Category Archives: Events

The Season of Creation 2018

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Season of Creation 2018 - 01 September - 04 October

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

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

Why September 1st to October 4th?

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

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

What to do during the “Season of Creation?”

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

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

Resources

Bishop’s bike ride event a success

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

Bishop Hardwick and bears

Bishop Hardwick on King Street with the Anglican Foundation Hope Bears

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

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

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

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

Hardwick and Joy

Bishop Rob Hardwick interviewed by Aaron and Derek of Joy FM

Harwick and Hadleys

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

Summer hiatus for Cathedral breakfast

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BreakfastDiane Ramsey always knows where she’ll be on the third Saturday morning of the month. She’s a regular at the community breakfast in Cathedral Memorial Hall. “I meet new people every time I come here,” Diane says happily. “I have such nice visits. The breakfast is such a treat and a break from my routine.”

In July and August she’ll have to find somewhere else to socialize because the organizers and volunteers, numbering about 20, are taking a well-deserved summer break until Sept. 15.

One of the people Diane met at the most recent breakfast was Janet Toole who found the food delicious and the atmosphere collegial. “I like to renew old friendships and meet new people, and the food is great,” Janet said.

I come for the super delicious biscuits and the beautiful homemade jam …

For $8, guests can order eggs any style prepared by a professional short-order cook, bacon or sausage, baked beans and toast. Tea, coffee and juice are self-serve, and a bowl of mouth-watering homemade tea biscuits are delivered to your table with a smile.

“I come for the super delicious biscuits and the beautiful homemade jam,” Ray Dixon said. “I really like the strawberry jam.” His wife Dot chimes in: “But the marmalade is great, too.”

Part of the breafast crew

QUICK BREAK – A few of the many volunteers who make the Saturday morning breakfast a success take a quick break at the end of the morning. Seated on the left side of the table are Michael Hines, Peter Jacobs, Harry Palmer and Carole Hines. On the right side are Jan Bonga, Bill Turney and Andrea LeBlanc.

Sandra Palmer makes all the jams, Cheryl Jacobs is responsible for the famous biscuits, and a busy team of waitstaff and dishwashers looks after everything else.

“I like helping out, and it’s a nice social interaction,” Shirley Rohleder said. “I have some regular customers, and everyone is always so cheerful here.”

Catherine Mac donald echoes that comment. “I enjoy meeting all the people and making them happy,” she said. “It’s a rewarding thing to do.”

Her husband Paul enjoys the volunteer effort, too, but he has another important reason to take part. “I help out of a sense of obligation because I’m part of the music team at the cathedral (he plays guitar in the praise band), and the money raised here goes into the sound system.”

Paul Mac donald

HARD AT WORK – Paul Macdonald is busy doing dishes in the kitchen following a recent Saturday morning community breakfast.

Breakfast organizer Harry Palmer explained that the breakfast raised $5,000 from last September until this June. It’s a tidy sum and for a good cause.

Harry estimates that about 30 per cent of the customers monthly are cathedral congregants, with the remainder being from other parishes, the neighbourhood and throughout the city. “As the breakfast has been operating for several years, a considerable amount of money has gone into making phased improvements in the sound system, thanks to many non-cathedral breakfast patrons,” he said.

He gave credit to the team of volunteers and to the cook, Paul LeBlanc, for making the breakfast the obvious success it is. “We’ll recharge our batteries and see everybody in September,” he said.

Ann Deveau

Audio Project updateThere is a June 2018 update on the cathedral Audio System Project towards which proceeds from Saturday breakfast have been destined for several years. Details on the specifics are included for those interested. You might also want to treat yourself to a reprise of Paul Mac donald’s Ode to Biscuits which may just make it to the charts yet!

Urbana 2018 is Coming!

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It’s not too soon to start thinking about Urbana, a missions conference for 16,000 students, ministry leaders and missions organizations from around the world. This year’s theme is Discern your place in God’s global mission.

University students from Fredericton, including young people from the cathedral, have attended past conferences which feature internationally known speakers, worship, music in many languages, and more than 200 seminars. Organized by the Inter-varsity Christian Fellowship for over 70 years, it’s held every three years in St. Louis, Missouri. The next one will take place Dec. 27-31, 2018.

“It’s an eye-opening, cross-cultural experience and an opportunity to delve deeply into the Bible,” said Brad McKnight from the cathedral’s Missions Committee. “Students are challenged to listen and learn from global voices. As the participants pray with power and build connections, it can be transformational.”

Registration is now open. More information can be found by searching Urbana Missions on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, on the web at urbana.org and on You Tube.

Choir School 2018 – its all about …

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A Full Week of Busy Days ...

 

Junior Choristers
Children from the age of 8 are able to attend Choir School, with the consent of a parent or guardian (they must turn eight by the end of the current year). Overnight accommodations usually consist of two people per room, in the dormitory-styled residence buildings. The days are very busy, so we encourage parents who are unsure about what is involved to contact the Administrative Director. A typical day begins at 7:45, and ends at 9:00pm, and includes chapel services, several rehearsals, classroom time, recreation, meals (of course!), an early afternoon rest period, and some free time.

Arrival time on the first day is between 3:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. on Sunday afternoon with supper at 5:30. Please come to the Dining Hall to register (follow the signs). For the benefit of all choristers, please do not send cell phones as it can create problems for those who are homesick, and others around them. Any cell phones found will be confiscated until the end of the week.

Thursday evening, we offer a Choral Evensong service at a parish church, to which all are invited. The last Sunday afternoon, at 3:30, is our final Choral Evensong service. Family and friends are encouraged to attend this service, which takes place at a large church or cathedral, children can then be picked up after the service. This service is very well attended.

recreation, chapel worship services, rest time, and special fun activities

Choir School’s finest daily paper provides vital information about... uh, nothing, but it’s fun to read each day.

For best seating, please arrive at the church just after 3:00pm, when the choirs finishes its rehearsal.

Adult Choristers
Adults who are attending Choir School are encouraged to come to the Thursday night Evensong service. From there, you can go directly to RNS (Rothesay Netherwood School) where you can settle into a room at Kirk House, on the RNS campus. registration takes place the following morning after breakfast at the Dining Hall. Some adults, however, are only able to join us on Friday, which is OK, too!

Choir SchoolChoir School takes place every year in the first full week of July on the beautiful campus of Rothesay-Netherwood private school. Some stay in the residence buildings, while local choristers sometimes live at home, and come for the full day of activities. Each day is very full, and sleep becomes a rather precious thing by the end of the week. Through the week, the chorister's day is filled with choir rehearsals, a classroom session of Christian Education, Christian culture, as well as recreation, chapel worship services, rest time, and special fun activities.

Visit Choir School on the web

Bishop of Qu’Appelle – Living the Mission Ride

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Bishop Rob Hardwick, (Bishop's Blog) Bishop of the Diocese of Qu'Appelle will ride across Canada as part of the diocese's "Living the Mission" campaign. The Bishop's Ride will begin in Victoria BC on 19 May. The Bishop will be riding through New Brunswick during July. Plans are underway to welcome him to the Diocese of Fredericton as his itinerary includes stops in the Parishes of Madawaska (Edmunston), Wicklow, Wilmot, Peel and Aberdeen, (Florenceville), Fredericton (Fredericton City parishes) and Salisbury and Havelock (Peticodiac).

Come join us at the Cathedral on Sunday, 15 July at 4:00 p.m. for informal worship and a BBQ!

Did you know?

The Trans-Canada Highway is the longest highway in the world, stretching from St. John’s NF to Victoria BC. Both cities consider themselves the starting point; journalist Walter Stewart once observed it is the only road on which you can drive (or cycle) 7,714 km just to get back to the beginning again.

The highest point on the Trans Canada Highway 1643 meters (5390 feet) is actually near the Parks Bridge by Golden BC." Irrespective, it will be a challenge!

The Bishop asks us to follow, pray, cycle with him, and /or donate.

... to do something that is going to impact the lives of many people will be the achievement ...

"It will be a great personal accomplishment to cycle over 7,800 kms" says Bishop Hardwick. "But to do something that is going to impact the lives of many people will be the greater achievement."

Hardwick Jersey

Bishop Hardwick receives a jersey at the House of Bishops

"Even now when the training sessions get tough, I think of those who will be helped by our financial and prayerful support on this ride: the medical center we are building in Burundi, money to begin a self-determining indigenous church within The Anglican Church of Canada, Habitat for Humanity Regina, and continued funding for mission and ministry initiatives within the Diocese of Qu'Appelle.

"Together we have an opportunity to something that will truly make a significant difference. Thank you for your support."


Follow the Bishop on the Bishop's Ride page on the Diocese of Qu'Appelle web site.
Visit the Bishop's Ride Facebook page

Bishop Rob Hardwick

Living the MissionFaithful and loving God, you call us to be disciples of your Son
and co-creators in your mission.
Open our minds and hearts to a greater awareness and deeper
appreciation of your countless blessings.
Transform us through the power of your Spirit
to enable a way of life marked by faith-filled prayer;
to equip congregations for mission and ministry;
and to engage all in outreach and in the generous sharing of our faith.
Bless the Living the Mission campaign with a deepening devotion to prayer,
a growing commitment to service, and an increased level of generosity
as we work together to advance the mission of every parish in our diocese,
through Jesus Christ, our Saviour and Lord.

Celebrating Women – February 2018

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Women Making a Difference - February 2018On a warm and sunny February afternoon – yes we did have some of those! – approximately 35 women gathered at the Cathedral Hall to hear Kathleen Snow’s presentation entitled Women Making a Difference – Where We are Planted.

Most Christ Church Cathedral congregation members know Kathleen as our Parish Nurse, a member of the 11:45 am Praise Choir, and an active member of Mothers’ Union. Kathleen has been involved with Mothers’ Union for over 30 years. She has served as the local Branch Leader, the Diocesan President, the National President and has gone on to work with the Worldwide Mothers’ Union. As she told the group gathered on February 17th, these roles have provided her with the opportunity to meet some amazing women of faith around the world who truly are making a difference where they are planted!

Before introducing the attendees to these women, Kathleen challenged the group to come up with a list of characteristics of women who make a difference. Most attributes were positive but the odd less- than-positive one did manage to creep in reinforcing the notion that no one is perfect! Here are some of the attributes identified: nurturing, strong, thoughtful, supportive, determined, flexible, organized, committed and bold.

... flexible, organized, committed and bold ...

One of the women that Kathleen went on to speak about was Claudette Kijeme of Burundi. Claudette is a Mothers’ Union Worker who has been leading a Literacy Program focused on women. Since the program started in the year 2000, almost 74,000 people have been trained and are now functionally literate. Literacy Circles have been established in many regions of Burundi and surrounding African countries and the testimonies of women (and men) who have participated were very moving. Life constraints have been removed through literacy. Women can successfully manage their market stalls and not be cheated because they couldn’t count change properly. Literacy became a main tool to empower women. As more and more men became involved, they came to see that women were not worthless as culture had dictated and relationships between husband and wife improved. They now recognize the importance of literacy for their children, a distinct advantage for future generations. Not surprisingly, Claudette’s work led to her being invited to address the United Nations Council on the Status of Women as a member of the worldwide Mothers’ Union contingency several years ago.

Sheran Harper of Guyana developed the Mothers’ Union Parenting Programme which also started in the year 2000. This support program for parents is now run worldwide by Mothers’ Union. Sheran trains facilitators to run the Program aimed at improving family relationships. Kathleen trained under Sheran who visited Fredericton in 2008.

Although Kathleen spoke of other women making a difference in far off places, she reminded everyone that in our midst there are women making a difference. Dawn DeCourcey, a Fredericton resident, quietly runs a program called the Fundy Peace Foundation (FPF). While visiting a school in Kenya as a representative of the Foundation, Dawn realised that even though children may obtain the necessary high rankings to get into high school, they are often too poor to attend. In response, FPF set up a scholarship fund to assist students. It was also noted that few females complete elementary school and become eligible for high school. The Masai Mara Project has raised over $10,000 to help address this need.

So many women making a difference. Blooming where they are planted and continuing to sow the seeds of help wherever they are needed through their faith and their relationships with others. It was noted that as our faith grows, we often look to demonstrate that faith and the love of God to others. These women have all succeeded and continue to succeed in living out their faith each day!

Gail MacGillivray

What’s a Walking Taco? – 22 March 2018 at 6:00 p.m.

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Twenty-one people from the diocese are going to Toronto in late April. They will spend the week with the poor and needy, do chores and help wherever they can, spreading the gospel and doing good works. But don’t call it a mission trip.

We’re rebranding

“We’re rebranding,” said Colin McDonald, director of youth and intergenerational ministries in the Diocese of Fredericton. “It’s not a mission trip. We’re going on a student pilgrimage. What we’re really doing is forming people — our own people. We’re expecting to get far more from the people we encounter than we’ll give.”

A fund-raiser will be held at the Cathedral Hall. Visit the Facebook event page if you're "interested" or "going." Cost is $10 person or $30 for a family. Donations also welcome.

he group of nine leaders and 13 young people have been meeting, praying and studying the bible in preparation for the trip. The most recent meeting was held at Outflow Ministry, the same men’s shelter that now houses the Parish of Millidgeville after it left its north-end building last fall.

Read about the up-coming trip here.

Ending Homelessness: How can the Fredericton Anglican community help?

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Penny Ericson on 11 March 2018 – Homelessness Initiative


The community of Fredericton is working to drastically change the way we collectively respond to homelessness through the implementation of a multiyear Plan to End Homelessness developed through collective planning by non-profits, different orders of government and community members.

The $10 million Plan, The Road Home, will work to house and support 267 chronic and episodically homeless and stabilize 1,033 households at risk of or experiencing transitional homeless. Moving from merely managing homelessness through emergency service to adopting a community wide strategy will create $3.2 million in savings in the first four years.

The Road Home is grounded in Housing First: an evidence-based model that focuses on quickly moving people experiencing homelessness into independent and permanent housing and then providing additional supports and services as needed.  This model rejects 'housing readiness' approaches that have far too often left our most vulnerable trapped in a long-term or inescapable cycle of homelessness.

Information Session
Saturday, 24 March 2018, 10:00 a.m.
Cathedral Memorial Hall
with
Mayor Mike O'Brien - City of Fredericton

AUDIO Listen to an interview with Faith McFarland on 04 April 2017 about affordable housing
AUDIO Listen to an interview with Faith McFarland on 10 May 2017 about ending homelessness
VIDEO Portrait of a formerly homeless woman - Sandy Robb
VIDEO Housing First Initiative in Fredericton
Homeless Hub - Making Research Matter - Canada
Download or view the Plan

From the Plan ...
Our Plan sets forth a course of action that will result in significant shifts in our community’s collective approach to a widespread social challenge. We cannot promise that no one will ever experience homelessness again in our community: the root causes involved in housing instability are well beyond our capacity to redress in this Plan. Factors like poverty, the macro-economics of housing markets, public policy decisions, systemic discrimination experienced by groups including Aboriginal people, as well as the challenges of mental health and additions play critical roles in the dynamics of homelessness. These are structural and systemic factors that we must continue to address, though we cannot resolve them in the short-term. However, there is much we can do.

This Plan is a call to action, first and foremost. It sets out a roadmap that will lead to significant improvements for those experiencing homelessness in our community. It calls for the creation of new interventions, using the proven and cost-effective Housing First approach, to rapidly house and support those in need.

The Plan proposes the enhanced coordination of our homeless-serving system, and its intentional integration with other partners, including health, corrections, police, and child protection. It calls for enhanced information sharing, performance management processes and capacity building to support our frontline service providers. The Plan recognizes the key role all partners play in our collective

2018 Lenten Studies

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During the Season of Lent, all members of the Cathedral congregation are encouraged to take part in small group study.

The resource recommended by our Bishop for 2018 is “Pray: Reflections on the Lord’s Prayer” by Bishop Bill Hockin. We’ve also had an offer to provide one additional option on the poetic works of John Donne.

 

“PRAY: Reflections on the Lord’s Prayer”

In the words our Saviour Christ taught us. Divided into five sections. Study questions by Dr. Alan Sears.

11:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., Wednesdays in Lent

Devotional poetry of John Donne (1572 – 1631)

Donne’s remarkable life included a secret marriage, a conversion from Roman Catholicism to the Church of England, and his transformation from a worldly Renaissance man to an Anglican Priest and Dean of Saint Paul’s Cathedral. His poetry is striking for its wit but also for its urgent searching after the face of God. We may want to discuss other poets and poetry as the occasion demands, but Donne will be our guide here.

7:00 p.m., Wednesdays in Lent

If you haven’t registered, please feel free to join. The study leaders would be happy to have you. See the Calendar for details.