2014 march

MARCH 2014

ANGLICANLIFE
More on Pages 8-9

NEWFOUNDLAND & LABRADOR

Meet the New Bishop of the Diocese of Eastern Newfoundland & Labrador

The Right Reverend Dr. Geoffrey Peddle

+Geoffrey
Bishop in the Church of God
Photo - Leslie Howlett Photography Courtesy of the Cathedral Parish of St. John the Baptist

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Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor, Dear Editor, Some recent events have caused me concern over the lack of understanding of the Bible. It seems there is very little knowledge of the evolution of the Bible and the history of Christianty. In order to understand the Bible clearly we need to study the historical background of each book. Also we need to observe the many changes that have occurred in culture and religious beliefs over thousands of years. Before the art of writing oral tradition prevailed which was the passing on of stories and song by word of mouth. The alphabet began with a system of signs and symbols until finally writing was invented and with it came a recording of the oral traditions. Then in 1440 the printing press was invented and with that came various stages of editing and translating of the scriptures. Through history fierce theological battles have raged over questions relating to the bible with many executions as a result of it. We have finally reached a stage in history when we are allowed to express our ideas freely. A common phrase used frequently is it says to, peace on earth, good will towards men as loud as I possibly can. This is what I grew up with. I was never offended by it. It is an inclusive term. Changing these small things in no way makes me feel better about being a woman. It doesnt make me feel more included as a youth. It takes away my familiarity of the service. There are better ways to include youth in a service. Having a large roster of servers who have attended training sessions and get to share the duties at the altar, for example. There are too many churches in which only one or two youths get this privilege, and a call for new people to join the guild is never given. so in the bible. Many times parts of scripture have been given many interpretations and we often see contradictions. We see T.V. evangelists with their open bibles using politics and fear tactics, displaying judgement and bigotry while collecting large sums of money from poor poverty stricken people while they themselves live in luxury. We see popes and bishops arguing over doctrine and dogma until we wonder how the world has gotten the message of Jesus so twisted. Now we have computers and books of all sorts where there is so much at our disposal for education. In this century there is no need for ignorance. Nobody with sensible knowledge can look at the infant stages of the scriptures as something relative to our day. Even St. Paul who certainly saw God in Jesus and was willing to face martyrdom was often explaining the concept of God in the best way possible to uneducated people and also people who believed in other gods. We are to remember that he was speaking to the people of his time. The Bible is the greatest book ever written. It has survived for thousands of years and will The lack of standardization of the Anglican church is a problem. It is impossible to walk into any Anglican church knowing what sort of service you have engaged in until the opening prayer. I would love to be able to attend a service at the nearest Anglican church, no matter where I am in the province, and be greeted with the same reverence and respect for tradition across the border. Leaving the decision of how to run the church up to each individual rector has left rifts between churches so great it would not be wrong to say that new denominations of Anglicanism have formed within their own church. If I wanted to worship in a Pentecostal style, I would

march 2014

This is garbage Lack of understanding

This is garbage. This does not reflect the faith In the space of this that we have inherited Epiphany Season, I have from Christ and his discifound opportunity to read ples. This does not reflect and reread recent articles the love and grace of God. of Anglican Life. In my I do hope that there are no reading and pondering, vulnerable persons that I have concern with the read that letter, nor any letter to the editor in Jan- children, who might be uarys issue. The Angli- otherwise influenced by can understanding of our grotesque imagery in the Christian heritage does not skies, on highways, and in hold to a literal interpre- hospital operating rooms. tation of the Scriptures. I We as church must be Thessalonians 4:13 18 responsible for what we does not give us licence display to others. This to consider a theological does not reflect the faith understanding of rapture. and the expression of the The letter offered by El- Anglican Church. This is dridge Thorne suggests a sad reflection of the love that we should prepare and grace of God that we ourselves to read and learn proclaim each time we Scriptures according to gather to celebrate with his literal interpretation, praise and thanksgiving, which suggests that if we the presence of the Risen are not saved we shall Lord in our midst. not be accepted into the rapture, and we will be David Burrows left behind with others in airplanes, in cars, at the end of the world. continue to survive. It is a wonderful history of how mankind from the very beginning has been eager to discover the mystery of God. But the Bible was compiled by humans with omissions and additions in translations mostly brought about by the early churches and royalty. This makes it a very human book as well as divine. The wonderful divine message all through its pages is what makes it holy. I am hopeful that the future will make us more aware of new books that have information to allow us to understand the bible more clearly. Many of us havent heard about midrash, allegory, imagery, which writers of the synoptic gospels often used. Perhaps we dont fully understand who the Scribes, Pharisees, and Essenes were. And perhaps learning about the full history of the Jews might help also. I am hopeful also that something new will take the place of hysterical fundamentalism and conservative hypocrisy. Then we will receive Christs true message of love, compassion, and peace among mankind. Florence Maud Pinhorn

Get it straight, rectors

Dear Editor, The new phenomenon sweeping the Anglican churches in Newfoundland seems to be a drastic evangelization and political correction of service procedures, hymns and auxiliary groups. This, it seems, is an attempt to lure the younger generation back into church. It seems that the older clergy and vestry members of churches across the island are attributing the declining number of youth in their congregations to a tradition too dull, boring and dated, and are expecting drums and electric guitars on Sundays to bring the youth back to the pews. Have they ever thought they could be doing the opposite? Personally, as a 22 year old Anglican, immersed in the Anglican tradition for my entire life, I can say that this evangelization is what has been pushing me away. I know of several others around my age who feel the same. We are in search of an Anglican church rich with tradition, reverence and solemnity that also welcomes young people. Churches of this style seem to be few and far between in St. Johns. I grew up sitting in the back pew of the church every Sunday, reading from the Book of Common Prayer and belting the hymns from the old blue Hymn Book--- music packed with gusto and history. Shine Jesus Shine is a fantastic hymn, but not for parading the CLB colours to the altar. I learned to take men as a term for humanity in general. I learned every word to every prayer and most hymns by heart. Whether the old Psalter or the new Book of Common Praise is under my nose, I will still sing the words I am used

go to a Pentecostal church. I would never trade the bellowing sound of a pipe organ for an electric guitar. Not on Sunday mornings, at any rate. Get it straight, rectors. Anglican youth who want to go to church will go to church. We dont need to be lured. Youre trying to hard. A frustrated youngster, Ashley Bradley

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2014 march

Gathering for Lay Ministers

Distractions for faithfulness

they feel entitled to have an opinion on every single move me makes. Do we not have anything else to occupy our time? It is true that my exposure to the outside world is limited to the headlines in my news and weather app on my smart phone most days. I get a quick glimpse of local and international news, including business, entertainment and health. Anything else and I figure if its not on Facebook or Twitter I dont see it. I blame my kids, they keep me busy and the evening news comes on at bedtime. Truth be told, I am to blame. I rely on technology to inject a little news into my day and the target audience is likely more interested in Mr. Bieber than it is in the Middle East, the flu outbreak or the state of Obamacare. I probably need to work a little harder to get past all the silly stuff and get some real idea of what is going on in the world. But I think maybe many of us linger over the silly things in order to delay seeing the reality of the situation. Dont we all spend too much time worrying over the small inconveniences in our lives rather than working on the big picture? It makes me realize that I need to get back focussing on my faith. We are here to serve God and His purpose, so we need to see past all the distractions and find out how He is working in the world and what we can do to help. The question is, how?

Allison Billard

Columnist

Article by Beverly Buffett

The clergy of the Burin Deanery hosted a gathering for Lay Ministers and Eucharistic Assistants on January 25, 2014. This event was held at Holy Trinity Church in Burin and The Revd Terry Caines offered a presentation on Messianic Miracles. The event started with twenty-nine lay and clergy gathered for Morning Prayer from the Book of Common Prayer, which refreshed body, mind,

and soul as they meditated on Gods word. The day continued with the presentation on the Messianic Miracles. This was a wonderful learning experience and lively discussion followed as they discussed the miracles Jesus performed that set him apart from other healers at the time. There was discussion on how the Pharisees perceived Jesus, how these miracles affect us today, how others perceive us as Christians, and what our mission as members of the Church of God are

for us today. After the presentation and discussion the morning concluded with a delicious lunch that was prepared by members of the ACW. All enjoyed this time of fellowship and learning and many are wondering when and where the next gathering will take place.

I think I have a technology dependency, and its ruining my view of the world. When I login to Facebook or Twitter, or when I read the headlines of the day, what stands out? Justin Biebers latest antics: Arrest in Florida on a DUI charge, smiling in his mug shot, then and this one is the best over 100,000 Americans signed a petition to send him back to Canada. The funniest item I saw was a Facebook meme (a photo or cartoon with a topical caption overlaid) of Biebers mug shot that says sorry America, we have a strict you break it, you bought it policy in Canada. I lold. In all the Bieber news I think what bothers me most is that hes just a kid. He is a young guy, with a little fame to his name, making some bad decisions. Weve seen this story a million times and we just keep watching and reading and apparently signing petitions. Its just entertainment. Hes a singer, people pay to see him perform and to listen to his music. So then his whole life becomes entertainment and

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ANGLICAN LIFE in Newfoundland and Labrador is the newspaper of the Anglican Church in the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador. A co-operative effort of the three Dioceses in Newfoundland and Labrador, it is publishes ten issues each calendar year with an independent editorial policy. Anglican Life is a section of the Anglican Journal Editor: The Revd Sam Rose 8 Croydon Street Paradise, NL A1L 1P7 Email: samrose@nl.rogers.com

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NEWFOUNDLAND & LABRADOR

march 2014

middle

Editorial
a small grey area in the middle. What was considered good decades ago is not so today - consider slavery in the Great Britain and the United States as an example. It is the same with what was bad years ago, such as homosexuality, which was punishable in our own country with imprisonment until 1969. The point of the illustration was that today the grey area in the middle has grown wider and the extremes of what society considers good and bad have diminished. I would like to think that some via media Anglicans those middle grounders had something to do with these and other important changes in society. Perhaps being a Church that embraces diversity, we have learned to broaden our minds and beliefs by simply worshipping and being together and not trying to convince each other who is right or wrong. Anglicanism is not (nor ever was) one large homogeneous church where everyone has to think or believe in the same way. Our Church is, as Archbishop Desmond Tutu described, a rainbow people of God. Our strength is rooted in Christ as we share Gods love to a hurting world, even though how we understand God and each other may be radically different. Or I could be completely out to lunch on the whole issue? If you think I am, you are more than welcome to write me a Letter. There is always room for diversity in Anglican Life.

Advertising Rates and other information may be obtained from: Bishop Donald Young 34 Fraser Road, Gander, NL, A1V 2E8 Phone: (709) 256-7701 Email: jointcommittee@nfld.net Subscription Rates: Newfoundland and Labrador: $15.00 Outside the province: $20.00 International: $25.00 New subscriptions, cancellations, & changes of address should be sent to: Circulation The Anglican Journal (attn. Bev Murphy) 80 Hayden Street, Toronto, ON, M4Y 3G2 (416) 924-9192 (O) (416) 925-8811 (fax) Email: circulation@national.anglican.ca Each parish is responsible for maintaining its own subscription list - please notify your parish office of any changes. Changes sent to parish offices may take months to take effect. Please also send your updated information to Circulation at the Anglican Journal (above) or to Don Young at 34 Fraser Road, Gander NL A1V 2E8. Articles and photographs: Send to the Editor (above) Letters to the Editor: Send to the Editor, Sam Rose (address as above). All letters must include the writers name, address, and telephone number. Telephone numbers will not be published. Anglican Life does not publish letters under nom de plume. Letters should not exceed 300 words (one double spaced typewritten page), and are subject to editing at the discretion of the editor. These policies were adopted by the Anglican Life Committee. Layout & Design by: Sam Rose Printed and Mailed by: Webnews Printing Inc. 8 High Meadow Place North York, ON, M9L 2Z5

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simply his understanding of the text. There are many understandings of what God had said and continues to say through the Bible. While Mr. Thornes understanding may come The Revd Sam Rose from a more conservaEditor tive or literal reading, how is his opinion worth For almost six years any less than someone as your Editor, I have else? While it may not tried to keep Anglican be your understanding Life focused on sharing or you may not like to the Good News of Jesus read what he thinks, he Christ through your ar- is free to express it. And ticles and photographs. you are free to express There have been many, your view as well. There many, many remarkable is always room in Anglistories about what God can Life for opinions that is doing in and through help us either broaden Anglicans in our three our viewpoint or solidify Newfoundland & Labra- our understanding. The dor dioceses. We should only criterion should be be proud of our Church and the way God is weaving His story through us. On only rare occasions, articles have found their way into your what we communicate newspaper that have in Christian love, not in caused much controver- hatred or malice. sy and consternation. I have always beApparently this hap- lieved that Anglicanisms pened with a Letter to strength is in our diverthe Editor in the January sity. Some critics say that 2014 issue. While all sub- this is our weakness. But missions are subject to I think most Anglicans scrutiny by the Editor, I hold the middle ground have never allowed any- in terms of biblical, docthing that spews hatred, trinal and theological unbigotry, racism, sexism, derstandings. In Anglihomophobia or slander. can tradition, this middle Believe me, there are ar- ground has been called ticles that cross my desk the via media or the midthat you would never dle way between the exbelieve were written by tremes of Protestantism someone claiming to be and Roman Catholicism. a Christian. However, But, as an Anglican, how the letter from Mr. Elridge can we know what is Thorne, in my opinion, the via media the middid not contain any of the dle ground -- unless we above offensive qualities. know what the extremes Although many of are? you did not appreciate I heard an illustration Mr. Thornes interpreta- recently that our worldtion of the Bible, from my view years ago was mostreading of his letter, it is ly black and white with

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2014 march

Lent - old habits or new possibilities

worker. They all offered new theories to alter his behavior. Over time the boy was made to walk like everyone else. The parents were relieved; the doctors, the psychiatrist and the social workers were proud of their success. The boy began to see the world as others saw it: dirty, ugly, polluted and filled with persons obediently doing what was expected of them. His short-lived posture that enabled him to appreciate the world more easily was ended. Now he was like everyone else. God turns things (and people) upside down! Intentionally! The only real purpose for us on this planet is to love and learn. We are wired for that but it seems that humans are the only species that is hell-bent and determined to rebel against its nature. A flat-fish has no desire to live on the government wharf. Bakeapples dont yearn for beaches in Florida. Our cat does not take baths. We are the only kind that rebels against the Creator. We are the

Choir retirement

Bishops Message
only ones who want to be the Creator and Master of all.except for the cat maybe. Lets look at the Gospel for the first Sunday in Lent (The Temptation in the Wilderness). Satan is pretty slick by tempting Jesus, the Incarnate God, with food, power and security. Here are the weak spots where we are most likely to veer off and blindly participate in an economic system that essentially looks after itself. Scripture reminds us repeatedly that God does things differently: My ways are higher than your ways (Isaiah 55), Fatheryou have hidden these things from the wise and revealed them to children (Matthew 11), Christ Crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles (I Cor. 1). The love of God is indeed a bizarre notion that takes everything we know, tosses it up in the air, only to have it land upside-down. But Gods love cannot be known in any other way. I encourage you to spend some time with your Bible this Lenten season. Read about the temptation in the Garden of Eden and the temptation in the wilderness. Read about the cross, the only place, where Gods justice and Gods love are seen together.

The Rt. Revd Percy Coffin

Bishop Western Newfoundland

Robert Kysar in John: the Maverick Gospel relays this little chestnut of a story. The story is about a boy who learned to walk on his hands instead of his feet. The story is about the pressure put on him to conform. As far as the boy was concerned everything was pleasant, Walking on his hands had gave him a different perspective on life. He could smell flowers without having to stoop; he was so close to the earth that he looked through the blades of grass; he was eye to eye with butterflies pitched on flowers. The boys parents took a different view of this experience. They saw their child as a misfit so they took him to a medical doctor and then a psychiatrist, then a social

Many Years of Music Ministry. On November 17, 2013, a congregational potluck was held in honour of Elizabeth Collins of St. Augustines, Hare Bay in recognition of her 32 years serving as a member of the choir. Shown in the picture with Mrs. Collins (left) is the rector The Revd Betty Harbin (right)who presented Elizabeth with a certificate in appreciation for her years of service and a picture of the choir, then and now. Submitted by Clyde Seaward.

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Percy

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In the valley of Shadow part one

The Revd John Watton Guest Columnist

march 2014

A Christians journey through cancer

The nurses are all smiles and are chatting when I wake up. You are still in the operating room. Your biopsy is done, and the doctor will be right back to have a word with you, they tell me. How are you doing old boy?.... Things went well. A little pause. The doctor looks at me to make sure I am getting it. You have a tumor. There some things we have to do. We will start with an MRI, and decide on treatments. I might be getting ahead of myself here, but we both know what this is. Another pause. Lets wait for the pathology and MRI results, and Ill see you in the Cancer Clinic. The MRI revealed the location and size of the tumor, and spots and shadowson mylungs and neck. While these turned out to be of no concern, the pathology confirmed stage three cancer at the base of my tongue and throat. Within a short time I was registered at the Cancer Clinic , and learned the raw details. The tumor is cancer. Its a large one We honestly dont know how this is going to go. Surgery means we will remove your tongue and most of your vocal cords.

Your best option is Chemotherapy and Radiation. If it doesnt work, we are not burning the bridge. We can do the operation later, but believe me surgery is your very last option. T h a t we e k I wa s scheduled to attend the General Synod of Our Church. Now I was preparing for a different journey. Off we went, reflecting on everything that had happened up to this point. After some family time and discussions, we began to let everyone know what was going on. I am blessed in the Parish I serve. There are many stories to be shared of the love, compassion and faithfulness of the Church through my illness and treatments. From the very beginning I resolved to share everything that was about to happen on a regular basis with the Parish and the larger Church. I suppose the reasoning and motivation for this was simple. First of all, I love the Church, and as a Priest, called and ordained, I know my responsibilities of witness and teaching. Secondly, I am experienced enough in the Valley of Shadows to be able to point out to people some of the Sightings of Grace that I had experienced there.

I began a blog, and was able to continue writing throughout the whole process. Sightings of Grace in the Valley of the Shadow, was my chosen metaphor. It was shared online, and published on paper for Church members who did not have internet access. I had no idea of how dark, terrifying and demanding this walk was going to be. The doctors and nurses began, as best they could, to prepare me for what was to come. Every part of my Physical Mental and Spiritual being would be tested and threatened by death. The treatment had to be aggressive if I was to have a chance . The duration and dosage of Chemotherapy was far above that considered

normal or safe. One of the Doctors in Gander insisted that I get a feeding tube which would allow nutrition to be pumped directly into my stomach. It saved my life. Extensive Chemotherapy and Radiation burned my neck and throat. I could no longer swallow, drink or talk; eight months without food brought me from 200 pounds down to 89. The journey includes more than challenges to physical health. Cancer demands control over daily affairs, personal finances, family, Church and ministry. I have always tried to encourage many hurting people to Leave it to God and trust His perfect will.

The prayer I wrote before beginning treatment was: Come Lord, and gently lay your hands on my body and my heart. Come Lord, I trust you with my loved ones and my affairs. Come lord, and use my weakness to Bless your Church. There were days and nights when that prayer seemed unreachable. It can be tough to separate beauty from ashes when you are badly wounded. Ill let you know how it went.

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2014 march

The poor among us

seen in the Churchs response to the poor, i.e., how the church serves those who live in poverty. Take for example the story of one such person whose identity I will protect by calling her Grace. Grace is a single mom with a four-year-old child. She has tried to make it on her own but recently laid off from her work her only source of income is her E.I. of four hundred dollars ($400.00) a month. Thats incredible! And from that $400.00 she has to pay her rent ($225.00 a month), her light bill (which she cant afford and is always in the arrears), plus buy food and other necessities for her son. As she said to me, I dont care about myself as long as he is taken care of. Like any mother she wants what is best for her child but we have to admit that her statement is a sad and desperate one. I might also add that in her present situation she has no help or subsidy from government and therefore she is totally dependent on food banks, the Church, and other charitable institutions. What is the Churchs response to the poor? What are the attitudes of society towards the poor? What does the Bible have to say? A LOT! How many churches emphasize serving the poor as much as the Bible itself does? I think it is fair to say that there are some societal attitudes toward the poor mostly distain and fear. Who are these people? Sometimes there is a suspicion that their condition is their own fault, that they are simply lazy or inferior or that they are being manipulative. To be fair, other people are more kind-hearted. But still they prefer not to look at the poor too closely; it is depressing, and they are surely not fun people to be with. How does that compare to Gods attitude towards the poor? From cover to cover, from Old Testament to New Testament, from one book to the next, the Bible presents Gods character and concern for the poor as a model for us and his church. God doesnt love the poor anymore than the rest of his people but read the Bible and we discover that neediness arouses Gods compassion for action. God identifies with the poor, blesses the poor, and calls us to serve the poor. What you will not find in the Bible is that ministry to the poor is a program of the Church. Nor will you find excuses to serve them Once or twice a year When you feel like it If they are being honest. I suppose if we mind to we can find plenty of reasons why we cannot go out and feed the hungry, why we have to turn away the needy borrower. But all those reasons belong to our sinful human nature, not to God. God just wants those needy people helped. Needless to say clergy as well as their lay counter parts have a lot to worry about and to be concerned about when it comes to church life. There are so many needs. A more serious worry is what will happen to us, our churches, and for that matter our government and nation, if we dont serve the poor. The poor are among us it is real. Poverty and homelessness exists! Moreover, the more affluent and prosperous our society becomes, the greater the disparity between the rich and the poor, hence, the greater the burden on the backs of the poor. The poor do not want to be poor, no more than any of us. And the last thing we want to do is to add to their misery. But that is exactly what we do when we cease to act. Because God is concerned for the poor, the Church has a responsibility to equal Gods concern to plead for their cause, to be their advocate and defender. Simply, to do what is right; to exercise compassion.

The Revd Gregory Mercer

Columnist

The life of a clergy is unique in many ways but especially when it comes to relationships. The fact is we are involved in peoples lives; we fellowship with them, we share in their joys as well as their sorrows; we laugh with them and we are there when they are hurting. And most of time it is not so much what we say but rather the very fact of being present with them as one who shares their faith which for many is an inestimable treasure. Other times we are there to provide HOPE in practical ways. For me personally the greatest challenge is

The cloud of witnesses

sorts? Ive often wondered about that, many times. Could I, even if I were a great theologian, which I certainly am not, give her a definite answer? A day or so afterward I met a very religious old friend, so I asked him for an explanation. He gave me a fascinating answer. The cloud of witnesses, he stated, are our loved ones who have gone before us. They are not millions of miles away. Scientists have probed light years into space, but have not seen heaven there. Besides, he continued, Jesus himself said that the kingdom of heaven is around us, among us, not way up there. I firmly believe, he stated, that when we die with God there is no far away. So, our departed loved ones are with us, among us, praying for us that your beloved mother- dead for several yearsis at your side when you visit your old home? Or, when you have committed some forbidden sin, havent you felt a twinge of your old grandfathers disapproval? Maybe I have too active an imagination, he mused, but many other similar experiences have seemed so vivid and realnot whims of my imagination. In any case, he concluded, can you, or anybody else, conclusively prove to me that my theory is wrong? What can I say to that??? Sounds sensible to me!
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Ronald Clarke

Columnist

Recently I had a long talk (a question-and-answer session actually) with a very intelligent young lady. She has become quite interested in the Bible, and is very intrigued by so many strange statements shes found there. This cloud of witness that surrounds us, she asked, who are they? What are they doing here? Why dont they contact us, interact with us? Are they angels? Spirits of some
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we slip through a veil, into a marvellous new dimension, not bound by time and space, nor far away,
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to join them in Gods kingdom of eternal bliss. Have you ever had the feeling, he asked,

march 2014

The Consecration

As Bishop of the Diocese of East

brought Peter to Jesus, the elder Peddle looked lovingly on his younger brother who would soon With files from the Cathedral become a bishop in the Parish of St. John the Baptist Church of God. In addition to visitIs it your will that ing Anglican clergy, the we ordain Geoffrey a Consecration brought bishop? asked the Most representatives of the Revd Claude Miller, the other denominations and Metropolitan of the Ec- faiths who greeted Bishop clesiastical Province of Peddle and prayed that his ministry would be Canada. It is, came the re- abundantly blessed. Their Honours Frank sounding reply from over 1000 worshippers gath- F. Fagan, Lieutenant Govered in the historic Angli- ernor of Newfoundland can Cathedral of St. John & Labrador and Patricia Fagan attended the the Baptist. The occasion was the worship along with civic Consecration & Installa- representatives such as tion of The Venerable Dr. MHA Paul Lane, Mayor Geoffrey Curtis Ralph Randy Simms of the City Peddle as the fifth Bishop of Mount Pearl and St. of Eastern Newfound- Johns City Councillor land & Labrador held on Bruce Tilley and others. The music was conFriday 17 February 2014, anticipating the Feast of ducted by Cathedral Orthe Confession of St. Peter ganist and Choir Director David Drinkell who, along the Apostle. The beautiful liturgy with assisting organist was presided over by Sharon Whalen, played Archbishop Miller and music by Charles Hylton the preacher was Brig- Stewart, Adrian Batten, adier General (Retired) Franz Josef Haydn and a The Venerable Dr. Gerald Choral Fanfare Alleluia Peddle, the older brother by Peter Philips. During the Communion, the Caof the new Bishop. The Cathedral, filled thedral Choir sang the to capacity, included vis- Benedictus and Agnus iting and retired bishops Dei and the motet Tu es from other Anglican Dio- Peter (You are Peter) by ceses including The Most Giovanni da Palestrina. Revd Fred Hiltz, Primate The organ postlude was of the Anglican Church of Marche Pontificale by Charles-Marie Widor. Canada. As a reflection of the In his sermon, Archdeacon Gerald Peddle relationship with Abfocused on the character original members of of Saint Peter and his the Diocese, the Lords strengths and weakness- Prayer was prayed in es as a disciple of the the traditional Inukitut Lord. Peter struggled in language by Charlotte his ministry, yet his faith Winters-Fost. The new Bishop was helped him overcome his inadequacies to become presented with his Episcothe first Bishop of Rome. pal ring, a joint gift from Comparing Peters older the Church of the Ascenbrother Andrew who first sion, the Church of the
Article by The Revd Sam Rose Editor

The Rt. Revd Dr.

Photos by Leslie Howlett Photography. Courtes

I exhort the elders among you to tend to the flock of God that is in your charge...
From the 1 Epistle of St. Peter 5:1-4 read by Adam Peddle, Son of the new Bishop

I install you, Geoffrey the Cathedra appointed

Dean of E

Encourage the faithful, restore the lost, build up the Body of Christ...
The Bishop was vested in Cope by Kathy Peddle Wife of the new Bishop

With your fellow bisho leadership of the Churc

visitin

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n & Installation of

2014 march

. Geoffrey Peddle
Good Shepherd and the Cathedral. The ring was made by local jeweller Terry George. One side of the ring is engraved with a spruce twig representing the Archdeaconry of Labrador; the twig is in two sections, a longer outer growth and shorter inner growth. The inner growth reminding us of times past, the outer representing our hope for the future. The other side is engraved with the codfish representing the heritage of the Avalon Peninsula. The fish symbol was a secret sign used by early Christians to identify safe places where they could meet for worship and fellowship. The new Bishops Pastoral Staff and gold Pectoral Cross were gifts from his friends which are engraved with the baptismal names of Bishop Peddle and the date of his Consecration. In addition to his Consecration, the new Bishop was installed as Diocesan Bishop which was symbolically enacted by the new Bishop leaving the Cathedral though a side exit and seeking permission to re-enter as the new Diocesan by knocking on the Great West Doors three times with his Pastoral staff. The Dean of the Diocese, the Very Revd Josiah Noel along with the Cathedral Chapter, the Archdeacons and Canons of the Diocese, then seated the Diocesan in his Cathedra (the Episcopal Chair) which officially granted Bishop Peddle the full power and authority as the Diocesan Bishop of Eastern Newfoundland & Labrador. Following the Holy

tern Newfoundland & Labrador

Eucharist, Bishop Peddle then concluded the liturgy with a blessing for the City of St. Johns and the whole Diocese at the entrance of the Great West Doors. he prayed these words: Gracious God, may our eyes be open to the needs of the people who reside here; may our hearts be moved to uphold the dignity of every individual; and may our minds and hands work to bring peace, justice, and compassion to all your people. A time of fellowship was held in the Cathedral Parish Hall hosted by the Congregation and ACW. The Right Reverend Dr. Geoff Peddle was born in Bonavista and grew up in Trinity, Lethbridge, and Whitbourne as the son of a railroader. He holds BA and MA degrees from Memorial University, a Master of Divinity from Queens College, and a PhD in Empirical Theology from Cardiff University in Wales. Ordained in 1987, he has served in the Parishes of Lake Melville, Arnolds Cove, The Ascension, and The Good Shepherd in Mount Pearl. He has also served as Diocesan Executive Officer and most recently as Provost and Vice-Chancellor of Queens College. He has been married for 27 years to Kathy, a nurse, and they have two sons: Adam, an engineer, who is completing a Master of Science degree in Applied Mathematics at the University of Limerick in Ireland; and Benjamin, who is completing a Master of Library and Information Science degree at the University of Western Ontario in London.
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sy of the Cathedral Parish of St. John the Baptist

You are called to guard the faith, unity, and discipline of the Church...to be a faithful pastor and wholesome example for the entire flock...
The Preacher was Brigadier General (Ret.) The Venerable Dr. Gerald Peddle (right), Brother of the new Bishop

The new Bishop is seated in his episcopal chair (cathedra) by the Very Revd Josiah Noel Eastern Newfoundland & Labrador

Curtis Ralph Peddle, in d for your office.

ops you will share in the ch...

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The new Bishop is surrounded by ng bishops from across the Church

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10

Cursillo Revista in Gander

Article by Stella Walsh

march 2014

On Saturday, January 17 th, 2014, the Diocese of Central Newfoundland Cursillo held a Revista at St. Martins Parish Hall in Gander following the theme of My grace is sufficient for you. This event provided the opportunity to enter into the spirit of renewal, re-commitment and revisiting; focusing on the role that Gods grace plays in our lives. In the spirit of emphasizing our unity as one in the body of Christ, this article will touch on several key points from the many wonderful talks and interactions of the event, omitting a list of names and activities. We will say a general thank you to all who hosted, helped, and participated in the Revista, and to the approximately sixty-five people who travelled and came out in the unfavorable weather. We also give thanks to God for His grace in the form of the Holy Spirit at this gathering. At the beginning of the Revista, Gods grace was evident in the number of individuals who felt moved to attend the event as visitors,

and find out more about the Cursillo method. To the accompaniment of As We are Gathered, they were warmly welcomed and introduced. One of the many inspiring talks during the event presented the idea that grace is difficult to define. This sparked much general discussion among the participants d u r i n g breaks in the schedule. They were eager to share their own definitions, as well as their experiences with Gods grace in their lives. When the song Holy Ground was introduced, we were reminded that ground is not holy because of where it is, but because Jesus is with us, and we claim it as holy with love, peace and the example of our lives lived with Gods grace. Another talk remind-

ed us of Pauls weakness, the thorn in his side, that he asked God to remove. Gods response was that His grace was sufficient and His strength is revealed in Pauls weakness. This talk also explained the idea of

kinetic grace versus static grace. It reminded us that we need static grace (potential energy) to tap into in order to be kinetic or dynamic (moving). The Eucharist is the center of this. Jesus the Shepherd is the door where we move in and out of static grace, restoring us to go out into the world to share the kinetic grace of forgiveness and love. This talk was fol-

lowed by the Holy Eucharist, where we were given the opportunity to experience the transcendence of time, as we fulfilled Jesus request to remember me and know that He was present with us. The witness speaker for the Revista gave a wonderful personal account of coming to know the joy of making Jesus the center of her faith journey, not keeping her main focus on good works alone. She spoke of having come to know the joy of the cross and depending on God in all situations, looking to the Holy Spirit for guidance, and seeing challenges as opportunities for growth. She summed up the theme of her talk as the joy of the Lord is my strength. The spiritual and general response to the witness talk highlighted the following points: that grace is what we need right now; that Gods

grace is His presence and is a gift to us, given freely; that there is wonder in meeting Jesus through the Eucharist, causing our hearts to burn in His presence. The final talk of the Revista explained the meaning of Revista and why it came into existence in the Central Diocese Cursillo. There was a presentation on the use of memories to remind us of Gods grace in our lives and different forms of prayer. This was followed up by small group discussions about specific memories from our own Cursillo Weekend and our own experiences of prayer. The Revista for 2014 was a wonderful mixture of talks, discussions, praise and prayer, breaking bread in the Eucharist and in a shared meal, and fellowship. As we worshipped and praised God, He blessed the event with the gift of His presence in the form of the Holy Spirit. But he said to me, My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christs power may rest on me. (2 Corinthians 12:9 NIV)

Deputy what?!?
just what a prolocutor is, let alone a deputy prolocutor. Its not everyone, of course, since anyone who has been around General Synod or Provincial Synod would be familiar with the term. I find myself that I am just learning exactly whats involved in the role since, being familiar with the term and explaining what a prolocutor or deputy prolocutor does, are two different things. I should also admit to feeling a certain weight of the responsibility to do this properly following, as I do, on the heels of many people from Newfoundland and Labrador who have served our Anglican Church of Canada so well over the years, coupled with being the first person from this province elected as either Prolocutor or Deputy Prolocutor. So again, what exactly does the Prolocutor or Deputy prolocutor do? Of course, there is a constitutional definition of the roles - the Prolocutor is an associate of or assistant to the Primate, assists in the chairing of General Synod or Council of General Synod and is ex-officio of all committees. As is generally the case, the Deputy Prolocutor would fill in if the Prolocutor were absent and shares any other duties that the Prolocutor designates. In my case for example, the Prolocutor, Harry Huskins, has delegated to me liaison duties for some of the committees of which he is ex-officio member. Both the Prolocutor and the Deputy Prolocutor are also members of the Council General Synod and of the Officers Group (which has its own set of responsibilities). Thats the official description. But once again, what does that all mean? Behind the official language and constitutional descriptions, I see it as boiling down to this - mine is the job of assisting, of keeping in the background, being open to the leading of the Holy Spirit in the counsels of the Church, looking at the larger picture, keeping my eyes and ears open to see and hear what is happening in the Church but also what the concerns and cares are of its many and varied constituents. I have the blessing and privilege of being a servant of this Anglican Church of ours in a way that allows me to see how all the pieces fit together, how the many groups and individuals and committees and staff and elected members all come together like pieces of a great puzzle, a puzzle whose scene, we pray, is drawn in concert with a loving and generous God. Its an awesome job and the bottom line is that I am ever grateful to this Church and to God for affording me the opportunity to serve in this way.

Article by Cynthia Haines-Turner

It is perhaps a testimony to the esoteric terms we like to use in the Church that people get such a puzzled look on their face when they hear the term prolocutor or in my case deputy prolocutor. Having been elected to the position in July at General Synod, I find one of my greatest challenges has been to explain to people

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2014 march

11

Laying the Stone - part 2

Columnist David Davis

Our History

Readers will remember that the first part of this article appeared in the November 2013 issue of this newspaper. Since these two articles report on the events of one day it would be useful ifreaders would reread the first part of this article before turning to the present one. For the readers who do not have the previous article(part one) it might be summarized by saying that on Tuesday, July 28, 1835 the corner stone of a new church was laid at Harbour Grace for St Pauls Parish. Many dignitaries including the Governor, Henry Prescott and leading persons from St Johns such as John Dunscomb and leading merchants from Conception Bay such as Thomas Ridley and leading clergy such as Rev John Burt, priest at St Pauls who had raised much of the money for the new church, were present. At the time when the present article begins the laying of the cornerstone for the church has just been completed and Governor Prescott had found an eminence from which the crowd could be addressed . The governors address was followed by an address to him by the local mechanics institute representing the middle class operatives who worked in the many professions and trades which kept the economy moving. Mechanics did work that was learned as a trade, under the supervision of a master mechanic, Many of these skills would be connected with ships and shipping, such as block-making, devices for hoisting spars and sails on ships.

The Document
To the inhabitants of Harbour-Grace this was a solemnly interesting scene; for, in addition to the attendance of nearly all the inhabitants of Harbour-Grace, and a great number from Carbonear, we observed many ladies from St Johns, including Mrs and Miss Sarah Dunscombe, Miss Lilly, and others ; also, Mr Robinson in his yacht from Brigus, with a party of ladies and gentlemen-the Magistrates of Port de Grave;-we also saw Mr Jobs yacht from St Johns, and we regret that the yacht of Messrs Thomas and Francis did not reach, on account of contrary winds till the ceremony was over. It was a source of great gratification to observe all classes and all creeds assisting at this ceremony, the whole of which was conducted with greatest harmony and good feeling. Not less than 2000 souls were present, An assembly of so many people during the fishery could not have been expected.- The day was extremely fine, with scarcely a cloud to be seen. His Excellency, with his usual urbanity, entertained, at dinner, in the evening, on board his yacht, all the Clergy before...... together with the Hon. Mr. Dunscombe and Thomas H. Brooking, Esq. The Harmonic Society greatly contributed to the hilarity of the day, by playing many lively airs and marches, as opportunity offered. The whole ceremony occupied three hours. His Excellency the Governor appeared to be in high spirits and good health: and we understand he presented the Committee with the handsome donation of TEN POUNDS in aid of the funds for building the church. The following sctripures were selected for the Church Services: 1st Lesson, Ezra-3rd Chap. verse, 2nd Lesson 1st Peter, 2nd Chap. 1st ... Collect for the cementation of St..Simon and St Jude. Immediately after this solemn and interesting occasion, a deputation from the Mechanics Society headed by their President, presented His Excellency with the following: ADDRESS To His Excellency Henry Prescott, Esq. Companion of the Bath, Governor and Commander-in- Chief in and over the Island of Newfoundland, and its Dependencies, &c., &c. May it please Your Excellency- It is with extraordinary feelings of pleasure that the Mechanics Society of Conception Bay avail themselves of the opportunity offered by Your Excellencys visit to this place ..... to this place......lively sentiments of gratitude with which they are penetrated for the assurance, thereby so evidently illustrated, that your Excellency is ardently solicitous to inform yourself of the resources and wants of the colony, and to give that direction to its affairs which shall best secure happiness to the people, and promote the welfare of their country. It will be gratifying to your Excellency to hear that an institution, such as ours, exists in this populous district, and that its objects and rules have their base on those of a similar Society in the metropolis. They have in view the pecuniary relief of the persevering and industrious mechanic. Christian charity-good morals-and, in consequence, subjection to the powers that be include all the fundamentals that compose their code - and, in all their meetings, with either general or local politics, they never interfere. Humble as the persons who have the happiness of addressing your Excellency, they aspire to an honourable report, and it is their fervent hope the doctrine they inculcate may be so widely diffused as to induce a correct feeling throughout the entire population under your Excellencys direction, and to attune their hearts to industry and to virtue. That your Excellency will be pleased to extend your valuable patronage and favour to our institution, will give us the most heartfelt gratification, and with earnest prayers for your Excellencys individual welfare, and for the prosperity of our country, we have the honour subscribe ourselves. Your Excellencys very obedient and humble servants (For and on behalf of the Conception Bay Mechanics Society) Henry Stowe, President Robert Walsh, Secretary Harbour Grace, July 28, 1835 REPLY I have read the rules of your Society with great satisfaction. I wish it all imaginable success, which I shall gladly avail myself of any opportunity to promote. I thank you for the expression of your kind wishes for my welfare, and for your congratulations on the occasion of my first to Conception Bay.

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march 2014

Remembering an Anglican historian

his roots. He missed the water, the boats, and everything that was a part of growing up, which To everything there is included the Church a season--a time to be born of the Good Shepherd. and a time to die. - Book This was exemplified of Ecclesiastes in the book he wrote to At 3 p.m. on January commemorate the 25th 8, a shining light that had anniversary of resetburnt brilliantly for over tlement and the Tacks sixty years, suddenly Beach reunion. flickered and was gone. Despite any upheavThat was the moment al in moving to a new that Howard Brown, an location, Howard mainicon in St. John the Evan- tained an optimistic gelist Church in Topsail view of life and continand in our community, ued to utilize his talents peacefully slipped from in his new environment. our midst into the spiriHowards involvetual realm. ment in all phases of He will be sadly church activities here at missed, not only by his St. John the Evangelist, wife, children and sib- knew no parallel.He lings, but also by his gave his all on vestry, church family and many mens service club, and friends and acquaintanc- multiple committees, es that were touched by and was quick to back his ever presence along up his suggestions and the way. ideas by always quoting Howard was a man a verse from scripture. of wisdom and integriWith his determinaty--gifts he unselfishly tion and perseverance, shared with one and all. he was a prime source in By profession, How- keeping our old church ard was an archivist, and of 150 years alive; and pursued that vocation all brought it to be recoghis working life.But that nized as a Heritage Descalling didnt stop with ignation. He took pride his retirement. He con- in ringing the symbolic tinued with research into bell for Sunday services the past, thus providing during July and Aua large audience with gust in that old church, his manypublications where people from near ofpast life and times in and far delighted in the his beloved Newfound- opportunity to gathland; always providing er with us and particidata to substantiate its patein fellowship and relevance prayer. Then during T o q u o t e a l i n e the week, he facilitated from his brothers eu- tours around its perimlogy,Howards life had eter, delivering history two distinct phases. lessons on structures He was born in Tacks still maintained and ocBeach on an island in cupied--some more than Placentia Bay where he a century old. lived until it resettled in Saying farewell is 1966. His mother, a reg- always a tough assignistered nurse, originally ment. But despite his from Topsail, served academic attributes, on the island as a pub- we will best rememlic health nurse, where ber Howard as a man she met her husband. where naturalness and So it seemed fitting for simplicity always prethe family to gravitate vailed. He was a man back to her home town who believed that livwhen resettlement was ing for Gods approval initiated. was better than living Howard, who was for mans applause--all twenty-one at the time, qualities which gained never lost touch with him credibility.
Article by Louise Smith

Howard Brown. Submitted by Lisa Cox On January 11, Howard was laid to rest in the cemetery adjacent to the old church, while the clanging sounds of the proverbial bell mingled with the words of committal at the graveside. A good man out of the good treasure of his heart, brings forth good. For out of the abundance of his heart his mouth speaks. St. Lukes Gospel

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2014 march

13

25 years of marriage, 25 years of suffering!

Columnist

The Revd Gerald Westcott

On the 28th of January 2014, Valerie and I have been married for twenty five years. Wow! As a younger man, when I heard of someone talking about their silver anniversary, I would have thought or said something like man, youre old! The truth is that 25 years of marriage does bring one into the category of old. So much has changed throughout our twenty five years together. When we first met and started dating, Valerie was all I could think about. My priorities were Valerie, our children, and then God. Now, it is God, Max (our dog), lawn tractor, and a toss up between Valerie and our children! (hehe, only joking!). We have certainly changed over time, but we have changed together. There are many, many joyful and happy memories to recall. Yet as I reflect back over our shared life together, and as I acknowledge where we are now at almost 50 years of age, suffering has been a very real and present component of our lives.

There is suffering and brokenness in all of our lives. Valerie, as a community health nurse, cares for individuals and families who are wounded and broken on a daily basis. At the heart of my own life as a parish priest, is the persistent call to enter into peoples suffering on every conceivable level. When I was a young man, a young husband, a young father, and a young priest, it was only other people who had trouble and who suffered. As an older man of almost 50 years, and a husband and father of 25 years, I too am aware of my woundedness. Suffering is part of life. It is not optional, it cannot be avoided, you cannot run from it. So the question is: how can a person still know happiness, joy, and love even in the midst of pain and suffering? The only answer to this question is a spiritual answer. The larger part of who we are as human beings is Divine, made in the Image of God, the one Spirit or Source that is common to all life. It is part of who I am, it is part of who you are, but we have to do some work to discover and live out of this treasure that is within us. We have to learn to be less consumed with self, our ego, and more open to that large and spacious life within us. Then we are open to our very truest self, which is Divine

and Eternal. Jesus is the Good Shepherd who leads us to this place of Risen and New Life, and He teaches us how to live out of this Divine place. Even in the midst of suffering there is new life. I am blessed with a wonderful wife and companion of 25 years. I am blessed with children whom I love and adore. And I am also blessed with a deepening faith that offers joy and happiness even in the midst of all the struggles and pain that are such a real part of all of our lives. Im ready for another 25!

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100th birthday

14

march 2014

A Century of Life. Hilda Barnes celebrated her 100th birthday on May 7, 2013. A dedicated Anglican from Harbour Mille and a member of the congregation of Garnish, she and now resides at Blue Crest Home in Grand Bank, NL. Submitted by The Revd Neal Buffett.

Reading the Bible - part one

dition criticism, literary criticism and others. The lens used to read the Bible are many and various, and new ones continue to be added. Two early lens were the typological and the allegorical. By the third century, the literal, moral and spiritual lens were in use.These persisted into the Middle Ages when scholasticism gained prominence. The next influence on biblical study was the Renaissance with its interest in the classical period. This was followed by the Reformation when Martin Luther challenged the Church with his criticism and questions. He claimed that the Bible was to be regarded as self-interpreting - one passage interpreting another. Luthers doctrine of the priesthood of all believers placed scriptural interpretation in the hands of the individual. This was made possible with the translation into the spoken languages (previously only Latin) and the introduction of the printing press. It was a radical change. Next we come to the period of the Enlightenment and the beginning of modern science. Here we find the roots of contemporary Bible study. What we see in this sketch is that the reading of the Bible is influenced by culture, current world view, historical events , new discoveries and the prevailing intellectual climate. In 1895 at a meeting of the Bible Conference of Conservative Christians in the USA, a statement defending five points of Christian belief was issued. One of these five fundamentals was the verbal inerrancy of Scripture. Those who use this lens of biblical interpretation are called Christian fundamentalists and often call themselves Bible-believing Christians who insist that this is the only way to read the Bible. Many of these fundamentalists come under the umbrella of Protestantism but most Protestants belong to evangelical and mainline denominations. In fact, every Christian denomination uses its own lens to read the Bible and this is one reason for our differences. In addition people read the Bible through the lens of different theologies, such as liberation, black, feminine, etc. Reading the Bible entails asking who wrote the passage, when, why and who for at the time. It means knowing what kind of writing it may be - history, laws, stories, hymns, proverbs, dreams, visions, letters, prophecies. The bible also uses figures of speech and other literary devices. It is much more than reading it as a literal document. I will continue this further next month. There are lots of books about this subject. Here are three recommendations: What is the Bible? (John Barton); What The Bible really Teaches (Keith Ward); Whose Bible Is It? (Jaroslav Pelikan)

The Revd Everett Hobbs

Columnist

I grew up reading the Bible. As far as I can recall I believed the text as it was written, its literal meaning. When I went to Queens College I was provided with another lens which viewed the text in different light. I was introduced to a critical study of the Bible which required me to too lookbeneath and beyond the literal reading and to consider the language, writing styles, culture, history, and world view which shaped the original writing. The name given to this approach to interpretation was historical-textual criticism which had its origins in the 19th century. Over time I found other lens of a similar make: source criticism, form criticism, redaction criticism, tra-

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2014 march

15

The Executor of an estate

Not an easy task
Columnist Kevin Smith

Recently a friend of mine passed away and I had to meet with her Executor to finalize some details. The Executor mentioned casually that it would take between 12 and 18 months before everything is settled. I was surprised that the process would take so long especially since my friend had a legally drafted Will. However, after some reflection and research, I came to understand why such a time was required. I consulted with the Executors Guide of the Public Legal Information Association of Newfoundland and Labrador. This 18 page document contains a wealth of information about the many duties of the executor. Here are some of them: 1. One of the first things to do as an executor is to locate the original copy of the will. If the will is not in the deceaseds home, it may be in a safety deposit

box or at the office of the lawyer who drafted it. 2. It is normally the duty of the executor to make funeral and burial/ cremation arrangements. However, in some cases the deceased has already made pre-arrangements for this. One should consider the wishes of the deceased. While the decision is that of the executor, it is a good idea to honour any instructions from the deceased. If you have not received specific instructions from the deceased regarding funeral and burial or cremation arrangements, you may find it helpful to review the will for any instructions. It is also a good idea to consult with the deceaseds family and friends and consider their wishes when making the funeral arrangements. In some cases, the deceased may have already made and

possibly paid for arrangements. In most cases, funeral expenses are reimbursed by the estate 3. Record keeping is important! Start keeping detailed records of your activities as executor as soon as you begin dealing with the estate. You will need to provide an

of beneficiaries. This list will be required when submitting an application for probate. It will also be helpful when notifying beneficiaries of their entitlements and of the progress of the estate. 4. In order to complete your duties as an executor, you will need to obtain a

accounting of the estate to the beneficiaries before you close the estate. Keeping records of your activities from the outset will make this easier. List the names and addresses

document, verifying that death has occurred. At the time of death, the attending physician or Medical Examiner will issue a Registration of Death (often referred to as the Death

Certificate). This document will be given to the Funeral Home for completion and registration at the Provincial Department of Vital Statistics. A true copy of the Death Certificate can be obtained from either the attending physician or Medical Examiner. Funeral homes are not permitted to provide copies of the Death Certificate to the public. However, funeral homes can provide a Funeral Directors Statement of Death (or Proof of Death). This is a document traditionally used and accepted as proof of an individuals death. Certified copies of the Registration of Death (Death Certificate) can be obtained from Vital Statistics, if required. In order to complete the Registration of Death (Death Certificate), the funeral home will need certain information about the deceased; this may include the deceaseds full name, birth place, date of birth, place of residence, name of the surviving spouse (if there is one) and parents names and places of birth. Lots of information, for sure! Next month I will address the other duties of the executor and the issue of Probate as outlined in this valuable Guide.. Kevin Smith is the planned giving consultant for the Anglican Church of Canada. He can be reached at 709 739-5667 or by email: kevinsmith709@gmail.com

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16

Parish News in Focus

Labrador youth lead worship

march 2014

On Sunday February 2nd the young people of the parish of Labrador West led the congregation in worship at St. Peters church in Wabush. It was a proud day to be a priest serving in this parish as children from ages 2-13 led a youth service. From Readings, to prayers, to singing, the children expressed their spirituality and the faith that only children can teach us. Embracing the children among us and encouraging their involvement in church is our way to the future of our parishes. We hope to have a youth service every few months in the parish encouraging our young people to come along and get involved in the life of their church. Submitted by the Rev. Jolene Peters

Fortune Christmas
The Sunday School and Confirmation Class Christmas Pageant was held on December 22, 2013. Each year they prepare a Christmas Pageant to perform at All Saints church. They practice each Sunday and on the Saturday prior to the pageant they had a pancake breakfast. The children made crafts and are sent off with a loot bag of goodies all prepared for the program Sunday morning. This year the theme was: Twas the Night Before Christmas at All Saints Church. The children began with an Advent song called We are waiting to celebrate a birthday. Then the Nursery performed a poem, while holding silver stars, called Point and Shine. The Kindergarten to Grade 3 children read a poem, called Christmas is Jesus. Then the Grade 4 to Confirmation ages performed Twas the Night Before Christmas. The closing song was, We wish you a Merry Christmas It was a wonderful program that all enjoyed. Submitted By Beverly Buffett

Moravian Christmas
For the past several years the Church of St. Mary the Virgin in St. Johns, NL has hosted the Moravian Christmas Eve service in their Lady Chapel. In the past Ms. Brigitte Schloss conducted the worship, but this past Christmas, The Revd Fr. John Courage Anglican Hospital Chaplain, led the liturgy. One aspect of the worship is the lighting of a candle placed in an apple. This year, a number of the Moravian congregation took part by bringing forward the characters of the Nativity Story for the Crche. Photo by Vivian Rose.

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