It began with a query from someone in a parish in the diocese: Do you ever exhibit all the needle-work Christ Church Cathedral has?
That query came to fruition on April 13 when dozens of people came in to view all that was on display: “the fabrics, falls and frontals that grace pulpit and altar,” as the Cathedral bulletin announced.
The Cathedral’s Anglican Church Women hosted the event, with guides, the Rev'd Canon Pat Drummond, a skilled fabric artist, and verger Hank Williams, giving information to curious visitors.
The many years of work illustrate the signs and symbols of the faith, and “the variety of stitches used that enhance these magnificent ecclesiastical hangings – some of which date to the 19th century.
Lucy’s Sewing Group members were on hand to explain the work behind the altar linens on display. This group meets weekly to work and chat and many work at home on their needlework for the Cathedral and other projects. Refreshments were appreciated by those who dropped by for an enjoyable afternoon admiring the many works of art.
Dean's note: Lucy's Sewing Guild continues today in memory of Lucy McNeill, a skilled, energetic and passionate proponent of eccesiastical art expressed through church fabric art.
“Okay everybody. On your feet. Let's do a little warm-up, shall we?”
And with that, 45 self-professed I-can't-sing singers rise to their feet to follow Christ Church Cathedral's director of music, David Drinkell, as he has them shake out their hands, relax their necks, suck in their guts, and lower their shoulders. Then comes the vocalization exercises: humming and me, me, meing up and down the scales. “You should feel it between your eyes, just where your glasses sit, for those of you who wear glasses.” Apparently those sinus cavities you curse when you have a cold are what helps sound resonate when you sing; who knew?
With the exercises over, David has the Paper Baggers “rocking, rolling, riding, out a-long the bay,” on the “Morningtown Ride,” an easy song to warm up with and familiar to most everyone there. Then came the main event: “American Pie,” a song we all know and love and which turned out to be more difficult to sing than we'd thought. “Up you go!” shouts David over the sound of the grand piano, encouraging everyone to, again, suck in those guts and raise the eyebrows, both of them, to hit those high notes; amazingly, it does work. And no, we didn't sing the whole eight minutes and 36 seconds; maybe just as well. Thankfully, “Yesterday” proved an easier sing. “Well done; you sound quite good.”
Then it was time for a break and some socializing. Little knots of people developed around the room as friends, old and new, chatted away; a congenial group of people who love to sing, but who thought, or were told, they couldn't sing, along with a few who do sing in choirs, but who come to Paper Bag Singers so they can sing just for the fun of it.
We welcome people of all ages and singing talent.
And so the evening went, as have the four previous sing togethers: warm-up; sing two or three songs a number of times each; take a break; sing a few more songs, some new, some repeats; and wrap up with one more crack at a particular song. Interspersed though the evening are David's tips on how to sing particular passages as well as his wonderful stories garnered from his years of working with choirs and schools across Britain and his time in Newfoundland.
So join us, won't you. Only two more events this season: Monday, May 27th and Monday, June 10th. We welcome people of all ages and singing talent. We sing mostly the music we grew up with – all you flower children out there – and some we might not be so familiar with – always good to learn new things. Paper Bag Singers: it's all about having fun together. And oh yes, we did take a last crack at “American Pie” – we won.
On February 17, the Dessert and Games Night (all ages) will take place from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Cathedral Memorial Hall, 168 Church Street.
Drop in and stay as long as you like.
Games will include:
a kid-friendly area that will rotate games every 15 minutes (Charades, Pictionary, musical chairs, and cribbage)
a quiet room for bridge and cribbage
a wide selection of board games that you can take back to your table, or
just come enjoy delicious dessert and good company.
Admission is by donation.
All of the donations will support the Belize high school scholarships and St. Hilda’s Anglican School in Georgeville. Since 2005, Christ Church Cathedral has been supporting and sending mission trips to St. Hilda’s. The school has a wonderful, caring staff.
For more information, contact the Belize Mission Committee at [email protected]
About 40 people gathered on Oct. 18 for an investigative tour and thinking session as part of the National Trust's annual conference, held in Fredericton this year.The National Trust is a registered charity established in 1973 by the Government of Canada, dedicated to promoting the conservation,...
The annual National Trust conference is Canada’s largest heritage learning and networking event. Held in a different part of Canada every year, this national conference brings together a wide-range of people keeping Canada’s heritage alive: from grassroots advocates, professionals and planners, to elected officials, policy makers, and students.
The 2018 National Trust Conference is heading to Fredericton to explore the theme of "Opportunity Knocks: Heritage as a Social, Economic, and Placemaking Force." The conference will explore the transformative power of heritage to help turn places around, galvanize communities, and create fresh options. Bringing together the cutting-edge of heritage thought and practice, in Canada and abroad, the conference will emphasize inter-disciplinary insights on such diverse topics as heritage-led development, sustainability, museum/historic site regeneration, and Indigenous heritage.
Christ Church Cathedral will be front and centre
"As at least one of the primary heritage sites in the City of Fredericton, Christ Church Cathedral will be front and centre during the conference," said Dean Geoffrey Hall.
"I'm very excited about this. This is a unique opportunity for us to focus on discussions we've been having for years about what we might be able to do now to preserve the heritage value of the Cathedral and surrounding properties with an eye to long-term sustainability. I encourage the congregation to become involved. There is a plan to hold at least one session and perhaps a workshop on site at the Cathedral."
“The conference is the best and largest gathering of heritage professionals in Canada. It is the one event in Canada that brings together a diverse group of people with common interests and a broad set of expertise in the protection of historic places. This event creates the community of heritage professionals in Canada.” David Ecclestone – Partner, +VG Architects
Workshop on Thursday, 18 October 2018, 1:00 - 4:30 p.m. at Christ Church Cathedral (on site case study) Forum on Saturday a.m., 20 October 2018 at the Trade and Convention Centre (religious heritage buildings) Limited seating for Cathedral members has been reserved. If you're interested, contact the Dean or Bishop and Chapter Chair Jim Morell.
Season of Creation 2018 - 01 September - 04 October
What 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.
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 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:
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.
Follow the Ride on Facebook or the Bishop's Ride blog to get updates and reports on progress
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.
Bishop Rob Hardwick interviewed by Aaron and Derek of Joy FM
Bishop Rob Hardwick and Jane and Eric Hadley on 17 July 2018
Diane 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.”
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.”
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.
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.
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 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.
