Harvest Thanksgiving presents us with the opportunity to give thanks especially for the fruits of the earth in seasonal abundance now.
In our society, the work of agriculture and the production of food has generally been delegated to those with specific gift and talent for such things. Some of us have a backyard garden which helps us to keep in touch with the mystery and miracle of nature as we nurture and watch the earth yield fruit. In a culture of specialization, our resources are most used to do what we do best, relying on a portion of what is ours to be used to compensate those who work to fulfill our need for food.
This detachment of our hands-on involvement with the very natural task of food supply should not stand in the way of our remembering from where the gifts we enjoy truly come. The text of the refrain of a familiar hymn reminds:
All good gifts around us are sent from heaven above;
then thank the Lord, O thank the Lord, for all his love.
Living in one of the richest of nations, too often we take for granted that food is plentiful in our land. The fortunate are reminded as tables are laden: it is not only the work of human hands, directly or indirectly, that places food there. Without the generosity of God's provision, we would be hungry. The "... good gifts around us are sent from heaven above ..." The hymn uses straight forward logic to state "... then thank the Lord ..." Christians are challenged in text and tune to remember, indeed, to "praise God from whom all blessings flow."
I hope and pray you make use of this time to renew and refresh the relationships of family and friends and may your thanksgiving bring you blessing.
Sincerely yours in Christ,
Geoffrey Hall (The Very Rev’d)
Dean of Fredericton
The season of Lent, with its "lent"hening days, reminds us of the coming of wondrous gifts of springtime when the earth returns to vitality after a life-limiting winter. The winter season is the harshest and most difficult in our climate and most of us are quite ready to see the return of spring. These cyclical seasonal realities symbolize the truths of the seasons of our lives. The Christian seasonal calendar also follows similar pulses and reveals shades of meaning as we journey through joys and sorrows, life and death, the natural elements of existence.
Lent is a serious, solemn time representing the hardships of life. It especially turns us to thinking of the sacrifice and discipline required to live righteously (in "right relationship"). As we travel towards the events of Holy Week, we are encouraged to remember the cost of discipleship. Easter reminds us of the reward of that discipline and the gift of new life God holds in store for those who will accept it.
One of the best places to observe the thoughts and beliefs of our culture is the automobile bumper sticker. Here we often find encapsulated expressions of the everyday thinking of secular society. On the back of one car I saw, "Life is hard, then you die." What a depressing representation of human existence. No hope. Nothing beyond what the limits of human powers of mind and body can distinguish. It does, of course, reveal a certain truth, yet from a Christian perspective, and uncomplete one. Life IS hard. There is mourning and many aspects of living bring us great sorrow. As we or our loved ones battle illness, as we mourn the death of those close to us, as we struggle against all the forces that try to take away our life, we can say with certainty — "Life is hard." That is why we need the message of Scripture, God's Word to us. A broader perspective from a distance reveals a higher more optimistic view of our existence.
"Life's hard, then you die ... THEN YOU REALLY LIVE!" Its only after facing the reality of death that we are freed to live as God would have us live. When we die to our sin and all that holds us from being in right relationship with God and each other, we experience the joy and fulfillment Resurrection brings. St. Paul puts it this way, "Death has been swallowed up in victory." (1 Corinthians 15:54) This was the truth communicated by the events of Jesus' life, death and resurrection. Death and hardship are the door through which we gain a closer relationship with the Creator, through Jesus Christ our Lord. We are invited to share in the victory and the joys of new life to the extent that we are willing to put to death in ourselves that which destroys life. "Alleluia, Christ is Risen" summarizes the Christian perspective of our existence. At Easter we celebrate the joyful result of walking through death to the life God wishes to give to us.
You are invited to join in the Christian symbolic walk through Holy Week to the joy of Easter Resurrection. A schedule of worship is enclosed for your convenience. If you are unable to be present to make your Communion because of illness, please phone the Cathedral Office to arrange for the Sacrament to be brought to you.
From beginning to end I'll begin a brief report this year where I ended last – thankfulness for the gift of the Cathedral community. A staff well suited to their tasks and a congregation enormously gifted. Both create an environment for ministry rich with possibility.
Welcome and thanks to staff This past year we welcomed Kurt Schmidt to the half-time position of Director of Christian Formation. You may remember my drawing particular attention to this area of our life together since how we all grow more deeply into our Christian vocation is imperative to the our long term spiritual health. Formation is a clerical responsibility, but not to be enabled primarily by the clergy. The Cathedral is not a normal Anglican parish, but rather to be a model for the church in the Anglican Diocese of Fredericton. That doesn't mean we do everything right, just that we need to attempt to do so. The variety of lay staff in all their special capacities makes for a more than adequate broad foundation on which to build and continue the total ministry of the Cathedral. Each of the lay members of staff create a team for which I am most thankful each day.
Administrative management progress Our Bishop and Chapter is slowly making progress on several goals to improve the day to day management of our resources and the ministry we share. These inlcude: an improved and intensional records management system; clarified relationships through our committees and the ministries they oversee increases the efficiency and effectiveness of our governance model; reestablishing the practice of an annual financial review according to diocesan standards and; implementing a process of regular staff reviews. These are all important and significant developments and those who have taken initiative to help us along in them are to be commended.
Honorary assistant clergy I am deeply indebted to the clergy who continue as honourary assistants. Their contributions are a gift to us, the “assistance” they provide, both in the liturgical and the pastoral, is very important to me, not least of all during times when I am absent. Sharing mid-week worship duties, assisting on Sundays and being available for occasional pastoral needs provides me some flexibility. I express my gratitude to them and for their willingness to help.
Day to day It's the day to day ministry that requires the most effort by staff, many members of the congregation and myself. There are those among us who experience the Cathedral primarily on Sunday, but much needs to happen between weekends. In fact, we all need to be reminded that Jesus enters our life on the ground and his presence informs the ordinariness of that life, works in our relationships and influences what we do and how we do it. While relationships are often messy, they are in fact the most valuable element of the result of our being community together.
Each week at the Cathedral, at least for me, literally flies by. The number of events and efforts of ministry are staggering. That's not meant to be a pat on the back necessarily, but it does point to our identity as members of a body, each of its parts both contributes to and supports the others. It is of significance that we have been able to establish the practice of regular daily prayer at the Cathedral> Such practice is to be customary in all Anglican circles, not least of all in Cathedral churches as we set the example. The daily offices (Morning and Evening Prayer)were said, Monday to Friday, during 2017. For those unable to be present, those who read those offices uphold us all. Others are encouraged to participate anytime and this the official word of encouragement to do so. We need to see our worship and prayer as a natural part of the rest of our lives. You are also invited to consider becoming one of those who lead in this daily prayer. Training and instruction can be made available.
Hellos and goodbyes Due to changing circumstances, some have left our company. Because of death, we have said some sad goodbyes over the past year. Several with long time faithful affiliations with the Cathedral church family have departed this life. In September it was a privilege to facilitate the visitation, all night prayer vigil and requiem for Archbishop Harold Nutter. We can draw comfort from the promise that we will see them all again.
We have also said hello to others who have chosen to be part of our fellowship, and to them we offer a hearty welcome. The expression of welcome remains somewhat of a challenge for us as it is for any religious community. Those “messy relationships” are often difficult to break into. It is perhaps an unfortunate feature of human nature that we like and love what and who we know best. The face of a church congregation is ever changing and we welcome those who are new with us.
Areas of focus If I were to identify two areas of focus for us over the next several months, they might be our continuing pursuit of better processes of invitation and welcoming and stewardship.
Invitation and welcoming This one has been on our radar for a while now. We might find it difficult to recognize, but Anglican churches generally rank too poorly in this regard. It may have something to do with the character of Anglican spirituality as we all see our faith as a deeply personal matter. In worship, we tend to focus downward towards the book or worship resource in our hands, perhaps somehow giving the impression that we are looking for God there. Liturgical worship style is one of our greatest treasurers but we must be constantly reminded that God is for us in the relationships we have with one another. The words of worship only serve to make it possible for us to enter more fully into a corporate experience and expression of the that worship – they are never an end in themselves.
If faith and corporate worship is an important part of our lives, it should be natural to want others to also experience it. Again, human nature simply doesn't help. Tending even more naturally to individualistic ways we leave that most often to the other instead of our taking their hand with the message, ‘Come." Realistic statistics reveal consistent rejections to invitations to worship, and that needs to be expected. For all of us, rejection hurts. The success of invitation is not in the realm of our responsibility and the results not necessarily evident in the short term.. What's important is the culture of our church become one of invitation. We need to develop the "habit of invitation."
The invitation is the first part, the second is what we do when the invited arrive. In fact, growing churches (and reports from those who recently joined a church) clearly indicate that it was a particular personal expression of welcome and connection that swayed the decision to come back. Not the sermon, not the music, not the beauty of the church building. And while we are quick to identify ourselves as a “friendly bunch,” that assessment is far from valid when made by any of "us."
That's not to suggest that we are never successful in both invitation and welcoming, only that we need to assure these are not randomly executed. We all need to continuously be encouraged to actively invite. We need clear and well known processes for what happens when someone new is in our midst.
Stewardship We're making significant progress in the improvement of corporate stewardship. Here a needed reminder is that “stewardship” is not just about money. Stewardship practices involve the management of everything God has given: skills and talents, prayer, schedules, leadership and perhaps last of all, finances. How we manage our resources corporately is the important first step in our own individual stewardship. Who would endeavour to support an organization that doesn't visibly manage its resources well?
By far not the only management responsibility, careful attention to money is part of the package. Our Treasurer has reported that in 2017 our income offset our expenses. That's always good news. I was once asked the question: "If our church has more than enough, why are we (the congregation) being asked to give more?" There may be two good answers to that question:
1) With resources available in excess of the day to day expenses, new dreams, new visions, new ministry is possible. Churches enslaved to their budgets simply do not have the ability to listen and answer the call to do what God would have them do. Financial resources in excess of regular expenses should not, in our minds, represent the church being in a situation of extravagance. Why would we not rather believe that God has something important for us to do in the future and also making it possible? The human spirit finds it so much easier to look backward than forward.
2) Our individual need to give far outweighs the need of the church to receive. We've become far too accustomed to giving in response to need. If we can't pay the oil bill, we just give a little bit more – not too much, mind you – but enough to fill the need. That approach entirely disregards, in our personal spirituality, that God calls us to give. And yes, he calls us to give to the work of his Church. Giving is good for the soul, not just for the church bank account. Jesus said, "Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also." Quite simply, our treasure finds its way to our priorities.
Bishop and Chapter Finally a thanks to those who form the corporate presence of the Cathedral. Especially to departing members of the Chapter, members remaining, officers, delegates to Synod, sincere thanks for your service. Let us pray that 2018 will bring with it continuing opportunities for progress on many fronts, that we will have the resources to successfully meet them in a way that we can make a difference, and that God will bless our efforts to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ and make disciples in his name.
Respectfully submitted, Geoffrey Hall (The Very Rev'd), Dean of Fredericton
Late in time behold him come, offspring of a virgin’s womb. Veiled in flesh the Godhead see; hail, the incarnate deity, pleased as one of us to dwell, Jesus, our Emmanuel.
Christmas 2017
Dear friends,
For many, December is one of the busiest of months. Expectations run high with the promise that this year, the seasonal celebration will be the best ever. We want to celebrate, in fact we should. What happens when we see that we might not meet all of those expectations? Maybe most of all, our own?
Perhaps there’s always need to roll back the expectation meter and take a fresh look at what Christmas, and the Advent that leads us there, is really all about. We might be shocked to discover just how easy maneuvering Christmas should be after all.
The truths we enjoy and remember at Christmas should be straight forward: God enters into our experience. God is not far away. God visited this world in the person of Jesus Christ some two thousand years ago. In Jesus, we often say, “heaven was wedded to earth.” The boundary between the divine and what is of the earth became very thin indeed. “Christ is the image of the unseen God …” (Colossians 1:15)
Many have difficulty to believe God could inhabit the earth in such a way. That virgin birth, what’s up with that? And many celebrate Christmas anyway. It is the revealing of a message that God cared enough about us to become one of us. Christmas has extended itself far beyond the Church and the Faith where it began. The approach taken by the Church for centuries is to recognize that God is in all things and that even the secularism of a culture can still be touched with truth revealed. Santa, parties, cards, cookies and caroling can all contribute to our devotion without becoming themselves the object of our worship. Let’s be ever mindful of whom we offer our worship.
Truth in a person. Jesus is the very Word of God incarnate and to him every word of scripture points. The Godhead, veiled in flesh. The incarnate deity, pleased as one of us to dwell. All things will one day find their fulfilment in him and we look to the day when we are with him in the place of eternal joy and light. “In him was life, and that life was the light of all people.” (John 1:4)
May your home be a place of comfort and joy as you take heart in that revelation received long ago but still today. And may the very presence of God, be with you and with those for whom you care this season and beyond.
Christ Church Cathedral, Fredericton NB Thanksgiving 2017
Dear Friends,
Listening to the news over the last several months is not for the faint of heart. Wildfires to the west, flooding in Central Canada, the impact of hurricanes and tropical storms in the Caribbean and the southern United States, perhaps even a personal tragedy or hardship – all easily prompt the question: What is God doing here?
The question is not new. The People of God in the Church of God, the nation of Israel and the Hebrew people before them often asked that question. In the midst of the hardships of life, how can we be assured we worship a loving, caring God? Why would an all-powerful God allow bad things happen to good people? Human logic takes us quickly to the conclusion that either God is not all-powerful or we are not “good” people. Sometimes we’re even tempted to believe, if God for a day, we could do the better job.
Scripture invites us to an alternative perspective. We live in a creation fallen from perfection. God didn’t make it that way, it went its own way. While God wills the best for us and for all that was made, for a return to perfection we must patiently wait. God’s people are reminded throughout the Old and New Testaments that what is required of us is thanksgiving. Even in the face of disaster, there is much for which to be thankful. “Give thanks always and in everything,” St. Paul tells churches in his letters to them.
I sometimes find myself feeling a bit guilty that we live in a little corner of the world mostly blessed by temperate weather, beautiful landscape and abundance. We have much for which to be thankful. Still, personal tragedy strikes, we are acquainted with illness and grief, people not so far away are without work, shelter or food. In the midst of the bad, God calls those who are his to a humility and an attitude that makes them lights in a world often far too dark. We live not fearful of scarcity but rather celebrate the abundance. God does provide.
You’re invited to gather with us at Christ Church Cathedral as we offer the sacrifice of thanksgiving and pay our vows to the Most High. On the weekend of Sunday, 08 October 2017, we’ll follow the normal schedule of worship times. If you are unable to join us but wish to make Communion where you are, please contact the Cathedral Office (506) 450-8500.
Have a blessed thanksgiving.
Geoffrey Hall (The Very Rev’d) Dean of Fredericton
Easter is “late.” It is not by accident that its date changes each year, always keeping us guessing for the next. The vernal equinox governs the date (as it does the Passover), Easter being the Sunday after the first full moon after 20 March, or the fourth full moon of the year. Various artists depict Jesus in the garden on the night before his crucifixion and often a glorious full moon sets the background. It’s yet another reminder that the God of the universe chose to enter the flesh and blood of a very real world. Jesus Christ is as much human as he is God.
On the Eve of the Crucifixion, Jesus’ intense prayer is described by the Gospel writers as sweat on his brow “like drops of blood falling to the ground.” The pain of garden betrayal unfolds. The religious, political and societal systems all plot against him and his fate is sealed. Jesus is sentenced by the authorities to death.
Listening closely on Good Friday, we’ll hear hard nails pierce soft flesh of the Saviour’s hands and feet. We’ll hear the cry of desperation of a man forsaken by the God he intimately called “Father.” He gasps for a last breath and it is finished. His body removed and put to rest in another garden tomb. The world has spoken. Jesus is dead.
The purpose of all of this, of course, is to remind us of the most important of facts we know of this man called Messiah. Jesus came to earth as one of us. Jesus is as much human as he is God. He is as much like us as he is not. It is that similarity – that closeness of nature – that makes it possible for him to do for humanity something that countless centuries of gods could never do. He saves us from our sins. He saves us from ourselves. Through his death, he has paid the price, bridging the gap between God and his people. The world has counted its years for the last two millennia measured by the coming of the Christ – AD, in Medieval Latin “anno Domini” (the year of our Lord) or CE (the Christian era).
The Resurrection of Jesus marks more than a new beginning in time. It also marks the beginning of life in a world often marked by darkness and despair. Christians live into a hope that would not be possible if Christ had not defeated death for ever. We have the privilege, through faith, to live the risen life and to look forward to the world of the life to come. Eternity is a long, long time, and God created us in his image to live in it and, with him forever.
Once again we’ll mark the journey to the Cross at Christ Church Cathedral through the days of Holy Week and join together at Easter to proclaim the message: Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! A schedule of worship is HERE. Those wishing to have the sacrament at home, please contact the cathedral office. Please also note the Easter Sunday schedule change.
On Saturday, March 25th, Guilds of St. Joseph celebrated the Feast of St. Joseph at Christ Church Cathedral. Guilds from elsewhere in the Diocese of Fredericton were invited to attend. The following is the sermon by the Dean, part of the celebration of the Eucharist that day.
Moreover, the Lord declares to you that the Lord will make you a house.
In the history of the people of Israel, David was the greatest of the kings. History, and in fact the Old Testament, looks fondly back on king David. David was not perfect but he was exceptionally noteworthy. David came from humble beginnings, a lowly shepherd boy was he, who rose to sit on the throne as king over Israel. He was human. Adultery and murder were among his sins. If you remember, David had slain the giant Goliath and was also found in relationship with Bathsheba, a woman not his wife, after which we orchestrated the murder of her husband as a cover up. David was well on his way to breaking not just one, but several of the big Ten Commandments. Even still, David is remembered most for his humility, his willingness to repent, and his heart for God. Even though he was the best Israel had to offer, the true strength of Israel was not in its kings, but rather in its God.
Through the prophet Nathan, God tells David that rather than the house he will build, the greatest temple, God himself will build the house. The prophecy is somewhat vague in its iteration, but looking back with Christian eyes it becomes all too clear. God promised to raise up one who would establish his kingdom for ever. Generations later, Jesus was heir to the throne of God.
Both the Gospel of Matthew and the Gospel of Luke take great pains to list the lineage of Jesus, connecting him to the kingly Davidic line. Both Joseph and Mary have significant family history. There is some discrepancy as to the exact number of generations, but its clear that the gospel writers saw the prophecy of the Hebrew Scriptures being fulfilled in Jesus.
Among his positive attributes, King David was a builder. The House of David, the temple, the tabernacle, was among David’s accomplishments. God spoke of an even greater and everlasting house. His Son Jesus would establish his kingdom which would last forever. The Gospel of John tells us:
“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us …”
The Greek word, translated as “dwelt” is more exactly translated “tabernacled.” “The Word became flesh and ‘tabernacled’ among us.” The kingdom would no longer be flesh and blood, wood or stone. The established kingdom of God is a spiritual house that will last for ever.
Joseph was by trade a builder. There’s good evidence that Jesus himself was not a bad carpenter. David and the whole line of kings were builders. For centuries their success was attributed to the favour of God as they built a house. Failure was a sure sign of falling out of favour with God. But God said, “Moreover, I declare to you that I will build you a house, an everlasting kingdom.”
Guilds of St. Joseph carry on that legacy of building. And while what is physical plays a part, maintenance and repair of the temple, the tabernacle, we too are engaged in the spiritual building of the kingdom of God. Hammers and saws create a reason to get together, but most would affirm that it’s the fellowship – the working together – that’s the most important aspect of the association. Through our labours, we are witnesses and fellow builders of an everlasting kingdom.
Today, we give thanks for St. Joseph. We give thanks for Holy Joes everywhere. And we pray that our efforts will continue to build up and serve the kingdom of God established among us through Jesus Christ our Lord.
“Beware of practicing your piety before others in order to be seen by them.” Matthew 6:1
The word “piety” rings with a negative tone in most ears. One who we describe to be pious is not one we hope to be. We know the pious one to be overly centred on the self, showing a false face, only concerned with the outward gestures.
There are two kinds of piety. The word comes from the Latin which means “dutiful” or “devout.” There is physical piety, what we see. It’s the piety we like to detect and tips us off that someone may not be the real deal. There’s also spiritual piety, what’s going on on the inside. Neither are a bad thing, it’s the connection between the two that Jesus talked about.
The connection between what’s happening inside and what happens outside is rather fascinating. The Church has long taught that if we discipline ourselves to walk the walk of faith, those actions can actually usher our souls towards a right spirit. Attend worship even when you don’t feel like it; read your Bible as a daily routine, give to the charitable works of the church even if you can think of something better to spend your money on. But still, lots of us are cautious of making the sign of the cross in public, kneeling or folding our hands to pray, being seen entering the church on a weekday. What will others think? They might think I’m …. pious. In fact, one result may well be, that you indeed become so. Praise the Lord!
What happens inside and outside can be connected. Its also quite possible that an inner spiritual piety actually shows on the outside. Being spiritually devout – pious, will affect our actions. We’ll exert effort to execute acts of kindness, be actively involved in seeking justice, do for others, all because our outside reflects who and what we are on the inside. Its when our spirits take the steering wheel and do direct our bodies.
It was this connection that Jesus was speaking about in the latter part of his Sermon on the Mount. Beware of those who are pious only on the outside. Obviously it was a problem then, just as it can be today. Its not about the show, Jesus says.
What he doesn’t say is that we shouldn’t strive towards piety. Being pious is a good thing. A good thing if what’s happening outside mimics what’s going on inside. “Don’t disfigure your faces so as to show others you are fasting.” I’ve heard many often try to make this verse say something it doesn’t. Some use that verse as their reason not to receive ashes on Ash Wednesday. “Jesus said so,” they say. Well, no he didn’t.
Ashes are an ancient sign. Christians for centuries have worn the dust of the ash as a reminder that we are but dust. Today you’re invited to share in that sign if you choose. And for those of us who do, we might remember the instruction of Jesus, may our outward piety image the piety of our hearts and vice versa. Jesus said, “Beware … beware of practicing your piety before others … in order to be seen by them.”
Yet again we approach the season in which we celebrate a most central doctrine of belief — the God of the universe came to earth in the flesh of Jesus Christ the Son. The truth of that reality is essential to our living the Christian life in the midst of a world with ever increasing secular values.
It may be of use, as Christians, to take to heart the somewhat familiar and possibly over-used slogan, “Jesus is the reason for the season.” Even those most conscientious in faith need to be reminded of that simple fact. We are pushed and pulled in our living environment to begin Christmas celebration, even before the Advent Season of preparation begins, and to end it abruptly late in the evening of Christmas Day. Christmas Day can almost be an anti-climax to the festivities of the season enjoyed in our society.
If we remember the true meaning of the season, we will note with interest and particularity that Jesus was born on Christmas Day and that his coming in time and history changed the world and the way we live in it forever. The fact that God would have such concern for his creation that he himself would take the initiative to enter it in a physical form is almost beyond the possibilities of the imagination. This is the truth that originally made cause for rejoicing and Christians have traditionally taken time to adequately prepare and give serious thought to how they would appropriately mark one more Christmas in their own lives and those of their families. The trimmings we display and the gifts we give are to be symbols of the joy in our hearts placed there by the mystery of the gift of the Incarnation of God among us. Through the symbols and celebration, the observance of that Incarnation continues even two millennia after the original event. If we look intently and prayerfully at our own lives we can see the reality of Incarnation there. Indeed, Jesus IS the reason for the season.
This year the Cathedral will celebrate the reason for the season through corporate worship and the preparation for it. The schedule outlines specific times. You are encouraged, as usual, to make your Communion during this season. If it is impossible to be present due to illness or other cause, please contact the Cathedral Office (506) 450-8500 <office at christchurchcathedral.com> to make an appointment and schedule a visit with home Communion during this Christmastide.
It is my hope and prayer that you will receive the comfort and joy of Christmas. Have a blessed season!
“A wandering Aramean was my ancestor …” Deuteronomy 26:5
Those words are found in a passage from the Hebrew Scriptures, the Book of Deuteronomy, appointed to be read at Harvest Thanksgiving this year (Deuteronomy 26:1-11). They may mean little to most of us, but for the People of God from whom we inherit an ancient faith, they were central to corporate expressions of thanksgiving at the time of Passover. Discussions about accurate translation and interpretation are centuries old, including questions about to which “Aramean” the writer is actually referring? and, is the Hebrew word preceding it best translated “wandering” or “destroying?” One observation about the message is clear. From where we have come is important. We inherit who we are and even what we have and, in looking back, we gain a fresh appreciation for what we now claim as our own.
The times in which we live can be identified, in more ways than we can count, some of the best any human society has ever known in the history of the world. While “the best of times” surely needs qualification, for most, new technology, instant communication and the wealth enjoyed by a first world society grants a standard of living far beyond what any of our ancestors could have ever imagined. In an age of entitlement, even those of us who have little are rich in comparison to those who have gone before. But for all that gain, all that progress, all the advancement, isn’t it a fact that the “true riches” remain exactly the same?
There is no substitute for sitting at table with family or friends. Nothing can replace the health we so often take so much for granted. Each day is a gift. A future and an eternal weight of glory awaits those of faith – something that money simply cannot buy. As we focus on giving thanks for the material, Jesus taught about “true bread which comes down from heaven.” He made the preposterous claim that he was, in fact, that bread. Giving thanks for the bounty of this season is but a symbol of our being thankful for the true riches – a sign of thanksgiving for the true bread.
I pray you identify the presence of Christ in your encounters with those close to you in this season and that you find yourself able to give “humble and hearty thanks for his goodness and loving kindness.” You’re invited to gather with the Cathedral family on Sunday, 09 October 2016, as we set the table and offer unto God the sacrifice of thanksgiving at our normal times of worship:
8:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist – Book of Common Prayer
10:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist – Book of Common Prayer
11:45 a.m. Come Worship Eucharist (contemporary)
Please contact the Cathedral Office (506) 450-8500 <[email protected]> if you cannot be with us and wish to request Communion where you are.
Thanksgiving 2018
