Category Archives: Other News

Kurt Schmidt on Advent at the Cathedral

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Kurt Schmidt was interviewed by Pastor Luke Budreau as part of the morning lineup on Joy FM (Listen LIVE) on Wednesday, December 4th. Kurt shared a bit about what Advent at Christ Church Cathedral is looking like this year.

Advent is the season during which Christians for centuries have cherished the unique atmosphere of waiting with anticipation. Advent means 'coming.' The arrival of the Christ in Bethlehem is an important part of Advent but not the only one. Jesus also comes daily in the present and he promised to come again in the clouds (the Second Coming). Kurt offered an overview of this year's "ADVENT-ures" which are helping to make the worship and devotional opportunities many and varied. Luke was also interested to hear more generally about ministry in, to and from the Cathedral which rounded out an upbeat morning conversation that day.

The two talked informally about how we at the Cathedral, in our corner of the Church, attempt to offer what we feel best able and called to share. That includes what we consider the valuable perspectives from our traditions and the resources with which God has blessed. The fabric of community is enriched by all who contribute to our common life.

Check out the ADVENT-ures lineup; view the recorded audio (Cathedral Podcasts) or video (Cathedral YouTube Channel) of Advent Readings and Music from the afternoon of December 1st; and our daily calendar of events. Watch the Cathedral website for up-coming special events and Christmas worship.

GMH

Listen to the December 4th conversation between Kurt and Luke.

 

A note from our Sexton

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Our Sexton, Ashley Swim, completed his time in the position on 17 May. He shared this message:

"Thanks for all the kind words and gifts. I appreciate it beyond words. Thanks to the cathedral for having me. It's been a very positive experience and I will miss working there. I always took my job very seriously and am confident I gave 100 percent. Its been pleasure to serve with you and for you.”

We are deeply indebted to Ashley for his years of service and wish him well in his new endeavours.

A letter from Muslim and Jewish leaders in Fredericton

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Given the recent rise in antisemitism and incidents of islamophobia across Canada and abroad, Darul Arqam - Fredericton, a local Muslim group and the Rabbi of the Fredericton Jewish community, have joined together during this troubling and chaotic time, to make a statement appealing for peace amongst the general public and our communities at-large.

The current war in the Middle East has caused divisions and rifts within normally peaceful communities, locally and abroad. We acknowledge, there are many sides to this conflict. We believe the loss of innocent lives is what has enraged parties on all sides of the conflict.

That rage, unfortunately in many instances is being misdirected, which is resulting in additional innocent victims. We believe this behaviour, while passionate, runs counter to the intentions of people of conscience.

There can be no justification to exact revenge upon the innocent, anywhere.

Attacks and incidents of vandalism at synagogues and yeshivas, mosques and madrassas, against Jews and Muslims in Canada - communities, institutions and individuals that have no association with that conflict - have made them innocent victims of this conflict, also. The reaction to the reality of innocent lives being lost in the Middle East should NOT result in creating more innocent victims elsewhere. Violent reactions abroad only add to pain being felt globally.

There can be no justification to exact revenge upon the innocent, anywhere.

We realize we make a huge appeal from a small town in Eastern Canada. Yet, our appeal to communities at-large, to the better angels of our nature, for calm, urges us to not create more innocent victims during these tumultuous times.

Rather, we encourage one another to work towards and pray for peace, for the dissolution of inequities, for justice in its time and for protection from violence in all its forms.

We remain, in peace and in faith ...

Naveed Abdul Majid, President
Darul Arqam - Fredericton, New Brunswick

Rabbi Yosef Goldman
Fredericton, New Brunswick

Anglican-Lutheran statement on war in the holy land

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Anglican-LutheranOn Saturday the world watched in horror as Hamas launched a rapid, devastating barrage of violence against Israel. Rockets, drone attacks, the killing of civilians and the taking of hostages have ignited long simmering tensions between Israel and Palestine. Israel has responded with ongoing rocket attacks and the death toll on all sides rises daily.

Our hearts grieve at the resurgence of violence that bereaves both Palestinian and Israeli families. We long for peace and security for the people of Israel who seek a safe place to live free from discrimination, anti-semitism and repeated pogroms. We long for peace and security ... continue reading

Wildfire destroys Anglican camp in BC

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A cross at the end of a dock is nearly all that remains of an Anglican camp in British Columbia ravaged by wildfire.

Camp OAC (Oakanagan Anglican Camp), like New Brunswick's Camp Medley and Camp Brookwood, offers faith-based summer camping opportunities for children and teens, as well as religious retreats and rentals for secular functions and celebrations.

Campers and staff were safely evacuated on Thursday, August 17, but by that evening fire had destroyed almost the entire camp.

ABOVE: the dock at Camp OAC, as shown in the 2023 Anglican Churches calendar. BELOW: Fire burned 90% of Camp OAC, including the dock. The cross remains.

If you own a copy of the Anglican Church Calendar, you may recognize Camp OAC as the photo featured for the month of August. It shows a cross on a deck stretched out over the Oakanagan Lake, with beautiful forested mountains in the background.

In her pastoral letter, The Most Rev. Dr. Lynne E. McNaughton, Bishop of Kootenay, writes,

"Although most of the dock burned, the large white Cross at the end of the dock remains standing. As always the cross is the sign for us that God brings new life out of death. God will sustain us through this loss and rebuilding, that OAC will once again be a place of life-giving Christian community where children, youth, and adults can experience living in right relationship with nature and God."

The destruction of Camp OAC has triggered an outpouring of sadness from the generations of people who have attended the camp since 1950, and donations towards rebuilding are encouraged. Click here to read the update from Camp Director Ian Dixon and find out how you can help.

Please pray for all affected by wildfires and other natural disasters during this year of increased climate change, and pray for those ministering to serve those in need.

City of Fredericton Heritage Review

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The City of Fredericton is looking for opinions about its heritage program - share your thoughts!

The City is currently reviewing its heritage program and services and is looking for feedback from residents. Share your thoughts by completing a short online survey so decision-makers can better understand how you perceive heritage, its conservation importance, and the value it provides compared to other City services, programs and amenities.

The survey will close on December 23.

Results will be considered along with rightsholders consultations, community stakeholder engagement, best practices, staff expertise, and budget considerations.

TAKE THE SURVEY

Online Workshop: Building Genuine Community Online

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AST Continuing Education presents:

Dawn Léger

Dawn Léger (AST '06)

Not Just a Stopgap: Building Genuine Community Online

A workshop with AST Alumna Dawn Léger - Monday, November 28, 2022, via Zoom 8:00 pm Atlantic | 7:00 pm Eastern - Free of charge

About the Speaker 

Dawn Léger (AST '06) is co-pastor of Harbor Online Community, an international, fully online church ministering to a wide array of Jesus followers. You can find Harbor Online at www.onlineharbor.org.

In 2020, most churches in North America made investments in online technology to minister to their people during lockdown. A surprising result was meeting visitors from all over the world. Dawn will share the story of her online church, Harbor Online Community, from its start as a house church, to making the transition online, and why it stayed there. You will hear what is being learned about ministry and leadership and about opportunities for building more online ministries using existing investments.

This workshop is for all clergy or lay leaders who wish to begin an online ministry or to continue online ministries that started during the pandemic.

This event will take place online-only, via Zoom. Please register using the link below, and the Zoom link will be sent to you.

www.eventbrite.ca/e/not-just-a-stopgap-building-genuine-community-online-tickets-450554820597

2022 Fall Financial Update

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2022 Fall Financial Update

The following is an update of Cathedral financial information as of 31 August 2022. A brief presentation was offered on Sunday, 02 October to congregations at 8:00 and 10:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m..

If you have questions, feel free to contact a member of Bishop and Chapter or get in touch through the Cathedral Office.

Download / View the update here.

 

Queen’s Platinum Jubilee 2022

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Plans announced for The Queen's Platinum Jubilee Central Weekend 2022

There will be year-long Platinum Jubilee celebrations throughout the United Kingdom, the Commonwealth and around the world as communities come together to celebrate The Queen's historic reign. On 6th February this year Her Majesty The Queen will become the first British Monarch to celebrate a Platinum Jubilee, marking 70 years of service to the people of the United Kingdom, the Realms and the Commonwealth.

Read more here

Joint statement on climate change by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Pope Francis and Ecumenical Patriarch

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Pope Francis, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew and the Archbishop of Canterbury join together for the first time in urgent appeal for the future of the planet

For the first time, the leaders of the Roman Catholic Church, the Eastern Orthodox Church and the Anglican Communion have jointly warned of the urgency of environmental sustainability, its impact on poverty, and the importance of global cooperation.

[Text from the Archbishop of Canterbury website: 21/07/09]

Pope Francis, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew and Archbishop Justin Welby urge everyone to play their part in ‘choosing life’ for the future of the planet.

In a joint statement, the Christian leaders have called on people to pray, in this Christian season of Creation, for world leaders ahead of COP26 [the 26th United Nations Climate Change conference] this November. The statement reads: ‘We call on everyone, whatever their belief or worldview, to endeavour to listen to the cry of the earth and of people who are poor, examining their behaviour and pledging meaningful sacrifices for the sake of the earth which God has given us.’

The joint declaration strikes a clear warning - ‘Today, we are paying the price…Tomorrow could be worse’ and concludes that: ‘This is a critical moment. Our children’s future and the future of our common home depend on it.’

The three Christian leaders spoke against injustice and inequality, saying: ‘We stand before a harsh justice: biodiversity loss, environmental degradation and climate change are the inevitable consequences of our actions, since we have greedily consumed more of the earth’s resources than the planet can endure. But we also face a profound injustice: the people bearing the most catastrophic consequences of these abuses are the poorest on the planet and have been the least responsible for causing them.’

The statement calls on people to:

  • Pray for world leaders ahead of COP26
  • For individuals: To make meaningful sacrifices for the sake of the planet, working together and taking responsibility for how we use our resources
  • For those with far-reaching responsibilities: To choose people-centred profits and lead the transition to just and sustainable economies

Read the full statement here.