anglicanlife

JUNE 2016

June 2016

A Section of the Anglican Journal

NEWFOUNDLAND & LABRADOR

Photo Terry J. Saunders, 2016

Photo Terry J. Saunders, 2016

The Revd John Watton

Elected Bishop of Central Diocese

The Revd John Watton, a new Bishop for the Anglican Church of Canada, elected on April 30th, 2016, in Gander, Newfoundland and Labrador.
Pictured above, the Bishop-Elect receives congratulations from Archbishop Percy Coffin, and Archdeacon Perry Cooper. Bishop-Elect Wattons
Consecration is scheduled for Wednesday June 29th, 2016.

Photo Terry J. Saunders, 2016

A Letter From The Bishop-Elect to Anglican Life

I was born on Dec. 18,

1959, to a young Army
soldier from Change
Islands, and a Dutch war
bride from Haarlem.
My young life is best
described as transient.
Dad was in the military,
my parents split up
when I was young. As
a result, the rhythms
of my life included
time on the streets at a
young age, growing up
without a lot of direct

guidance. Through the

process of having my
children baptized, I had
the spiritual experience
of healing, welcome,
and reconciliation,
and a lot of healing
took place in my life.
Through the mentoring
of other Christians
and the ministry of the
clergy I felt as if I was
being called to share
that healing story with
people. At the age of
25, I was a journeyman
mechanic who shifted
gears. My wife and I sold
our home, packed our
things, our four children,
the cat and the dog, and
moved to St. Johns.
I went to Memorial
University, and then to
Queens College, and I
was ordained in 1990.
From the very
beginning of my ministry
I was very aware that we

were in the midst of a

cultural upheaval. Even
though in the 1990s,
many aspects of the
Church/Community
relationships that we
would describe as
traditional were still
prevalent, but realities of
shifting demographics
and attitudes toward
religion, spirituality, and
institutional Christianity
were becoming quite
obvious. In addition to
all that was developing
in me as a member of
clergy, I became an
avid student of culture
and one who was in
constant search of ways
to connect the dots to
create a community that
invited, nurtured, and
enabled people.
As an Anglican, I
believe our beauty lies
in a vision of the Beloved
Community of Christ

deeply grounded in
the life of religion and
spirituality.
In our radically
changed time, it is
vitally important for the
Church to discern the
ways in which Gods
Spirit speaks through
and into the diversity of
our world. My own sense
(from being listened to,
and by learning how
to listen) is that there
is something deeply
built into us that longs
to share and receive
the gift of our stories.
Each voice is equally
important and must be
heard at the table where
we will trust God to build
the beloved community,
using us as living stones,
helping us unite years
of experience, failure,
devastations, success,
healing, and lessons
learned, all of which

anglicanlife in Newfoundland&Labrador

reveal the anointed

connections we have
with one another, and
how to move forward.
The challenges of
todays culture provide
unlimited possibilities
for discipleship and
service. None of us
knows the answer fully
as to how we do this. We
need everyones voice,
respected valued, and
heard as together in a
safe to fail environment,
we resolve to move
forward, holding on and
hugging each other,
arguing and fighting in
loving ways, learning
how to speak into the
world and present
culture with conviction,
gentleness and respect
without conforming and
losing our foundation.
Every blessing,
John+

JUNE 2016

An Interview with Retiring Bishop

David Torraville
Article by
Emily F. Rowe

Bishop David
Torraville, of the
Diocese of Central
Newfoundland,
is about to retire.
Before we let him
off the hook, for
his final column
in Anglican Life,
Bishop Torraville
agreed to an
interview, allowing
us all to learn a little
bit more about him.
Anglican Life : How
do you feel about your
decision to retire, and
what are you most
looking forward to
being able to do?
I was actually
eligible for retirement
last year but knew I
was not ready. At this
point I am. Im looking
forward to a little down
time, some time to sit
around in the morning
and do some reading.
I am looking forward to
not being scheduled,
to not knowing what I
will do next week.

Anglican Life :
What were the biggest
challenges that you
faced during your time
as Bishop of Central
Newfoundland?
The biggest
challenges locally
have been around
personnel issues with
clergy and dealing with
hurt and disappointed
parishioners. I have
not always felt that I
could do what people
wished and in such a
small and close knit
diocese that often
meant disappointing,
and even angering
colleagues, friends and
acquaintances.
Our concerns
around sexuality have
been challenging.
In the early days of
my episcopate these
conversations were
very angry, with people
questioning why the
church would even
consider changes.
M o re re c e n t l y a n y
conversations I have
had, have been more
measured. While it is

not the most pressing

issue raised in Diocesan
gatherings, it is a matter
of discord and deep
pain for people with
differing points of view.
Anglican Life : How
has the job of Bishop
changed since in the
time that you have held
the position?
I dont know so
much that the job has
changed as much as
my perception has.
Perhaps it was always
so but I think the church
is reflecting the wider
culture and in some
ways we are becoming
more puritanical and
simplistic. Many of us,
representing all points
of view, seem more
deeply convinced
than ever that the only
point of view which
has much validity is the
one which we hold. I
have not always been
successful, but I believe
that it is important to
give others the benefit
of the doubt. One does
not have to go very far
online on church sites
to see how naive that
has become. We seem
to be growing so much
more intolerant of one
another, and are all too
quick to question the
intelligence, the faith,
and the motivation of
those who disagree
with us. We expect
God and our leaders to
do what we want, and
when they dont we
question the existence
of one and the integrity
of the other.
Anglican Life :
What are some of the
happiest memories
that you have from
your time as Bishop?

Photo Copyright: Robert Young Photography

There are so many.

At Lambeth 2008 I was
seated within a couple
of metres of the altar for
the Lambeth service;
the massive pipe
organ, the incredible

c at h e d ra l c h o i r,
cassock and surplice,
and traditional music
then the Melanesian
brothers and sisters
in traditional dress,
dancing the gospel
procession, to a south
pacific drum beat,
carrying the bible in
a canoe to the middle
of the congregation. It
was a moment of awe
and wonder. On a visit
to Tanzania, there was
meeting Bishop Francis
Loyo of the South
Sudan, a man who had
been imprisoned and
tortured and separated
for seven years from his
family during the civil
war, whose smile lights
a room, and whose
laughter proclaims
the joy of the gospel
more strongly than any
sermon I have ever
heardor preached.
Then, there have been
the Sundays which
my wife, Karen and I
spent in congregations
around the Diocese,
sharing worship, cups
of tea and marvelous
conversation. Since
Karen retired, she has
taken up photography
and it is such fun to
see her pictures of
churchesof windows,
and shadows, of
textures and interesting
elements that the
people who worship
there weekly often
miss but are delighted
to see as she shows
them. Karen and I have
met such faith and
devotion; people who
are so committed to
their various ministries
and service; clergy and
layity, young and old.
I can have a troubling
week at the office and
then on Sunday we
meet devoted sides
people, the smiling
teen passing out the
bulletins, the small
child intrigued by that
funny hat, and all I can
do is give God thanks
that somehow this is
where God put me.

anglicanlife in Newfoundland&Labrador

Anglican Life : In the

article in the Anglican
Journal, you expressed
a desire to go back to
parish ministry. Will
that be a short filling
in position, or would
you prefer a longer
placement?
When I felt the call
to ordained ministry,
it was a call to parish
m i n i s t r y. R e c e n t l y
I was blessed to
spend Good Friday
through Easter in Bay
LArgent parish where
I had the opportunity
to do several home
communions. Here I
was, a stranger, invited
into homes to share the
Eucharist to hear stories
of joy and sorrow, to
be blessed by faithful
people caring for one
another and finding
the presence of the
church a comfort at
this point in their lives.
I would like to spend
some time in a parish
to build those kinds
of relationships, to
celebrate the cycle of
the church year.
Anglican Life : What
do you think that the
Anglican Church of
Canada might look
like in ten years? What
might the Church in
Newfoundland look
like?
I am an optimist
by nature; I just dont
see the up side of
being a pessimistic
Christian. The Church
is Gods, whether it is
the Anglican Church of
Canada or the Church
in Newfoundland
and God will find a
way to be Church.
Newfoundland
is changing, our
population is shifting
and we need to
develop our ministry
both to respond to
those communities
which are growing
smaller and to those
which are growing
larger. I think we have
some church credibility

JUNE 2016

Anglican Life: What

will you miss about
being the Diocesan
Bishop?
I am going to miss
the thrill of working
with the some of the
finest, most talented
people I have ever met,
whether that is in the
House of Bishops, or
at the Board of PWRDF,
or gathered around a
table helping to write
alternate collects with
the National Church
Liturgy Committee. I
am going to miss my
interactions with the
National Church Office.
I wish all of you could
meet the staff at Church
Housethe Primate
and Primates Office
staff, the Directors,
and Administrative
Assistants, the staff of
PWRDF. I will miss the
week by week visits

Photo by Emily F. Rowe

Bishop Torraville, taken at St. Martins in Gander, just minutes before the electoral Synod began on April 30th.

around the Diocese.

I will, of course, miss
working closely with
our own Diocesan
leadershipthe
Diocesan Executive,
Synod Office Staff,
our clergy and lay
leadership. It has
been possible to be
bishop for these years
because of the people,
present and past,
who have been in the
Diocese and at Synod
Office to support
and encourage as
well as to instruct
and correct me
these past ten years.
Finally, few people
know how lonely the
office of bishop can
be and how special
the relationships
among the bishops
of Newfoundland
and Labrador have
been. How often have
I called the other NL
bishops for advice,
to test an idea or for
just a chat. I have
been very grateful for
their friendship and
support and I will miss
those professional but
friendly relationships.

of which you are

especially proud.
I hope that both as
priest and bishop I have
always been available
to people, to walk with
them and listen as the
Spirit leads.

All of us in the
province of
Newfoundland
and Labrador wish
Bishop David all
the very best in his
retirement!

Anglican Life:
Please share with our
readers some of your
priestly or episcopal
accomplishments

anglicanlife in Newfoundland&Labrador

Photo by Emily F. Rowe

in that generally the

Anglican Church is
the last institutional
p re s e n c e i n m a n y
smaller communities.
How can we resource
and offer effective
ministry in dying
communities? At the
same time there are
growth areas even in
rural regions and we
are faced with the same
challenges; how do
we resource and offer
effective ministries in
communities where
the population levels
are stable or growing?
We are going to need
to work with other
churches and groups,
we are going to have
to learn better how to
engage with people
o f d i ff e re n t f a i t h s
and with people who
have no faith as well
as with people who
express their faith in
ways we may not easily
recognize. In Gander,
for instance, the
Cathedral is partnering
with a secular musical
and drama revue to
provide a wonderful
musical program at the
church. Congregations
in Gander, Grand Falls
Windsor and Bishops
Falls are working in
partnership with
community groups
to support refugee
sponsorships.

Bishop Torraville at the ordination of Tryphena Vallis

JUNE 2016

Blessing of the Fleet in Bonavista

Article and photographs by
The Revd Shaun OConnor

On April 10th, just after Easter and before the fishing season started, Christ Church, Bonavista, had a Blessing of the Fleet service
to honour its fishers and fish-plant workers, and to glorify God for his generosity to us and ask his blessing of safety. Various pieces
of fishing gear including nets, traps, buoys, and oars were displayed, as well ship models and local paintings. Reg Butler, our own
St. Peter, explained the purpose of each of the fishing items. Revd Shaun also explained how toilet plungers are used by fishermen
on Lake Galilee, in Israel, to make a popping sound to scare fish into their
nets. From the Gospel of John that day, we learned that trying to do things our
own way as a church does work very well, but when we do things Gods way, it
results in overwhelming success.

On the left we can see the many pieces of fishing equipment that were brought
into the church for the service of Blessing the Fleet.
Above we can see Everett Russell and several paintings, done by local artists,
which depict the fishing life.

Easter Tea Party

Article and photographs by
The Revd Jolene Peters

A Ladies Night Easter

Tea Party was held on
Thursday, March 31st in
the parish of Labrador
West. A great evening of
fellowship was had by all.

anglicanlife in Newfoundland&Labrador

JUNE 2016

Ordinations
The Revd Catherine (Kay) Short
was ordained to the sacred
priesthood on April 14th,
2016, at the opening of Synod
for the Diocese of Western
Newfoundland. Kay is pictured
here with her fellow clergy and
Archbishop Coffin.

The Revd Jennifer Renouf was ordained

a deacon on April 16th, 2016, at the
concluding service for the Synod for
the Diocese of Western Newfoundland.
She is pictured here with clergy of the
diocese and Archbishop Coffin.

Six new deacons for Eastern

Newfoundland and Labrador,
ordained on April 21st, 2016:
The Revd Christine Lynch, The
Revd Doug Kean, The Revd Lisa
Cox, The Revd Barbara Boone,
The Revd Derrick Bishop, and
The Revd Verna Chislett. They
are pictured here with the
Cathedral Chapter and Bishop
Peddle.

The Revd
Tryphena Vallis,
ordained a
deacon on April
29th, 2016, at
St. Martins in
Gander. She
is pictured
here with
Archbishop
Coffin, Bishop
Torraville, and
the clergy and
lay readers of
the Diocese
of Central
Newfoundland.

anglicanlife in Newfoundland&Labrador

JUNE 2016

A Fond Farewell for Revd Paul

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 publishes ten issues each
calendar year with an independent editorial policy.

Article and photographs by

Lorelie Cull

Anglican Life is a section of the Anglican Journal

Editor:
Mrs. Emily F. Rowe
9 Darling Street
St. Johns, NL
A1B 1V7
Email: anglicanlifeNL@gmail.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

Paid Subscription Rates:
Newfoundland and Labrador: $15.00
Outside the province: $20.00
International: $25.00

On April 3rd, St.Mary the Virgin Anglican Church in St. Anthony bid a sad
farewell to the Revd Paul Findlay, who has been the Rector for nearly
four years. After the morning service, a pot luck meal was served in the
hall downstairs for Father Paul and the congregation. On behalf of the
congregation, gifts of a hooked wall hanging (showing St. Anthonys
Lighthouse), and a picture of the church were presented by Robert Mesher
(the Rectors Warden) and Lorelie Cull (the Peoples Warden). A homemade
quilt was presented on behalf of the ACW by Evelyn Rumbolt and Ruby
Johnson. We wish him well in the Parish of White Bay.

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 (above)
Letters to the Editor:
Send to the Editor, (address as above). All letters must include
the writers name, address, and telephone number. Telephone
numbers will not be published. Anglican Life does not publish
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These policies were adopted by the Anglican Life Committee.
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Circulation: 19,000

Revd Paul performing for his 24th, and last time with the band Glad Tidings Guitar Group.
Pictured are Letty Noble, Paul Findlay, Linda Coffin, Albert Kinsella, and Gail Hancock.

anglicanlife in Newfoundland&Labrador

JUNE 2016

Be Still and Know That I Am God

Nora Shears

Columnist

Spring has arrived the

days are longer, more
sunlight brightens the
home, and windows can
be flung open to let fresh
air circulate. But all the
light and fresh air reveals
what I did not notice
during the dark, cold
days of winter. My house
needs a good dusting
a little decluttering and
cleaning. Isnt that how
our lives feel sometimes:
c l u tt e re d a n d s t a l e ,
and we see that we
have allowed too many
things in and we have
become too busy to
care for the soul? There
have just been too many

commitments, too much

time pursuing hobbies,
and all of a sudden we
become a little cranky,
and out of sorts.
To b e h e a l t h y ,
spiritually and physically
whole, we need to create
balance in our lives.
Like my house
needing a good spring
cleaning, I feel the need
to start nurturing my
connection with God. To
take more time for quiet
reflection, more study
of the Holy Scripture.
Maybe I can eliminate
some of the clutter in my
life and create space for
whats truly important.

The Obvious

Ron Clarke

Columnist

One day Uncle John

was trying very hard
to explain something
difficult to his favourite
grandson. Usually, Uncle
John is very, very patient,
especially with young
R o s s , b u t b e c a u s e

the boy was so slow in

comprehending, and
because young Ross
ke p t p e p p e r i n g h i m
with questions, Uncle
John finally exploded in
exasperation: Why, me
son, its as plain as the
nose on your face!
But, Grandad, the
boy protested, I cant
see the nose on my face
unless I cock one eye and
look sideways or I look in
a mirror!
Ro s s s a m u s i n g
reply to his grandfather
emphasizes a very
important fact that we
might all do well to
remember: how easy it
is not to see the obvious.
How easy it is, for
example, to look up into
the night sky and not
see God. Up in the deep

Maybe I need to be a
little more creative in
how I prioritize my time.
Spring is the perfect
time for renewing and
recharging, everywhere
we look we see new life.
The trees and flowers
are out in bud, birds
are building nests. It is a
time for new beginnings
putting aside all that
which hinders and
starting fresh; time to
look for opportunities in
which to serve Christ and
his church.
The promises we
make in our Baptismal
Covenant are reminders
t h at we are n ot ye t

perfect, that we are

called to move deeper
in our faith and make a
difference in our world.
When we consider
the whole human
community struggling
to come to terms with
a g l o b a l e c o n o m y,
ecological crisis, and the
current issues our own
Anglican community is
facing, there is certainly
a need to make room
for prayer, for quiet
reflection and worship
so that wonder may be
reborn as God is known
and experienced anew.
One of my very
favourite bible verses is,

Be still and know that

I am God, from Psalm
46, verse 10. The act of
being still and getting
quiet is a challenge in our
hectic world. We are so
used to constant activity
and sound that even to
be still for 60 seconds
seems an eternity. God
asks us to be still for
our benefit, so we can
receive his spiritual calm,
peace and guidance.
This spiritual calm does
not come from lack
of troubles; but from
knowing that God is on
this journey with us and
that all will be well.

dark blue, one can see

perhaps a billion stars,
each a vast giant dwarfing
our pygmy earth. Whose
handiwork are those
distant wonders? How
awesome must be the
power and the glory of
their Creator. Yet how
often do we worship
the Creator when we
gaze into his incredible
handiwork? Isnt it strange
that every time we come
across a good new book
we want to know who
wrote it? And could we
meet the author, we
would probably praise
him profusely. Yet we
perceive the vast universe
of God with mundane
matter-of-factness.
Again, how easy it is
to pluck a fluffy dandelion
that has gone to seed,

to scatter its dozens of

parachuted seeds with a
single breath, to flip away
the empty stalk, and to see
nothing of the handiwork
of God in that insignificant
creation. How easy it is
not to comprehend the
miracle of the little windborne seed lodging by
a roadside, germinating
in the spring rain and
sunshine, maturing into
a golden flower that is
a miniature chemical
factory, drawing nutrients
f ro m t h e s o i l , u s i n g
sunlight and chlorophyll
to produce its life-giving
substances. The miracle
of the dandelion is as
obvious as the nose on
your face, yet, scarcely
noticing, we walk over
them and on them all
summer long.

Life is so crammed
with obvious miracles:
the miracle of birth and
renewal, the miracle
of the human body (so
amazingly complex, and
beautifully functional), the
miracle of each day, the
miracle of the seasons,
the miracle of humanity,
which through the grace
of God has achieved,
technically and artistically
amazing things. All these
we usually accept with
a myopic pragmatism
that fails to recognize the
divine grace underlying
and motivating it all.
Eyes they have and
see not, the scriptures
re m i n d u s a n d t h a t
particular scripture
applies to almost all
of us. We go through
our miraculous lives
ignoring, doubting, or
even denying the reality
of God. Far too many of
us behave as if God does
not exist. Yet in us and
around us daily, there
exists enough evidence
of our Creator for any
intelligent questioner.
In a museum in
Amsterdam many years
ago, I stood in front of
Rembrandts The Night
Watch. Nobody had to
tell me that Rembrandt
was a great artist; nobody
h a d t o p ro v e t o m e
that the painting was a
masterpiece. The picture,
the artist s creation,
spoke for itself. So Gods
masterpiece, ourselves
and our universe, daily
declare the greatness
and the glory of the GodCreator. Its as plain as the
nose on your face.

anglicanlife in Newfoundland&Labrador

JUNE 2016

Youth Talent Night

Submitted with photographs by

Lisa Brown

On April 21st, St. Jamess Church in Port Aux Basques held a Youth Talent Night. Children from
the ages of 4 to 14 participated. It was a great evening of entertainment.

Pictured here are some of the wonderful performers that

entertained the people of Port Aux Basques. They are:
On the top far left, Alyssa Baker (who is 4 years old), singing
Twinkle Twinkle Little Star.
On the top right, Mackenzie Strickland.
On the bottom left, Jordan Pike and Sophia Munden.
On the bottom right, Calista Seaward.

Go where life takes you, but plan ahead.

As a free spirit, you rarely look back. But you

should look ahead - especially to protect your
loved ones when youre no longer there.
All it takes is a little preplanning.

September is Coming!
Continue to send your parish events and news to

Decide now on the funeral options and funding

arrangements that best meet your needs. Youll
lessen the burden for those who are left behind.
To learn more, call the number below. Well send
you a free Wishes and Memories Planning Guide.
Well also provide you with a no-obligation
consultation.
So make your plans, today.
Then follow your path wherever it leads.

FUNERAL HOMES
Preplanning
Crematorium
Chapel
Monuments
Flowers

Corner Brook Deer Lake

Stephenville Crossing
Port aux Basques Burgeo
Port au Choix Lanse au Loup
Happy Valley - Goose Bay

The Deadline for Submissions for the September

Issue of Anglican Life will be August 1st, 2016
anglicanlifenl@gmail.com
Happy Summer!

634-0077 1-888-868-6800
During your most difficult times... we are here to serve you.

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anglicanlife in Newfoundland&Labrador

JUNE 2016

The editor and readers of Anglican Life would like to take this time to thank The Revd Everett Hobbs and The Revd Greg Mercer for
their contributions to our lives through their writings in this publication. Both of these columnists have informed the editor of their
desire to retire from writing their columns, and I know that we wish them both all the very best in the future.

Thank you!

Keep Death Daily Before Your Eyes

daily before your eyes.
To keep death before our
eyes is not to be always
thinking about dying.
It is a reminder that we
are mortal and that we
need to make the most
of our time here. You
may feel that thinking
about death is morbid
and depressing. No so!
Rather it is an incentive to
live fully.
Life and death are
inseparable: we are
The Revd Everett Hobbs
born to die. Jesus talks
about needing to die
Columnist
in order to live, and
Behind the altar in he makes this clear to
a certain Benedictine Nicodemus. Learning to
monastery, there hangs die now gives us access
a simple wooden cross. to the new life of the
It will remain there until it Spirit and also prepares
is taken down to mark the us for our actual death
grave of the next brother at the end of our earthly
to die. It will them be life. Paul connects this
replaced by another. It is with Baptism, by which
a reminder to the monks we can share in the death
of their own impending and resurrection of Jesus,
death.
even in this present life.
In the Rule of Benedict To remind ourselves
we read, Keep death of the shortness and

uncertainty of human
life is an incentive to live
in the present moment.
Keeping death before
our eyes is a reminder
not to postpone or
delay what requires our
attention now, to be
not procrastinating. It
grounds us in the here
and now, and urges us to
get on with living fully. It
is also about learning to
die daily, about letting
go of that which needs to
die in us. Paul counsels
us to die daily, especially
to sin.
Keeping death before
our eyes reminds us that
we will die tooand it may
be today. In the midst
of life we are in death.
The Psalmist tells us to
number our days, that
we may apply our hearts
unto wisdom, especially
about our choices and
decisions.
If we live our baptism,
we are already dead in
Christ. Our physical

death will just be the final

surrender. Therefore,
we can welcome and
embrace death. This is
the view of Francis of
Assisi in the Canticle of
the Sunwhen he refers
to Sister Death. We can
see our mortality as alien
and enemy, or we can
see it as our friend and
sister.
Keeping death before
our eyes is a reminder
to make practical
preparation for dying.
We all should have a will.
Over 50% of Canadians
die without one. Without
a will, Government
regulations decide what
happens next. This can
result in extra legal bills,
family disputes, and
long legal battles. All in
all, this is unnecessary
distress. Also we can
give away some of our
estate while still alive
when it is more beneficial
to the recipients.
Pr e a r r a n g e y o u r

funeral. This covers both

the arrangements and
the payment choice.
Doing it this way gives
you some control, and
saves the family having to
do itwhen death occurs.
Burial or cremation? Both
contribute to pollution.
For burial it comes from
concrete and steel vaults,
hardwood caskets with
preservatives and metal,
and embalming fluids.
Cremation contributes
to greenhouse gases.
A t h i rd c h o i c e i s a
green funeral where a
biodegradable coffin,
shroud or blanket is used.
Even after death our
body can benefit
others. We can donate
our organsmake sure
others know our wish.
We can donate our body
to medical science:
telephone (709) 777 8369
(Faculty of Medicine).
How we deal with death
is a continuation of our
calling to serve others.

Celebrating Life

The Revd Gregory Mercer

Columnist

God is the Author

of life and of everything
good. God alone is at the
top, hence, to God alone
is due the entire devotion
of a persons lifeboth
worship and service.
You may recognize this
quote from my article
last month on Piety and
Service.
God indeed is the
author of life. Scripture
tells us that we are made
in the image of God. On
a more personal note,

this life of mine is a gift

from God. Every morsel
of my being and every
gift I possess comes from
God and is an act of
Gods grace. I have been
uniquely gifted (as we all
are) and yet I am quite
aware that I have yet to
reach my full capacity
as the person God has
created me to be. All this
is simply to say that God
wants us to experience
joy and abundance, and
to reach the potential he
has created in each of
us, and to celebrate this
precious gift we call life.
The Christian life, then
is cause for celebration.
But sometimes we dont
feel like celebrating. In a
little devotional entitled
Man of Prayer (article: The
Wisdom to Celebrate)
the author writes: When
the weight of the world
seems to bear down
upon our shoulders,
celebration may be the
last thing on our mind.
This is only natural and
we shouldnt try to mask

how we feel by putting

a smile on our face for
others, or any other act
of pretence. Some days
it hurts too much to do
otherwise. But in spite
of those foggy days,
which we call them as
Newfoundlanders, the
fact is that we are all
blessed beyond measure
on good days and bad.
Life is a precious gift.
Every day is a precious
gift. This day is a precious
gift and once it is gone it
is gone foreverit is a
non-renewable resource.
You cannot take it back.
So celebrate it and make
good use of it every
moment of every day.
Start by giving thanks to
the One who has given
you everything, Count
your blessings, as they
say, and trust in your
heart that God wants to
give you so much more.
In every circumstance
strive to celebrate the life
God has given you and
praise his Holy name.
Amen.

This is my last article as a regular columnist to

Anglican Life as I contemplate other writing
projects. But I do want to thank all my readers
for their wonderful words of appreciation for
my articles. Many of you have found comfort
in them, others have been challenged, and
some found them down to earth. Regardless
of how they spoke to you, I hope that we have
all grown IN our relationship to God and in our
understanding and appreciation for His church.
And wherever you find yourself on a Sunday,
do take the time to pray and listen to/read the
Gospel. Better still, attend church where you are
needed. As I always say, if the Church is good
enough for Jesus Christ who founded it, it is
good enough for me.
Bless all of you.
The Reverend Gregory Mercer

anglicanlife in Newfoundland&Labrador

JUNE 2016

10

Confirmation at the Ascension, Mount Pearl

Article and photographs by
Kimberley Pope

For many years, it

has been our tradition
to hold the Service
of Confirmation on
Ascension Day, which is a
very opportune time for
a Parish named after the
Ascension. This year, on
Ascension DayMay 1st
our confirmation class
of 2016 along with their
family, friends, teachers
a n d c h u r c h f a m i l y,
gathered together to
mark this very special
milestone. However, the
rite of confirmation is not
completed in isolation.
It is not a destination
but part of an ongoing
faith journey. It is also
a celebration preceded
by years of nurturing
and for the last number
of months, learning,
preparation, and growth
in faith. On Sunday, April
17th, following their last
class, our confirmation
candidates, their families
and teachers gathered
for an Instructed
Eucharist where they
gathered around the
altar for the Eucharistic
Prayer. Following the
s e r v i c e , t h e M e n s
Service Club hosted a
family social. Our church
family is blessed to share
these moments on the
faith journey of the
Parish of the Ascension
Confirmation Class of
2016. We pray they
continue to grow in love
to serve the Lord.

Above : The congregation at

the Instructed Eucharist
Middle : The Revd David
Burrows presides at the
Instructed Eucharist
Below : Enjoying the family
social, provided by the Mens
Service Club

Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor,
I enjoyed and identified with Bishop Torravilles Easter Message. I remember
observing a pre-celebration of a wedding of another culture a couple of years ago.
As the ceremony was taking place almost everyone (including the attendants),
except for the bride and groom, were videotaping the events.
I was thinking to myself that all anyone was going to see on the video was
everyone videotaping. It looked really silly and they were missing what was
happening right in front of their eyes.
I find that sometimes I get caught up in what I am doing (my role) instead of
what I actually see and what is being said and how I feel about it. I am not in the
moment. I think it is very important to enjoy the moment, see, and feel what is
actually happening in front of me.
Linda King

Letters to the Editor: All letters must include

the writers name and address. Anglican Life
does not publish letters from anonymous
sources. As with all submissions, they are
subject to editing, and are published at the
discretion of the editor.

anglicanlife in Newfoundland&Labrador

JUNE 2016

11

Evangelism

give evangelism a bad

name simply because we
dont understand it.
Wikipedia says:

Allison Billard
Columnist

Why is it such a dirty

word? Why do people get
so uncomfortable talking
about evangelism?
I am a lifelong
Anglican. I grew up in
a fairly conservative
Anglican parish. And I
believe we, as Anglicans
and not of an evangelical
background, generally

Evangelism is the
preaching of the gospel
or the practice of giving information about
a particular doctrine or
set of beliefs to others
with the intention of
converting others to the
Christian faith.
As with anything else
on the Internet, this is
subject to interpretation
a n d c r i t i c a l re v i e w,
h o w e v e r, a g e n e r a l
consensus seems to
settle on the idea that
evangelism involves
sharing ones faith in
the hopes that others
might at least consider
becoming Christian.
Some things that Ive

encountered do trouble
me. In one instance I
felt like evangelism was
being pitched as an
ulterior motive to being
a decent human being.
As in, be nice to your
neighbours so that as
they come to like you,
you can then invite them
to church and convince
them to be Christians.
I know Im not the
only one who thinks that
being a decent human is
at the forefront of being
Christian regardless of
whether we proceed
to talk about our faith.
Jesus cared for those
in need, loved the
unloved, and sought
social justice, whether
others believed in him
or not. Certainly his goal
was to bring everyone
into a relationship with
the Father, but it didnt
stop him to know that it

was fairly unlikely.

Ive heard some ask
whether evangelism
is even possible or
desirable in todays
secular, technological,
society? I can see where
theyre coming from,
but I would argue that
now more than ever it is
urgent and necessary. In
a time where nearly all
the news is sad, people
need to hear the Good
News and they need to
hear it in terms of the
human experience.
We have always been
and evermore shall be
a storytelling people.
Why should Gods love
and His Good News be
any different? In order to
appreciate the wonder
(and the contradiction)
that is Christianity, we all
need to tell our stories.
Everyone is different. But
all of us on the journey

have a story, and it is

valuable and important,
and worth telling. We are
so eager to talk about so
many things, our kids,
our stuff, all the gossip,
and all the miserable
things happening in the
world, so why are we so
reluctant to share the
greatest story? Is it fear?
Of rejection? Of ridicule?
Or are we afraid that
we might actually pique
someones interest and
then have to answer
questions?
My favourite verse,
and one of my favourite
hymns says Be not afraid,
I go before you always.
Tr u s t t h at y o u h a v e
something important to
say and God will help
you say it if only you have
faith in Him.
Who are you going
to tell?

ACW Spring Fellowship in Foxtrap

Article and photographs by
Sandra Taylor

The parishes of the Avalon West Deanery ACW

gathered at All Saints Parish, Foxtrap, on April 17,
2016 for their annual ACW Spring fellowship. From
4:00pm 4:45pm, entertainment was provided by
Saints Alive Band. Following the entertainment, a
delicious cold plate supper, a dessert, and tea and
coffee were served. A short meeting was held, and
it was followed by a church service held at 6:30pm.
It was a great afternoon of fun and fellowship.

The band, Saints Alive, performing at the ACW spring fellowship

Members of the Avalon West Deanery ACW gather together for a meal

anglicanlife in Newfoundland&Labrador

JUNE 2016

12

Synod in The Diocese of

Western Newfoundland

The Revd George

Spencer Retires

The Ven. John D. Meade

Harvey Locke

Article by

The Most Revd Percy

D. Coffin summoned
his clergy and parish
representatives to the
37th (5th Biennial) Session
of the Diocesan Synod of
Western Newfoundland,
held April 1416 at the
Corner Brook Civic
Centre.
Everyone gathered
Thursday evening at the
Hall of the Cathedral of
St. John the Evangelist for
registration and dinner.
This was followed by the
Opening Worship at which
His Grace challenged us
to realign our mission
and ministry with that
of the followers of The
Way, and to embrace the
changing world around us
so that we may become a
more relevant beacon of
hope, light and grace as
God calls us to be. This
message was particularly
directed to The Revd Kay
Short, who was ordained
to the Sacred Order of
Priests during the liturgy.
She is Priest-in-Charge
of the recently clustered
Parishes of Bonne Bay
North and South.
The usual business
of Diocesan Synod was
undertaken Friday and
Saturday, incorporating
reports of the many
and varied ministries
ongoing throughout our
Diocese, financial reports,
constitutional revisions,

the introduction of the

Vocational Diaconate as
a supplemental model
of ministry, an update on
the resolution coming to
General Synod regarding
changes to the Marriage
Canon, and other
deliberations. All of this
was couched by daily
devotions highlighting
our theme, The Marks of
Mission of the Worldwide
Anglican Communion.
Included in our devotions
were presentations on
each of the five Marks
of Mission given by Dr.
Rick Singleton of Queens
College; The Revd
Elsie Rose, a Vocational
Deacon; Mr. Dave Chafe;
Mrs. Cynthia HainesTurner, Acting Prolocutor
of General Synod; and
The Revd Canon Dr. Todd
Townshend of Huron
College. These talks were
enlightening, inspiring,
and kept us focused on
the real reason for which
we were gathered: to be
informed, equipped, and
empowered to live out the
Marks of Mission.
Th e re w e re t h re e
significant resolutions
arising from the floor of
Diocesan Synod 2016. The
first asked the Archbishop
to establish a Confirmation
Committee. It will review
present and recommend
new guidelines on the
Sacrament of Holy
Confirmation which
will consider worship

attendance, the level of

preparedness and the
genuine desire of people
wanting Holy Confirmation
as opposed to those who
want their children and/or
grandchildren confirmed
as a Rite of Passage..
The second was that
the funding allocated
in our Diocesan Budget
for Ministry Training
continue to balance
the financial needs of
recent Ordinands and
future seminarians with
the needs of Queens
College when allocating
resources for theological
education. And, the third
requests The Anglican
Charitable Foundation for
Children to increase the
annual monetary grants
to children and youth; to
widen the criteria for grants
to include opportunities
for sports, music, and
other extra-curricular
activities; and to reflect
theologically on whether
or not recipients must be
baptized Anglicans, or if
pastoral exceptions can
be accommodated.
Diocesan Synod 2016
concluded with worship
at All Saints Church.
Although the Synod was
formally adjourned, many
lay delegates and clergy
stayed on to attend the
morning worship at St.
Michael and All Angels at
which The Revd Jennifer
Renouf was ordained as a
transitional Deacon.

Article and photographs by

Sunday, April
24, 2016
was a day of
goodbyes
for the Revd
George
Spencer as
the eightysomething
year old priest
traveled the
long road that
connects the
congregations
at St.
Aidans (Port
Blandford), St.
Mary the Virgin
(Burgoynes
Cove), and All
Saints (Petley)
to visit and
celebrate
Holy Communion for his last time as Rector of the
Parish. Revd George, as he prefers to be called,
was rector of the parish for the last year and a
half or so and during that time won the affection
of many in the parish by his enthusiasm for his
ministry, his fantastic work ethic, and his very
personable nature permeated with warm humour.
We wish him every blessing in his retirement.

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anglicanlife in Newfoundland&Labrador

JUNE 2016

13

The Church Has Left the Building: Recognizing

the Gospel Beyond The Visible Church
A Report from the Synod of Eastern Newfoundland & Labrador
Article by

The Revd Jolene Peters

Pictured on the left: from

the closing Eucharist from
Eastern Newfoundland and
Labradors Synod, 2016,
which took place at the parish
of The Good Shepherd,
Mount Pearl. Shown here,
the new deacons enter the
church in the procession.

Photographs used with

permission from

The Parish of The Good

Shepherd

The 29th session of

the Diocesan Synod of
Eastern Newfoundland
and Labrador took place
from April 21st-24th at the
Parish of the Ascension
and at the Parish of
the Good Shepherd,
both in Mount Pearl.
Despite a spring snow
storm that caused some
delays, Synod began
with an opening service
and the Ordination of
six individuals to the
Diaconate on Thursday
evening, April 21st. Synod
2016 was quite different,
and it had a major focus
on the relationship of
our faith community
with the wider world
and the way in which we
partner with others in our
mission of spreading the
Good News. On Friday,
eight different groups
from beyond our church
were invited to give
presentations to Synod
delegates on how their
work and the work of the
church come together.
Our Synod welcomed
two special guests.
The first was Ms. Leslie
Giddings, who is the
Youth and Adult Learning
Coordinator from the
Diocese of Ottawa, who
facilitated sessions on
Friday and Saturday.
The second was Bishop
Lawrence Provenzano
from the Diocese of
Long Island, New York,
who shared an inspiring
message at the Bishops
Dinner, and presided at
our closing Eucharist.
On Saturday evening,
Synod delegates and
guests gathered at St.
Mary the Virgin Church
for the Bishops Dinner
along with special invited
guests for a wonderful
evening of celebration.
Five individuals from this
Diocese received the
Bishops Award of Merit
for their commitment and
work both in the parish
and at the diocesan level.
The CLB were present,

and two Diocesan Videos

were officially released:
Opening Doors and
Home Again Furniture
Bank. Sunday Morning
brought a close to Synod
as the Bishop opened the
floor for a time of sharing
before giving his assent
to Synod, thanking the
clergy and people of
this Diocese for their
continued good work
and support. An inspiring
and uplifting closing
Eucharist was held at
the Parish of The Good
Shepherd in Mount Pearl
as the weekend came to
an end.
Though there were
the regular business
portions of Synod, this
year delegates left
feeling inspired, left
being challenged to go
back to their parishes and
communities and to see
the Gospel beyond the
visible church. We were
challenged to venture
out, to be innovative in
our approach to how we
spread the good news
of the Gospel and to
realize that our church
today is rapidly changing
and the opportunities
for ministry, growth, and
relationships are endless
if we just step outside
and share our stories. As
Bishop Geoff stated in his
Charge to Synod, It has
fallen to our generation
of the church to take wise
and courageous counsel
for the future. A big part
of our work is to decide
what we keep with us on
the journey forward and
what we leave behind.
An even bigger part of

the work before us is to

recognize that God is
shaping us for a world
different from the old
one with new travelling
companions
The Church has left
the building, we are being
called now to recognize

the Gospel beyond the

visible church! I believe
there is so much to be
thankful for and even
more to be excited about
as we go forward after
Synod 2016 creating
partnerships, exploring
the endless possibilities,

and spreading the

Gospel message as we
continue forward on our
journey. Gods Story is
our Story

Pictured above: Bishop Lawrence Provenzano of Long Island New York, and Ms. Leslie Giddings,
entering The Good Shepherd church for the closing Eucharist.

anglicanlife in Newfoundland&Labrador

Pictured on the left:

Bishop Geoff Peddle
with the Abedhalem
f a m i l y, w h o w e r e
welcomed at Synod
on Saturday April 23rd.
They are sponsored by
the Parish of The Good
Shepherd with help
from St. Peters Upper
Gullies and the parish
of Labrador West.

JUNE 2016

14

Confirmation Held in Parish of Smith Sound

Article and photographs by

Harvey Locke

St. Aidans Church,

Port Blandford, was near
its capacity on Sunday,
April 17th, 2016 as
family, sponsors, prayer
partners, and friends
from all the churches
of the Parish of Smith
Sound gathered for
the Confirmation of ten
of the Parishs young
people. Two churches
of the Parish had young
people to receive the
Laying on of Hands:
Tiffany Cross, Jasmine
Cross, Lucas Efford, Joey
Efford, Melanie Clouter
and Zachary Rose from St.
Aidans, Port Blandford
and Austin Rose, Julian
Ro s e , B re n t C l a r ke ,
and Jessica Anderson
from St. Mary the Virgin,
Burgoynes Cove. The
gathering actually
began late on Sunday
afternoon with a practice
session for the joint choir,
which is composed
of members from St.
Aidans at Port Blandford
and St. Mary the Virgin
at Burgoynes Cove, and
a little rehearsal for the
ten youth Confirmation

candidates. This was

followed by a pot luck
supper hosted by St.
Aidans and St. Marys
ACWs and some friends.
Supper in the beautifully
decorated parish hall
served to fulfill the real
physical need of having
a supper meal but was
also an opportunity for
families, prayer partners,
and sponsors to share in
a time of fellowship with
each other, the Bishop,
and clergy.
The service began
at seven in the evening,
presided over by Bishop
David Torraville and the
Rector, the Revd George
Spencer. The candidates
were offered a role in
the liturgy and, in spite
of the usual angst and
nervousness, each of the
ten participated. Lucas
Efford, Brent Clarke and
Tiffany Cross participated
in the Proclamation of the
Word while the offering
of the people was
collected and presented
by Austin Rose, Jessica
Anderson, Melanie
C l o u t e r, a n d J o e y
Efford. The Eucharistic
gifts were presented by

back row: Revd Bob Oldford, Bishop David Torraville, Revd George Spencer
middle row: Brent Clarke, Julian Rose, Joey Efford, Lucas Efford, Austin Rose
front row : Jasmine Cross, Melanie Clouter, Jessica Anderson, Sachary Rose, Tiffany Cross

Jasmine Cross, Julian

Rose and Zachary Rose.
It was a good and even
joyful thing to have youth
participating. It was also
a hopeful sign that the
Seed had indeed fallen
on fertile soil.
This particular
Confirmation Service,
with Bishop David
presiding, was an
auspicious occasion;
owing to Bishop Davids
imminent retirement,
it was probably his last
visit as the Bishop of
Central Newfoundland.

In commemoration
o f t h i s , S t . A i d a n s
congregation took
opportunity to present
him with a retirement
gift of an early twentieth
century photograph of
St. Aidans. It was a small
token of the high esteem
in which he is held by
the congregation at St.
Aidans and the rest of
the Parish.

Bishop David Torraville is presented with a gift on the

occasion of his retirement by Reg Penney.

anglicanlife in Newfoundland&Labrador

JUNE 2016

15

Family Fun Day in Labrador West

Article and photographs by
The Revd Jolene Peters

On Sunday April 17th, the Parish of

Labrador West held a Spring Family
Fun Day. All families who gathered
had so much fun as we played games,
decorated cookies, made bird feeders,
painted pictures, and had our very
own face painting station.
A lemonade stand was also set up,
and through the donations we were
pleased to be able to send $100.00
to the Canadian Heart and Stroke
Foundation.

Part five of the series on formation and theological education in our three dioceses:

Theological Education Made To Fit (Part Two)

Guest Columnist

Having completed
the first phase of the
Bachelor by Distance
program it was time to
move on to the second
phase. This required that
I move to St. Johns and
complete an academic
year of full time study on
site at Queens. During
this time, I completed
nine three credit hour
courses in Homiletics,
Theological Studies,
Biblical Studies, Liturgical
Studies, Pastoral Studies,
and Anglican Church
History. These courses
built on the previous
studies that I had
done. In addition to
these there were three
vocational development
seminars. Another of
the requirements for this
phase was pew sitting.
This meant attending
worship in churches of
various denominations

around the city. This was

a thoroughly enjoyable
l ea r n i n g ex p e r i e n c e
as I saw first-hand how
Christians of different
faith traditions worship
God. Apart from the
course studies I had a
great opportunity for
hands on experience. I
led worship on a weekly
basis, on occasion
prepared the altar for
Holy Eucharist and read
the lessons at worship.
The study in homiletics
required that I prepare
and deliver a number
of sermons. Students
were expected to take
care of the sacristy and
the student common
room and the professors
and students all came
together to form a close
knit community, sharing
meals in the common
ro o m . A l l i n a l l , m y
experience at Queens
was a good one. I know
that I have been well
prepared to meet the

challenges of parish
ministry.
In phase three of the
Bachelor by Distance
program, I was required
to do four three credithour intensive courses
in Christian Education,
Systematic Theology,
Moral Theology, and
Advanced Homiletics.
Phase three also involved
a Parish Internship and I
was blessed to be placed
at St. Martins Cathedral
in Gander. This was an
unbelievable learning
experience as St.
Martins is a vibrant faith
community. Apart from
preaching and leading
worship, I had opportunity
to do pastoral visiting at
the local hospital and in
various seniors homes.
I had opportunity to take
part in funeral liturgies
and to observe wedding
ceremonies and baptisms.
I visited members of the
congregation in their
homes. I attended bible

studies, youth group

meetings, confirmation
preparation classes, ACW
meetings, and many other
gatherings. I believe that
part of being a parish
priest is to stay connected
to and be supportive of
all the various ministries
happening in that parish.
As I write this I am
only two days away from
my ordination. Earlier
I spoke of my home
church in Belleoram
where my faith journey
began. After being away

for about forty years I

have come full circle as
I will be returning to my
home parish as Deaconin-Charge and eventually,
God willing, as Priest-inCharge. Thanks to the
theological education
I received at Queens
College I am ready to take
on this role. I know that in
this, as in my studies, I
am not alone, that God
is with me and I look
forward to serving Him
in this capacity. Praise His
Holy Name!

Photo by Emily F. Rowe

Tryphena Vallis

Tryphena Vallis at her ordination, with Bishop Torraville

anglicanlife in Newfoundland&Labrador

JUNE 2016

16

Which Type of Bequest Is

Right For You?

Kevin Smith

Columnist

Fraser Green, of the

consulting company
Good Works, reminded
me recently about the
benefit of naming
residual gifts as a
bequest in our wills.
He says that, At first
glance, this type of
bequest is like having
shown up to someones
house as a dinner
guest, and saying to
your host: Dont bother
with a plate for me.
Ill just have whatever
the others dont finish
on their plates. He
suggests that the
average residual gift
bequest is substantially
higher than that of the
fixed number. I think
that this approach is a
good way to look at our
estate management
no matter what the size.
When supporters
talk to us about
leaving bequests to

the Anglican Church

of Canada, they are
often concerned
about the uncertainty
surrounding the size of
their estates when they
pass on.
After all, none of
us knows how much
longer well liveor
what the value of our
estates will be when we
pass from this world.
Pe o p l e a re o ft e n
happy to find out that
they dont have to
leave a fixed amount
of money. There are
two other ways to make
bequests that ease the
worry about estate size
and the gift amount.
Many people choose
to make what are known
as residual gifts. This
type of donation is in
fact the leftovers after
all of a persons fixed
obligations are met. So,
for example, someone
could leave a certain
amount of money
to each child and
grandchild and then
leave the remainder
to your parish, your
diocese, the Anglican
Church of Canada or the
Primates World Relief
and Development
Fund.
O t h e r s p re f e r t o
l ea v e a p e rc e n t a g e
of their estate to the
church. For example,
someone with three
children and four

grandchildren might
divide his or her
estate into eight equal
portions. Each child and
grandchild will receive
an equal portion and
the final portion might
be split between that
persons local parish,
your diocese or the
Anglican Church of
Canada.
G i ft s i n w i l l s a re
indeed sacrificial gifts.
But the sacrifice need
not deprive those you
love mostnor should
they be a struggle for
you as you put your
affairs in order.
Would you like to
talk about gift planning
o p t i o n s ? I f y o u a re
interested, please feel
free to contact me.

Kevin Smith is a gift

planning consultant for
the Anglican Church of
Canada.
He can be contacted at
709 739-5667
or by email:
kevinsmith709@gmail.com

Photo Copyright: memphislibraryfoundation.org, found in creativecommons.org

Queens College
Launches
Continuing
Education For
Clergy
Submitted by
Dr. Rick Singleton

On April 26, Queens

C o l l e g e Fa c u l t y o f
Theology was thrilled
to launch a Continuing
Education for Clergy
Program. The idea of
such a venture had been
discussed many times
over the past several
years, but came to the
forefront with innovations
in technology and
the adoption of the
new Queens College
website.
Dr. Rick Singleton,
D i re c t o r o f St u d e n t
programs at Queens,
s a i d t h e r e a l
momentum came over
the past few months.
It was ignited and put
back on the front burner
following a discussion
with Archdeacon
John Meade of the
Diocese o f West ern
Newfoundland and
me about educational
opportunities for clergy.
We developed a list
of sample topics and
checked the interest. It
was all very encouraging.
Queens then
established an Advisory
Committee to ensure the
Continuing Education
f o r C l e rg y Pro g ra m
focuses on topics of
interest for clergy in
p a r i s h a n d p a s t o ra l
ministry. The Advisory
Committee members
are the Reverend Dr.
Joanne Mercer from
Central Newfoundland,
Archdeacon John
M ea d e o f We s t e r n
Newfoundland, and
Archdeacon Sam Rose of
Eastern Newfoundland &
Labrador.
The continuing
education sessions will
be available both by
physically attending
the session at Queens
Co l l e g e o r t h ro u g h
online attendance by
an online service called
GoToMeeting. Sessions
will be offered monthly.
Each session will include

anglicanlife in Newfoundland&Labrador

both theological and

pastoral perspectives
on the selected topic.
Participants in the online
sessions require high
speed Internet and a
computer with audio
capacity.
Twenty-four people
attended at Queens on
April 26, 14 attended
on-line. The session
was recorded and is
available through the
Queens website: http://
queenscollegenl.ca and
on Facebook. There were
over 300 hits in the first
12 hours, which is the
academic equivalent of
going viral!
The Reverend Dr.
Alex Faseruk of Queens
College noted that
this initiative is part of
Queen Colleges effort
to continue to do what it
has done for the past 175
years in strengthening
the Church through
theological education
and pastoral training that
addresses current issues
and prepares for the
future. It is exciting to
apply new technologies
as well as learning and
t ea c h i n g m o d e l s t o
build the Kingdom while
Queens continues to
be Christ-centered and
Spirit-filled.
Interest participants
should check the
Queens College website
for upcoming seminars
www.queenscollegenl.
ca The second sessions
are being organized
for May 18 and 19 to
provide resources to
c l e rg y a n d p a s t o ra l
workers who may be
involved in World War
I and Beaumont Hamel
Commemorations and
Memorial Services.

JUNE 2016

17

Eccumenical Fellowship in Port Aux Basques

Submitted with photographs by
Lisa Brown

On April 26th, the ACW of St. James Church in Port aux Basques hosted an Ecumenical
Fellowship. 126 women attended, enjoying worship, music, skits, and plenty of great
food.

Confirmation in the Parish of Rose Blanche

Submitted by

In the photo: The Most Revd Percy D. Coffin, The Revd Jeffrey Petten, Fred Billard (Chaplain)
Andrew Chislett, Noah Farrell, Jennifer Herritt, Mackenzie Herritt, Caden Upwards, Callie Morgan
Specker and her parents Tyler Specker and Stacy Parsons.

Photograph by Vicki Harris-Harvey

On Sunday, May 1st,

2016, His Grace, The Most
Rev. Percy D. Coffin visited
the Parish of Rose Blanche
for the Sacraments of Holy
Baptism and Confirmation.
In his sermon, the
Archbishop talked about
how we are to strive to
answer Gods call just as
the paralytic attempted for
thirty-eight years to reach
the pool of Beth-zatha. This
call begins in our baptism.
(See John 5:1-9.) With this
in mind, His Grace had the
privilege of baptizing an
infant in the liturgy at St.
Michael and All Angels in
Rose Blanche in addition to
confirming 5 young people.
His Grace informed the
Congregation that it is not
very often that he is given
the opportunity to preside
at a baptism. He considered
it a great privilege and an
honour. For the family of
Callie Specker, this was
a special moment as The
Most Revd Stewart Payne
baptized Callies mother,
Stacy Parsons, and now
her daughter was able
to be baptized by the
current Archbishop. At
St. Georges, Burnt Islands,
14 young people were
confirmed and the church
was filled to capacity.

Photograph by Tammy Battiste-Farrell

The Revd Jeffrey Petten

In the photo: The Most Revd Percy D. Coffin, The Revd Jeffrey Petten, Brooke Bryan, Dalton Bryan,
Landon Chislett, Selina Croucher, Heidie George, Mandi Harvey, Amber Hatcher, Christopher
Hatcher, Julissa Hodder, Andrew Keeping, Randy Keeping, Sarah Keeping, Dannie Neil and Skey
Semour

anglicanlife in Newfoundland&Labrador

JUNE 2016

18

Beaumont Hamel: Memorial of Hope

The Revd Canon

Gerald Westcott
Columnist

In this 100th
Anniversary year of the
Battle of the Somme,
Va l e r i e a n d I h a v e
had the privilege of
visiting Beaumont
Hamel Memorial Park
in Northern France. In
the battle for Beaumont
Hamel, and because of
the horrible losses to the
regiment, communities,
and families of the small
island and nation of
Newfoundland in 1916,
the identity of a people
was forged. Beaumont
Hamel is etched in the
collective memory of

every Newfoundlander.
W h e n Va l e r i e a n d I
walked into the fields of
Beaumont Hamel, it felt
like home. It felt like we,
as Newfoundlanders,
were part of that place.
Th e i c o n i c Ca r i b o u
memorial and the Salt
Box style interpretation
centre certainly affirmed
what we were feeling in
our hearts. But looking
out unto the trenches,
battlefield, and cemetery,
the warm feeling of
home was chilled by the
memory of the brutal
realities of war. Standing
near the famous Danger
Tree, a landmark where
the regiment was
ordered to gather, the
war cemetery loomed
in the distance. We read
the names of many of the
fallen Newfoundlanders
aloud as we prayerfully
moved over that holy
ground. And as we did,
we had a great sense
of being at one with the
Newfoundlanders who
lost their lives. At one
with them in the one Life
that is God. These are our
dead. This is our land. This
is our memorial. Yet as I
was walking prayerfully

around this beautiful

and at the same time
haunting memorial park,
I was called to remember
the German men who
lost their lives there.
At the far end of the
memorial park, there is
also a Scottish memorial
for their fallen on that
field, and for those who
eventually won the small
plot of land. As I walked
and sat and reflected
(the bronze cast at the
entrance to the park
reads: Tread softly here!
Go reverently and slow),
I had an expanding
sense of the tragedy
and senseless loss of
life in war. And I had
an expanding sense of
being at one with not only
the Newfoundlanders
who lost their lives, but
also with the Germans,
the Scots, and all
who lost their lives at
Beaumont Hamel. Much
has changed in the world
since 1916, yet the call to
identify with the union of
all souls and the respect
for all of life remains.
Beaumont Hamel is our
enduring memorial to
that hope.

The Newfoundland caribou in Beaumont Hamel

The Danger Tree

Salt Box style interpretation centre

The graves of fallen soldiers

Another scene of the graves of Beaumont Hamel

anglicanlife in Newfoundland&Labrador

These photographs of Beaumont Hamel all taken by The Revd Canon Gerald Westcott

JUNE 2016

19

Pray For General Synod

Cynthia Haines-Turner
Columnist

At the Diocesan
Sy n o d o f We s t e r n
Newfoundland, I spoke
about the upcoming
General Synod and the
process around the vote
on the Marriage Canon
something that looms
large and brings with it
much anxiety. I ended
with a plea to those
gath ered t o uphold
General Synod, all who
will attend, and those
who will inevitably feel
hurt and alienated by
whatever the outcome is.
It is a plea I would make
to this whole Church.
The General Synod
itself, in our time together,
will devote much time to

prayer. But what are we

asking for as we pray?
What does prayer do
anyway?
I confess that over the
years, I have read many
books and attended
many workshops on
prayer, on what happens
when we pray, ways to
pray, intercessory prayer,
contemplative prayer,
and I am still left with
many questions and few
answers. Except this one:
prayer is importantfor
the individual and for
the community. Scripture
calls us to pray and to
pray without ceasing.
Jesus told us to pray
always and not to lose
heart. When someone we
know is going through a
difficult time, we know
they are comforted by
knowing that others
are praying for them. I
know that when I feel I
have no control over a
situation, my instinct is
to pray. Through prayer,
we share with God what
is on our hearts. Maybe
that is enough.
One of my favourite
writers is Edward Hays,
who wrote much on
p r a y e r, i n c l u d i n g a
book called Pray All

Ways, in which he talks

about being aware of
the presence of God in
all moments and in the
ordinary circumstances
of our lives. The prayer
at the end of the book
uses these words May I
strive each day to expand
the limits of my times of
prayer until that blessed
time when each hour
day or night, asleep as
well as awakewill be
spent in awareness of
the Mystery. In one of
his last blogs before
he died, (which may
be found here: http://
www.edwardhays.com/
haystack-blog), he wrote
again about the value of
prayer for our souls.
I have never been
comfortable with the
prayer as a Santa Claus
list idea, but have found
myself more drawn to
the idea of prayer as
a way of developing a
relationship with God
and of aligning my
will with Godsof
accessing the spirit
within. I have also come
to the conclusion that
it is time that I stopped
looking for answers, as
that is a distraction from
the task at hand, which is

to pray.
I truly believe that as
we approach General
Synod, our prayers
will be the one thing
t h at w i l l s t re n g t h e n
our communion with
one another. As our
relationship with God
deepens, as our wills align
with Gods, as we seek to
serve Gods mission for

our world, surely so will

our relationship with one
another deepen.
So please, pray for
General Synod and for
the Anglican Church of
Canada as an instrument
of Gods love in this
world.

Queens College Week Proclamation Signed

Submitted by
The Revd Dr. Alex Faseruk

Pictured left to right are Dean Bell, Ms. Pike, and Minister Byrne

Photo by Emily F. Rowe

The HonourableGerry Byrne, Minister of Advanced Education & Skills, signed theProclamation for Queens College Week, May
8-14, 2016, in honour of the Colleges 175th Anniversary.Representing Queens were the RevdDr. David Bell, Dean of Theology at
Queens College, and Ms. Rebecca Pike, President of the Queens College Students Association.

anglicanlife in Newfoundland&Labrador

JUNE 2016

20

St. Jamess Annual Spring Sale

Submitted with photographs by
Lisa Brown

On May 2nd, 2016, the ACW of St. Jamess Anglican Church in Port aux Basques held their annual Spring Sale. Approximately 865
cold plates were prepared for either take out or delivery. There was also a sale of knitted items and crafts, a bake sale table and a
white elephant table. A big thank you goes out to all the ACW members who helped to make this happen.

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