COMMUNICATION AS ART THE PRAYER CORNER ONLINE ART SHOHOW Pg 4 Pg 6 Pg 9 THETHE IOCESAN TIMES D DECEMBER 2020 A SECTION OF THE ANGLICAN JOURNAL

SServingerving tthehe AAnglicannglican CChurchhurch iinn NNovaova SScotiacotia aandnd PPrincerince EEdwarddward IIslandsland When I was Hungry and Thirsty

by Susan Drain The statue being offered Out of the blue this summer, (and which Council voted Dean Paul Smith received a to accept) is called “When telephone call from Timothy I was Hungry and Thirsty” Schmaltz offering the and shows figure like that of Cathedral one of his life -size the Homeless with his bronze sculptures. Working hand out-stretched toward from small-town , the viewer. Schmaltz told the Schmaltz has seen his works Dean that he had chosen All in-stalled in many public Saints Cathedral because of places as far flung as , our mission statement, and Washington DC, Dublin, and because of our neighbourhood. Singapore. His best-known You can see the sculpture at piece, “Homeless Jesus,” is a https://www.sculpturebytps. bundled life-size figure sleeping com/large-bronze-statues-and- on a bench, his bare feet sculptures/when-i-was-hungry- showing the marks of nails. It thirsty/ and read more has, not surprisingly, been a about Timothy Schmaltz’s art topic of controversy, but the and mission at https://www. challenge to passersby and the ncronline.org/news/media/ representation of Christ as timothy-schmalzs-sculptures- one of the “least of these his are-only-shocking-gospels brethren” is very moving. One The final details of the cast of the Homeless Jesus has arrangement are being worked been in the forecourt of Christ Photo: Inspired by the Gospel of Matthew 25:40, this sculpture is a visual representation of Charity. It tells us that on but a mid-November we need to see Christ in the poor and the hungry and that we should see our acts of kindness to them as kindness to Church Anglican Cathedral in instalation is anticipated. Him. Ottawa since 2018.

This May, in spite however, I am asking those of the challenges of the who can continue to partner We love to say “YES!” COVID-19 crisis and the with us to do so. If you are a in buildings and programs, impact on AFC’s investment member, I ask you to renew including projects that reduce portfolio, we said Yes! to St. your membership. If you have barriers and make it possible John’s Church in Westphal, never been a member of the for those with mobility issues Dartmouth, Capella Regalis Foundation before, please to continue to participate in Men and Boys Choir, accept this invitation to pay- church life and some of the Halifax, and an eco-loo in the it-forward. most dynamic after-school Anglican Parish of French The social and economic programming in the Canadian Village, Upper Tantallon. impact of COVID-19 on church. For nearly ten years now people and communities Additionally, AFC has as Executive Director of will undoubtedly give rise to possible. funded the National Justice the Foundation, I’ve had a compassionate and innovative Camp, the purchase and front row seat to some of the responses on the part of our Join us and help AFC By Rev. Canon Judy Rois installation of high density, Canadian church’s best ideas: churches. To those currently continue to be able to say Yes! Executive Director of the mobile shelving to house the ministries and programs discerning how to meet a to the dreams and aspirations Anglican Foundation diocesan archival records, an parish visionaries might real and pressing need in of the people and parishes in At AFC we love, more than after-school program called, undertake if only they had their communities—faithful your diocese, and to so many anything, to say Yes! and to Musical Friends, renovations some strategic funding to help leaders in the Diocese of Nova more across the country. help our parishes imagine to facilities at St. Anne’s them get started. Knowing Scotia and Prince Edward To donate to the Anglican more. The Foundation has Camp, and 3 grants to what I know about the Island among them—we want Foundation of visit been saying yes steadily and YouthNet, an after-school innovative and compassionate to respond as generously as anglicanfoundation.org. unfailingly—through good program for teens. AFC’s character of the church, times and bad—for more than commitment to theological nationally, I cannot help but sixty years. education resulted in feel hopeful about the future. In the Diocese of Nova $65,000 of bursaries to Please be assured that AFC Scotia and Prince Edward students at Acadia Divinity will continue to be a force for Island, since 2010, we have College and the Atlantic stability: we have been there said Yes! to nearly $450,000 School of Theology. AFC and will continue to be there in grants and loans for your also granted AST a total of no matter what the future parishes. The vast majority $15,000 for repairs in the may hold. In order for AFC of that has been invested residence buildings. to remain strong and vibrant, PAGE 2 DECEMBER 2020 - THE DIOCESAN TIMES COLUMNIST Fruitcakes and bright red

bows to share VOLUME 75 NUMBER 109

Life continues to chug along no longer feel up to the too. We plan to share our PAUL SHERWOOD in the midst of the pandemic. task of Christmas baking. Christmas dinner with a Editor Thanksgiving came and Jason says he will deliver the couple down the road who went; Hallowe’en came and baked treats when he does are completely alone. We Also on the web: went. All Saint’s Day came his Christmas shut-in home will deliver their hot dinners www.nspeidiocese.ca and went, and Advent has communion visits. Sounds and they will exchange the Letters & News Items: arrived. It amazes me how life like a wonderful idea and one plates of roast turkey for Paul Sherwood, Editor just goes on with or without that will send a ray of hope desserts they have made so PO Box 8882, our input. We always thought into the community in this that we really are sharing our Halifax, NS B3K 5M5 [email protected] that it was so important very strange and different feast. The rectory family will 902.477.3040 to have a fall Bazaar, to Christmas season. be well fed when Irene James have the church filled with and her husband bring their Advertising: the fruits of harvest on My Orin and a few of his yuletide feast up the driveway Angela Rush buddies plan to go out to [email protected] Thanksgiving Sunday, for for the family. Benny Smith 905.630.0390 the Men’s Club to hold their cut the boughs we use to will be there at the rectory to (Burlington, ON) decorate St. Bart’s. He says if Roast Beef dinner in early ST. B ART’S BY THE BOG share in the meal and we can November. Thanksgiving I can break my arms mixing be assured that he will have Published monthly except in July came, the Bazaar date came, Sarah Neish all that fruit and rum into any and all snow cleared and August by The Diocesan Times and early November came cakes to share then he and away from the front doors of Publishing Company. ...and went. ‘the boys’ (none of them the church so that we can Online editions available via the We are now singing (softly under the age of 70) can gather ...masks in place... diocesan website: www.nspeidiocese.ca All of these events that as ordered by Dr. Strang) take a morning to cut spruce to celebrate the birth of our seemed to give our lives as the beautiful hymns of the branches for the church. He Lord. a parish structure have been Advent season. Many have says it wouldn’t be Christmas absent this year and yet.... taken on the old-fashioned without a huge wreath on the It will be different , it will be Printed by and mailed from: Advent is here. Christmas front door of the church. A strange in many ways but it Webnews Printing Inc., job of making Christmas North York, ON is coming! No amount of cakes filled with rum soaked huge wreath with a big red will be so reassuring to hear ‘Covid 19’ fear will stop bow! the message of Christmas in dried fruits and nuts. Jason Opinions expressed do not Christmas from coming. made a special note of “Stir- our parish church and we will necessarily reflect the views of the We need to prepare for the We won’t be blessed with sing (softy as per Dr. Strang’s editor, the management board of up Sunday” and some of houses filled with family coming as we do every year. us were asked to bring the orders) the wonderful carols The Diocesan Times, the diocese of Father Jason has been doing this year. The sounds of of hope and faith and new Nova Scotia and Prince ‘makings’ of our cakes to be laughter will come to us via Edward Island or any representative his best to spur us into action blessed at the offertory. birth and we will pray that thereof, except where expressly both in the parish and in “Face time” calls and email next year finds us all back in stated. our own homes. His sermons We will age the goodies messages from family. The our pews, without masks. have been filled with over the month of December turkeys will be as small as All material subject to editing. messages of hope and the and share them with many they were on Thanksgiving I’ll keep you posted; promise of the Baby Jesus. of our older members who day, the pies will be fewer Aunt Madge. SUBMISSION DEADLINE: The first day of the month BEFORE the month of publication: e.g., the deadline for the March edition is February 1st.

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Dave Walker cartoonchurch.com THE DIOCESAN TIMES - DECEMBER 2020 PAGE 3 Teach Us to Pray: Advent, awe and anticipation

celebrating Advent are from history, to heal fractured that time. In late November, relationships between we’d bought a fresh bough neighbours and to usher in an wreath at the market, fitted imperishable bond with God. with candles, three purple and As quoted in The Message, one pink. We added a scripture “The Word became flesh and reading and short prayer to the blood, and moved into the “usual” blessing at our evening neighborhood” (John 1:14). meal – and, of course, a candle That is, “Love came down” to lighting. With our German live among us, to live with us, and Canadian neighbours, we and this Divine Love, this all celebrated “Nikolaustag”, St. encircling, infinite, intimate Nicholas Day, on December 6 grace is freely given. – made unforgettable by a visit As this deceptively simple to our home by a very tall, poem / hymn moves towards (though rather thin by “Santa its final lines, Christina REV. F RANCES DROLET-SMITH Claus” standards) jovial Rossetti issues the real DIOCESAN REPRESENTATIVE, THE Bishop, dressed in an elegant challenge of our Advent ANGLICAN FELLOWSHIP OF PRAYER blue velvet, fur-lined coat and preparation: how best to stocking cap (more practical greet this Eternal Love made than a mitre in frigid night human? What difference does air), with high leather boots, our encountering such a Love white gloves and a beautifully make in how we live our lives carved crozier. From a leather and where does it lead us? bag on his shoulder, he dispensed German chocolate, How do you describe the clementines and traditional indescribable beauty and grace Pfeffernüsse cookies – tasty of Divine Love? We can’t, morsels, spiced with anise, at least not in any adequate ginger, cardamon and white way, but should spur us on pepper. The visit filled me into action – not for our with awe and anticipation that own sake, or solely for those still comes with every Advent. already within our sphere, but for those unlike us, those in It was during our first Advent need, those alone, or hungry in Soest that I received a 45- or afraid. rpm vinyl record of a British Image of an old-fashioned Christmas card. children’s choir singing what As this strange, bewildering has since become a kind year draws to a close, may our “Love came down at soldiers stationed at Soest and of anthem for my Advent Advent prayer be one of awe, Christmas, Love all lovely, we made our home there for preparations: “Love Came anticipation and action – for Love Divine; 3 memorable years. Though I Down at Christmas”, a poem such a Love as this is the only Love was born at Christmas, was only 7 or 8 at the time, my set to music, written in 1885 fitting response to Emmanuel: Star and Angels gave the recollections are vivid: cobble- by Christina Rossetti. Her “God here among us, Light in sign.” stone streets, timbered houses, direct and earnest lyrics the midst of us”, bringing us all a bustling market square, capture the simplicity, and the to light - and to life. When I was a child, my numerous medieval churches, mystery, of the Incarnation: family lived for a time in impressive fortifications – Rev. Frances Drolet-Smith that God’s prodigious Soëst, a town in the North even a gate and portcullis! Diocesan Representative, the generosity was made manifest Rhine area of western and 6-metre thick stone walls Anglican Fellowship of Prayer in the humblest of ways: a Germany. My father was part which encircled the town. babe born in a stable, born to CORRECTION from November of a garrison of Canadian My first memories of edition: Canon Russell Elliott was change the course of human 103 on his birthday this year. Strive for Five

Around this time of year, we ‘babies having babies’ are are not rare. (The impact of who are also struggling: and more frequently see the image common, harsh judgement on COVID on teen pregnancy we can be the presence of love of the pregnant Mary - a disaster TV shows like “Teen rates is not yet analysed/ they deserve. mother-to-be with rounded Moms”. Society finds new reported) belly, with that special glow, ways to blame the mother, But when that pregnant For more information on teen often laughing. It’s beautiful, often choosing to overlook teen is in our midst, we pregnancy education and and evokes all the ‘warm- the biological requirements to can choose to put aside support resources, contact fuzzies’ that we embrace as achieving pregnancy: “It takes our desire for knowledge public health at we experience our Advent two to tango” as they say. about the circumstances of novascotia.ca/dhw/ journey together. Yet teen pregnancy is not the pregnancy (it’s not our publichealth/phs-offices.asp Imagine, however, if an a new thing, and it’s not business), and our societally princeedwardisland.ca/en/ unmarried pregnant teenager something that is going away. normative harsh tongue of topic/health walked into our church The need for comprehensive judgement. Planned or not, an building on a Sunday morning, sexual and reproductive expectant mother is worthy of alone with her bag, in evident health services and education love and respect, of Christian discomfort as her time to be continues, especially in charity and compassion. For delivered draws near. Would rural communities and area she will bear a miracle, a child we embrace her with the same experiencing lower financial of God, a beloved member of REV LAURA MARIE PIOTROWICZ enthusiasm? resources. And while numbers our human family. RECTOR, S T. J OHN’S, L UNENBURG For the majority of society, are decreasing, the Canadian Perhaps this year, the journey we would not: there is a average of 25 pregnancies with Mary can remind us of fierce stigma attached to per 1000 females aged 15- the journeys of so many young teen mothers, comments of 19 means teen pregnancies women in our communities PAGE 4 DECEMBER 2020 - THE DIOCESAN TIMES Communication as art It could be argued that good communication to the second, It could be argued that the Relationships are strengthened Communication is an art thus forming a triangle. best way of conflict resolution when we work at being on the form, no matter your lingua It also refers to a form of is the old school way of same page emotionally when franca, culture or ethnicity. splitting in which one person communication. Two people communicating. The goal is to speak, listen, manipulates a relationship sit down, face to face, and Some of the key issues are; validate, understand, collect between two parties by examine their grievances with information, so that a controlling communication no one else in the room. This a) listening with the heart positive benefit for all occurs. between them.” is not only the best form for and head, b) mirroring back what you Concerning communication, This type of triangulation is resolution it is the Christian there are both good and Biblical form. We are told how think you heard, not a proper way of resolving c) eye contact, bad forms. A tone, facial issues or of communication to do this within the church. expression, wrong choice of d) speaking to the source of a between individuals in “If your brother or sister conflict, perceived or real, words, putting words into community. To do so creates sins, (against you) go and someone else’s mouth, lack e) caring for the other better distrust, negativity, disunity, point out their fault, just than yourself, of listening, interrupting, can and toxicity. It is manipulative between the two of you. If create dreadful problems. f) honesty and transparency, a form of communication. they listen to you, you have openness in conversation. Given this, an Another form of triangulation won them over.” And this is just the tip of the abrupt change of pace. I loved BRYAN HAGERMAN is gossip. The Bible says a lot Matthew 18:15 iceberg. geometry. As a concrete visual about this too. Gossip can The only healthy form of Communication is an art learner, It would have been my with his son Carl. Then a create tremendous negative triangulation in the church is form. One could argue that best subject if it hadn’t been emotional impact when it is when we go to the elders, and in marriage, family, and for the math involved :). huge family dispute broke out. That is called triangulation. In discovered. According to the then the church for mediation close friendships, it makes Human relationships often family life children learn from Cambridge online English and hopefully resolution. And up 80 % of the relationship. have a triangular connection. an early age the dark art of Dictionary, Gossip is: in human community relations Triangles generally don’t work. Unfortunately, these are not triangulation. It comes about “Conversation or reports if the one on one does not Relationships based upon a always functional or healthy. when they play one parent off about other peoples’ private work, we bring someone else desire to achieve ongoing For example: John did not over the other, when it comes lives that might be unkind, into the resolution who is harmony and unity comes out want to go to Botswana for a to something they want. disapproving or untrue. “ The respected by both parties. of caring for the other more long-planned family holiday. Parents do the same with their scriptures speak a great deal Someone who has both than you care for yourself. He was so adamant that offspring. But and again it is about gossip. people’s best interests at heart. Then we have the beginning instead of trying to convince often a dysfunctional way of “Without wood a fire Within the world of clinical of the best most productive use his wife directly, he went communication. In politics goes out; without a gossip psychotherapy, a therapist of art form. behind her back to his oldest and in the media, it happens a quarrel dies down. As often guides people in “Do nothing out of selfish son Carl. He convinced Carl all the time. charcoal to embers and learning how to listen, and ambition or vain conceit. to tell mom that it was a bad as wood to fire, so is a how to best communicate R ather, in humility value idea to travel to Africa, as According to Wikipedia: “Triangulation is a quarrelsome person for to each other. This is an art, others above yourselves.” it was a place of disease, war kindling strife. The words that when practiced to the Phil 2:3 and famine, coups, dangerous manipulation tactic where one person will not of a gossip are like choice point of being habituated, animals and people. John was Bryan Hagerman communicate directly with morsels; they go down to the creates conversation and successful in getting what he Outreach Counsellor, another person, instead inmost parts.” communication that is wanted until his wife found St Paul’s Church, Halifax using a third person to relay Proverbs 26(20-22). clear, open and transparent. out that he was in a triangle www.bryanhagerman.ca THE DIOCESAN TIMES - DECEMBER 2020 PAGE 5 Survive, thrive, lead: Daring to fail greatly and grow greatly

10. Failure to focus on the future — prepare yourself — it’s later than you think

GO TO THE BALCONY: AN INVITATION TO SELF-COMPASSION Now, if you found it painful to read the list because you have found (or find) yourself having made one — or all ten — of these mistakes, for the love of all things holy, remember to have compassion for yourself. If the list raised resistance for you, keep going. Don’t be afraid, rather, reframe your Rev. Cathy Lee thinking in a positive way so Cunningham that you don’t use the list to beat you or leaders in your parish up, but to get on that In order to get to the growth growing edge and….GROW. part, three things need to Think of yourself as an outside happen: observer of your feelings 1. Acknowledge the and behaviours. In conflict weakness; resolution, we call this “going 2. Commit to learn from it; to the balcony”. We make a conscious practice of doing 3. Change what I’m doing, what we need to do to calm change course, change my down, so we can see more very self. clearly where God is calling us It is indeed an often-painful to go. fact that on our journey of It’s kind of like hovering above faith, in our striving to realize the situation to gain a broader as much of the kingdom of perspective. For now, meditate God in the here and now that on the picture with the article we possibly can, we will make — clear steeple on top, foggy mistakes. MANY mistakes. below. Do what you can to What determines the future raise your mind out of the fog outcome is how we choose Once you’ve made your to use those mistakes as a way out of the fog, to catalyst for change. I have “the balcony,” take a come to see them as sacred compassionate, honest look at bridges to a better self, a better your leadership practices. community, a better world. Observe any uncomfortable Here are Finzel’s feelings that may arise as God calling you to push through TEN MOST COMMON MISTAKES your discomfort, explore what’s THAT SERVANT LEADERS coming up for you with love, MAKE: Photo Credit: Martin Sattler, Unsplash and think about how you might use these revelations as 1. The top-down attitude — a holy opportunity. Take a moment — or an hour, By Cathy Lee Cunningham, DARING TO FAIL failed many more times than the number one leadership or a day — to talk with God Rector, Church of the Good GREATLY they succeeded, they kept hang-up about what you’re feeling Shepherd, Beaver Bank going, and from their own 2. Putting paperwork before I have a coffee mug that and God WILL speak to you. mistakes, they learned, grew, peoplework — confessions I purchased several years Remind yourself that not one “Advent and Christmas are became stronger, better, of a type a personality ago, at the John F. Kennedy of us is perfect. We’re here about a new world. They closer to God. Through that Presidential Library in Boston 3. The absence of affirmation to learn. Jesus is perfect and are thus intrinsically about learning, they built what is (one of my favourite places — what could be better He always loves us, especially eschatology….eschatology now our . Through our on earth!) On the mug is than encouragement? when we commit to grow is about the divine own learning, we will build inscribed a quote from Robert through our mistakes. transformation of our earth. on those foundations and add 4. No room for mavericks — F. Kennedy, J.F.K.’s brother: In the January Issue, I continue It is not about some mass our gifts to the great tapestry they bring us the future! my exploration of these Ten immigration from a doomed “Only those who dare to of servant leadership woven 5. Dictatorship in decision Mistakes That Leaders Make, by world to a blessed heaven. fail greatly can ever achieve through time and space by making — getting beyond going deeper into them one by Rather, it is about the end of greatly.” them, a living testament to our “I know all the answers” one through to Easter, through this era of war and violence, belief, hope, and work as God’s I use the mug every single day 6. Dirty delegation — of the waters of baptism. injustice, and oppression. children — that light triumphs to remind me that of all the refusing to relax and let go It is about the earth’s over darkness. things I think I have failed at, Photo Credit: Martin Sattler, transformation, not about 7. Communication chaos with the right attitude, what Unsplash its devastation. It is about a THE GROWING EDGES — singing from the same I have learned from my own If you need any help, world of justice and peace.” page in the hymnal mistakes becomes the bridge In his book, The Top Ten assistance or resource over which I cross to “try, Mistakes Leaders Make, Hans 8. Missing the clues of suggestions to move through Marcus J. Borg and John try again” until I succeed in Finzel gave us one of the great organizational culture — this time of pandemic, contact Dominic Crossan, The First adding just a little more peace classics on servant leadership the unseen killer of many me directly at cathylee@ Christmas: What the Gospels and a little more justice to the and a holy process for leaders cathyleecunningham.com and Really Teach us About Jesus’ Kingdom of God that is here reflecting on our weaknesses. 9. Success without successors find me on social media @ Birth, p.240 and now and yet to come. I like to call my own — planning your vocapeace. It reminds me that although weaknesses my “growing departure the day you start the greatest leaders in history edges”. PAGE 6 DECEMBER 2020 - THE DIOCESAN TIMES MISSION (is) POSSIBLE: Diocesan stories of people responding to God’s call

Prayer Box. spiritual but not religious because they upset them by The prayer corner “St. Mark’s has always been (SBNR), the seekers, people of accident.” focussed on serving their different denominations etc. We Another day the ministers neighbourhood through welcome all requests, prayers, at St. Mark’s received four advocacy and the food bank, so and comments that are dropped scribbled prayer requests from our vision of mission is perfectly into the box.” a family who were desperately aligned. The Community Over the weeks scores of prayer searching for affordable housing. Prayer Box is a product of requests poured in. Some are Of course, not all the messages our collaboration to love our signed. Others are anonymous. in the street-side box are neighbour,” said Rev. Nichola. The odd prayer card includes positive. Rev. Nichola says The rector, who was hired to a phone number and e-mail there is the odd one that says focus on engaging new people address. The rector always something unfriendly, but that with the faith community at St. promptly responds. is still an opportunity to pray Mark’s, says over the last several “Through our Community for people who are hurting. months she has been listening Prayer box, we are building a “We welcome the opportunity and talking with residents and trusting relationship with our to hold them in our hearts and others who frequent the area. neighbours, they are trusting us prayers too. God wants us to She wondered how they could to pray for their wellbeing, their reach out and love everyone,” serve people, especially during needs, and their privacy,” said she said. the turbulent times of COVID. the priest. The Community Prayer Box is In September a small team of When appropriate, some of the helping to connect with local faithful men in the congregation neighbourhood prayer requests downtown folks and to continue leapt into action. Parishioner are shared with St. Mark’s to grow St. Mark’s parishioners’ Gordon Cooper constructed congregation during worship. hearts toward serving the the sturdy box. Then he, “We are receiving beautiful community. “It is producing Doug Mullenger and Bob prayers from our neighbours such spiritual fruit as love, Barnes installed it. St. Mark’s and praying them during the trust, compassion, connection, congregation members prayed Prayers of the People. Now, our understanding, listening and over it. prayers are truly the Prayers of praying,” said the pioneering “At St. Mark’s mission is the People. It is so beautiful to rector. especially important to us hear our neighbours’ concerns, “It is so especially important to because we understand that it is petitions, supplications, and go out into our neighborhoods God’s plan for us to bring new thanks.” and listen to what our believers to Christ and that is One note expressed gratitude neighbours need, instead of Photo: St. Mark’s Community Prayer Box is a missional opportunity made our focus in the Hydrostone for this gesture of grace during trying to guess what they need. possible through the ministry gifts of Gordon Cooper, Bob Barnes and Doug Mullenger. Community,” the priest the pandemic. “The person Yes, it can be scary, but how explained. “When talking with said that our message of else do we expect to build people … I kept hearing that hope had ‘saved their soul,’ connections and trust? When By Rev. Canon Lisa G. Leaders in this downtown people were looking for some and given them hope during we do this people see the value Vaughn congregation combined one way to connect with God during the lockdown,” shared Rev. in what we are doing and will Being missional is often about of their strengths – prayer - these times of unrest.” Nichola. connect in a way that blesses us doing simple things that have with their prime location and all.” a great impact. Many of our connected it to the practical Rev. Nichola says their Local students are taking congregations in the Diocese are and spiritual needs of the intention is to be openly advantage of the Community Rev. Nichola Fish-Cumine undertaking a variety of smaller community. On the lawn hospitable. “We are reaching Prayer Box too. “We received is also participating in the initiatives that are making a outside their church, on the out to our neighbours who prayers at the beginning of the diocesan missional leadership difference. St. Mark’s, Halifax bustling corner of Gottingen are all members of our parish school year asking us to pray learning cohort, The and their rector, The Rev’d. Street and Russell Street, they area, regardless of their beliefs. for their safety,” she said. “One Connectors TWO. Nichola Fish-Cumine is one of established a mission-oriented We love non-believers, the grade two student asked that we them. ministry with a Community de-churched, unchurched, pray for a friend’s forgiveness

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Rev. Sandra Fyfe elected be held at All Saints new Bishop, the Diocese November 30th, we’d like your Parish, please send the next Anglican Bishop Cathedral, Halifax. has invited donations to do the same. your cheque payable to: of Nova Scotia and Prince from parishes, Parish Diocese of NS and PEI Edward Island. When groups and organizations, To make a donation, click and note in the memo line consecrated bishop she and individuals to offset on the DONATE tab from that it’s for the Episcopal will be the 17th person to Inviting Donations for the costs of the special any page of the Diocesan Vestments Fund. You will hold the post. Episcopal Vestments: vestments and other website, or click here. be issued a charitable The Service of items that are required. receipt by the Diocese. Consecration is scheduled Becoming a Bishop can As we prepare for the If you’d prefer to make Thank you for your for Monday, November be expensive! In the past, consecration of our new a donation directly to support. 30th, 2020 and will when we’ve elected a Diocesan Bishop on the Diocese or through THE DIOCESAN TIMES - DECEMBER 2020 PAGE 7

Photo: Residents at Oakwood Terrance Nursing Home knitting poppies and mounting them on a netting. Creating an online rally & bringing hope to others by Mary Stone fuelled by hope. The lifted once again. With Tanya again. Indeed, one thing that Holy Spirit happily agreed to By the time you read this pandemic has the power to and her Zoom helpers, we were we do know is that, while this participate. The banner was the Diocesan Mothers’ Union undermine that feeling of hope able to use six of the recent pandemic is still with us, we displayed at the cenotaph at Virtual Fall Rally entitled and the togetherness which Diocesan Electoral Synod need to find ways of doing our Sullivan’s Pond before and HOPE will be over. My hope binds us together and keeps sites to host the gathering of work differently and keeping during Remembrance Day. is that it will have been a us motivated. Now would branches. Tanya also created in contact with those we Because the attendance at success. be the time to shine a light an online registration form. support in the community. Remembrance Day services Mothers’ Union rallies on the ways that we can and We were on our way, feeling An example of this can be was restricted this year, this have always been a time for do instill hope for each other hopeful that our members found with the Mothers’ display of remembrance and members from across the and for our communities – to would embrace this idea of Union members at the Church thoughtfulness was even more diocese to gather together, recognize how this is reflected an on-site/online rally. Along of the Holy Spirit. They have significant to the veterans and to connect, to pray, to listen, in the work of Mothers’ with speakers, videos, and always made and served a the community. Supporting to learn, to participate and Union. branch activities, we also monthly luncheon to residents this project gives hope to the to enjoy. But this rally would The rally plans moved threw in door prizes and a of the Oakwood Terrace members of the Oakwood have to be different: the from HOPE as seen in each silent auction! In the end Nursing Home, an event to Terrace Nursing Home that challenge would be to keep branch, to HOPE as seen in more than 80 people registered which the staff and residents they have done something the idea of our original rallies our Parenting Program in the for either on-site gatherings always looked forward with significant and are still very and also to do it via an online North and then on to HOPE or online. Hope in the future much appreciation. Now, much a part of the wider platform. Using Zoom would as exhibited in projects around is an integral part of our faith. with no access to the home, community. give everyone the opportunity the world. We lived in hope that the they were not able to continue As our Primate Linda Holy Spirit would guide us in to experience the rally and to Our hopes for the rally were with this project. However, as Nicholls recently said,’’ Let us reconnect with each other. adapting and using this new it turns out, the residents had run with faithful perserverence coming together but we were model. How would we start? then entering into uncharted undertaken a project, knitting the race marked out for us, The first step was to select waters! How could we make Mothers’ Union branches poppies and then mounting facing the challenge of our a theme; what did Mothers’ this happen? We needed in NS and PEI are slowly them on a netting for display time in COVID 19...with Union members need to hear? help... Enter Tanya Moxley, crawling out of their COVID during November. The staff Christ Jesus himself as the Words of hope. Mothers’ who makes all things technical cocoons and beginning to requested help and several cornerstone’’ Union is an organization seem easy. Our hopes were reach out into the community Mothers’ Union members at

Need to be revived?

Battle the winter blahs. Put this truly dynamic course relationship reignite and encouraged to engage in deep Revive is being hosted by the joy back into January. to be a gift to long-time come alive!” questions about faith. a Diocesan group and will Join a group of growers to parishioners. She asks, “How be held via Zoom. There is explore the series REVIVE. do we go from doing ministry Revive is a discipleship The first module, no cost, but participation for the church to being in a program for active lay people Communicating with numbers will be limited. Written by a Canadian relationship with this life- who are looking to grow and God, runs six weeks. Other Interested? E-mail: Anglican (who has giving empowering God? be spiritually fed. Participants modules focus on various [email protected] or family roots at St. Luke’s, ... Revive aims to provide explore prayer, spiritual ways to study scripture and 902-789-4840. Dartmouth), Rev. Canon a supportive structure and disciplines, scripture, exciting broadening approaches to Dr. Dawn Davis designed community to help that ministry paths, and are ministry. THE DIOCESAN TIMES - DECEMBER 2020 PAGE 8 It’s A New Day! The gift that keeps on giving

one person can do it all. The (Luke 9:1-6). In particular Body of Christ will get sick if he poured his leadership cup we continue in this mode. into that of Peter, James and So in Churchland we need to John. In other words, Jesus was modify our expectations about apprenticing them! trusting more people to take Over and over again we on key leadership ministries. see our Lord delegating We will have to intentionally ministry. He empowers his invest a considerable disciples with the Holy Spirit amount of time and energy and authorizes them (and in discerning who can step us) as leaders in his final into these positions and then commandments (Acts 1:6- train them. Rectors and other 8 and Matthew 28:18-20). leaders who are delegating Jesus insists that we are to be Rev. Lisa G. Vaughn, Diocesan Parish Vitality Coordinator this way need solid support his “witnesses” and to “make from others in the parish disciples.” that this is the path forward (mine and others). This was We note Jesus wasn’t afraid towards vitality. They require Photo: The gift that keeps on giving. truly a GIFT! A gift that of letting go. He trusted his encouragement and explicit keeps on giving, because it disciples. Most importantly, positive feedback so as to help By Rev. Canon Lisa G. Vaughn I recognized it was up to me blessed our ministry team, he had a genuine desire to others with these expectation to relinquish control, identify the congregation and most see others grow. (Emotionally shifts. Several years ago I was given and raise up leaders and importantly the community, as healthy leaders are generous, a precious gift. It was when empower them to share in the we had more opportunity for Additionally, we will need unselfish, and not threatened my husband and I were joy of broader ministries. By missional impact. to have more tolerance that by other leaders taking on attending an ecumenical choking off the parish’s ability the new people taking on more responsibility.) Please note, this is not just clergy retreat just outside to expand ministry I was these roles may not do things a message for clergy (rectors Another obvious early Church Burlington, Ontario. A few hurting it. exactly like the previous or priests-in-charge). It is teaching comes from Saint years into parish ministry as leader. It is also important to On the return flight I made vitally important for other Paul as he coaches local rector, I was exhausted. It must celebrate the signs of new life, a list of the things that only committed parish leaders – churches to actively engage, have been obvious because leadership growth and thank I could do or am most gifted wardens, organizers, deacons, appreciate and honour the one morning at breakfast a those who are stepping up to with. The other list was of associate priests, Licensed Lay gifts of all God’s people. He 30-something woman with a shared ministry. responsibilities that I was Ministers, etc. Many of you are offers extensive teaching about bright countenance politely being called to share. A finding yourselves physically, To be clear, as we consider the Body of Christ with many interrupted our conversation third list included names of emotionally and spiritually the New Testament models members (Romans 12:1-8 and and handed me a piece of faithful men and women in run-down and possibly on the of ministry we discover a 1 Corinthians 12). paper. She said, “I think you the congregations who may be edge of burn-out. This is a red variety of approaches to may need this.” Not knowing The gift that keeps on giving interested in stepping up and flag! distributed leadership and showed me that if leaders like what it was, I thanked her stepping in. I committed these sharing of gifts. Jesus was Clearly, expectations of Moses, St. Paul and our Lord anyway, and she walked away. to prayer and approached always mentoring his disciples. clericalism by both the rector delegated leadership to others, Opening the loose-leaf ruled them personally to consider He taught his followers and and parishioners needs to it gave me permission and slip of paper it simply said, these leadership roles. sent out the 70 to minister shift. If our congregations are to do the same. “This may be helpful. Read in pairs (Luke 10:1-9). He It took a critical sacrifice of to flourish and expand our The Lone Ranger type of Exodus 18:13-26.” invested heavily of himself time and focused energy to ministries to meet the spiritual leadership in faith community Turning to the Old Testament in the 12 Apostles and gave do this. Training, coaching and practical needs of the was not and still is not the way passage I rediscovered the them authority to undertake and oversight required my people around us, we must of building up the Kingdom. text about Moses’ father-in- top level missional ministry attention. However, this recalibrate our expectations of law Jethro, who comes for a like preaching and healing One of the big revelations was the best investment of the role of the lone leader. No visit and sees this great leader during this COVID-19 my rector’s time and energy, pandemic is that the Spirit is sorting out all the people’s because before too long the disputes by himself. Jethro opening up more opportunities ministries began to flourish A FEW BEST PRACTICES FOR DELEGATING for people to step into says, “What you are doing is in fresh ways. As people not good. You will surely wear LEADERSHIP: ministry, meeting the needs were being released to join of our neighbours. Many of yourself out, both you and in leadership responsibility, these people with you. For the 1. Low control and high accountability. The role of the our parishes are seeing an I recognized that I was no rector or priest-in-charge is as an overseer. Micromanaging increase in enthusiasm and task is too heavy for you; you longer hindering the ministry cannot do it alone.” other leaders is not empowering, but instead it speaks to a interest by parishioners for as a bottle-neck. The joy and lack of trust and frustrates others. Christian education, ministry The wise elder suggests Moses enthusiasm also increased 2. Coach and mentor new leaders, rather than manage them. training and exploration of delegate to others and share within the various teams. their leadership skills. This is these responsibilities. He People build confidence and thrive when they learn how to Admittedly I didn’t always strike out on their own with solid support behind them. no accident. In fact, this is the points out that distributing establish this new arrangement gift that keeps on giving! the leadership amongst other perfectly, and there was some 3. The best leaders are always pushing out the ministry, respected members not only anxiety that the priest was sharing with others. A leader who clings and clutches to lightens Moses’ workload, but not attending every meeting power, insisting they have to do it all, is hurting God’s also liberates the community and function. However, church. Learning to delegate injects energy and excitement as a whole. More needs of soon ministries within into teams as they collaborate for the Kingdom good (Luke the people are being met in a Rev. Canon Lisa G. Vaughn the parish were humming 10:17). is the Diocesan Parish Vitality faster manner. The capacity along and in some cases, Coordinator. For more ideas to to do ministry is expanded 4. Assign responsibility, not tasks. Trust people to take expanding. I also discovered on the job, instead of designating a list of must-do steps. navigate pandemic restrictions, visit exponentially and there will that if I trusted God and the Diocesan COVID-19 Resource be “peace.” Leaders blossom when they are free to discern the ministry our people, things would themselves. pages – www.nspeidiocese.ca. For Spending time in prayer and work out fine. It provided additional articles, inspiration and reflection with this scriptural me personal breathing room 5. Great leaders gather people around them who are insights on congregational vitality smarter and better skilled than they are. Always be and mission see the Facebook page gift of permission, I recognized and more margin in case “Parish Vitality Coordinator – that I needed to make changes pastoral emergencies arose. mentoring people to share more in ministry leadership. Think succession plan. Diocese of NS & PEI”, and the about all the ministries I was I was getting my Sabbath Anglican Net News, “Six-Minute carrying….mostly alone. As days’ rest and I felt liberated Study.” the lead minister in my parish from unhelpful expectations THE DIOCESAN TIMES - DECEMBER 2020 PAGE 9

NEWS FROM AWAY

beauty of creation through crisis of our time, art can the eyes of those artists. inspire us to reconsider our relationship with creation BTW: The show is on until (and the Creator) and Dec. 6, so if you are reading point the way to a different, this as soon as the paper more sustainable world. arrives in your mailbox It is our hope the art will you might not be too late reconnect you with the to purchase one. Take a beauty of the earth. Allow last minute peek at the FB the art to inspire you to page: www.facebook.com/ face the climate crisis and groups/373394600384260/ vow to take better care or the Website: www. of our world.” https:// nspeidiocese.ca/pages/hope- www.facebook.com/ inspiration groups/373394600384260/

Of course, the art show So as you prepare for isn’t just an opportunity to the journey with Mary, shop. In our tradition it is travelling this next few “fair game” to include in weeks on the road to a our prayer, meditation and stable and the birth of refl ection time icons and our saviour, taking time art. for refl ection, prayer and Dear diocese, Buying tickets to the my shopping list this year, contemplation, my prayer It is now Advent, the time theatre or concerts might but shhhh….. don’t tell my “Art expresses ideas will be that you have a when we watch and wait not be as easy given family. It’s our secret. that words cannot and rich, meaningful and holy with Mary. The time for the uncertainty of any For your Christmas projects dreams we cannot Advent season. quiet reflection for people recipients being able to shopping pleasure, the accomplish in other ways. of faith. Perhaps easier attend in the foreseeable Diocesan Environment In all its forms, art can Sending prayers from the in pandemic times, when future. (I missed two Network (DEN) tried to remind us of the beauty outer world, travel and moving about is concerts and a high school ease the shopping dilemma in the world. Recognizing Rev. Marian Lucas-Jefferies not quite as easy. musical since the pandemic this year by providing you that the climate crisis In pre-pandemic times, the hit the Maritimes.) with the opportunity to is the most signifi cant rush to Christmas consumed But supporting local purchase a work of art from our time, our energy and our businesses and buying gift one of the four gifted artists focus in attempts to live out cards to spend in those who contributed to the on a story book Christmas Day. businesses might be the line Hope & Inspiration Art Today, living with a very solution for us and salvation Show. uncertain future, we are for them. now spending as much time Then there is the one We wanted to have a live fretting over what to buy constant gift that everyone show but pandemic times people for Christmas as we in my family gets, a gift demand that we adapt, are being able to simply be for others, something adapt, adapt. However, the together. This pandemic from PWRDF’s World of benefi t to taking the show has certainly changed our Gifts. https://pwrdf.org/ on line has meant that priorities. get-involved/shop-pwrdfs- everyone in the diocese, and Shopping might be limited, world-of-gifts/. Thanks to beyond, could appreciate but the question of gifts our parish PWRDF rep, the work of those artists and might now be much easier. purchasing a donkey, is on have a chance to see the

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Image taken ANGLICAN CHURCH WOMEN BOARD, Diocese of Nova Scotia & Prince Edward Island White Ribbon Sunday

Honour White Ribbon Sunday - wear a white ribbon on November 22 and for the 16 Days of Activism (Nov. 25 – Dec. 10), with the pledge never to commit, condone, or remain silent about violence against women and girls. As followers of Jesus, we cannot remain silent in the face of gender injustice. Together we can buildd a future defined by respect and empathy. The White Ribbon is our campaign – let’s help it flourish and grow!

Anglicangli Church Women Board, Diocese of Nova Scotia & Prince Edward IIslandl

White Ribbon Sunday was initiated by the Anglican Church Women Board, Diocese of NS & PEI. The board chose Christ the King Sunday as White Ribbon Sunday to coincide with the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.

Image (16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence) was taken from the Government of Canada website (Status of Women Canada) THE DIOCESAN TIMES - DECEMBER 2020 PAGE 11 Focus on education Cynthia Pilichos, Anglican payable to the ACW Board Finnie, Jane Magrath, and Rob [email protected] to Church Women with “Project” in the memo Paddock, with best wishes for request an application form. line. Any cheques to the continued success with their Completed forms are due by The importance of education Board for any endeavour can studies. December 31. Involvement to the Anglican Church be directed to the Treasurer, Inaugurated in 1985 in one’s parish and / or the Women Board is evident in 204 – 111 Pebblecreek Drive, in honour of the 100th diocese is a consideration. so much of our ministry. The Dartmouth, NS B2W 0L1 anniversary of organized We appreciate the very Purpose of the Board (given that the Anglican women’s ministry in the importance of learning from emphasizes the importance Diocesan Centre is not yet diocese, the Board initiated a the Master himself, the of study, along with worship “officially” open). continuing education bursary pre-eminent teacher, Jesus. and offering, in order both Another area of educational fund that has come to be Jesus’s metaphoric approach to grow spiritually and support that the Board known as the Anniversary to teaching, with his many advance God’s mission in the cherishes is made possible Bursary. The request for every parables, often confounded parish, community, diocese, by the Kingston Memorial woman to contribute to this his disciples and continues nation, and the world. The learner and honours her or his Fund that is invested with continuing education fund to challenge us to this very advancement of education has experience. The success of this the Diocese’s Consolidated was re-opened in 2010 when day. These parables provide been a feature of a number approach depends on having Trust Fund. Each fall the the Board celebrated 125 lessons for life that encourage of our Annual Projects, with empathetic, trained facilitators Board is able to present years of organized women’s our continuing exploration the one that culminated in versed in the culture of Anglican postulants studying ministry in the same year and interpretation. In their June 2020, Education – a life their community. Funds at the Atlantic School of that the diocese celebrated appreciation and support changing gift, contributing for this Project will support Theology in the Masters 300 years of continuous for matters of teaching $17,605.00 to support the the training of Indigenous of Divinity program with Anglican worship. We are and learning, Anglican post-secondary education of facilitators in parishes in a bursary. Having already happy to accept contributions Church Women welcome 5 youth in Kikima, Kenya. the Council of the North been ACPO approved at any time in order to build opportunities to expand This outstanding contribution through the Mothers’ Union‘s for ordained ministry, the the principal of the fund, their understanding of the was made possible by the very successful parenting successful recipients can be with donations of $20 or learnings conveyed in these generosity of so many in the program. Culturally relevant full or part-time students, but more receiving an income parables. Further, we welcome diocese. Thank you to all our parenting support is a key they are candidates headed tax receipt. As for being the support of those in our contributors, corporate and recommendation of Canada’s for stipendiary ministry upon considered a bursary recipient, diocese for any and all of our individual. Truth and Reconciliation ordination. While an in- any Anglican woman 5 years initiatives of an educational Our current Project, Commission, so this project person presentation event was or more removed from formal nature . . . and we give thanks Supporting Parents: Stories That allows contributors to not possible this fall, the Board education and enrolled in for that support! Matter, promotes an approach respond directly to that was happy to mail bursary any recognized program is to learning that empowers the recommendation. Cheques are cheques to: Debbie Fice, Blane welcome to apply. Contact

ANNIVERSARY BURSARY THE ANNIVERSARY BURSARY

Honours the 100th (1985) and 125th (2010) anniversaries of organized women’s ministry in our Diocese.

. The invitation to all to make a contribution to the Anniversary Bursary is always open. Contribute to Contributions of $20.00 or more receive an the Anniversary Bursary income tax receipt. Cheque payable to the ACW Board, Anniversary Bursary in the ELIGIBILITY FOR APPLICATION memo line

The Anniversary Bursary - Mail to a continuing education bursary. ACW Board, Any woman in our Diocese, 5 years or more c/o 204-111 removed from formal schooling, enrolled in a Pebblecreek Dr., recognized program, is eligible to apply Dartmouth, NS (by December 31 of the calendar year). B2W 0L1 Parish, regional, or diocesan involvement is a consideration.

For an Application Form, contact [email protected] PAGE 12 DECEMBER 2020 - THE DIOCESAN TIMES

A perfect Christmas gift GenerousGenerous People aarere EverywhereEveryw texttext bbyy JJudyudy RRoisois illustrations by Michele Nidenoff an illustrated book for young people ages 8 to14

Colourful, strong, hand turned & coloured, clay “Faith Bracelets”

Choose your colours and charm. Available through the AFC online store • www.anglicanfoundation.org 1/2 proceeds go to PWRDF. Makes a unique, personal, affordable gift. Shop early! $15 (+ $2 for postage) if mailed. Contact: Carol Simms (902) 857-9222 [email protected] PASS THE TIMES HELP US SPREAD THE GGOOD NEWS

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