Category Archives: News

Cutler Notes – 14 September 2019

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September 2019

Dear Friends,

Nathan and I wanted to be able to say a few words to you as we all settle into Fall and many new beginnings for us all Thank you to Geoff for accepting this for the web page.

First of all WE MISS YOU!  We spent thirty wonderful years in Fredericton and especially in and through our church/ Cathedral  community we got to know many people, shared much in many ways and received your love and care many times over. It is strange not having you all around and knowing most faces, but we look forward to seeing you again sometime. In the meantime keep up the amazing ministries that have developed over the years at the Cathedral

Our second and very important wish is for you to know how very much we appreciated your outpouring of kind words and generous support you “showered” on us as we left Fredericton so quickly. Some folk we were unable to say goodbye to, owing to time constraints, but those whom we did see, your kindness and loving care has been an incredible reminder of who you are both individually and as a church.

THANK YOU, THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH for your generosity, your kindness and your LOVE.

Here is a quick update on some of the highlights since arriving here in Isle aux Morts.

The weather has been incredible for the most part since we arrived. Most mornings we wake to a beautiful sunrise over calm waters. We live beside a trail of 5 kms that takes you right beside the rocky shore to little coves where one can sit in the silence of the world and watch the waves and the many types of birds. Then it weaves inland over grassy banks that have been covered in wild flowers. They so remind me of “the “lilies of the fields”, for Nathan, the flower gardener, a wonderful reminder the Lord does provide in His way!  Facing the sea we can see boats in the distance; tanker’s, cruise ships and yacht’s as well as the small boats taking folk out to fish for the day. It is so peaceful ,God’s Creation at our finger tips!

Well, then there was Hurricane Dorian!! who came through Nova Scotia with a vengeance as you know and then blew mightily around us for 18 hrs. The wind and the waves and the spray over the rocks were spectacular, 124kms winds, and a 100ft wave clocked along the coast near Port aux Basques--- we are only 16kms from there so ?  The worst of the storm was at night so we could not see the waves then. Apart from losing power for two hrs we were fine. I went to sleep thinking the house is 40yrs old and still standing, it is not going to blow down tonight!

The church building did not fare so well. The wooden steps and wheelchair ramp over old concrete ones blew off completely, turned right over and landed on church land with no injuries to anyone and no extensive damage to nearby buildings. This week the church vestry met on Monday and by now –Friday morning the steps are back on with the help of carpenters lent by the town council, too many volunteers and besides all the free labour, local businesses are giving supplies to complete the work. We will be able to access the building this Sunday for worship. It is a wonderful example of community in a small town where resources are limited.

Since our ordinations July 25th to the Deaconate and August 4th to the priesthood for Nathan it has remained somewhat of a whirl wind. Nathan and I are settling down to a very new lifestyle, it seems every day is an adventure and learning curve in many different ways. We are getting to know the vestry members and also the very active ACW members, they are very highly organised!!  And do some incredible work both in isle aux Morts and Fox Roost-Margaree, our two church communities. Everyone it seems has a connection with Nathan since his place of birth, Ramea is just down the coast so much to talk of! The people here have been friendly and we look forward to getting to know them a little better  now the summer is over and we all settle down to winter.

The Lord has brought us here, at our age,it is amazing but He obviously wants us here at this point and so we trust in Him to show us His way and for us to do our best for Him and these communities. We ask your continuing prayers so that we can work in strength, wisdom and love. We remember you in our prayers and so until we meet again,

God Bless and much love

Isabel and Nathan

 

05 August 2019

A very special night last night. I have attached a few pictures. I am trusting that the whirlwind may now be over and we can settle down to move forward with the ministry of the Church. I want to say with all sincerity a "huge thank you" from my heart for the prayers and support from the Cathedral family and friends. We are both very happy here in Isle Aux Morts and will keep in touch with you all. Until the next time. Much Love

29 July 2019

[The ordination as deacons] all went so peacefully and was so spirit filled and I will send pics as soon as I find the laptop. We just arrived in IaM after a lovely free day with Andrew ad Nicholas yesterday. It was so nice to have Leith too,she kept us on an even keel beforehand when we were a bag of nerves. Once the service started it all went so well.

It is so beautiful here this evening warm 25 and no wind.

The Bishops sermon was quite lovely!

20 July 2019

[Editor] We received this note from Isabel and Nathan Cutler. Of course, we're eager to hear about where they are and what's happening. The photos are a bonus!

Hello  some of our Friends and Family,

It  has been quite a very busy time  since leaving Fredericton just 2 weeks ago -- some of you may wonder if we made it here or fallen off the earth  😉

We are staying with my twin brother Norman (Priest with Western NL) and his wife Marguerite in the Robinson's. We have had an incredible time with visiting the Parish in Isle Aux Morts which is on the South Coast -- gone 4 times to unpack and set up house. We will move there  sometime after July 25th when we will be made Deacons at the Cathedral in Corner Brook. We will stay in Corner Brook all of next week and we are delighted Nicholas, Andrew and Leith, plus many of my extended family will be at the service.

I (Nathan) will be consecrated as Priest at the Church of the "Holy Spirit" at -- Isle Aux Morts -- at 7 pm on August 4th -- after which duties will start.

Under Norman we have (Isabel and I) participated in a Committal, Baptism, a Flower service, Hymn sing and prayers at a Seniors' Home in Stephenville and tomorrow another Baptism along with 2 receptions, etc etc.

Keep us in your thoughts and Prayers especially on Thursday July 25th at 7 pm (Deacons) and August 4th at 7 pm (Nathan Priesthood) -- maybe Geoff you could include us in CCC prayers the Sunday  prior to July 25th and on the Sunday of Aug 4th. Attached are a couple of pictures of where we will be after July 30th. Much Love.

Nathan and Isabel

I just noticed the IAM -- in this case it stands for "Isle Aux Morts."

The view of the sea is taken from our front door ... wow.

Statements to General Synod 2019

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Deliberations of the proposed changes to Canon XXI on marriage were spirited and difficult. Being a change in worship, doctrine or procedure, a two-thirds majority in the three "houses" of Synod at two consecutive Synods is required. The question, when called, was carried in both the House of the Laity and the House of the Clergy and defeated in the House of Bishops. Two statements were subsequently delivered to the Synod: one from the House of Bishops and one from the Prolecutor and Deputy Prolecutor (those elected to leadership of General Synod with the Primate).

Statement of the Bishops

We, members of the House of Bishops of the Anglican Church of Canada, see the pain and anguish inflicted on LGBTQ2S+ people, on members of the General Synod, across the Church, and in the world, as a result of the work and the vote on the matter of Canon 21, concerning marriage. We see your tears, we hear your cries, and we weep with you. We have caused deep hurt. We are profoundly sorry. 
 
Although the bishops are not of one mind, we look with hope to the “Word to the Church” and its affirmations which General Synod 2019 overwhelmingly approved on Friday, July 12. 
 
We are walking together in a way which leaves room for individual dioceses and jurisdictions of our church to proceed with same-sex marriage according to their contexts and convictions, sometimes described as “local option.” 
 
Together, we affirm the inherent right of Indigenous peoples and communities to spiritual self-determination in their discernment and decisions in all matters.
 
Although we as bishops are not able to agree, in the name of Jesus Christ, we commit to conduct ourselves “with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, making every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:2-3).

15 July 2019

Statement of the Prolecutor and Deputy Prolectutor

As Prolocutor and Deputy Prolocutor we address this Synod.

On behalf of the orders of laity and clergy, we express our appreciation to the order of bishops for their message to us.

We have heard and felt and acknowledge the pain, hurt and anguish of many people in this General Synod and beyond, particularly in the LGBTQ2S+ community, their families and friends.

We celebrate the strong support of the affirmations that we adopted at this Synod, affirmations which commit this Church to inclusivity and mutual respect. We recall that the affirmations are entitled:

Indigenous Spiritual Self-determination; Diverse Understandings of the Existing Canon; Diverse Understandings and Teachings; Our Commitment to Presume Good Faith; Our Commitment to Stand Together.

We also strongly endorse the proposed actions of this Synod calling for work, in the next triennium, on our governance structures, size and composition of Synod, and planning for the future. We acknowledge that it is not only ‘what’ we do at Synod but, equally important, ‘how’ we do our work, and we confess and lament that some of the ways in which we deliberated in this session of Synod caused alienation and hurt. We look forward, therefore, to reviewing these matters before our 43rd General Synod.

We pray for God’s grace and the guidance of God’s Holy Spirit as we move forward, as we work toward living fully into these commitments.

15 July 2019

Find more detail, including video highlights at General Synod 2019

General Synod meets in July 2019

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Anglican Church of CanadaDid you know that beyond the highly visible issues being considered at General Synod this year are many more less visible but significant ones?

Some of these are the resulting reports from the enormous body of work done over several years in many areas of church life.

  • Response to the “Iona Report” is progress towards a unified vision of the ministry of vocational Deacons.
  • Many liturgical texts have been in trial use, including alternative collects, rites of gathering and confession, daily prayer and others.
  • Material supporting the Catechumenate (those preparing for initiation by way of baptism or confirmation) include liturgical rites for presentation and the welcome of inquirers, families and their children into the Church.
  • Motions will be put to receive responses to “A Common Word Between Us” laying foundations for the relationship between Christians and Muslims.

All material is available at the General Synod website

GMH

The problem with plastic

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The General Synod of the Anglican Church of Canada in 2019 will consider a motion to encourage Anglicans across the country to both curtail purchase of and, reduce reliance on, single use plastics. The proposed motion includes developing resources to assist local efforts to those ends.

Plastic is everywherePlastic products are produced from oil, a non-renewable resource. Single use plastics are those items that are used only once before being thrown away. This includes products such as plastic bags, straws, coffee stirrers, soda and water bottles, and foam food packaging such as styrofoam.

While some plastic products are recycled, most end up in landfills or in the ocean. Plastic is not biodegradable. It breaks down over a long period of time into smaller pieces; these pieces have been known to make their way into food chains and water supplies. Dramatically, in the ocean, some plastics have clumped together into large floating islands of garbage. Moreover, plastic is not easily recycled into new products and in many communities foam packaging is not eligible for recycling programs at all.

Both the fifth Mark of Mission and our Baptismal Covenant call us to strive to safeguard the integrity of creation, and sustain and renew the life of the earth. We are a long way from eliminating the use of all plastics. Choosing to reduce the consumption of single-use plastic is a step toward sustainability. The resolution seeks to respect the need for products that promote health and inclusion, while challenging us to reflect on how changes in personal habits may contribute to a reconciled relationship with the earth. (from the background on General Synod Motion A201)

Visit:
Creation Matters Anglican Church of Canada
Creation Matters Diocesan of Fredericton

Season of Creation 2019

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Season of Creation

Are you concerned about the environment? Climate change? Caring for God’s good earth? You should be!

The Season of Creation is now recognized by Christians worldwide, highlighting our stewardship responsibility to protect God’s most precious gifts. The Five Marks of Mission of the Anglican Communion (#5) and the Anglican Church of Canada’s Baptismal Covenant, name this as central to who we are as disciples of Jesus Christ.

A global movement

During the Season of Creation, Christians around the world rejoice together. We’re called to honor the Creator by loving creation and each other. This year, we’re protecting the web of life in all its variety, because each species reveals the glory of the Creator.

Powerful local events

Local communities across the globe host events for the Season. Some pray, some do hands-on projects, some advocate. A dozen ideas are in the celebration guide.

An annual celebration

It begins on 01 September and ends on 04 October, the feast day of St. Francis. The suggested theme for 2019 is “the web of life.” One million species are threatened by the current lifestyle of human inhabitants of the earth. Solving this challenge serves the Creator of all.

 “Season of Creation” at anglican.ca
Season of Creation at greenchurches.ca

2019 Fall start up dates

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Christ Church Cathedral Fall 2019 Start-ups

Most activities and programmes at the Cathedral take a summer break.
Here is at least some of what should be happening in the Fall of 2019

Guild of St. Joseph (1st Tuesday) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tuesday, 03 September
Taizé Worship (1st and 3rd)  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Thursday, 05 September
10:30 Worship and Corn Boil (once)   . . . . . . . . . . . Sunday, 08 September
Youth Group (weekly). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sunday, 08 September
Yoga (weekly) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Monday, 09 September
Paper Bag Singers (2nd and 4th) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Monday, 09 September
Chair Yoga [Formerly Fit Club] (weekly)    . . . . . . . Tuesday, 10 September
First Aid Refresher Training (once)      . . . . . . . . Wednesday, 11 September
Godly Play (2nd and 4th Sundays) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sunday, 22 September
Dementia Support Group (3rd Thursdays)     . . . Wednesay, 18 September
ALPHA (13 weeks). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Wednesday, 25 September
Family Faith Fiesta . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sunday, 20 October
Confirmation/Reaffirmation Classes  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . TBA
Charis Groups   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . TBA

To what is God calling you?
There’s lots to do at the Cathedral and the community needs you!


If you have interest in

Servers’ Guild, Sanctuary Guild, Verger’s Guild, Guild of St. Joseph,
Lucy’s Sewing Group, Anglican Church Women, Mothers’ Union, Choirs,
Matters Rug Hooking,Quilters, Prayer Network, Lectors, Intercessors, Greeters,
Worship Welcomers, Outreach Drop-in, Housing First Project for the homeless,
Reading the Daily Office, Administration at Communion, Stewardship,
Baptism Preparation, Sacramental (baptism/confirmation) mentoring
or any one of the eight ministry areas of our community life
under the leadership of members of the Bishop and Chapter

Visit the “Groups and Community” tab –> “Groups and Committees detail”
to find out who to talk to OR contact the Cathedral Office

Online detailed schedule

Bishop and Chapter News – June 2019

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Bishop and Chapter met on Monday, 17 June 2019 with nine of a usual twelve members present. In the absence of the Chair, Canon Charles Ferris was in the chair. Minutes of the 13 May were adopted. The Dean led a brief review of the Christian doctrine of the Holy Trinity. A video clip of a Q&A with Christian apologist Ravi Zacharias was viewed.

Business Arising

  • Housing First Initiative - Penny Ericson visited the meeting. The Fredericton Housing First Services has made a request for proposals to which the Cathedral has responded. Estimated time line is completion November 2019. We now await confirmation of acceptance
  • Giving Policy - most recent draft presented. The Policy includes Appendix of established funds, Gift, and Gift in Kind Information Forms.

From the Dean

The usual reporting on routine ministry commitments. Items of note: continue to work towards resolution to the need for a Verger; there is need for an individual to take the position of Cathedral Treasurer – perhaps the Nominating Committee needs to be engaged?; recognitions of retiring individuals and new ministry of Deacon Debbie Edmondson on 23 June; request for the Cathedral to meet with representatives of a current Visioning Committee from Wilmot United Church; absence during up-coming General Synod 09 - 17 July.

Decision

  • Housing First - motion carried to proceed with three home proposal, property corner of Albert and Regent. Cathedral Housing First Committee Terms of reference adopted, P. Ericson, Chair
  • Giving Policy - approved as submitted by Administration and Finance Committee. Giving Policy available from the Cathedral website.
  • Recognitions - the Chapter noted the retirement of our Envelope Secretary and Verger and the departure of Isabel and Nathan Cutler voting letters of thanks to all

Reports

  • Treasurer -may unrestricted income: $36,952 May expenses $56,583. May deficit: ($16,377). Half HST charity refund for 2018 received
  • Health and Pastoral Care - word of Cutler’s departure. Training for AED usage being planned. B. Toole and D. Radford co-ordinating Helping Hands. Hospital visitors meet later this month.
  • Property - Odell House sale in process. Awaiting repair of Cathedral west door asphalt entry. Breach in steeple roof has been viewed by drone and a plan for its remediation is in process
  • Hospitality and Welcome - 23 June “Picnic and Pies” planning continues. There is need for task teams to assist. Welcomers continue to be needed for Sunday mornings
  • Administration and Finance - giving policy submitted. Records management project coming to completion. A stewardship task group is working towards strategy(ies) for improving our current circumstances - Mike Toole is the chair. Safe Church training under consideration
  • Christian Formation - recent meeting compiled a list of start-up dates for the Fall. Continuation of current programming with some new initiatives on the horizon including an opportunity for confirmation / reaffirmation of faith
  • Communications - door hanger invitations for 23 June to be delivered in the neighbourhood this coming week. Appeal for material for the Cathedral website to keep its content fresh and inviting. JoyFM will likely partner for the September corn boil

Up-coming

Next meetings: 16 September; 21 October; 18 November; 16 December

Fabrics, falls and frontals: the Cathedral displays works of eccesiastical art

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Fabrics, Falls and Frontals

G. MacKnight PHOTO

It began with a query from someone in a parish in the diocese: Do you ever exhibit all the needle-work Christ Church Cathedral has?

That query came to fruition on April 13 when dozens of people came in to view all that was on display: “the fabrics, falls and frontals that grace pulpit and altar,” as the Cathedral bulletin announced.

The Cathedral’s Anglican Church Women hosted the event, with guides, the Rev'd Canon Pat Drummond, a skilled fabric artist, and verger Hank Williams, giving information to curious visitors.

The many years of work illustrate the signs and symbols of the faith, and “the variety of stitches used that enhance these magnificent ecclesiastical hangings – some of which date to the 19th century.

Lucy’s Sewing Group members were on hand to explain the work behind the altar linens on display. This group meets weekly to work and chat and many work at home on their needlework for the Cathedral and other projects. Refreshments were appreciated by those who dropped by for an enjoyable afternoon admiring the many works of art.

Dean's note:
Lucy's Sewing Guild continues today in memory of Lucy McNeill, a skilled, energetic and passionate proponent of eccesiastical art expressed through church fabric art.

Our verger retires: after eighteen years of faithful service

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Hank Williams

Hank Williams dressed in a cassock, verger's (grey) chimere and verge

In June of 2001, I was approached by Dean Keith Joyce at Christ Church Cathedral to take over the post of verger. I have been in the job now for 18 years. Let me tell you a bit about it.

I chose Christ Church Cathedral as my spiritual home in 1979. In 1980, I became a member of the choir. For the next 21 years, that was my role in worship. It was a wonderful experience as it deepened, even more, my love of church music and the role it plays in worship.

The Dean said that due to my having been in the choir, I was familiar with what to do in procession, so he asked me if i’d like to take the job. I hesitated a bit as it required my operating the sound system, among other duties.

I had already accepted to train and supervise the summer tour guides the year before, after having retired from teaching, so I dove into the deep end of the pool and have never looked back.

It has been a job full of satisfaction and more than a few amusing incidents. The duty of the verger at the Cathedral has consisted of three main duties: setting up for all services, preceding the Dean in procession, and training and supervising the guides.

The bulk of the work is in the preparation of the building for services. These include eucharists, prayer services, weddings, funerals, and opening, closing and supervision of the space for concerts, and so on.

I chose the job as verger to be able to serve God through serving my fellow Christians

Over the years, tasks have been added, but usually by my own choice, as it is a joy to serve the members of the groups as well as the congregation in whatever way I can. I might also have been the first man on the altar guild!

Just what is the origin of the word “verger?” It comes from the word “verge,” from the Old French "verge" which derives from the latin "virga" or “twig.” The "verge" is a rod I carry in procession to protect the Dean from, God forbid, being killed by anyone (Anglicans love tradition!). I have yet to have to per-form that duty!

I believe the French word is "bedeau," a word similar to the Middle English “beadle,” which was a nightwatchman in mediaeval England.

The term "sacristan" is usually used by Roman Catholics and the Hebrew word "shamas" in Judaism in the synagogue.

I chose the job as verger, as mentioned, to be able to serve God through serving my fellow Christians. It has proven the best thing I could ever have done. The motto of the North American Vergers’ Guild, of which I am a member, is “service in worship and worship through service,” a perfect expression of what vergers do. I turned 70 in December and while 70 isn’t that old nowadays, I find the job is catching up with me physically. For that reason, I am retiring as of June 30, while it is a job I dearly love and hate leaving. I have asked for assistance but no one has yet to come forth, either for the job or to join any sort of guild which we could set up and which I would train.

I was once told by a licensed layreader that my job description sounds very much like what they do in parishes so it is possibly no wonder why there seems to be no other vergers in the diocese.

Our first Cathedral verger was Thomas Wandless (a somewhat curious name for one who carries a wand?) in the mid-1800s, and I hope not to be the last and, that the post will be carried on. I personally know that God indeed does hear prayer, so I will retire in the sure knowledge that the tradition of Cathedral verger will surely continue.

Hank Williams

A version of this article appeared in the New Brunswick Anglican, June 2019

Dean's note:

Hank has provided faithful service as our Verger. He will be difficult to replace. One of our challenges, is to determine the difference between what are "verger duties" and all of the other tasks Hank picked up to make things run smoothly. That "running smoothly," of course, is also a duty of the verger. Godspeed, Hank.

The verge is similar to the object in parish churches known as a "warden's wand." Many Cathedral verger duties (including maintaining order in worship) involves that for which churchwardens, in our diocese, are responsible. Christ Church Cathedral, by way of By-Law, does not utilize the office of rector or churchwarden, which may well contribute to the need for the office of Verger  GMH

Bishop and Chapter News – May 2019

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Bishop and Chapter met on Monday, 13 May 2019 with eleven of a usual twelve members present. Minutes of the 18 March meeting were adopted. The Chapter read the Gospel for the coming Sunday (Easter 5 - John 13:31–35) and briefly discussed the mystery and miracle of resurrection.

Business Arising

•  Committee work plans - a reminder and encouragement to Chapter committees to complete work plans for the coming year
•  Committee minutes - a reminder that minutes in digital format for 2018 need to be sent to the Cathedral office for filing
•  Housing First Project - no specific update was available. During the following week some movement and progress is noted and TBA
•  Annual Meeting - members debriefed regarding the 24 February meeting. Anecdotal comments from various sources were shared. L. Meehan will work towards devising a tool to solicit congregation feedback on specific questions to inform planning in the future

From the Dean

The Dean offered a usual report of actions on behalf of the Cathedral and Diocese. Some specific comments about the Conference of North American Deans. A web site post summarizes the event. Planning will need to proceed promptly if outside worship is to be part of the schedule leading up to summer. Michael Frost (Five Habits) will preach on 16 June An ordination is scheduled, 23 June 2019, 4:00 p.m.

Decision

The Chapter agreed to finalize the application to the Diocesan Property Committee and to list Odell House with the chosen realtor as soon as possible. It is recommended that the lawyer handling property migrations might handle details of the property sale

Reports

•  Treasurer - in the absence of the Treasurer, the financial statements to 30 April were received, noting the deficit for April of $11,627 and year to date $39,029
•  Worship - service of healing and wholeness on 11 May with increased attendance. A meeting will be called soon
•  Health and Pastoral Care - current programmes continue as usual and expected
•  Property - Odell House sale moving forward. Cathedral west door problem needs further investigation and repair. Breach in steeple roof needs to be investigated and repaired
•  Hospitality and Welcome - committee will begin to consider special events, including upcoming potential outdoor worship opportunties. Some response to request for worship welcomers but more are needed
•  Mission / Outreach - summer Monday morning outreach once per month. Belize Alumni Dinner 25 May. Awaiting further information on Housing First initiative
•  Administration and Finance - giving policy almost complete. Records management project coming to completion. Safe Church training is being reconsidered with the help of Ecclesiastical Insurance
•  Christian Formation - work plan submitted for the Chapter’s information. Recognition of the need for more advanced planning in order to facilitate good communication and optimal participation
•  Communications - meeting scheduled for the coming week. Will consider future worship and on-going items

Up-coming

02 June - 4 p.m. Choral Evensong
14-15 June - Deep Roots - Spiritual Development Gathering
23 June - potential outside worship and church picnic on the Green
08 September - potential outside worship and corn boil

Next meeting: 17 June

GMH