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Hospital Chaplaincy—A Ministry of Hospitality in the Midst of Pain

January 14, 2020 · by anglicanlifenl

The article, by the Rev’d David Pilling, will appear in the February print issue of Anglican Life:

In the Gospel of Luke we have examples of a Pastoral side of Jesus’ ministry. In one of the strongest images of pastoral care, some friends of a paralyzed man carry him to see Jesus. Because of the crowd, they climb atop of Peter’s roof, remove some of the thatching, and lower their friend down to see Jesus. In every sense of the word, it is the faith of the friends that brought about this encounter the paralyzed man had with Jesus. They saw their friend’s pain and sought a healing presence in his life, and they acted with compassion and deliberate actions.

Another such encounter takes place a few chapters on, in which a woman enters into Simon the Pharisee’s house. The woman does not say a word, rather she kneels down at Jesus feet, crying so that her tears wet his feet. She dries them with her hair, kisses and then anoints them. For her, Jesus created a space of hospitality where she would encounter God, and the unconditional love that lead to wholeness, in spite of the uncomfortable surroundings of Simon’s home.

Scripture is filled with examples of how God creates opportunities for His people to encounter Him, often in times of crisis or extreme discomfort. In our society, perhaps the pilling copy.jpg most common such crisis we encounter, is when we are sick and in need of medical intervention. When people enter any hospital, they surrender a great deal of control over their own lives. It is a very stressful and vulnerable time for many. It can be almost as stressful to the family who visit and see their loved one so vulnerable. In many cases, even though death is not a likely outcome, patients can identify with Psalm 23, as they realize they are walking in the valley of the shadow.

As a chaplain, I am part of the “Circle of Care” that a patient receives. The hospital setting is unique within the province, in that some of the most highly educated people work together to create a community of healing. I witness some incredibly caring doctors, nurses, social workers, and therapists who offer their skills, and attention to those in need. I see how personally they take their vocation; how they rejoice when someone gets better, and how they grieve when someone dies. I watch as they extend themselves in attempting to offer comfort at a very uncomfortable time in people’s lives.

I visit all Anglicans who have identified that they wish to receive Pastoral Care. Like Jesus did with the woman who went into Simon’s home, I attempt to create, during my visit, a space of hospitality where each person may encounter God through our conversation and prayers, on their own terms. The hospitality I speak of is simply creating a safe space where conversation will take place. Hospitality is not meant to change people, but to offer a place where emotions and thoughts can be openly and safely discussed. Hospitality is the full extent of Jesus’ command to love our neighbour as we love ourselves.

In my previous 33 years of ministry as a parish priest, I would have attempted to create hospitality in each of the home visits I did or to extend it to each visitor who came to see me. It was simply an extension of my faith and prayer journey. The same is true in a hospital setting, except it is learning to ignore the complex machinery connected to many patients or to find quiet in the midst of a busy, busy room. Like Jesus did with the woman who visited him at Simon’s home, I attempt to create a space where God may be encountered, prayers may be said, emotions may be discussed and, in many instances, Holy Communion and/or the Sacrament of Anointing may take place. As chaplain I am a very visible presence of Christ within a place of healing, which is humbling, and I daily thank God for this opportunity.

One of the lessons I have learned is the importance of taking time to engage people in conversation. I am fortunate to have seen two of my role models, Canon John Courage and Sister Betty Morrissey, doing this in their ministry. We never know where God is opening a door for an encounter to take place.

A number of years ago, when I was about to have surgery, my surgeon came up to me in the pre-surgery room and asked if he could have a prayer with me—I have never forgotten this request. It is an honour to be present with anyone going for surgery. As chaplains we are only too pleased to offer prayers for each person, praying that God’s healing presence will be seen and felt through the surgical team and that each patient will know that the God who loves us has them in the palm of His hands.

When possible, and only at the patient’s request, I let the patient’s rector know of their stay in hospital. This notification is made usually with the assumption that their rector will pray for them while in hospital, possibly visit them and that there will a follow-up upon their return home.

I am truly pleased to be part of a team ministry, both as Anglican chaplains and the larger chaplaincy team working in Eastern Health. I am grateful for the insights gained from Canon Ed Keeping, and appreciate the unique insights he has to this shared ministry.

Celebration of Anniversaries in Fogo

January 2, 2020 · by anglicanlifenl

Submitted by Lisa Snow—will appear in the February print issue of Anglican Life

On Sunday November 24th, 2019, a special service was held at St. Andrew’s Church in Fogo in celebration of 203 years of official church worship at St. Andrew’s, and 103 years of the present building, and 119 years of the present pipe organ. The Venerable Terry Caines was the guest preacher, and the present rector, the Rev’d Kennth Abbott, was the celebrant. It was a beautiful service of thanksgiving, and a potluck meal was held after the service. Shown in the picture with Archdeacon Terry and Rev’d Ken are the children who attended. fogo celebration.jpg

January 2020 Issue

December 28, 2019 · by anglicanlifenl

January 2020 Anglican Life

Photos of Chistmas Past from Anglican Life’s files

December 17, 2019 · by anglicanlifenl

In honour of the upcoming season of Christmas, I have gone through the files that I have, and have pulled out some Christmas photopgraphs for you to enjoy. I hope that they bring back some happy memories for you all.

Christmas 2013:

Fogo Island Christmas program on Christmas Eve

St. James’ Church in Botwood at Christmas

Christmas 2014:

Bay de Verde’s ministry to people in the community

Christmas Carols in ther labyrinth, Good Shepherd, Mount Pearl

2015:

Holly Tea, St. Michael’s in St. John’s

Codroy Christmas pageant

Christmas 2016:

Christmas pageant in Margaree-Fox Roost

Holly Tea in Topsail

Last Summer in Bay Roberts/Coley’s Point

December 13, 2019 · by anglicanlifenl

The full article, by Karen Morris, will appear in the January print issue of Anglinan Life:

On June 5th, 2019, the combined choirs of St. John the Evangelist and St. Matthew’s held a fellowship evening which included a delicious supper, prepared by the St. John’s vestry. This was followed by a jam session of music and song by the choir members who were present.

Combined Choir.png

On August 5th, St. John the Evangelist (Coley’s Point) held its annual Garden Party with breakfast and games for both children and adults in the afternoon. The day included a BBQ and finished up with a dunk tank, featuring our very own priest, Rev’d Kenute Francis as the main target.

On August 18th, our annual “outdoor service and family day” for our combined congregations (St. John’s and St. Matthew’s) was held on a beautiful Sunday morning. The day included the Holy Eucharist, followed by fellowship with a BBQ and games for children and adults.

On August 26 -30, we had Vacation Bible School with the theme ROAR: Life is wild: God is Good! Approximately 80 children attended, along with 30 volunteers from the surrounding community churches. St Matthew’s church was transformed into a jungle for the week as seen in the photo.

Vacation Bible School.png

St. Francis Honoured in Pasadena/Cormack

December 10, 2019 · by anglicanlifenl

The full article by the Rev’d Steven Maki, will appear in the January issue of Anglican Life:

In honour of Saint Francis of Assisi, the Parish of Pasadena/Cormack celebrated the Blessing of Animals, and raised over $400 for local animal rescue groups. On the evening of Friday Oct 4th—St. Francis Day—parishioners and their pets gathered to receive a blessing on the rectory lawn adjacent to St. David’s. The next day we did the same at St. George’s in Cormack.

We prayed for all animal victims of violence and neglect, especially remembering a cat named Mittens who suffered unspeakable cruelty in Port Aux Basques this past September. We continued to pray for animals that are lost and lonely, for those who are ill, and for those who have passed from this life into God’s eternity.

Money raised in Cormack went to support Cormack’s Kitty Rescue, which is led by Glenda Hayes. Money raised in Pasadena went to the White Bay Scaredy Cat Rescue, which is led by Angela Wicks and Jocelyn Davis Power. Angela and Jocelyn invited us to come and see their work caring for outdoor cat communities at a closed town dump site outside of Pollards Point. This spot houses several cat colonies.

Nestled in the woods, past mounds of overgrowth, lies a shelter equipped with bedding and a wood burning stove for the warmth in the winter, which houses one entire cat colony. All but a few are left to be spayed or neutered. Sadly, most cats there have been dumped and abandoned by people. Despite the odds, they survive by the kindness of volunteers and a committed group of local caretakers.

Beyond the gatherings and blessings, and the raising of funds, my hope is to help raise awareness of God’s blessings upon all creation, including upon the animals. The very first covenant God makes with life on earth includes humans and animals alike: all with the breath of life. The sign of the rainbow marks an everlasting covenant between God and Earth’s creatures.

Port Aux Basques Sewing Group Makes and Donates Quilts

November 27, 2019 · by anglicanlifenl

From the upcoming January issue of Anglican Life, an article and photograph by Lisa Brown:

The ACW Sewing Group of St. James’ Church in Port aux Basques made nine beautiful quilts to give to the Chemo Unit at the Dr. Charles L. LeGrow Centre in Port aux Basques.

Ladies left to right: Golda Richards, Phoebe Payne, Cora Farrell, Diane Hewitt, Bessie Blackmore, Edna Read, Claudine Matthews, and Marguerite White.

December 2019 Issue

November 22, 2019 · by anglicanlifenl

December 2019 Anglican Life

60 Years of Kildevil Camp—A Sermon by Archbishop Stewart Payne

November 18, 2019 · by anglicanlifenl

On June 15th, in the St. Andrew’s Chapel, in the heart of Gros Morne National Park, Archbishop Stewart Payne preached a sermon at a special service that was held to commemorate the 60th anniversary of Kildevil Camp. Then Primate, Archsbihop Fred Hiltz, presided at the Eucharist. This sermon will also be available in the December issue of Anglican Life.

Gospel Reading: 1 John 21: 9-17

The picture presented to us from the Gospel reading today is that of Jesus in his resurrected body; on the Galilean Lake Shore, with a fish breakfast prepared for his tired and weary fishermen friends, who had toiled all night and taken nothing. A miracle takes place as the fishermen disciples obey the Master’s voice—“cast the nets again on the right side of the boat.” There are lessons in all that about the relationship with Jesus and the willingness, though tired to the point of exhaustion, to hear and obey the Master’s voice.

Archbishop Payne preaching; Archbishop Hiltz sitting behind him

When they had secured a very good catch of fish and had enjoyed breakfast with Jesus, Jesus put to Simon Peter—and thereby to all who were with him and to us—“Do you love me? Do you love me? Do you love me?”. With painful memories of his denial of Jesus three times just a short time before, Peter assured Jesus of his love. It was then that Jesus commissioned Simon Peter, all who were with him, and us—“Feed my lambs; tend my sheep.”

Long before I started to write my second book, I had the title in mind, unusual as it may seem: “Feed my lambs, tend my sheep”. The publisher, Flanker Press, was not enamoured with that title, simply because they knew, as I do too now, that a book has to be marketable. The title has to spark people’s interest in a subject they may be interested in and want to pick it up and read it. So after some thought and negotiation we settled on the title—“The Killdevil Lodge Experience, in Gros Morne National Park”. The content is the same: all about the development of this church camp site where ministry to our youth and people of all ages takes place.

At this point, I should say something about what I perceive “feeding my lambs and tending my sheep” means; in other words to give something of a rational for church run youth camps.

Children come to Holy Baptism in the church so that they may, by God’s grace, grow into the full stature of Christ and be trained in the household of faith. This is a shared responsibility of parents, God parents and the full membership of the church congregation. We all promise to fulfill our responsibilities by God’s help.

From birth all the way through, we teach and lead, not simply by word but by deed and example at home, but also in church and in the community.

The church does much to help children and people of all ages in their spiritual growth and development. For children and young people the normal activities are: children’s time in the context of Sunday worship, Sunday school, youth groups (too many to name), servers, junior choir, and involvement in service and ministry activities. For adults there are any number of organizations: prayer groups, Bible study, and for all age groups worship and pastoral care. There are Kildevil Camps for seniors.

Church run youth camps are just another way in which we try to carry out our shared responsibility to help children and young people grow into the full stature of Christ and be trained in the household of faith.

The exposure of being one with 50, 60, or 100 other young people is phenomenal. They learn to get along with one another, respect one another and make lifelong friendships. Doing daily chores together helps create a team spirit and to know that work doesn’t have to be drudgery but can be fun as they all do a fair share.

All the camp programs—sports, swimming, hiking, canoeing, arts and crafts, and Quest—help their physical and spiritual growth. In all camp activities, young people learn teamwork, fair play, and how to live by the rules. They learn that it is not whether you win or lose that matters, but how you play the game. Worship services in the chapel, prayers at flagstaff to begin and end each day, and the daily religious instruction (Quest) all help in the transformation to a living faith in God and the cultivation of Christlike lives.

The title of my book fits well, I believe, with those who are familiar with the history of this place over the last 60 years. The only structure of any significance on the site in 1958/59 was the Killdevil Lodge, now the Archbishop Seaborn Lodge. That is what Bishop and Mrs. Seaborn and their loyal volunteers had to begin with. Both Bishop and Mrs. Seaborn had had years of rich experiences in Church youth camps in Ontario, Quebec, BC and elsewhere. The mandate given him by our Diocesan Bishop, J. A. Meaden, was to concentrate on youth ministry in Central and Western Newfoundland. He began immediately to look for a site to set up church youth camps. Killdevil became the favourite site.

The early days of church camping at Killdevil were challenging to say the least. Finances were, literally, non-existent. To pay for the lodge and build a kitchen/dining hall, the Trustee Committee borrowed $10,000 from the bank. Apart from paying a small wage to the cook and the caretakers, everything was done by dedicated volunteers. Financial appeals were made again and again to individuals and to parishes. At one stage parishes in Central and Western areas were assessed (I’m not sure how that worked out). Many fundraisers were held all the way through the Diocese of Newfoundland, and after 1976, the Diocese of Western Newfoundland supported Killdevil with limited finances. As time went on government grants, Local Initiative Projects (LIP) were procured. Two big windfalls, the sale of the property to the Federal Government (Gros Morne National Park) in 1977 for $200,000, and the input of nearly one quarter of a million dollars for the 1987 Boy Scouts of Canada Jamboree.

Youth camps began in 1959 using borrowed canvas tents and outdoor toilets, gradually progressing to cabins made of wooden bottoms and canvas tops, and then to all plywood cabins. Bowater’s Pulp and Paper Mill in Corner Brook and the Lundrigan’s Company in Corner Brook were both very generous in their support of the Killdevil Camp and Conference Centre. Campers swam in the cold salt water in the bay, down over the banks just behind us here, and were often stung by jellyfish whose habitat they were invading.

Travel to and from this site was difficult in the early days: train or bus. It could take campers from the Northern Peninsula a week to get here—by road part way, and then by boat, and then by road again, etc.

From the start, daily worship services were (and still are) a primary focus of all church youth camps. For the first 6 years the lodge sunporch served as a multi-purpose room including chapel space. The need for a chapel was often discussed by the Board of Trustees, and because of the need for site expansion and the shortage of money, the idea of accommodating a chapel in one end of the recreation building was considered. But Bishop Seaborn was always firm on the side of having a separate chapel building.

Hence this beautiful A-frame chapel built in 1965, at a cost of $5,849.91. A loan of $3,000.00 from the Bank of Montreal had to be obtained nearing the completion of the building. Volunteers did considerable fundraising in the meantime. Some of the girls from the Senior Girls Camp and the Junior Girls Camp that summer of 1965 each helped to raise a set of rafters for the new chapel, St. Andrews. All the furnishings were donated. The late Rev’d Gordon Pevie found the altar and brought it here as a gift from the people of the resettled community of Irelands Eye, Trinity Bay, NL.

The plaque above the altar reads: “This altar was made by the undersigned during the months of June to October, 1937”. “The work was done at a great personal sacrifice because of the fact that the only available time for this work is between the hours of 8 and 11 pm. Great care was taken to produce good workmanship and design so that the effect would be pleasing to the critical eye of the lover of art. Nfld. Is just coming out of a serious depression lasting since 1929. Corner Brook, Nov 6, 1937 – Ernest Bugden.”

This is just a snippet of some of the many things that have been done over the years in the attempts to “feed my lambs, tend my sheep.”

Celebrating the 60th anniversary of Killdevil Camp and Conference Centre brings to my mind the motto of Bishop John Organ: “Honour the Past, Live in the Present and Embrace the Future”.

Honouring the past affords us the opportunities to lovingly remember and pay tribute to the many volunteers and paid staff who have given so much of themselves (time, talents, and treasure) to build up and maintain Killdevil Camp and Conference Centre, including especially the ones who gave many years, many summers, preparing for, directing and staffing the youth camps. (I’ll leave you read the names and the tribute to some of them in my book).

Living in the present, their legacy to us is a great one as we humbly and thankfully enjoy the fruits of their tireless, unselfish and devoted labours and their vision. We are familiar with the demographics of today—the out-migration of families with children, families having far fewer children, family camping, so much more today by way of organized sports and other activities for youth—as a result the numbers of campers are down compared to years ago, making it somewhat more difficult perhaps to make ends meet financially. In the meantime, Kildevil Camp and Conference Centre is a first class and popular for youth camps, conferences, workshops, and many other activities of a learning, growing, and celebratory nature.

The future will have its challenges for sure. Changes are inevitable. All I can offer is that we should continue to strengthen our relationships with Gros Morne National Park and parish advocacy work, and should explore financial resources provincially, federally, and through our own diocesan structures, including the area of volunteering. The age of volunteers is never over.

Jesus’ words on the lake shore of Galilee to those tired and weary fishermen friends: “Feed my lambs; tend my sheep,” were words meant to direct their thoughts to future work and ministry. And so those words of Jesus direct our thoughts to future work and ministry—to embrace the future where God’s great work still awaits us.

May we go forth in the love and name of the loving gentle one, with his words always in our minds and upon our hearts—“Feed my lambs, tend my sheep”.

A Unique Way To Celebrate an Anniversary

November 15, 2019 · by anglicanlifenl

From the upcoming December print issue of Anglican Life, this article by Sheila Boutcher:

The Rev’d Jim Beaton and his wife Bernice celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary this summer. They wanted to share their joy and thankfulness, not only with family and friends, but decided to make the occasion really meaningful by sharing it with those less fortunate! In lieu of gifts, they asked their guests to make a donation to The Primate’s World Relief and Development Fund. As a result, over $2,000 was raised and has been donated to support a number of partners and projects featured in the PWRDF World of Gifts campaign. Thank you, and may God continue to bless you as you continue to bless others, for many, many years to come!

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