Category Archives: News

Bishop and Chapter News – October 2018

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Bishop and Chapter met on Monday, 15 October 2018 with ten of twelve usual members present. Bishop Edwards joined the Chapter for the first hour. Minutes of the 17 September 2018 meeting were adopted.

Business Arising

• St. Margaret’s Scouts - meetings have moved to the Parish Church.
• Nominating Committee - membership to be appointed and an amendment to Cathedral By-Law to be considered
• Treasurer Address to Congregation - 2 minutes for regarding current financial status to be scheduled in the next few weeks
• Anglican Foundation of Canada - annual contribution of $100 sent
• National Trust Conference - individuals to attend identified

Discussion

Property (re) development. Bishop Edwards was present primarily to share a status update on property issues. The Bishop reminds everyone that with many opinions, ideas and options to consider, things can get complicated, take time and in some cases be costly to investigate. He shares our wish that decisions be made in the very near future. He shared a couple of specific possibilities as to what the next steps could or should be (including one very new). It was agreed that the congregation soon needs to be informed and involved.

From the Dean

The Dean reviewed usual items of commitment since the last meeting. Items of note:
• Discernment Committee - a committee to guide a Cathedral congregational member in discernment leading to ordered ministry in process (Bishop’s office)
• 11 November - is a Sunday. 10 a.m. worship to 9:45 a.m.
• Stewardship - is the management of our resources: skills, talents, assets, time, money. Improved stewardship was identified as a priority item during the 2018 review of the Dean. He suggests our need to be more conscious of improving our stewardship mindset both corporately and individually. He noted that currently no one person or committee in our corporate structure is responsible for issues of stewardship, and asked if this should be addressed.

For Decision

Nominating Committee - In accordance with by-laws a motion was carried appointing the Dean, Catherine Schmidt and Tom Fetter reporting to the Annual Meeting in February. A change in process for future years was presented in the form of an amendment to the by-laws. Going forward it has been proposed that the Committee be elected by the annual meeting rather than by the Bishop and Chapter.
Lou McKnight vacation - additional week granted for 2019.

Reports

• Treasurer - presented the summary financial statement to the end of September. While we can be hopeful that October - December giving will strengthen, we are currently well below our anticipated position to date. Expenses exceed unrestricted income by $92,378 to 3rd quarter.
• Administration and Finance - project items continue: Records management, giving policy, land title migration, lay staff manual, By-Law considerations
• Christian Formation - meeting this week. Fall startup of various programming has materialized as expected
• Health and Pastoral Care - Brief update on current programs and activities. Pledged contributions towards salary of the parish nurse are currently close to the annual target.
• Communications - Chair of Hospitality attended the last meeting to identify some synergies. Regular efforts continue
• Hospitality, Welcoming and Membership - a first meeting held. Welcome strategies and final terms of reference being considered

Up-coming

Diocesan Synod - 03 November; Evensong - 21 October

Next meeting: 19 November 2018

GMH

Opportunity Knocks – National Trust Conference 2018

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The National Trust for Canada "helps Canadians save places that matter."

Christ Church CathedralThe annual National Trust conference is Canada’s largest heritage learning and networking event. Held in a different part of Canada every year, this national conference brings together a wide-range of people keeping Canada’s heritage alive: from grassroots advocates, professionals and planners, to elected officials, policy makers, and students.

The 2018 National Trust Conference is heading to Fredericton to explore the theme of "Opportunity Knocks: Heritage as a Social, Economic, and Placemaking Force." The conference will explore the transformative power of heritage to help turn places around, galvanize communities, and create fresh options. Bringing together the cutting-edge of heritage thought and practice, in Canada and abroad, the conference will emphasize inter-disciplinary insights on such diverse topics as heritage-led development, sustainability, museum/historic site regeneration, and Indigenous heritage.

Christ Church Cathedral will be front and centre

"As at least one of the primary heritage sites in the City of Fredericton, Christ Church Cathedral will be front and centre during the conference," said Dean Geoffrey Hall.

2018 National Trust Conference

"I'm very excited about this. This is a unique opportunity for us to focus on discussions we've been having for years about what we might be able to do now to preserve the heritage value of the Cathedral and surrounding properties with an eye to long-term sustainability. I encourage the congregation to become involved. There is a plan to hold at least one session and perhaps a workshop on site at the Cathedral."

“The conference is the best and largest gathering of heritage professionals in Canada. It is the one event in Canada that brings together a diverse group of people with common interests and a broad set of expertise in the protection of historic places. This event creates the community of heritage professionals in Canada.”  David Ecclestone – Partner, +VG Architects

Workshop on Thursday, 18 October 2018, 1:00 - 4:30 p.m. at Christ Church Cathedral (on site case study)
Forum on Saturday a.m., 20 October 2018 at the Trade and Convention Centre (religious heritage buildings)
Limited seating for Cathedral members has been reserved. If you're interested, contact the Dean or Bishop and Chapter Chair Jim Morell.

National Trust for Canada
2018 National Trust Conference
National Trust FAQ
Faith and the Common Good

Bishop and Chapter News – September 2018

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Bishop and Chapter met on Monday, 17 September with twelve of twelve usual members present. Minutes of the 18 June 2018 meeting were adopted. The Dean provided an article entitled “Forming an Effective Nominating Committee.” Members of the Chapter discussed our current practices and considered potential improvements.

Business Arising

  • Ending Homelessness in Fredericton - a follow up meeting was held on 15 September with updates on the status of the Project. A small group from the Cathedral will be gathered to consider next steps
  • Mission and Outreach Belize Budget - at this time, it appears the 2018 budget may cover anticipated expense

From the Dean
The Dean reviewed usual items of commitment since June noting that summer seemed unusually busy. Items of note included:

  • pending appointment of Caroline Vanicek as head server
  • first Sunday of October being Thanksgiving, evensong on 14 October
  • up-coming this fall one individual wishing to enter discernment leading to ordination. Discernment committee will be needed
  • 11 November is on Sunday. 10 a.m. worship moved to 9:45 a.m.
  • clergy conference with Hugh Halter attended in August on “Your Church in the Future.” Will share with Chapter in the future

For Decision

Hall usage - after determining that the downstairs hall floor is unsafe, it was decided to inform Scouts Canada to seek other meeting space

Discussion
Property (re) development - a lengthy discussion about status of the conversation regarding Cathedral and Diocesan properties. Bishop’s consultant currently working with the Cathedral on a “future mission plan.” A congregational meeting has been recommended by R. Goodfellow (October). National Trust Conference 18-20 October to focus on religious heritage buildings - diocesan/Cathedral participation

Reports

  • Treasurer - to date, expenses exceed revenue in the amount of approximately $80,000. Compared to last year to date, revenue is down by about $47,000. Considerable concern expressed by members of the Chapter. No conclusions were drawn as to specific causes. Suggestions, including encouraging e-offering and a Sunday presentation by the Treasurer, were made and discussed.
  • Christian Formation - programme in Fall startup: Godly Play, Taizé worship, ALPHA (19 September), Family Faith Fiesta, Youth Groups. A brief overview of our experience with Godly Play was shared
  • Administration and Finance - Odell House and Cathedral Hall properties being migrated this week to land titles. On-going communication with the Diocese regarding creating a policy on giving. Manual being reviewed to re-establish policy for staff
  • Health and Pastoral Care - Programmes resuming. Interest in Fit Club is down. Support group for care givers of those with dementia being created. Brochure in production
  • Communications - Summer projects included neighbourhood invitations to corn boil and other event promotion
  • Property - South door repair still being investigated; investigation of potential a memorial tree planting on the green; lower hall floor has been assessed as unsafe; asphalt repair at west door should happen this month
  • Worship - will call a meeting next month
  • Hospitality, Welcoming and Membership - committee bing formed and will first address terms of reference. Meeting 20 September. Suggestion for larger freezer at the hall to be considered

Up-coming
Bishop’s Town Hall, Fredericton (Canon XXI) 27 September 7:00 p.m.
Archdeaconry Greater Chapter - 18 October
Diocesan Synod - 03 November 2018

Next meeting: 15 October 2018

GMH

Canadian Church Calendar 2019 – Interview with Carol Ann Melvin

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2019 Canadian Church Calendar reflects life of the church 'inside and out' - The Anglican Church of Canada

In 2019, the new Canadian Church Calendar brings together the best of both worlds: a reflection of our beautiful Anglican tradition in twelve Canadian cathedrals, and the ministry that each cathedral community leads inside and outside the walls of its church buildings. The calendar deftly weaves together photographs of Anglican cathedrals with the church's ministry ...

Summer hiatus for Cathedral breakfast

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BreakfastDiane Ramsey always knows where she’ll be on the third Saturday morning of the month. She’s a regular at the community breakfast in Cathedral Memorial Hall. “I meet new people every time I come here,” Diane says happily. “I have such nice visits. The breakfast is such a treat and a break from my routine.”

In July and August she’ll have to find somewhere else to socialize because the organizers and volunteers, numbering about 20, are taking a well-deserved summer break until Sept. 15.

One of the people Diane met at the most recent breakfast was Janet Toole who found the food delicious and the atmosphere collegial. “I like to renew old friendships and meet new people, and the food is great,” Janet said.

I come for the super delicious biscuits and the beautiful homemade jam …

For $8, guests can order eggs any style prepared by a professional short-order cook, bacon or sausage, baked beans and toast. Tea, coffee and juice are self-serve, and a bowl of mouth-watering homemade tea biscuits are delivered to your table with a smile.

“I come for the super delicious biscuits and the beautiful homemade jam,” Ray Dixon said. “I really like the strawberry jam.” His wife Dot chimes in: “But the marmalade is great, too.”

Part of the breafast crew

QUICK BREAK – A few of the many volunteers who make the Saturday morning breakfast a success take a quick break at the end of the morning. Seated on the left side of the table are Michael Hines, Peter Jacobs, Harry Palmer and Carole Hines. On the right side are Jan Bonga, Bill Turney and Andrea LeBlanc.

Sandra Palmer makes all the jams, Cheryl Jacobs is responsible for the famous biscuits, and a busy team of waitstaff and dishwashers looks after everything else.

“I like helping out, and it’s a nice social interaction,” Shirley Rohleder said. “I have some regular customers, and everyone is always so cheerful here.”

Catherine Mac donald echoes that comment. “I enjoy meeting all the people and making them happy,” she said. “It’s a rewarding thing to do.”

Her husband Paul enjoys the volunteer effort, too, but he has another important reason to take part. “I help out of a sense of obligation because I’m part of the music team at the cathedral (he plays guitar in the praise band), and the money raised here goes into the sound system.”

Paul Mac donald

HARD AT WORK – Paul Macdonald is busy doing dishes in the kitchen following a recent Saturday morning community breakfast.

Breakfast organizer Harry Palmer explained that the breakfast raised $5,000 from last September until this June. It’s a tidy sum and for a good cause.

Harry estimates that about 30 per cent of the customers monthly are cathedral congregants, with the remainder being from other parishes, the neighbourhood and throughout the city. “As the breakfast has been operating for several years, a considerable amount of money has gone into making phased improvements in the sound system, thanks to many non-cathedral breakfast patrons,” he said.

He gave credit to the team of volunteers and to the cook, Paul LeBlanc, for making the breakfast the obvious success it is. “We’ll recharge our batteries and see everybody in September,” he said.

Ann Deveau

Audio Project updateThere is a June 2018 update on the cathedral Audio System Project towards which proceeds from Saturday breakfast have been destined for several years. Details on the specifics are included for those interested. You might also want to treat yourself to a reprise of Paul Mac donald’s Ode to Biscuits which may just make it to the charts yet!

Bishop and Chapter News – June 2018

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Bishop and Chapter met on Monday, 18 June 2018 with eleven of twelve usual members present. Vice-Chair Charles Ferris chaired. Minutes of the 14 May 2018 meeting were reviewed, items of unfinished business noted and the adopted. Watching the introduction video for “Surprise the World,” the Dean lead a short discussion. How to continue BELLS?

Business Arising

•Ending Homelessness in Fredericton - a group of 10 considered this project following the meeting of the Archdeaconry Greater Chapter in May. Unfortunately, resource persons were unable to be present. There seems to be some lack of clarity about what’s specifically needed if Anglican parishes were to partner. Monitoring continues

•  Mothers’ Union expenses - the amount directed for worldwide MU work by K. Snow was forwarded to the Cathedral Branch
•  Joy FM - the Dean has met twice with representatives and looks forward to a greater degree of partnership with them in the future
•  Frank Morehouse thanks - for work on Fredericton Deans poster
•  Anglican Foundation - a contribution to the Foundation, directed to be annual, has not yet been sent

From the Dean

•  Normal commitments - 2 care home visits for Communion, 4 visits to hospitals, 3 home Communions, 4 staff meetings; Chapter and Committee related meetings; Clergy College, Clergy Day, Diocesan Council, Diocesan Finance Committee, Property Development Committee meeting with 4 teleconferences.
•  Surprise the World: BELLS - sermon series concluding 24 June. 4 in attendance at video night. Ways to continue BELLS?
•  Bishop of Qu’Appelle Bike Ride - hoping to create a 15 July event of worship at 4 pm followed by BBQ on the Cathedral green. JoyFM willing to partner
•  Cathedral worship podcasts - average hits have reached a fairly consistent 60 per day average since listing with TuneIn Radio
•  Cathedral staff annual reviews - underway

For Discussion

“Designated Funds” - Past assumptions about offerings for specific purposes (“designated”) being “saved” need clarification. Monies tagged for purpose to be used first for items currently in the Budget is advice from 2017 review engagement. Further education required.

For Decision

•  Terms of reference - adopted Property and Mission Outreach committees
•  Missions request - a motion to increase 2018 Mission Outreach budget to allow increase of St. Hilda’s School support, graduate bursaries and support for Paul Jones to university was tabled. Offerings down. Funds available will need to be confirmed
•  “Designated Funds” - that we reduce a list of 55 to about 11 to clarify and expedite managing and using offerings given for specific purposes and continue to reduce those funds as possible

Reports

•  Treasurer - offerings are about $30,000 +/- below budget year to date
•  Christian Formation - planning session held. Followup next week
•  Administration and Finance - giving policy in process; records management project continues
•  Health and Pastoral Care - First Aid training 25-26 June. New programming initiatives being considered for fall
•  Communications - 09 September outside worship in view. Conversations with Joy FM should result in positive cooperation
•  Property - green winter kill considered; west door pavement irregularity will be addressed; south door replacement pending

Up-coming

Ordination 24 June 2018; 09 September outdoor worship/corn boil

Next meeting: 17 September 2018

GMH

Choir School 2018 – its all about …

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A Full Week of Busy Days ...

 

Junior Choristers
Children from the age of 8 are able to attend Choir School, with the consent of a parent or guardian (they must turn eight by the end of the current year). Overnight accommodations usually consist of two people per room, in the dormitory-styled residence buildings. The days are very busy, so we encourage parents who are unsure about what is involved to contact the Administrative Director. A typical day begins at 7:45, and ends at 9:00pm, and includes chapel services, several rehearsals, classroom time, recreation, meals (of course!), an early afternoon rest period, and some free time.

Arrival time on the first day is between 3:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. on Sunday afternoon with supper at 5:30. Please come to the Dining Hall to register (follow the signs). For the benefit of all choristers, please do not send cell phones as it can create problems for those who are homesick, and others around them. Any cell phones found will be confiscated until the end of the week.

Thursday evening, we offer a Choral Evensong service at a parish church, to which all are invited. The last Sunday afternoon, at 3:30, is our final Choral Evensong service. Family and friends are encouraged to attend this service, which takes place at a large church or cathedral, children can then be picked up after the service. This service is very well attended.

recreation, chapel worship services, rest time, and special fun activities

Choir School’s finest daily paper provides vital information about... uh, nothing, but it’s fun to read each day.

For best seating, please arrive at the church just after 3:00pm, when the choirs finishes its rehearsal.

Adult Choristers
Adults who are attending Choir School are encouraged to come to the Thursday night Evensong service. From there, you can go directly to RNS (Rothesay Netherwood School) where you can settle into a room at Kirk House, on the RNS campus. registration takes place the following morning after breakfast at the Dining Hall. Some adults, however, are only able to join us on Friday, which is OK, too!

Choir SchoolChoir School takes place every year in the first full week of July on the beautiful campus of Rothesay-Netherwood private school. Some stay in the residence buildings, while local choristers sometimes live at home, and come for the full day of activities. Each day is very full, and sleep becomes a rather precious thing by the end of the week. Through the week, the chorister's day is filled with choir rehearsals, a classroom session of Christian Education, Christian culture, as well as recreation, chapel worship services, rest time, and special fun activities.

Visit Choir School on the web