Here is a picture of the completed library project at Bishop McAllister College and Anglican Seminary in Uganda.
This wonderful message celebrating the school was also shared recently by Rev. Paul Jeffries:
Over 2000 orphans and less privileged Ugandans have gone through this hill without paying a coin. They enter when all they have is hope and leave with material and dreams they hoped for. Thousands have risen from grass to grace… Many are working here and abroad as Professors, Clergy, Engineers, Doctors, Lawyers, Journalists, Teachers, business gurus…etc .. Thank you Canon Paul Jeffries, Canon Caleb Twinamatsiko and the gracious givers in USA and Canada. Mwebare kutuha amatsiko. Long live Bishop McAllister College.
St. Hilda’s Anglican School Principal, Jane Martinez, wanted to share some pictures with us from Belize. Each of the classes are shown as well as some of the children’s day groups and several of the students who received prizes/awards at a recognition ceremony.
Housing First project taking shape November 2019 update
If all goes well, three homeless people will have roofs over their heads next summer in a three-unit townhouse owned by Christ Church Cathedral.
Penny Ericson, chair of the cathedral's Outreach Committee, said the cathedral's project on Albert Street and a four-unit townhouse on Jaffrey Street, owned by Smythe Street Church, were approved at a recent meeting of the city's planning advisory committee.
... homeless people are provided with a place to live and support services
"No one spoke in opposition to the projects at the PAC meeting,” she was pleased to report. “Rezoning is required, and next steps are taking place at upcoming City Council meetings. I anticipate that it will be accepted because the City wishes the program to move forward, and the land that they are donating is not useful for them in any other way.”
The small houses fall under a concept called Housing First in which homeless people are provided with a place to live and support services. The goal is to make their lives healthier and more stable by removing the anxiety of chronic homelessness. One four-unit townhouse, operated by the John Howard Society, opened a few months ago on the north side.
“It's taken a community effort to get these projects going, but fund-raising has gone well, building designs are in place, and it's exciting to be moving ahead,” she said.
The land is hilly and will need to be graded in the spring before the three-unit townhouse can be placed on the plot. This work will be weather-dependent, but Bill Jones will have the three houses ready. The PAC was told construction should be finished by late summer.
“I plan to call a meeting for those at the cathedral interested in assisting with the houses and their tenants in February 2020,” Penny said. “I will keep everyone aware of the council's decisions and any changes that occur. It has been a long wait, but it will all be worth it."
19 December UPDATE - The new shelter is open at 332 Brunswick Street with 20-30 beds and they still need many items to function this winter. Donations to Wilmot United Church, Monday to Saturday 10 am-1 pm. An up to date list of needs is posted at the back of the Cathedral. Former and new volunteers are needed to help with cleaning, time with the community, and as helping hands for staff and residents. Shift times: Evening: 7 -11 pm / Night: 11 pm.-6am / Morning: 6-8 am. Cleaning shifts: Mondays / Wednesdays / Fridays, 8:30 - 10:30am. <ootcshelter at gmail.com> To volunteer <connectfredericton.ca>
Help Needed - St. Paul's United Church, corner of York and George, has issued an urgent and immediate call for volunteers to help at its overnight warming space for homeless people, which will fill a gap in services until the planned, new, out-of-the-cold shelter is up and running. Volunteers would need to stay overnight in the church from 8 p.m. until 7 a.m., working in a team of three or four people, one of whom would be an employee of the John Howard Society or the provincial Department of Social Development. Currently, the warming space is averaging seven guests nightly, but the demand is predicted to increase sharply as the cold weather worsens. People willing and able to serve in this ministry to vulnerable people are asked to contact Shelby at (506) 467-6034 with their name, phone number and email address.
UPDATE - all angels have flown! Thanks to all for your adoptions.
Sixty paper angels from Greener Village (the food bank) wait to be chosen from small trees in the cathedral and in the hall. Each requests a specific Christmas gift or stocking stuffers for a needy child in our city.
**NEW THIS YEAR** Please print your name and telephone number on the clipboard to indicate which angel you are adopting. Bring back your unwrapped gift, with the paper angel firmly attached, to the church or the hall on Sunday, Dec. 1st. Drop-off boxes will be set up near the angel trees.
If you cannot bring your gift Sunday, please take it to the drop-off box in the hall no later than Monday, Dec. 2nd . This is Greener Village's deadline for our 60 angels, allowing them time to distribute the gifts to the families they serve.
** Please don't be late! The committee must purchase any gifts that arrive late or not at all.
If you prefer to donate in a different way, please write a cheque payable to Christ Church Cathedral and indicate Christmas Outreach on the memo line. Deliver your cheque to the church office by Dec. 17th. These funds will be divided equally among the Fredericton Homeless Shelters, Women in Transition House Inc. and the Fredericton Community Kitchen.
The Outreach Committee thanks you warmly for your generous support in making Christmas special for people in our city who need help.
Be Proactive, Take initiative and Act with Integrity – PTAI. This was the message from the Rev. Michael Elliott at the Church of the Holy Spirit in the Portmore Deanery in Cumberland, Jamaica.
Alice Kennedy, Lilian Ketch, and I were recently invited to attend the 120th Anniversary of the Mothers’ Union in the Diocese of Jamaica and the Cayman Islands. It was an honour and privilege to be present and share with our Mothers’ Union sisters and brothers in celebrating the work of the Mothers’ Union in their diocese.
Sadie - young woman who now makes jewelry and sells at local markets as a result of MU Skills Training
We attended worship on the Sunday morning at Michael’s church in Cumberland, Jamaica. The reading for that day was from Luke 16:1-13 about the rich man and his manager who was dishonest. Michael called the man a ‘scammer.’ He was currying favour and trying to be proactive in a time of crisis. Michael shared that Jesus was suggesting that here was a man in crisis who was focusing on what he had to do, and he did it. Jesus wants us to be proactive disciples who take the initiative and act responsibly in our relationships with him and the world around us (adapted from here)
Michael stated that nothing focuses us in life like a crisis and that the challenge for us is how we respond. Our initial prayer is “Lord, have mercy.” And rightly so – we must be proactive; first and foremost we must give that control over to our Lord in any situation.
He then went on to speak about taking the initiative. We heard about the Mothers’ Union in Cumberland who ran a Children’s Home for HIV Children. He shared how the Mothers’ Union members run the home, managing the staff and providing food daily for the children in that Home - an example of taking initiative and acting with integrity.
Helping Other People Endure – HOPE
We are called to be proactive and to act with integrity. We are meant to do the right thing, and quite often without anyone seeing us. Michael spoke about how we become a people of HOPE when we do the right thing and act with integrity. Helping Other People Endure – HOPE. We need to listen and be clear about what God is saying to us.
Kathleen Snow with Mrs. Louise Bailey (Aunt Lou) and Mrs. Sheran Harper (Worldwide President)
During that worship there were many Mothers’ Union members in attendance. The congregation was a sea of blue and white - the Mothers’ Union uniform colours. I had the privilege of meeting Mrs. Louise Bailey, or Aunt Lou as she was affectionately called. Aunt Lou was 103 years of age and had been a Mothers’ Union member for over 60 years! What a joy to meet this lovely lady who had worked most of her life supporting the work of Mothers’ Union in her diocese. She recently died just two weeks ago and is sadly missed. Helping Other People Endure – HOPE.
Ephena Matthew (Diocesan President of NECA - North East Caribbean and Aruba), Tony Patel and Kathleen Snow at "Think on These Things"
On our first day in Jamaica I was asked to speak about Mothers’ Union on the local radio station program called "Think on These Things." Ephena Matthew (Diocesan President of North East Caribbean and Aruba) and I were interviewed by Tony Patel, a broadcaster on the program. Tony was a distinguished-looking soft-spoken man with a broadcaster’s voice. I noticed when we first met that his hair was long and braided down his back.
When I later spoke with him, I asked him about his children. He mentioned that he had a son who had been missing for over two years. He continued to search for him and had not cut his hair since his son had gone missing. He and his son had always gone to the barber together, and he was not planning on cutting it until he found his son. There was suffering and hope in his eyes. Helping Other People Endure – HOPE.
Alice, Lilian and I visited a number of Mothers’ Union projects in the different deaneries. We visited a Kingston Deanery project called the Parent Place at St. Mary the Virgin Church and Elementary School. The school was run by the local Mothers’ Union branch and was also funded by local government. As a result of the Parenting Program, which was facilitated by Mothers’ Union members, a building was attached to the school called the Parent Place, where parents would meet to support one another and participate in the Parenting Program - a very successful parents support group which encourages stable family relationships.
Selling wares at Skills Training and Income Generating project visit in Clarendon Deanery in Jamaica
Lilian and I also visited the Clarendon Deanery where we viewed a Skills Training and Income Generating project which the St. Paul’s Mothers’ Union members supported and facilitated. Here I met Sadie and Kemesha, two young women who were encouraged to think about what items they could produce themselves to sell at local markets. Sadie was making jewelry and Kemesha crocheting clothing. Kemesha stated that she was hoping to open up her own shop one day and Sadie stated, “I am an entrepreneur!” Helping Other People Endure – HOPE.
Lilian and I were also privileged to attend the Women’s Conference in Mandeville where I was asked to speak on Women’s Health. Many women from all over the diocese shared in this day and celebrated health and healing of body, mind and spirit.
Our Worldwide President Mrs. Sheran Harper was in attendance as well, and it was it was a pleasure to be with her at the Celebration Banquet and share in the work of the Mothers’ Union. We met many other members from St. Jude’s in St. Andrew Deanery and YS Falls in St. Elizabeth Deanery. I learned how to speak patois (com mek me hol yu han, man) and Lilian and I even took a dip in the YS Falls.
Kemesha - young woman who now has her own business selling crocheted items at local markets as a result of MU Skills Training
Throughout this trip it was the people we met and the relationships shared that were most meaningful. I will remember the stories from the Rev'd Michael Elliott, Aunt Lou, Tony Patel, the Parent Place, Sadie and Kemesha. It is heartwarming to experience and realize how Mothers’ Union members are proactive, take initiative and act with integrity around the world. They give HOPE - helping other people endure, by the grace of the Holy Spirit. To God be the glory!
Christ Church Cathedral
Esteemed Scholarship Sponsor:
RE: SCHOLARSHIP SPONSOR 2018-2019 SCHOOL YEAR
Dear Sponsor
As I sit around my computer wondering what words I can write to say thank you to someone as instrumental and deserving as you are in being a contributing member of the success of Eden High school, so much comes to mind but foremost, this small prayer: "Lord, thank you so much for your blessings on Eden High school through all our sponsors. Thank you for the love they have for our school and their commitment to making the lives of these students better through education. I pray that you will shower them with your love and. blessings as they have showered us with love and blessings and support. Amen."
Kind greetings from Eden High. This year was amazing. Yes it had its challenges but we were able to see and feel God's blessings. So what's new? What made it amazing? Well our school year started out with 618 students and approximately 45 persons employed in many different capacities all equipped and ready to serve with love. This was our biggest enrollment ever in 30 years and our biggest staff as well. Do you realize that all this growth is possible because of your continued support? This year our graduating class is 140 strong, again our biggest ever. We rejoice in the great work and development we have seen in these students throughout their 4 years at Eden. You were there all along. Thank you. Together we all made it happen.
During this school year we have been blessed with many opportunities for students to shine. Our choir participated in the Opening ceremony for National festival of arts and several other events nationally and at district level, our sports teams did an excellent job in the various inter schools sports meet, many of our students were awarded by the police department in the Do the right thing program, our 1st formers graduated from the GREAT program in a wonderful ceremony on campus, 2 of our students were chosen to participate in an international program Youth ambassadors program, several students participated and won prizes in the voice of the west competition, several of our students participated in national cycling activities and so much more. We are proud of all our students and all they do to enhance their lives.
Furthermore our school was blessed to continue offering its support services to students in need through the book lending program, uniform program, feeding program, school supplies program, and printing program. These are just a few of the great things that we have been able to do because you continue to support us and pray for us. Words will never be enough to say thank you. If you could open our hearts you would see how filled it is with thankfulness and appreciation. We know that we have a big job to do in taking care of the precious students who you have entrusted to our care and we pray that God will continue to guide us as we do our part. Thank you for being there for us in 2018-2019. Your support was a vital part of our success. We invite you to reach out to us with your concerns, advice, recommendations and prayers always. We thank God for you and wish you a wonderful and successful rest of this year.
Welcome to PWRDF’s 2019 World of Gifts. The items in this guide have been selected based on the needs of people participating in the many programs supported by PWRDF. Whether it be clean water, climate adaptation and food security, health or Indigenous programs, your gift is an opportunity to make a world of difference.
The following is a letter to our congregation from Jane Martinez, Principal at St.Hilda’s Anglican School in Belize.
Greetings Friends:
I pray that all is well with Friends of St. Hilda’s. Greetings from beautiful Belize.
I know it has been some time since you heard from us here at St. Hilda’s. I must apologize for the delay in response. Our school year has started out with a bang! There are so many things that need attention that some days get very frustrating. Through all that, I must say that we are blessed. The first term is usually our busiest term as we have many activities and holidays that occur during the September to November months.
This year our enrollment went down due to relocation of some students. We presently have 127 students enrolled. We have a full staff of ten teachers including one intern.
I have many pictures that I would like to share to give you an idea of some of the activities that have been held at our school so far this year. We have had our September celebrations, Literacy Day,and most recently, our Harvest Thanksgiving Service.
Please greet the church on our behalf and let them know that we love them and appreciate their continued support. Have a blessed day!
Christ Church Cathedral supplies teams of volunteers who work at the kitchen on Saturdays year-round to help the cook at supper time. Duties include serving food, doing dishes, and cleaning up after the evening meal.
The time commitment is a mere two hours – from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m. – and each team is assigned 13 Saturdays annually. Depending on the size of your team, you will not have to take part every time.
Jason Parsons is co-ordinating the Cathedral's efforts for this worthwhile cause. If anyone is interested in joining a team, Jason can be reached < jayparsons at rogers.com>
“I'm busy with my day job, my three children and verger duties, but it's a small commitment of time to volunteer,” he said. “It really gives all of us a chance to be the hands and feet of God in our city, and the people who come for supper are so grateful for the work we do.”
Experience isn't necessary, and the work isn't hard.
Experience isn't necessary, and the work isn't hard. You might be peeling potatoes, buttering rolls, making juice, cutting pieces of pie, scrubbing pots, or putting away clean dishes.
“One of our longtime volunteers told me that, too often, church can be about money and politics, not about helping people. He likes giving back in this way as a form of mission,” Jason said.
He also wanted to heartily thank team members who volunteered during 2019. “Some people have been faithfully helping out for many years,” he said. “It's greatly appreciated.”
If you cannot bring your gift Sunday, please take it to the drop-off box in the hall no later than Monday, Dec. 2nd . This is Greener Village's deadline for our 60 angels, allowing them time to distribute the gifts to the families they serve.
