Ashley was a new mom when her partner suddenly passed away and she was forced to leave her home–ending up in the shelter system unable to care for her only son. 

“When my partner passed, I turned to things I probably shouldn’t have, I placed my son with his dad and ended up in the waterford.”   

When she was finally able to receive assistance in finding housing she discovered that all her belongings at a storage facility had been sold off and she was left with nothing to start over again. 

Before Home Again, Ashley’s apartment was a patchwork of scarce items that she had managed to find or been given by kind neighbours. But she still didn’t have a bed or any other furniture for her son, which meant custody wasn’t possible. With the help of Home Again and donated furniture, Ashley was finally able to welcome her son back and give him the home he deserved.

“It means a lot to me to wake up in the morning and make him breakfast and eat at a table together,” said Ashley.

Sadly, we hear these stories too often from parents who aren’t able to have custody while they wait for furniture. And often enough, these parents are also sleeping on a makeshift bed themselves. Our volunteers have seen yoga mats, sleeping bags, folded cardboard boxes, even a wooden pallet with a piece of foam rolled on top, being used as beds by people in our region. 

This is why our annual Heads Without Beds fundraiser is so monumental in changing not only homes but also the lives of hundreds of families and individuals every year. Over the past year, Home Again has seen a 24% increase in requests for furniture. With over 100 households on the waitlist, currently the organization is facing demand beyond comparison. 

During the month of March, Home Again invites community members to join together and fight furniture poverty in our region through the Heads Without Beds fundraiser. You can support your neighbours by creating a team with your family, colleagues or church group, joining as an individual, or even sponsoring a participant who will sleep without their bed for one night. 

“I know the importance of Home Again’s work in the region because my family was helped. I participate in Heads Without Beds, along with my son, because it’s an important lesson about not taking our comforts for granted and giving back where we can.” – Karly MacLeod, volunteer and community participant

Every day, Home Again Furniture Bank receives new requests for items as basic as a bed to sleep in and a table to share a meal around. And every week, our volunteers deliver life-changing furniture to people throughout the Northeast Avalon region. Your support will ensure more people like Ashley and her son will receive a bed to sleep in and the possibility of a better life. 

The generosity of the members of the Anglican Foundation of Canada will be a tremendous help to those waiting for a bed. To learn more about how you can make a life-changing impact on the lives of our neighbours visit our website www.headswithoutbeds.ca or chat to our team member, Maureen. 

Maureen Lymburner, Director of Development

(709) 325-0072
maureenlymburner@homeagainfb.com

The post Helping to Lift Neighbours Off The Floor & Into Beds appeared first on Anglican Life.

In today’s digital age, Anglican Life’s online presence is more necessary than ever. It’s not merely an accessory, but a fundamental tool for engaging readers, reaching broader audiences, and staying relevant in an increasingly fast-paced world.

Firstly, a well-designed website ensures accessibility. Readers can access news at any time, from any location, transcending geographical boundaries. This accessibility caters to the on-the-go lifestyle of modern society, fostering a continuous connection between the publication and its audience.

Moreover, a good website enhances user experience. Our website offers easy navigation, quick load times, and responsive design across devices. This ensures that readers can effortlessly find, read, and share articles, thereby encouraging longer visits and increased interaction.

Additionally, Anglican Life’s website allows for multimedia integration, and when needed can incorporate videos, links, and other interactive elements that enrich storytelling. This multimedia approach not only diversifies content, but also caters to varying reader preferences, enhancing audience engagement.

Our website isn’t just a virtual billboard for the newspaper: it’s the gateway to staying connected, relevant, and responsive to the evolving needs of a digitally-driven audience. In our most recent statistics (at the time of writing this article), Anglican Life’s website had 751 visits in one month, of which 669 were from outside the province of Newfoundland and Labrador—449 from the rest of Canada, 192 from the USA, and the rest from other parts of the world. These aren’t numbers of casual glances, but are the people who have taken the time to read and share articles from Anglican Life.

As the Editor of Anglican Life, I wear a few hats. I edit and design the physical paper (and you can see the PDF of that available on the website, and you can download it if you prefer to read things that way). I oversee the Facebook page, both creating unique social media posts and also re-posting things from other pages that might be of interest to the readers of Anglican Life. But one the things that makes me very happy, which I have launched and helped to design during my time as Editor, is this website. I’ve watched it grow, and am so pleased that you’re here, reading this. Please do share articles on your own social media page, or email them to a friend who might like to read Anglican Life too.

The print paper remains the core of Anglican Life and its readership, and that’s very important to me, but the website is an essential way that we can engage a wider audience. 

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas, and good things for the coming year. Keep clicking the links and reading about the good work that we are doing as the Church in God’s world.

The post Why Does Anglican Life Have This Website? appeared first on Anglican Life.

During the opening eucharist, the Archbishop Linda presented Ms. Debra Gill with the Award of Merit for her ministry when she lived in the Artic.

The Bishop’s theme for Synod, “We are Living Stones,” was chosen, and he asked synod to reflect on 1 Peter Chapter 2: As you come to him, the living Stone—rejected by humans but chosen by God and precious to him— you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 

The Bishop’s Charge was dedicated to those people who are found, week by week, in the pews in every corner of our diocese: to those turning on the heat; listening to announcements; contributing to fundraisers; listening to sermons; singing choruses and hymns; kneeling or standing to pray; rising to say the creed; smiling at babies who are brought for baptism; extending hearts of sympathy at times of death; breaking bread; and drinking wine from tiny cups. It was also dedicated to those who do not share in any of this. 

He also stated it was for to those who need love, meaning, hope, healing, and reconciliation and for those who are called to serve as followers of Jesus. The Charge was offered in hope that we who belong to Jesus and share in the life and flow of his Church, will once again take to heart his claim upon us, and answer the Spirit’s call to live for our Lord on land and sea, in our shopping centres, schools, hospitals, workplaces, prisons, shops, vestries, ACW’s, men’s groups, committees, and in our own hearts and homes.

Bishop Watton reminded Synod to recall the two promises of Philippians:

• Philippians 4:13 – I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me.
• Philippians 4:19 – But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

The Bishop emphasized that many present are well aware of the changes that are taking place in your own context. It is important that we see this change with a broader perspective. But that we need to know that we are facing some huge changes—that some new conversations are beginning, and some of the concerns are becoming urgent. We are talking about some huge church and parish buildings that need, literally, hundreds of thousands of dollars in repairs; many of our church buildings, rectories, and halls are due for some major repairs and upgrades. Some of these buildings were built for congregations of hundreds and are now visited by a couple dozen at most.

On a positive note throughout each deanery, laity are not just talking about survival, but stepping up to ask about vocation, and communities are embracing the need to empower lay ministries and raise up deacons and priests for local ministries. Things are happening, and people are responding, so we need to be ready to be risk takers within our hearts and in our parishes for the sake of the Gospel.

The Bishop stated that he takes “great” hope because there is a tangible movement in our diocese. People are responding to the Holy Spirit’s calling us to new expressions of ministry and vocation. Bishop Watton reminded synod, and asked members of synod to remember, that God is leading us, and that we are the ones chosen to present and represent Jesus in our time.

During the opening eucharist, the Primate presented Ms. Debra Gill with the Award of Merit for her ministry when she lived in the Artic.

The Bishop’s theme for Synod, “We are Living Stones,” was chosen, and he asked synod to reflect on 1 Peter Chapter 2: As you come to him, the living Stone—rejected by humans but chosen by God and precious to him— you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 

The Bishop’s Charge was dedicated to those people who are found week by week in the pews in every corner of our diocese: to those turning on the heat; listening to announcements; contributing to fundraisers; listening to sermons; singing choruses and hymns; kneeling or standing to pray; rising to say the creed; smiling at babies who are brought for baptism; extending hearts of sympathy at times of death; breaking bread; and drinking wine from tiny cups. It was also dedicated to those who do not share in any of this. 

He also stated it was for to those who need love, meaning, hope, healing, and reconciliation and for those who are called to serve as followers of Jesus. The Charge was offered in hope that we who belong to Jesus and share in the life and flow of his Church, will once again take to heart his claim upon us, and answer the Spirit’s call to live for our Lord on land and sea, in our shopping centers, schools, hospitals, workplaces, prisons, shops, vestries, ACW’s, men’s groups, committees and, in our own hearts and homes. 

Bishop Watton reminded Synod to recall the two promises of Philippians:

• Philippians 4:13 –  I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me.
• Philippians 4:19 –  But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

The Bishop emphasized that many present are well aware of the changes that are taking place in your own context. It is important that we see this change with a broader perspective. But that we need to know that we are facing some huge changes–that some new conversations are beginning and some of the concerns are becoming urgent. We are talking about some huge church and parish buildings that need, literally, hundreds of thousands of dollars in repairs; many of our church buildings, rectories, and halls are due for some major repairs and upgrades. Some of these buildings were built for congregations of hundreds, and are now visited by a couple dozen at most.

On a positive note throughout each deanery, laity are not just talking about survival, but stepping up to ask about vocation, and communities are embracing the need to empower lay ministries and raise up deacons and priests for local ministries. Things are happening, people are responding, so we need to be ready to be risk takers within our hearts and in our parishes for the sake of the Gospel. 

The Bishop stated that he takes “great” hope because there is a tangible movement in our diocese. People are responding to the Holy Spirit’s calling us to new expressions of ministry and vocation. Bishop Watton reminded synod, and asked members of synod to remember, that God is leading us, and that we are the ones chosen to present and represent Jesus in our time.

The post Diocese of Central Newfoundland Holds 48th Diocesan Synod appeared first on Anglican Life.

Just a couple of weeks ago I, along with my friend and colleague the Rev’d Fred Marshall, had the opportunity to travel to Toronto, where we spent some time with the folks of All Saints’ Community Church. This is an Anglican Parish in the City’s East end that caters exclusively to street people. Prior to World War 2 this was a thriving community, made up of middle-class people. After the war, many moved out of the area, and the demographics quickly changed. Due to various social and economic factors, this neighbourhood became home to the poor and the marginalized. Parish priests tried desperately to make the parish what it once was, attempting to fit the community into the mold that was their understanding of Church. But their efforts were in vain. Finally, an English priest by the name of Norman Ellis, said, “If this is going to be the Church God calls us to be, then I have to let go of every idea of what I think Church and being a parish priest is.” It was then that things began to change. In response to the shifting demographics in their area, they decided to throw open their doors and invite the poor in. They began tearing out pews and opening up their space to whoever would come. And now, the place is thriving. It has since grown to serve thousands of people annually, providing meals, housing supports, primary health care, and sanctuary for some of the most vulnerable people of our society—the very people Jesus calls us to care for. As one community member shared with us, “I was a drug addict, a dealer, and a sex worker. I was so ashamed of that part of my life. For the first time ever, I don’t need to hide that part of my life. I can be who I am, and I am loved and accepted. All Saints’ changed my life.” The building that had become a liability, is now a valuable asset.

While Toronto is very different from many of the cities and communities in our province, the social problems experienced by many are very much the same. Such challenges exist in Toronto in larger numbers (of course, because they have a larger population), but they are very much present in every nook and cranny of Newfoundland and Labrador as well. As the Church (and by Church I mean the people), it is incumbent upon us to serve Christ in all people, especially in the hungry, the thirsty, the naked, the stranger, and every marginalized person. With all of this in mind, as we continue the essential conversation around our buildings and their function, will your building be a liability, or will it be an asset?

The Venerable Amanda Taylor is the rector of St. Mark the Evangelist in St. John’s, and the Archdeacon of Social Justice, Community Advocacy and Outreach, Diocese of Eastern NL. 

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The Rev’d Wilhelmena Green and a committee of several ladies have organized fun-filled fellowship nights for each Monday from last October until April 2023. 

Crafts, games, funny stories, recitals, jokes, skits, and of course a lunch and cup of tea, made each night extremely enjoyable. We laughed until our bellies hurt! 

Everyone is looking forward to getting back together for more fun-filled fellowship nights in October! 

The post Bonne Bay North Fellowship appeared first on Anglican Life.

Specifically, during this Lent our parishioners donated backpacks and school supplies to benefit the children who are new to the province.  These donations were brought to our church throughout Lent and were gratefully received by a representative from the organization during Holy Week. Distribution of these items will take place by the Association’s leaders as the needs of the children are addressed. 

Thank you to all who have generously donated to this Lenten Project—the results will undoubtedly put a smile on the faces of many of those young newcomers as they prepare to settle into our schools.

The post Lenten Project, 2023, At The Parish of The Ascension, Mount Pearl appeared first on Anglican Life.

On March 25th, the feast of the Annunciation of the BlessedVirgin Mary, the Rev’d Nicole Critch was ordained a priest by Bishop John Organ of the Diocese of Western Newfoundland. The ordination took place at St. Augustine’s Church, Stephenville. 

The post The Rev’d Nicole Critch Ordained Priest appeared first on Anglican Life.

I came to Gander on January 2nd, 1940, at age 6, and have caved here almost ever since. There was neither church nor school that first year, and my parents worked hard to raise my two siblings and myself as belonging to the Church of England (as well as respecting other faiths). The Rev’d Mundan Bishop from Grand Falls made several visits during those early years. I think that the first communion service was in our living room.

Once the military came, a small church was built by the Royal Canadian Airforce. This has a Protestant altar in one end and a Roman Catholic altar at the other. The wooden benches had folding backs to accommodate both religions. I can recall clearly attending a service at a construction company mess hall. Bishop Abraham came and conducted that service. He stood on a wooden bench to preach, and I think that everyone attended. All were so grateful to have a service, no matter what the religion!

Meanwhile, my mother conducted a Sunday school for all of the children who wished to come. This was also in our living room. Mother played the piano and taught us all the hymns. Our home was always a welcome place for civilians and servicemen who were stationed here. We were told by my father that he had been treated likewise in Britain during his recovery from a wound during World War I.

Sunday supper was always attended by a large number, both civilian and military. My parents invited many to our house and many were glad of the invitation, and accepted it. After supper, my mother played the piano and we had a sing song. She always told the guests that they were welcome whether “Jew or Gentile,” but that a few hymns would be sung first. These would be followed by popular songs of the day. All were welcomed regardless of rank or position, and I don’t think that anyone ever left (at least, not until a “late supper” was provided). One evening, they welcomed the US President’s son, Lieutenant Colonel Elliot Roosevelt! We all felt that this was an honour. I have a very nice autograph from him in my book.

A Canadian Army Roman Catholic priest came with a Newfoundland friend one day and told us of his problem: the army had sent him material for curtains for his church, but there was nobody to make the curtains. My mother offered to help, and together they measured, and she sewed the fabric, and they made the backdrop for the Canadian Army Roman Catholic Church.

During World War II, all the children attended the same school. It made no difference that we went to different churches on Sundays, but it took a long time to make this normal in non war times.

At the end of World War II, we welcomed the Rev’d John Moss as our first pastor. It was under his guidance that we became St. Martin’s, and built our beautiful cathedral. Several leaders followed, with the Rev’d James Reid being here the longest. Presently, like some other parishes, we do not have a permanent ordained leader, and though I am no longer able to attend services, I still have the interests and problems of the Anglican Church very much in my thoughts and prayers.

The post A Look Back At The History of The Anglican Church in Gander appeared first on Anglican Life.

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