anglicanlife
March2012
a section of the ANGLICAN JOURNAL 1
anglicanlife
March2012
newfoundlandlabrador
AN ECUMENICAL LENT
An E cumenical Lent - D enominational chur ches worship as one in F or tune, G ank and Lamaline. Clergy pictured left to right: Pastor Geoff England, Bethel Ecumenical Denominational churches For ortune, Grrand B Bank Pentecostal Church, Grand Bank; Rev. Lewis Crewe, Grand Bank United Church; Major Lyndon Hale and Major Lisa Hale Salvation Army Citadel, Grand Bank; Rev. Neal Buffett, Anglican Parish of Fortune / Lamaline; Captain Charlene Hillier, Salvation Army Citadel, Fortune and the Grade One Class at Lake Academy. Submitted by Beverly Buffett
During the Lenten season the local Ministerial Association, which consisted of Anglican, Salvation Army, United and Pentecostal clergy from Grand Bank and Fortune, decided to hold a series of Lenten services each Thursday at 12:00 at All Saints Anglican Church in Fortune. The focus of these services was a series called “Watchers on the Hill.” Each service provided songs, scripture readings and a drama followed by a meditation focusing on the cross. After the 30 minute service, all pro-
ceeded downstairs to the hall for a luncheon of soup, sandwiches and fellowship. The Services were received by all as a great success and a very uplifting and spiritual journey through Lent. As the weeks progressed the numbers also progressed from 60 to 130 adults in attendance at our last service. On one occasion the grade one class at Lake Academy was in attendance because they were learning about the Easter Story. They were a great group and very attentive. After the service they went to the hall for hot dogs and a treat of cookies.
Throughout Holy Week the Ministerial decided to have a service each night, rotating churches and rotating preachers. Again this was a large success and many were spiritually uplifted as they journeyed through Lent and Holy Week. On Good Friday the Salvation Army provided a drama at All Saints as a final Ecumenical service and of course Easter Sunday will be celebrated in each of our own churches. This year our Lenten services will be held at the United Church in Grand Bank each Thursday at 12:00 followed by a luncheon.
READ ON PAGE 2 BISHOP’S LENTEN LETTER
March2012
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SPIRITUAL FITNESS Bishop’s Lenten Letter
The Rt. Rev’d Cyrus Pitman Bishop of Eastern Newfoundland & Labrador
This is the time of the year when many of us wake up to the less healthy aspects of our lives. We realise that winter weather in Newfoundland and Labrador may not always be reliable for outdoor activities such as hiking, hunting, playing with our children and grandchildren, or walking our dog. Everything becomes more of a challenge during the snowy winter months. Nevertheless, keeping physically fit is something we must all, from young children to us older folks, pay attention to. When we think of health and fitness, I wonder how we pay attention to our spiritual fitness. If Advent passed you by as an opportunity for reflection and self-discipline then maybe the season of Lent can provide the occasion for renewing your Christian
journey and setting goals to strengthen and deepen your inner life. It is a season for training. As far back as my soccer playing days in St. Lawrence, I have always understood the connections between my personal, emotional and spiritual well being. Holistic health, as it is now known, is your overall state of wellness on all levels of your being: physical, emotional, mental and spiritual. It covers the health of your entire being. Ignore any one aspect and something seems to be missing. Balancing all aspects of one’s life enables you to feel more fulfilled, more joyful, more complete. I have always found my spiritual health marked by a diminished sense of fear, the daily experience of unconditional love, joy, gratitude, and a personal relationship with God. I believe that when we feel spiritually connected and fulfilled, everything in our life including physical and emotional pain are easier to deal with. Getting in shape spiritually can sound straightforward enough — setting aside time for prayer and reflection, attending Bible study, volunteering, teaching others and sharing the message of God’s love. However, getting fit spiritually is not quite so sim-
ple. It involves discipline and a commitment of time and hard work. But the rewards are worth it. Our spiritual life is not an accessory we wear to better define who we are; our spiritual life has to do with the very core of our being. It comprises what we truly believe about God and about ourselves, and it is the foundation for our values and behaviour. Our physical and emotional health clearly impacts
our spiritual life, but the significance of our inner life is not to be overlooked. As the apostle Paul wrote to the Christians, Do not lose heart. Even though our outer nature is wasting away, our inner nature is being renewed day by day. (2 Corinthians 4:16) So if you are thinking about what you need to do to get yourself in better shape physically this winter, can I invite you to also consider getting in better shape spir-
itually? Lent is about recognizing that we can amend our lives, in spite of our weaknesses and short comings. It is a time for prayer, reflection, self-examination, personal adjustment and renewal — all great exercises for achieving spiritual health. I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, just as it is well with your soul. (3 John 1:2)
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let us pray
March2012
mission sharing stories from the
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outreach
diocese of western newfoundland
CHURCH SUPPORTS KIDS EAT SMART
On Thanksgiving Sunday, ACW members in Western Newfoundland Diocese brought food items to church for the Kids Eat Smart Clubs at their local schools. Children from Bear Cove and Flower’s Cove are on hand when Marilyn Whalen, President of the Flower’s Cove ACW delivers juice and cereal donated by members of St. Boniface ACW and St. Barnabas ACW to Canon Richards Academy in Flower’s Cove. Submitted by Irma Moores
“Breakfast is the most important meal of the day” is a familiar saying, and research suggests that it certainly applies to school children. It indicates that going to school hungry can negatively impact on children’s academic performance and behaviour. Yet many children, for a variety of reasons, do not have breakfast before they leave for school each morning. In response to this, breakfast programs, including the Kids Eat Smart Clubs in Newfoundland and Labrador, are being implemented across Canada and in other countries as well. Kids Eat Smart was started in Newfoundland in 1992 and has grown in size and impact to the extent that KES Clubs exist in 216 schools across all four of the
province’s school districts. Kids Eat Smart breakfasts are made available to all students in the school who wish to avail of the service, and are “supported by the Kids Eat Smart Foundation Newfoundland and Labrador and the local community.” Through their Best Practices Policy, Kids Eat Smart “works to ensure that programs serve foods that meet the nutritional needs of growing school children from Kindergarten to grade 12.... [It] also offers support in organizational structure, safe food handling practices, and standards and guidelines essential for running a quality nutrition program. Most Kids Eat Smart Clubs serve breakfast, but some serve snacks or lunch.” Essential to Kids Eat Smart’s success is community involvement. Its mission
30 Roe Avenue, P.O. Box 348, Gander, NL A1V 1W7 Telephone: (709) 651-4100 Fax: (709) 256-2957 email: info@waltershoffe.com
cannot be met without busi- izing teams of volunteers to are available so they can nesses, organizations, and in- serve breakfast every schedule them at times that dividuals who understand the Wednesday morning starting work for them. In addition importance of this service and at 7:30. “Wednesday is egg to the daily students’ breakfast support the program finan- day, so we need someone for of cereal, toast, and juice or cially and or through volun- toast, someone for eggs and milk, once each year, a speteering for fundraisers or to someone for juice, but it is cial breakfast of “egg serve breakfasts. The follow- good to have four people on a McMuffins” is prepared and ing vignettes are examples of team in case one can’t come” sold as a fundraiser and may be “eaten in” with the how we, as church orchildren or “taken out” ganizations or individuals – a favourite option of can, through the Kids Eat people working nearby. Smart Clubs/breakfast Between these two programs, help meet the schools, on average very real and essential about eighty students nutritional needs of chilare served nutritious dren right in our own breakfasts every day. communities. And these are just two In October, 2011, at of the more than two their Annual Conference hundred schools in the at Killdevil, the Anglican province where Kids Church Women of Western Newfoundland Terri Parrill and Cindy Fortune of St. Michael’s Eat Smart Clubs exist! decided that, as an Church, Corner Brook, serve eggs and toast to What other outreach outreach project for Food students at C.C. Loughlin Elementary School. can we do where we can have such an impact on Month, in October, they so many children in our would donate food items to explains the parish Outreach J. their local schools for Kids Eat Chairperson, Donna Manuel. own communities! Smart — “the breakfast pro- With four teams, each person Michael Murphy, Ed.D, a gram”. Donations would be has to go just once a month. school breakfast program rebrought to church on Some of the volunteers are searcher, stated, “What we Thanksgiving Sunday to be retired people, while others go find particularly exciting is collected and delivered to the to serve breakfast before they that this [school breakfast] is a relatively simple intervenschool. Primary branches go to work in the morning. At Canon Richards tion that can significantly across the Diocese responded with donations of juice, Academy in Flower’s Cove, improve children’s academic the school solicits volunteers performance and psychologiCheez Whiz, and jam. For the past several years, at the beginning of the school cal well-being.” The people I spoke to tell the Outreach Committee at year through a parent letter. St. Michael’s Church in Cor- Two lead parents – this year, me it benefits more than the ner Brook, has supported Kids Crystal and Judy Genge — students. Volunteers agree Eat Smart at CC Loughlin follow up with telephone calls that it makes them feel good, Elementary School by organ- and record when volunteers too!
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ANGLICAN LIFE in Newfoundland and Labrador is the newspaper of the Anglican Church in the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador. A co-operative effort of the three Dioceses in Newfoundland and Labrador, it is published monthly, except July and August, with an independent editorial policy.
PLEASE TELL US WHAT YOU THINK
A section of the Anglican Journal Editor-in-Chief: The Rev’d Sam Rose 8 Croydon Street Paradise, NL A1L 1P7 Email: samrose@nl.rogers.com Advertising Rates and other information may be obtained from: Bishop Donald Young 34 Fraser Road, Gander, NL, A1V 2E8 Phone: (709) 256-7701 Email: jointcommittee@nfld.net Subscription Rates: Newfoundland and Labrador: $15.00 Outside the province: $20.00 International: $25.00 New subscriptions, cancellations, & changes of address should be sent to: Circulation The Anglican Journal (attn. Bev Murphy) 80 Hayden Street, Toronto, ON, M4Y 3G2 (416) 924-9192 (O) (416) 925-8811 (fax) Email: circulation@national.anglican.ca Each parish is responsible for maintaining its own subscription list - please notify your parish office of any changes. Changes sent to parish offices may take months to take effect. Please also send your updated information to Circulation at the Anglican Journal (above) or to Don Young at 34 Fraser Road, Gander NL A1V 2E8. Articles and photographs: Send to the Editor-in-Chief (above) Parish Bulletins and Letters to the Editor: Send to the Editor-in-Chief, Sam Rose (address as above). All letters must include the writer’s name, address, and telephone number. Telephone numbers will not be published. Anglican Life does not publish letters under nom de plume. Letters should not exceed 300 words (one double spaced typewritten page), and are subject to editing at the discretion of the editor. These policies were adopted by the Anglican Life Committee. Layout & Design: Sam Rose Printed by: Signal Star Publishing, A Division of Bowes Publishers Limited, Industrial Park, 120 Huckins Street, Goderich, Ontario, N7A 4B6
Circulation: 21,777
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The Rev’d Sam Rose Editor
The diocesan newspaper you hold in your hands is your direct line to everyone in the parish and the diocese. It is part of a group of newspapers prepared for every person on parish rolls in the Anglican Church of Canada each month. This group of publications, which is unique to the Anglican Communion, keeps us connected from coast to coast to coast. It includes 23 diocesan newspapers and our national newspaper, which carries the regional newspapers right across the country. This month, I ask you to give us your feedback about these publications and how
we can improve them. What do they do well? What are they not doing well? Do you read both the Anglican Journal and Anglican Life? Are you online? Your answers will help us determine our next steps as we plan for the future. Please take 10 minutes and go to page 8 of the Anglican Journal to fill out the
questionnaire and to mail it in the return envelope provided. Or, go to www.anglicanjournal.com and fill out the questionnaire online. I thank you for participating. Your feedback allows us to stay relevant and remain vital.
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March2012
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THAT’S A LOT OF RULES
Allison Billard Columnist
Have you read the Bible all the way through? It is something I have undertaken this year. I have a student version in a reader friendly translation that guides me through each day’s readings. In one year I will have read the whole thing from Genesis to Revelation. I just finished Exodus this morning. What I’ve noticed is what a great lot of rules there are in the Old Testament. Rules for everything: how to build things, how to behave, how to worship, how to do a sacrifice for any type of sin. That’s a LOT of rules. One might wonder: Did God set us up to fail? The Israelites bore the responsibility of being God’s chosen people. In order to maintain their relationship with God they had to follow
all the rules and abide by the sacrificial tradition. We have it easy by comparison: Jesus was the ultimate and perfect sacrifice for all our sins, those committed 2000 years ago, those we commit now and all those that will be committed in the centuries that lie ahead until the end of time. And what do we need to do in return? Live as Jesus did. The Ten Commandments we still have. The greatest two commandments are: to love God and to love our neighbours as ourselves. This is still a pretty tall order
for such a self-involved species but way more straightforward if you ask me. We will fall into sin. We must still repent, we must be sorry, and make amends when we are able. God created us to be capable of making our own decisions but also provided us with the capacity to make the right ones. His
Holy Spirit guides us, all we need to do is ask for his help. When I examine my life and the world around me I continue to be amazed at how often we simply don’t ask. We don’t follow the rules. How can I expect the young people that I work with to follow all the rules set for them when we can’t even follow the ones our Creator set for us? How do I justify the behaviour they see, when I can’t even acknowledge my own shortcomings? What sort of message are we sending? I hope that we can all strive to live more like Christ and give the generations to come a good example to follow. We all need a little less hypocrisy and a little more forgiveness, less greed and self indulgence and more mercy and kindness. I resolve to try harder each day to live a life I don’t need to be ashamed of and be a better example to those around me of what a Christian life looks like. What about you?
LETTER TO THE EDITOR Dear Editor, I am writing in response to some articles that appeared in the January 2012 issue of Anglican Life. I am left disturbed about what is acceptable to be an Anglican and can’t help wonder if there is a difference in what it takes to be a follower of Christ. Surely there is a difference in many of these issues. Should the issue of which musical instruments or which prayer book we use be listed in comparison to the killing of unborn babies, blessing gay relationships, to fornicate or not? If scripture is not our authority then I guess any thing goes. I suggest reading again the letters to the churches in Revelations; in particular the third letter to the Church in Pergamum. I believe it teaches us that even though a part of a church remains
faithful; it’s failure to root out wicked practices may result in Christ coming to war against that church with a sword in His mouth . Here is a list to evaluate our church in light of this letter: - Does rampant immorality exists which is being ignored by church leaders? - Is the church teaching solid Christian doctrine? - Is syncretism endemic among many of church members? - Is the church resisting the secularization of the paganism that is creeping into our culture? Can you distinguish between what are true forms of faith and what are not? I pray for our church. Yours sincerely Joyce Bryant
Letters to the Editor All letters must include the writer’s name, address, and telephone number. Telephone numbers will not be published. Anglican Life does not publish letters under nom de plume. Letters should not exceed 300 words and are subject to editing at the discretion of the Editor. Due to space limitations, not all Letters can be published. Send your letters to:
The Editor 8 Croydon Sreet Paradise, NL, A1L 1P7 Email: samrose@nl.rogers.com
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A NEW RECTOR The Rev’d Amanda Taylor inducted as Rector of Bay Roberts - Coley’s Point
March2012
LET US PRAY
WWJD? The Rev’d Everett Hobbs Columnist
New R ector The Rev’d Amanda Taylor (left) makes promises to serve the Parish of Bay Roberts - Coley’s Rector Point. Photo by Sandra Roach. Submitted by Madeline Papson
On Wednesday, January 25, 2012, the Parish of Bay Roberts/Coley ’s Point celebrated the Induction of their Rector, The Reverend Amanda Taylor, at St John the Evangelist Church, Coley’s Point. This was a Parish celebration in which The Right Rev.
Cyrus Pitman, Bishop of the Diocese, officiated. Members of both congregations participated in the liturgy and choirs from both St. Matthew’s and St. John the Evangelist joined together to lead the music. Clergy from the Conception Deanery and other parts of Diocese were also in attendance. Symbols of the Office of
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What would Jesus do? In my youth I read In His Steps: What would Jesus do? (Charles Sheldon) written in 1897. It is a fictional account of a congregation whose members are challenged by the pastor to live each day for a year as Jesus would have lived, not to do anything without first asking “What would Jesus do?” This book became a primer for the revival in the 1990s of the WWJD? movement, popular among evangelical Christians. Attempting to imitate and model Jesus has always been the aim of Christians. We are expected to have the mind of the Lord Jesus and to become Christ-like. Indeed, one of the most popular spiritual
to the Spirit on these and other occasions that makes us Christ-like, even as we imitate him in our behavior in the way we know him. In a Christmas message, the Archbishop of Canterbury mused on WWJD? with some reference to the ‘occupy movement.’ Here is some of what he wrote: “In imitating Christ, it is not to emulate him or to look at him as a paragon of virtue. In effect to copy him may simply be a projection of my own convenient and safe version of Jesus. At one level it is not about WWJD? but about me and my engagement with him. The Gospels present Jesus as the one asking awkward question to those around him. We need to apply these questions to ourselves, to wrestle with the uncomfortable challenges we
Rector were presented and we were all reminded of the responsibility that is ours for ministry as the Whole People of God. A Covenant was signed between the Diocese, the Parish and the new Rector. Following the service a social was held at the St. John the Evangelist Church hall where a time of food and fellowship was enjoyed by all!
books over the centuries has been The Imitation of Christ byThomas a Kempis). WWJD? can be helpful to some as a guide in this practice but by itself it can be simply a quick and easy solution, and limited to just moral and ethical issues. Jesus in the Gospels does not speak directly to many of the concerns and issues facing us today, and WWJD? is not sufficient to answer the complex questions raised by the controversy over reproductive technology , the environment and the like. While we need to model Jesus, this will only be an exterior expression unless we are changed from within. For this to happen, we need an ongoing relationship with him, which can happen through prayer and worship, reading the Bible and participation in the fellowship of the Church. It is our openness
find in the Gospels. Jesus is present in the protest [he is also there is the boardroom], sharing the risks, asking the loving and hard questions. Not just taking sides but changing the atmosphere by the questions he asks of everybody involved, rich and poor, capitalists and protestors and clerics. What changes the world isn’t a single formula for finding the right answer but a willingness to stop and let yourself be challenged by Jesus. Dr Williams concludes with two remarks. First, what changes things is not a formula for getting the right answers, but a willingness to let yourself be challenged at the very root of your being. And second, we can find the courage to let that happen because we see that we are in the hands of love, committed, unshakable love.
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March2012
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PARISH OF BAY DE VERDE Still telling the old, old story Submitted by The Parishioners of the Parish of Bay De Verde
There are two licensed Lay Readers in the Parish, a rota of six servers, a rota of twelve lectors, a rota of sixteen greeters, and four counting teams. At St. Barnabas there is an active ACW Group that contributes to the ministry of the Church in all imaginable ways. A Book chronicling the first one hundred years of St. Barnabas ACW has been prepared and published by Cavelle Blundon. There is also an active Sunday School with eight students and two teachers. Four candidates were confirmed on October 2, 2011at St. Barnabas by Bp. Pitman. Moreover there is a “Kids” group with 42 enrolled members and an average bi-weekly attendance of 30 members with four leaders. All leaders and teachers involved in Youth ministry are in compliance with the Diocesan protocol on Respectful Relationships. On a monthly basis there
Every Sunday in the Parish of Bay De Verde devoted followers of Jesus assemble and meet together at the Church of St. Barnabas in Bay De Verde, and at the Church of St. Luke in Grate’s Cove. On major feasts and other special occasions we also assemble and meet together at the Church of the Good Shepherd in Caplin Cove. Whenever we assemble and meet together we do so in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ on behalf of all Anglicans residing in the Parish, in communion with our Diocesan Bishop, “to render Confir mation Class. Front row (left to right) Bishop Cyrus Pitman, Nicolas Curl, Brock Potter, The Rev’d Confirmation thanks for the great benefits Michael Carruthers. Back row (left to right) Yancy Curl, Ian Hyde, Kassidy Coish. Photo by Lisa Coish that we have received at his hands, to set forth his most worthy praise, to hear his between 5 and 12 residents. kitchen and bathroom were Rector the Rev’d Linda most holy Word, and to ask The Holy Eucharist is also added to the Church Hall at Budden was the guest those things which are reqoffered to shut-ins in the Par- Grates Cove.Three new win- preacher and Former Priest in uisite and necessary, as well ish on a monthly basis. Along dows have been installed and Charge the Rev’d Howard for the body with home visi- a new wheelchair ramp and Crane was a reader at the and the soul.” tation by the new sign have been placed on Service. The third notable Although part time Priest St. Luke’s Church. A new fur- event occurred on Christmas we face seriin Charge, min- nace and a new oil tank were Eve when three stained glass ous financial, istry to seniors is purchased and installed at St. windows in a cruciform dedemographcarried out by Luke’s Church and a new oil sign were dedicated to the ical, and geofollowers of Je- tank was installed at the hall; Glory of God. One was dographical consus in this Par- 3) New Oil tanks were in- nated in loving memory of straints in this ish loving God stalled at St. Barnabas son Frazer Blair Blundon by Parish, the and their neigh- Church and the Church Eric and Vimy Blundon, anmission and bours. Hall. A new front step was other was donated in loving ministry of In the past built on the Hall. Also, an memory of departed sisters by Christ ’s few years sub- extended parking lot with a St. Barnabas ACW, and the Church constantial im- new back step with a wheel third was donated in memory tinues here p r o v e m e n t s chair ramp was added. Most of loved ones by a variety of through the have been recently three new windows donors. Proclamation made to the in- with stained glass were inHere in the Parish of Bay of the Word frastructure of stalled in the chancel at St. De Verde we love to tell the and the ad- New SStained the Parish in- Barnabas Church by Brendan old, old story of Jesus and His tained G lass Windo ws. Photo by Wanda Riggs Glass indows. ministration cluding the fol- Blackmore of Sunhound love. of the Sacralowing: The oil Glassworks. New siding was Submitted by: Ern ments using both contempo- is a celebration of the Holy tank at the Rectory was re- also put on the rear face of the Blundon, Nicolas Curl, Allan rary and traditional liturgies Eucharist at the Perlican Ter- furbished to meet regulatory exterior. 4) New funnels were Coish, Lorne Riggs, Amy along with less formal expres- race Retirement Home in requirements. A new base- installed and a new coat of North, Jacob Rice, Ruth sions of Prayer and Praise. Old Perlican with attendance ment door and two windows paint was put on the Church Sutton, Isaac Emberley, were installed at the Rectory. of the Good Shepherd. Clifford Barter, Sara Coish, The front step at the Rectory Three recent events in Cavell Curl, Linda Coish, destroyed by Hurricane Igor the Parish deserve special Don Coish, Gladys Roberts, was replaced. Drywall dam- mention. October 2011 was Brad Coish, Brandon Coish, aged by water on the ceiling a special month at St. Christopher Coish, Dana at the Rectory was replaced Barnabas. First, on October 2, Coish, Kassidy Coish, Juanita and the living room and bath- four candidates were con- Emberley, Shirley Pryor, room were painted. A fresh firmed by Bp. Pitman. Then, Linda Martin, Barbara Coish, coat of paint was put on the on Saturday, October 22, A Jarod Riggs, Wanda Riggs, exterior of the basement at Church Service was followed Walter Sparkes, Ellis Hodder, the Rectory; 2) a new roof, by a Dinner and Dance held Cec Meadus, Valerie Delaney, new siding, a new front step by the ACW to commemo- Sandra Carruthers and Rev. with wheelchair ramp, a new rate the 120th anniversary of Michael Carruthers. back step, and a renovated St. Barnabas Church. Former
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20TH ANNIVERSARY REVISTA BUILDING FOR THE FUTURE Cursillo movement gathers in Gander Submitted by Stella Walsh
On January 20th and 21st, 2012, at St. Martin’s Hall in Gander, the Anglican Diocese of Central Newfoundland Cursillo held their twentieth Revista. Despite the inclement weather, it was well attended, with approximately seventy Cursillistas coming together for a time of renewal and reflection. The theme for this gathering was “Pilgrim’s Journey.” It is fitting that the first Cursillo Revista was also held at St. Martin’s Hall in Gander on November 29th and 30th, 1991 with seventy people in attendance. The first Revista was initiated to provide an opportunity for Cursillistas to come together and “re-visit” what Cursillo means as a method for serving in the mission of the church, with Jesus as the head. Many who were present at the first Revista were also present at this recent event. During this twentieth Revista there were several talks presented by experienced Cursillistas and clergy that led to open discussion and reflection on what it means to be part of Cursillo. On Friday evening, following Lay Director Fred Pafford’s opening remarks, the first talk was presented by Reverend Chuck Lockhart on “The Rule of Life.” He led an interactive talk that included
good advice on how to develop and review regularly a personal rule of life. The next talk was a reflection by Reverend Larry Chatman, current Spiritual Director, during the Service of Reconciliation. He shared his thoughts on the difficulty of approaching worship in the right attitude and spirit, and the discipline required to maintain it. Saturday morning began with a talk by Reverend Glenn Small at the Prayer Breakfast. He shared his inspiration to connect the Kris Kristofferson song “Between Heaven and Here” to the need to break down walls that prevent people from hearing God when He speaks to them. He encouraged everyone to “Go for the Glory” by coming together in Christ and remembering that with Him all things are possible. The next talk was given by Gord Shears on Methods of Prayer. He provided a wealth of information supported throughout by scripture, and illustrated with personal experience. This talk led to a generous sharing of thoughts and insights by the Cursillistas who were present. Before lunch, the gathering shared in the Holy Eucharist with Bishop David, who, like the bishops before him, supports Cursillo with action. During his sermon he challenged those present to think about the complacency of Christians in today’s society. What are Christians will-
Bishop D avid Torr aville addresses the gathering of Cursillo members at St. Martin’s Parish Hall in Gander. David orraville Photo by Stella Walsh
ing to lay down for Christ and His message? In Bishop David’s words, “Is the roof on our church building our biggest vision?” Following the break for a delicious potluck lunch, the witness speaker, Beryl Barnes, told of her own walk with Jesus as she strives to be His hands and feet in a world filled with pain. Beryl related her own experiences with Cursillo and her awakening to the fact that Christ is with us through everything. Many people responded to Beryl’s
Praise the Lor d! Music is an important part of each Cursillo Revista. Photo by Stella Walsh Lord!
talk and Reverend Larry gave a spiritual echo on the subject of discipleship. The witness talk was followed by a presentation on “The Importance of Grouping,” given by Wilf and Lorraine Brushett. This was an informative talk on the importance of Group Reunion that also led to an open discussion. Wilf and Lorraine also recommended a book called the Leaders’ Manual. They encouraged all Cursillistas to read a copy, not just those in positions of leadership. In one of those wonderful coincidences that are often provided by the Holy Spirit, Gloria Robinson brought along an original
copy of the article about the first Revista as it appeared in the “Newfoundland Churchman” in January, 1992. She came across it a couple of days before the Revista, while looking for something else. It was obvious from reading it that Cursillo is still true to the purpose for holding these gatherings.Through the common practices of shared meals, prayer, worship and praise, fellowship and the Holy Eucharist, it becomes a time to renew the commitment to following and living in Jesus Christ and showing His love to those in our environments.
Cursillo R evista 2012. Photo by Stella Walsh Revista
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March2012
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CONTINUING TASK MINISTRY INTHE THE BIG LAND
Reflections of a Labrador Priest Submitted by The Rev’d Wayne Parsons
Christmas day past, marked the fifth Christmas that myself and my family have spent in Labrador. The first two were in the former parish of Battle Harbour and the last three have been in the Parish of Labrador West where I currently serve as its Rector. Within this span, I have been blessed in so many ways and have grown as a priest on a yearly basis. The call to ordained ministry in the Big Land can indeed be challenging, but yet rewarding for those who answer the call to ministry in one of the most beautiful parts of God’s creation. I well remember my days in Battle Harbour (now the parish of Southeast Labrador) and the trips to the communities of Williams Harbour and Norman Bay by boat. The openness of the ocean, the splendour of watching icebergs crumble before your
eyes, the feeling of freedom. In winter perhaps seeing a polar bear or two in the distance on ski-doo or watching them from the air, in the twin otter, as you fly over the vastness and beauty of God’s universe. I always cherished the drives between the communities with roads and the marvelling constantly, yet quietly, about the beauty and firmament of God’s hand upon this small corner of his vast vineyard. Then there are the people, the people of Labrador are one of God’s greatest treasures. True, genuine, hospitable, loving, honest and hardworking, are only a few of the adjectives that describe these wonderful souls. Although there are indeed sometimes challenges around a multi-point rural parish, the people themselves far outweigh any difficulty that you will ever encounter. Likewise, heading into the third year of ministry in Labrador West has also been equally as satisfying. Labrador West is a booming min-
ing economic hotbed with unprecedented growth and opportunities. It is an industrial ministry. Over seventy per cent of the communities of Labrador City and Wabush work directly with the two mining companies. Most others are in support services of this. Therefore, regular parishioners who attend faithfully and are employed with the mines, as shift workers, only attend every second Sunday as the alternate weekend they work. Labrador West is also an absolutely beautiful place to live. Built on industry and thriving in nature has been used to describe our communities. It is a tremendous place to raise your family and offers many of the services of a larger urban center with much less hassle and congestion. From a parish standpoint, Labrador West has been often referred to as a flagship parish. I would concur with this statement. As a parish we are very blessed in
many ways. From our growing Buzz children’s ministry, Anglicanism course, outreach both local and abroad, family service and fellowship just to name a few. The parishioners of the parish are truly wonderful and genuine people. Also, f rom a ministerial standpoint, ecumenically we work extremely well with the focus on togetherness and improving ministry services for all in our communities. I would also be remiss, if I did not mention the wonderful clergy team within the Archdeaconry of Labrador. Led by Archdeacon CharleneTaylor, we have a wonderful clerical team and I believe we all know how lucky we are and truly support and care for each other in our ministries. Ministry is indeed a truly special calling and is life changing. On October 18, 2001, I was ordained a deacon at the Cathedral in St. John’s. Afterwards, I was very blessed and honored to have ministered in the Parish of the Ascen-
sion, Hospital Chaplaincy services and the Parish of All Saints as Visitation minister. Those experiences helped begin the shaping and perhaps preparation for ministry further abroad, which in this case has been the tremendous gift of Labrador Ministry. In closing, Labrador is not just a place for new clergy or a stepping stone. In many ways, it is a place that if you allow it, will mold and shape you not only as a clergy, but as a person and will make an indelible difference upon your life forever. In closing, I would highly recommend ministry in Labrador to anyone who will answer the call. In fact, for me personally, many nights before I lay down to sleep… I say thank you God for making me a Labrador priest.
March2012
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anglicanlife
A MIRACLE ON ICE Ron Clarke Columnist
Sunday night, March 18, 1948, was brilliantly moon lit. Deep snow crunched underfoot. A wonderful time and place for a refreshing walk. I was eighteen, bursting with energy. As a lay reader, a surrogate priest you might say, I had just
conducted the Evening Service. A dozen or so, young people like myself, decided, since there was nothing else to do, to walk to Ivanhoe, a small community about two miles from Ireland’s Eye where I taught. With great gusto we did so. Ireland’s Eye and Ivanhoe were two small settlements on a small island off the Eastern Tip of Random Island. Between Random Island and Ivanhoe/ Ireland’s Eye there was a mile-long tickle, about half a mile wide, though quite narrow at the eastern exit; the water in the tickle was quite deep. Gales of wind sweeping down f rom the west had
blocked the Tickle that week. Ice pans were crunched solidly, groaning as they tilted upward. As we stood in the edge of the Tickle that night, the ice seemed like a wonderful, dangerous challenge. No one, we presumed, had ever crossed the Tickle before, except by boat. “Let’s walk across,” someone shouted. So we walked across. It was a very difficult struggle. After a short while in the very small settlement named Thoroughfare, meeting no one in the meantime, we started back. The return was even more difficult than the crossing, as the ice shuddered and groaned beneath us.
Finally we reached the shore at Ivanhoe, and climbed the steep hill behind it. Resting at the top/ we turned to look again at the Tickle. All of us gasped in surprise. The Tickle, except for some pans forced onshore, was completely bare of ice, the deep blue water gleaming in the moon light! The ice jam blocking the eastern exit had obviously broken loose. The gale had swept it all outside. All we could see was scattered pans being violently pushed out of sight, far out to sea in Trinity Bay. Wow! Since nobody had seen us leave Ireland’s Eye, and we’d seen no one in Ivanhoe
or Thoroughfare, if the ice had broken loose while we were just crossing, who would have known what happened to us?? A dozen young people disappearing without a trace or clue! Why didn’t the ice break when we were on it? Only God knows. Some of the dozen are still alive I believe. We are in our eighties. God obviously wanted to use us in his service for all those years. Since then, I’ve firmly believed in miracles. Thank you Father God!
A FEW GOOD MEN Submitted by George Childs
Ten Good Men. (Left to right) John Anderson, Roland Durnford, Edgar Ricketts, William Crant, Lloyd Skinner, John C. Durnford. Missing from photo: Sam Durnford, Leonard Matthews, Max Durnford, Calvin Bowdridge.
These ten men volunteered their time and talents for a full week renovating the Anglican Parish Hall in Burgeo. They removed the brown panel board that had adorned the walls for many years and replaced it with drywall and pine panelling. The project’s material cost approximately $3400. A number of men from St. John the Evangelist Church, Burgeo, plan an annual wake-a-thon to pay for some worthwhile projects. Last year they raised money
to purchase materials for new tables for the Hall and they built the tables as well. The previous year, they raised money to buy shingles for the roof of the church. The men plan to hold a wake-a-thon in February 2012 to pay for the renovations. With such dedication by these ten volunteers, the church in Burgeo is alive and well and the whole congregation expresses their appreciation and thanks to them for the generosity of their time and talents.
anglicanlife
March2012
11
A WHOLE NEW REVIEW
Community in the Inventive Age by Doug Pagitt Reviewed by The Rev’d Robert Cooke
Community in the Inventive Age is the third in Doug Pagitt’s Inventive Age Series (see also The Church in the Inventive Age, Preaching in the Inventive Age, and Evangelism in the Inventive Age). Pagitt is pastor of Solomon’s Porch, a church in the Emergent movement. In this book and throughout the whole series Pagitt explores how the church can respond to the cultural transitions that we witness happening all around us. A word of explanation is necessary on what exactly the author means by the inventive age. Pagitt is adamant that we are passing from the information age into the inventive age. He describes the inventive age as “an age when we have no idea what’s coming next or where it will come from (5).” This uncertainty causes some to fear or even attempt to avoid what lies ahead. Pagitt, on the other hand views this uncertainty as opportunity. For him and
his community at Solomon’s people to copy the programPorch it is thrilling. “The in- ming of Solomon’s Porch. In ventive age is one in which fact this book is as much inclusion participation, col- about the failures of Pagitt’s laboration, church as its and beauty success. We’re are essential not talking a values (6).” mega church This is not a marketing claim that campaign these values here but simdid not exist ply the stories in past ages. of how a He claims growing comonly that they munity is atplay a more tempting to important wrestle with role than valculture and ues that were the church’s important in place in it. previous ages, The inventive such as age is more Community in the knowledge, about asking Inventive Age repeatability the right Doug Pagitt (empiricism), questions (Sparkhouse Press: or survival. than having Minneapolis) 2011 Nor is he sayall the an978-1-4514-0147-9 ing that these swers. $16.95 values are no T h e longer imporchapters are tant only that they viewed dif- laid out around the categories ferently, and are subservient that have shaped the develto what is really important. opment of Solomon’s Porch. This is not a “how to” In the remainder of the book book. It is not meant to get Pagitt goes on to interpret
these categories by telling the stories of Solomon’s Porch. While he talks about architecture, worship styles, and programs he is quick to state that these do not create community. They are merely artefacts. Community is found in the people and the interconnected web of relationships that develop when people pray, eat, learn, and work together. For him the church is “first and foremost a people (18).” One of the great features of this book is that at the end of each chapter the author includes lyrics to songs written by his community. These songs reflect the theology, hopes, dreams, fears, frustrations, and mission of the people of Solomon’s Porch. I see this as a great inspiration to all faith communities to engage in such creative practices. Much of what we sing in church, old and new, often does not reflect the particular theology and practice of the communities that sing them. When we sing these hymns and songs we do acknowledge our place in a Church
that is much older, richer and more diverse than those gathered wherever we find ourselves in the 21 century. But what a better way to show that we are a part of a living, changing church than to write our own songs of praise reflecting our local theology? This book and the community it represents will challenge you. It will call you to imagine a different church. It shows that we do not have to deny the past on the altar of cultural relevancy. Neither are we stuck with old practices and structures from a bygone era that no longer work in the one we find ourselves. It reminds us that the church from the Book of Acts to our contemporary setting has struggled with how we can speak to our surrounding culture without being swallowed up by it. So what will your church look like in the inventive age? How will you create community? Community in the Inventive Age is available at The Diocesan Resource Centre, 19 King’s Bridge Road, St. John’s, NL.
GODLY PLAY GAINING MOMENTUM Submitted by Susan Haskell
Godly Play Certified Trainers: Donna Ronan and Kathy Peddle, both of the Parish of the Good Shepherd in Mount Pearl, are now both certified trainers with Godly Play Canada following a trainer certification held in Toronto this past November with the Rev Dr Jerome Berryman, the founder of the Godly Play series. Donna and Kathy are the first such certified trainers in Newfoundland and Labrador. Godly Play was first introduced to the Parish of the Good Shepherd in Mount Pearl in 2009.This spring they will offer three training events at the Parish of the Good
Shepherd for people involved in Godly Play ministries across our province. The dates are as follows: - Saturday, March 3 (9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) One-day introductory event for storytellers ($50 including lunch and all materials) - Saturday, March 31 (9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) One-day introductory event for storytellers ($50 including lunch and all materials) - Thursday, May 31 to Saturday, June 2 (From 3 p.m. on Thursday to 3 p.m. on Saturday) Core Training Event for Storytellers and Leaders. ($325 including all meals and materials) The first two events are short, one-day sessions, designed to introduce people to
the Godly Play method and to equip persons to present Godly Play stories and to act as “doorkeepers” and helpers in their churches. The third event from May 31 to June 2 is intended to provide a complete, in-depth, overview of the Godly Play method, covering both theory and practice, and equip participants to be leaders in the Godly Play series and to introduce the program in their parishes. Amy Crawford and Andrew Sheldon, senior members of Godly Play Canada, will visit during the Core Training Event. To register, or for more information please contact: Archdeacon Geoff Peddle (747-1022 or geoffpeddle48@gmail.com)
Godly P lay cer tified tr ainers. Kathy Peddle (left) and Donna Ronan Play certified trainers. (right) of the Parish of the Good Shepherd in Mount Pearl are offering a series of training sessions for those interested in Godly Play. Photo by Susan Haskell.
March2012
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OUR HISTORY
anglicanlife
John Thomas of Silly Cove
David Davis Columnist
The readers of Anglican Life have met Mr. Thomas before in articles in 2005 and 2006. The writer excuses another appearance of Mr.Thomas with the difficulty of finding anything about the teacher/cartelists who served the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel(SPG) in Newfoundland. They almost never make reports to the SPG which survive into the records and come down to us. In a forthcoming article (2012) by the writer in the Newfoundland Ancestor, the magazine of the Family History Society of Newfoundland and Labrador, there will be a document sent from the Rev. Edward Violet to Governor Duckworth re the native Indians of Newfoundland.This document contains a list of the schools and teachers in Newfoundland. Unfortunately such lists do not come with supporting documents which might contain such basic information as when they served, where and how long. Mr. Thomas is listed in that document of 1810. Some of the information in the Anglican Life articles of 2005 and 2006 indicate also that not surprisingly Mr. Thomas’s family finances were very precarious. His income from teaching, etc was insufficient and he needed to be involved in the fishery in association with his eldest son. He would have had a smallish teaching class during the fishing season when every person in families would have been drafted into catching and processing fish. At the best of times, it was wartime in 1810 and prices were high, there was money to be made by everyone in the fishery, even itinerant teachers; however it must have been difficult to survive in peacetime if fish prices were low. The community of Silly Cove probably was a version of the name Scilly derived from the islands of that name at the approach of the English Channel which were a famous landfall for seamen and fishermen returning to England.They were also close
to the areas of Devon and Dorset from which most Newfoundlanders of English origin came. They were at the same time infamous as the sight of many shipwrecks, single ships and fleets. In 1803 Mr. Thomas approached Mr. John Clinch, Rector of Trinity about his, Thomas’s, going to Halifax, Nova Scotia, where the bishop was resident. Mr.Thomas wanted a deacon’s orders. There didn’t seem to be any way to get him, Thomas, to Halifax, or perhaps no desire for it to happen. The church in Newfoundland at that time was going nowhere with the minimum number of priests possible to maintain a presence on the island, but no more. It seemed to stumble along and there was no mechanism for bringing the teacher/catechists on to be deacons or perhaps a few priests or to bring on numbers of priests out from England as happened when Aubrey Spencer became bishop in 1839. There was a long time to wait until relief came. Bishop Inglis of Nova Scotia who used to say something like “ the frightful state of the Church in Newfoundland,” who visited Newfoundland when he could, it was part of his diocese but he couldn’t make anything happen until someone with the prominence of an Aubrey Spencer took up the task of shaking the church in Newfoundland into activity and luckily he was followed by an on-the-ground bishop like Edward Feild. Poor Mr. Thomas flits in and out of the few records available to us for that period of the nineteenth Century. When Mr. Thomas’s situation is considered, one is prone to consider Thomas Gray’s “An Elegy written in a Country Churchyard” which was written in a previous century to our document.
THE DOCUMENT My Dear Sir In response to the enquiry stated in your assumed favor of the 7th instant. To inform you that person by the name of John Thomas has for some year’s past been appointed catechist and School master at Silly Cove in this District with a salary of fifteen pounds a year from the Society which you will see confirmed by the accompanying abstract. Which I hope will meet your acceptance- The numbers of scholars who attend Mr. Thomas’s School particularly the Winter season amount to thirty - from the Inhabitants he gets (?) (?) for his service in addition to his salary which is a very small stipend to provide for the exigencies of himself and family, & is therefore under the necessity of doing something in the Fishery the summer months. I feel much obliged to Sir John for the excellent plan of assessments he had the goodness to furnish me with, I am happy to hear that he is well satisfied with what I am doing about the administration of the (?) From the extreme pressure of business of various kinds. I have only time to substant- myself, Your much obliged & very faithfully humble Sir J. Clinch Trinity 29th Sept, 1810
NEW SSJD ASSOCIATE
Submitted by Mary Ann Graham Photo by Fred Maynard
Helen Maynard (second from left in photo), a dedicated parishioner and longtime choir member of St. Mary’s Church, Corner Brook, was admitted as an Associate of the Anglican Sisterhood of St. John the Divine on 3rd Advent, Dec. 11, 2011. The Rev. Karen Laldin (third from left in photo), Rector and Priest Associate,
was Presider. A Celebration of the Holy Eucharist followed, with two Associates Mary Ann Graham and Edna Parsons - assisting as Liturgical Ministers. Over 127 years since the Community was started in Toronto, there have been thousands who have chosen to become Associates. As stated in a Community circular, “Associates are men and women, lay and ordained, who are members of a Christian parish community and seek to deepen their life in Christ though following a
Rule of Life in association with the Sisters....A relationship of mutual support of prayer, love and ministry exists between the Sisterhood and the Associate. Anyone wishing more information may visit the website www.ssjd.ca or, to inquire about the process of entering into this mutual relationship, one may contact Sister Sue at 416 226 2201, ext 308.
anglicanlife
March2012
13
STRAIGHT TALK
Church Memorials
The Rev’d Greg Mercer Columnist
What I know of my great-grandparents my parents told me. The only memory or recollection I have of them is from a photograph. Moreover, there are few people remaining to remember them. Soon all that will be left will be another headstone with their names and probably a short epitaph. Nothing more than a stone with a name for people to wonder who they were and what they were like. Forgotten! Forever! It is easy to criticize church memorials. It has been said that our churches sometimes look more like museums than saving stations with all the memorial plaques, brass plates, and attachments. From stained glass windows to baptismal ewers and everything in between, gifts to the Church that become monuments to the dead; church artefacts memorializing someone’s deceased loved one. There is one particular passage of Scripture in which Jesus himself had some harsh words for a would-be follower who wanted to bury his father before he would commit himself to Christ. Jesus’ words appear piercing: “Follow me and let the dead bury their own dead” (Matt 8:22). All too often this has been taken out of context. Jesus is not saying that we shouldn’t attend to our deceased loved ones. It is a reference to the spiritual dead who are not alive to the greater demands of the kingdom of God. Biblically, memorials are of utmost importance. Joshua 4:1-7, the Lord told Joshua to establish a memorial at the place of encampment after the Israelites miraculously crossed the Jordan
River during the trek to the Promised Land. The stones were to be a memorial to the people of Israel forever. Let us not forget either that our Lord wanted to be remembered. We celebrate his perpetual memorial every Sunday in the context of the Eucharist: “Do this in memory of me.” People put an enormous amount of time, energy, and money into preparing cemetery plots for the annual Flower Service. And the fact that our churches are peppered with memorials says that it is very important to remember people, and that probably the church should be doing more about it. I think that most people want to be remembered and more importantly they want to remember their loved ones. I believe that God wants for us to remember them. We remember the Saints and a bunch of other characters simply because some unknown decided to formulate some doctrine around them and make them important. I’m jesting, of course. But what of all those contemporaries of ours who have given their life to Christ and to the church. More than that, memorials are stepping-stones to the past, and to the future - they link the generations. For many people remembering their loved one is an important part of the grief process and it helps to bring clo-
sure. And for some people closure could take years. Is not attending to the grieving and helping people find closure an important part of the Church’s pastoral ministry? Memories are precious and it is appropriate to share them with future generations. Memorials are a practical way of perpetuating these memories and providing a focal point for family, friends and others. Granted, we have our flower services every year, but can we do more? All Souls Day (November 2), the commemoration of the faithful departed, is a feast day not only for those Saints known to us, but a day of thanksgiving and celebration for ALL those who have been taken into the presence and full glory of God. We are not to minimize the loss of a loved one. Those people who we memorialize are the very people who shaped our own identity. These people too had a story and we are a part of that story. They had a legacy and much of that legacy and spirit continues to live on in us. They are a part of us for all eternity – in Christ and through Christ. It is very important that we remember them, give thanks to God for them, and celebrate their lives – in the Church. This is what God would want.
CANADIAN CHURCH NEWS From other diocesan newspapers
Photo project empowers women Every Friday morning, 10 women who work in the sex trade in downtown Toronto are learning photography as part of a unique urban ministry aimed at empowerment. The Exposure Project, run by All Saints Church at the gritty corner of Dundas and Sherbourne streets, is the brainchild of social worker Carly Kalish, who co-ordinates the weekly dropin program. “I thought, how cool would it be to educate and empower sex workers through the art of photography while educating the community about what their lives look like. Because people walk by and don’t even acknowledge them. They are completely invisible.” A week-long exhibition of the photos will be held in April at Holy Trinity Church as a part of a fundraiser. The Anglican (Toronto) Bishop asks immigration minister to withdraw proposed bill Bishop Michael Bird of the diocese of Niagara has asked the Minister of Citizenship, Immigration, and Multiculturalism, Jason Kenney, to withdraw the proposed Bill C-4: Preventing Human Smugglers from Abusing Canada’s Immigration System Act. While the bishop thanked the federal government for its funding of The Primate’s World Relief and Development Fund’s 50th Anniversary sponsorship initiative, which helped two churches in the diocese sponsor a refugee family from Iraq, he outlined his concern about Bill C-4. “This legislation will punish the refugees whom we–as Canadian and international citizens–have pledged to protect rather than the smugglers for whom it was intended. Moreover, this legislation is unlikely to act as a deterrent as refugees will do what needs to be done in order to save their families.” Niagara Anglican Historic chapel rededicated St. Anne’s Chapel of Ease in downtown Fredericton was rededicated last fall after a major renovation. Regarded as the finest Gothic Revival church of its size and kind in North America, it has been designated a national historic site. As such, it received a $425,000 restoration grant from the National Historic Sites of Canada cost-sharing program. A parish fundraising campaign raised matching funds. Until St. Anne’s was built, those who wished to sit in a pew in church had to rent one. When Bishop John Medley, the first bishop of the diocese, arrived in Fredericton from England in 1845, he asked architect Frank Willis to “provide a place of worship with free seats for the poor.” St. Anne’s was consecrated in 1847. The New Brunswick Anglican
March2012
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anglicanlife
THE FIRST TIME I MET GOD Kevin Smith Planned Giving Consultant
This month’s column is a follow-up to February’s offering which focused on the question, “Are you Prepared?” The question is in reference to preparation regarding your estate plans. Do you have a Will? And, have you made provision for a bequest in that Will for your Church? Recently I had the pleasure to read an article written by my brother in law, Doug, entitled, “The First Time I Met God”. In the well writ-
ten article, he describes what is known as a Near Death Experience which essentially refers to a broad range of personal experiences associated with an individual being pronounced clinically dead or otherwise very close to death. Here are a few excerpts of what he wrote: From where I live, the Whitbourne Clinic is just a tiny bit further than you need to be from a medical facility in an emergency. Perhaps if I had thought to call ahead I wouldn’t have had to wait those extra few minutes for a doctor to be called in. Who knows? So it was, in the wee hours of Friday the twenty-second of December 1995 that, shortly after arriving there, I died. While I was lying on the gurney in full realization that death was imminent, I was quite cross with myself for having to leave life without being quite finished with it. For the
most part I had led the life that I wanted to lead and I would not have traded my choice of career, but that came with a price. The military had me working a lot of weekends and holidays. I missed birthdays, anniversaries and holidays. I missed hockey games, school events, broken bones and a host of things because of both my career and divorce. I was away from home for long stretches at a time; I regretted all that and other stuff too. There I was hovering near the ceiling of the ER which seemed 80 or more feet high. I was in what a sky-diver would call a ‘free-fall’ position, looking down upon my body. I felt such absolute peace; not a sound of any kind from anywhere. Off to my left was the most brilliant white light imaginable. So soft and inviting a phenomenon — defying imagination or description. As brilliant as it was, it did not bother my eyes - in
fact my eyes were drawn to it. My head moved in slow motion from the light to my corpse and back again. Otherwise, time stood still. Pure white shone, pure silence reigned and sublime peace prevailed. My new self was bursting with joy and excitement! Full of wonder! Supremely spiritual! Except for the fact that I was dead I had never felt so alive. I had not passed “peacefully away” as some death notices advertise, but once I ‘passed’, I was certainly peacefully on my way. Then, schhsluupp, I was pulled back down and integrated with my body; I was saved by a shot of something or other administered by Dr. Graham Worrall. To be honest it was a trifle anti-climatic, but thank you Doc! Well the upshot of all that kerfuffle of course was this: if an un-believing, semi-rejecter of God like me can see the light, then surely God is there for eve-
ryone..... The fundamental foundation of my enlightenment: God has no religion. God is wholly spiritual. From that time on I have tried to be a better person overall. An interesting story, to be sure. One that contains a personal testimony of sorts to the existence of God and a warning regarding the inevitability of death and uncertainty of when it will occur. Are you prepared? St. Francis of Assisi is reported to have said, “When we approach Paradise, our arms are laden, not with what we have accumulated, but with what we have given away. Wise words indeed! Kevin Smith is a gift planning consultant for the Anglican Church of Canada. He can be contacted at 739-5667 or k_smith@nf.sympatico.ca
THE WEALTHY FARMER The Rev. Michael Li Columnist
If you are a honest hardworking person, owning a beautiful home, buying a new car every five or six years, having a healthy bank account, possessing some RRSPs and mutual funds, do you have to apologize for your personal wealth? Life is far more than the “abundance of possessions” (Luke 12:15). It also does not consist of an abundance of accomplishments, applause, or self-indulgence. All that we are and have ultimately belongs to God. As stewards, we will have to give God an accounting of the use of our time, gifts and energy. All our possessions are given to us in trust. We should handle them accordingly. We must be careful that our material possessions will not become a substitute for God.
In a parable recorded in Luke 12:16-21, Jesus wants us to stop and think about our wealth and our life. God said to the farmer, “You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you” (Luke 12:20). Why would God call this man a fool? This man was not a fool because of his wealth. He was not a fool because he was stupid. He was an owner of property. He was a hard worker. He was successful in his business. He was called a fool because he believed that material things can satisfy the deepest longings of his soul. He lived for this world only. He forgot God. He only cared for himself. The wealthy farmer saw living in terms of getting instead of giving. Possessions can own us if we are not careful. Many years ago, a popular preacher delivered a Sunday sermon entitled “God’s Ownership”. Later that day he was invited to the home of a wealthy parishioner, who had a huge estate. Recalling the morning’s sermon, the wealthy man asked the question, “Do you mean to tell me that this huge land does not belong to me?” The preacher answered, “You can ask me
the same question one hundred years from now!” Money itself is not evil.
“for a rainy day”. Certainly we can save for a college education. We should plan for the
We do not need to apologize for our personal wealth. True wealth is not measured by what we accumulate for ourselves only. Money should be used for the well-being of others. We have good Christian people who have a lot of money. In Hong Kong a wealthy Christian woman died in 1995. A huge number of people attended her funeral because she had used her money to help so many poor people, both Christians and non-Christians. Also, it is not wrong to set aside something
future as best we can. We should provide for our own families. We should not depend on the government to
look after our children. We should plan for our retirement. But money should not be our master. We must not worship money. Everything we have belongs to God. We should think of ourselves as workers in God’s vineyard, rather than landowners. The harvest is God’s, not ours. Secular materialism says, “work hard in order to earn more money for ourselves”. The Christian message is “work hard in order to earn as much as we can so that we might have more to support the work of God”. We should use what God gives us for the good of others. We are blessed to be a blessing in the lives of others. We are blessed to build up the kingdom of God.
anglicanlife
March2012
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ANGLICAN LIFE IN FORTEAU Submitted by The Rev’d Norman Cutler
Over the past many months (and years), members of the Anglican Parish of Forteau have been very active in Anglican life through a continuous renewal of their baptismal vows. No where are people more active, affirming and renewing in a parish with four congregations to carry out God’s business than St. Andrew, St. John, St. Paul and St. Peter. This small parish of 300 people in the Diocese of We s t e r n Newfoundland on the Southern Coast of Labrador extends over a 60 km radius f rom L’Anse au Clair to Red Bay. It includes the communities of L’Anse au Clair, Forteau, L’Anse Amore, L’Anse au Loup, Capstan Island, West St. Modest, Pinware and Red Bay. The 8th question of the renewal of baptismal vows “Will you respect the dignity of every human being?” is firmly acknowledged and activated as the people spontaneously respond, “I will, with God’s help”. They proclaim by word and example the Good News of God in Christ and continue in the Apostles’ teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of bread and in the prayers. As the minister of this highly active parish I feel very privileged to be part of Anglican life in carrying out God’s business too. God’s business in the Parish of Forteau throughout the church’s year includes four services per Sunday (and sometimes five) with an average attendance of 100 faith-
ful members. With every service various members proclaim the Word with the reading of scripture, psalm responses, prayers and hymns. It has become custom to share the prayers and petitions of the people individually, while the whole congregation participates corporately with praying the collect, the prayer over the gifts, the
prayer after communion and the doxologies. Lay-readers lead services on some Sundays and there is an abundant supply of very fine musicians helping to proclaim the Word through musical accompaniment with church organ, guitar, mouth-organ and accordion that is many times orchestrated together. God’s business through the Word is also proclaimed when members meet together for Vestry, ACW, Bible study, Parish Council, Home Communions to the sick and shut-in and social gatherings (Times) with potluck or pancakes; say, on Strove Tuesday. There is a Parish Council, four Select Vestries, four ACW organizations, a Bible Study Group, two Sunday School Groups, and Christian Education is offered when the need arises for Altar Guild, Confirmation, Holy Matrimony, Baptism and such. Many members also proclaim the Word
to patients in hospital and Long Term Care through Hymn Sings particularly on Monday nights throughout the year. The church members work cooperatively with other church denominations and organizations such as the hospital auxiliary and the Women’s Institute. There is a local ministerial that meets approximately six times a year and plans for ecumenical gatherings such as the World Day of Prayer and the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. T h e youth of the parish are active in Sunday school events and never hesitate to proclaim the Word in the Christmas pageant, carol singing and the Easter story. Many of the youth offer guitar music, group singing and often solo presentations for some serv-
tenance, furnace and heating upkeep, snow-clearing, parking lot upgrading, fixing things, and offering strong financial support for the ongoing work in God’s business. The Minister’s Wardens and the People’s Wardens are excellent resources and support for the clergy and people. The churches are always heated and prepared for services by the Wardens, the ACW members and the Altar Guilds. There is excellent lay-leadership, financial accounting, and Eucharistic assisting. The parish and congregational treasurers diligently keep the financial affairs current and up-to-date very efficiently. The parish council is very supportive, active and responsive to parish needs quickly and as the need arises. The cemetery and property committees respond to repairs and care for extended needs of the parish and congregations as well. The parish of Forteau has hosted two synods in recent years offering excellent hospitality with God’s business. In October 2011, youth (19) and adults (2) completed education through the Alpha Program and Confirmation classes for the sacrament of Holy Confirmation presided
members of the parish. Patron saint feast day celebrations are held when they arise and special days such as Thanksgiving Sunday, Remembrance Day and Canada Day are acknowledged through fellowship and prayer services. The proceeds from the congregational Thanksgiving Harvest Festival and sale of goods are always forwarded to support the Primates World Relief and Development. The last Thanksgiving Day realized approximately $800.00 for PWRDF. The four ACW organizations are especially active in the parish and with every meeting will pray, offer fellowship and share a lunch. Parish members young and old are present and active in the parish of Forteau . They are true to God’s call and freely offer to carry out God’s business through their baptismal vow. It is only fitting that I close this write-up for Anglican Life with the collect for the Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany: “Merciful Lord, grant to your faithful people pardon and peace, that we may be cleansed from all our sins and serve thee with a quiet mind; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who is alive
ices. They; too, are active with reading the scripture in Sunday services and help as servers and “taking up the collection”. A young six year old youth offers his reading skills in proclaiming the gospel and presents it with excellent elocution and dignity. Anglican life in the Parish of Forteau is present as men and women work together with their skill and leadership for church main-
over by our bishop The Rt. Rev. P. Coffin. The confirmation service realized approximately 225 members of the parish present with other guest; Ms. Shirley Frost and Mrs. Cavelle Kerwin of the Diocese Stewardship Program present as well. Fellowship continued after the breaking of bread with a wonderful meal prepared by parents of the confirmation candidates and served by ACW
and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and for ever. (Book of Alternative Services, p. 353) Thank you to each member of the parish who truly believe that Jesus Christ is Lord. “Let your light so shine before others that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven” Matthew 5: 16.
March2012
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anglicanlife
youthlife newfoundlandlabrador
ST. MARTIN’S CHALLENGES YOUTH TO LOVE THY GLOBAL NEIGHBOUR Submitted by Stella Walsh
Throughout 2010-11, The Reverend John Watton challenged the youth of St. Martin’s Parish in Gander to become aware of the needs of their less advantaged global neighbors and share of themselves and their own good fortune. The parish was already involved with the Help A Village Effort (H.A.V.E.) group, having previously raised enough money to pro-
vide one whole well for a village in India to have clean drinking water. Following the initial fundraising effort, Reverend John was inspired to have St. Martin’s youth look more closely at their own material blessings and come up with ways to raise funds for another well to be created in India by the H.A.V.E. group. The fundraising project took off and the young people, with the help of adult leaders, planned and carried
out a variety of activities. The events included working at a salmon dinner for the Festival of Flight, pre-teen and teen dances, a Teddy Bear Picnic with Terry Reilly, a Day Camp and a family barbeque. There was also a model well set up in the back of the church where people could place donations to support the cause. The youth of the Parish of Grand Bank generously agreed to partner with the youth of St. Martin’s and con-
tributed the funds that they were able to raise through their own efforts, which amounted to the cost of half a well. This was gratefully accepted and much appreciated. The events and activities for the Youth Challenge were generously supported by corporate sponsors from the community and the congregational community of St. Martin’s Cathedral. The children and youth demonstrated a commendable commitment and effort to this missionary
work and in the end were able to raise seventy-five hundred dollars, enough to create three new wells in India through the H.A.V.E. group. Matthew 25: 35,36 (NIV) – “For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.”
LITTLE HELPERS St. James Church in Gillams held its annual Little Helpers party on Sunday 22 January 2012. Seven little helpers attended out of the eighteen invited. Special guest, The Rev. Malcolm Palmer, entertained the children with a story about the birth of Jesus complete with actions. The kids really enjoyed it. Cake and ice cream was served and everyone had a great time. Submitted by Audrey Park.