SERVING THE DIOCESE OF FREDERICTON • A SECTION OF THE ANGLICAN JOURNAL • January 2013
a v i s i t t o t h e c r e c h e … a n o l d t r a d i t i o n w a r m l y r e c e i v e d
“How wonderful, so many.” “ I have one but haven’t had it out in years.” ‘I’m going 80 Crèches or Holy Family figures artfully displayed throughout St. Thomas Church in home and get mine out.” “If you do this next year, I have one I would like to lend Stanley. It was the Black Friday weekend, a very busy time of year, so it was exalting to to you.” These are among the many, many comments of the guests who viewed the open the doors of the church and have the community embrace Christmas. e m p t y church + need for youth emergency shelter = A match made in Heaven by Ana Watts Paul’s friend Colin McDonald, site of St. James Church, Broad- at that time a community devel- street, on land donated by the The background of the emerging opment officer for Vibrant Com- Anglican Diocese of Fredericton. Safe Harbour emergency youth munities, drove by the church and With him was his friend Colin homeless shelter looks like it is saw Paul on the steps. He stopped MacDonald, now coordinator of made from a match made on the and joined him, then proceeded to Safe Harbour Transitional Youth steps of St. James Church, Broad vent about the lack of emergency Services. Street in Saint John, but it is really youth housing in the city. It wasn’t exactly a straight line a match made in Heaven. “What do you need?” Paul from the steps of the old church One sunny day in 2010 the asked him. to the announcement of the Safe Rev. Paul Ranson, then an Angli- “A building,” Colin replied. Harbour 10-bed facility on Nov. can community minister for the “Here’s a building,” said Paul. 22. First the Safe Harbour char- south end of Saint John, sat on the ity was established in order to Safe Harbour Transitional house to be built on the site of the front steps of the empty church At 11 a.m. on Nov. 22, 2012 at the raise funds for the project, then former St. James (Broad Street), an Anglican church in South End and prayed for a miracle. The near-by St. John the Baptist Ro- there were other possible sites in Saint John will incorporate some of the stone from the original church he sat in front of was no man Catholic church, Paul Ran- the south end to consider – but building in its facade. The 10-bed facility will be a safe and longer used for worship, but the son, as chair of the Safe Harbour the board kept returning to the comfortable home for homeless youth and will include mentoring people who had once worshipped Youth Services board, announced St. James property. Eventually it and programming that will give the young people who call it home there sincerely hoped it would be that Safe Harbour Transitional was officially accepted and de- the confidence and skills they need to move into the next part of able to continue to serve the com- Youth Services would build a fa- signs for the facility were created. their lives and become healthy and contributing members of society. munity in some way. cility for homeless youth on the See Some Homeless page 2 Companions, friends, reside in Companion Diocese program by Ana Watts the now Venerable Richard Mc- no access to education they were When Sam Githingi was a young Connell volunteering there from vulnerable and often married off man in Eldoret, Kenya, he visited the Diocese of Fredericton, trav- by the age of 12. Gwen McCon- Canada as part of the Compan- eled to Canada and found Cana- nell, Richard’s wife, asked him ion Diocese program. The Dio- dians shockingly polite and very point-blank “So, what are you cese of Eldoret and the Diocese of generous, so generous he later going to do about it when you get Fredericton companionship was returned to Canada for his uni- home?” an early and successful one in the versity education. When that was Samuel knew education would program that continues today. complete he visited with Richard give girls a chance in Eldoret, so Samuel, who had been taught McConnell and his family. As the he decided to build a school for briefly in Kapsabet, Eldoret by time grew close for him to leave them and left for home secure for Africa he looked forward to in the support of the Diocese of his ordination and lamented the Fredericton ACW and Mothers’ The Rev. Samuel Githingi flanked by musicians Isabelle Fournier plight of the AIDS orphans there, Union as well as Christ Church and John Buckley following the Sigowet Concert. On the far left is especially the girls. He said with (Parish) Church, plus the $120 Christian Turnbull Sam’s quarterback, a member of the Mission no family to support them and See Samuel connects on page 2 Beyond the Parish Committee of St. Paul’s. 2 / The New Brunswick Anglican january 2013
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Some homeless youth existing in unsafe and unstable places Continued from page 1 is a need for a facility for at-risk (TRC), ONE L.I.F.E (Living In- $100,000, for the project, and They too were presented at the youth in South End Saint John. dependently for Education), helps to fund Colin MacDonald’s announcement. Some of them are completely Mental Health Recovery Servic- position. The Anglican Parish of Those close to the project homeless, existing in unsafe and es, Youth Saint John and perhaps Shediac donated $4,000 for 2012. imagined the actual church unstable places. Others have even mentors from the commu- The hope is ACWs, parishes and building — renovated and retro- homes where they are victims nity, will help them get back into other groups will recognize the fitted — would become the safe of abuse and neglect. Still oth- school, tackle their addictions or huge importance of this project refuge for homeless youth, but ers couch-surf, or live in adult just help them regain trust. and raise funds in support of its the price tag was just too high. shelters. There are those who Archbishop Claude Miller ap- operation. The province is also So a purpose-built new build- need to move into the next part struggle to stay in school and pointed Paul Ranson community involved. ing, that will incorporate some of of their lives and become healthy those who have given up on it, as minister in January of 2010. The St. James, which closed its the stone from the church in its and contributing members of so- well as those who struggle with position was funded by residual doors on Nov. 24, 2005, had a façade, will be built on the site. ciety. mental health problems and ad- funds from the former St. James long history of community out- There will be six rooms for males “Safe Harbour is not just about dictions. They are at an increased Broad Street and St. Paul’s Valley reach. In its hall The Chicken upstairs, three beds dedicated to meeting basic needs and pulling rate for suicide. churches. His instructions were Noodle Club, which continues to females on the first floor, and a youth out of homelessness,” says The 10-bed facility will be to spend time getting to know serve hot lunches to area school fourth room on the lower floor Colin. “It’s about tapping into home to at-risk young people for the community and discern ways children, was born. That pro- as well that can be used for either their vast potential as nurturing up to six months as they move in which the Anglican Church gram eventually evolved into the gender or someone with a dis- strong community members and from street life and its risks to could continue to serve the area Saint John Inner City Youth Min- ability. With recreation, dining, leaders.” more stable and permanent even though the church build- istry, which survives to this day. laundry and all the other neces- “The Anglican Church is homes. Their lives at Safe Har- ing was closed. Paul succeeded In 2007 Saint John Non-Profit sary facilities, it will be a safe and committed to providing a safe bour, with all the rules, respon- in his task for the diocese and to Housing was given St. James land comfortable home for homeless and stable environment for at- sibilities and chores that come honour the wishes of the former to build a four-unit apartment. It youth. It is the mentoring and risk youth,” says Paul, who now with it, will be part of a continu- members of St. James’ — to con- provides affordable housing for programming that will give the serves as rector of the Parish of um of services for homeless and tinue to serve the community. non-elderly, low-income people, young people who call it home Millidgeville. It is statistically, as at-risk youth. Organizations like The church donated the land, yet another under-served seg- the confidence and skills they well as anecdotally, clear there The Resource Centre for Youth valued between $80,000 and ment of society. Samuel reconnects in person with those who pray for him Continued from page 1 in his pocket, seed money for the annual Sounds for Sigowet Canon Snelgrove said “Samu- from God. On a day trip to Fred- school. It wasn’t easy. The gov- Concert was held on Oct. 28 in el’s coming to us is a mission for ericton during his visit, Samuel ernment would not subsidize a Rothesay, and Samuel was there us, a spiritual visit, much more met briefly with Archbishop school without male pupils and for the event. It was his first visit than a reporting visit. Our en- Claude Miller and told him about the tribes wouldn’t support the here since he began the school in dowment to the Sigowet School the ministry to AIDS orphans in school if their children were in Eldoret. He had wanted to come is a cherished mission beyond the his school. Funds for the Bish- the same school as the children many times, but with his volun- parish. We reach out to our own op’s Walk for AIDS continued of other tribes. It took United tary work with the school, plus community as well through many to come in long past the time he Nations intervention to solve the his paid work at the university, a support agencies — but Sigowet fulfilled his promised donation tribal problems but finally the wife and three children, time is at School is something different.” to PWRDF for AIDS relief. He school was up and running with a premium. But this year he felt The school always needs decided Samuel’s work honoured a few teachers, a matron and a it was “very important to come more. Until recently there were the spirit of the AIDS walk and cook, all paid by the church. in person to say thank you to the no toilets and it was very diffi- gave him the balance. The government eventually people who continue our friend- cult for the girls to get sanitary Eldoret is not the most po- ship and keep us in their prayers.” towels. So the funds raised by the litically stable area of Africa so realized that the Samuel was se- The Rev. Evelyn Jerotich Mulwo So he sacrificed the holiday time Rothesay Concert and its parallel Samuel says he is glad to be part rious about the school and he of Eldoret. was able to make it work with he would have spent with his silent auction mean a great deal. of Canon Paul Jefferies’ network. the help of his Canadian friends. Richard and Gwen McCon- family and made the trip. It was a And a surprise cheque from the Because of it he and his family will Samuel allowed some boys into nell shared Samuel’s dream and lesson he learned from one of the Diocese of Fredericton was a gift See Relationship on page 5 the school and they brought with introduced it to the people of delegates to Eldoret during our them paid government teachers the Parish of Rothesay when he companionship. and other personnel plus a sci- was rector there. Many of them “It is important to have human ence lab so the students didn’t also caught the dream and have contact,” says Samuel. “Email has have to walk 10k use one. Today generously supported the school improved communication a lot there is a girl’s dormitory to sleep for several years now. The Rev. for sure, but I hadn’t been here www.anglican.nb.ca 29, and in February the first stu- Canon Albert Snelgrove, current for a long time and I wanted to dents will graduate from Sigowet rector in Rothesay, is also an avid renew our friendship.” Official Publication of the Diocese of Fredericton A SECTION OF THE ANGLICAN JOURNAL School, 36 of them, all ready to supporter and friend of Sam- go on to university (even the uel Gitahingi and the Sigowet The Most Rev. Claude Miller Archbishop and Publisher girls have access to government School. scholarships now) and eventu- One of the main fundraisers Get the news first Ana Watts Editor ally find good jobs because more for the school is an annual con- anglican.nb.ca and more good jobs are open to cert held in Rothesay with pro- While you’re there, Published 10 times per year. Price of subscription $10.00 women now. fessional musicians. The fourth subscribe to E News and get Please send news and photo submissions to the news delivered to your Ana Watts, 773 Glengarry Place, Fredericton, NB E3B 5Z8 in-box each week. Phone: 506-459-5358; E-mail: [email protected] Click on the News button at the Please send subscription renewals and changes of address to: D eadLINE top of the page and choose The New Brunswick Anglican for copy and photo submissions to the E News from the c/o Anglican Journal Circulation Dept., 80 Hayden St, Toronto, ON M4Y 3G2 New Brunswick drop-down menu Anglican is the first working day of the month previous to publication. Printed in North York, Ontario by Webnews Printing Inc. January 2013 The New Brunswick Anglican / 3
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b i s h o p’ s Wonder of moving star inspired Magi p r i n c i p a l ears ago our Scout- moving star that inspired the ing and stopped over a messy e n g a g e m e n t s master took us on Three Wise Men from the east to animal stable. many hikes in the set out on a journey that sealed We have learned by now that January 7-10 woods. Some outings an astronomical event that life brings both joy and sadness Metropolitans and National Ywere overnight adventures. If would change the world forever. and that ideals are ellusive. So Consultation the hike was in the summer and God incarnate in the in the Babe as we begin this New Year, the Toronto the weather clear there was little of Bethlehem, Christ the King, challenge remains for us to seek need to bring a tent or to build born in a stable setting to hum- God in both the good and the January 20 a temporary shelter or bivouac ble parents, was not what was bad, in the difficult and in the Parish of West Saint John from branches and boughs. We expected by the Wise Men when cattle stables of life. From young would simply camp out “under they first set out. Their journey boys star gazing to Wise Men January 23 the stars.” Spending the night to seek and find an earthly King from the east, we are all follow- Diocesan Council under the stars was not confined ended up at the bedside of the ing a star in hope of an ideal. to youth training and recre- vulnerable Christ Child. Yet we pray, that God’s shining February 14 ation. My cousins and next-door I suspect there is little dif- grace might lead us to a sudden Bishop’s Counsel friends, after a very hot summer ference between a wish made realization of the great truth that day, would wrap up in blankets by young boys witnessing a God is present in all life, not just and spend the night sleeping on shooting star and the Wise Men in the “good times.” the front lawn. We would often ticularly in early August and we seeking a King. My hunch is May this be our Epiphany. join them. Before falling asleep, would argue into the night about that both seek an “ideal” only our attention was always drawn what this phenomenon might to discover that our wish and In the love of Christ, to a little stargazing. In those mean. I’m sure we heard it from our seeking take us to places we days there was very little light family sources, that when we see never expected. A place that is a n n o u n c e m e n t s pollution so the nights were a shooting star we should make less than ideal and we bemoan very dark and the stars seemed a wish, or we might expect good our lot wondering what has hap- so near and bright you could or bad luck, or someone has just pened. The Rev. Canon Tom Smith almost reach up and touch them. been born or died. I don’t believe It is less difficult to encounter retired as chaplain of the Dr. Ev- We knew little about meteorites the argument was ever settled, God when things go as planned. erett Chalmers Hospital and the or meteorite showers, to us, they but for young boys our age, a “God must be in it when things Stan Cassidy Rehabilitation Cen- were “shooting stars” that left an wish and the summer experience have gone so well.” But wait a tre in Fredericton on Dec. 31, eerie trail of light as they flew was enough to stir our imagina- minute — the Wise Men first Archbishop Claude Miller is with the thanks of the diocese across the sky and disappeared. tion and leave us filled with awe stopped at the idyllic palace of Metropolitain of the Ecclesiastical and, more especially, the many We would witness a great and wonder. King Herod but the star didn’t Province of Canada and Bishop of people to whom he provided number of “shooting stars” par- It was awe and wonder of a stop there. The star kept lead- Fredericton. sensitive pastoral care. My future doesn’t depend on me and my plans at all
iturgically speaking, the tend to refer to our desire, our bread to satisfy our hunger and Jesus with me, he abides with us. season following the reaching out, our relationship water to assuage our thirst. God He lives in us and we in him.” feast of the Epiphany is rather than recognizing the not only comes to us but “abides So privately theological in my a “green season.” Green other’s ability to disrupt what we with us.” Passionate intimacy is thinking, how could I have wit- Lreminds us of that growing rec- have planned and possibly bring the mode of relationship God nessed to that moment? Regret- ognition of God not only in our about a different result. would have with us. That kind tably I simply said, “No thanks.” midst but with us, of the grow- In the Gospel of John we first of relationship is intrusive and I’m still in a “green season” ing realization that Jesus is Lord see Jesus spring into action at a can change our direction at the of my life and faith in so many of all and busy and active in the wedding feast. He is obviously drop of a hat. In biblical terms, ways. Some days I feel I’ve made lives of people – especially us. relationship with God in Jesus invited to the event, but his God seeks us, we don’t seek God. good headway in this God and In day world, in the light, we as shaped more by him than presence and action there is an His relationship with us depends Jesus relationship stuff. Other tend to yield to the encourage- us. One preacher told of asking intrusion on the normal wed- more on him than on us. days I feel that I’m starting at ment to think of our lives and a new person in the pew what ding routine. Jesus at work in During a winter holiday in square one. Maybe that’s the first what we do with them as pri- brought them back to church after my life, when I allow it, is often Mexico several years ago we giant step — to recognize that marily under our control. Suc- so many years away. “I’ve been an intrusion on my carefully strolled the sidewalk outside ultimately it doesn’t depend on cess, in whatever way we choose searching for something more in planned routines too. a huge open air church just me and my plans at all. God will to define it, is our own doing. my life,” she said. “And my search The relationship described outside the gate of our Cancun indeed continue to steer me, if I We make the decisions. We take has brought me back to God.” in Scripture is one of intimacy, resort. A young boy approached let him, to what I need to do and the credit when we do well and The notion that something or not arm’s length convenience. It us with various trinkets for sale. where I need to go. we’ll often try to find someone someone actually has an influ- refers to the nature of that rela- “Don’t you want to take a piece The Ven. Geoffrey Hall is Executive to blame if we don’t. ence on us is becoming more tionship in various ways: Jesus is of Jesus with you?” he said. I Assistant to the Bishop of As modern western people, it’s and more foreign it seems. Even shepherd, we the sheep; he’s the didn’t say it, but I thought to Fredericton, Secretary of the Synod difficult for us to consider a in relationship with God, we vine, we are the branches; he is myself, I don’t “take a piece of and Diocesan Archdeacon. Why wait for Stir-Up Sunday to get ‘stirred-up’ spiritually? By Kathy Asch Where kindness and generosity the Bistro Kitchen Party on Sat- Bishop Bill, by the music and the were well prepared so no one With his usual sincerity and wit, have gone. Others were attracted urday night, and the hymn-filled growing passionate spirit felt by was disappointed. Bishop Bill Hockin welcomed because the topic of “Why ecumenical church services held each of us. We were reminded The wonderful turnout to the Woodstock and Richmond our children stopped going to on Friday and Sunday nights at that hope and faith in God is each event even exceeded our congregations and community church and what we can do the Presbyterian and Wesleyan the “Faith that fills the Empty expectations. friends to a Spiritual Renewal about it” was all too real in their churches, we praised God and H e a r t ”. All the participants were Weekend that began Friday, family and certainly real in our celebrated together the joy of We prayed with heart-felt generous with their offerings as Nov. 16. Some of the faithful church families. “Finding Real Happiness in a words for enlightenment as this well so the Woodstock Volunteer people were enticed because It was a weekend of prayer, Hurting World”. weekend approached. Family Services Food Bank was they wanted to find out “Who music, song and understanding. We were stirred, shaken … The organizing teams from supported with a $920 contribu- Shot the Good Samaritan?” and With the talented musicians at and plenteously rewarded, by both parishes, and Bishop Bill tion. 4 / The New Brunswick Anglican january 2013
d i o c e s a n i n t e r e s t Fundraiser for school needs, mission team bound for Belize By Ann Deveau Saturday evening, Feb. 2, 2013, school in Belize with 180 students. theatre, cafeteria or playground. A 16-member mission team at Cathedral Memorial Hall,” Our mission team will spend a week The classrooms are ill-equipped from Christ Church Cathedral said team member Kirsten McK- working at the school in March 2013. by our standards.” in Fredericton is putting the fun night who is co-chair of the event. “St. Hilda’s is lacking in All of the proceeds from the si- in fund-raising this winter. “Please save that date, and plan to many things that we take lent auction and dessert party will Mission teams from the “We’re planning a silent auc- join us for an evening of fun, food for granted here in Canada,” go toward priorities identified by cathedral travelled to Belize, a tion with lovely items, a dessert and fellowship.” Kirsten explained. “They don’t the school, not to pay the mission- small, English-speaking country party with scrumptious good- The purpose of the event is to have a computer lab or a proper ers’ expenses. Each team member in Central America, in 2005, ies, plus great entertainment, on help St. Hilda’s Anglican, a poor rural library. There’s no gymnasium, pays airfare, room and board. 2007 and 2010. letter to the r e c e n t o r d i n a t io n s editor
Dear editor, On November 19, 2012, the Vestry of the Corporation of the Anglican Parish of Chatham, met to conduct the business of its monthly vestry meeting. On the agenda, was the is- sue concerning the front page article, “The new face of family”, that appeared in the November 2012 publication of the Angli- can Journal. Several letters were received in correspondence to vestry, all expressing concern, hurt and objection to the publi- cation of this article. This parish, and the Diocese of Fredericton, are formally on record as supporting the institution of marriage as the “the union of one man and one woman to the exclusion of all others” and against the mar- riage of same sex couples in ana wat t s the Christian church. It is also clearly understood that there In a service at Christ Church Cathedral on Nov. 3 Archbishop Claude Miller ordained one person to the transitional diaconate and two deacons is no shunning of homosexual- to the priesthood. The Very Rev. Keith Joyce, Dean of Fredericton, installed one priest as a canon of the cathedral. A large crowd gathered in ity, and accepts anyone into the the cathedral to support and celebrate. Seen above following the service are, left to right: BishopG eorge Lemmon, retired; the Rev. Jonathon church in a loving and caring Springthorpe, newly ordained a priest; the Rev. Canon Elaine Hamilton, Bishop’s Chaplain; the Rev. Canon Leo Martin, newly installed in the manner without discrimination. cathedral; the Rev. Wandlyn Snelgrove, newly ordained to the transitional diaconate; Archbishop Miller; the Rev. Kent Greer, newly ordained to For the Anglican Journal to the priesthood, who is in the military and will serve in this diocese for two years before being appointed a military chaplain; Bishop Peter Coffin, publish this article on the front Bishop Ordinary to the Armed Forces; Brigadier-General Karl McLean, Chaplain General of the Armed Forces; and Dean Keith Joyce. page, or for that matter on any page of the Journal, is both offensive and irresponsible, as it sends out a message to all Anglicans, and to other faiths, that our denomination does not object to same sex marriage. A motion was passed unanimously that this letter be sent for publication in the New Brunswick Anglican and the Anglican Journal, and that the editor of the Anglican Journal respond in writing to our parish as to why such an article should appear in our national news- paper. It also states that such an article should not be pub- lished again or at least include a disclaimer that “these views are the views of one writer and not what the Anglican Church stands on.”
Respectfully submitted on behalf of the Corporation of the
Anglican Parish of Chatham, ana wat t s The Rev. Gordon Thompson, At a service on Nov. 3, Archbishop Claude Miller ordained fiveN ew Brunswick Anglicans to the Vocational Diaconate. Seen here with him Rector following the service at Christ Church Cathedral they are: the Rev. Bob Brittain, Parish of Lancaster; the Rev. Eddy Quann, Parish of Chathan; Eleanor Morrison, Warden the Rev. Rose Steeves, Parishes of Newcastle, Nelson and Hardwicke; the Rev. Christine Greer, Parish of Woodstock; and the Rev. Teddy Quann, Phillip Rody, Warden Parish of Chatham. January 2013 The New Brunswick Anglican / 5
d i o c e s a n i n t e r e s t St. James Lakewood celebrates 50 years of worship B y Dwight Stuart In 1982 Bishop Harold Nutter It was cold and windy on Sun- established the Parish of Lake- day, Nov. 25, but hugs, hand- wood as a parish separate from shakes, and wonderful fellow- the Parish of Simonds although ship warmed the hearts of the the two parishes continued to more than 150 parishioners and share a rector. In the fall of 1992, guests who attended the celebra- the Rev. Bruce McKenna was tion of 50 years of worship at inducted as the first rector of the Saint James Lakewood in Saint Parish of Lakewood alone. John. The Rev. Canon Leo Mar- Present in the congregation tin, interim priest-in-charge, was Mrs. Myrtle Baxter, one of extended a welcome to all in the oldest living members of attendance and read messages the congregation, who recalled from several former congrega- being present at the sod turning tion members and clergy who ceremony for the church in 1962. were unable to be with us. The organizational work of the Archbishop Claude Miller Anniversary Planning Commit- preached and celebrated Holy tee, chaired by Debra Best, was Communion assisted by the much appreciated by the parish. Revs. Canon Wally Corey, Now, as we begin a new Canon Bruce McKenna, Ellen shared ministry initiative with Curtis, and Terence Chandra. our neighbouring parishes of Capt. Janet Edwards, lay evan- Simonds and St. Martins-Black gelist in the parish, served as the River, we look forward to new bishop’s chaplain. challenges knowing that as in Many parishioners and clergy gathered at St. James Church in Lakewood to celebrate its 50th anniversary. Photos and documents the past God will continue to Front row: Archbishop Claude Miller, and Capt. Janet Edwards, parish laid evangelist. middle row: collected over the years were see us through if we but step Bill Coleman, layreader; the Rev. Canon Bruce McKenna, former rector; the Rev. Canon Leo Martin, on display at the recepton and back and let Him guide the priest-in-charge; the Rev. Terence Chandra of Symonds and St. Martins-Black River, and the Rev. Chris much reminiscing took place. process. Hayes, former parishioner. Crooked back row: the Rev. Ellen Curtis, former rector; the Rev. Canon Wally Saint James Lakewood was Corey, former rector, the Rev. ThomasG raham, pastor of Hope Evangelical Lutheran Church, Saint John; dedicated on Dec. 3, 1962 and M. Dwight Stuart is Parish Archdeacon David Edwards, former parishioner; the Rev. Terry Doncaster, former rector; and Archdeacon consecrated on Nov. 2, 1980. Communications Officer Stuart Allan, former priest-in-charge. R elationship with Diocese of Ho is successful, active and appreciated Continued from page 2 work as born fruit as well. “Rich- have somewhere to go if things get she talked about her work with London, England during the fall. Central America. ANd certainly ard’s students have done very well,” bad there. Paul is another priest disabled people, especially chil- Our diocese responded with prayers our more tngible gifts are appreci- says Samuel. “They are bishops. from this diocese who went to dren. There are still tribes who and made certain his medical bills ated as well. In Eldoret our gifts professors and archdeacons, they Eldoret to teach at the school that make outcasts of families with were covered. A group of young were volunteer teachers for their are in high places.” was at the heart of our Compan- disabled members so disabled adults led by Youth Action Canon fledgling theology collegy. That ion Diocese relationship. children are often hidden. Fami- George Porter will go to Ghana in Things didn’t work out there so lies are unable to afford medical the spring to begin construction of he went on to Uganda where he treatment for them either. Elea- a badly needed office for the bishop. has been headmaster and rector nor has a wonderful facility in Our second of three Compan- of the Bishop McAllister College which to treat the disabled, but ion Dioceses was Recife, in Bra- for many years. He too is well sup- she needs funding for the pro- zil. Although some parishes were ported by diocesan organizations grams that will help them. successful in making connec- and parishes here and his school She stayed with Heather Mill- tions there were difficult political continues to grow and flourish. er of Darling’s Island during her times in that diocese as well as the Coincidentally the Rev. Ev- trip to Hampton. country and widespread relation- elyn Jerotich Mulwo from Eldo- Another coincidence — Eve- ships were not developed and the ret was also in our diocese in the lyn’s son is a second year student initial five-year covenant was not fall. She studied asset mobiliza- at St. Paul’s University in Eldoret renewed, as were those with El- tion at Cody College (St. Francis where Samuel is chaplain. doret and Ho. Xavier University) in Nova Sco- Our current Companion The success of our companion relationships means a great deal to tia for several months and added Diocese relationship with Ho in george porter a few days to her travel agenda to Ghana, Africa, is alive and well. many people here, in Africa and in Bishop tthias’ entire Ma synod office. visit New Brunswick. We had a thank-you message During the visit of a delega- recently from Prosper Francis tion from Fredericton to Eldoret Kwame Deh of St. Paul’s, Agbo- in 1990 Sister Evelyn, as she was zume, assuring us the corn mill at the time) gave over her house this diocese funded in his par- to Bishop George Lemmon and ish is working well, has given David Watts. She made them employment to the miller and welcome and served fresh fruits contributed to the ecomomy and each day picked from the vines the community. “God bless our and branches that surrounded friendship and strengthen us,” he her cottage. She visited with said. The Diocese of Fredericton David while she was in Freder- is funding one grinder for each icton, preached at two services of the seven parishes. Not only at Christ Church Cathedral and do they provide employment, visited Richard and Gwen Mc- they offer a necessary service Connell in Shediac. She also that people once had to walk attended a Mothers’ Union many, many miles to access. meeting in Hampton where Bishop Matthias of Ho was ill in 6 / The New Brunswick Anglican january 2013
c o l u m n s Y oung Man Follow … Future of Forestry points the way forward
n the midst of the many, on an album whose title calls last song on the album called, many Christmas-themed a person to go somewhere, a “Love Be Your Mantra”, listeners releases of this past fall, a sense of “unfinished business” might understand where they brand new full album was or “travels not yet complete” are ultimately being led. Ireleased by Future of Forestry. seem quite fitting. This is not merely an album Such “non-Christmas” releases Young Man Follow might nat- to have on in the background late in the year are relatively few urally bring up such questions while you’re doing something and far between, and so this one as, “follow who?” or “where?” else. This music demands some- slipped into the market without and instruments, and of overall The lyrics of the songs together thing of its listener: attention the usual excitement that a Fu- timbre (“musical colour”). Their show that we are being called to — effort to catch everything in ture of Forestry release usually new project, Young Man Follow, follow God to new places and its rather complex soundscape. garners. But it is well worth a indeed continues this tradition, new situations. And it is during Maybe images are offered up look at it, just the same! though this album seems to see in themselves. That being said, these travels that the followers for your reflection, making Future of Forestry is the with bigger eyes in a way, for this album seems a little more can be moulded into all that the sense of journeying a very musical vehicle of Eric Owy- its songs paint broad pictures, accessible this time around, God wants them to be. The song appropriate metaphor for this oung, much like Owl City is the showing the listener many new and features a couple of more “Someone” really highlights this project. Very well done once outlet of Adam Young. FoF is a things, musically speaking. standard song arrangements, in idea of being made into some- again, Future of Forestry. project that has always focused FoF albums are not usually “Would You Come Home” and thing new, with such lines as, very heavily on the music aspect collections of songs all fit for “You.” For the most part, this “Turn my head / break my heart of songwriting, though Eric’s release to radio. They are often album features songs that do with mercy / just move my feet, lyrics can say a lot in just a few longer in length than most not seem to end easily; many move my hands oh so gently…” words. There is a great emphasis tracks, much less confined to As the album continues, there The Rev. Chris Hayes is a times a track finishes without a musician and priest-in-charge on small details, orchestration typical structures, and do not sense of completion. This might is a sense of drawing closer to and arrangements of music always make a complete package where God is leading. With the of the Parish of Salisbury and bother some listeners, though Havelock.
a r c h i v e s c o r n e r The Rev. Harvey Douglas Smith M aking a difference on the Miramichi PART ONE Collegiate School from 1936- support of a few local residents, When Archbishop Richardson 1937, resigning in June 1937. Smith wrote that he needed to appointed a young deacon On August 24, 1937, his duties concentrate on “talking the mat- named Harvey Douglas Smith as deacon in St. John the Evan- ter up with the several districts to serve St. John’s Church in gelist Church in Bay du Vin, and getting your (Paterson’s) Hardwicke, it is doubtful that he Parish of Hardwicke, officially approval and help.” This would knew the positive life changes began. require “a good many personal this appointment would bring In Hardwicke, Smith soon talks with families” – but of to many young Miramichiers. realized that few of the lo- course, these personal talks Smith is credited with being cal youth were attending high would take much time and the founder of Miramichi Rural school because they had to go “with the school work and the High School, the first rural high to Chatham, 20 miles distant, pressure of parish duties, I am school in New Brunswick, the which would require travelling already beginning to feel the story recounted here. Where each day or boarding in town. strain.” (Smith to McFarlane– 29 possible, H. D. Smith’s own With his teaching background, March 1938). words are used. Smith set out to improve the op- Smith recommended bring- Born in Saint John on Jan. portunities for rural students. In ing in a first class teacher for the 10, 1912, Harvey Douglas Smith the fall of 1937, Smith called Dr. June term, who could board at The Rev. Harvey Douglas Smith was the son of Harvey Allan A.S. McFarlane, the Chief Su- the rectory but would need the teachers (Elizabeth Stevenson comments. Smith and Ethel May White- perintendent of Education and salary from government grant. and Dorothy Claytonburg) to Sources: head. His father worked for “we talked about the possibili- McFarlane responded that help him. Local community RS116 Records of Chief Super- the Intercolonial Railway and ties of improving the education- teachers in private school could leaders joined him in his initia- intendent of Education, 1930s; the family was connected with al services in this district.” By not be paid from a govern- tive to secure a high school for RS822 Department of Education Trinity Church, where Doug- March 1938, he reported “Since ment grant – but if the teacher the area of Black River and Bay Annual Reports; las was baptized. In 1934, H. that time I have carried on the was employed by the trustees it du Vin. MC223 H4 Parish of Hardwicke Douglas Smith graduated from high school work of which I told would work. Continued next month. files. Kings College in Halifax with a you (McFarlane), among eight Smith’s enthusiasm and hard The Archives Corner is prepared Rothesay Collegiate, Headmas- B.A. degree. On May 31, 1936, students, four days a week.” This work paid off for the original by Twila Buttimer (twila. ters Report to Diocesan Synod, he was ordained a deacon at St. was accomplished in his study eight students soon grew to 18 [email protected] or 506-453- 1938. Paul’s Church in Saint John and in the rectory. Smith also spoke and the school moved to the 4306) and Frank Morehouse Special thanks to Dr. Don Glendenning of he was priested on June 6, 1938 with Dr. A.P. Paterson, Minister church basement. The next ([email protected] or 506- Charlottetown (a student of the Rev. H. at Christ Church Cathedral in of Education, about a con- move was to the church hall 459-3637). Feel free to contact Douglas Smith), who told the archives of Fredericton. Smith worked as a solidated school in the district. as numbers increased to 63. this story and shared information. them with your questions or Junior Master at the Rothesay Noting that he already had the By 1938, Smith had hired two January 2013 The New Brunswick Anglican / 7
c o l u m n Wesley’s Covenant Prayer … Are you ready to tackle it? Covenant Prayer ourselves. The issue is, do we face on in church. Wesley dis- putting on an event called “The recognize the fact and what do covered that by bringing things Gospel According to Queen” — From John Wesley’s we do when we have? Whether to God in constant prayer and by that’s the rock band not the one Covenant Service, 1780 it be as individuals or congrega- truly coming to the place where celebrating her Silver Jubilee. tions we belong to God. What God wanted them — not by We took it on the road. One of I am no longer my own, but thine. are we willing to let him do with holding onto his life and caus- the guys whose then teenage Put me to what thou wilt, us? The word “let” is important ing himself harm — he would children (it was 17 years ago) rank me with whom thou wilt. here, God will not force his will find that over time God would were part of the presentation Put me to doing, put me to suffering. upon us, rather he awaits our lov- remove the issue. It was God’s came and spoke to me. He said, Let me be employed by thee ing response. I too easily fall into grace and Wesley’s willingness. “We were talking about you last or laid aside for thee, David Edwards wanting my own way. To allow Does such grace abound week. Remember when we did exalted for thee Parish Development Officer God to be God in my life means today? Is God able to encour- the show in Havering?” or brought low for thee. I have to be willing to allow him age and change us? I would I did. Let me be full, let me be empty. Methodist churches across the to work out the next lines of the have to say, “Yes.” Last month I “Well, I was talking to Charlie Let me have all things, world on the first Sunday of each prayer in my every day. went home to England to visit last week, he is one of the most let me have nothing. year. It serves as a reminder of Wesley’s life was a constant friends and family. During the effective and innovative clergy in I freely and heartily yield all things where we stand as Christians. struggle to allow God to have few weeks before going I had the diocese. Do you know what to thy pleasure and disposal. The challenge is how might his way. If you think of him as been questioning how effective he said to me? He said, ‘I decided And now, O glorious and blessed God, we respond to such an under- some kind of saint who sailed I was being as a minister. Parish to follow Jesus when you guys Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, standing of ourselves. For us as along easily no matter what, Development Officer seems an came and did the Gospel Ac- thou art mine, and I am thine. Anglicans it is Advent when we I would suggest you read his awfully odd title, am I having cording to Queen.’” So be it. take stock of our lives and how diaries. He was a man of contra- any effect in the diocese? In fact, I had no idea and had never And the covenant we are living as Christians, but dictions, always fighting to do had I ever had any effect any- heard of Charlie in my life which I have made on earth, it does us no harm to look into the right thing, but often not. where I had ministered? That is That is how grace works. let it be ratified in heaven. Amen. the New Year and to consider He discovered it was only by the where I always end up whenever When we reach the end of our- Wesley’s words, he was, after all, grace of God he could begin to I go down this road. selves, God steps in and makes s those of you who an Anglican all his life. see the effect of God working On my first Sunday in the difference. were at the Funding The most stunning thing in him. We too easily either try England I visited one of my That leaves me with this Our Vision event in about the prayer is the first line, to battle our way to being as we former parishes — a place for question: Which part of Wes- October may recall, I “I am no longer my own, but think God wants us, or we give which I have much affection. ley’s prayer am I going to seek to Aquoted this prayer. It is used in thine.” We belong to God, not up and only put our “Christian” Whilst there (in the 1990s) I apply in 2013? led a group of parishioners in What about you? 8 / The New Brunswick Anglican January 2013
y o u t h
I’m curious George … Why do you say God is the ‘transcendental Interferer?’ [Part 2]
My favourite scene in C. S. Lewis’ The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe* has always been the one in which the children are about to meet Aslan for the first time. They are under- standably nervous about meet- ing a lion, and ask if he’s safe. God has done and continues Mr Beaver replies: “Who said to do.”* The story of Jesus is anything about safe? ‘Course never the story of someone he isn’t safe. But he’s good.” safe or tame. It is the good While we hear more and news of this Messiah who more about ‘safer church’ came to make known the God these days, and we want young who, like the unpredictable people and those who work wind blowing where it will, is most closely with them to be always doing new and surpris- safer in their relationships, ing things. Canadian musician there is also a sense in which Bruce Cockburn talks about George Porter John Berard facilitated sessions at Stronger Together, a national gathering youth ministers held in our Christian experience can- how “redemption rips through Alberta in the fall. not ever be truly safe. It’s not the surface of time/ in the cry meant to be. The writer of the of a tiny babe.”** This baby Letter to the Hebrews says that grows into the man who says Canadian youth ministers revise it is a “fearful thing to fall into that those who would be his the hands of the living God.” followers must take up their There is a sense in which cross to follow. That doesn’t and refine youth ministry values talking about safe spirituality is sound ‘safe’. It sounds like a John Berard, author of Con- church that seeks to partici- are intentional about having as oxymoronic as talking about dangerous adventure. suming Youth: Leading Teens pate in God’s action with and God conversations with young safe sex. Neither spirituality The God of Jesus is neither Through Consumer Culture, among young people. people, equipping and encour- nor sexuality can be rendered an idol who can be controlled facilitated sessions at Stronger 1) Knowing God: In all we do, aging them to share the story completely ‘safe’. These are wild nor a far-off deity that can be Together 2012 at the King’s we never forget who we are: of their faith with the wider aspects of life and, as such, safely ignored. This God is the Fold Retreat Centre at the edge human created in the image of community. carry inherently dangerous ‘transcendental Interferer’ who of Ghost River Valley, AB. God — beautiful, broken and 6) Bold Experimentation: We possibilities. is always breaking into our This second national gather- loved. foster experimentation recog- Of course, I doubt most lives with the power of divine ing of Anglican diocesan and 2) Living in Christ: Our work nizing the gifts of our ‘rooted- people would immediately love and, in the process, chal- Lutheran area youth ministries is anchored in the priority of ness’ in our rich heritage and think of spirituality as a dan- lenging and changing us. This workers, meet 28-31 October living out a vital relationship story. Our ministries with gerous dimension of life. We God is a wild God, not safe but and refined last year’s set of with Jesus Christ and sharing and among young people are have a long tradition of trying always good values intended guide and in- that way of life. environments that empower to tame the gospel into what forms youth ministries within 3) Missional Direction: Our creativity, leave room for fail- some writers refer to as Moral * Sarah Arthur, The God- our full-communion tradi- work is to empower young ure and provide opportunities Therapeutic Deism. MTD Hungry Imagination: The Art tions. Following are the results people to be the hands and feet for learning and growth. is the message that ministry of Storytelling for Postmodern of those efforts. of Christ in the world. 7) Spiritual Practice: We aims at creating moral young Youth Ministry (Nashville: Up- Our Values for Ministry 4) Beyond Survival: Stories commit to re-affirming and people who look for healing per Room Books, 2007), p 97 with and among of effective ministry with and renewing our faith through from the traumatic realities of ** Bruce Cockburn, ‘Cry of Young People in Canada among young people inspire worship, the study of scripture adolescent life, calling on a god a Tiny Babe’, Nothing but Foundational to our expectation and hope among and spiritual practices. who is generally not involved a Burning Light (Toronto: understanding of the nature Anglicans, inviting the church 8) Individual Young People: in the world, except by special Golden Mountain Music cor- and task of youth ministry is to move beyond survival and We always keep in mind the request – a god who can be poration,1991). “participating in God’s action.” fear to trusting God and claim- reality that somewhere there’s called on in times of need but Youth ministry then, at the lo- ing what is life giving. a young person who is yearn- who generally doesn’t interfere cal levels, is the ministry of the 5) God Conversations: We ing for a deeper relationship in life. with God and waiting to be “And yet ‘interfering’ in connected to a transforming young people’s lives,” says M aritime youth share in expertise Christian community. Sarah Arthur in The God- The Rev. Canon George Porter, The weekend of Nov. 2-4 young Hungry Imagination: The Art DPhil, is Canon for Youth and people from the Maritimes of Storytelling for Postmodern director of youth action for the Diocese of Fredericton. talked about dimensions of Up-to-date information Youth Ministry, is exactly what peace with Scott Evans, an about youth ministries • Irish youth worker and author. nbay.ca This is the fourth year young • Youth Leaders people from the Diocese of