Category Archives: News

Not just for breakfast: history of pancake suppers

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Shrove Tuesday is just around the corner and for many Christians, that means pancakes for supper!

Not being a pancake lover, I decided to do a little research on this questionable meal choice. I knew that Shrove Tuesday (also known as Pancake Day, Fat Tuesday or Mardi Gras) preceded Ash Wednesday when many folks give up something that they love as a sort of penance during Lent. Historically, it would be rich food of some sort that was given up and your Shrove Tuesday meal would be your last kick at the rich food can, so to speak.

This just made me all the more curious why anyone would choose pancakes as their last tasty meal!

Well, it seems that we owe a debt of gratitude (or not) to a lady in the middle of cooking up a pancake supper. When the Church bells rang in Olney, UK one day in 1445 indicating it was time for confession (where one would be “shriven” or absolved of sin), she ran to the Church in her apron, clutching her frying pan full of pancakes.

And now, centuries later, in many parts of the UK, pancake races are a big part of Shrove Tuesday celebrations. And, not surprisingly, the most famous race of all is held in Olney where local “housewives” don their aprons, hats and scarves, clutch their frying pans and race to the finish line, all the while flipping their pancake at least three times. The first woman to finish the course and arrive at the Church, serve her pancake to the bellringer and kiss him wins the race.

Pancake recipes can apparently be traced back to Roman times. The main ingredients – milk, flour, eggs – were considered “rich” ingredients which, I guess, accounts for their becoming the “rich” meal of choice.

Even if they aren’t my favourite food group, the following description of Shrove Tuesday at the Cathedral may be enough to entice me out this year. I asked Jim Morrell for his memories of Shrove Tuesday meals at Christ Church Cathedral.

Here’s what Jim had to say:

“Male members of the Cathedral (take that Olney!) have been preparing and serving pancakes, sausages and beans for the Shrove Tuesday congregation-and-friends supper for over 60 yeas. One of my childhood memories is eating pancakes that my Dad served to my Mother, brother and me in the original Memorial Hall lower level in the late 1950’s. Not only was it a tasty (mmmm) and plentiful meal for the growing number of post-war baby boomers like me, it was a 'day off' so to speak for our stay-at-home Moms who didn’t have to prepare it. It’s always been lots of fun for those who come to enjoy the food and the conversation and for those who cook and serve.”

Well, Jim, you and the members of St. Joseph’s Guild will be warming up your favourite pancake flipper in no time!

Maybe even I will put aside my pancake dislike and come out for that evening of fun with family and friends. After all, there will be lots of time after supper to grab some chocolate or other rich delicacy on the way home before Ash Wednesday and the start of Lent!

by Gail MacGillivray

Celebrate the beginning of Lent by attending Christ Church Cathedral’s Shrove Tuesday pancake supper at Cathedral Memorial Hall on 04 March, 2025 from 4:30-6:30 pm. Enjoy pancakes, sausages, and beans followed by gingerbread with toppings. Coffee and tea will be available. Admission is through freewill donation. Everyone is welcome, so bring your friends and family!

Bishop and Chapter News – January 2023

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Bishop and Chapter met 0n 16 January 2023 by video conference 11 of 13 members present. Members were asked to read in advance “5 Ideas for Managing Your Church Budget in the New ‘Normal’” by Ken Sloane (Discipleship Ministries - United Methodist Church). The “ideas” included: quarterly planning, approaches to past comparisons, recognizing “inflation dollars,” use of technology to making funding the budget more efficient and, study of building assets. Minutes from 12 December 2022 were adopted.

CORRESPONDENCE

•   a note of thanks was received from Sexton Ashley Swim

FROM THE DEAN

•   funerals (2); outside Communions (1)
•   committee/group meetings (3); nominating committee (2); Narrative Budget Team (2); Chapter Executive (1)
•   usual staff meetings weekly
•   Christmas worship attendance: Eve: 187/70/81; Day 16/39
•   Vacancies

Safe Church Officer
Synod substitute (16-35)
Assistant(s) to the Verger
Mission Outreach

•   Diocesan Finance Committee
•   Vacation 11-25 April 2023

FOR INFORMATION

Planning Study - Meeting of Bishop and Chapter, diocesan officers and Source Alliance regarding the planning study being conducted over the next several months to determine potential renovation fund-raising

FOR DECISION

Amendment - minor correction for accuracy to November 2021 minutes
Reception of report - Cathedral Conditions and Issues Report official acceptance
2023 Budget - several issues pertaining to the 2023 budget were discussed and decided. Larger projects can complicate clear communication about giving targets and progress. Consideration of simplifying weekly bulletin updates in 2023 was discussed and may help continue to keep the most important information before us
Annual Meeting - Sunday, 26 February 2023
Investment - movement of some funds for year-end

REPORTS

Treasurer - December was a strong month for offerings with $84,047 enabling us to finish December in a surplus position ($40,368 offering over expenses). Overall offerings year over year down by $38,000. Underspending on maintenance and staffing, finishes 2022 in a slight surplus position
Administration and Finance - work on 2023 budget with the Stewardship Team working on a narrative version; intend return to staff handbook task; thanks to a retiring offering counter team; new team appointed
Property - continuing to deal with critical issues while minimizing expense where possible
Health and Pastoral Care - Health Ministry struggling to determine what events are appropriate under changing circumstances
Nominating - challenges exist regarding nominations for Chapter

UPCOMING

•   24 January - Source Alliance, Chapter and Diocese
•   21 February - Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper
•   22 February - Ash Wednesday
•   26 February - Annual Meeting
•   02 April - Palm Sunday

NEXT MEETING

Monday, 13 February 2023                                                                       GMH

Bishop and Chapter News – December 2022

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Bishop and Chapter met 12 December 2022 in person and with video conference participation, 7 of 13 members present. A short discussion on an article entitled “One Invitation Away from Returning” by Rebekah Simon-Peter (LeadingIdeas - Lewis Center for Christian Leadership). One premise included is similar to that of the “Back to Church”/ Season of Invitation movement: that personal invitation is the one most effective tool for building congregations. The reminder is significant, especially as we move into post-pandemic times when many changed worship attendance patterns. Minutes from 21 November 2022 were adopted.

Correspondence

•   letter of thanks was sent to Vice-Chancellor Kelly VanBuskirk following legal advice requested and received during the Fall

From the Dean

•   outside Communions (1)
•   committee/group meetings (4)
•   usual staff meetings weekly
•   Giving Tuesday successful campaign
•   meeting with Source Alliance
•   Narrative Budget Team (1)
•   Staff dinner at Lexington
•   Funeral out of town (1)
•   Nominating Committee (1)
•   Guild of St. Joseph social
•   Mothers' Union dinner and social
•   Vacancies: Safe Church; Synod substitute (16-35); Assistant(s) to the Verger; Chapter Mission/Outreach
•   Diocesan Finance Committee (1) / Diocesan Council (1) / Synod Planning (1)

For Information

Feasibility Study - Source Alliance continues to work towards the community interview stage of a study to explore wider support for a project to address Cathedral needs summarized in the 2022 Building Conditions and Issues Report. Over a hundred individuals have been identified. A case for support document is nearing completion for use during interviews and to share information about a potential campaign. Funding for the Study accessed from non-restricted invested funds. A meeting of Chapter and Diocesan executive representatives tentatively set for mid-January

For Decision

Stipend and Staff salaries 2023 - cost of living increase of 4% on the 2023 scale of minimum stipends. Dean’s stipend in 2023 $61,324 ($16,414 above minimum). Regulation 7-2 Remuneration and Compensation. A 4.5 % cost of living increase to 2022 budgeted amounts for staff salaries in 2023. In addition, the Sexton’s salary was increased by $3,000. Details will be in the proposed budget for 2023.

Reports

Treasurer - deficit position has improved, largely due to no unexpected expenses and lower than expected fuel costs (milder weather.) We continue showing a consistent decline/under performance in offerings year-to-date at about -10%. With revenue counted from unplanned sources, including from the Diocesan Synod, the deficit stands at $6,685.

Miscellaneous - Giving Tuesday campaign in support of school lunch programme exceeded the initial goal and the total of $2000. Some insulation of Cathedral basement doorway/conversion of choir room lights to led. Nominating Committee is exploring possible nominations for 2023. Formation and Welcome may be collaborating on an event for new congregational members in the new year.

Upcoming

•   Christmas Lessons and Carols, 4:00 p.m. (18 December)
•   Christmas Worship (Christmas and New Year’s on Sunday)

GMH

City of Fredericton Heritage Review

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The City of Fredericton is looking for opinions about its heritage program - share your thoughts!

The City is currently reviewing its heritage program and services and is looking for feedback from residents. Share your thoughts by completing a short online survey so decision-makers can better understand how you perceive heritage, its conservation importance, and the value it provides compared to other City services, programs and amenities.

The survey will close on December 23.

Results will be considered along with rightsholders consultations, community stakeholder engagement, best practices, staff expertise, and budget considerations.

TAKE THE SURVEY

Bishop and Chapter News – November 2022

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Bishop and Chapter met 21 November 2022 in person and with video conference participation, 9 of 13 members present. The Dean led some discussion about governance structure referring specifically to the board model now in place for Bishop and Chapter since 2015. The goal is that all Cathedral ministries fall under one of eight Chapter committees which improves communication, the Chapter being elected for the purpose of making decisions not solving problems. A simple schematic was referenced. Minutes from 17 October 2022 were adopted.

Correspondence

•   request for funding from Montgomery Street School Home and School Association

From the Dean

•  Cathedral: outside Communions (1); committee/group meetings (6); baptism preparation concluded; Greater Chapter and Diocesan Synod; usual staff meetings weekly; opening of the legislature; Remembrance Day and Campus Ministry Event; First Communions; 20 November; Deanery Clericus (1)
•  Role Vacancies: Safe Church Officer; Synod substitute (16-35); Assistant(s) to the Verger; Mission Outreach
•  Diocesan: Diocesan Finance Committee (1); Synod Planning (2); Ordination 20 November; Fredericton and York Deanery Clericus (1)

For Information

Potential Restoration Project - Facilitated by Source Alliance, the draft of a Case for Support of a project responding to the Building Conditions and Issues Report is nearing final stages. In the next several weeks meetings of both Chapter and Diocesan executives will be scheduled with the goal of interviews beginning in the new year.

Nominating Committee - a motion to amend the Bishop and Chapter By-Law regarding appointment, membership, and function of the Nominating Committee was adopted unanimously and will be finalized by Archbishop Edwards.

For Decision

Electrical Contractor - Dobbelsteyn S&M retained as contracter

School Lunch Programme Support - that we support Montgomery Street School lunch programme in the amount of $2000

Transfer of Funds - that $9,669 be transferred to the investment fund having been given and restricted for special purposes

Reports

Treasurer - some significant progress was made in revenue during October with Thanksgiving and a five-Sunday month. October expenses under budget but YTD expenditures are $26,838 over. Year-to-date revenue deficit $15,019. Decline in regular offerings continues during 2022. Preparing the 2023 budget will be challenging

Communications - 2 Minutes for Ministry presentations encouraged. Christmas advertising budget to be used on Facebook

Property - moving to complete the smaller possible projects. Northside Cathedral basement doors have been identified

Finance and Administration - work on a Narrative Budget, staff policy handbook and consideration of third-party insurance continue

Welcome and Hospitality - refreshments following worship are slowly resuming. Interest is being expressed and will support a new committee

Health and Pastoral Care - Health Ministry met 10 November. Assessing possible programming under current circumstances

Christian Formation - one baptism on 05 November, six first communions 20 November. ADVENT-ures programming underway.

Upcoming

•   Advent Lessons and Carols, 4:00 pm (27 November)
•   Giving Tuesday 29 November
•   Christmas Lessons and Carols, 4:00 p.m. (18 December)
•   Usual Christmas Schedule (Christmas and New Year’s on Sunday)

GMH

Online Workshop: Building Genuine Community Online

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AST Continuing Education presents:

Dawn Léger

Dawn Léger (AST '06)

Not Just a Stopgap: Building Genuine Community Online

A workshop with AST Alumna Dawn Léger - Monday, November 28, 2022, via Zoom 8:00 pm Atlantic | 7:00 pm Eastern - Free of charge

About the Speaker 

Dawn Léger (AST '06) is co-pastor of Harbor Online Community, an international, fully online church ministering to a wide array of Jesus followers. You can find Harbor Online at www.onlineharbor.org.

In 2020, most churches in North America made investments in online technology to minister to their people during lockdown. A surprising result was meeting visitors from all over the world. Dawn will share the story of her online church, Harbor Online Community, from its start as a house church, to making the transition online, and why it stayed there. You will hear what is being learned about ministry and leadership and about opportunities for building more online ministries using existing investments.

This workshop is for all clergy or lay leaders who wish to begin an online ministry or to continue online ministries that started during the pandemic.

This event will take place online-only, via Zoom. Please register using the link below, and the Zoom link will be sent to you.

www.eventbrite.ca/e/not-just-a-stopgap-building-genuine-community-online-tickets-450554820597

Greetings from Caledonia

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The Dean of the Diocese of Caledonia sent greetings for the week of 16 October 2022 on behalf of St. Andrew's Cathedral, Prince Rupert.

View the card.

St. Andrew's, Prince RupertDear Mr. Dean,

Greetings and peace to you, your family and your congregation, and continual blessings on the ministries you all undertake at Christ Church Cathedral.

I am writing to let you know that you all are being remembered and lifted up in prayer by members of this cathedral's congregation at St. Andrew's, Prince Rupert, during the week beginning October 16th.

May you and your ministries and your fellowship continue to be blessed and to be a blessing to those around you.

Kind regards

S. Paul Williams
Dean of Caledonia

Bishop and Chapter News – October 2022

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Bishop and Chapter met 17 October 2022 in person with video conference participation with 8 of 13 members present. An article “7 Ways to Make it Easier to Talk About Money” by Ann A. Michel was discussed. The Dean shared his three guiding principles for communication about money: consistency, transparency and removal of emotion. Minutes from 26 September 2022 were adopted with thanks to the Secretary.

Correspondence

•   resignation of Sam Mayo as member of Bishop and Chapter

From the Dean

•   outside Communions (Farraline Place and Windsor Court) (2)
•   committee meetings (3)
•   1 funeral
•   worship for Truth and Reconciliation 30 Sept
•   Farraline fund-raising dinner
•   following legal counsel, final termination letter to Parish Nurse
•   Worship customs under review
•   Life in the Eucharist continues
•   Weekends with Evensong are “full”
•   Baptism preparation underway for one adult on 06 Nov
•   Vacancies
Safe Church Officer, Synod substitute (16-35), Assistant(s) to the Verger

Diocesan
•   Diocesan Finance Committee (1)
•   Synod Planning (1)
•   Bishop’s Counsel (1)
•   Fredericton and York Deanery Clericus (1)

Information and Discussion

Potential Restoration Project - In response to the Conditions and Issues report, Source Alliance is engaged to prepare a “case for support” by mid- November. Interviews will follow to gauge support and possibility. Final report by Spring. We are reminded that such a project will require considerable internal resources and effort. The challenge will be to determine if we have what’s required to launch such an endeavour and if not, what that means for the Cathedral and perhaps, even more importantly, for the Diocese.

Nominating Committee - proposal to be circulated for modification of the Chapter By-Law regarding function of the Nominating Committee

Governance - some initial discussion of “board” vs “ad-hoc” models

Reports

Treasurer - there was some progress made on our deficit in September. We continue to be $37,000 + in expenses over revenue. October thus far appears to be a stronger income month especially with Thanksgiving. We’re hopeful we can continue to make progress to the end of year

Property - the retainer with Carmichael as mechanical contractor has been secured. Batteries for Cathedral emergency lighting have been replaced. Several technical manuals have been digitized.

Finance and Administration - clarification on status of Sarah Ecker as Parish Nurse. Hopes to convene our Stewardship Team. Progress on the Staff Handbook (employment policies). Exploring concerns about third-party liability insurance of users of our facilities

Welcome and Hospitality - working toward building committee membership. Considering worship refreshments

Christian Formation - Life in the Eucharist with six participants - First Communion 20 November, Dante’s Inferno study group, Godly Play and virtual Taize on-going. Advent planning in progress

Upcoming

•   Diocesan Synod 05 November 2022 (Cathedral)
•   First Communions - 20 November 2022
•   Ordination 20 November 2022
•   Advent Procession (Lessons and Carols) - 27 November 2022
•   Christmas Lessons and Carols - 18 December 2022

GMH

Building on the Past to Sustain the Future

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From Sonya at Heritage Standing ...

Read the CAHP Green Paper

"Building on the Past to Sustain the Future: Recommendations and observations from the Canadian Association of Heritage Professionals Workroom series (2021) on building reuse for climate action."

It is a great advocacy and communication tool that provides clear information on why old buildings are necessary for fighting climate change.  The paper also contains excellent resources should you wish to delve into this topic further.

it takes between 10 and 80 years

Here is just one of many important notes to take away from the green paper:

CHAP Green Paper"[…] it takes between 10 and 80 years for a new building that is 30% more efficient than an average-performing existing building to overcome, through efficient operations, the negative climate change impacts related to the construction process. (Preservation Leadership Forum, 2016)"

We need positive climate action now, not in 10-80 years.  The next question also becomes clear... is the lifespan of a new material or building long enough to overcome the negative climate impacts of production and construction (embodied carbon)?

We hope you find the paper thought-provoking and encouraging.  If you have any questions or would like to discuss this topic further, please feel free to get in touch.

Warm regards,

Sonya
Heritage Standing Inc

Learning Resources at CAHP