Bishop and Chapter met 16 February 2021 by video conference with 11 of 14 members present. Guests Kendra Patrick (Bringloe Feeney LLP) and Tom Maston were welcomed. A faith conversation and discussion of the article “We’re in the Innovation Business” (Dwight Zscheile) was postponed to the next meeting. Minutes of 18 January 2021 adopted.
From the Dean
during Orange Alert level no hospital (end of life care only) or home visits. Telephone contacts when possible. Communion is available upon specific request following restrictions
refresher course on Prepare Enrich - relationship inventory tool and resources for preparing couples for marriage
conversations continue regarding Synod and Cathedral sharing and future development
Items Arising
Cathedral Video Project - one PTZ camera received and temporarily installed yielding significant improvement in the quality of our live streams. Remaining equipment expected soon. Project overview
Chapter By-law - several needed adjustments being identified. Possible revisions to be considered by the new Chapter in 2021
Parish Nurse - Search Committee (S. Dibblee chair) is at work. A next step is finalizing and posting an advertisement for the half-time staff position as soon as possible
Committee and Group Reports - thanks to all for attention to annual reporting. The 2021 Annual Report has been circulated.
Nominating Committee - a current version of the report to the Annual was circulated. Last-minute adjustments in a final version circulated for the Annual Meeting, new nominations up to the time of election
Decision
Financials - 2020 reports including Review Engagement presented by Kendra Patrick and approved for presentation to the Annual Meeting. 2021 Budget approved for presentation
Invested Funds - Agreement between corporations and the Synod regarding participation in the Diocesan Consolidated Investment Fund, as an investment tool of choice, moving to Diocesan Regulation 5-3 from individual contracts. No substantial changes. Motions carried
2021 Nominating Committee - member nominations recommended
Discussion
Annual Meeting - 1) In-person (by signup), 2) observe by live stream 3) Zoom video conference option. See details in the normal Friday email.
Reports
Treasurer - Brief overview of January month-end and Proposed Budget.
Property - Heritage Standing update of 2016 report on Cathedral maintenance on-going
Christian Formation - “Ad - LENT - ures” opportunities for Lenten study and reflection complete with all encouraged to participate
Mission and Outreach - progress on Housing First Project - construction expected by summer 2021. Monday morning last Mondays
Finance and Administration - stewardship team hopes to continue progress on narrative budget. Mike Toole has resigned as committee member, Stewardship Team Chair and Cathedral Safe Church Officer
In-person worship at the Cathedral will resume and Memorial Hall will reopen to the public. Office hours are 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon, Monday to Friday.
Pandemic precautions outlined in the latest revision of the Cathedral Pandemic Operational Plan (20 January 2021) will be followed. These include:
Worship gatherings are limited to 50 individuals
Meetings are limited to 25 individuals
2 metres of physical distance between bubbles is required
Face masks are mandatoryindoors and out at all times (with an exception for “performers or officiants whose activities require vocalization” while maintaining 4 metres of physical distance between bubbles)
Please note that during the Orange Level, we are strongly encouraged to limit contact outside of single household bubbles, especially in confined spaces. Please continue to pray for those who are at risk and those providing care and helping to keep us safe.
Worship reservations
With current limits of individuals, worship reservations are required. Reserve online by visiting Cathedral Signups by 8:00 p.m. on the previous day. Telephone reservations are needed in real time (not by voicemail). If reserving by telephone, please contact the Cathedral Office (506) 450-8500 during office hours, 9:00 a.m. - 12 noon, Monday to Friday.
Bishop and Chapter met 18 January 2021 by video conference with 11 of 14 members present. The Dean provided in advance an article “When the Mission Changes” (Dan Hotchkiss). Discussion included the value and necessity of our congregation understanding our true mission as God's church and challenges in involving broad-based engagement. Minutes of 14 December 2020 were adopted.
From the Dean
• continuing in the Orange alert level of pandemic recovery
• no hospital or home visits by telephone contacts when possible
• no care facility Communions (Farraline/Windsor Court) in current alert level. Communion at Farraline Place 22 December
• various meetings with Chapter committees and other groups
• worship attendance - Blue Christmas (21 December) - 11; Christmas Eve - 175; Christmas Day - 34
• CBC Information Morning interview 18 January
• annual discussion with accountant re Review Engagement
• Synod office(s) settling in at Memorial Hall
Arising
Cathedral Video equipment - required equipment not in stock. Work will proceed to acquire what’s possible and begin pre-installation
Chapter By-Law - possibility for adding past lay chair position on hold for the moment as recommended by Chapter Executive
Decision
Parish Nurse - K. Snow resignation as of 31 January 2021 noted. Unanimous recognition of the difficulty/impossibility to replace Kathleen Snow. Chapter directed the Health and Pastoral Care Committee to proceed to create a search committee, Sally Dibblee chair.
2021 Budget - current draft discussed, received and recommended
Discussion
Annual Meeting - scheduled for Sunday, 21 February 2021. Streamlined, time economical agenda. Immediately following worship in the Cathedral. Virtual options to be explored if necessary.
Nominations - one member Bishop and Chapter still required. Chapter’s assistance requested
Reports
Treasurer - December 2020 financials were provided and briefly discussed. 2020 giving was down, expenses also reduced. Note extraordinary elements including Wage Subsidy allowing revenue to slightly exceed expenses. 2020 review engagement in process
Property - continuing work with Heritage Standing to determine short and long-term property goals. Bishop’s graves to the east, choir steps and stained glass window ventilation are current first priorities. Large basswood at west door removed by the City on 07 January - wood shared with indigenous carvers
Christian Formation - Taizé and Godly play continue virtually. Youth Group suffers from online gathering. Lenten programming considered
Communications - meeting reviewed current web content and Facebook maintenance. February 2020 survey results will be studied
Health and Pastoral Care - main emphasis is parish nurse vacancy Hospital visits are not possible during current pandemic alert level
Welcome and Hospitality - no specific actions during pandemic restrictions
Mission and Outreach - St. Hilda’s Belize end of year $1000 support transferred. Monday outreach continuing as best as possible on the last Monday of the month
Finance and Administration - no meeting since December. Presentation of narrative budget may not be possible with modified meeting format
Upcoming
• Annual Reports due 31 January
Next Meeting
16 February 2021, Annual Congregational Meeting - 21 February 2021
Basswood on Cathedral grounds gains new life with carvers
When a 2020 summer storm struck and felled a large basswood on the east end of the Cathedral Green, Christ Church Cathedral congregation member and former forester Eric Hadley volunteered to step in and help with cleanup.
Unlike many large trees felled by wind storms, Eric saw that the roots of this tree had remained firmly planted while the tree trunk itself had snapped.
Closer examination revealed considerable rot within the tree. This outwardly strong-looking basswood was a bit of a disaster waiting to happen. And along came Mother Nature and her winds providing just that disaster!
Since there are other Tília Americana (basswood) trees on the Cathedral property, it seemed like a good idea to check for any signs of visible rot and potential for damage to the Cathedral building itself.
Sure enough, just outside the west end (main) door and directly in line with the stained glass window over that door, stood another big old basswood showing what Eric believed to be signs of rot.
a legacy for future generations
When Eric brought in Mike Glynn, assistant manager of Parks and Trees and city forester for the City of Fredericton, he confirmed the diagnosis and advised that this old beauty posed considerable risk to the building. He recommended it be removed.
Enter Calvin Thompson, manager of First Nations relations, City of Fredericton. Calvin contacted Cathedral officials to see if there would be an interest in offering the wood to the St. Mary’s First Nation community.
The answer was a resounding yes! Renowned indigenous woodcarver Percy Sacobie was delighted to accept the offer. Basswood has long been the wood of choice for indigenous carvers, coveted for its featureless, fine-grained, white wood that doesn’t splinter or chip easily.
Percy Sacobie, woodcarver, Mike O’Brien, Mayor, Eric Hadley
In addition, Bob Clowater of the Fredericton Woodcarvers group was interested in obtaining some of the wood for their 17 members who meet twice a week at the Johnson Street Seniors Workshop.
And thus, this venerable old tree, Tília Americana, will leave a legacy for future generations. It may no longer stand guarding those ancient Cathedral walls, but it will not be relegated to the wood chipper or the furnace!
Its God-given artistic form will be transformed into man-made artistic forms by New Brunswick woodcarvers and enjoyed for years to come.
As referenced in the Dean's Pastoral Letter for Christmas 2020, the true cost of the current pandemic is yet to be calculated. The issue of many in our society attempting to navigate the economic realities should be important to us all. Please pray for those affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
On 18 December the Dean of Fredericton signed the letter below addressed to New Brunswick Premier Blaine Higgs and Minister Wilson.
Re: Support New Brunswick’s Tenants During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Dear Premier Higgs and Minister Wilson,
We, the under-signed non-profit organizations and grassroots advocacy groups working in the areas of
housing, poverty, employment, and human rights, are writing to request government action to offer
support for tenants in New Brunswick during the COVID-19 pandemic. As a group of organizations with
expertise in housing and closely related issues, we are providing the following:
1) a summary of the challenges facing tenants in New Brunswick,
2) a list of pandemic-related recommendations for your consideration, and
3) a discussion of some of the benefits for New Brunswickers that these measures can produce. As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, other provinces have offered similar support for tenants and we request that the government of New Brunswick consider doing the same.
The Challenges
As the COVID-19 crisis continues, greater support for tenants in New Brunswick is urgently needed.
Even before the pandemic, tenants in New Brunswick were facing significant challenges. The Canadian
Rental Housing Index 1 shows that 36% of renter households in the province are living in unaffordable
housing, with 14% living in situations of severe unaffordability. At the same time, the New Brunswick
government has reported that across the province vacancy rates dropped while tenant shelter costs
rose 14% between the last two censuses 2. In this same timeframe, the median tenant income increased
by only 11% ($29,769 to $33,226). Homeowners in the province, however, experienced the inverse,
with median income growing by 13.8% ($62,602 to $71,259) and shelter costs by only 9.9%. 3 Simply
put, tenants in the province, as a group, have less of a financial reserve to draw on during periods of
hardship. This hardship is experienced disproportionately by lone female parents, people with
disabilities, and Black and Indigenous people and People of Colour. The pandemic will only continue to
exacerbate these challenges.
In addition to the concerning trends represented by these statistics, anecdotal evidence of a rental
housing crisis is in the news and on social media, with tenants reporting monthly increases in rents of
upwards of 50% at a time, amounting to hundreds of dollars per month. Faced with these new and
unanticipated costs, it is foreseeable that many tenants will be forced to seek lower-priced
accommodations at a time when there is an extreme shortage of affordable rental stock. There is also
the risk that tenant relocation due to dramatic rent increases will require tenants to move out of their
neighbourhoods and further away from their places of employment, thereby disrupting access to their
support networks and necessities such as public transportation and childcare.
While we recognize that average rent and utility costs in New Brunswick may be lower than the national
average in absolute numbers, so too is the average income of New Brunswick tenants. When
compared to the national average, tenants in New Brunswick are spending approximately the same
percentage of their income on rent and utilities and face similar rates of unaffordable housing. 4 Tenants
in New Brunswick, therefore, need support similar to that provided in other jurisdictions.
Our Recommendations
We are calling on the provincial government to immediately implement the following support for
tenants:
1. Introduce a 2% cap on rental increases for existing tenants until a vaccine has been
successfully rolled out and the entire province of New Brunswick has been moved into the
Green Phase.
This will ensure that tenants remain housed at a time of income uncertainty. It will also allow
tenants to budget effectively at a time when New Brunswickers are often forced to miss work
due to symptoms of or risk of exposure to COVID-19.
2. Make this 2% rent cap retroactive to September 1, 2020, and allow tenants to apply any
ensuing rent credits to arrears and/or future rental costs.
3. Re-establish a moratorium on evictions until the entire province returns to the Green Phase.
Since June 1st, 2020, New Brunswickers have been without any kind of eviction protection
despite the economic hardships brought on by COVID-19 and the now well-established
relationship between homelessness and vulnerability to COVID-19. As the second wave of the
virus continues to hit Canada hard as winter begins, it is essential that New Brunswick tenants
have a secure place to live where they can limit contacts, self-isolate if necessary, and maintain
their health and well-being as we weather this crisis together. A renewed moratorium on
evictions would support public health efforts to stop the spread of COVID-19.
4. Fund a rent bank that provides tenants in financial need with non-repayable grants or interest-
free loans to cover their rent OR implement a rental subsidy program similar to that put in
place by the government of Prince Edward Island at the beginning of the pandemic.
A rent bank will limit rental arrears and forestall evictions for unpaid rent during the pandemic
following the end of any moratorium on evictions. More broadly, a rent bank will support the
provincial government’s stated commitment to “timely access to affordable, safe and adequate
housing options that meet individual needs and promote healthy and inclusive communities.” 5
One model is the BC Rent Bank, with funding provided by the provincial government. 6
We also request that in the new year, before March 31st, 2021, the government take the following
actions:
1. Roll-out the Canada–New Brunswick Housing Benefit that is part of the Canada–New
Brunswick bilateral agreement under the National Housing Strategy.
As part of the National Housing Strategy, “the federal government committed to introducing a
new $4 billion dollar Canada Housing Benefit that would provide affordability support directly to
families and individuals in housing need.” 7 While other provinces have taken the opportunity to
implement housing benefits for low-income renters (e.g. Nova Scotia, Ontario), New Brunswick
has not yet done so. However, there are provisions for the implementation of this benefit for the
2020–2021 fiscal year in the bilateral agreement (see Schedule B). 8
2. Establish a New Brunswick Affordable Housing Commission
The commission will support the implementation of the provincial housing strategy and will
identify and contribute to the establishment of promising practices for the purpose of addressing
housing challenges in the immediate post-COVID-19 context.
The Benefits of Taking Action
Improving support for tenants during the pandemic will serve as both a response to the numerous
financial hardships brought on or exacerbated by the pandemic and will support the continued efforts of
public health to stop the spread of COVID-19 in New Brunswick. Offering tenants greater support will
also safeguard the pre-pandemic work done by government and non-governmental stakeholders alike
on affordable housing, community development, and homelessness 9 from the economic hardships
COVID-19 has caused. Similar measures have been taken by the governments of other small
provinces, such as Nova Scotia, and larger provinces, like Ontario and British Columbia. We therefore
hope that the government of New Brunswick will implement our recommendations as part of its ongoing
commitment to maintaining New Brunswick’s position as a leader in the fight against COVID-19.
Thank you in advance for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Those signing on behalf of community organizations
Bishop and Chapter met 14 December 2020 by video conference with 11 of 14 members present. The Dean lead some reflection on “How to Shine Your Light for Christ - So how exactly do you shine?” – practical tips. Members added additional insights. Minutes of 16 November 2020 were adopted.
From the Dean
• Cathedral Pandemic Operational Plan was revised 01 December 2020 to accommodate the NB Orange Level of Recovery
• in-person staff meetings continue. Sexton Ashley Swim 30 November
• consultation with the Diocesan synod regarding temporary facility sharing
• work completed on a proposal to equip the cathedral with video equipment for better live streaming in the future (December project)
• Cathedral committee meetings as possible
• diocesan meetings including Diocesan Council, Finance Committee, Creation Matters, and Fredericton deaneries’ clericus
• brief report on Christmas worship schedule
Decision
• Stipend and Salaries - In 2021: Cathedral staff 2% cost of living;. Dean’s Stipend $59,708 ($15,786 above minimum stipend scale)
• Cathedral Video Equipment Project - acceptance of a proposal to purchase ($12,000 by the end of this calendar year) and install equipment for improved video live streaming and recording. Contributions to the Project (labelled “audio/visual”) are invited
Discussion
• 2021 Budget - draft discussed. Challenges will include some reduction in offerings during the pandemic and no future government subsidies ($52,000 in 2020)
Reports
Treasurer - In November operations income exceeded expenses by $11,711. Diocesan Shared ministry contribution not owing in November due to reduced diocesan expenses year to date. Cathedral Shared Ministry reduced by $1000 per month in 2021. No further federal grants (Canadian Wage Subsidy) expected in December or in into 2021
Property - An initial meeting of the Restoration Committee was held C. Ferris chair). Several repair items: Bishop’s graves, choir room steps, window ventilation. Security camera system under review and awaiting proposal. New sexton 30 November. Heritage Standing to update 2016 report at a cost of up to $4000.
Communications - Coordination of advertising for Christmas. A next Cathedral Connections in the new year.
Health and Pastoral Care - meeting of Health Ministry before Christmas is expected. Health Ministry budget received
Worship - no recent meeting. Presentation of the Video Project proposal
Welcome and Hospitality - no events and little committee activity during the pandemic
Mission and Outreach - $1000 funding for St. Hilda’s School (Belize Missions) will be transferred in the next couple of weeks. Monday morning programme (Outreach) continues on the last Monday of the month in a modified format. Missions Committee needing members
Finance and Administration - hiring of sexton complete. Follow up with Treasurer on 2020 review engagement management letter recommendations. Stewardship Team: “narrative budget” for 2021
Nominating Committee - interim report. Good progress being experienced on acquiring nominations for positions opening in 2021. Further nominations welcome
Upcoming
• Blue Christmas - 21 December, 7:00 p.m.
• Christmas Eve - 4:00, 8:00, 11:00 p.m. Christmas Day - 10:00 a.m.
• New Years Day - 11:00 a.m.
Next Meetings
18 January 2021, 16 February 2021
21 February 2021 Annual Congregational Meeting
Since March 2020 the Cathedral has provided a combination of video recording and live streaming Sunday worship. Live streaming Sunday and special worship events are well ‘attended’ with the number of views this fall ranging between 50 and 75 per service. The November worship during Covid orange had 117 views and the fall ordination had 146. Comments and feedback indicate that the streaming is very much appreciated by those who do not attend every week (allowing others a chance to attend with the 50 or 80 maximum) and those who do not feel comfortable worshiping in person. The live streams keep Cathedral people engaged, nourished, and feeling a part of the church community.
This is an investment in the wider Cathedral community and an outreach tool
We believe that video streaming should be part of the Sunday routine in the future, recommend that and request the funding for purchase and installation. This is an investment in the wider Cathedral community and an outreach tool that will appeal to those not currently part of a church family. To date, we have used a web camera and computer belonging to Peter Jacobs. Video editing, when it has occurred, again has used personal computers. There has been a steep learning curve regarding pricing and determining the specifics, but it has been successful, and we have used what we have learned to create this proposal. We want to proceed quickly in order to provide a higher quality solution which will be simpler to provide as soon as possible. To date Peter Jacobs and Kirsten McKnight have been operating the live stream, but we would add to those numbers and create a sign-up category to ensure each event is covered.
With a new Church year upon us! ...
Why not add something to your devotional life to mark a fresh start?
Listen to Christian Formation Director Kurt Schmidt talk about opportunities for ADVENT-ure
Choose from the following list of diverse opportunities on the Advent weekdays to deepen your prayer or study—you’re encouraged to add at least one new ADVENT-ure to your schedule!
MONDAYS
“Shopping for a Messiah” series with Bishop Bill Hockin and friends. Video talks made available beginning at 12:00 Noon each Monday. Details at billhokin.ca.
TUESDAYS
Short guided meditation on the upcoming Sunday Gospel in the tradition of Ignatian contemplation (imaginative prayer), 5:30-6:00 pm on Zoom. Link through the Cathedral Calendar or from Kurt Schmidt.
WEDNESDAYS
“Advent of the Heart” series—an in-person study of some of the Advent meditations of Alfred Delp, heroic German priest and martyr of the 20th century. Cathedral Memorial Hall Lounge, 6-7pm. Sign up with Kurt to access the preparatory reading materials.
THURSDAYS
Virtual Taizé worship series, 5:30-6pm on Zoom. A simple and contemplative blend of prayer, song & silence. Link through the Calendar or from Kurt.
FRIDAYS
“Mini” Advent Lessons-&-Carols series—in-person and live-streamed (both) each Friday evening, 6-6:30pm, with different musical styles and singers featured:
4 Dec—Come Worship Group
11 Dec—Traditional Choir and Organ
18 Dec—Cathedral Youth Group (CYG)
Please use the Cathedral Sign-Ups platform if you would like to attend in person.
________________
Please also consider the diocesan Advent Retreat with Archbishop David, online with live teaching and guided prayer. 11-12 December (Fri-Sat), beginning at 4pm on the Friday. Register here.
The Cathedral Branch of Mothers' Union has advent wreath candles available for purchase again this year. Contact a branch member or the Cathedral office.
Questions or expressions of interest can be communicated to Kurt Schmidt <formation at christchurchcathedral.com> by phone/text to (506) 259-3711, or contact the Cathedral Office.
“Being shaken awake is entirely appropriate to thoughts and experiences of Advent. But at the same time there is much more to Advent than this. The shaking is what sets up the secret blessedness of this season and enkindles the inner light in our hearts, so Advent will be blessed with the promises of the Lord.” Fr. Alfred Delp, SJ -- December 1944
Bishop and Chapter met 16 November 2020 by video conference with 11 of 14 members present. The Dean lead reflection on an application of Matthew 25:31-40 , part of the Gospel for the following Sunday. Some related reflection on “Passing the Plate” (Smith/Emerson/Snell) regarding research on the top 4 reasons Christians do NOT give financially. Reason 3 – Christian giving may (be seen too much as?) largely benefit those who give. Minutes of 21 September 2020 were adopted. There was no meeting in October.
From the Dean
Pandemic Operational Plan 18 September. Weekly meetings of Cathedral Staff have been in person since early September. Committee and group meetings attended when possible. Work on a proposal for equipment to improve and make sustainable a commitment to live streaming worship continues. Mothers’ Union Executive installed and a Confirmation, Reaffirmation of Faith and Reception concluded the “Faith Alive” preparation programme. Outside Communions have resumed monthly at Farraline Place. Home and hospital visits by request, under current restrictions. Christmas worship schedule being considered. Use of the Memorial Hall is up with many outside groups requesting meeting space. Commitments to Diocesan Council, Diocesan Finance Committee, and Bishop’s requests (installation of Canons and Collation of Archdeacons) have been fulfilled. Consultation with our Bishop and Diocesan Synod re future office accommodations.
Decision
Diocese of Fredericton/Cathedral MOU - A draft memorandum of understanding was presented, discussed and adopted representing Cathedral openness to enter into both an offer to provide temporary accommodation for diocesan office needs and, to explore potential future opportunities to share office/programme/meeting space.
Reports
Treasurer - month-end financials for September and October. A high level summary was provided. Past federal government wage subsidies (now significantly reduced), Diocesan reduction of shared ministry for one month due to reduced expenditures, and the generous and consistent financial support of our congregation, results in our “holding our own” to date. A slight 2020 surplus over expenses may be a result.
Property - No committee meeting but several property related accomplishments and other issues are being monitored.
Health and Pastoral Care - visitation continues to be a challenge. Parish Nurse, Dean and visitors make attempts to connect and offer care.
Worship - no committee meeting. Monitoring worship needs and plans for in person worship demand and possibilities being considered.
Welcome and Hospitality - welcome and hospitality has understandably been challenged by pandemic restrictions. The Committee will contact volunteers for welcoming ministry about helping with greeter needs for worship as a current priority.
Mission and Outreach - Monday morning outreach initiatives continue on the last Monday of the month out of doors. Community Kitchen volunteer involvement is on an individual basis. The Housing First project is delayed to 2021.
Finance and Administration - office photocopier/printer and phone service upgrades have been completed resulting in cost savings. A proposal to have a security camera system replace onsite security for the Memorial Hall is under consideration. Office Administrator position filled. Sexton position filled: Ashley Swim beginning 30 November.
On Friday evening, 7:00 p.m., 20 November 2020, J. Thomas Gonder, Director of Music and Organist at Christ Church Cathedral will be in concert.
Thomas recently played a concert at the cathedral of Notre Dame in Moncton and will reprise several of the selections from that concert at the Cathedral.
There is no charge for tickets (get them here) with the hope that any and all who wish to attend are able to do so. Donations to the Cathedral Organ Renovations Fund are encouraged and welcome.
