October | 2019 | Anglican Life

St. Luke’s Get’s Its First Vicar and is Instituted as an Ecumenical Faith Comminuty

October 31, 2019 · by anglicanlifenl

From the article by Susan Haskell in the December issue of Anglican Life:

Every year, on the Feast of St. Luke, Bishop Peddle celebrates the Eucharist in the chapel at St. Luke’s. This year, history was made on the October 18th Feast Day when the Bishop formally instituted the ecumenical faith community there as a “special and unique” entity within the Diocese of Eastern Newfoundland and Labrador.

The Ecumenical Congregation of St. Luke, as it is now known, is thought to be the first of its kind within the Anglican Church of Canada, and will hereafter be recognized as a stand-alone community within the Anglican Church, contributing to the collective ministry of its Diocese. The Rev’d Christopher Fowler was inducted as Vicar of the congregation during the celebratory Eucharist, and a post-service reception was enjoyed by all.

cutting the cake.JPG Bishop at the altar.jpg Christopher Fowler.jpg Bishop Peddle speaking.jpg

Marriage Equality in Central Newfoundland

October 28, 2019 · by anglicanlifenl

On October 26th, The Diocese of Central Newfoundland met for a special session of synod to make a decision on marriage equality. In his Charge to Synod, which took place the night before, Bishop John Watton began by acknowledging that it has become very clear that we are standing looking forward, and that the church of today is not what it used to be. He shared his own story of coming back to the church for the baptism of his child 35 years ago after he had come to a place in his own life where “to be honest, we didn’t care much about religious values, culture, or practice.” He had grown up with an impression of God as a tyrant to be feared, and didn’t trust the church. But during that return to church, the rector of the parish called him by name, and Bishop John said that it was as if God was telling him that he doesn’t hate him, but loves him. It was for him “a Holy Conversation.”

John Watton.jpg Bishop John went on to talk about the patience shown to his family as confused but enthusiastic members of the Anglican Church. He spoke of the generous ways that we today listen to the “pain of Indigenous peoples, oppressed women, sexual and industrial slaves, belittled minorities; people who have been and still are being trapped in the darkness of human greed and capitalist avarice.” He stressed that these conversations that are now taking place within the Anglican Church of Canada about LGTBQ+ people is about justice and about listening to the Holy Spirit.

The official wording of the motion that came before synod was as follows:

Therefore, be it hereby resolved that: This Synod of the Diocese of Central Newfoundland accept and endorse the document “A Word to the Church” and the “local option” as set out in the declaration of the House of Bishops, and on that basis affirm the authority of the Bishop of the Diocese to allow parishes and congregations which formally request permission of him or her to perform same sex marriages to do so.

The vote was by secret ballot, and it passed with 87% of those present circling yes on their ballot.

November 2019 Issue

October 25, 2019 · by anglicanlifenl

November 2019 Anglican Life

In The Shed With Rev’d Fred

October 18, 2019 · by anglicanlifenl

For the full article by The Rev’d Fred Marshall, see the November print issue of Anglican Life:

Pic In the Shed with Rev. Fred As a newly ordained priest in my first parish consisting of congregations in Arnold’s Cove, Come By Chance, North Harbour, and Sunnyside, I spent most of the first year listening and observing. One morning while facing the congregation at Saint Michael and All Angels in Arnold’s Cove, I wondered “where are the men?” The community of Arnold’s Cove had a population of approximately 1,000 people and it was estimated that at least sixty percent had an Anglican background. Average Sunday attendance would be less than 35 people, the great majority of whom were female. While some were widows and there were a few men, there is an obvious disconnect in the number of men attending worship. Where were the men and why did they not come to church?

One of the things that I discovered is that a common interest and a place for men, especially in rural areas, is “the shed.” Entering the shed is informal and less intimidating than entering the Lions’ Den or the Church. In the shed everyone is equal. In the shed you can engage in conversation or just sit and listen. In the shed seemed to be a good place for men’s ministry. When the decision was made to have a place for men to gather, men showed up to help prepare a shed behind the rectory and next to the church. Installing a wood stove was a must.

flat

Each year approximately 60 men took part in the project with 20 to 30 attending on Thursday evenings. It was so wonderful to see three generations participate in the project. While they were welcome to attend on Thursday evening, women often dropped by on other days “to see what the men were up to.” An official launching and christening of the boat became part of the Arnold’s Cove Heritage Committee’s opening ceremony

If you wish to check out the amazing fellowship “In the Shed with Rev. Fred—Building a Boat—Building Community” visit our parish Facebook site – https://www.facebook.com/parishofthelivingwater/ I pray you will “Like” us and spread the Word.

Dresses for Haiti

October 16, 2019 · by anglicanlifenl

From the upcoming November issue of Anglican Life:

On September 8th, a total of 40 dresses were taken to Holy Trinity Church in Codroy, and were blessed by our visiting member of the clergy, the Rev’d Jim Reid. The dresses were made by members of the church, and will be sent to Haiti. Many thanks to everyone who made them, and also to those who donated pillow cases for them. May they be enjoyed by all who receive them.