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 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
Bishop and Chapter met on Monday, 18 March 2019 with seven of a usual twelve members present. Minutes of the 11 February meeting were adopted. In the absence of the Chair and Vice-Chair, the meeting elected the Dean to the chair. The Dean led members in consideration of information about the vocational diaconate as it exists in the Diocese of Fredericton with reference to the 2016 Iona Report and the status of the diaconate in the Anglican Church of Canada.
Business Arising
• Committee work plans - some committees have current plans. All encouraged to work towards the goal for their respective groups
• Committee minutes - a reminder that minutes in the sole possession of committees should be sent to the Cathedral Office for filing
• Housing First Project - S. Mayo offered an update on recent developments. Project leadership has asked the Cathedral to potentially submit a project application to facilitate available government funding. A group needs to be assembled to oversee the Cathedral’s specific housing first property ownership
• 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
Correspondence
• From the Executive Director of the National Trust for Canada with thanks for the use of our facilities and our participation in various aspects of the October 2018 Conference
• Letters of Bishop appointments of B. Greenwood and K. Percy to the Chapter
• Thanks from Kathleen Snow on congratulations re Mothers’ Union
• 2019 Town Tour Promotional information from the Calithumpians
From the Dean
Normal duties reported. A request to be made of our Bishop to appoint an individual in deacon’s orders to Cathedral ministry. Plans to attend the Conference of North American Deans 02-05 May 2019. Lenten studies continue.
Discussion
Welcoming initiative and growing the congregation - led by L. Meehan. How has our recent emphasis on welcoming been received? While newcomers obviously appreciate the opportunity to connect, regulars also note the changed atmosphere when we are intentionally welcoming. How might we continue to make this a priority with the knowledge that it could have significant impact on growth? Several thoughts were discussed. There is a specific need for more volunteers to be welcome teams at the various Sunday worship times. The conversation prompted some other ideas and possible directions.
Brief discussion by way of orientation for new members S. Mayo (Mission/Outreach) and C. Macdonald (Worship). Work plans, terms of reference and recent history would be of help
Reports
• Treasurer - in the absence of the Treasurer, the financial report to the end of February 2019 was reviewed. Expenses continue consistently $7000- 8,000 +/- over income per month so far this year.
• Worship - intent to gather a small group to discuss Easter worship. Service for Healing and Wholeness 09 March considered success
• Health and Pastoral Care - Leaving in April, Carole Hines has resigned as coordinator of Helping Hands. An automated electronic defibrillator (AED) has been purchased for the Cathedral
Up-coming
07 April, 4 p.m. Choral Evensong (Guilds of St. Joseph)
14 April - Palm Sunday and the beginning of Holy Week
21 April - Easter Day, 8, 10, and 11:45 a.m.
The Foundation supports Canadian Anglican ministry across Canada by way of the generosity of Anglicans both past and present.
“‘Us’ and ‘them’ language is difficult to apply to the Anglican Foundation,” says the Diocese of Fredericton‘s representative Clyde Spinney. “The Foundation is about spreading the generosity of Anglicans in the direction of valuable, innovative ministry across the Canadian Church.”
Leading the way in resourceful ministry for 60 years, AFC has benefited dioceses, hundreds of parishes, and thousands of Canadian Anglicans with the provision of financial support for ministry from coast to coast to coast.
AFC invites individuals, parishes, and church organizations to make an annual contribution so that it can respond generously to applicants who are engaged in ministry to serve the Canadian Church. The Foundation’s ability to support ministry is also funded by bequests, memorials and special gifts, donor-designated trusts, life insurance, and investment income.
The work of the Foundation is made possible through the devotion, generosity, and collective goodwill of hundreds of donors. The support of dedicated Anglicans of all ages makes it possible to sustain the Foundation in the ministry of generosity to the Canadian Church.
Learn more about the work of the Anglican Foundation by visiting the website. Why not consider joining the roster of membership and getting involved in something truly inspiring and imagine more?
At a recent meeting of Mothers' Union, the topic of discussion was deeply disturbing but extraordinarily eye opening! Shara Golden, the guest speaker, has been a Mother's Union member since 1991 and has served on the National Executive. Last year, she was appointed by the World Wide Mothers Union to be one of six women to participate in the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women.
Shara's background in Human Rights and Labour Relations was instrumental in leading her to her current focus on Human Trafficking and Gender Based Violence. She has been doing presentations on" Human Trafficking - Canada and the World", for chapters of Mothers Union throughout NB and NS.
As difficult as the subject is to acknowledge and to learn about, Shara says it is one that must be discussed openly and plans must be put in place to help those who are impacted by the growth and spread of this particular trade. It is reputed to be the second most profitable industry after the drug industry.
Perhaps one of the most alarming statistics quoted by Shara was that there have been 3 reported instances of human trafficking in New Brunswick. Equally alarming was the 63 reported cases in NS. Yes, the 723 in Ontario is bad, but our minds immediately focus on Toronto and we think of the large metropolitan area, where bad things happen. Right? But NB and NS??? That is, for most of us, in the realm of the unbelievable; but these are statistics that force us to sit up and look around us.
L-R: Leah Chipepa, Zambia; Rachael Anderson, MU Events and Digital Communications Manager, England; Shara Golden, Canada; Ekua Swanzy, Ghana; Beverly Jullien, MU Chief Executive, England; Felicia Yeboah Asuamah, Ghana.
An initiative known as The Clewer Initiative of the Church of England has been established and is working on strategies for detecting modern slavery and protecting its victims in the UK, where literally tens of thousands of people are living in some form of slavery having been guaranteed "a better life." Shara recounted the story of one such female who had come from a foreign country to a job which was advertised as an opportunity for one such better life. She was sent to work 16 hours a day, seven days a week for an upper middle class "Christian" family with three children and a very large house. No time off and all of the responsibility for the running of the household, this family took her to Church every Sunday where she heard over and over that "freedom is a gift of God." She was "passed on" in service to three other families before the Home Office conducted a raid and she was finally freed.
According to Archbishop Welby, people often choose not to see and thus, the initiative's hashtag became #weseeyou. Mothers Union worldwide are working with the Clewer Initiative to end slavery by 2030. The focus is on identifying resources and forming partnerships; on holding governments accountable and raising awareness.
What about Canada? In Ontario, the number of girls involved in human trafficking or the sex trade is reputed to be in the thousands. Some are as young as 12 years old. They are often runaway kids, foster kids, but also from middle class families. They all seem to share one common trait: they are looking for love and a secure and better future. One survey conducted by the Toronto Star, identified purchasers of services as coming from all walks of life - doctors, lawyers, teachers, judges, accountants, etc. Most people turn a blind eye and prefer to think "it doesn't happen in my world." Yet a Manager of Escorts/Pimp is able to earn up to $280,000 per year from one sex worker. Little wonder that young men 18-24 are seeing this as a potential career.
The law and those in the legal profession from police officers to lawyers work tirelessly to close down operations but cases are often stayed or withdrawn due to lack of evidence. The girls will not testify for fear of the repercussions promised and will not leave for the same reason. In Canada, there is a prevalence of trafficking of Aboriginal girls.
Many, many more statistics and stories were shared by Shara's but her final question to the group was "What can MU in Canada or more specifically NB do?" The Diocesan Council in NS is putting together a resolution to present to Synod this coming Spring. She left the group with a challenge to start talking about Human Trafficking and looking for ways to open disussion and become involved in being a part of working towards the 2030 goal of MU. In her words, "we have an obligation to do something." What will that something be?
The Archbishop of Canterbury, has praised the "unique and extraordinary" work of the Mothers' Union, as he commissioned the international Anglican mission agency's new Worldwide President, Sheran Harper, during a service in London's Southwark Cathedral last night (Tuesday).
I recently had the pleasure of helping to serve at the “Medley Tea” which takes place once a month on the first Thursday of every month in the Cathedral. For a few short hours, it was like being transported back to an afternoon spent in Harrod’s of London Tea Room.
Tables were set with crisp white tablecloths and colorful napkins. Candle lit centerpieces adorned each table. The awe- inspiring Cathedral interior served as a backdrop with its luxurious woodwork and stained glass. A far more elegant and inspiring interior than Harrod’s! Mrs. Medley would surely agree!
Sweets and savouries provided for the occasion by volunteers adorned every table and perhaps most astonishing was that every table was full! In spite of winter conditions here in New Brunswick when one cannot go out without coats and boots and scarves and gloves and braving icy conditions, no seats were empty. As the servers ventured forth with their teapots to replenish cups, lively conversations were taking place. Clearly, winter wasn’t going to stop this afternoon outing with old friends!
A special occasion was observed as a birthday cake was presented and Happy Birthday sung to Sharon Day!
Already I am looking forward to serving at next month’s Medley Tea and experiencing a little bit of England right here in Fredericton at our Cathedral!
If Mrs. Medley does indeed wander our beautiful Cathedral, she must eagerly anticipate the first Thursday of each month! Harrod’s, competition is fierce on this side of the Pond!
"Individually, we can't carry a tune in a paper bag. Together, we sound GREAT!" Been told you can't sing, think you can't sing? Nonsense! Anyone can sing. Choirs and singing groups for people who don't have "a golden voice" have been springing up all across the UK and Canada. And now here in Fredericton, we have the Paper Bag Singers.
This is a casual group for people of all ages who just want to belt one out and have fun singing with like-voiced people. No auditions, no commitment; join us when you can. We meet every 2nd and 4th Monday of the month, starting Monday, March 11th. Only $5 an evening. Find us online! email questions to: <paperbagsingers at gmail.com>
Hi all - the main idea here is to have fun. Our esteemed Cathedral music director, David Drinkell, will be giving us tips and hints to help us along the way - thank you David. Check out our meetup site; it costs you nothing to join the meetup group and RSVP. Spread the word; the more the merrier. Attaching a poster, should you wish to print out a few to put up in your place of work or on a local bulletin board - thanks for that if you do.
Hope to hear you all in fine voice - oh, we'll all sound wonderful!
It’s no secret that most people don’t get too excited about Annual Meetings. They can be long and they can be tedious and they can even be boring. But they shouldn’t be!
The Annual Congregational Meeting is a once a year chance to hear about what has been accomplished in the past year and the hopes and aspirations for the coming year. Read the Annual Report here.
Under the capable leadership of Lynn Meehan and the Welcoming and Hospitality Committee, the eight committees of Bishop and Chapter are hoping to make the upcoming ACM more than just an ACM.
An intentional goal has been set to bring more people out to the meeting and to have them leave looking forward to next year’s meeting! That’s an ambitious goal and to that end, some changes and additions have been made to the program.
It’s clear that one thing this congregation enjoys is a chance to share fellowship over a meal! And so, this coming Sunday, there will be a joint service at 10:30. The joint service is meant to make it easy for attendees of all three services to worship together and go directly to the Hall for lunch. No need to go home or find something to do until the meeting starts! Lunch will be a smorgasbord of the best chilis by the best chili makers (homemade vegetable soup for non-chili aficionados) and a ‘Noodle Town”, build-your-own pasta buffet for youngsters. Beef, chicken and vegetarian chili options will be available, along with sweets, hot chocolate bar (think whipped cream and other toppings), tea, coffee, juice and popcorn.
Not only do we want you to bring your children along, Kurt Schmidt, our Christian Formation director and the Christian Formation Committee, is working on a fun-filled afternoon of entertainment for them.
A focus of the meeting will be on getting to know the eight committees of Bishop and Chapter, their members, highlights of their past year’s work, and a glimpse at what they hope to accomplish going forward into 2019. We often hear congregational members say that they don’t have a clear understanding of what happens beyond Sunday services at Christ Church Cathedral. In short and lively 2 minute presentations, the Committees hope to change that! Maybe you will find a place for your skill or talent on one of those committees?
Yes, there will be “normal” ACM duties. We can’t, nor should we, avoid this portion. We need to focus on business. We need to discuss budgets. But we need to do it in the context of understanding how much our Church means to us and to those that it supports through its various ministries. So, we are hoping that you will attend, that you will read your Annual Report, that you will listen carefully to what is being done with not a lot of dollars and that you will enjoy every minute of this afternoon of fellowship.
And, by the way, did I mention that there will prizes. For example, Fredericton Tourism will have a display set up with Wellness and Family Activity information for all. You must be present to have an opportunity to win one of their “Freddy Beach Family Activity Gift Packs."
Please mark February 24th on your calendar and plan to attend what will be so much more than a typical Annual Congregational Meeting.
Introduction
Drummer and founder of the Spanish band Mägo de Oz (Wizard of Oz) 1 has been quoted on the meaning behind the name chosen for the Celtic metal band he formed in 1989. "Life is like a yellow brick road along which we travel with others as we search for our dreams."
Cathedral life is a little like that. People come and go, choosing to walk with us for a while or a long time, and during the journey we help one another be the Church. It is a privilege to call oneself Christian, perhaps most especially at a time in our western culture when so many are searching for meaning and purpose. Finding the Cathedral is relatively simple - just look up. The cross on the steeple of Christ Church Cathedral towers high above the City of Fredericton – not intended in a dominating way, but as reminder and sign pointing to where we have been and where we are going. God lives in our midst. Through the Spirit of his Son Jesus we are empowered to be more than we can be on our own. We are his Body. Our time on earth is limited and so, we are also granted the assurance and comfort that what we see is not all there is. The best is always yet to come.
Thanks
Each year I invest a few words to recognize those who so graciously walk the road with me. Christ Church Cathedral can only accomplish a purpose, a mission, in the City of Fredericton, the Diocese of Fredericton and beyond because of the many, many efforts of so many. Honourary assisting clergy play a valuable role providing sacramental ministry at times and in places where the Dean is not. Cathedral staff bring an intentional specialization of ministry to our life together. While our director of music, parish nurse and director of Christian formation are half-time positions, our ability to mission into those special areas of expertise far exceeds our real expenditure of resource required to engage them. Our office administrator and sexton facilitate a large part of the work we do together. And then there are those who minister among us for very little or no monetary compensation. Our Verger, choirs, those who work tirelessly so that we can reach out to those who need, hospital visitors, members of Bishop and Chapter and committees, readers of the daily office, servers, readers, greeters and welcomers. There are also those who quietly fill other gaps unknown and unannounced. Together we are the Church – an organized army making the Word of God visible in our community in countless meaningful ways.
Highlights
I won't attempt to comment on the detail of the variety of Cathedral accomplishments in 2018, leaving that to those closest to and responsible for them. Some highlights include: the Belize Mission trip in January/February; meaningful seasonal celebrations at Easter, Pentecost, and Christmas; the visit of Bishop Rob Hardwick as he cycled across Canada, the September corn boil, hosting a workshop of the annual conference of the National Trust (heritage Canada), celebrating the work of the Anglican Church Women in November. Reviews were conducted with Cathedral Staff in June as that becomes part of a regular annual rhythm. The November Diocesan Synod was cancelled with the news of the death of Bishop David Edwards' wife Janet. We continue to pray for our Bishop as he lives into his new reality.
Being the Cathedral Church
Above all, it is a goal I believe worth pursuing, that as the Cathedral of the Diocese we might continuously strive to be an example. The purpose statement on our web site, created by our Bishop and Chapter, is that we are: "An Anglican community for Christian leadership, worship, and mission in Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada." While leadership is important for any church, it is even more so for the Cathedral. When the Diocese (the parishes of our diocesan church) look to the Cathedral, its my hope and prayer that they see an encouraging example of how church can be. Being a building for diocesan gatherings, a place out of the cold for the Bishop's cathedra, is only part of our calling. If at the Cathedral we employ a "best practices" approach in all that we do, we can in fact provide a leadership for the Anglican Church in the Province of New Brunswick that makes us all stronger, faith-filled and a light to the world.
The Last Twelve Months
We all have things we like to do. I get satisfaction from communication. For me, that includes writing, preaching and these days, many things technological, Some of that fuels my sense of accomplishment and I never mind being engaged in those tasks, even in my "spare" time.
Day to day necessities and the expectations of many consume the lion's share of my working hours. Each year I try to identify a small number of general areas that are growing edges for me and my ministry and perhaps also for the overall life of the Cathedral. In 2016 those were: "Christian Formation," "Stewardship" and "Mission." In 2017: "Hospitality, Welcoming and Invitation." In 2018: "Invitation and Welcoming" and "Stewardship." You might only take a look around to see if we have made progress in these areas. Nothing is ever perfect or completed, but I'm pleased with a comparison between where we were, where we are and where we might be better prepared to go.
A Look Into the Future
As part of the annual pattern for members of staff, I too sat with members of the Chapter Executive who conducted an annual review with the Dean. From those conversations we rested on three areas of emphasis for the coming year: 1) Stewardship, 2) Ministry with Young Families and a 3) Focus on Facilities. All of those ministry areas have something in common: its only through a high level of co-operation and acceptance that we can progress towards a place we might rather be as the Cathedral Church in the Diocese of Fredericton. I see my role, perhaps most of all, to help move us towards that co-operation.
My leadership style pleases some and frustrates others. I don't see the role of priest as the individual who tries to fulfill every need even when that temptation is strong. To use the analogy of a wall, I see myself more as the mortar, filling in the gaps rather than being the foundation or the bricks from which the wall gets its strength. Mortar needs to be flexible. It needs to support the bricks. Mortar also needs to be in a unique relationship with the individual bricks and the whole. That is the challenging calling to which I pray I can respond.
1) Stewardship
Perhaps one of the earliest lessons I learned about leadership is the power of example. Where stewardship is concerned, my best tool is leading where I can only hope and pray others will follow. Stewardship is not fund-raising. I'm terrible at fund-raising. When I preach and attempt to teach about Christian stewardship, I see the stress on the faces of those with whom I am trying to communicate. No one relishes conversations that shine a light on how we use (or don't use) the resources we have been given. Perhaps if we were able to make progress in understanding one simple reality, it would be the most effective influence on our stewardship, both corporate and individual. Nothing is ours. Its all a gift. What we call "ours" is only on loan.
So as a first line of leadership in the area of stewardship, I strive to practice what I preach. The standard of Christian giving is the tithe. "Tithe" does NOT refer to what we give to the Lord's work. The tithe is a 10% share of what God has given to us, which we, at a minimum, make available for God's work through the church. The Bible speaks of "tithes and offerings." Biblically, offerings are the extra beyond the tithe we are moved by gratitude to give. If every Christian took even half of the tithe seriously, "we" would never be discussing money! Instead, 20% of the givers at the Cathedral provide 80% of the income.
I tithe, not to be praised, and not only because I need to lead, but also because I became convinced early on in my income earning years that it is required of me. According to Statistics Canada, the Dean's personal income puts him at the bottom of the average income category among residents of the City of Fredericton. Yet 10% places me among the top 15 givers.
So, as a spiritual leader, I'm regularly disappointed that more of our number don't put works of faith higher in their list of what's important. And that's my job. My experience is that I don't miss what I give to the Lord. I'm blessed by it. The Church may be blessed by it, but I am blessed by it! I'll continue in that because I believe that is what all Christians are called to do. And while many will wiggle and counter with queries about whether calculations are on gross income vs net, whether other charitable giving counts towards giving to the Church, argue that a tithe is an Old Testament giving model or claim to have more expenses than the normal household, none of that matters. The result is the same. The Cathedral needlessly struggles month to month to meet the minimum expenses of its planned ministry.
There are literally thousands of stewardship best practices. Planned giving (effective and cost efficient tools for both short and long-term financial planning and charitable gifts) is one and seems to be a topic we avoid at all cost. I'm thankful that we have just now assembled a group (Stewardship Task Force) to consider ways we might positively influence our stewardship formation both individually and corporately. We have everything and more than we need to get the job done. What's lacking? How might we all pull together (co-operate) to move us from where we are to where we need to be? I'll continue to encourage something different, but its only by way of that seemingly always allusive co-operation that we'll move toward a different future.
2) Ministry with Young Families
The appointment of our Director of Formation is the one most forward steps in the direction of bringing a more intergenerational approach toour whole ministry and programme package. Every generation requires attention and brings its own set of expectations. The Archbishop of Canterbury, George Cary, once said that "the church is always one generation from extinction." I'm very conscious of the concern when we look around our church family and detect at least a couple, if not three generations, not well represented in our number. Its not difficult to understand why others express concern too. It can just as easily be argued that it says something about the effective lasting effect those past hay day times had on current membership demographics.
There are many answers to the reality of what we perceive to be the challenges in our demographic distribution. First, this is 2019 not 1970. While that may be obvious, I hear comparisons being made between the present and the past. The cultural context of the 1970's is gone. Recreating the program of past days or measuring our expectations against what we may have seen as past success is not helpful. There are forces at work in the culture not part of the picture of the past. To name only a few: parents parent differently and face an entirely different set of challenges; choices are far more numerous; attention spans are much shorter. Competition for the attention of both adult and child is fierce.
A new report by The Barna Group 2 commissioned by ALPHA USA 3 entitled "Reviving Evangelism" shines an interesting light on much of what the Church is now experiencing in efforts of evangelism among younger generations. Almost half of millennial Christians believe it is wrong to share their faith with others. While they are measurably more quipped to do so, they are either opposed to or unsure about doing it. The current cultural atmosphere is that expressions of faith are too often considered judgmental. Millennials avoid being judgmental at all costs. The uphill climb in faith sharing is statistically steeper with younger generations. That's a cultural force, not just a worship or programming failure on the part of the Church. We can't swim where (or like) we did before because the water has changed. We need to know the water.
I've never considered myself being particularly gifted in ministry with youth. The older I get the more that might be so. But I will always speak for and do what I can in our creating an inclusive and welcoming atmosphere for all ages. Regardless of the Barna findings, our greatest resource for drawing younger families into our Christian community is the families that are now part of the Cathedral family. Invitation is well known to be an essential skill for growing congregations, one in which we don't show great great levels of aptitude. Natural Church Development 4 (NCD) surveys measure church health. Anglican congregations predominantly reveal their lowest score to be in the category of "passionate spirituality."
We're making better decisions about programming with younger families in mind. That's a step in the right direction. Several offerings like Godly Play, the Family Faith Fiesta and special worship events are all valuable additions to our efforts to reach out and engage the young. Ultimately, that element of co-operation is all important in the results of those efforts. You can help.
3) Focus on Facilities
The issue of making decisions on our facilities, namely the Memorial Hall and the Cathedral church itself, seems to be based in an assumption that these buildings are either too expensive or not being used to their full potential. While this issue is identified as a separate area of focus, it too is very much a matter of stewardship. The Cathedral has enormous significance both historically and spiritually. Memorial Hall has many strikes against it: its age and the need for upgrades and repairs; a minimum of usable spaces designed to current need; inaccessibility requiring many steps to reach the main level; a location that physically separates it from our worship centre. Still, as I indicated to some a little while ago, simply closing the Memorial Hall to cut expenses would indicate that we are no longer in business. Our hall is not used 100% of the time but it does "facilitate" our Monday to Saturday ministry – a long list if we take the time to count.
Heating, repair and maintenance are regarded as expenses targeted at "things" rather than "people." Our "facilities" costs are called that because they "facilitate" (make possible) ministry with people. Consider our expenses in 2018. Note that the amount spent on buildings is about 17% of total. One businessman said to me recently that he wished his business could claim such a number. Are we using both the Cathedral and the Hall to their greatest possible advantage? I expect not. Are there significant repair and maintenance needs nipping at our heels? There certainly are. Can the circle to the right, in the future, reveal more being invested outside of our ourselves (mission) than inside? I hope so. As good stewards we need to examine the possibilities and make decisions not based on emotion. Where religion and faith are concerned, emotional attachments are never far away, and that's unfortunate. We need to see with a the clearest possible vision to best match our needs and our outreach beyond ourselves with our on-going investment, not only today, but for the decades to some. While we can't begin to predict where we or the church will be in 2045, it is the mandate of the Project 2045 Task Force to carefully and knowledgeably evaluate where we are and make recommendations on action now to put us in the best possible posture for the future.
Giving patterns limit what we could really be all about, just covering or (as in 2018) not quite covering the bare minimum ministry plan. What a different picture we could paint for God if financially we all got serious about the ministry at Christ Church Cathedral – our faith expressed through our Church!
Conclusion
All in all an eventful year. Challenges are ahead. With appreciation to all for their important part in being not just a worshiping body but also the Body of Christ in so many ways, I pray that in the year to come the Lord will bless us, keep us and challenge us in his service.
Respectfully submitted,
Geoffrey, Dean of Fredericton
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!
