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
Bishop and Chapter met on Monday, 11 February 2019 with twelve members present. Minutes of the 21 January were adopted. An article, “Joyful Stewardship” by Linda Buskirk (Episcopal Church Foundation) was discussed. The Chapter agreed on the value of developing a stewardship statement to help guide a culture of joyful stewardship in the future
Business Arising
Road Home letter of intent - Cathedral intent to be involved as a partner has been expressed. Project awaiting news on federal government funding
By-Law update - completed, filed, distributed and posted to the web
Committee work plans - template created to be shared with members
Project 2045 - inaugural meeting held. Monthly meetings on the last Monday of the month will follow
From the Dean
Usual commitments maintained. Meeting re World Day of Prayer planning, chapter committees when possible, focus on annual reporting. With an intention of attending the conference of North American Deans in May, there may be a possibility of scheduling some vacation at a different time this year but will advise
For Decision
2018 Financials- Kendra Patrick (Bringloe Feeney Accounting) was in attendance to review year end reports. Following review, the draft statements were approved and, with the management letter (review engagement report) will be included in the report to the 2019 Annual. This is the second year under review engagement so processes for clarity are still being modified
2019 Budget - finalizing the budget. Questions about comparisons with 2018 budget actuals matching financials resulted in agreement on the need for some further investigation, which the treasurer will see to. regarding the accounting restricted funds used and issues of possible depreciation not recognized by budget numbers
Congratulations - to Kathleen Snow on election to the Board of Trustees of the Worldwide Mothers’ Union
Discussion
2019 Annual Meeting - plans for Annual meeting reviewed
Reports
Nominating - progress on securing nominations is difficult
Administration and Finance - Diocesan Stewardship Officer Mike Briggs met with committee to discuss a draft giving policy and stewardship in general. A stewardship task group has been created. An automated external defibrillator to be purchased
Christian Formation - review of purpose and goals of the Family Faith Fiesta, “Do I Have to Kneel” event reported on website
Communications - continue with facilitating committee reports for Annual, maintaining social media and web communications
Welcoming and Hospitality - pilot of welcome initiative struggling for signups for welcomers. Taking the lead in planning for Annual meeting event
Property - Odell House sale preparation. An issue with the boiler at the Cathedral is being identified
Mission/Outreach - Monday morning dropin continues. Belize scholarships being administered. Dessert and Games 17 February to support Belize scholarships
The Canadian Mothers' Union Biennial Conference was held at the Villa Madonna Retreat House in Rothesay, NB on November 16-18,2018. Neither snow, nor ice pellets, nor freezing rain could keep all of the registered participants away! Some of us arrived a day early to get ahead of the storm and others arrived a day later in its aftermath. The snow on the tree branches on Saturday morning created a picture of a glistening winter wonderland. The grounds at the Villa Madonna are truly majestic in every season and it was the perfect venue for this gathering.
Our conference program on Friday evening was a moving presentation by VP Shara Golden on the topic of gender-based violence, both around the world and here in Canada. The stories and statistics she shared with us were both disturbing and haunting.
UN Women reports that 4.5 million people worldwide are victims of forced sexual exploitation and that 98% of these are women. More than 700 million women alive in the world today were married as children. The organization USAID states that 60 million girls are sexually assaulted at or on their way to school each year. According to the Family Violence Prevention Fund, growing up in a violent home may be a terrifying and traumatic experience that can affect every aspect of a child's life, growth and development; the result may be post-traumatic stress disorder which may include bed-wetting or ongoing nightmares. Women who experience physical abuse as children are at a much greater risk of victimization as adults and men in this situation have a far greater (Zx+) likelihood of perpetrating abuse themselves.
Leonard Usher, Archdeacon Sarah Usher, Bishop David Edwards, and Shara Golden
The United Nations 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence is an international campaign that takes place each year from November 25 (International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women) until December 10 (International Human Rights Day). Throughout the campaign, Mothers' Union members join with others globally to raise awareness of, and to advocate for an end to, gender-based violence in all forms and in all societies.
At the conclusion of Shara's presentation, members were asked to write a prayer on a small note to attach to the Prayer Tree in the Chapel that was aglow with white mini-lights. Bishop David Edwards then led us in the service of Compline and we were all very pleased that he could join us.
On Saturday morning, President Alice Kennedy got the business meeting underway with a firm smack of the gavel. After efficiently dealing with the items on the agenda, we divided into four small groups to discuss the assigned topics which concerned our Newsletter, Website, and inclusion of Lone Members.
Past Presidents in attendance: Left to right: Margaret De Carvalho (2013-2016), Celia Dodds (2009-2012), Kathleen Snow (2005-2008), Ethel Nelson (1997-2000), Ginny McEwen (1989-1992)
Our Saturday afternoon program featured two presentations. One speaker was the Venerable Sarah Usher from Whitehorse, Yukon, who is the co-ordinator of the Northern Clergy Familes Fund. She spoke of life in the north, which included the hardships of the cold, the expense of goods from the south, and the loneliness that someone who counsels others must endure. She explained the mandate of the Council of the North and the many challenges it faces. She told us that closing churches was not a viable option for the north, as so much of the work that clergy does is outside church walls and is the result of trusting community relationships. She also shared many humorous stories of everyday life growing up in Teslin and her love for that community where she and her husband plan to retire.
Our second presenter was Shawn Branch, Parish Development Officer for the Diocese of Fredericton, who spoke to us about Christian leadership both inside and outside the Church community. His interactive delivery of valuable tips and observations was conveyed with great talent and wit and gave us all food for thought.
A Silent Auction was held on Saturday evening, which was a fundraiser for the Mothers' Union Travel Fund. This was followed by a rousing game of Mothers' Union Jeopardy. With a bag of prizes on the line for the winning team, the competitive spirit of the four teams was out in full force and the game was a big hit.
The conference closed on Sunday with a Eucharistic Service led by our Canadian Mothers' Union Chaplain, Canon Tom Stradwick. Continuing on the "getting out of the boat" theme which we first heard in his message to us at the Canadian Council installation in Riverview, NB in May of 2017, Canon Tom again extended the challenge to us, reminding us that we are called to get out of the boat, be on the water, take risks, and venture out to share God's
message with the wider world. This supported our conference theme which was "Our God is on the Move." The offering at our closing service was in support of the Northern Clergy Families Fund.
Our next gathering for Canadian Mothers' Union members Canada-wide will be our National Conference which is slated to be held in Fredericton, NB in the spring of 2020.
Susan Colpitts-Iudd
and Bonnie Greenwood
from the Mothers' Union National Newsletter - Autumn 2018
Bishop and Chapter met on Monday, 21 January 2019 with ten of a usual twelve members present. Minutes of the 17 December meeting and notes from the 14 January were adopted. The Dean offered some reflections on the church liturgical year and specifically the Feast of the Presentation (Candlemas), reading from Luke 2:22-38.
Business Arising
• Road Home letter of intent - no update
• By-Law update - the December 2017 version will be modified with nominating committee details
• Lower hall floor - repair completed
• Committee work plans - most committees working toward finalizing
• Thanks to E. Saunders - thanks have been communicated
• Letter of thanks - template for letter to large gift donors TBD
• Welcoming - Chapter members encouraged to assist by signing up to be welcomers. Spots have been added for welcomers on Sundays
From the Dean
Usual commitments during the past month both Cathedral and diocesan. Christmas attendance about 550. Many to do’s at this time of year with year end requirements: annual returns, reporting. Working toward further clarifications and simplification of financial reporting. Committees and groups asked to submit 2018 minutes or notes
For Decision
• 2019 Budget - the current draft was accepted with minor revisions. Most committees have reduced amounts in an attempt to balance income and expenses. Based on 2018 revenue, a significant deficit would seem likely in 2019.
• Project 2045 - task force to address the future of the Cathedral and Memorial Hall, terms of reference and membership adopted
Discussion
2019 Annual Meeting - Hospitality/ Welcoming and Communications proposed a plan for a new format annual meeting on 24 February. One 10:30 a.m. worship followed by a luncheon, meeting to begin at about 1:00 p.m.. Committees all asked to provide 2 minute presentations on 2018 accomplishments and a look ahead to 2019. Chapter agreed and will support the plan.
Reports
• Nominating - nothing to report
• Administration and Finance - meeting with the Diocesan Stewardship Officer soon. Records management and giving policy projects continuing
• Christian Formation - Cathedral revealed event 27 January. Strategic planning will form the framework of the 2019 work plan
• Communications - continuing with usual efforts with Facebook and web site
• Welcoming and Hospitality - current trial of welcoming initiative of Sundays at 8, 10 and 11:45 a.m. going well with a need for volunteers with the need for volunteers, especially at 10 am . Planning for Annual Meeting new format
• Property - proceeding with preparations to sell O’Dell House. Lower hall floor repaired.
• Mission/Outreach - programs continue. Belize Missions Dessert and Games Night 17 February. No Road Home project update
• Health and Pastoral Care - budget prepared. Meeting next week
• Worship - additional budget request for flowers and ribbons for Christmas wreaths. Need to review internal communications re memorial flower gifts
Up-coming
17 February - Belize Missions Dessert and Games night
24 February - 10:30 a.m. worship, luncheon, Annual Meeting
Next meetings: 11 February, 24 February Annual Congregational Meeting at 1:00 p.m.; 18 March
Can you step out in faith to help Fredericton’s needy?
Christ Church Cathedral supplies teams of volunteers who work at the Fredericton Community Kitchen on Saturdays year-round to help the cook at supper time. Duties include preparing and serving food, doing dishes, and cleaning up after the evening meal.
The time commitment is a mere two hours – from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m. – and each team is assigned 13 Saturdays annually. Depending on the size of your team, you will not have to take part every time.
Jason Parsons is co-ordinating the cathedral's efforts for this worthwhile cause.
“I'm busy with my work and my three children, but it's a small commitment of time,” he said. “It really gives all of us a chance to be the hands and feet of God in our city, and the people who come for supper are so grateful for the work we do.”
If anyone is interested in joining a team, Jason can be reached at 455-9638 or jayparsons at rogers.com
Experience isn't necessary, and the work isn't hard. You might be peeling potatoes, buttering rolls, making juice, cutting pieces of pie, scrubbing pots, putting away clean dishes, and so on.
“One of our longtime volunteers told me that, too often, church can be about money and politics, not about helping people. He likes giving back in this way as a form of mission,” Jason said.
He also wanted to heartily thank all those who volunteered during 2018. “Some people have been faithfully helping out for many years,” he said. “It's greatly appreciated.”
As I write this, I am perfectly aware that I probably have no idea what I am talking about. With press deadlines, I am sitting at my laptop two weeks to the day since Janet died.
Please don’t stop reading. This is not going to be an emotional piece outlining my grief, but it will inevitably touch on my thoughts as I try to reframe my life in the light of unwanted
circumstances.
I believe it was St. Jerome who, when he was on his deathbed, called his family members to his side, because he wanted them “to see how a Christian should die.”
In tribute to Janet, I want to say that she showed me how to do that. Great courage, a little fear and much hope. It was a brave death, trusting in the promises of Jesus.
As a New Year dawns, it will be the first time since 1977 that Janet has not been in my life. In truth, this is in so many ways an unwanted newness. Yet it is something which must be embraced. For all of us, the continuities of former days impact our ability to move into the things which lie ahead.
Consider the disciples after the death of Jesus. In the story of Cleopas and his companion on the road to Emmaus, there is no sense of resurrection hope (Luke 24: 13ff), rather they see Jesus’ ministry as a failed messianic experiment. Further on in Acts 1, despite the “many proofs that he was alive” and his teaching about the Kingdom of God (v3), they still, in verse 6, have the expectation that Jesus is going to bring in an earthly kingdom for Israel.
They cannot see the new, because their understanding and experience of the old hides it from them.
For many of us, New Year’s bring a sense of optimism. We are going to deal with this or that part of our lives which we find burdensome, trying, or in some cases, downright dangerous. Often, habits of the past, people around us or fixed ways of thinking prevent us from following through on the intention we have or the opportunities which lie before us.
The question I have been pondering is this: what am I to do with my unwanted newness? The first thing I know is that my situation is not unknown to God. It is not his ideal for me, but because the insult of death has entered creation, it is where I am. The result is the need to discern the purpose of God in the midst of the confusion.
When we read the book of Job, we discover that God allows things rather than perpetrates them. In Job’s case it was done in order to enable a journey more deeply into the love and mercy
of God.
In a sense, it was a hard grace. So, my conclusion at this point — and it is very provisional — is that unwanted newness is about God’s gracious action in my life. Even though it is painful, I can view the matters of the past in the context of the hope for the future in order to see his grace applied in my continuing pilgrimage. That will require faith, because it feels very hard to attain at present.
I take this opportunity to wish everyone a blessed New Year.
Bishop and Chapter met on Monday, 17 December 2018 with eight of a usual twelve members present. Minutes of the 19 November meeting were adopted. The Dean lead discussion on the Gospel for Advent 4, Luke 1:39-55, the Song of Mary, highlighting its prophetic and subversive characteristics.
Business Arising
• Road Home letter of intent - being finalized for sending
• By-Law update - the December 2017 version needs to be modified with nominating committee details and signed by the Bishop
• Lower hall floor - beginning of repair to begin this week
• Hall kitchen refrigerator and freezer - installed. Refrigerator purchased; upright freezer donated with our thanks
• J. Edwards memorial - sent to Parish of Fundy and the Lakes. Letter of condolence sent to our bishop
• Thanks to E. Saunders - letter still to be sent
From the Dean
The Dean briefly reviewed the past month and pointed to up-coming events. Particular reference to the welcoming initiative underway and success of the 12 December Carol Sing
Correspondence
• ACW thanks - letter received following the Anglican Church Women Sunday, the Reign of Christ, 25 November.
For Decision
• Stipend and salaries - 2019 Diocesan scale of minimum stipends increases by 2.5% (cost of living). Dean’s stipend set at $58.824 ($16,607 above minimum) $1500 housing and $350 car replacement per month. Staff salaries to increase by 2.5% 2019
• Safe Church Officer - adoption of the position description and the appointment of Michael Toole, effective immediately
• O’Dell House sale - the Property Committee empowered to make preparations for the sale of the property advisedly in the spring of 2019. By diocesan policy, such funds are held for purposes of clergy living accommodation - interest can be used for housing allowance
Discussion
2019 budget - +/- $75,000 deficit looks likely for 2018. Current revenue not meeting expenditures. Many costs are 'fixed.' Key questions include: How much increase in weekly offerings is reasonable? Should revenue be supplemented with trust funds? Staff or facility reductions? 14 January special budget meeting, 2019 budget to be finalized at the regular January meeting. Committee work plans - recommended that each committee create early in the new year a work plan for the next twelve months
Reports
• Treasurer - We continue to carry an excess of expenses compared to revenue. While it is possible to balance year end by spending down on unrestricted investments, the goal would be that we pay our way
• Administration and Finance - work on current items continue: records management, giving policy, new safe church officer
• Christian Formation - family faith fiesta, Taizé, DYI (young adults), Godly Play, youth groups all successfully functioning
• Communications - good feedback on Carol Sing and Christmas publicity efforts
• Welcoming and Hospitality - 16 December was the beginning of the new trial welcoming initiative. Adjustments until mid-February
• Property - lower hall floor, monitoring steeple roofing issue, O’Dell House sale issues, repaired west door asphalt has cracked again
Up-coming
23 Dec - Lessons and Carols; Christmas Eve 4, 8, 11 p.m.; Christmas Day 10 a.m.; New Years Day with our Bishop and reception 11 a.m.
Next meetings: 14 and 21 January, 11 February, Annual Congregational Meeting 24 February GMH
Bishop and Chapter met on Monday, 19 November 2018 with eight of a usual twelve members present. The Dean lead discussion on an article “Financial Transparency” from the Episcopal Church Foundation.
Business Arising
• Nominating Committee - membership: C. Schmidt, T. Fetter and G. Hall. Working to secure nominations for 2019 elections
• Verger resignation - having been received for 30 June
• Sexton’s employment letter - has been updated with the modification three weeks vacation
• National Trust Conference - several members of Chapter and others were able to attend. Some important contacts, next steps pending. The Bishop’s “joint ad hoc group” with representation from the Cathedral and Diocesan Synod has been dismissed with thanks
• Lower hall floor - repairs to deteriorated tiles to address health and safety to be done as soon as possible, as professionally recommended and at a cost of $7000-8000 (from Hall renovation fund)
• Hall refrigerator -to be replaced (about $6219) after quotes reviewed)
• By-Law re Nominating Committee - a motion was carried finalizing revision to make election of the committee by the annual meeting
• Welcoming and Hospitality - terms of reference adopted. Work plan offered is perhaps a potential model for committees
• Gift thanks - having received a gift of $10,394 from Ethel Saunders the Chapter carried a motion to send our thanks
• J. Edwards Memorial - that we make a gift of $100 in memory of our Bishop’s wife, Janet and send a letter of condolence
• The Road Home Project - that The Cathedral send a letter of intent to pursue joining the Housing First initiative with four Cathedral units in 2019. Information to come
Reports
• Treasurer - October - Revenue: $44,499, Expenses $39,573 Year-to-Date: Offering $34,860 below 2017; Expenses $53,443 above 2017. A rebate of $3000 from the Diocesan Synod (clergy travel pool and employee benefit payments).
All committees considering 2019 budgets
• Administration and Finance - work on current items continue: Cathedral records management, giving policy, safe church
• Christian Formation - current programs being monitored with some new initiatives to be considered soon (possible congregation retreat)
• Health and Pastoral Care - Good response to health information session on 03 November. Individual pledges in support of Parish Nursing continue to come in and are appreciated
• Communications - Gearing up for Christmas events. Potential for neighbourhood invitation to Carol Sing on 12 December
• Welcoming and Hospitality - several welcome initiatives being rolled out: for Sundays including welcome desk (Cathedral Connections), signage, welcoming volunteers and a welcome kit
• Property - current issues: hall refrigerator, lower hall floor, steeple roofing breach (potentially costly), vandal severed lightning rod copper repair ($317?), O’Dell House balcony repair in the spring
About 40 people gathered on Oct. 18 for an investigative tour and thinking session as part of the National Trust's annual conference, held in Fredericton this year.The National Trust is a registered charity established in 1973 by the Government of Canada, dedicated to promoting the conservation,...