Formation


Four last things



Four last things

An advent reflection by Canon Jon Lownds Death, judgement, heaven and hell Fifty years ago, when I (Jon+) began in ordained ministry, the season of Advent, the four Sundays before Christmas, focussed on four “last things:” death, judgement, heaven and hell. With the Advent this year being as short as possible, and largely ignored even […]

Advent waiting



Advent waiting

An advent reflection by Canon Jon Lownds “The Meaning is in the Waiting” by Paula Gooder is the Advent 2023 Diocesan Study book choice and being discussed in an online / Zoom conversation. After reading the Introduction and first chapter, I decided to join the conversation. Early the next morning, while reflecting on and praying […]

2023 ADVENT-ures



2023 ADVENT-ures

The new Church year is once again upon us!  Why not add something to your devotional life to mark a fresh start? Choose from the following list of diverse opportunities on the Advent weekdays to deepen your prayer and/or study and/or worship. MONDAYS – beginning 27 November Spirituality of Advent – Prayer Series: Contemplative ideas […]

Mess Makes Meaning Godly Play Podcast



Mess Makes Meaning Godly Play Podcast

Caring for young children’s spirituality is a delicate balance and can often be made more difficult when we grown-ups don’t care for ourselves.  Struggling through religious or church-related trauma or even feelings of inadequacy when it comes to answering our children’s big questions.  Mess Makes Meaning aims to equip parents/caregivers to remind them and their […]

Deacon Competencies



Deacon Competencies

Potential deacons and priests in the Diocese of Fredericton both enter into a discernment process that helps to clarify if they are being called to ordained ministry. Discernment leading to the diaconate Discernment leading to priesthood While the roles of deacons and priests are different, the qualities required for ordination are similar. The Diocese seeks […]

Understanding the cultural realities of children and youth today



Understanding the cultural realities of children and youth today

Janet Craswell and Angela Pupino say ministries with children and youth were severely impacted by the pandemic and are still rebuilding in most churches. They say a truly intergenerational church must embrace the voices and concerns of younger people and acknowledge the unique cultural realities that shape the lives. There are very few intergenerational spaces […]

Cathedral Sunday intercessors meet



Cathedral Sunday intercessors meet

Those who lead Sunday intercessions gathered on Tuesday, November 7th with Deacon Isabel Cutler to discuss and share resources used in this ministry of prayer. An invitation had been made to others with interest in joining the team which is comprised of about 12 individuals. Assignments are currently determined by way of the Cathedral Signup […]

The Way of Discernment



The Way of Discernment

The Way of Discernment by Elizabeth Liebert Westminster, John Knox / 2008 / 170 pages The Way of Discernment invites the reader into a series of experiments leading to discernment as a way of life and as a way of making decisions in the light of faith and a corresponding desire to follow God’s call. […]