christ Church Cathedral as its new director of music. He began his role here in early January.
Thomas, 48 and originally from London, Ont., lived in Toronto for more than 12 years, working as an organist in Anglican Churches. His path to New Brunswick began last summer, when he was invited by Leo Marchildon to perform at St. Dunstan’s Roman Catholic Basilica in Charlottetown.
A lifelong Anglican, Thomas decided to make the trip really count. He’d always wanted to visit Christ Church Cathedral in Fredericton.
“I’d seen pictures, so I thought, ‘why not see if I can play there,’” he said. “Might as well make the trip more worthwhile.”
So he wrote to then-director of music, David Drinkell, who extended a hearty invitation. Thomas spent four or five days in the city, and loved every minute.
“I played an organ concert here on a Saturday night,” he said. “There were about 100 people there. I thought I might get 20.”
But while preparing to return to Toronto, he realized he didn’t really want to leave.
“I was overwhelmed by the kindness of strangers, the enthusiasm people have for music,” he said. “I was surrounded by trees instead of condos.
“When I went back to Toronto, I sank into a bit of a depression. I felt as if I really connected to this place in a specific way — not just with the Cathedral, but with the whole city. I crave nature and I couldn’t find that in Toronto.”
The sad and untimely death of David Drinkell later that fall opened up an opportunity that Thomas did not see coming. He’d struck up a Facebook friendship with Elspeth, David’s wife, and had lively correspondence with David. Now he realizes his August visit to the city was all God’s plan, not his. When the vacancy appeared, he felt he had to apply.
With an offer in hand, Thomas left St. Matthew’s Anglican Church in Islington, in the Diocese of Toronto, to direct music in his first cathedral, and he couldn’t be happier.
“The draw to come here was irresistible,” he said. “I didn’t need this job. I had one I really liked, but I had to take this chance.
“I was growing so weary of Toronto — the cost of living, the hustle and bustle, the noise — it became too much for me. It was wearing down my senses.”
Now he walks to work via Odell Park, and revels in the bird song and the smell of trees, things he has sorely missed for many years. Moving to a new city in the middle of winter isn’t ideal, he said, but he’s enjoying the nature, the people and the work.
“I feel like it’s healing me,” he said. “Now that I’m here, all those feelings I had are confirmed.”
THE PEOPLE
What Thomas has found so far is a group of people — the choir and the 11:45 worship band — who are enthusiastic and skilled.
“I get to work with such a terrific choir,” he said. “And the 11:45 worship band is so talented. Everyone has made it very easy for me. I feel no stress.”
He’s also thrilled to return to his roots, “being able to play all aspects of Anglican liturgical music. I feel like a kid again!”
His great love of church music began when he was 10 years old, joining the choir at St. Paul’s Cathedral in London.
“It was a revelation, if 10-year-olds can have revelations,” he said. “I’ll never forget that moment.”
THE PLANS
He describes himself as a concert organist and liturgical musician, and he aims to put those talents to good use. As for the work, he’s got big plans.
At St. Matthews, he and the parish replaced the organ through a vigorous fundraising campaign and he hopes to use that experience here. The Christ Church Cathedral organ was last rebuilt in 1981, and Thomas believes it’s overdue.
“The goal is to renovate this instrument,” he said. “It’s showing wear and tear. Oddly enough, it’s a bit big for its environment. I think it needs to be reimagined for the space.”
Thomas sees that as a long-term project of up to 10 years, but in the end, “this could be the finest instrument in the Maritimes.”
He also sees a great deal of potential in the Cathedral itself: a beacon of inspiration for the diocese, a centre for arts and culture, a dynamic music program to share with the community.
“My goal is to make the Cathedral what most cathedrals have been for centuries — a centre for the arts,” he said.
Recently, as he listened to Dean Geoffrey Hall preach, he was struck by the sermon’s theme: ‘hearing the call, answering the call.’
“I had no urgency to leave my job, but I had to answer the call,” he said.
The glass display case in the lobby of Memorial Hall once again contains beautiful artwork created by the Cathedral Matters Guild. The creations are available for purchase, with funds donated to the Cathedral Restoration Fund.
To the members of the Cathedral Matters, rug hooking brings joy as well as fellowship. They welcome new members and are willing to share their knowledge and skills to help others to learn the craft.
In addition to rug hooking, they share laughter and social times. The Guild meets regularly, every other Wednesday afternoon throughout the year, and takes a break in the summer. Meetings were temporarily postponed due to COVID-19 restrictions, but have resumed with the welcoming of friends, albeit masked and physically distanced.
Rug hooking is an art form that employs the use of a hook, frame, fabric and a pattern on a backing of linen. The hook is used to pull the wool through the linen to fill out the design on the top. The Guild primarily uses hand-dyed wool but also welcomes donations of reclaimed wool fabric.
Rug hooking is for sale at any time of the year. Members of the Guild have also created several commissioned mats of various sizes for tables and decorative wall hangings. Contact the Cathedral Office (506) 450-8500 or reach out to a member of the Guild, and be sure to look at the items for purchase in the lobby of Memorial Hall. You might find the perfect gift for a loved one... or yourself!
Members of Cathedral Matters (2020): Doris Norman, Sandra Palmer, Sandra Stewart, Elizabeth Bastin, Diana Rayworth, Mary Allwood, Kaye Small, Diane Ramsey, Helen Rufelds
November 18th was the Feast of Saint Hilda. Members of the Cathedral congregation will recognize Saint Hilda’s name, through our connection with St. Hilda’s Anglican School in Belize.
Mission groups from Christ Church Cathedral have travelled to Belize five times: in 2005, 2007, 2010, 2013 and 2018, and through these trips, bonds have been formed with the staff and students of St. Hilda’s, an elementary school in the rural village of Georgeville. Two hundred children attend the school, ranging between kindergarten and grade 8. Over 60 Cathedral members ranging in age from 15 to 79 have gone on a mission trip to Belize, and hundreds of people in Fredericton have supported the work through organizational support, donations and prayers.
To commemorate the life and work of Saint Hilda, at the worship service in the Cathedral on November 18, Canon Patricia Drummond shared these words.
Hilda was born in 614 A.D. She was a daughter in a royal household at the time when England had different royal families in various areas of the country. She was baptised a Christian at 13, but lived a secular life for 33 years. Then she became a nun. In 657 she was appointed the founding abbess of Whitby College and remained there until she died in 680. She followed strict ideals of monasticism - all property and goods were held in common, peace and charity were considered especially important, and everyone must study the Bible and do good works.
Hilda had a lot of wisdom and energy, and was a very skilled administrator and teacher. Kings and princes often asked her for advice.
St Hilda is the patron saint of the National Cathedral School for girls in Washington, D.C. Hers is also the name given to St Hilda's College in Oxford, established for female students, but now a college for both men and women.
For the last 7 years of her life Hilda was sick. She died on November 17th, 680 at 66 years old. In those days 66 was considered an advanced age. A man living nearby claimed he saw her soul being taken to heaven by angels.
St Hilda was an excellent example of someone who, as in St Paul's letter to the Ephesians (4:1-6), which was read earlier, lived a life worthy of the calling she had received, with humility, gentleness and patience, bearing with others in love.
Learn more about Saint Hilda in this video from the National Cathedral in Washington, DC. Canon Dana Corsello speaks enthusiastically about St. Hilda during the morning prayer service (approximately between the 5-and-11-minute marks). She calls Hilda "a ray of light during the Dark Ages," referring to her as brilliant and as a strong proponent of Celtic spirituality. She was a princess in Britain before becoming an abbess, teacher and peacemaker. There is a school for girls situated at that cathedral, which is named after St. Hilda.
On Sunday evenings in early fall, if you drove past the Cathedral around 8:00 p.m. you might have seen a group of teenagers, illuminated by light amidst the shadows, praying.
In the midst of a worldwide health crisis, this spiritual balm was welcomed and embraced by members of the Cathedral Youth Group, casually referred to as CYG, as they strengthened their bonds through ongoing communication and activity.
The Cathedral Youth Group is comprised of approximately 12 teenagers and 4 young adult leaders, and the group is spearheaded by the Cathedral’s Director of Christian Formation, Kurt Schmidt. Some of the teens’ families are regular members of the congregation, some attend Sunday services at different churches, and some are at the beginning of their formation journey, but all have found a spiritual home in the youth group.
CYG met occasionally throughout the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic using Zoom to connect the young people and the group leaders. As restrictions were loosened by New Brunswick’s Public Health officials during the summer and early autumn, CYG was able to meet frequently for gatherings on the Cathedral green. This return to in-person gatherings was a bright spot for the youth, providing them with much needed personal connection. The activities provided an outlet to share their feelings, an opportunity to continue their spiritual growth, and a source of fun. The teenagers played outdoor games, held physically distanced song circles, and made occasional (truthfully, fairly regular) trips to the nearby Queen Street Creamery ice cream truck.
September brought an evening of apple-picking at Everett Family Orchard. A Saturday in October at Camp Medley connected the group with other young people from across the Diocese of Fredericton. "Bubbles" of youth groups rotated stations, engaging in activities to explore what it means to be "in-between" -- in-between the start and end of a pandemic, and in-between Jesus' victory on the cross and the final celebrations of that victory. Lots of laughter was had during a beautiful day of fellowship and friendly competition.
CYG gathered for a virtual "watch" party for the 2020 edition of the Change Conference, in which speakers encouraged youth that God is good even when times are hard. The group also celebrated the Confirmations of two regular CYG members -- Rachel and Adriana -- in October.
The CYG crew continues to grow together in its knowledge of scripture, its experience of unusual games, and especially its abilities as a musical worship team. Subject to pandemic regulations at the time, you will be able to hear the group sing as a physically distanced music group for the Mini Advent Lessons and Carols on December 18th in the Cathedral. Reserve a spot to attend on the Cathedral Signups page or tune in to the live-stream.
Youth Group had resumed regular weekly gatherings inside Memorial Hall (wearing masks), but due to rising COVID-19 cases in New Brunswick, they have temporarily reverted to virtual gatherings.
Please continue to keep CYG in your prayers as they grow in their faith, and learn to adapt to the many challenges of life during the pandemic.
Normally in November, a healthy crop of paper angels appears on small trees in the cathedral and in the hall foyer.
Carefully printed on each angel is a name, an age and a particular toy to make Christmas special for a needy child in our community. Members of the congregation would excitedly crowd around the trees to adopt the angels and, later, return bags and boxes of toys and stocking stuffers.
“In recent years, the Outreach Committee has gotten 60 paper angels from the Greener Village Food Bank, collected and delivered everything on deadline, and took heart that our congregation was so generous,” explained committee treasurer Doug Milander.
“This year, due to the pandemic, we really didn't feel it was smart or safe to carry out the Christmas Angels program in the usual way,” Doug continued. “However, we didn't want to disappoint families registered with the food bank because the cathedral has participated eagerly in the Christmas effort for well over 25 years.”
Outreach Committee chair Penny Ericson provides a cheque for $1,800 to a delighted Chris Fougère, client intake manager with the Greener Village Food Bank. The money covers the cost of 60 toys and stocking stuffers ordinarily donated by the cathedral congregation under the Christmas Angels program for needy families.
The solution for 2020 was to donate an amount of money equivalent to the value of 60 toys and stocking stuffers. Managers at the food bank were relieved and grateful to learn that the cathedral could still help to make the festive season bright during this unusual year.
“We brought a cheque for $1,800 so that the food bank can buy what it needs for these families,” Doug said. “It won't be as much fun for the congregation this time, but the help will be provided as in the past which will put smiles on children's faces on Christmas morning.”
The Outreach Committee dipped into its budget to come up with the $1,800. If anyone would like to help with the cost of the project, funds can be donated to Christmas Angels through offering envelopes or by contacting the church office during business hours.
“Thanks in advance to anyone who considers assistance in this regard,” Doug concluded. “We pray that 2021 can revert to normal for the Christmas Angels.”
by Ann Deveau
PHOTO CAPTION: Outreach Committee chair Penny Ericson provides a cheque for $1,800 to a delighted Chris Fougère, client intake manager with the Greener Village Food Bank. The money covers the cost of 60 toys and stocking stuffers ordinarily donated by the cathedral congregation under the Christmas Angels program for needy families.
Cathedral Mothers' Union member Susan Watson has created a 5 day devotional which acknowledges the struggles of the past months and the hope of God's plan for us. This wonderful resource, available on the worldwide Mothers' Union website, also includes space for you to observe gratitude daily.
