Christ Cathedral Church
168 Church Street
Fredericton, NB E3B 4C9
Dear Father G. Hall and Congregation;
The Fredericton Shelters and its staff members recently took the much needed time to remember and recognize the tremendous support that it receives from its many generous donors. You are receiving this letter because you are one of those giving, selfless community members who cares about helping those in need. Upon reflection, we realize that we could not do anything to help our homeless men and women without your contributions, and we want to thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
The Shelters continues its daily functions of providing a safe, stable, caring environment to approximately 35 homeless individuals each month. As of October 2014, we have been under the leadership of a new
Executive Director who, like his staff, possesses a great deal of empathy for the people that we serve. Our energy has been renewed, and we are hoping to do everything we can to increase the potential of the shelter, staff and most important, the residents.
In the past, efforts like yours have kept the doors open so that we did not have to turn away anyone who was in need of warmth and a good night’s rest. Without maybe realizing it, you also have played a significant role in lessening the loneliness of isolation, and you have helped many people know that despite their circumstances, people do care about them.
Our homeless men and women still need your help. We hope that you will stay connected with the shelters as we continue to count on people like you so much.
Again, we thank you and appreciate everything you have done.
Diocesan Archdeaconry of Fredericton Refugee Sponsorship Meeting
Held at Cathedral Hall
Thursday, March 10, 2016 at 1:00 p.m.
The third meeting of the Diocesan Archdeaconry of Fredericton Refugee Sponsorship Project was held at the Cathedral Hall in Fredericton, NB on March 10th beginning at 1:00 p.m. The meeting was chaired by Archdeacon Pat Drummond. Numerous handouts were distributed to the attendees. Specifically:
Guidebook for Sponsoring Syrian Refugees Through the BVOR Program
Settlement Preparation
Furniture and Equipment “Wish List” for Sponsored Family
A copy of the Bishop’s letter in last week’s Diocesan e-news requesting volunteers
Application for Criminal Record Check
The various areas of need were outlined with a view to designating specific people who would be responsible for assisting our refugee family in each area of need.
Generally speaking, the family will need basic life-skills training re:
apartment regulations
use of appliances
use of a telephone, including 911 and an emergency contact number
use of public transit: bus stops, transit routes, bus schedules, etc.
small-group orientation
Chair and liaison with all parishes involved in the project – Pat Drummond
Application/Liaison with ABC – Kelly Humber Kelly
Note: Ann Deveau to assist Pat and Kelly as necessary with their tasks
Treasurer: Dave Blacklock, Christ Church Parish Church, 457-2894
Kelly agreed to compile an Orientation Binder including:
photos of the contact people
Tele-Help services at 811
maps
bus schedules
immigration documents that need to be completed
Accommodations: Sonya Solven of Considerate Property Management will find the accommodations for the family. Contact Info.: <[email protected]>
Cell Phone: 260-0442. Pat Drummond and Kelly Humber Kelly will assist if need be.
Furniture: Doug and Ann Deveau will oversee the acquisition and storage of furniture. Doug also volunteered to help with moving. E-mail: <amdrm at nbnet.nb.ca>
Medical/Dental: The Fredericton Downtown Clinic has been designated to serve the incoming refugees. Kelly has the list of dentists that may be willing to offer their services. In the meantime, the refugees are covered under an Interim Federal Health Program. Nancy Wiggins will be asked to oversee this area. Sally Grace offered to help. <sgrace68 at gmail.com>
Household Items: Nancy will e-mail an updated list of the Furniture and Equipment “Wish List” to reflect what items have already been acquired or offered.
Clothing: Value Village coupons are available and they are currently offering one free outfit for each family member. Pat explained the family will have to understand second-hand clothing is not an issue in Canada. Gail MacGillivray and Sasha Fetter agreed to oversee this.
Foods, Kitchen, Grocery Shopping: Betty Scovil and Gladys Lacey House have volunteered to oversee this. Elizabeth Hamilton will help. Some crossover with furniture assignment will be worked out.
Paperwork: Ann Buckland has agreed to oversee setting up a bank account for the family. They will require a direct deposit form, a debit card, a child-tax credit form, and a GST refund form. They will need an address in order to proceed. They will have already been issued S.I.N. numbers, but the paperwork they arrive with must be checked to make sure it is accurate. The Multi-Cultural Association has contact information. James McCarthy is able to speak Arabic and has volunteered to help with budgeting. Sasha Fetter and Anne Hewson will assist.
Contract for Phone/TV/Internet: Peter Jacobs has agreed to locate a computer and printer for the family and negotiate the hook-up contract for them. [email protected]
School Enrollment: Multi-Cultural Association will assess their current level of functioning for placement. They also do bridging with family and school. Anne Hunt and Anne Hewson will assist with this.
Language Training: There is an Arabic-English Bilingual Dictionary available at Westminster Books. They are currently on back-order but you can call and add your name to the list. Shipments come every two weeks. Language training sessions are being offered through the Multi-Cultural Association. The family will also require drivers to get to language classes. Anne Hunt and Sherry Pope will assist with this.
Bus System: Sally Grace and Kelly Humber Kelly will assist with this.
Orientation: The city is offering free recreation passes. It would be nice to take the family on a tour of the city. Kelly and Ellery Furlong volunteered to help with this.
Transportation: Gladys Lacey House volunteered to oversee this. We will require a driver schedule and a list of volunteers and phone numbers. Deanna McG. , Gladys L.H., Doug M., and Chris Fetter may help with this. A schedule will need to be developed.
Pat explained that a Criminal Record Check is required for all people who want to volunteer to work with children and vulnerable people. The completed application form should be returned to City Hall or the police station. You will require two pieces of I.D. including a photo I.D. Your passport and/or your driver’s licence along with your Medicare or S.I.N. card will do. It takes 2 to 3 weeks to process and they will call you when it’s ready for pick-up at the police station. Ask your parish minister to write a covering letter for your application. As you are a volunteer, the cost is $11.30.
Pat further explained that Muslim is pronounced Mu-slim rather than Maw-slem. The second pronunciation is offensive to them. Also, for religious and cultural reasons, please make sure to always have a woman from your sponsor group present when visiting the home and have the wife present whenever a female volunteer is interacting directly with the husband.
While we do not need all of our sponsorship monies up front, we are in need of funding to begin the settlement process. To that end, please let your parish know that they may make monetary donations through their Church Treasurer. Just mark the envelope “Refugee Sponsorship Fund” and your treasurer will issue you a receipt and forward the donation to the Treasurer at Christ Church Parish Church for deposit to the Refugee Sponsorship Account.
The meeting adjourned with The Grace at 2:10 p.m.
Sherry Pope
31 March Update
Committee of 11 parishes from the archdeaconry met again March 30th with six parishes in attendance.
Some have contributed money to the trust account, and others are currently doing fund-raising. Pat Drummond will contact others for status reports.
Criminal record checks are ongoing for volunteers.
Members have portfolios such as medical/dental; accommodations; education; language training; budgeting; food; furnishings; transportation; orientation. Some cannot accomplish much until the composition of the family is known and/or the timing of the family’s arrival, but are researching what to do. Donations of household goods are being collected.
For decision-making purposes between meetings, the executive committee comprises Archdeacon Patricia Drummond; The Rev. Rick Robinson; Kelly Humber-Kelly; Ann Deveau.
As a recent example of the need for rapid decisions, the Atlantic Baptist Convention asked if we would accept a Somali family on very short notice. The man is in his 70s, blind, in a wheelchair, illiterate and considered unemployable. His wife is younger and in better health but also illiterate with poor employment prospects. They wondered if we would take this family with high medical needs and do hands-on support for two years, not one as anticipated with a Syrian family. Furthermore, it would be in addition to a Syrian family to be chosen later! As unfortunate as the situation is for these Somalis, the committee discussed it, considered what we have ready for money, preparations and a team, and concluded we did not feel ready to handle such a heavy responsibility well beyond the scope of anything the vestries had agreed to do originally. The larger committee agreed that it was best to decline.
The committee continues to want to sponsor a Syrian family of four or five people. However, the Atlantic Baptist Convention reported to us last week that the whole process has slowed down considerably at the federal government level which has pulled back hundreds of temporary staff from overseas to their regular jobs in Canada. Also, they have several churches ahead of us waiting to choose families from the lists of refugees released periodically by the government. They say, realistically, it may be four to seven months before “our” family arrives in person.
Questions? Contact the Project Chair Jamie Yeamans at <jamieyeamans at gmail.com>
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Why is it important that we have a visitation? There are five reasons:
Spread the good news: all the positive things going on in our church. So SHARING is the first reason
SEEK FEEDBACK from our congregation on our services, programs and congregational life and have this information documented via a questionnaire
CONNECT with recent newcomers and non-regulars and invite them to fully participate in our worship and programs
STEWARDSHIP – We want to make everyone aware of where our money comes from, where it is spent and the need for increased giving in order for us to be able to do God’s work more effectively
INVITE PARTICIPATION and others into the life of our church family
We ask for your prayers and support to make this project a success. Thank you.
Proclamation is the reading of God’s word aloud in public and in its entirety from beginning to end traditionally over a 10 day period. Reading schedules have been developed integrating Old Testament readings with Psalms, Proverbs and New Testament readings.
For many Canadians, both those who listen and read it is a remarkable new experience. But the roots are as old as the book of Nehemiah, where in the eighth chapter, Ezra and the priest reads the law aloud to the whole assembly of Israel from beginning to end and spiritual renewal follows.
As well as reinvigorating the church, Proclamation is a public witness. The events bring together many different congregations, parishes from many denominations and confessions. This co-operative spirit makes a powerful statement of unity to the community. (from “Proclamation” on the Canadian Bible Society web site)
For many Canadians, both those who listen and read it is a remarkable new experience
In Fredericton, Proclamation 2016 is an event during which all are invited to hear the reading of God’s word aloud in public and in its entirety from beginning to end over a 10 day period. Reading schedules have been developed integrating Old Testament readings with Psalms & Proverbs and New Testament readings.
More than an event, it is an opportunity to experience the bible read as it was intended, aloud. In Nehemiah 8, Ezra engages this process with the priest and together they read the bible aloud to the whole assembly of Israel from beginning to end. The story bears witness to spiritual renewal in those who hear this proclaimed word.
As well as reinvigorating the church, Proclamation is a public witness. The events bring together many different congregations, parishes from many denominations and confessions. This co-operative spirit makes a powerful statement of unity to the community.
Ten years ago, during Proclamation 2006, 40 Churches and 6 groups participated. More than 1300 voices proclaimed the Word of God. Plan to join us this year to be a part of this experience of Christian unity!
Proclamation will be held in Fredericton from May 4 – May 13, 2016 at St. Anne’s Chapel of Ease at Christ Church Parish Church, 201 Westmorland Street.
May 4 – May 13, 2016
All neighbouring Christian churches, regardless of denomination, are invited to participate, and to be part of the Proclamation event. All group and religious organizations are encouraged to sign up.
Want to help out?? We are currently seeking readers and hospitality volunteers from each participating community. Please call Rev Priscilla Geisterfer <geisterferp at hotmail.com> (506) 260-7637, for interest in Reading, and Gladys Lacey-House, <lhouse at nb.sympatico.ca> (506) 454-3381 for interest in Hospitality.
Help bring Proclamation to life here in Fredericton!
“Stones Across the Water” is the name of the Youth and Intergenerational Ministries team of Diocesan Council’s upcoming youth mission conference at Camp MedleyHAS BEEN POSTPONED. New date TBA.
The conference name, “Stones Across the Water,” comes from the Mother Teresa quote, “I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples.” This quote inspires our youth that by working together in mission and following Jesus’ plan that they too can make a difference.
I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples. Mother Teresa
It is YIG’s goal and responsibility to create and develop disciples of our youth through both traditional and innovative ways. The YIG team believes the time is right for a youth-centered event that will draw on these themes. Last summer there were over 700 children and youth who took part in at least one youth-related diocesan — camping ministry at Medley or Brookwood; St. Michael’s Youth Conference, TEC and Diocesan Choir School.
Often they are pumped up and ready to take on the world in the name of Jesus, but after returning to their normal lives and communities, the opportunity to plug into mission may be lost or misused. We have to seek out these opportunities when our youth return and allow them to flourish in their communities.
Stones Across the Water is hoping to bridge that gap and find ways for our youth to plug into mission in their communities.
Postponed – New date TBA
The conference is open to any youth ages 13-18 from the diocese. Through speakers and various workshops, the youth will learn how to be missional. There will be an emphasis on local mission opportunities but internationally as well.
The cost for the weekend is $25. Registration is available on the Diocese of Fredericton website. The YIG team is encouraging parishes to encourage their youth to participate.
If any adults who would like to volunteer, contact the YIG team. We could use your skills and assistance. Further information can be found in eNews, the YIG Facebook page or via email: <yigfton at gmail.com>.
The big wicker basket near the baptismal font is seldom empty. People arriving for worship each Sunday drop off a box of cereal, canned soup, toothpaste, pasta sauce, tea and more.
“It’s a small but quiet ministry at the cathedral,” says Doug Milander from the Outreach Committee. “We provide the basket to make it easy for people to help the hungry. We deliver a few bags of donations every week to the Greener Village Community Food Centre.”
Better known locally as the food bank, Greener Village currently serves more than 1,100 families monthly. Incredibly, 39 per cent of the clients are children.
“From September until June, they particularly need items for school lunches and other little snacks for children,” Doug said. “Examples include puddings, fruit cups, peanut-free granola bars, raisin boxes and juice boxes.”
Registrants receive a food box once a month. The box contains enough food for three to five days – not the entire month.
“Food is a basic human right, but inflation and the low Canadian dollar are taking a toll on our purchasing power,” Doug said. “It’s depressing to think of people struggling and going hungry. The Outreach Committee is pleased that the congregation responds to the need by filling the food bank basket. We appreciate the support.”
It’s depressing to think of people struggling and going hungry … Doug Milander
Greener Village accepts all kinds of non-perishable items, but it does ask that nothing be dented, opened, expired or unlabelled.
The items in highest demand are pasta, pasta sauce, peanut butter, canned vegetables, macaroni and cheese, and condiments such as ketchup, mustard and salad dressings.
Other ideas include gluten-free products, powdered milk, canned beans, infant cereal, canned fruit, Mr. Noodles, dish detergent, shampoo, cooking oil and many more items to be found on a wish list at http://www.greenervillage.org/food-bank/current-wish-list
“Many people tell us that it’s hard to remember to bring a bag of groceries to church on Sunday, so there is also an option to donate money through your offering envelope,” Doug added. “Greener Village does bulk buying with financial donations, which means they can sometimes add meat, frozen food or fresh milk to the food boxes.”
One last item, which probably everyone can easily contribute to the wicker basket, is clean plastic bags. Greener Village needs thousands of these grocery bags when packing food boxes.
Approximately 4.6 million Syrians have fled the country as refugees to escape the violence of civil war. More than half of these refugees are children. While the majority of refugees are fleeing to surrounding countries, these resources are limited and cannot accommodate the need. Our Canadian government has stepped up to help thousands of struggling Syrian refugees, and many community groups have come forward to help.
The Cathedral is applying to sponsor a Syrian refugee family, with the help of 10 other Anglican parishes within the Greater Fredericton region. As sponsors, we will be responsible for supporting our refugee family for one year.
Together, we are raising the funds necessary to financially support the family, with some government assistance.
Along with the Multicultural Association of Fredericton, we are preparing for the family’s arrival. We will need volunteers who are willing to provide social support to our family, upon their arrival in Fredericton and throughout the one-year sponsorship.
We are looking for passionate, dedicated volunteers to sit on our Anglican Refugee Sponsorship committee and give of their time and expertise for this incredibly important initiative. As a committee member, you can volunteer to aid the family in one of the following categories:
• Accommodations – search for affordable, practical rental accommodations near a city transit route
• Furnishings and household items – look for furniture and keep a record of what is available through donations
• Education/Language Training – register children in school, help with using the school bus, arrange for language training for all ages
• Food – organize a “church shower” with a planned list of suggested donations; assist with grocery shopping
• Medical – set up family with doctor, dentist, and other medical needs
• Transportation – show how to acquire and use bus passes, review bus schedules, drive family to appointments
• Documentation – assist family in completing documentation (SIN, Medicare, Child Tax Benefit, etc.)
• Social – aid in the transition of our refugee family into Canadian/Fredericton society
• Interpretation – please inform us of any Arabic speakers in the parish who could help communicate with the family
• Secretary – write and distribute meeting minutes
• Personal finances – help family with banking and budgeting
We do not need large numbers of volunteers for each category, but we do need dedicated people! If you are willing and able to join our Anglican Refugee Sponsorship committee, please contact:
Kelly Humber Kelly
<humberk at stu.ca> (506) 262-5101 16/02/21
What follows is a summary of information shared in a presentation at the Cathedral on the morning of 14 February 2016.
At present we do not have a Parish Nurse practicing at the Cathedral. Isabel Cutler held this role, and calling for the last 11 years, and she retired in December of 2015.
What the Parish Nurse does for our Cathedral Congregation (In-reach)
The Parish Nurse
ministers to us at a grass roots level on a daily basis when we are in crisis, or when we need a helping hand
coordinates obtaining assistance for us, whether it be
providing meals and arranging for rides or accompanying us to office visits
arranging for prayer shawls to be given to us or our family members who needed them and always upholding us in prayer
completing home assessments i.e. arranging and planning for assistance in the home
assisting us to navigate the health care system
referring/partnering with physicians, Social Development and other services to obtain needed health care and home services, and
filling in the gaps in the health care system.
Client Contacts in 2015:
380 contacts with congregational members
102 hospital and home visits
167 telephone visits/consultations
worked 773 hours, on call 24/7
organized events where 830 clients attended, and
coordinated the many volunteers in the Health Ministry.
Confidentiality: Much of the care and ministry that the Parish Nursing team offered was confidential. There are strict privacy standards and provincial legislation to protect the privacy of our personal health information. In a faith community this can be a challenge, but the Parish Nurse upheld this standard.
Comments from parishioners:
“Your kindness and thoughtfulness have been appreciated by Mom in her tough journey.”
“The shawl has been such a comfort. It is as though God is wrapping His loving arms around me and filling me with His Peace and Love.”
“The comfort it gave me to know that I could call Isabel and ask for help. All I had to do was make one phone call, and help was there, in the form of a prayer shawl, meals, and more importantly prayer!”
“Isabel saved my life.”
What the Parish Nurse does for our Wider Community (Outreach):
The Parish Nurse has
made partnerships with the wider community to draw people into our community and to Christ
established growing partnerships with Horizon Health Authority and Social Development
developed partnerships with Community Health Clinics, including the Downtown Clinic
collaborated with UNB Nursing students to participate in the Monday Morning Outreach activities
assisted in providing space in the Hall and support for Prenatal Classes and a Breastfeeding Support Group, and
was anticipating providing space for Social Workers and Counsellors to meet with clients in the Hall.
Why do we need to continue this ministry?
Congregational trust, expectation and reliance: The members of our congregation
have developed trust and expectation that we will continue to support them when needed, and
are relying on the Parish Nurse and the Health Ministry Team.
Christian Witness: What better example of Christian ministry and discipleship to the Diocese could we offer? We may be able to work with other parishes in supporting their congregations to develop this ministry.
Professional community partnerships: This is an opportunity to draw people into our community, to draw them into the love of God, while at the same time allowing us to reach out to them in love and service. We do not want to lose this momentum that the Parish Nurse Ministry has established.
What will we lose without a Parish Nurse?
No Parish Nurse to minister to us as noted above.
NoCoordinator for the Health Ministry Team. The Monthly Teas and the Prayer Shawl Ministry will continue as the volunteers are able to support. The Helping Hands and the Cathedral Visitors will eventually cease if there is no coordination (also the Blood Pressure Clinics, Health Information Sessions, Fit Club, etc.).
No expansion of community partnerships e. outreach to the wider community
Funding: Bishop and Chapter supports the concept of hiring a Parish Nurse, but at the moment sufficient funds are not available. Money is the issue. The Health Ministry Team is working with Bishop and Chapter to provide a solution to obtaining funding for a salaried part-time Parish Nurse position.
We have a long-time congregational member who has undertaken the Parish Nursing Certification Training (funded by the Cathedral) and feels she has a vocation to this ministry. She is willing to take on this role.
Dr. Chris Stevenson
On behalf of the Cathedral Heath Ministry Team
14 February 2016
I continue to work in the ministry of priest at Christ Church Cathedral with a significant sense of thanksgiving. The role of Dean is demanding. Being the one stipendiary cleric in a congregation of our size, is no lunch break. It is still, however, enough of a change for me after over a decade in diocesan administration that I’m enjoying it all. As I continually hope others do, I recognize often that I am but one person and continue to feel fortunate for the number of individuals committed and engaged in various ministries that contribute to making it work. Assistance with pastoral care, liturgical assistance from honorary assistant clergy, administrative work by Bishop and Chapter and not least of all the Chair, Fran in the office, David as interim sexton, our Director of Music and choirs, the Parish Nurse and Health Ministry Team, our Verger, all have been integral to making ministry happen during 2015. And while its important to recognize those who receive compensation for their work, those many who give freely of their time and effort, too many to mention, are perhaps most to be recognized.
While reporting to an annual meeting is an important way of creating a snapshot in time, I like most reporters, have looked at last year’s report in an attempt to bring an element of consistency to the story being told. In my case, what I found was more than slightly amusing. The report I prepared last year is probably the report I would make this year! That’s not surprising since the Church as a corporate organism – the Body of Christ – moves slowly. Changes are too often almost undetectable save to the trained eye or to one close to the action. We are the way we are and inertia alone, as simple laws of physics affirm, keep us travelling mostly in the same direction. My question from a theological standpoint however is this: Is it the direction God would have us travel?
The report I prepared last year is probably the report I would make this year!
So while it would be of interest to at least some of us to hear a completely new take on where we’ve been and where the Spirit may be suggesting we should be going, I think rather that some repeat of those now year old reflections expressed in a slightly different way will be closer to what is appropriate, at least from my standpoint. For those who missed it last year, it will be new. (Read 2015 for a different translation.) For those who didn’t, perhaps we could take steps again this year to further deepen our prayerful understanding of the issues I hope I’ll raise with at least some success.
Some of the most significant challenges with which we were presented this past year:
• The announcement of the retirement of Isabel Cutler as Parish Nurse;
• The resignation of our Director of Music, Dr. Willis Noble;
• The continuing of illness leave of our Sexton, Kevin Hayward
• Building health and safety issues with Cathedral Memorial Hall
• The need for planning for development of facilities to support Cathedral ministry into the future
• The need for a strategic plan for longer-term maintenance of the Cathedral proper
At least some of our accomplishments in 2015:
• Generous grant from the Diocese of Fredericton to assist with some of the Memorial Hall issues after the dissolution of the joint project planned
• Health and safety issues addressed at Cathedral Memorial Hall, including a new roof
• Continuation of Spaghetti Tuesdays, our effort to reach out to young adults
• Children and Communion programme executed with 10 children making first communion
• continued progress in establishing Bishop and Chapter working committees and encouraging their function
• improvements in communication with monthly Chapter News and new web site launch in December 2015. The web site is a work in progress but now on a framework upon which we can expand and tweak to our future needs
• in December the schedule changed slightly with the Sunday School joining 10:00 a.m. Sunday worship at the Offertory instead of the beginning and leaving before the Gospel
• questionnaire regarding the 2016 budget created a channel for feedback and suggestion in the difficult task of stewarding our resources
• the Dean is an attending member of Diocesan Council, Diocesan Executive Committee, Diocesan Finance Committee, Diocesan Synod Planning, Diocesan Stewardship Team, Diocesan Creative Matters Working Group, Clericus of the Deaneries of Fredericton and York, Commissary for the Bishop of Fredericton and the Bishop and Chapter and its committees and the Board of the Atlantic School of Theology Integrated Alumni Association.
• 52 weeks of worship, 176 sermons preached, seasonal festivals celebrated, liturgical hosting of diocesan events, 21 monthly special care facility communions, home communions on request, hospital visitations
• 68 home visitations
Where to from here?
Although we may wish or want, the spirit being willing, the flesh will be weak. We simply cannot do everything. There is absolutely no shortage of good ideas. (That’s an original quote.) We have a very diverse congregation and a wide range of possible priorities. As Bishop Ed Salmon said to us during a diocesan stewardship conference, “We need to plough the good fields first.” We need to maintain what we do best and continue to do it with that same excellence in mind. I’m one person with but one opinion, but in my role it may be important for all to be aware of my priority list. The non-negotiables, in no particular order: worship (prayer); care of those in need (reaching out); communication (proclamation); formation (modelling faith); stewardship (good management).
We simply cannot do everything. There is absolutely no shortage of good ideas.
There is much we do well. I’ll address what appears to me to require more concentrated focus:
Christian Formation
Who we are is our first most valuable resource. Tertullian (155-240 AD), one of the early church fathers, once said in a sermon, “Christians are made, not born. Christianity does not come naturally. Christians do not come to the church through birth, you get Christians out of the baptismal font.” This faith is not primarily a matter of digging down deep within yourself, thinking it through, closing your eyes and trying real hard to believe. This faith is something that is told to you, given to you, lived before you, a gift.
For those of us who somehow hear the word “formation” translated as “Christian Education” that’s not what this is about. Formation is a life-long, intergenerational process and extends far deeper than our learning more about being a Christian. The day the Church decided that sending the children downstairs (or across the street) during worship to learn what they need to know to be Christian was a sad day indeed. We are only now, in our own day, seeing the results of that fateful approach.
I don’t suggest an about face is possible, but I do intend to continue a constant pressure on our rudder as a course correction for the Cathedral community. Our very future depends on it. Actually, our present also depends on it. What this means is that we all need to see a role in forming, molding, shaping one another in the faith. Most importantly, we need to respond to opportunities to model that faith for others. Sunday morning is important for our own individual faith, but as long as its all about Sunday morning, we’ll not be attending to the critical priority of building the Body of Christ. Some specific programming that will continue to help us do that include an emphasis on: Baptism Preparation, First Communion Preparation, Confirmation Preparation, Charis groups, various outreach initiatives and I’m sure many others will arise if we are attentive to the need. Specifically, a mentor model will be employed whenever possible. The Committee on Christian Formation, while not necessarily any more important than the others, I believe carries an absolutely critical mandate for us.
Christian Stewardship
Many of us hear the word “stewardship” and sadly immediately think only of what pertains to Sunday monetary giving to the Church. Its one of the least understood of all the churchy words we use. If it weren’t so firmly biblical, or if another could replace it in meaning and comprehensiveness, we might well use another. Its those of us who find our financial giving to the church a challenge that least understand what stewardship is about. There are those of us who know what we don’t know; those who don’t know what we know; but most destructively those of us who don’t know what we don’t know. Stewardship is not the church trying to get us to give up what is ours. Stewardship is about us finding the joy in using what God has given to our own greater satisfaction and the greater satisfaction of God. (Another original quote.) Frankly, most who discount proportional giving as something that “does not work for them” have never tried it. We all believe we are the special case. None of us are that special.
“Stewardship” is one of the least understood of all the churchy words we use.
Needless to say, even in light of fairly regular and consistent advice to the contrary, we’ll continue to keep stewardship before us as a learning edge, not in an attempt to make those among us most challenged in this area uncomfortable, but to continue to invite us all to take steps in faith that will always assure surprising results.
Christian Mission – continuing to focus outward
While a certain amount of our energy needs to be spent on things internal, reaching outside of ourselves is the only activity that will bring true regeneration and life. That’s entirely counter intuitive and flies in the face of the common survivalist/scarcity mentality taught by our secular culture. That mentality is not misguided because its secular, its wrong because the Church is different. After all, isn’t that why we are Christians? Theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer said that “the church can only call itself the church if its focus is outward, not inward.” If our reason for being is not something besides self-preservation, we have little reason. Worship is not a show. Sermons are not self help lectures. Our buildings, beautiful as they may be, are “facilities” and they need to facilitate. Said yet another way by Archbishop of Canterbury William Temple: “The Church is the only organisation that does not exist for itself, but for those who live outside of it.”
“The Church is the only organisation that does not exist for itself, but for those who live outside of it.” Archbishop of Canterbury William Temple
Each time we step outside of the tighter Cathedral community circle, we venture into the world God has made. We become the Church scattered. Our task there is to proclaim what we have heard, seen and experienced when we were last the Church gathered. Not the sermon, but maybe the sermon. Not the scripture, but maybe the scripture. Not the announcements, but maybe the announcements. More to the point, to proclaim the Good News that is ours because we are part of a family called together by the Divine. What does our connection to and membership in the Church communicate at the deepest level? Anglicans characteristically don’t think much about that. But its time we did. That may mean issuing an invitation to worship but more importantly it will be an invitation to God. It may mean a visit to the hospital or helping at Monday Outreach, or the Community Kitchen. Or it may be the simple conversation with someone you thought you knew well. Faith on the inside is the simple part. Faith on the outside more the challenge – its not about us at all.
Faith on the inside is the simple part. Faith on the outside more the challenge …
Conclusion
Thank you for the opportunity to serve. Forgive me for the times I misstep or express myself in ways too easily misinterpreted. With all of the talking I do in the run of a week, I’ll without doubt stumble from time to time, issuing offense when the intention was challenge. With my attempt to maintain a discipline of prayer and study of scripture, at times I hear God saying something to us that we all may not. Pray for me that I will find ways to best steward my limited time, energy and resources to best fulfill what God would have me do on your behalf. My prayer for you will be likewise and that he will richly bless as we stumble together into the plan he has for us.
Respectfully submitted,
Geoffrey Hall, Dean of Fredericton
Spaghetti Tuesdays meets weekly through the College and University academic year, providing a place for young adults (and their children) to gather in a no-strings-attached positive and welcoming community. Since getting underway in February 2015, the program has stabilized with typically 25-30 people each week joining at 6:00 for a meal in the Cathedral Hall. Some participants attend one of Fredericton’s various post-secondary institutions, others are young professionals, others yet are stay-at-home parents. Some attend the Cathedral or other Anglican parishes, while others attend other denominations … or have no religious connections. We eat our way through about 2 kilos of pasta, nearly 4 litres of sauce, and 1 ½ heads of lettuce each week!
The crux of Spaghetti Tuesdays is that it is a welcoming entry point. An entry point into a community which has self-selected around positive community traits, often in contrast with other communities available to people at this time in their lives. People aren’t required to drink, to do specific activities, espouse specific beliefs, or construct one’s identity, sexuality, relationships in particular ways. All they need to do is show up, have a meal, and take a step in building a positive network. This is a unique, risk-free place, which has formed close bonds among new friends while strengthening bonds among existing ones.
This is “mission.”
Particularly since the Fall, Cathedral members have stepped up to support the group. Some have come to help in the kitchen, preparing and serving the meals on Tuesday nights. Others have prepared sauce, desserts, salads for the group, dropping them off in time to be used. The impact has been subtle, but very real. Incrementally, our “eaters” have started to see that the boundaries of the community reach beyond themselves, beyond the adults who helped get the project underway. They are confronted by the fact that they’re physically, tangibly supported by people they’ve never met, they’ve never spoken with, yet who care about them[ the taste of what’s on their plates doesn’t lie. It has nudged some to re-think what the Church is about and for … because something’s missing. Nobody’s hollering at them about sex or judgment, nobody’s pressing for money or trying to impose social control. Instead, folks just share a meal, and in the process take some faltering attempts at taking care of each other. Without waiting to be thanked, and sometimes without even knowing who to thank.
Except for God.
Perhaps not incidentally, the Bishop’s Court community has seen a modest uptick in participation at Bible Studies, with crossover from a few among the Spaghetti Tuesdays crowd. Conversations ‘round the Spaghetti table have turned a little more frequently of late to faith issues, to personal support. To identifying where God seemed to be this week in people’s lives. We need to be cautious – the mission and mandate of Spaghetti Tuesdaysis not to become a study group, or a prayer circle. It is to remain an unthreatening and risk-free entry point and shelter for people at a particularly vulnerable point in their lives – to be able to welcome new eaters, as well as the regular crowd. To model and demonstrate love to folks that we CCC members don’t have some formal societal obligation or vested interest in having to love…
… and to leave a place at the Table for the Holy Spirit. Who when honestly invited … really does bless the food to our use, and us to his service.
In the past, efforts like yours have kept the doors open so that we did not have to turn away anyone who was in need of warmth and a good night’s rest. Without maybe realizing it, you also have played a significant role in lessening the loneliness of isolation, and you have helped many people know that despite their circumstances, people do care about them.
