I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. (Philippians 1:3-5, NIV)
Category Archives: Ministry
Moment for Missions – September 2018
Sing to the Lord, bless his name; tell of his salvation from day to day. Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples!
Psalm 96:2-3, ESV Bible
EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF ROATAN / NELSON AND KARA MINISTRY (August Update 2018)
Nelson and Kara Mejia were back in New Brunswick with their children for a short time this summer. While we were unable to arrange a time for them to speak at the Cathedral, some of you may have had a chance to talk with Nelson at the Ordination service and reception in June.
It has been wonderful seeing so many of our supporters again and meeting new people, too.
Our family is very grateful to all those who have hosted us and provided transportation and meals, and for the fellowship that has been offered. We sincerely thank you.
Things are going well in our churches in Roatán; the leaders are doing a great job. Our Dean, the Rev. Nery Varela from the mainland, visited our congregations in Roatán in our absence. We will return to Roatán to continue serving the Lord – Nelson Mejia, July 2018
For all the latest news from Nelson and Kara’s ministry in Honduras, please check out their August 2018 update below!
Summer outreach a success
The joy of giving was obvious this summer among people who took part in three Monday morning drop-ins for people in need.
“Usually, the Outreach Committee operates weekly drop-ins from mid-September until mid-May and takes the summer off to give our dedicated volunteers a chance to rest and relax,” committee chair Penny Ericson explained. “This year we decided to offer one gathering monthly because, as some of our guests have often reminded us, they're still poor in the summer!”
Penny said the event was popular and successful. On average, 45 people attended the sessions in June, July and August.
Parish nurse Kathleen Snow was one of the driving forces behind continuation of the program.
On average, 45 people attended the sessions in June, July and August.
“It was wonderful to see our clients over the summer months,” Kathleen said, adding that the need for this type of outreach is there for the full 12 months of the year. “The sense of community between these individuals and our volunteers is so heartwarming to witness; the goodwill and friendships are tangible.”
She provided blood pressure monitoring and blood glucose readings. “It has been a blessing to develop relationships with my clients and share with them in their concern for their health and well-being,” she said.
STEPPING UP – John Dos Santos (left) and Doug Milander distributed bottled water, granola bars and either city bus tickets or grocery store gift cards to people who lined up Aug. 13th at Cathedral Memorial Hall. Doug is a longtime volunteer with the outreach program.
Volunteer musicians played and sang during two of the three sessions. Plenty of used clothing was available for browsing. New Maryland United Church and St. Margaret's Anglican Church participated throughout the summer which was an unexpected bonus for event organizers.
“We were inspired by studying Michael Frost's book, "Surprise the World," and learning about the importance of blessing, eating, listening,” said committee member Ann Deveau. “People at the cathedral took it to heart because we received wonderful donations of food, time or effort from people who have not previously been involved. We are grateful for the interest and support.”
Gratitude was also expressed by many of the guests who attended to eat sandwiches and muffins, drink juice and coffee, and to receive four city transit tickets or a $10 gift card from a local supermarket.
“It's really nice of you to give up some of your summer vacation to be here,” smiled one young man. “Every little bit helps.”
Another accepted a free bottle of water and a granola bar with her voucher. She said: “Thank you! The other churches in town all closed their programs for the whole summer, so this is great.”
Penny noted that St. Paul advised the church in Thessalonica to build up its faith by helping the weak and encouraging the disheartened.
“Paul's message is just as relevant in Fredericton 2000 years later, and it is still just as gratifying to give as to receive,” she said. “We will resume our weekly gatherings September 10th and hope that some people who assisted during the summer will want to continue.”
Ann Deveau
Bishop’s bike ride event a success
Bishop Rob Hardwick of the Diocese of Qu'Appelle rode into Fredericton on Sunday just after 2:30 p.m. on Sunday July 15th. His partner on the pilgrimage has been his wife Lorraine who drives the support vehicle. The Cathedral was so pleased to welcome them, and right on schedule for the planned event.
About a hundred were in attendance, from the congregation and the wider community. A 4:00 p.m. informal evening prayer was followed by a BBQ on the cathedral green.
"We so much appreciate the support of our partners," said Dean Geoffrey Hall. Christ Church (Parish) Church has been involved. We also value the contributions of Joy FM, and others named on the promotional flyer.
It was an uplifting afternoon of music, prayer and food. During worship, Bishop Hardwick shared some reflections on the meaning of his journey "to lay a foundation of prayer for unity, healing and reconciliation." "There is so much need in this broken world of ours," said Bishop Rob. "It seems we talk a lot about prayer but its another thing to do it."
Visit the Cathedral Podcast page to listen to the 4:00 p.m. worship with the Bishop's address.
To lay a foundation of prayer for unity, healing and reconciliation ...
Bishop Hardwick on King Street with the Anglican Foundation Hope Bears
The Bishop and Lorraine invite others to join them in their effort in at least three ways:
- Use the Prayer Diary to follow along day by day as the ride comes to its conclusion on 01 August in St. John's Newfoundland. There are special prayer intentions listed for each day and a schedule for the stops along the way. You can be a prayer partner wherever you are.
- Follow the Ride on Facebook or the Bishop's Ride blog to get updates and reports on progress
- Make a contribution to the Living the Mission Financial Campaign. Find information in the Prayer Diary for sending a cheque or money order or click the donate button on the Facebook page or the Bishops Ride web page
- Ride with the Bishop as he leaves from the North Side Tim Horton's (534 Union Street) at 7:30 a.m. on Tuesday, 17 July.
On Monday morning, Bishop Hardwick was the feature interview during the Joy Ride, 7:30 - 8:30 a.m. on Joy FM. Later that morning, a pit stop at Savage's Bicycle Centre got the cycle in for a tune up to prepare for the final leg of the pilgrimage.
More information on the Bishop's Bike Ride can be found easily by searching "Bishop's Bike Ride Living the Mission" or from the previous post on the Cathedral web site.
Bishop Rob Hardwick interviewed by Aaron and Derek of Joy FM
Bishop Rob Hardwick and Jane and Eric Hadley on 17 July 2018
Letters from Belize – a letter from Anfernee
Hello Ms. Bev,
The news saddens me but you have served a long and wonderful time as the prime contact between Christ Church Cathedral ad St. Hilda’s and us scholarship students and families. I enjoyed every moment being in contact with you, all the advice and taking your personal time to show concern for me and all of us here in Belize.
Your time, love and overwhelming efforts and support to make sure we were our best in whatever we chose to do even if it wasn’t education related. Regardless, I’ll still be in contact because you are and will always more than just a contact, you’re family. It was nice seeing and talking to you again as well although I might not be the most outspoken person, you honestly don’t look like you’ve aged a bit.
We will never forget you
Loved meeting your husband for the first time, I always felt like I’ve met him before but I was wrong since this is his first trip down.
I’ve made inquiries about student loans but I’m awaiting an official acceptance letter from University of Belize. I’ve transferred into Architecture at UB to begin this August in Belize City. I’ll be in contact with Jamal for the best help in that area. Thanks for the concern and update but I will take care of it, just continue focusing on the high school students, they need the assistance way more.
Thanks for the help through high school and and through what I’ve completed at Junior College. UB does offer sports scholarship and I’ll be sure to look into it being that I play almost every sport in the country except soccer because I’m afraid it will affect my leg although it’s been years since the surgery.
Thanks for everything you, the congregation and your families there in Canada have done for me, my family and all of us here in Belize over the years Ms. Bev. We will never forget you and will always be in my thoughts and heart. Hope everyone and there families are doing great and enjoying the weather. Wish you nothing but the best.
With love,
Anfernee