Giving thanks is at the centre of living the Christian life. It may seem all too obvious, but when we gather, a normal worship event is Eucharist. “Eucharist” means “thanksgiving.”
In these days of the continuing worldwide pandemic, thanksgiving can be a challenge. Our lives have been changed. Our routines are disrupted. There’s an extra layer of attention necessary with almost everything we do. And while all of that weighs on some, has enormous economic impact on others and is deemed unnecessary by far too many, the Christian response to COVID-19 needs to be thanks-giving.
We don’t welcome illness nor can we ignore the reasonable care now necessary whenever we come in closer contact with one another. But we do need to give thanks: give thanks that we are able to gather (observing precautions within our circles); give thanks that while much of the world is being devastated by COVID-19, we are relatively safe where we live; give thanks that in the midst of our challenges, God is good and will provide what we need.
Thanksgiving for Christians is not just about pumpkins, apples and pretty autumn leaves even though these gifts too deserve our thanks. For the Church our Lord died to save, every day is thanksgiving. In every annoyance, there is a blessing. With every challenge comes an opportunity to grow. Even in the midst of chaos, there is reminder that God’s order of creation is a visible sign that continues to guide us toward living for him.
As we gather for worship on the second Sunday of October, the weekend the civic calendar calls “thanksgiving,” let us remember that historic Christian faith invented the concept. Let us give thanks for what we do have even in the face of what we don’t. Let us respond faithfully with genuine thanks for God’s continuing provision.
It is customary at the time of Christian festivals to make offerings of thanks. Please look in your boxed set of envelopes for the one marked “Thanksgiving.” If online giving is more convenient, visit the “Give Now” page of the Cathedral website to make your gift and you will receive immediately a receipt for income tax purposes.
May the blessing of God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit be with you and yours.
Lent is for Christians a time of preparing. The Ash Wednesday exhortation invites us to “observe a holy Lent by self-examination, penitence, prayer, fasting, and almsgiving and meditating on the word of God.” The intention, of course, is that we find that within ourselves that keeps us from good – keeps us from God. When we have identified it, God calls us to confess it, turn from it and live a new life in him. Like a plant that benefits greatly from pruning, we too can accomplish much from “pruning” in our own lives, allowing room for growth, renewal and for God!
This season marks the darkness of the days just before our Lord's final struggle with death and his victory over it. We’re encouraged to walk the way of the Cross. This is a Holy Week and Easter unlike any of us have ever seen. From isolation and quarantine, walking that way will be different this year. There is a sadness I feel knowing that we are not able to be physically present to one another. But there are opportunities, some of them from within, to assist in our own spiritual walk. Worship where you are. It is my hope that you will find what works for you. There are lessons in this for us all.
At the Cathedral, we’ll be watching our financial situation carefully over the coming weeks. The ministry we can maintain will depend, as always, solely on continuing support of the Cathedral family. Please consider delivering your Easter offering to the Church Hall or make a donation securely online from the Cathedral web site or Facebook. Our Envelope Secretary John Macaulay (506) 453-1980 would be pleased to talk with you about how to begin using e-offering (automatic debit) if not only for its convenience, for the way in which it helps to stabilize and anticipate our giving. There have been many who have offered to do pickups for any who might find it helpful.
Looking forward to its glory, have a blessed Easter!
Christ Church Cathedral “closed” until further notice
"Closed" is such an unpleasant prospect?
In light of the Province-wide “State of Emergency” called by the Premier of New Brunswick on Thursday (19 March 2020), the Dean of Fredericton announces that Christ Church Cathedral and its offices are closed until further notice.
Difficult and without restriction, it's what we are "called" to do.
As the global, and now local situation of the COVID-19 crisis unfolds hour by hour, it has been my goal to see us stay closely in step with the direction expert health, government and ecclesiastical officials are giving us. What’s been the leadership challenge is to stay in the ‘Goldilocks Zone’ -- not too hot, not to cold, but just right. Being over or under reactive will just never do and, it has been for me the real leadership challenge.
In conversation with other leaders both at the Cathedral and around the Diocese, we’re all struggling with these same unique challenges. We find ourselves in a situation unprecedented and, for most of us, not comparable to anything in memory.
Leadership at the Cathedral, including the Dean of Fredericton and the Executive of Bishop and Chapter are keenly aware of what all of this may mean, especially for members of Cathedral staff. While we are conscious and aware that it is impossible to continue salaries for work not being done, we’re also deeply sensitive about our Christian responsibilities of fairness and generosity. Assurances given to staff include that we will make decisions in the very best interest of all and, with the highest degree of consultation possible. What we are able to do for those with whom we have employment relationships depends ultimately upon the continuing financial support of the Congregation. If you haven’t yet considered e-offering or online giving options, now might be the opportune time? In a time of uncertainty, you can make a difference. Read “But how do we give ... when we’re not in church?”
As circumstances change swiftly it becomes more and more necessary to face both evident and eventual realities. Our economy will need to flutter and adjust, hopefully gently. It’s increasingly impossible to make guarantees about details of the future. It’s also difficult, impossible or at the least unwise, to make premature decisions. We need to continue to take this one step at a time.
Who we really are has very much to do with community – not just represented by in-person meetings, corporate worship and other gatherings
Working in our favour is that the Cathedral congregation is committed to and, even more, is the life-blood of ministry supported financialy by what we offer in partnership. While it is true we have paid staff positions uncomparable to most parishes in our Diocese, we also recognize that those members of staff enable and organize the lion’s share of Cathedral ministry of the baptized of our number called into ministry. Those commitments are not likely to wane any time soon, especially during a difficult time such as this. Many, many are coming forward to offer assistance in a vast number of ways. The Cathedral is taking steps to reduce expenses wherever possible with the first priority of that which does not withdraw the ministries to which we are committed. Our temporal ability to continue that approach is my prayer.
Who we really are has very much to do with community – not just represented by in-person meetings, corporate worship and other gatherings as important as they are. This is a unique opportunity for us to become more fully who we "really" are. This is an opportunity for each of us to further develop our more introspective spirituality for both our own personal growth and our growth in community. I, for one, hope to eventually reach the stage where I can catch up on projects too often labeled “important” but too easily eclipsed by what is “critical,” including the daily and weekly necessities.
We need to give thanks for the multiplicity of options within easy reach in this age of technology. Several Cathedral groups have met virtually over the last week and encouragement continues toward those ends. Planning continues by various groups to establish additional creative ways to stay in touch enabling us to be the Body of Christ.
Offers to help are more than welcome by well-established, competent and committed leadership in various areas of our ministry. If any have a need, please connect. Don’t hesitate, instead, reach out to one another. Pray for our leaders, care-givers and the world. Do not be afraid.
We will get through this together. No one is alone. Thanks be to God!
Members of the Congregation of Christ Church Cathedral,
A group of key leaders at the Cathedral, including representatives of staff, Bishop and Chapter and our Health Ministry Team met this afternoon (Saturday) to consider an appropriate response to current concerns about the Coronavirus (COVID-19). We’re thankful for leadership being exercised by government and its officials, the Bishop of Fredericton and others in our faith community and the media for keeping us all so well informed.
It is our intention, without delay, to act responsibly and appropriately and will continue to consider deeply the best information available to us in a situation that has proven to develop hour by hour over the last week.
Worship at Christ Church Cathedral will continue.
Conscious of the recent direction from our Bishop and the New Brunswick Chief Medical Officer of Health and the Department of Health, we are confident that for the time being the following will allow us to safely continue to uphold the care of one another as our top priority while implementing a reasoned set of precautions that will help contribute to provincial, national and global efforts aimed at controlling the spread of the virus.
CHANGES WE WILL MAKE
Worship at Christ Church Cathedral will continue. However, it is especially necessary that we take extra care to continue and further strengthen health and safety protocols now in place. We’ll be implementing additional precautions consistent with what our Bishop and health officials are recommending and what other government and public organizations are doing. Ultimately, being physically present for worship is your choice to make.
Here are some decision considerations:
1. If you have traveled recently, please do not attend.
2. If there is any reason you believe yourself to be vulnerable, fragile or your immunity is compromised in any way, please make the wise decision to stay at home.
3. We know it is possible to protect ourselves and others from being infected. However, the approaches are so ordinary that we underestimate how effective they can be: Wash your hands frequently, avoid touching your face, be friendly but don’t shake hands, keep away from sick people, and stay home when you are sick. from “Should Your Church Stop Meeting?” (Christianity Today)
4. Our Bishop’s most recent direction is (13 March - COVID-19 update #2) the withdrawal of the common cup with Communion administered in one kind (bread only) and that there be no sharing of the Peace which involves physical contact. We add that recommendations for social distancing (two arm’s length away) should be followed whenever possible.
5. With the exception of worship events, we will curtail (cancel/postpone) all non-essential meetings and other gatherings for at least the next two weeks (16 - 28 March). This includes: studies (Lenten and otherwise), Godly Play, refreshment times associated with worship, Saturday breakfast and meetings of all Cathedral groups, committees and organizations. Conscious of our outreach commitments, the exception is Monday Morning Drop-in on 16 March, after which we will reassess that activity. We encourage leaders of all groups to explore ways making it possible to continue activity without physically meeting perhaps by using communication tools and technology.
Events affected will be marked in our Online Calendar with “MEETING PROTOCOL” in the title indicating cancellation/postponement. Participants should check with leaders about potential alternative arrangements.
6. Cathedral Office will remain open and staff will continue at their stations taking all precautions as recommended.
7. An additional commitment includes the intention to provide audio podcasts for ALL worship events in the immediate future. We’ll also be considering other possibilities for broadcasting worship as circumstances change. You’re encouraged to be part of our worship even if you choose to be physically absent. For some thoughts on financial implications and recommended options, see "But how do we give ... when we are not in church?"
8. We will continue pastoral care in hospitals and other facilities, following their guidelines.
Our group of key leaders will meet again next Saturday (21 March 2020) to reassess our situation, discuss changes and make further decisions as necessary. Your comments and suggestions are, of course, welcome.
Recognizing the significant disruption this will cause to our community life, thanks in advance for efforts to cooperate with the wider community for the spiritual and physical health and well-being of us all. Under the circumstances, while panic is inappropriate and unhelpful, being vigilant and aware, and continuing prayerful presence as best we can is important. Please pray for all who lead us that we will accomplish faithful service to God and those to whom we minister.
Each year I intentionally wait to see a majority of the report offerings for our Annual before I put pen to paper. That's not just procrastination, but perhaps keeps me from simply reiterating much of what is already being said – and said quite well, I might add! Thanks to all who took the time to help make this report capture the significance of the past year.
Our Context and the Status Quo The turn of every year brings with it the usual need for maintaining the status quo. The term "status quo" has a negative connotation for most ears as it's interpreted to mean that nothing changes, same old same old, no life, no "newness." But for the Church, status quo is in many ways good news and a huge undertaking. We all, maybe too easily, take one another for granted. What we think of as "givens" actually require huge effort, often by a few, as statistically 10% of any organization provide 90%. Mentioning the many always risks missing the one. However, just some examples include all those who volunteer of their time to maintain events and activities so important to who we are as we all too easily just expect they will continue: various worship ministries both obvious and behind the scenes, outreach and mission initiatives, daily prayer in the historic church we maintain as a symbol of the very presence of God in the wider community, ministries of care for one another, Saturday breakfasts, special events, studies and many social interactions. The list is, of course far longer than this, represented best by the reports we've made here, faithfully and willingly.
While our times may very well eventually be recorded in history as ones with some of the highest ever standards of living, convenience and lifestyle, that brings with it unique challenges. Our level of "living" also becomes status quo and with that distinction, we forget to be appropriately thankful. Ironically, it makes the times in which we live marked by an incredible degree of uncertainty. While environmentalists continue to issue warnings about danger created by decades of the abuse of the natural environment, we're only now coming to realize all of that fuels the lifestyle we enjoy. The Church too is sounding survivalist alarms on another front.
gone by 2040 ... will be perhaps the only message
The headline in the Anglican Journal January 2020 issue – "Gone by 2040" – with unfortunate tendencies suffered by the media, will be perhaps the only message many will hear. Reading beyond the front page gives the more thoughtful and necessary full story about the issues facing the church – they are no less complex than those facing the rest of the world. How do we respond faithfully to challenges without becoming cynical, selfish or just giving up? These may be the more important questions.
One woman in her senior years told me recently that none of "it" is of any concern to her and that her only hope is that there's a church around to bury her. Younger generations (and society as a whole) don't seem to have the Church on the radar at all. The current culture, we might suspect by observation alone, is oblivious to a moral fabric and value system that would simply cease to exist in a churchless society. Statistically, those who staff our soup kitchens, shelters and social programs are people who also practice religious faith. It's worthwhile pondering the connection. And while I'm committed to my own perspective and willing to confess to a certain unwillingness to change, I expect these days I'm sounding a lot more like my grandparents lately – "Kids! What's the matter with kids today?"
We can draw statistical graphs and extend resulting lines well into the future, charting sure and certain doom and decline as the certain change. None of those conclusions are certain. There are many, many factors involved. A recent article in a local newspaper shared the prediction that most of downtown Fredericton will be under water by 2050. It seems now, that too is yesterday's news, having provided the whow factor impact for at least one day's edition of that particular publication.
Living in the Present, Looking to the Future
It seems to me that the best any of us can do is to be faithful in witness, now. Perhaps we need to be more careful about intentionally not just delivering our current list of problems to a future generation. But is there anything we can practically do to guarantee Christ Church Cathedral will be healthy and viable for decades to come? No more, I might suggest, than what our fore bearers successfully delivered to us. Taking one step at a time, making the very best decisions we can, towards the future God lays, and will lay, before us. What is that? we'll need to ask. Science tells us that the best indicator of the future is found by applying "laws" proven in the past. Theories become laws when it's been determined they "always" apply. As people of faith, one obvious record of law is Holy Scripture. If we believe ourselves hard-pressed, struggling or challenged in the high calling of shining Gospel light in a sometimes very dark world, we need only to read a few pages from the biblical testimony of Christian faith. Maintaining faith is not for the uncommitted. Standing for justice, fairness and the dignity of all is no easy road. Loving neighbour as self is difficult. Fighting the battle against all that would pull down Christ's Church is hard work and always has been. There are no guarantees. Living in a world that pushes back isn't new. Ironically, reflections on the past tell us that the Church has been at its best during times it was most under duress. Let's be resolved in our efforts not to take one another for granted.
The Dean's Priorities
During most given weeks, far more presents itself to be done than any one individual could hope to accomplish. I'm very conscious that the many ministries of the Cathedral and, their comprehensiveness, is only possible with the dedicated help of members of staff and the many, many willing volunteers who step up when it matters. In my role, my approach is to set priorities based first on my calling to priesthood. That is, in fact, what is meant by being in "ordered ministry." Those decisions are always difficult to make. Routinely, in order of importance they are: 1) pastoral needs, especially emergencies; 2) worship and preaching; 3) administration necessary for ongoing operations as smooth and crisis-free as possible. This year in the role of Dean I have, to the best of my ability, attended to customary clerical duties as outlined in our own diocese's expectations of an incumbent priest (Directive 8.2 The Priest in the Parish) and the requirements of the Canon Law to which we ascribe. Providing general support and encouragement for members of staff, including annual reviews for each, were completed. I continue to give special attention to our efforts in communication, being convinced that our official messages need to be honest and accurate, and have significant impact on our image in the local community and beyond. As the Church witnessing to the proclamation of the Gospel of Christ, communication is central to our reason for existence. I keep a constant eye on worship duty schedules and fill gaps where necessary to ensure consistency. See "From the Registers" for an account of our worship activity.
Potential for the Future
I might first offer a reminder of areas I've named as important in previous reports. While the work is never done and there is always room for improvement, you'll agree we've made good progress with many of these.
2017 - 1) Christian formation; 2) Hospitality, welcoming and invitation
2018 - 1) Invitation and welcoming 2) Stewardship
2019 - 1) Stewardship; 2) Ministry with young families; 3) Focus on facilities
While there seems to be significant angst among some regarding the current state of our facilities, especially the Memorial Hall, it is worth noting that maintaining the Memorial Hall represents only about 6% of our total annual operating budget. Yes it is an expense, but it also facilitates the majority of our Monday to Saturday ministry and provides public space for our community, most of which, if discontinued, would be a sure and certain death blow to the vitality of our congregation. There are undoubtably good decisions that can be made now about our properties. I encourage and support their consideration and our taking action on them. However, if the Holy Spirit is speaking, we require a comfortable level of consensus that these are good long term decisions, stabilizing our future, and bettering our ability to function efficiently both now and tomorrow.
If planning for the future is the goal, (and I suggest it always needs to be), perhaps giving serious consideration to what will provide solid return on long term investment is what's most needed. Some options come to mind, and over the next twelve months it is my intention, with the help of others, to endeavor to bring action and attention to them.
... greener church, planned giving, caring for one another
1) A Greener Church
The Fifth Mark of Mission of the Anglican Communion and Anglican Church of Canada is: "to strive to safeguard the integrity of creation and sustain and renew the life of the earth." A visible expression of the fifth mark both "with our lips and in our lives" holds potential for being a significant witness in our times and to the community of which we are a part. Are we being responsible consumers of energy? Are we heating responsibly? Newer, more economical and environmentally friendly technologies for the Cathedral itself could just as easily be considered the logical place to begin. While operating the Memorial Hall represents about 6% of our total budget, heating and routine maintenance of the Cathedral represents over 7%. Reducing dependance on fossil fuels – reducing our carbon footprint – would be a step toward being greener, becoming valuable example, and addressing longer-term budget concerns. While an up front investment would be needed, we could see significant long-term payback in more ways than a few. Having replaced most of our Cathedral lighting to LED, we've reduced electricity consumption considerably. (Thanks Ken Howlett!)
2) Planned Giving
Planned giving is also known as "legacy giving." It enables philanthropic individuals to make larger gifts to the charities that matter to them than they could make from ordinary income. Planned giving means doing more not only now, but also after death, by involving a charity in estate planning. By leveraging financial management tools with little or no impact on personal day to day budgets, with the church as the beneficiary, assets can be secured to fund ministry well into the future. Exploring opportunities to encourage and facilitate planned giving in our congregation is an example of assuring the provision of future ministry and providing solid financial planning for the long term.
3) Caring for One Another
A term I've found useful, succinct, and descriptive, referring to ministry in healthy congregations is "inreach." We're all very aware of the importance of "outreach," but outreach is only possible when we also effectively reach "in" and care for one another. The inreach task, customarily called "pastoral ministry" by the church, is traditionally the domain of "the pastor." That assumption has been and still is worth challenging. We now have excellent programmes of care through our health ministry – helping hands, Cathedral visitors and hospital visitors. Home visitation is not, to date, a ministry of the Cathedral to which others have been invited. If the unspoken expectation, while ideal, is that the Dean, single handedly and regularly visits all homes, the difficulty is the number of months required to accomplish it. A little simple math will reveal that a group of 10 home visitors, doing two visits a month, could complete the task of visiting 240 households inside of one year. That in no way suggests that the Dean does not visit, but would aid meeting a goal that "the Cathedral" needs to be in personal contact with it's membership. We do care. One personal contact from the Cathedral per year might be a minimum standard for which to strive? Positives of such an effort would include: building and better maintaining relationships, more effective communication, a congregation intentionally caring for itself – coordinated and planned "inreach." Providing training, preparation and regular debriefing should all be considered part of equipping and supporting those called to such a ministry.
Suggested resources:
Peel, Donald, “The Ministry of Listening,” Anglican Book Centre, 2006
Stone, Howard, “The Caring Church,” Fortress Press, 1991
Acknowledgments and thanks
In January we welcomed Thomas Gonder to Cathedral Staff as Director of Music. We're looking forward to his becoming one of us and to his offering his gifts and expertise to further the ministry of worship and music of Christ Church Cathedral and the in the wider community.
Our prayers for Elspeth Drinkell as she continues to mourn her loss as we continue to mourn ours. Lest David Drinkell be soon forgotten we acknowledge his uniquely gifted contribution to our ministry and pray that he rest in peace.
We appreciate the contributions made by officers and members of Bishop and Chapter, those continuing terms and those outgoing, especially John McGarry who has given his resignation. Thanks also to those who have agreed to let their names stand for election. As always, thanks to members of Staff for their dedication.
With the effort of many we continue becoming who we are. We are the Body of Christ. May the peace of God which passes all understanding keep your hearts and minds in the love of God and of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Respectfully submitted,
Geoffrey Hall, Dean of Fredericton
Once again Christmas celebration is thrust upon us in the midst of already busy lives. Time flows ever onward whether we are ready for what it holds in store or not. The challenge at Christians is often to be ready to greet whatever comes along and that applies also to the calendar call to celebrate the birth and Incarnation of our Lord once more. If we feel somehow that this year is just like any other or that we are somewhat ill prepared, we might remember a few details of the first Christmas to help orient ourselves for yet another Christmastide.
You’ll remember that the stage of the drama of the first Christmas was a stable. The Saviour was born not in a palace or even a comfortable nursery. Many legends and interpretations exist about the Stable. One truth is clear from the biblical account: the place of the birth of Jesus was ordinary, plain, and common. This should bring us comfort. If Christ could have been born in a stable, he can also be born in any of us.
Seldom is Christ born in the satisfied or complacent, in whom everything is snug and in good order. It seems the Christ is most often born in the lives of people who live with frustration and a certain feeling of helplessness who cannot seem to make of themselves all that they wish. The consciousness of this weakness gives them humility and an openness to the Divine.
In his book "The Drama of Christmas," Morton Kelsey offers an inspiration of some new ‘Beatitudes of the Stable’ which reads:
Blessed are the stables, for in one of them the Christ child was born. Blessed are those whose lives feel like stables and who want to live differently, for in them the Christ can be born. Blessed are the persecuted and the heavy-laden, those in sorrow, trouble, need, or adversity, for creative love seeks to enter their hearts and be born in them.
This Christmas, we need to swing open the stable doors of our souls and let Christ in. God seeks us like a shepherd his lost sheep. The Holy One seeks us far more than we seek him. That alone makes us worthy to receive what divine love offers us — the Gospel of Christmas!
Christ Church Cathedral will of course celebrate the birth of Divine Love into the world. A schedule for the Christmas Season is here for convenience. Should you be unable to attend one of the Christmas Communions, please contact the Office to arrange for a home visit. It is my prayer that we will once more be ready to receive the Christ—the One who, "full of grace and truth" offers himself to us, and I remain,
Christ Church Cathedral, Fredericton, Thanksgiving 2019
Dear Friends in Christ,
The natural rhythm of the seasons brings us to the Church's celebration at Harvest time. Christians are encouraged to give thanks at all times and in all circumstances, but the harvest brings that emphasis especially into focus as we recognize the many gifts of God's created order.
During a difficult time in my life, I had asked a Christian acquaintance for advice. What I received was not what I expected. This person said to me, "Say thank you." At that time, my response was one prompted by the suspicion that the other had not really heard my hardship. I was given assurance that I had been heard and was repeated, "Say thank you." "Thanks for what?" was my response. The answer returned, "Thanks for all you do have and for all the things that are not wrong that could be." As I look back, I realize that advice was directly from the words of Scripture. St. Paul tells the Ephesians in his letter to them that they should
... give thanks to God the Father at all times and for everything in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. (Ephesians 5:20)
That which seemed not so helpful at the time was very good advice, both then and now, even though putting it into practice is often a challenge.
If we strive to look at the world and all that comes to us, good or bad, with an attitude of thanksgiving, it looks very different to us. What if I don't happen to feel thankful right at the moment? "Say thank you." Expressing thanks, saying "thank you," is the first step towards "being" thankful. If we make outward efforts to express thanks, we find we become more thankful and we please God who, scripture tells us, wishes only for us to be mindful of what we receive. A world seen through thankful eyes is a very different place.
While we all have been tried, suffered significant life losses, illnesses and many circumstances beyond our control during the past 12 months, we all also have much for which to be thankful. For the Christian, every day is Thanksgiving Day, but on Sunday, 13 October 2019, during our regular schedule of worship, we'll try to focus that thanksgiving at a time when God's abundance is especially evident in the Harvest.
Join us in saying “Thank you.” Why not bring a friend or family member? Have a blessed Thanksgiving!
North American Cathedral Deans met in St. Petersburg, Florida 03-05 May 2019. Kelley and I were privileged to be present and are thankful for the support to the Dean of Fredericton to attend.
Most attendees stayed at a downtown hotel a couple of blocks from the Cathedral Church of St. Peter, the Cathedral of the Diocese of South West Florida. Dean Stephen Morris welcomed us warmly as did the entire congregation, providing many of the meals on site, choral evensong on the Thursday evening and Sunday worship on 05 May. Diocesan Bishop Dabney Smith was the preacher on Thursday evening and dinner was a gift of the Diocese at the St. Petersburg Yaght Club. A generous member of the Cathedral (and chair of the Cathedral stewardship committee) provided an open bar which accompanied dinner.
Two presentations were part of the Friday and Saturday morning agenda. The Rev'd Canon Dr. Thomas Williams, St. Peter's resident Canon Theologian, presented the "Theory and Practice of the Seven Deadly Sins." "The Very Rev'd John Shepherd, interim director of the Anglican Centre in Rome and the Archbishop of Canterbury's Representative to the Holy See presented "Anglicanism, Roman Catholicism, and Christian Unity in the Early 21st Century."
A highlight was a guded tour of the Salvador Dali Museum which holds close to half of the works of the twentieth century artist. Saturday afternoon and evening provide free time to explore downtown St. Petersburg.
Sunday worship (video podcast) ended the Conference on 05 May. The congregation warmly welcomed conference participants hosting a special hospitality event following.
Each year I add to the number describing the time since my birth, and it seems increasingly also the pronounced sincerity of my sigh of relief and prayers of thanksgiving that the long wait of winter is coming to an end. I look forward to summer each year and somehow even make unrealistic presumptions that winter is over for good. In any case, the long New Brunswick winter this year, now stretching into six months, shows signs of receding as days brighten and temperatures moderate one more time.
Seasonal rhythms, many would say, significantly enrich the experience of living where we do. The rhythms of the church seasons provide a similar spiritual experience as we, with the days of the calendar, walk through the life of our Lord each year. As we approach the end of another forty days of Lent, just over the horizon we see the first glimmer of light in the promises of Easter.
While that hope of resurrection, to which Jesus often alluded, is found in the shadows of the burial garden on Easter Day, there is another source of those hopeful beams. We most often think of the darkness of the hour of crucifixion the most intense of history. But the light that shines from the dark wood of the Cross is among the brightest. It is the reason, in the Christian tradition, that we are able to describe a terrible Friday as “Good.” The price paid on the Golgotha hill is what makes the suffering of life in the world worthwhile. Even though we struggle, like enduring the cold and windy days of winter, there is a brighter, warmer light in our future. Eternal life is evident, even in the Cross of Death. “I know that my redeemer lives!” said Job.
That’s the miracle expressed in the narratives of Holy Week and Easter. You’re invited once again to join in the walk toward Jerusalem and to hear both the shouts of Palm Sunday and the whispers of early Easter morn – the first suggestion that Jesus is alive, just as he has promised. Because he lives, we too will live, and continue even into eternity with him.
The schedule of Easter seasonal worship is included here. You’re encouraged to celebrate with us to the extent that you are able, and breath once again that sigh of relief that comes from knowing that our Lord lives!
Sincerely,
Geoffrey Hall (The Very Rev’d)
Dean of Fredericton
GMH
Holy Week and Easter 2019
Christ Church Cathedral, Fredericton NB
Monday - Thursday: 8:45 Morning Prayer and 4:45 Evening Prayer
The Holy Eucharist on 20 April is the first of Easter
Passion/Palm Sunday
(14 April 2019)
8:00 a.m. Liturgy of the Palms and Holy Eucharist
10:00 a.m. Liturgy of the Palms, Dramatic Passion and Holy Eucharist
11:45 a.m. Blessing of Palms and Come Worship Eucharist
Introduction
Drummer and founder of the Spanish band Mägo de Oz (Wizard of Oz) 1 has been quoted on the meaning behind the name chosen for the Celtic metal band he formed in 1989. "Life is like a yellow brick road along which we travel with others as we search for our dreams."
Cathedral life is a little like that. People come and go, choosing to walk with us for a while or a long time, and during the journey we help one another be the Church. It is a privilege to call oneself Christian, perhaps most especially at a time in our western culture when so many are searching for meaning and purpose. Finding the Cathedral is relatively simple - just look up. The cross on the steeple of Christ Church Cathedral towers high above the City of Fredericton – not intended in a dominating way, but as reminder and sign pointing to where we have been and where we are going. God lives in our midst. Through the Spirit of his Son Jesus we are empowered to be more than we can be on our own. We are his Body. Our time on earth is limited and so, we are also granted the assurance and comfort that what we see is not all there is. The best is always yet to come.
Thanks
Each year I invest a few words to recognize those who so graciously walk the road with me. Christ Church Cathedral can only accomplish a purpose, a mission, in the City of Fredericton, the Diocese of Fredericton and beyond because of the many, many efforts of so many. Honourary assisting clergy play a valuable role providing sacramental ministry at times and in places where the Dean is not. Cathedral staff bring an intentional specialization of ministry to our life together. While our director of music, parish nurse and director of Christian formation are half-time positions, our ability to mission into those special areas of expertise far exceeds our real expenditure of resource required to engage them. Our office administrator and sexton facilitate a large part of the work we do together. And then there are those who minister among us for very little or no monetary compensation. Our Verger, choirs, those who work tirelessly so that we can reach out to those who need, hospital visitors, members of Bishop and Chapter and committees, readers of the daily office, servers, readers, greeters and welcomers. There are also those who quietly fill other gaps unknown and unannounced. Together we are the Church – an organized army making the Word of God visible in our community in countless meaningful ways.
Highlights
I won't attempt to comment on the detail of the variety of Cathedral accomplishments in 2018, leaving that to those closest to and responsible for them. Some highlights include: the Belize Mission trip in January/February; meaningful seasonal celebrations at Easter, Pentecost, and Christmas; the visit of Bishop Rob Hardwick as he cycled across Canada, the September corn boil, hosting a workshop of the annual conference of the National Trust (heritage Canada), celebrating the work of the Anglican Church Women in November. Reviews were conducted with Cathedral Staff in June as that becomes part of a regular annual rhythm. The November Diocesan Synod was cancelled with the news of the death of Bishop David Edwards' wife Janet. We continue to pray for our Bishop as he lives into his new reality.
Being the Cathedral Church
Above all, it is a goal I believe worth pursuing, that as the Cathedral of the Diocese we might continuously strive to be an example. The purpose statement on our web site, created by our Bishop and Chapter, is that we are: "An Anglican community for Christian leadership, worship, and mission in Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada." While leadership is important for any church, it is even more so for the Cathedral. When the Diocese (the parishes of our diocesan church) look to the Cathedral, its my hope and prayer that they see an encouraging example of how church can be. Being a building for diocesan gatherings, a place out of the cold for the Bishop's cathedra, is only part of our calling. If at the Cathedral we employ a "best practices" approach in all that we do, we can in fact provide a leadership for the Anglican Church in the Province of New Brunswick that makes us all stronger, faith-filled and a light to the world.
The Last Twelve Months
We all have things we like to do. I get satisfaction from communication. For me, that includes writing, preaching and these days, many things technological, Some of that fuels my sense of accomplishment and I never mind being engaged in those tasks, even in my "spare" time.
Day to day necessities and the expectations of many consume the lion's share of my working hours. Each year I try to identify a small number of general areas that are growing edges for me and my ministry and perhaps also for the overall life of the Cathedral. In 2016 those were: "Christian Formation," "Stewardship" and "Mission." In 2017: "Hospitality, Welcoming and Invitation." In 2018: "Invitation and Welcoming" and "Stewardship." You might only take a look around to see if we have made progress in these areas. Nothing is ever perfect or completed, but I'm pleased with a comparison between where we were, where we are and where we might be better prepared to go.
A Look Into the Future
As part of the annual pattern for members of staff, I too sat with members of the Chapter Executive who conducted an annual review with the Dean. From those conversations we rested on three areas of emphasis for the coming year: 1) Stewardship, 2) Ministry with Young Families and a 3) Focus on Facilities. All of those ministry areas have something in common: its only through a high level of co-operation and acceptance that we can progress towards a place we might rather be as the Cathedral Church in the Diocese of Fredericton. I see my role, perhaps most of all, to help move us towards that co-operation.
My leadership style pleases some and frustrates others. I don't see the role of priest as the individual who tries to fulfill every need even when that temptation is strong. To use the analogy of a wall, I see myself more as the mortar, filling in the gaps rather than being the foundation or the bricks from which the wall gets its strength. Mortar needs to be flexible. It needs to support the bricks. Mortar also needs to be in a unique relationship with the individual bricks and the whole. That is the challenging calling to which I pray I can respond.
1) Stewardship
Perhaps one of the earliest lessons I learned about leadership is the power of example. Where stewardship is concerned, my best tool is leading where I can only hope and pray others will follow. Stewardship is not fund-raising. I'm terrible at fund-raising. When I preach and attempt to teach about Christian stewardship, I see the stress on the faces of those with whom I am trying to communicate. No one relishes conversations that shine a light on how we use (or don't use) the resources we have been given. Perhaps if we were able to make progress in understanding one simple reality, it would be the most effective influence on our stewardship, both corporate and individual. Nothing is ours. Its all a gift. What we call "ours" is only on loan.
So as a first line of leadership in the area of stewardship, I strive to practice what I preach. The standard of Christian giving is the tithe. "Tithe" does NOT refer to what we give to the Lord's work. The tithe is a 10% share of what God has given to us, which we, at a minimum, make available for God's work through the church. The Bible speaks of "tithes and offerings." Biblically, offerings are the extra beyond the tithe we are moved by gratitude to give. If every Christian took even half of the tithe seriously, "we" would never be discussing money! Instead, 20% of the givers at the Cathedral provide 80% of the income.
I tithe, not to be praised, and not only because I need to lead, but also because I became convinced early on in my income earning years that it is required of me. According to Statistics Canada, the Dean's personal income puts him at the bottom of the average income category among residents of the City of Fredericton. Yet 10% places me among the top 15 givers.
So, as a spiritual leader, I'm regularly disappointed that more of our number don't put works of faith higher in their list of what's important. And that's my job. My experience is that I don't miss what I give to the Lord. I'm blessed by it. The Church may be blessed by it, but I am blessed by it! I'll continue in that because I believe that is what all Christians are called to do. And while many will wiggle and counter with queries about whether calculations are on gross income vs net, whether other charitable giving counts towards giving to the Church, argue that a tithe is an Old Testament giving model or claim to have more expenses than the normal household, none of that matters. The result is the same. The Cathedral needlessly struggles month to month to meet the minimum expenses of its planned ministry.
There are literally thousands of stewardship best practices. Planned giving (effective and cost efficient tools for both short and long-term financial planning and charitable gifts) is one and seems to be a topic we avoid at all cost. I'm thankful that we have just now assembled a group (Stewardship Task Force) to consider ways we might positively influence our stewardship formation both individually and corporately. We have everything and more than we need to get the job done. What's lacking? How might we all pull together (co-operate) to move us from where we are to where we need to be? I'll continue to encourage something different, but its only by way of that seemingly always allusive co-operation that we'll move toward a different future.
2) Ministry with Young Families
The appointment of our Director of Formation is the one most forward steps in the direction of bringing a more intergenerational approach toour whole ministry and programme package. Every generation requires attention and brings its own set of expectations. The Archbishop of Canterbury, George Cary, once said that "the church is always one generation from extinction." I'm very conscious of the concern when we look around our church family and detect at least a couple, if not three generations, not well represented in our number. Its not difficult to understand why others express concern too. It can just as easily be argued that it says something about the effective lasting effect those past hay day times had on current membership demographics.
There are many answers to the reality of what we perceive to be the challenges in our demographic distribution. First, this is 2019 not 1970. While that may be obvious, I hear comparisons being made between the present and the past. The cultural context of the 1970's is gone. Recreating the program of past days or measuring our expectations against what we may have seen as past success is not helpful. There are forces at work in the culture not part of the picture of the past. To name only a few: parents parent differently and face an entirely different set of challenges; choices are far more numerous; attention spans are much shorter. Competition for the attention of both adult and child is fierce.
A new report by The Barna Group 2 commissioned by ALPHA USA 3 entitled "Reviving Evangelism" shines an interesting light on much of what the Church is now experiencing in efforts of evangelism among younger generations. Almost half of millennial Christians believe it is wrong to share their faith with others. While they are measurably more quipped to do so, they are either opposed to or unsure about doing it. The current cultural atmosphere is that expressions of faith are too often considered judgmental. Millennials avoid being judgmental at all costs. The uphill climb in faith sharing is statistically steeper with younger generations. That's a cultural force, not just a worship or programming failure on the part of the Church. We can't swim where (or like) we did before because the water has changed. We need to know the water.
I've never considered myself being particularly gifted in ministry with youth. The older I get the more that might be so. But I will always speak for and do what I can in our creating an inclusive and welcoming atmosphere for all ages. Regardless of the Barna findings, our greatest resource for drawing younger families into our Christian community is the families that are now part of the Cathedral family. Invitation is well known to be an essential skill for growing congregations, one in which we don't show great great levels of aptitude. Natural Church Development 4 (NCD) surveys measure church health. Anglican congregations predominantly reveal their lowest score to be in the category of "passionate spirituality."
We're making better decisions about programming with younger families in mind. That's a step in the right direction. Several offerings like Godly Play, the Family Faith Fiesta and special worship events are all valuable additions to our efforts to reach out and engage the young. Ultimately, that element of co-operation is all important in the results of those efforts. You can help.
3) Focus on Facilities
The issue of making decisions on our facilities, namely the Memorial Hall and the Cathedral church itself, seems to be based in an assumption that these buildings are either too expensive or not being used to their full potential. While this issue is identified as a separate area of focus, it too is very much a matter of stewardship. The Cathedral has enormous significance both historically and spiritually. Memorial Hall has many strikes against it: its age and the need for upgrades and repairs; a minimum of usable spaces designed to current need; inaccessibility requiring many steps to reach the main level; a location that physically separates it from our worship centre. Still, as I indicated to some a little while ago, simply closing the Memorial Hall to cut expenses would indicate that we are no longer in business. Our hall is not used 100% of the time but it does "facilitate" our Monday to Saturday ministry – a long list if we take the time to count.
Heating, repair and maintenance are regarded as expenses targeted at "things" rather than "people." Our "facilities" costs are called that because they "facilitate" (make possible) ministry with people. Consider our expenses in 2018. Note that the amount spent on buildings is about 17% of total. One businessman said to me recently that he wished his business could claim such a number. Are we using both the Cathedral and the Hall to their greatest possible advantage? I expect not. Are there significant repair and maintenance needs nipping at our heels? There certainly are. Can the circle to the right, in the future, reveal more being invested outside of our ourselves (mission) than inside? I hope so. As good stewards we need to examine the possibilities and make decisions not based on emotion. Where religion and faith are concerned, emotional attachments are never far away, and that's unfortunate. We need to see with a the clearest possible vision to best match our needs and our outreach beyond ourselves with our on-going investment, not only today, but for the decades to some. While we can't begin to predict where we or the church will be in 2045, it is the mandate of the Project 2045 Task Force to carefully and knowledgeably evaluate where we are and make recommendations on action now to put us in the best possible posture for the future.
Giving patterns limit what we could really be all about, just covering or (as in 2018) not quite covering the bare minimum ministry plan. What a different picture we could paint for God if financially we all got serious about the ministry at Christ Church Cathedral – our faith expressed through our Church!
Conclusion
All in all an eventful year. Challenges are ahead. With appreciation to all for their important part in being not just a worshiping body but also the Body of Christ in so many ways, I pray that in the year to come the Lord will bless us, keep us and challenge us in his service.
Respectfully submitted,
Geoffrey, Dean of Fredericton
Sincerely,
