Category Archives: News

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

Even more ways to “Tune In” – Cathedral worship podcasts

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We continue to add more ways to listen to Cathedral worship podcasts. In November 2020 we became available on Spotify and Google Podcast platforms.

We're available on TuneIn Radio, the popular and free internet radio tuner. TuneIn says about itself that they offer a "listen anywhere" solution to streaming music, sports, news and, you guessed it, podcasts!

There are many ways to connect to Cathedral worship podcasts with a Mac or PC, smart phone or smart home device.

Cathedral PodcastsFirst, the Cathedral hosts its own podcast broadcasting solution called "Podcast Generator," an open source web application running on the Cathedral web server. Visiting the podcast page linked from the web site takes you to a list of the most recent Cathedral podcasts, usually up to a month's worth of episodes. On that page, each entry in the list includes its own player with the audio available right from there. If you have a particular past worship or sermon episode in mind that's not listed, contact the Dean who would be happy to access the archives for you.

If you're interested in subscribing to receive new podcasts each time they appear, the RSS (Really Simple Syndication) feed is available by way of a link on the top right of the podcast page. The RSS link is what you add to an application often referred to as a "podcatcher," a stand alone app on your device for managing podcast subscriptions. Podcatchers (or podcast catchers") are available for Mac, iOS, PC or Android and many good ones are free. A comprehensive list is here.  [Windows App Grover Podcast;  Juice is free for Mac, Linux and Windows]

If you use Apple Podcasts, "Christ Church Cathedral Audio" is listed in the podcast section. Open the podcast tab and search "Christ Church Cathedral Audio." The familiar Cathedral logo should pop out of the list. Add the podcast to your favourites and iTunes will download them whenever they become available.

There are many ways to connect to Cathedral podcasts

Visit TuneIn on your computer, smart phone or smart device, search "Christ Church Cathedral" and the latest episode will begin. With an Amazon Echo device (like the Echo Dot) or an Alexa enabled speaker like Sonos, TuneIn is the default source for music and podcasts. Simply say "Alexa, play TuneIn Christ Church Cathedral." Some will prefer better quality sound with a speaker. Amazon Echo, Google Home,  Apple HomePod and various third party options are also available.

Google Podcasts now carries Christ Church Cathedral Audio. Visit Google Podcasts on the web and search "Christ Church Cathedral Audio" to listen or subscribe.

 

Three outreach drop-ins will be held during summer 2018

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Three outreach drop-ins will be held during summer 2018

Are you looking for an opportunity to put BELLS into action?

Monday Morning Dropin

Monday Morning Dropin guests and crew

The cathedral's Outreach Committee is offering three possibilities this summer. Its Monday morning drop-ins for people in need usually run from mid-September until mid-May, and then the volunteers take a well-earned summer break. This summer, though, drop-ins will be held at the hall on three Mondays from 8:30 to 10 a.m.: June 18, July 16, August 13.

“The book we're reading throughout the diocese is urging us to develop missional habits nicknamed BELLS: blessing, eating, learning, listening and sending,” said Ann Deveau, an organizer of the Monday drop-ins. “We're hoping some folks will want to step up and help us with these three extra drop-ins as a way to bless those less fortunate and to build community.”

Ways to help include setting up or cleaning up, baking muffins, providing fruit, bringing doughnuts, chatting and eating with guests, playing live music, doing dishes.

We're hoping some folks will want to step up and help us with these three extra drop-ins

The parish nurse plans to do blood pressure and blood glucose readings for guests on these dates and on several other Mondays this summer. A couple of volunteers might offer to take the guests across the street for a tour of the cathedral with one of the cathedral's summer tour guides.

The guests are delighted the drop-ins will take place monthly during the summer. As volunteer Sandy Robb put it: “People are poor in the summer, too, and appreciate the gift cards or bus tickets. Normally, all the churches downtown stop their outreach programs due to summer holidays. This year it's nice that people can still come and keep in touch with their friends.”

Please contact outreach chair Penny Ericson or committee member Ann Deveau if you can help with plans for June 18th, July 16th or August 13th.

“If anyone can prepare food or attend any of the three sessions, it would be a wonderful way to put your faith into action,” Ann said. “It could also give the usual volunteers a rest which would be its own blessing. We also appreciate your prayers for the success of this summer project.”

Cathedral Outreach

Bishop and Chapter News – May 2018

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Bishop and Chapter NewsBishop and Chapter met on Monday, 14 May 2018 with eight of twelve usual members present. Minutes of the 23 March 2018 meeting were briefly reviewed and adopted. The Dean offered some reflections on the person of the Holy Spirit, prefaced with a reading from the Gospel of John 15.26–27; 16.4b-15 . The gifts of the Holy Spirit, the fruits of the Spirit, biblical images and our understanding of them was discussed.

Business Arising

• Operating funds transfer - the $50,000 recommended and approved for transfer to investment has not taken place. Offerings are currently below budget and operating monies may be required in the next few months
• Ending Homelessness in Fredericton - there has not been any significant progress on this item. The Greater Chapter of the Archdeaconry of Fredericton includes this item of its agenda on 17 May   The Road Home
• K. Snow expenses - expenses incurred for Worldwide Mothers’ Union work have been considered by the Christian Formation Committee which has a recommendation.
• Mission Committee and Outreach Committee - E. Hadley reported the proposed meeting was held with progress on how we might create a group with a broader oversight mandate (Committee on Mission/Outreach)
• Jingle All the Way - donation has been received. Communications in conversation with JoyFM regarding a partnership with potential for mutual benefit

From the Dean

• Normal ministry commitments - 3 care home visits for Communion, 5 visits to hospitals, 2 home Communions, 6 staff meetings; several Chapter and Committee related meetings; Deanery clericus, Diocesan Finance Committee, 2018 Synod Planning, 2 Ad hoc Development Committee meetings with 4 teleconferences.
• Bishop of Qu’Appelle rides through NB in July, National Trust for Canada Conference is 18-20 October; L’Arche Fredericton will utilize facilities for shared meals; Staff reviews during June

For Discussion

Committee Terms of Reference - Progress continues to made in the development of Terms of Reference for Chapter committees. Presented for consideration were terms for Building and Properties, Communications, and Worship. Remaining are: Hospitality, Welcoming and Membership and Mission Outreach.

For Decision

• Terms of reference adopted: Worship; Communications
• The Chapter will make a $100 annual contribution to the Anglican Foundation of Canada
• that $1000 be forwarded to our Mothers’ Union Branch for reimbursement of Worldwide Mothers’ Union work expenses

Reports

• Treasurer
- offerings are about $27,000 below 2017 year to date
- designated funds review by Executive before summer
• Formation - update on programming; formation planning scheduled
• Administration and Finance - giving policy in process; Dean’s photo poster has been completed with thanks to Frank Morehouse
• Health and Pastoral Care - update on current work. First Aid Training being planned for June
• Communications - web team and social media team developing

Up-coming

Pentecost 10:30 worship - 20 May 2018; "Surprise the World" video night - 30 May 2018; BELLS Sermon series 27 May - 3, 10, 17, 24 June;
Ordination 24 June 2018

Next meeting: 18 June 2018

GMH

The Day of Pentecost – 20 May 2018

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Pentecost

Plans are coming together for an exciting celebration at a combined 10:30 a.m. worship event on the Day of Pentecost, Sunday, May 20th.  Under the guidance of a planning group of the Worship Committee, lots of ideas for both the worship and  fellowship following in Memorial Hall have been suggested.  And while we are still in the planning stages, we can tell you a bit of what’s in store!

Pentecost 2018

We'll be inside this year. The Cathedral will be well decked out! Red banners to adorn the interior and the young and young at heart will be provided with streamers to wave as we all join a grand procession from the Cathedral to Memorial Hall as worship concludes. The congregation is invited, as are the clergy, to add a dash of red to the Sunday outfit!

A red hot Baked Potato Bar will be set up in the Hall for lunch featuring baked potatoes. The potatoes will be supplied but we'll need contributed dessert items and potato toppings: sour cream to chili and everything in between! Tea, coffee, cold drinks and dessert to round off.

This is a very user friendly time to invite a friend

At worship, a full printed version of the order of service will be provided. This is a very user friendly time to invite a friend! We'll be encouraged to join in song in the diversity of musical styles that are part of a normal Cathedral Sunday. The Gospel will be celebratively proclaimed. A focused teaching will be in a unique style appealing to every age. Pentecost is also a Festival of Baptism, so we'll appropriately have a renewal of the vows of our baptism. We'll break and share the Bread of Life in the Eucharist and the procession ... did we mention the procession?
The Hebrew Scriptures (Old Testament), describes Israel's annual celebration of Pentecost (the 50th day after Passover - The Feast of Weeks - 7 x 7 +1 = 50) in celebration of the giving of the Law, the 10 Commandments to Moses on Mount Sinai. Pentecost is the birthday of the Church. The Pentecost recounted in the second chapter of the Acts of the Apostles in the New Testament reports that those gathered for Pentecost that year powerfully received the gift of the Holy Spirit. They spoke in numerous languages and all understood. The appearance of divided tongues of fire rested on them and there was a rush like a mighty wind. There was no doubt for the Galileans gathered there in Jerusalem that the promise of Jesus to send his Spirit as Comforter and Guide had been fulfilled.
Those gathered powerfully received the gift of the Holy Spirit
While most Christians are very conscious of the Christian festivals of Christmas and Easter in the calendar, often Pentecost comes and goes without much thought. Pentecost is one of the seven Principle Christian Feasts, significant landmarks in the unfolding story of Jesus the Christ our Saviour. Can you name the other six?
Combined worship events at the Cathedral are a wonderful opportunity for the whole Cathedral congregation and others, younger and older, to worship together, enjoying a time of fellowship and friendship maintenance. The Day of Pentecost promises to be a day of celebration!