Category Archives: News

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!

Sandy Robb – A Fredericton Unsung Hero

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The City of Fredericton Unsung Hero Awards are meant to acknowledge those individuals who go above and beyond to help build and shape their community. This includes helping bolster the work of social groups and organizations that offer recreational, cultural, or charitable services to the community.

Sandy Robb Unsung Hero

Penny Ericson, Fredericton South MLA David Coon and Sandy Robb

Sandy Robb, one of our volunteers with the Monday Morning Drop in, recently became an Unsung Hero recipient.

The photo is of Sandy, a formerly homeless woman. The award, given to eight people this year, acknowledges individuals who go above and beyond to shape a more compassionate and welcoming community. Among those who congratulated Sandy following the ceremony were Penny Ericson, chair of the Cathedral's Outreach Committee, and Fredericton South MLA David Coon.

The City web site says: "The Intercultural Award is given to an individual, group, or organization whose actions have contributed to promoting cultural diversity and have helped newcomers integrate into the community at large here in Fredericton."

Walk with our Bishop 2018 – Archdeaconry of Woodstock

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This year's Bishop's Pilgrimage will be in the Archdeaconry of Woodstock.

Our Bishop invites others to walk with him for a part of his journey. Details about what you need, how to prepare and the detailed schedule are included on the Pilgrimage Blog.

"It has been wonderful to participate in this pilgrimage without actually walking! This blog has allowed many of us to take part, thanks very much for that. Our prayer will be that the Lord will work in and through all involved; and that He will bear fruit from this journey for many years to come. May He bless and keep you." (Debbie Collicott - 2015 Pilgrimage)

Ready to walk

Ready to walk at Bathurst

A Pilgrim Blessing

All-powerful God,
you always show mercy toward those who you love
and you are never far away for those who seek you.
Be with your servants on this pilgrimage
and guide their way in accord with your will.
Be a companion for them along their journey,
a guide at crossroads,
strength in their weariness,
defense before dangers,
shelter on the way,
shade against the heat, light in the darkness,
a comforter in their discouragements,
and firmness in their intentions,
in order that, through your guidance,
they might arrive unscathed at the end of their journey and,
enriched with graces and virtues,
they might return safely home;
through Jesus Christ your Son,
who lives and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

Walk illustration

Illustration from the Parish of New Bandon

Walk

Pray

Worship

Support

May God the Father who created you, guide your footsteps,
May God the Son who redeemed you, share your journey,
May God the Holy Spirit who sanctifies you, lead you on life’s pilgrimage,
and the blessing of God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit
be with you wherever you may go.

Bishop of Qu’Appelle – Living the Mission Ride

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Bishop Rob Hardwick, (Bishop's Blog) Bishop of the Diocese of Qu'Appelle will ride across Canada as part of the diocese's "Living the Mission" campaign. The Bishop's Ride will begin in Victoria BC on 19 May. The Bishop will be riding through New Brunswick during July. Plans are underway to welcome him to the Diocese of Fredericton as his itinerary includes stops in the Parishes of Madawaska (Edmunston), Wicklow, Wilmot, Peel and Aberdeen, (Florenceville), Fredericton (Fredericton City parishes) and Salisbury and Havelock (Peticodiac).

Come join us at the Cathedral on Sunday, 15 July at 4:00 p.m. for informal worship and a BBQ!

Did you know?

The Trans-Canada Highway is the longest highway in the world, stretching from St. John’s NF to Victoria BC. Both cities consider themselves the starting point; journalist Walter Stewart once observed it is the only road on which you can drive (or cycle) 7,714 km just to get back to the beginning again.

The highest point on the Trans Canada Highway 1643 meters (5390 feet) is actually near the Parks Bridge by Golden BC." Irrespective, it will be a challenge!

The Bishop asks us to follow, pray, cycle with him, and /or donate.

... to do something that is going to impact the lives of many people will be the achievement ...

"It will be a great personal accomplishment to cycle over 7,800 kms" says Bishop Hardwick. "But to do something that is going to impact the lives of many people will be the greater achievement."

Hardwick Jersey

Bishop Hardwick receives a jersey at the House of Bishops

"Even now when the training sessions get tough, I think of those who will be helped by our financial and prayerful support on this ride: the medical center we are building in Burundi, money to begin a self-determining indigenous church within The Anglican Church of Canada, Habitat for Humanity Regina, and continued funding for mission and ministry initiatives within the Diocese of Qu'Appelle.

"Together we have an opportunity to something that will truly make a significant difference. Thank you for your support."


Follow the Bishop on the Bishop's Ride page on the Diocese of Qu'Appelle web site.
Visit the Bishop's Ride Facebook page

Bishop Rob Hardwick

Living the MissionFaithful and loving God, you call us to be disciples of your Son
and co-creators in your mission.
Open our minds and hearts to a greater awareness and deeper
appreciation of your countless blessings.
Transform us through the power of your Spirit
to enable a way of life marked by faith-filled prayer;
to equip congregations for mission and ministry;
and to engage all in outreach and in the generous sharing of our faith.
Bless the Living the Mission campaign with a deepening devotion to prayer,
a growing commitment to service, and an increased level of generosity
as we work together to advance the mission of every parish in our diocese,
through Jesus Christ, our Saviour and Lord.

Bishop and Chapter News – March 2018

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Bishop and Chapter met on Monday, 19 March 2018 with ten of twelve usual members present. J. McGarry was welcomed to the Chapter. Minutes of 19 February 2018 regular meeting and 24 February 2018 following the Annual, were reviewed and adopted. The Dean shared a video created by Creation Matters (Diocese of Ottawa) entitled “Mission Per Square Foot” which showcases St. Luke’s Church, Ottawa. This parish is using sacred space in new and creative ways. A discussion followed.

Business Arising
• “Jingle All the Way” - Clarification on donation still pending
• Ending Homelessness in Fredericton - A meeting for members of the Congregation (and Fredericton area churches) is Saturday, 24 March 2018 at the Cathedral Memorial Hall. Area Anglican churches have been invited. All encouraged to attend. <roadhomefredericton.com>
or view the post on the Cathedral web site.

From the Dean
• Normal ministry commitments - 4 home visits, 2 visits to hospital, 2 care home communions, 3 home Communions, diocesan and Cathedral meetings. Preparing for Holy Week and Easter.
• Vacation - 03-16 April 2018

For Discussion
Governance - The Chapter continues to work towards facilitating current terms of reference for its committees. The Executive is continuing to work intentionally with committees either updating existing or creating new versions. The purpose of the documents is to bring greater clarity and transparency to the ministry management structure and assure that communication flows effectively and efficiently within the organization of Cathedral life. Good progress.
Support inquiry - was made about financial support related to Mothers’ Union travel for Kathleen Snow. Christian Formation Committee will explore on behalf of the Chapter.

For Decision
• Terms of reference for the committee on Health and Pastoral Care were adopted
• Terms of reference for the committee on Christian Formation were adopted
• that $50,000 be transferred from the general operating account to investment account where it will gain a return until needed

Reports
• Treasurer

- diocesan financial return for 2017 has been submitted
- renewal with WorkSafeNB
- progress being made in revising coding of accounts
- charities return to Canadian Revenue Agency almost complete and should be submitted this week

• Formation - terms of reference completed. Up-coming Family Faith Fiesta, Godly Play training, intergenerational worship on Good Friday
• Administration and Finance - two forms tabled regarding Safe Church administration
• Health and Pastoral Care - terms of reference completed. Ministries functioning well. Isabel Cutler has been appointed coordinator of the pastoral visitors.
• Hospitality/Welcoming/Membership - working at assembling a committee. Congregational volunteers needed. Contact Lynn Meehan.

Up-coming
Holy Week 25 - 31 March 2018
Easter Sunday regular Sunday schedule

Next meetings:
14 May 2018, 18 June 2018 GMH

A new Mothers’ Union book of prayers!

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The Central Fundraising & Communications (F&C) Committee of Mothers' Union has produced a new prayer book for its members - 'words for every occasion to encourage and inspire, whether in public services, branch devotions or personal prayer time.'

This is the story of the little team that could! God gives us more than we can ask or imagine.

In my role as a member of the Central F&C Committee, I attended our initial meeting in May of 2016 which was held in Derbyshire. The goal of this first meeting was to discuss ideas about what the committee could do to raise funds for the worldwide Mothers' Union while at the same time enhancing communication with its members. The suggestion of producing a new Mothers' Union prayer book as an income-generator as well as a resource to our members was discussed.

The Prayers We Breathe prayer book was and is a wonderful resource; I have used it often over the last 20 years for both personal and corporate prayer. We suggested producing a new book of prayers written by MU members from all over the world. We were excited about the notion, and several members of the committee were quite enthusiastic about the project.

God gives us more than we can ask or imagine.

The F&C Committee meets 3 times annually; we meet in person once a year, and the other meetings are held via Skype. In late May of 2017 we met again in person and the idea of the prayer book was discussed again. Three of the members - Mari Thomas (Wales), Moira Thom (Northern Ireland) and I were keen to put our time and effort into the project. We were given approval by the committee to proceed and off we went! Our little team of three was on its way.

Last June we contacted Mothers' Union members from around the world via email with the assistance of Mary Sumner House. We invited them to submit prayers, and suggested topics to them for the prayers. We were hoping to receive 100 prayers for the book, and gave the members one month to submit them. We received feedback that this wasn't enough time, and doubt was expressed that the prayers would come in, but we received well over 350 prayer submissions. Mothers' Union members love to pray and they love to write prayers!

Mothers' Union members love to pray and they love to write prayers!

Mari, Moira and I met almost every Monday morning via Skype from June to December to receive, acknowledge, compile, edit, and work with our Committee Head Daniel McAllister and MU Trustee Jocelyn Wright to produce the book. A special thank you to Ethel Nelson and Dawn Skene for their eagle eyes in reviewing the prayers, and to Catherine Kyte from Mary Sumner House for her review and edits as well.

This new prayer book contains over 150 prayers and poems written solely by Mothers' Union members. It can be purchased for £3 plus postage by contacting Mothers' union <NewPrayerBook at mothersunion.org> or buy online Dear Lord Prayer Book.

It has taken a lot of time and effort to produce this book in just eight months. Our goal was to launch it at the Worldwide Council meeting in early February and we have met our deadline! The meetings and project have been covered in prayer, and all I can say is that our God is a great God who can make all things happen!

With every blessing, and thank you to all who have submitted prayers. There may be another book to come!

Canadian Mothers' Union
Worldwide Mothers' Union

From the Canadian Mothers' Union Winter/Spring 2018 Issue 3 Newsletter

Ending Homelessness: How can the Fredericton Anglican community help?

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Penny Ericson on 11 March 2018 – Homelessness Initiative


The community of Fredericton is working to drastically change the way we collectively respond to homelessness through the implementation of a multiyear Plan to End Homelessness developed through collective planning by non-profits, different orders of government and community members.

The $10 million Plan, The Road Home, will work to house and support 267 chronic and episodically homeless and stabilize 1,033 households at risk of or experiencing transitional homeless. Moving from merely managing homelessness through emergency service to adopting a community wide strategy will create $3.2 million in savings in the first four years.

The Road Home is grounded in Housing First: an evidence-based model that focuses on quickly moving people experiencing homelessness into independent and permanent housing and then providing additional supports and services as needed.  This model rejects 'housing readiness' approaches that have far too often left our most vulnerable trapped in a long-term or inescapable cycle of homelessness.

Information Session
Saturday, 24 March 2018, 10:00 a.m.
Cathedral Memorial Hall
with
Mayor Mike O'Brien - City of Fredericton

AUDIO Listen to an interview with Faith McFarland on 04 April 2017 about affordable housing
AUDIO Listen to an interview with Faith McFarland on 10 May 2017 about ending homelessness
VIDEO Portrait of a formerly homeless woman - Sandy Robb
VIDEO Housing First Initiative in Fredericton
Homeless Hub - Making Research Matter - Canada
Download or view the Plan

From the Plan ...
Our Plan sets forth a course of action that will result in significant shifts in our community’s collective approach to a widespread social challenge. We cannot promise that no one will ever experience homelessness again in our community: the root causes involved in housing instability are well beyond our capacity to redress in this Plan. Factors like poverty, the macro-economics of housing markets, public policy decisions, systemic discrimination experienced by groups including Aboriginal people, as well as the challenges of mental health and additions play critical roles in the dynamics of homelessness. These are structural and systemic factors that we must continue to address, though we cannot resolve them in the short-term. However, there is much we can do.

This Plan is a call to action, first and foremost. It sets out a roadmap that will lead to significant improvements for those experiencing homelessness in our community. It calls for the creation of new interventions, using the proven and cost-effective Housing First approach, to rapidly house and support those in need.

The Plan proposes the enhanced coordination of our homeless-serving system, and its intentional integration with other partners, including health, corrections, police, and child protection. It calls for enhanced information sharing, performance management processes and capacity building to support our frontline service providers. The Plan recognizes the key role all partners play in our collective

Bishop and Chapter News – February 2018

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Bishop and Chapter met on Monday, 19 February 2018 with eight of twelve members present. Minutes of 22 January 2018 were adopted. The Dean offered a short study on Mark 8:31–38, the Gospel for the Second Sunday in Lent. What does taking up our cross mean for us?

Business Arising
• Odell house lease - a lease was signed beginning 01 January representing the on-going agreement with the tenants
• Retirement Gift for Diocesan Treasurer - a cheque for $100 has been issued toward this request
• Welcoming brochure/package - the Hospitality / Welcoming / Membership Committee is acquiring membership
• “Jingle All the Way” - performance was a success. Clarification regarding a donation for use of the church is being sought
• Committee terms of reference - efforts continue to develop current terms for each of the Chapter Committees. By spring, a handbook comprehensively describing the function of committees, staff, policies and other operational documents is the goal
• Ending Homelessness in Fredericton - A meeting for members of the Congregation (and Fredericton area churches) will be scheduled in March. Details will follow. <roadhomefredericton.com>
• Nominating Committee report - One chapter nomination (chair of Buildings and Property Committee) still required. Nominations from the floor will be called for all positions at the Annual Meeting. It was noted that a more effective approach to procuring nominations with an earlier start would be preferred in the future

From the Dean
• Normal ministry commitments - 1 home visit, 2 visits to hospital, care home communions, 10 days in Belize, diocesan and Cathedral meetings. Annual Report completed
• Lenten Study - response was not robust. We’ll attempt to gently encourage the registrations received to join with a sufficient and adequate number of groups
• Vacation - 03-16 April 2018

For Discussion
Annual Meeting - Annual Report is available. Kendra Patrick of Bringloe Feeney will present financials. Child care will be available. Sandwich and finger food luncheon at about 1:00 p.m., Lynn Meehan will prompt arrangements. The Dean will inquire about audio requirements.

Reports
• Treasurer - Review Engagement for 2017 is complete with financials and report included in the Annual Report.
January totals indicate expenses in excess of revenue by $9,353
The completed 2018 Proposed Budget was circulated for information purposes
• Formation - continuing work on Terms of Reference. First Family Faith Fiesta on 18 February had attendance of 60-70.
• Administration and Finance - work on current projects: records management, safe church continues
• Health and Pastoral Care - continuing to address terms of reference. Health Ministry operates efficiently and effectively under the guidance of the Parish Nurse and the structure in place. Isabel Cutler has been appointed by the Dean to coordinate Pastoral Visitors

Up-coming
25 February - Annual Congregational Meeting
23 February, 5 and 12 March - Bishop Hockin Lenten series
Holy Week 25 - 31 March 2018

Next meetings:
18 March 2018
14 May 2018
18 June 2018

GMH