ANGLICAN LIFE

NEWSPAPER OF THE THREE ANGLICAN DIOCESES IN

NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR

February, 2017

A Section of the Anglican Journal

Anglican Life is pleased to debut a new series of articles on the history of the Girls Friendly Society. This will be
a four-part series, to be written by Dr. Linda Cullum of Memorial Universitys Department of Sociology.

Bear Ye One Anothers Burdens

The Girls Friendly Society in Newfoundland

Part 1Introduction
The Girls Friendly Society
of the Church of England/
Anglican Church has a long
record of service, fundraising,
and social contributions in many
Newfoundland communities.
This four-part series records
some of the history of the Girls
Friendly Society in England
and Newfoundland. Christ
Church GFS in Bonavista, the
last remaining GFS branch in
Newfoundland and Labrador
and Canada is profiled. The
series begins with the founding
of the GFS in England.

Creating the
Girls Friendly
Society

Mary Elizabeth Townsend

and job listings. They also

raised funds and built lodges
and homes of rest for young
working women seeking a
place to spend their day off,
or to stay between jobs as
live-in domestics. Doughan
and Gordon, writing in Women,
Clubs and Associations in
Britain (2007), state that by
1880, the GFS had 47,000
members in England. Branches
had been opened in other
countries, like Newfoundland,
as well.

GFS in
Newfoundland

The GFS in Newfoundland

was launched in 1883 by
the Cathedral of St. John
the Baptist in St. Johns,
and operated there until the
late 20th century. Parish
records and reports to the
Diocesan Magazine (DM) and
Newfoundland Churchman
(NC) show at least 64
Newfoundland communities
had GFS branches including
Bonavista (1894), Rose Blanche
and Trinity (pre-1897), Portde-Grave (pre-1889), Bonne
Bay (1910) Carbonear (1913),
Burgeo and Greenspond
(1914), Norris Point and Rocky
Harbour (pre-1917), Lamaline
(1917), St. Anthony (pre-1918),
and Badgers Quay (1919).
Other communities formed
much later: Baine Harbour,
Salmon Cove, Pushthrough,
Garnish, Lethbridge, Port
au Port, Buchans (1944),
Petty Harbour (1944), Fogo,
Summerside, Winterton (1962).
The Newfoundland GFS
followed the Central Rules
and Constitution (1915) of
the mother organization:
to encourage purity of

life, dutifulness to parents,

faithfulness to employers,
temperance and thrift.
Initially, GFS membership in
St. Johns was made up of
young, Church of England
women in domestic service
and other work, but local
records indicate that some
women and girls from other
classes also participated. The
Associates acted as friends
to GFS members, guiding them
in life and instructing them in
skills such as plain sewing,
needlework, shirt and apron
making, darning table linens,
making good buttonholes,
scripture reading, and literacy
(DM 1900-1920). The Diocesan
Magazine (1910) recorded the
importance of such classes,
especially literacy, observing
that, The progress made in
the classes (reading, writing)
is sometimes remarkable.
Many outport girls in a short
time learn to write their first
letter to their friends at home.
Values of purity and virtue
espoused by the GFS were
expected, and required, for
membership. To lose ones
virtue meant dismissal from
the GFS. Newfoundland
GFS documents, such as the
Bonavista GFS Associates
Minute Book, 1894-1907, and
the Cathedral GFS Minutes,
1920, show this rule being
taken very seriously, as young
women are named as being
taken from the roll, or having
disgraced the society. The
Diocesan Magazine (19041907) reported that loyalty to
employers was well rewarded
too, and girls who remained
in service with the same
employer received prizes from
Associates; domestic skills
learned were acknowledged
and rewarded with gifts each

anglican life Newfoundland&Labrador

year.
Agnes Money, a founding
GFS council member in
England and author of The
History of The Girls Friendly
Society (1911), praised the work
of early leaders and members
in scattered settlements
in Newfoundland. The
Newfoundland GFS was
a very brave, persevering
society, she wrote, one that,
In spite of storm and stress
of weather, and long, cold
evenings, the Members and
Candidates seem to hold on
their way with meetings and
lectures, sales of work and
classes, and their eagerness
for books is quite touching.
All but one Newfoundland
branch closed during the 20th
century. The one remaining,
the last in Canada, meets
regularly at Christ Church
Anglican Parish in Bonavista.
Dedicated members give
their time, tremendous effort,
and financial support to the
Anglican Church and the larger
community. Next month, Part
2 discusses the founding and
work of Christ Church GFS in
Bonavista.

GFS, UK http://girlsfriendlysociety.org.uk/about/history.html

The Girls Friendly Society

(GFS) was founded in England
in July 1875 by Mrs. Mary
Elizabeth Townsend (18411918). Patricia Mitchell, in The
Girls Friendly Society, 18751900 (2003), notes that Mrs.
Townsend saw the GFS as, a
Virtue Society. As there are
associations for temperance,
and associations for thrift,
so this is an association of
women for the protection and
encouragement of purity of life
among womenby drafting
our young maidens from their
very childhood into the ranks
of an army of virtue. With the
Archbishop of Canterbury, then
Queen Victoria and Queen
Mary as patrons, the nonsectarian GFS established
branches in England, Ireland,
Scotland, and then in Canada,
Newfoundland, America,
Australia, and New Zealand.
The GFS is still active in more
than twenty countries.

In 19th century England,

GFS branches were organized
with those of higher social
standing in the community as
leaders. Honorary Associates
were often the main leaders
of the GFS; Associates were
generally older, sometimes
married, women and friends,
responsible for working with
GFS members; Branch Helper
was usually a former member
who had married; Members
were girls and women, 13-30
years, employed as factory
workers or domestics that
the society was organized
to reach; Probationers or
later, Prentices, were those
aged 11-14 who sought
membership and awaited
cards of admission; and finally,
Candidates were girls, 7-11
years who formed a pool of
potential GFS Members. After
1947, Townsend Members were
those over 25 years of age
when they joined the GFS. The
mother organization published
magazines for Members and
Associates covering household
hints, religious verses, health,
cooking, notices of events,
photo: P Higginbotham, http://www.childrenshomes.org.uk/GFS/

Article by
Dr. Linda Cullum

GFS Poster, 1934.

Artwork by D. Hambrook

FEBRUARY 2017

ANGLICAN LIFE in Newfoundland and Labrador is

the newspaper of the Anglican Church of Canada in
the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador. A cooperative effort of the three Dioceses in Newfoundland
and Labrador, it is publishes ten issues each year with
an independent editorial policy.
Anglican Life is a section of the Anglican Journal
Editor:
Mrs. Emily F. Rowe
3 Carpasian Road
St. Johns, NL
A1C 3T9
Email: anglicanlifeNL@gmail.com
Advertising Rates and other information may be
obtained from:
Bishop Donald Young
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Phone: (709) 256-7701
Email: jointcommittee@nfld.net

Paid Subscription Rates:
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International: $25.00
New subscriptions, cancellations, & changes of address
should be sent to:
Circulation
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These policies were adopted by the Anglican Life
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2016 Police Chaplains

Conference in St. Johns
Article by
The Revd Donna Mercer

Being present to law

enforcement personnel is 99
percent of the job. So says
the majority of members of
the Canadian Association
of Police Chaplains who
travelled to, and gathered at,
the Holiday Inn in St. Johns,
NL, for their annual five-day
training seminar and annual
meeting in November of
2016. More than 40 police
chaplains from across Canada
were on hand to discuss
their role as care givers and
their ministry of presence to
police departments across
the country. The educational
component of the weeklong
conference saw speakers
from the international
community as well as local
educators facilitating forums.
Former FBI Agent and
Educator, Kelly McGintry, and
Sgt. Michael Shiraishi, of the
San Diego Police Department,
presented a documentary
about officer who was involved
in shootings, and emphasized
that chaplains provide
critical spiritual support both
in supplementing officer
debriefings, and in assisting
in family matters pertaining
to policing.
We w e r e r e m i n d e d
continually throughout the
conference that the role of the
police chaplaincy is to provide
spiritual and religious care
to police officers in a multifaith, pluralistic environment
while respecting spiritual
sensitivities, religious
heritages, and a diversity of
faith traditions.
We loiter with intent,
said RCMP Chaplain Bob
Turner of Calgary. We are
wherever the police are.
S g t . Ke v i n F o l e y o f
the Royal Newfoundland

Constabulary, and Dr. Rick

Singleton, Provost of Queens
College, were among our
local presenters who spoke
about crime, grief work, and
care for the care-giver.
R o b e r t P a r m e n t e r,
Chaplain to the RCMP in
Fort McMurray, highlighted
his experiences with law
enforcement personnel in
dealing with the evacuation
and destruction of his
community during last
summers forest fire.
This diverse group of
chaplains also had ample time
to share their experiences
and best practices, discussing
the challenges of providing
religious support to men and
women who are serving as
peace officers from sea to
sea to sea.
It was agreed that theres
a wide range of emotions that
people feel when they are out
on patrol, and the presence of
the chaplain serves to remind
the police of the aspects
of life that are hopeful and
encouraging, even when the
urgencies of life seem so
difficult.
As police chaplains and
chaplains to retired police
officers, we continue to
provide spiritual support
for all. We are faithful and
loyal, and we care. We are
a presence so that they can
draw closer and recognize
that all this goodness has
come to them from God. And
thats when we see faith,
hope, and love bring healing
and strength to those who
need it.
The Sweet Forget Me
Nots, an accordion group from
St. Johns, entertained the
chaplains with Newfoundland
music at an Old Fashioned

Newfoundland Kitchen Party,

and delegates were delighted
as some mummers dropped in
during the evening to dance
with any who were so inclined.
The banquet speaker was
Heather JarvisCoordinator
of Safe Harbour Outreach
Project(SHOP). SHOP works
with sex trade workers in
collaboration with the Royal
Newfoundland Constabulary
and community partners,
including faith communities.
Our conference ended
with worship at the Anglican
Cathedral of St. John the
Baptist as we remembered the
price that is sometimes paid
by police and peace officers
in the protection of our safety
across Canada.
The conference, held
November 14th to November
18th, was attended by five
Newfoundland and Labrador
Police Chaplains. Attending
were Chaplain Frank Johnson,
West Coast; Chaplain Boyd
Stansford, Marystown; The
Revd Randy Lockyer, Grand
Falls-Windsor; as well as the
local organizing committee
consisting of The Venerable
Charlene Taylor, Mt. Pearl;
The Revd Edward Keeping,
Portugal Cove-St. Philips; and
The Revd Donna Mercer, St.
Johns.

Layout & Design by: The Editor

Printed and Mailed by:
Webnews Printing Inc.
8 High Meadow Place
North York, ON, M9L 2Z5

Photo: George Powell

Circulation: 19,000

Police Chaplains and friends gather at the Anglican Cathedral in St. Johns, NL, to worship
following the Annual Canadian Association of Police Chaplains Training Conference

anglican life Newfoundland&Labrador

FEBRUARY 2017

ACWs 118th
Anniversary

Port Aux Basques, NL

Article and photographs
by Lisa Brown
On the right: The
Revd Marlene Harvey
and 91-year-old Mrs.
Mabel LeMoine cut the
anniversary cake

On November 1st, the

ACW of St. James Church in
Port aux Basques celebrated
their 118th Anniversary. There
were approximately 50 ladies
in attendance. The evening
started with a Church Service of
the Holy Eucharist, which was

followed by a pot luck supper

in the Memorial Centre, and
the evening ended with a card
game. It was a wonderful night
of fellowship.

The Revd MaryRose

Ordination to the Diaconate Family Service

In Central Newfoundland Isle Aux Morts, NL
Article and photographs by
Karen Simon

Article submitted
by The Revd Gerald Giles

Photo: Simon Dawson

On November 6th, a family service was held at Holy Spirit in

Isle aux Morts. It was a lovely service with the Revd MaryRose
officiating. Family members were invited to come to the rail and
take part in a family blessing during the service. A lunch was
served following the service.

Back in the vestry, church members clean up after the service, and enjoy a
time of fellowship.

Clergy and Bishops pose for a picture with the newly ordained
Deacon, The Revd Stella Mills

The Revd Stella Mills

was ordained as Deacon
by retired Central Diocesan
Bishop, The Rt. Revd David
Torraville on May 31, 2016,
at Holy Trinity Church, Wings
Point, Gander Bay. A large
number of diocesan clergy,
visiting clergy, congregational
members, and members
from other denominational

congregations, as well as
family and friends were in
attendance to support Revd
Stella for her special day. Revd
Stella and Wilson extend their
great appreciation for the
support they received from
everyone to make this a very
memorable time in their life.

anglican life Newfoundland&Labrador

Photo Terry J. Saunders, 2016

From A Standpoint of Mission

The Rt. Revd John Watton

Bishop
Central Newfoundland

I have always loved the

ethos of Space travel. When
Apollo 11 landed on the moon,
I was lying on the floor in
a small foyer at the head
of a stairway in my uncles
small hotel. As a child I was
captured by my imaginations
glorification of people who
could go higher than anyone
had ever been, faster than
anyone had ever been, and
make more noise doing so
than anyone had ever made.
In time, I began to see the
deeper values of scientific
methods, discovery, and the
search for truth. As an adult
looking back over my life,
these things remain very
important to me especially in
relation to the presence and
action of God in the world.
I regularly return to books
written by people who have
lived extraordinary lives,
or who have come through
hard times, for inspiration,
learning, and to engage with
perspectives formed through
different experiences.
Recently I have returned to
Jim Lovells Lost Moon: The
Perilous Voyage of Apollo 13,

which was published in 1994.

Apollo 13 was the third
mission intended to land
on the Moon, but the lunar
landing was aborted after
an oxygen tank exploded
two days into the journey,
crippling the spacecraft. It
was serious. Besides the
obvious need for oxygen,
the craft was becoming
intensely cold, and it was
losing electrical power, cabin
heat, drinking water, and was
becoming contaminated with
carbon dioxide. The mission
had changed. All peripheral
concerns were left behind
as NASA had to make tough
choices about what the new
mission parameters would
be: lets use our knowledge,
technology, and spirit to get
things done and finish this
new Mission.
When a controller gave
voice to what everyone was
thinking: This could be the
worst disaster NASAs ever
experienced, Gene Kranz,
leader and flight director
responded by saying, With all
due respect, sir, I believe this
is gonna be our finest hour.
In many ways it was. The
crew returned safely to Earth
on April 17th. As a leader,
Kranz fully understood the
NASA truism that whenever
an individual had to be front
and center, that one (or
few persons) was only the
visible part of a much bigger
team. Genes Immediate
response was to evaluate
the spacecraft in a positive
way. Each person was asked
to report and answer: What

do we got on the spacecraft

thats good? Perhaps it is
past time for us at Mission
Control to ask a similar
question. Something has
radically altered the course
we were on, and what is to
be done?
Please forgive just
a couple more space
analogies. A major Church
launch took place around
325 AD, when the Emperor
Constantine began to
embrace Christianity. He put a
stop to Christian persecution
in the Roman Empire and
declared an open tolerance
for all cults and religions.
Eventually, as proven by
Nicaea in 325, he favored
and elevated Christianity.
Ours is an institution of faith
that was blessed, supported
and formed by culture and
governments ever since, that
is until about 30 or 40 years
ago.
Huston, we have a
problem.
The soul of the Church
rested in a religion that was
not only socially acceptable,
but mandated. We have had
1700 years of being culturally
acceptable. Now we are
in the midst of emerging
challenges of being an
outside voice, trying to speak
into a society and government
that now withholds our past
comfortable authority and
challenges our answers.
We s e e t h i s t o d a y i n
declining budgets, shrinking
congregations, growing
apathy and increasing
trends toward self directed

spirituality. However, the

mission has not changed.
Gods longing still is for all
creation to live together
in peace, harmony and
fulfillment. Through Christ
we receive the Great
Mission to speak and model
reconciliation, hope, and
wholeness to all parts of
creation. It is an exciting time,
as God reminds us through
the Spirit that the role of the
Church in our time is to be a
fellowship of people working
with God and each other to
bring that vision into reality.
We are also being reminded
in a very real way that when
any institution becomes more
important than the idea it
embodies, it becomes empty,
and something has gone
terribly wrong.
In recent times I was
challenged by someone
who described me as being
pretty good at speaking
the language of missional
thinking, but in the same
breath challenged my ability
to work it out. My response
is simple: You are absolutely
right! I cant possible work
it out by myself. When I, or
any member of Diocesan
leadership, parish leadership
(ordained or lay) find
ourselves standing front and
center, we must remember
that we are only the visible
part of a much bigger team.
It is time for deeper, honest,
and inclusive conversations.
Every voice needs to be
heardbecause not one
person has all the answers.
It is time for us to hear what

FEBRUARY 2017

the Spirit is saying to the

Churches.
Lets go around the room
and hear every voice, all
the time relying on the Holy
Spirit to clarify things. Let us
remember that it is a very big
room, and it will take some
time and involve patient,
careful listening. Our God
is active both inside and
outside the physical and
spiritual structures we know
as Church. The cry of the
Spirit to us is Here I am...
Come out here with me and
share the adventure and
vision!
We are being called to
look at what is good on the
spacecraft. In doing so, we
will rediscover the fantastic
tools we have, we will be
given new ones to work with
and begin to understand the
why and where of things that
dont function any more.
Thank you God for your
people who come from a
variety of motivations, some
secular and others deeply
spiritual; coming together
through the leading of
the Holy Spirit to build in
a broken and dark land,
new environments, new
institutions, new gardens,
and new lives.
Amen.

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for Baptism
Give a gift of Hope Bear
to someone who is being
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anglican life Newfoundland&Labrador

FEBRUARY 2017

Pasedena Group of Knitters Helps Out

Many Organizations

Submitted with photographs by

Cavell Clarke

St. Davids, Pasadena,

started a knitting group six
years ago. These women meet
every Monday from 10:30 12:00, and you can hear the
click of their knitting needles. A
cup of tea or coffee and a snack
are shared; this group is a very
social group. The members
vary in age. Those who are
new to knitting can learn
from the others. The knitted
goods have been donated
to several organizations:
Western Memorial Regional
Hospital gift shop, the nursery,
the oncology unit, and the
cardiac unit; Willow House;
NL Hydros Coast for Kids;

Pasadena Families in Need.

List of knitted items
donated include: heart monitor
bags, chemo hats, blankets,
preemie and newborn hats,
dishcloths and towels, knitted
owls, winter hats, mittens,
scarves, socks, sweaters, and
teddy bears.
Donations of wool are
graciously accepted. The
knitting group can use
donations to knit various
items. People also donate
their knitted goods which can
be distributed where needed.
New members are always
welcome!

Above: Lin Garcin--helping to sort knitted goods to be delivered to various

organizations
Top Left: Cavell, Corcas, Lin, and Carolyn--dropping off items to the Western
Memorial Regional Hospital in Corner Brook
Middle Left: Cavell, Sandra, Grace, Shirley, Dorcas--members of the group
stop for a cup of tea or coffee and a snack
Bottom Left: Sorted items waiting to be donated

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FEBRUARY 2017

Photo: The Revd Jolene Peters

Alzheimers and
Spirituality

The Parishs Fall Fair Sale

A Beehive of Activity

St. John the Evangelist Church, Topsail

Article by
Louise Smith

many Christmas assortments

here at our fall fair sale, where
most of them also joined us
for a cup of tea and a lunch.
The fall fairs grand finale
was held on November 11th,
when a stuffed chicken breast
dinner, prepared by themen
of the parish, was served at
6:00 pm, followed by a card
game at 8:00. Both functions
were well attended, and food
and fellowship were enjoyed
by all.
Preceding the dinner,
on Sunday, November 6th,
we were graced with a visit
from the Royal Canadian
Legion, CBS branch, as well
as the R.N.C. at our 10:30 am
service; this was followed by
a cup of tea downstairs.
On Thursday, November
24th, the Anglican Church
Women hosted a Seniors
dinner for parishioners aged
75 years and older, including
former members who now
reside in retirement homes.
Entertainment was provided
as well as a visit from Santa
Claus.
As I write this, we just
emerged, refreshed from
an Advent Quiet Day, with
our Rector, the Revd Jolene
Peters exploring the themes
of Watching, Waiting, and
Hoping.
While we journeyed
through the day, Revd Jolene
coached us on the path which

Photo: The Revd Jolene Peters

As soon as everyone
emerged and settled in
after the summer hiatus, the
church here at St. John the
Evangelist, Topsail, has been
a beehive of activity.
On Sunday, October 9th,
our creative team adorned
the altar for thanksgiving
with displays of fresh local
vegetables, fruits, and all of
the ingredients that were
in great abundance for the
parish dinner.
Three days later, on
October 12th, the Anglican
Church Women transformed
this bounty into a delicious
meal. Then, together with
other members of our parish
family, we assembled in
celebration and to thank God
for our many blessings.
Before the end of the
month, preparations were
underway for our annual fall
fair, with activities extended
over a three-day period,
starting with a flea market on
October 23rd.
The old adage that one
mans refuse is another
mans treasure certainly was
exemplified by the success
of our flea market due to the
diversity of donations, and the
generosity of parishioners.
Then on November 5th,
we opened our doors at 10:00
am with people already in
line awaiting and ready to
examine and choose from our

The visit from the Royal Canadian Legion and the R. N. C.

would ultimately lead us to

Christmas Daythe path of
Advent.
She pointed out the
contrast between the Spiritual
and the Secular concept
of Watching, Waiting, and
Hoping.
Human nature has
traditionally put a lot of
emphasis on shopping,
cleaning, baking, and
decorating in preparation
for Christmas. At the same
time, stressfully Watching,
Waiting, and Hoping that all
material desires will come to
fruition.
But this Quiet Day has
reminded us that in our
preparation for Christmas
we must not forget to include
a Holy Advent of Watching,
Waiting, and Hoping, with the
Human and Divine aspects
coming together.
By the time that this article
goes to print, we will have
come to the end of another
year. A year that has been
both busy, rewarding, and
sometimes challenging. As
the new year approaches, we
look forward to a continued
journey of this labour of love
in Gods Great Vineyard.

The Ven. Gerald Westcott

Columnist

I was recently visiting

in the Alzheimers ward in
one of our long term care
facilities. It can be painful to
be with those who you know
and love, who can no longer
use their minds reasonably.
My wifes mother suffered
with debilitating Alzheimers
for 10 years before passing
away. My own mother, still
living, suffers with short term
memory loss. This is sad
yet real as all the organs of
our body deteriorate with
age, and a plethora of other
causes. So many of us in
our western society limit the
identity of our human lives
by our capacity to think.
That is to say, we limit the
experience of our lives to
self consciousness alone.
What happens when my brain
becomes ill? What happens
when my self consciousness
loses its capacity to reason and
understand? Am I somehow
less human? Less worthy of
love? In other words: is our
human capacity to connect,
to be in communion with
each other, to love limited to
the thinking mind alone?
Spiritual practice is about
learning how to navigate all
the various levels of the mind,

and to connect with and live

out of our deeper Self, our
deeper Unitive Mind, which is
much more than our dualistic
self consciousness. We are
more than what we can think!
Thanks be to God. So when I
am on the Alzheimers ward,
or with my mother who cant
remember what she just said,
our capacity to be in loving
communion is not limited
to her deteriorating brain.
There is something much
deeper going on between us
(in fact, there is something
much deeper going on
between you, me and all of
creation). In order to discover
this deeper Unitive Mind,
deeper loving communion,
we have to learn the work
of silence. Maggie Ross, in
her book Silence: A Users
Guide, says that Humans
have lost their relationship
with the original silence from
which, and within which,
we evolved; silence that is
essential to language, insight,
poetry, and music. This loss
of communion has gradually
eroded our humanity, for
what makes us human is not
language, tool use, artifice, or
self consciousnesscurrent
research is showing us that
many animals have these
gifts as wellbut rather the
ability of the human mind to
come full circle, and forget
itself in silence. In traditional
church language, this is called
dying to self. We need to die
before we die in order to
live. As Lent approaches, it
is another invitation to enter
into the wilderness, enter into
the Silence, with Jesus who
shows us how to die to self
and rise to newness of Life
and Love.

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anglican life Newfoundland&Labrador

What Does It
Mean To Die?

Allison Billard
Columnist

What does it mean to die

mommy?
Well, I was not expecting
that one. Every answer I
could think of seemed so
inadequate. Luckily hes only
five, so his understanding is
rudimentary at best of the
larger philosophical realm.
So I mostly talked about how
after weve lived to be really
old then we go to heaven to
be with God.
His response? I wish we
didnt have to die.
Me too, bud. Me too.
The best part of all this is
that the reason he is asking
is because of the well known
bedtime prayer. Most of us
learned it growing up: Now
I lay me down to sleep, I pray
the Lord my soul to keep; and
if I die before I wake, I pray
the Lord my soul to take. Well,
one recitation created a death
obsessed five year old.
So my well intentioned
lets learn to pray initiative
has presented unexpected
challenges. Suddenly, all of
his imaginary play features

Ken Lund, 2012 www.creativecommons.org

FEBRUARY 2017

his toys dying. When we put

on seat belts in the car he
says its to keep us safe so
we dont die. Every time I turn
around theres something else
reminding him of death.
I know I cant avoid all
the tough questions forever,
and I am very glad that he is
generally satisfied with a fairly
simple answer. I cant help but
wonder, though, what we will
have to explain as the years
go by. The state of the world
has me down right terrified.
I cant explain it to myself
much less my inquisitive and
very sensitive 5-year-old. I
dont want to scare him, but
ultimately he deserves to know
as much of the truth as he can
understand. And the world is
a scary place right now. I had
to stop reading all political
commentary and most world
news because it makes me
afraid.
But then I think maybe fear
is good. Maybe it can motivate
us towards the changes we
want to see in the world. A fear

of climate change can force

us to take action and reduce
our footprint. Fear for those
living in regions of conflict
can motivate us to speak up,
contact our politicians, make
our voices heard for those
who have been silenced. We
must feed the hungry, clothe
the naked, and care for the
outcast.
As always, the elder boys
questions provide much food
for thought, and a teachable
moment for me and him both.
We need not fear death, for
if we live, we live to the Lord,
and if we die, we die to the
Lord. So then, whether we live
or whether we die, we are the
Lords. (Romans 14:8) Rather
than be afraid of the end, we
should make the very most of
the journey, do the best we can
to leave the earth in a better
condition than we found it.
What change do you want to
see? And what can you do to
bring it about?

The Secrets Perform in

Rocky Harbour

Burgeo Mitten
Tree A Success
Article and photographs by
Maxine Dicks

The Outreach Committee

of St. John the Evangelist
Church in Burgeo had another
successful year with their
Mitten Tree project. A total
of 296 items were collected
to be distributed to the less

fortunate families through

the Salvation Army and Red
Cross, in both Corner Brook
and Stephenville. Thanks to all
that donated and to those that
came out to help sort and pack
for shipping.

Sorting through collected items

Submitted with photograph by

Dale Decker

Pictured above: Front: Audrey Dicks & Ruth Spencer (chairperson)

Back: Rose Young, Mary Bowdridge & Jessie Matthews
On Thursday, December 1st the singing trio The Secrets performed Christmas, Gospel, and traditional music
at St. Matthews church in Rocky Harbour, NL. This performance was part of their cross island Christmas
tour. Approximately 100 people were in attendance for a very enjoyable evening.

anglican life Newfoundland&Labrador

FEBRUARY 2017

Look Whos In Heaven!

Ron Clarke
Columnist

Aunt Ethel arrived at

the pearly gates at exactly
8:30a.m., on September 3,
2003precisely on time, as
usual. Aunt Ethel loved to do
everything precisely, and in
proper order. She had lived her
whole life that way (she always
expected, even demanded,
that others do the same), and
of course she had died as she
had lived, well prepared.
Realizing that her time

was coming soon, Aunt Ethel

had organized everything.
She tidied up all her earthly
affairs, making sure all her
relatives and friends eventually
got a share of her possessions.
The church and several
charities were assigned their
appropriate share of her lifes
savingsafter she had prepaid
for a decent funeral and a
proper headstone. Of course
she made doubly sure that all
her church dues were paid to
the end of the year.
Aunt Ethel proceeded to
make her final peace with
Godthough, as far as she
knew, she had nothing at all
to make her peace for. Hadnt
she always tried to be good to
everybody? Anyway, she had
frequent visits from her priest
all during her terminal illness,
and the good man was at her
side as she slipped away from
all thats mortal.

So here she was, Aunt

Ethel Tilby, at the pearly
gates, and of course she was
promptly admitted. Blinking
rapidly to adjust to the glorious
radiance of heaven, Aunt Ethel
looked around for friends and
acquaintances, good people
like herself who had done their
best and preceded her to their
endless reward.
With great delight she
recognized many of the great
Christians, saints and heroes
of scripture and history. Why,
theres Moses, King David,
St. Peter, and St. Paul! Look
at all the clergy and bishops
and popes! And theres Martin
Luther, John Wesley, and
General Booth!
But whos this? It cant be!
John Thomas Claymore? Why,
that man hardly ever went to
church all his life. How come he
got to heaven? Now, mind you,
John was always a wonderful

neighbour. Hed do anything

for anybody. And he never
charged a cent for his trouble.
As a matter of fact, hed almost
give you the shirt off his back.
But he was never religiousat
least, he never seemed to
be. And here he is in heaven!
Goodness me!
And that cant possibly be
Sally Tromley over there looking
so beatific and beautiful! Why,
that woman was an absolute
nobody on earth. She was
poor, reared poor, and married
poor. She must have a dozen
children. That poor woman
worked some hard rearing up
her crowd and looking after
her lazy husband. Now, mind
you, those youngsters were
always clean as pins, and they
were mannerly and sensible
besides. The poor woman wore
herself out, worked herself
into an early grave looking
after her family, and here she

Jesse Tree at Holy Trinity, Codroy

Article and photograph by
Linda Kendell

The Sunday School class,

confirmation class, and other
youth of the church took part
in The Jesse Tree Program
at Holy Trinity Church in
Codroy on December 4th,
2016. The readings were done
by the older children while
the symbols were put on the
tree by the younger children.
Each Jesse Tree decoration
symbolized either a prophecy
of the coming Messiah, or an
ancestor of Jesus Christ. Each
reading gave an explanation
of the symbolthese were
readings from the Bible.

is in heaven. But on earth we

wouldnt give two cents for her.
Isnt it wonderful?
Well, Ill be! Heres poor
Tommy Todd. All his life Tommy
was the laughing stock of the
harbour. He never had his right
senses; something happened
to his head when he was born.
How many jokes did we play
on that poor fella! He went
to church sometimes, but he
couldnt read, so he couldnt
follow the service or sing the
hymns. And here he is, as large
as life, among the saints and
angels!
But where is James Bartle?
Mr. Bartle was a pillar of the
church for years. On all the
committees he was, raising
enormous amounts of money
for God. If he ever did anything
wrong, nobody ever found out.
He died last year, so he should
be here long before now.
And wheres Aunt Prissy
Sperling? She was saved
nearly all her life. How that
woman could sing hymns and
pray? She was some exact
Christian, she was. She was
always looking for peoples
faults and sins, and she wasnt
too shy to rake them over the
coals either! She gave all the
sinners hell. She spent her
whole life telling other people
how to get to heaven. I thought
the first one Id see would be
Aunt Prissy.
It looks like Holy Harold,
the TV evangelist who died
recently, didnt get here either.
That man was some preacher!
In his big black Cadillac, he
looked like a real saint.
I cant get over some of
the people who got to heaven!
And if you had told me that
Mr. Bartle and Aunt Prissy and
Holy Harold wouldnt make it, I
would have called you a foolish
gommel. Isnt it all wonderful!

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.

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anglican life Newfoundland&Labrador

6102663

FEBRUARY 2017

The Revd Jonathan Rowe

Columnist

It is something of a given
that the only people who
can be trusted with power
are those who dont even
want it. The ancient Romans
told stories of Cincinnatus, a
senator who was called upon
to save the Roman republic
from foreign enemies. When
the senate came looking for
him, prepared to grant him
absolute power to resolve the
crisis, they found him working
his farm, patiently ploughing
his fields behind a yoke of
oxen. Cincinnatus reluctantly
assumed command, raised an
army, defeated the invaders,
and then gave up his powers
only fifteen days later, returning
to his farm and his plough.
Thats how chapter 11 of
1 Samuel finds King Saul. The

Between The LessonsEyes

And Oxen
handsome young man who
didnt seem to want to be
kingwho was hiding at his
own coronationis ploughing
his fields when the first crisis
strikes the newly-established
kingdom of Israel. Nahash,
king of the Ammonites, had
besieged the Israelite town of

Israelites were on the other

side of the Jordan.
In desperation, they asked
the Ammonites for a peace
treaty, but Nahash wasnt
prepared to make peace. He
would only offer a treaty if the
men of Jabesh would gouge
out their right eyes, as a sign

Cincinnatus ploughing his fields by Leon de Benouville, 1844

www.commons.wikimedia.org

Jabesh-Gilead. The people of

Jabesh probably despaired of
being able to drive away the
invaders, since the rest of the

that they had been conquered,

and as a sign that Nahash had
gotten the better of the Lords
chosen people. The people

of Jabesh, caught between a

rock and a hard place, asked
for a week in which to try and
find someone to save them. If
not, theyd have to accept the
disgrace of buying their safety
at the price of their right eyes.
Its hard to imagine what
Saul was doing, seemingly
ignoring the
kingdom so soon
after being made
king. While all of
this is going on,
h es a t h o m e,
ploughing his fields
like Cincinnatus!
However, as soon
as he hears of the
plight of JabeshGilead, he leaps
into action. He cuts
up his oxen and
sends the pieces
throughout Israel as
a call to arms: Im
raising an army against the
Ammonites, and if you wont
join me, then prepare for me
to chop up your oxen too!
This is the first glorious
victory for the kingdom
o f I s r a e l . Saul musters

anglican life Newfoundland&Labrador

330,000 fighting men, and

they completely rout the
Ammonites, without anyone
having to gouge out anything.
Its also a glorious first victory
for King Saul. Last month, I said
that with only a few exceptions,
everyone had cheered for him
when he was made king. Now,
some of his supporters talk
of rounding up those few
exceptions and putting them to
death for not supporting Saul
from the beginning. But Saul
is the very model of a modern
magnanimous ruler: he spares
his opponents, saying that
this was a day for celebration,
rather than bloodshed.
Saul has led his people into
battle, and returned victorious.
Hes handsome and regallooking, hes gracious and
merciful; he didnt even seem
to want to be king in the first
place! By all accounts, he could
be the perfect king. However,
this glorious first adventure is
setting the stage for a tragic
downfall. But thats another
story, for another time.

10

FEBRUARY 2017

Dr. Alice WarehamA Wonderful

Legacy
and All Angels in St. Johns.
Alice served on several
committees at both the Parish
and Diocesan levels over the
years.
I met Alice many years
ago, and I immediately
recognized that she was a
special person and I was in
awe of her presence. But,
during the wake and funeral
service, I found out a few
things that I didnt know:
First, her husband, Baxter,
was shot down in World War
II, while serving with the
RCAF. Second, they had spent
eleven days together before
he was shipped off to rejoin
the war effort. Third, each
year around the anniversary
time of her husbands death,
family members noted that
she fell into a sombre mood
but came out of it after a
few days. Finally, Dr. Alice

Wareham passed away on

December 16the same date
that her husband Baxter died.
Strange but truth is
often stranger than fiction.
Nevertheless, we have lost a
great Newfoundlander and
Labradorian!

Pictured above is the late Dr. Alice

Wareham. Photograph provided by
Kevin Smith.

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

Confirmation in Seal Cove

Submitted by
Francis Elgar

Photo by Gary Rideout

to mourn relatives of Taylor

family, Spencer family,
Bishop family, Knight family,
Wareham family and a large
number of friends.
Alice taught school in
Exploits and Harbour Buffett.
Alice was vice principal of
St. Michaels School and
Kevin Smith
Bishops College in St. Johns,
Columnist
Principal of Bishops College;
Lecturer, Assistant Associate
As this column is being professor of English at
w r i t t e n , w e m o u r n t h e Memorial University.
She received many
passing of a wonderful lady
awards
throughout her
who impressed me with her
career
including
University
intelligence, her wit, her
Womens
Scholarship
at MUN,
leadership, her compassion
and devotion to her Church. Governor General Medal at
Dr (Hon). Alice Wareham left MUN, Confederation Medal
a legacy that will endure the (Government of Canada),
Honorary Doctorate at MUN.
passage of time.
Dr. Wareham contributed
Her Obituary summarizes
greatly to education, being
her life:
Passed peacefully away a m e m b e r o f s e v e r a l
at Chancellor Park, St. Johns Professional organizations.
on December 16, 2016, Alice Her extracurricular activities
Wareham, aged 97 years. a n d i n t e r e s t s i n c l u d e d
She was predeceased by her volunteer worker with the
husband, Pilot Officer (RCAF) Cancer Society, driver for
Baxter Wareham; parents Meals on Wheels of VON,
John and Bertha (Spencer); active and loyal member
and brother Earnest. Leaving of the Parish of St. Michael

Confirmation was held at the Church of St. Peter in Westport, in the parish of Seal Cove, on November 30th, 2016.
In the above photo:
Back row (left to right): Cogan Stuckless, Archbishop Percy Coffin, Morgan Stuckless
Front row (left to right)): Francis Elgar (instructor), Chloe Ricketts, Tammelia Warren, Emma King, The Revd Perry
Cooper
Absent from photo, but deserving of mention: Assistants Pauline Warren and Audrey Stuckless, and supporting
parents Betty Ricketts and Nicole Stuckless
Preparing these students for Confirmation was a wonderful team experience. Many thanks go to the congregation
at St. Peters Church for the support that they gave.

anglican life Newfoundland&Labrador

FEBRUARY 2017

The Anglican Foundation: Going Strong at 60

11

Article by The Revd Dr. Alex

Faseruk, Chair of Finance
Committee, AFC

In 2017, the Anglican

Foundation of Canada (AFC) will
celebrate its 60th anniversary
with its legacy of Anglicans
helping Anglicans. Since 1957,
the AFC has partnered with
dioceses, faith communities,
and theological colleges
across the Anglican Church to
both raise and distribute much
needed funds.
The AFC was originally
established to restore existing
c h u rc h e s an d estab lish
new ones. Its scope has
increased tremendously and
now provides several other
programs, such as after-school
initiatives for at-risk youth,
choir schools, end-of-life care
in hospices, quality care for
seniors, parish thrift shops,
summer camps, efficient solar
energy programs, ecumenical
efforts, Hope Air flights for
distant medical care, and
theological bursaries. Recent
programs include the Hope
Bear and Kids Helping Kids
programs, greening of sacred
spaces, and an expanded

bursary program, as well as

maintaining its original intent

totalling $183,750. Recently, St.

Mark the Evangelist (St. Johns)

The Revd Canon Dr. Judy Rois with James Renouf and his mother

for capital projects.

All congregations in the
three dioceses of our province
have joined the AFC, as well as
Queens College and several
individuals, demonstrating
an exceptional level of
commitment. Since 1984,
Eastern Newfoundland and
Labrador has received grants

received a grant of $15,000 to

help fund the construction of a
new accessible administrative
area. The AFC also provided
f u n d i n g f o r S t . M a r k s
congregant, James Renouf,
for a new wheelchair. Pictured
is the Revd Canon Dr. Judy
Rois with James Renouf and
his mother.

Prolocutor is an associate of or
assistant to the Primate, assists
in the chairing of General Synod
or Council of General Synod
There are duties. The Prolocutor
is ex-officio a member of all
committees, councils, boards
and commissions, standing
and special, appointed
under any provision of the
Constitution, or of any Canon
enacted by the General Synod
or under any resolution of
the General Synod or of the
Council of the General Synod.
Although I love meetings,
thats still not why I have
the best job in the world.
There are responsibilitiesthe
Prolocutor, in consultation
with others, appoints people
to the Council of General
Synod or to committees,
councils or boards where a
vacancy occurs or consults
with the Primate when he or
she has to appoint someone.
Still, thats not why I have
the best job in the world.
I have the best job in the world,
and its a big deal, because
these roles, responsibilities
and duties, the meetings of
the many committees and
the connection with so many
people across this great
Anglican Church of ours afford
me something I consider pretty
amazing. I get an overview

of the incredible ministries

that take place every day in
our Churchfrom the work
of the Finance Committee in
managing the funds so that
the ministries can happen, to
the work of the coordinating
committeesthe Anglican
Journal Committee that
oversees the publication of a
newsletter that has the ability
to unite people from around
the country, to the Pension
Committee that ensures that
those who have ministered
well and long in our Church are
cared for in their retirement, to
the work of communications
and more. Our Anglican Church
is involved in reconciliation
work with indigenous
peoples in our country, and
has relationships with people
around the world. And I get
to be a part of all that. In rare
moments, I get to advocate
for these ministries or even
facilitate some of them. Yes, its
extra meetings or conference
calls and lots of reading but its
as much fun as I ever thought it
could be and more and its an
immense privilege to be part
of Gods mission nationally
and globally as lived out in the
Anglican Church of Canada.
I thank God daily for thisthe
best job in the world!

The Best Job In The World

Cynthia Haines-Turner
Columnist

I have the best job in the

world. Im not talking about
an actual career but a position
to which I was elected. At
General Synod in July, I was
elected Prolocutor. Whats
that, you ask? (And frankly,
most people do ask when they
hear that term.) Well, there is
a constitutional definitionthe
glossary defines the Prolocutor
as An officer of the General
Synod, elected by the members
of the General Synod from the
Orders of Clergy and Laity at
each session. The Prolocutor
is, next to the President, the
senior officer of the General
Synod.
But thats not why I have
the best job in the world.
There are official roles. The

C e n t r a l
Newfoundland, since 1984,
has received grants of
$210,800, including recent
funding to the Cathedral of
St. Martin for a wheelchair
lift, and Holy Cross in Eastport
for roof repairs. Since 1997,
Western Newfoundland has
received grants of $64,500.
Archbishop Percy Coffin
recently completed a term on
the Board of the AFC.
Since 2008, the AFC has
provided $60,050 in bursaries
to Queens College students.
In the last three years, all
full-time theological students
at Queens (from each of the
three dioceses), received
bursaries, including seven this
year. Two recently ordained
ministers from Western
Newfoundland, who studied
on the mainland, also received
bursaries of $12,500, raising
the commitment by the AFC
to theological education in
Newfoundland and Labrador
to $72,550.
The Most Revd Fred Hiltz,

Primate and AFC Board Chair,

and the Revd Canon Dr. Judy
Rois, Executive Director, in
encouraging Anglicans to
become involved in the AFC
explained the Foundation as,
Truly, we depend on each
other as members of the
Anglican Church of Canada
family, and we need each
other as partners in faith.
Our experience has shown
us that giving helps to build
deeper connections among
us as Canadian Anglicans and
affirms our independence.
When we give, we all benefit.
Theres nothing more fulfilling
than knowing that together we
are making a real difference in
the life of our beloved church
and so many parishes and faith
communities.
More information on the
AFC is obtainable online at
www.anglicanfoundation.org

or by phoning 416-924-9199,
extension 322.

Memorial Tree
Article and photograph by
Linda Kendell

On December 18,2016 Holy Trinity Church in Codroy had their

Memorial Tree Lighting . Names of the deceased were placed on
the tree and a bulb was lit as a family member or friend turned
on a bulb as their loved ones name was called. It was a very
beautiful and emotional service.

anglican life Newfoundland&Labrador

12

FEBRUARY 2017

Holy Trinity, Codroy, Dedicates

New Windows

Submitted by
Karen Simon

The Revd Harold Harvey

On Sunday, November
20th, at Holy Trinity in
Codroy, 10 windows were
dedicated in memory of loved
ones. Congratulations to the
congregation for all of their
hard work and effort to make
this happen.

Plaque on the altar, waiting to be afixed Looking out of a new widow (the plaque is waiting to be afixed to the
to a window.
molding).

News From P.W.R.D.F.

One of the new windows

This Little Light Of Mine Im Gonna Let It Shine...

For many midwives and
birthing attendants in Africa
a shining light means life.
The Primates World Relief
and Development Fund
supports health care through
its Maternal, Newborn, and
Child Health Program (MNCH).
In many African villages
electricity is not readily
available thus creating much
stress on those who provide
health care. However, this
is changing in many clinics
through the use of Solar
Suitcases.

Solar suitcases are

portable cost-effective
suitcases that power critical
lighting, mobile communication
devices and medical devices in
low resource area without
electricity. In Africa, pregnancy
and childbirth complication
result in hundreds of maternal
deaths every day, including
Mozambique where clinics
often dont have electricity.
The Solar Suitcase provides
healthcare professionals with
a renewable power source to
operate medical lighting, cell

phones and small medical

devices. Currently, 1-in-40
pregnant women die during
childbirth in Mozambique.
With the Solar Suitcase,
health providers can perform
routine deliveries and
surgical procedures, and
can promptly diagnose and
treat birth complications at
night reducing maternal and
infant morbidity and mortality
and improving the quality of
healthcare in Mozambique.
(PWRDF MNCH pamphlet)

PWRDF

Article by
The Ven. Charlene Taylor
PWRDF Representative, Diocese of Eastern Newfoundland & Labrador

Solar suitcase demonstration at a medical clinic in Mozambique

When you support the

work of PWRDFs Maternal
Newborn Child Health Program
you enable many mothers and
babies to let their light shine.

For more information about

the ministry of PWRDF visit
www.pwrdf.org

St. John The Divine, Buchans

Article and photographs by

Pauline Dean

Bishop John Watton,

Bishop of the Anglican
Diocese of Central NL,
held a service at St. John
the Divine Anglican Church
in Buchans on December
18th, 2016. Following the
service the Bishop posed
for a photo with members
of the church choir, (Marilyn
Fowlow, Madeline Chippett,
Dorothy Piercey, Bonnie
Gushue, Lorraine Boone, and
Geraldine Purchase), and then
with the congregations oldest
member, Merle Bailey, who
celebrated her 96th birthday in
June 2016. The congregation
held a pot luck luncheon to
give everyone an opportunity
to meet their new Bishop.

anglican life Newfoundland&Labrador

FEBRUARY 2017

St.
Augustines
Celebrates
The
Christmas
Season

13

Submitted with photographs by

Karen Simon

On Dec 11th, St. Augustines Church in Margaree-Fox Roost celebrated the beginning of the Christmas Season with the Hanging of the Greens, decorating the Christmas Tree,
and a performance from the Sunday School Children. It was a lovely service.

News From Queens College

February 19th, 2017 is the Queens College Appeal

Submitted by
Dr. Rick Singleton

As the Church responds

to change and new issues in
the world, it is as important
as ever, that leaders in
faith communities have the
education, training, skills,
spirituality and suitability to
proclaim the Kingdom of God.
At Queens College, we
are proud of the ministry of
over 500 graduates who have
served across the province,
nation and around the world.
We are pleased with our
collaborations and affiliations
with other faith groups and
educational institutions.

We are most appreciative

of the generous support of
the three Anglican dioceses
of Newfoundland and
Labrador and the individuals
who contribute financially to
Queens College to support our
Mission in preparing women
and men for ordained and lay
leadership roles in the Church.
We provide:
A learning Community
Theological Education
Spiritual Development
Pastoral Practice
Our programmes include:
Master of Divinity
Master of Theological
Studies
Bachelor of Theology
Master of Theology
Associate in Theology
Diploma in Theology and
Ministry

Why donate to the

Queens College Appeal?
For many reasons: Your full
donation comes to Queens
College; Donate to help adjust
to new ways of delivering
theological education; Donate
in appreciation for the work
that Queens has done in the
past; Donate in memory of a
loved one; Donate to support
us in our Mission and mandate.
Envelopes are distributed
in your local parish, or if you
wish, you can donate online
at: www.queenscollegenl.ca
We offer courses on
campus, online, and by
correspondence. We offer
choices for both full-time
and part-time students. Help
continue the great tradition of
Queens College.

Pictured above are faculty and students at Queens College, in the

Chapel, having come together to worship.

anglican life Newfoundland&Labrador

FEBRUARY 2017

14

A Christmas Tradition

St. John The Evangelist, Topsail

Submitted by Louise Smith
Photographs by Sharon Smith

On December 10th, here at St. John the Evangelist Church, Topsail, our Holly Ladies welcomed a full house
of guests to join us in celebrating the 7th edition of our annual Christmas Holly Tea, served on fine china.
This event was not confined to our own congregation, but many outside parishes have joined us each year
for this special festive occasion, which originated in 2010, as a grand finale of our Churchs 150th anniversary
celebrations.

Six years ago our church was here

For a century and a half duration,
So every month throughout the twelve,
We staged a celebration.
We held dinner shows, had special guests,
Primate Fred flew in one morn,
Then when Christmas came, to clue things up,
Our Holly Tea was born.
We, then held a meeting of the crew,
It stirred up a sensation,
We thought the first year would be just a test,
But it outdid our expectation.
As Christmas approached the 2nd. year,
We started to remember,
And decided to revive the Holly Tea,
Then set a date for mid December.
From then on its been automatic,
Just comes naturally each year,
Its a must here at our parish church,
To pour out our Christmas cheer.
Everyone enjoyed their time with us that day.
In our festivities to share,
Many greetings were extended back and forth,
For a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

The ladies of St. John the Evangelist, Topsail, with their rector, The Revd Jolene Peters

Cathedral Reaches Out At Christmastime

Article and photographs
by Hugh Donnan

This Christmas saw two

new initiatives at the Cathedral
of St. John the Baptist in St.
Johnsboth of which reflected
a desire to increase outreach
activities, and to strengthen
the Cathedrals position as
a place of refuge and social
support in the downtown area.
On Christmas Eve, a
number of members of the
congregation, led by Fr. Paul

Rideout, assembled our first

live Nativity scene, just outside
the Great West Doors of the
church. From 2:00-4:00pm,
the actors stood in a stable,
complete with two sheep, as
members of the congregation,
and other residents of the
community and passersby,
stopped to take pictures and
reflect upon the place and
importance of the Nativity

within the Christmas season.

Visitors were also offered
a cup of hot chocolate to
warm them up during the
cool afternoon. Many who
stopped by then came inside
to attend the traditional 4:00
pm Creche Service, our most
heavily attended service of
the year.
Then on December 29th,
the Cathedral held its first

Actors from the congregation and two live sheep assemble at the Anglican Cathedral in St. Johns for a
Live Nativity on Christmas Eve

Christmas Open House. The

event, envisioned and planned
by the Cathedral Family
Ministries committee including
Bishop Cy Pitman, offered soup
and rolls, cookies, and hot and
cold beverages to anyone
who wished to attend. Over
100 people came to the event
representing a broad crosssection of our community
and congregation. During the
evening, over 25 parishioners
volunteered their time to work
in the kitchen, to chat with
guests, and to provide live
music as background and for a
sing-a-long. All who attended

left renewed and fulfilled by

the opportunity to get together
as a community in such a way
during the Christmas season.
The day after the event, all of
the leftover soup, rolls, and
cookies were brought to the
Gathering Place where they
provided more meals for those
who needed them.
It is certain that the Holy
Spirit guided all of those
involved in these activities
to help ensure their success;
and parishioners are already
talking about when we can
plan another outreach event.

Live music, provided in the Cathedral Crypt for the Open House on
December 29th

anglican life Newfoundland&Labrador

FEBRUARY 2017

15

Parish of Upper Island Cove

Articles and photographs
The Revd Christine Lynch

Pilgrim, A Course for the

Christian Journey, began in
the Parish of Upper Island
Cove in October, 2016. Sixteen
people gathered weekly to
explore the six sessions in the
book, Turning to Christ. We
enjoyed our time together as
we discussed what it means
to be disciples of Christ. (Photo
taken the last night of the
course)

On December 11th, 2016,

we gathered at St. Andrews
Church in Bryants Cove for
the Hanging of the Greens
service. The church was
decorated with wreaths and
garland, poinsettias, and
lights, and a manger was
filled with hay. Parishioners
participated in reading the
lessons, singing the carols,
praying, and playing music. We
had a wonderful evening as we
prepared our building and our
hearts for the arrival of Christ.

Celebration Held
For 15 Years in New
Church Building
Articles and photograph
by Denise White

St . J o h n t h e D i v i n e
Anglican Church in Port
Saunders opened the doors
to the new Church Building
in October of 2001. Fifteen
years later, the congregation
celebrated this occasion with
a beautiful Thanksgiving
Service led by lay readers,
with a special litany and
dialogue of praise, as well
as a narrated piece telling
the gospel as if we had lived
through it. Thanks to Marie
Smith and Denise White for
the special service and to all
that made it a success.

A Thanksgiving turkey
dinner was cooking away
during the service with the
aroma emanating throughout
the church building. The
turkey and all the trimmings
were enjoyed by all.
Thanksgiving Sunday
marked 15 yearsa very
fitting time to offer thanks
for such a beautiful place to
worship together as a Church
Family.

Our organist and her daughters enjoying a cup of coffee after the turkey feast

anglican life Newfoundland&Labrador

FEBRUARY 2017

16

Christ Church, Bonavista

Photographs and article by
The Revd Shaun OConnor

A Night in
Bethlehem

Just before Christmas, the

congregation of Christ Church
Bonavista hosted A Night in
Bethlehem, where guests of all
ages could experience life in a
Palestinian marketplace on the
eve of Jesus birth. Under tent
canopies, trees, lamps and
stars, families and singles
were invited by costumed
hosts to register for theRoman
census andreceive their coin
pouches at the tax booth. They
then could go to different stalls
to smell spices and herbs, pick
up freshly-baked bread and
goodies, string bead necklaces
and bracelets, assemble a
wooden nativity set, pose in
period clothes for a photo,
have a hot meal, pet and feed
two live sheep, and package
a gift for a needy person.
Later in the evening, a young
man and pregnant woman
were seen to also register
and walk about the market.
Soon, everyone was gathered
near the town well to hearthe
story of the birth of Christ
and to sing O Little Town of
Bethlehem.They were joined
by the same young couple, this
time holding a newborn baby.
The mother of a
young Egyptian Orthodox
family now living in Bonavista
came up to her hosts and said,
This was something I missed
since I left my homeland, but
you have brought it back.
Thank you!

St. Nicholas Visits

A young couple arrive to be registered in Bethlehem

Just before his patronal

feast on December 6th, Bishop
Nicholas of Myra visited Christ
Church Bonavista to tell about
his life and ministry. He also
hinted at his nickname Saint
Nic, and revealed under his
vestments the garb of Santa
Claus, the name for which
he is most known now, to
the delight of the children,
adults,and a visitingelf.

Two women pose, dressed as people from the Bethlehem of Jesus

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